Backlight module for a vehicle component

Abstract

A backlight module for a vehicle component is disclosed. In particular, the vehicle component is for displaying vehicle information. The backlight module includes a screen divided into a segmented array and a transparent plate for directing light through the screen. Each segment in the segmented array is operable between a mode that allows light to pass through and a mode that blocks light from passing through the screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a backlight module, and more particularly, a backlight module for displaying vehicle information for vehicle components. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles typically use instrument clusters to display vehicle operating parameters to the driver, such as vehicle speed, distance traveled, fuel gauge, engine speed, and direction indicator.

[0003] As motor vehicles have evolved, the amount of information being delivered to drivers has increased dramatically. This includes navigation maps, warning systems, and tire pressure monitoring information, all of which can be integrated and analyzed by control units within the vehicle. Consequently, there is a need to improve the utilization of limited space, and dashboards are being replaced by display devices, head-up displays, or even auxiliary displays available as aftermarket products or workshop modifications, such as additional displays mounted on the vehicle's dashboard, to provide drivers with more information.

[0004] One of the main challenges in using displays to convey vehicle information within a motor vehicle is information visibility, due to technological limitations and / or external factors such as sunlight or natural light from outside the vehicle shining through the windshield onto the vehicle's dashboard. The term "visibility" used in information display refers to the degree to which information displayed on a display is generally prominent enough to be clearly seen or read by a viewer.

[0005] In the field of optical transmission, light guide plates are a common solution used to direct light to specific areas, such as display areas, to increase illumination. In display devices, backlight modules replace light guide plates to illuminate the display panel, improving contrast and resolution, thereby making visual outputs, such as displayed graphic content or vehicle information, easily visible to the viewer.

[0006] Due to current technological limitations, some light from the backlight module of the display device may still leak through the monitor, creating halos around dark areas of the screen. This is an undesirable effect, as it not only affects the aesthetics of the displayed visual output, but the halo effect can also reduce the visibility of the displayed information, potentially leading to safety issues for drivers. Therefore, a backlight module is needed to achieve local dimming, thereby effectively creating high-contrast, high-resolution digital in-vehicle information display devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve the problem of undesirable halo effects in digital display devices caused by light transmission of luminous flux from one area to another by providing the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] The objective described above is achieved through a backlight module for vehicle components. The backlight module may include a screen divided into a segmented array and a transparent plate for guiding light through the screen. Each segment in the segmented array can be configured to switch between a passage mode for allowing light guided from the transparent plate through the segment and a blocking mode for blocking light guided from the transparent plate through the segment. The term "transparent" can refer to a perspective effect or a transparent material. In the context used herein, a "transparent plate" refers to a plate made of a perspective material that allows objects behind or below to be seen while simultaneously allowing light to pass through. An example of a transparent material is resin. Advantageously, the backlight module is configured to include a screen divided into a segmented array and integrate the screen with the transparent plate for guiding light to prevent luminous flux from propagating to adjacent segments when light from the backlight module illuminates the display panel. Therefore, the display device has high contrast and high resolution output.

[0009] Optionally, the screen can be configured to switch at least a first region of the segmented array to a pass-through mode that allows light to pass through the transparent plate to reach the screen, while switching at least a second region of the segmented array to a blocking mode that blocks light from passing through the transparent plate to reach the screen. Advantageously, the ability to switch each segment between pass-through and blocking modes allows control over the operating mode at one or more segments, thereby eliminating halo effects.

[0010] Optionally, each segment can be configured to allow at least 45% of the light guided from the transparent plate with wavelengths of 380 nm to 780 nm to propagate through the segment when switched to pass-through mode. Optionally, each segment can be configured to block light guided from the transparent plate from propagating through the segment, wherein preferably, at least 95% of the light from the transparent plate with wavelengths of 380 nm to 780 nm is blocked. The benefit of allowing low-intensity light to pass through each segment is the elimination of luminous flux and improved local dimming effect.

[0011] Optionally, the backlight module also includes means for providing an electric field for switching one or more segments between a pass-through mode and a blockage mode, wherein preferably, the means for providing the electric field can be configured to switch multiple segments from a pass-through mode to a blockage mode independently of each other, and vice versa.

[0012] Optionally, when switched to blocking mode, the segment can be substantially or completely black. A substantially black segment can be a segment that blocks at least 98%, more preferably 99%, or even more preferably 99.9% of the light. The advantage of substantially black or completely black segments is that they eliminate undesirable halo effects around the visual output, thereby achieving local dimming.

[0013] Alternatively, the light source can be displaced along at least one side of the transparent plate. The advantage of this configuration is that it results in a thinner backlight module.

[0014] Optionally, the screen may include a display panel. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display panel, including a thin-film transistor display panel or a twisted nematic display panel. Optionally, the screen may be made of dimming glass. Advantageously, the above configuration can be easily integrated with conventional backlight modules without the need to design and manufacture the screen, while simultaneously achieving the goal of producing a backlight module for a high-contrast, high-resolution digital in-vehicle information display device.

[0015] Optionally, the display panel may include color filters. Each unit of the color filter may be at least partially aligned with each segment of the screen. Advantageously, this configuration improves the contrast of the displayed image to achieve high-resolution visual perspective.

[0016] The aforementioned objective is achieved by a vehicle component for mounting on a panel of a motor vehicle. The vehicle component may include a display panel and a backlight module as disclosed herein. Suitable types of vehicle components may be digital instrument clusters or displays for displaying vehicle information. Advantageously, a high-contrast, high-resolution display device for a motor vehicle is achieved using a display panel with the backlight module configuration disclosed herein. Local dimming is achieved because the backlight module eliminates luminous flux and halo effects.

[0017] The aforementioned objective is achieved by disclosing a vehicle component operable to be concealed beneath or popped out from a panel of the disclosed motor vehicle. The vehicle component may include a display panel and a backlight module as disclosed herein. The advantage of using a display panel with a backlight module configuration disclosed herein is the realization of a high-contrast, high-resolution display device with local dimming effects for motor vehicles. Local dimming is achieved because the backlight module eliminates luminous flux and halo effects.

[0018] Other aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail below. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Other objects and aspects will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of a backlight module according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 1b A top view of a backlight module according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 1cA top view of the backlight module in operation according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A side view of a digital display device including a backlight module according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A side view of a digital display device including a backlight module according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 4a A digital vehicle information display device including a backlight module is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4b A digital vehicle information display device including a backlight module is shown according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0027] In the various embodiments described with reference to the above figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts in multiple views and / or configurations. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments described below are provided to aid in understanding this disclosure, and those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0029] In the following text, the term "transparent" refers to a see-through or transparent material that allows objects and / or properties of objects behind or below to be seen, thus allowing light to pass through. For example, when referring to an object or item such as a "transparent panel," it means that the panel is made of a transparent, see-through material, thereby allowing light to pass through. An example of a transparent material is resin.

[0030] Terms such as “above,” “below,” “under,” and “behind” are used to describe the accompanying drawings and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0031] In the context of this disclosure, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., may refer to modifications of different elements according to various exemplary embodiments, but are not limited thereto. These expressions may be used to distinguish one element from another, regardless of the order of importance.

[0032] The term "alignment" and its grammatical variations should be interpreted as referring to the placement of elements relative to each other. In the context used herein, the term "alignment" of two or more elements refers to the arrangement of element A and element B on a relative straight line.

[0033] In the context of color, the term “generally” should preferably refer to the blocked hue of light in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm, which is less than 0.1% to 0.001% of light, i.e., the absence of visible light.

[0034] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1a A side view of a backlight module 100a is shown, which includes a screen 102, a transparent plate 104, and a back panel or housing 108. A light source 106 is disposed at the side end (A) of the transparent plate 104. The light source 106 may be a strip or... Figure 1b An array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 106', 106" is shown. The light source 106 may be disposed along at least one side end of the transparent plate 104. In some embodiments, the light source may be disposed around the outer periphery of the transparent plate 104.

[0035] refer to Figure 1b The diagram shows a top view of a backlight module 100b according to an exemplary embodiment, with the screen 102 divided into an array of segments. As shown, the segment array 110 includes two or more segments, each segment 112 arranged side-by-side with another segment 112 in the same row and / or column. The top view reveals that the light source 106 has a plurality of LEDs 106', 106'", which are arranged along at least one side (A) of the screen 102.

[0036] Each segment 112 operates between a mode that allows light to pass through (i.e., a pass-through mode) and a mode that blocks light from passing through (i.e., a blockage mode), and the switching between these modes should be operated by a means of providing an electric field. The mode switching between the pass-through mode and the blockage mode should occur simultaneously. Examples of suitable means for providing the electric field may be circuitry such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a computer program executable by a processor. The means for providing an electric field to one or more segments (110) between the pass-through mode and the blockage mode is preferably configured to switch multiple segments (110) from the pass-through mode to the blockage mode independently of each other, and vice versa. Examples of suitable types of screens that can operate between the pass-through mode and the blockage mode may be dimming glass (also known as smart glass) or a liquid crystal display that allows matrix control, such as a thin-film transistor (TFT) display panel or a twisted nematic (TN) display panel. For clarity and brevity, examples of smart windows include glass made of or treated with an active component that switches between a light-permeable mode and a light-blocking mode when an electric field is applied. In some embodiments, the glass is coated with an adhesive film containing the active component. Active components include electrochromic materials, photochromic materials, thermochromic materials, suspended particles, micropores, or polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs). Other glass materials suitable for switching between light-permeable and light-blocking modes can be found in: Baetens, R.; Jelle, BP; Gustavsen, A. (2010). "Properties, requirements and possibilities of smart windows for dynamic daylight and solar energy control in buildings: A state-of-the-art review". Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.

[0037] When operating in pass-through mode, light emitted by light source 106 is guided from transparent plate 104 and propagates through each segment 112 of screen 102. The intensity of the light allowed to propagate through screen 102 should be at least 45% of the light guided through transparent plate 104. (See attached figures.) Figure 1c As shown, the first region or the cluster of segments 112' arranged side by side operate in the same mode, which means that they are lit when light is allowed to pass through at least one segment 112.

[0038] When operating in blocking mode, the light emitted by the light source 106 is transmitted through the transparent plate 104. However, each segment 112 operating in blocking mode blocks the light from propagating through each segment 112 of the screen 102. (See reference) Figure 1c These segments 112 operating in blocking mode are shown as a second region or a cluster of segments 112", i.e., two or more segments arranged side by side operate in the same mode, presenting a generally black or near-black visual output. One advantage of the backlight module configuration disclosed herein is the ability to configure each segment 112 of screen 102 to switch between a mode that allows light to pass through the segment and a mode that blocks light from passing through each segment or cluster of segments, thereby positioning illumination at a specific location or predetermined area, reducing luminous flux due to light propagation from adjacent units, thereby reducing halo effects and achieving local dimming. The above disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of a segment array 110 that can operate individually (i.e., each segment) or in a region (i.e., a cluster of segments). The means for providing an electric field for switching one or more segments between a pass-through mode and a blocking mode is configured to switch multiple segments in a pass-through mode or a blocking mode to form a region or a cluster of segments operating as segments 112' or 112" respectively. The means for providing the electric field is also configured to independently switch each segment 112 of the segmented array from a pass-through mode to a blockage mode and vice versa. Although the given example shows only two segments in a single row (two segments in a row of the segmented array) operating in both pass-through and blockage modes, those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on design specifications, the clustering of the segmented array 110 that allows light to pass through or blocks light from passing through the segments 112 is non-limiting and can be clustered in any combination, such as two segments in two rows or columns, six segments in six rows or columns, and so on.

[0039] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a backlight module 200a in an exemplary embodiment is shown. According to this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle component 200 includes a display panel 212 and a backlight module 200a. The backlight module 200a includes a transparent plate 204, a screen 206, a light source 214 located at a side end (A) of the transparent plate 204, and a housing 216. Examples of vehicle components utilizing the display panel and backlight module may be digital dashboards or display devices for displaying vehicle information. The vehicle component 200 may include other optical elements for guiding light to the display area to increase illumination and improve the visibility of the visual output of the display, wherein such elements may include a reflector 202, a diffuser layer 208, and an optical foil layer 210, etc. However, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications to the type and / or position of the aforementioned optical elements in the design of the vehicle component 200 should not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] In such Figure 3 In another embodiment shown, a backlight module 300a according to the present disclosure is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the screen is a display panel 308. An example of the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, such as a thin-film transistor (TFT) display panel or a twisted nematic (TN) display panel. Each segment of the LCD display panel 308 is aligned with an image unit of a color filter 304. A light source 314 is located at the side end (A) of a transparent plate 312. A backplate or housing 216 is used to house the components. In this embodiment, the color filter 304 is used with the backlight module 300a to achieve high-resolution visual output. Figure 3 The image shown is a red-blue-green (RDB) color filter. Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications to the type of color filter are non-limiting and do not depart from the scope of this disclosure. The image units of the color filter 304 can be aligned and attached to each segment of the LCD display panel 308 to form an integrated backlight module. Optional optical elements such as the top polarizer 302 and the rear polarizer 210 may be necessary to increase illumination.

[0041] Refer again Figure 1c As described above, when operating in pass-through mode, the clusters of segments 112' allow light to pass through the transparent panel 104 and propagate through each segment 112 of the screen 102. Because light is allowed to propagate through the clusters of segments 112', a user can view the visual output on the segments 112' operating in pass-through mode, which in turn defines a first area, for example, a display area for displaying the visual output on a display device. When light passes through the display panel (e.g., as...), Figure 2 In one embodiment shown, the display panel 212) illuminated by backlight modules 100a, 100b, and 110c, as Figure 1c The cluster of segment 112” shown in blocking mode defines a second region or non-display region.

[0042] Through such Figure 4a The exemplary embodiment shown illustrates a vehicle component 400a. A digital display device 404 for displaying vehicle information is mounted on a panel 402 of the motor vehicle. An example of such a vehicle component 400a is a digital instrument cluster. The visual output corresponding to the position of segment 112' of the screen 102 operating in pass-through mode is provided by segment 112' (refer to...). Figure 1c The clusters 112" and 406" define the display areas 406 and 406'. The segments operating in blocking mode correspond to the positions of at least one cluster in segment 112", the cluster being a generally black or completely black visual output defining a second area or non-display area 408. Display areas 406 and 406' can be simultaneously switched to corresponding modes, namely blocking mode and pass-through mode.

[0043] exist Figure 4b In another exemplary embodiment shown, there is another vehicle component 400b. Examples of such a digital display device 404 are also used in motor vehicles for displaying vehicle information, but may be hidden within or popped out of the vehicle's panel 402. Visual output defines a first area or display area 406. Figure 1c The cluster corresponding to segment 112' of screen 102 is shown as 406', which operates in pass-through mode. Similarly, the second area or non-display area 408 operates in obstruction mode. The non-display area 408 corresponds to... Figure 1c The positions of the clusters of segments 112" of the segmented array shown are such that they block light from passing through at least one segment 112.

[0044] As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments above, screens 102, 206, and 308 are operable to switch to a pass-through mode in a first region to generate visual output on the display panel, and simultaneously switch to a blocking mode in a second region to generate substantially black or completely black segments by providing an electric field to screens 102, 206, and 308. To form a high-contrast, high-resolution visual output on the display panel, each segment 112 of screens 102, 206, and 308 is operable to switch to a blocking mode to block light guided from transparent plates 104, 204, and 312 from propagating through segment 112. Preferably, at least 95% of the light from the transparent plates having wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm is blocked, thereby achieving local dimming. The aim is to allow 0% of the light to pass through (i.e., to block 100% of the light) in each segment 112 to achieve a substantially black or completely black non-display area, i.e., where no light is present. Preferably, the percentage of light blocked through each segment 112 or guided from the transparent plates 104, 204 and 312 should be at least 98%, more preferably 99%, and even more preferably 99.9%, with these rays falling within the wavelength range of 380nm to 780nm to achieve a substantially black or completely black segment 112” or non-display area 408.

[0045] The detailed description above serves to explain the principles of this disclosure and its practical application, enabling others skilled in the art to understand the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and the various modifications suitable for the particular intended use. The detailed description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the content of this disclosure to the precise embodiments described herein. Modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are included within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] Figure 1a

[0048] 102-screen

[0049] 104-Transparent Plate

[0050] 106, 106'-light source

[0051] Figure 1b

[0052] 102-screen

[0053] 104-Light Source

[0054] 110-Segmented Array

[0055] 112 - At least one segment

[0056] Figure 1c

[0057] 102-screen

[0058] 104-Light Source

[0059] 112 - At least one segment

[0060] 112' - at least one segment of light passing through

[0061] 112' - At least one segment that blocks light

[0062] Figure 2

[0063] 200-Digital Display

[0064] 202-Reflector

[0065] 204 Transparent Sheet

[0066] 206-screen

[0067] 208-Diffuse Layer

[0068] 210-Optical foil layer

[0069] 212-Display Layer

[0070] 214-Light Source

[0071] 216-Shell

[0072] Figure 3

[0073] 300-Digital Vehicle Information Display

[0074] 302-Top polarizer

[0075] 304 Color Filter

[0076] 306-Optical Lamination

[0077] 308-Screen

[0078] 310 - Rear polarizer

[0079] 312-Transparent Board

[0080] 314-Light Source

[0081] 316-back plate

[0082] Figure 4a

[0083] 400a - Vehicle Components

[0084] 402 - Panel; 404 - Display device for displaying vehicle information; 406, 406' - Display area

[0085] 408 - Non-display area

[0086] Figure 4b

[0087] 400b - Vehicle Components

[0088] 402 - Panel; 404 - Display device for displaying vehicle information; 406, 406' - Display area; 408 - Non-display area.

Claims

1. A backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) for vehicle components (200, 300, 400a-b), comprising: The screen (102, 206, 308) is divided into a segmented array (110). and Transparent panels (104, 204, 312) are used to guide light through the screen (102, 206, 308); wherein, Each segment (112) of the segmented array (110) is configured to switch between the following modes: - Through mode, which is used to allow light guided from the transparent plates (104, 204, 312) to pass through the segment (112), wherein at least 45% of the light from the transparent plates (104, 204, 312) propagates through the segment (112) which is switched to the through mode. and - A blocking mode for blocking the light from passing through the segment (112), wherein at least 95% of the light from the transparent plate (104, 204, 312) having a wavelength of 380 nm to 780 nm is blocked by the segment (112).

2. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to claim 1, wherein the screen (102, 206, 308) is configured as follows: - Switch at least a first region of the segmented array (110) to the passage mode for allowing light to pass through the transparent plates (104, 204, 312) and reach the screen (102, 206, 308); And at the same time - Switch at least a second region of the segmented array (110) to the blocking mode for blocking light from passing through the transparent plates (104, 204, 312) and reaching the screen (102, 206, 308).

3. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising means for providing an electric field for switching one or more segments (112) between the pass-through mode and the blockage mode, wherein, The device for providing an electric field is configured to switch multiple segments (112) independently from a pass mode to a block mode and vice versa.

4. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein when the segment (112) is switched to the blocking mode, the segment (112) is partially black or completely black.

5. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to claim 4, wherein the partially black segment (112) blocks at least 98% of the light from the transparent plate (104, 204, 312).

6. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 further includes a light source (106, 314), wherein the light source (106, 314) is displaced along at least one side end (A) of the transparent plate (104, 204, 312).

7. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the screen (102, 206, 308) comprises a display panel.

8. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to claim 7, wherein the display panel is a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

9. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to claim 8, wherein the liquid crystal display panel comprises a thin film transistor (TFT) display panel or a twisted nematic (TN) display panel.

10. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the screen (102, 206, 308) is made of dimming glass.

11. The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) according to claim 7, wherein the display panel further comprises a color filter (304), wherein each unit (R, G, B) of the color filter (304) is at least partially aligned with each segment of the screen (102, 206, 308).

12. A vehicle component (200, 300, 400a-b) for mounting on a panel (402) of a motor vehicle, comprising: Display panel; as well as The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vehicle component (200, 300, 400a-b) operable to be concealed beneath or popped out from a panel (402) of a motor vehicle, comprising: Display panel; as well as The backlight module (100a-c, 200a, 300a) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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