Composite backlight with edge illumination

Abstract

Display devices, display systems, backlight assemblies, and methods described herein provide a composite backlight that combines edge illumination and direct illumination. In one aspect, a backlight (650A) includes a waveguide layer (608), a first light source (616A), and an array layer (632). The first light source (616A) is disposed along an edge (638) of the waveguide layer (608). Each first light source (616A) transmits light (620A, 620B) into the waveguide layer (608). The array layer (632) is coupled to the underlying first surface (634) of the waveguide layer (608) and includes a reflective layer (614) and a second light source (618A, 618B, 618C). The reflective layer (614) reflects the light (620B) transmitted by the first light source (616A) into the waveguide layer (608). A second light source (618A, 618B, 618C) is disposed between the waveguide layer (608) and the reflective layer (614). Each second light source (618A, 618B, 618C) transmits light (624) through the first surface (634) into the waveguide layer (608). In another aspect, the second light source faces away from the waveguide layer and towards the reflective surface. In another aspect, a composite backlight includes a reflective surface disposed between the waveguide layer and the second light source, the reflective surface reflecting a portion of the received light.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Backlighting is a form of illumination used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Since LCDs do not produce their own light, another light source, the "backlight," illuminates the LCD so that a visible image can be produced. Backlit LCDs are used in many electronic user devices, such as flat panel displays, LCD televisions, and mobile devices such as cellular phones.

[0002] Some LCDs use backlighting that emits uniform light on its surface, such as electroluminescent panels (ELPs). Other LCDs use multiple light sources to achieve local dimming, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or cold cathode or hot cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs or HCFLs). Some LCDs with local dimming utilize miniLED arrays driven by multiple LED drivers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts also described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] This document describes embodiments of a composite backlight with edge illumination. In one aspect, the backlight includes a transparent waveguide layer, a plurality of first light sources, and an array layer. The transparent waveguide layer has a first surface. The plurality of first light sources are arranged along the edge of the transparent waveguide layer. Each of the first light sources is configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the edge. The array layer is coupled to the first surface of the transparent waveguide layer and includes a first reflective layer and a plurality of second light sources. The first reflective layer is configured to reflect light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer. The plurality of second light sources are arranged between the first surface and the reflective layer. Each of the second light sources is configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the first surface.

[0005] In a further aspect, multiple second light sources are mounted on the transparent sublayer. These second light sources are oriented towards the reflective layer and away from the first surface. To transmit light into the waveguide layer, the multiple second light sources are configured to transmit light towards the reflective layer, such that the reflective layer reflects the light transmitted by the multiple second light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0006] On the other hand, the backlight includes a transparent waveguide layer, a plurality of first light sources, an array layer, and a first reflective layer. The transparent waveguide layer has a first surface. The plurality of first light sources are arranged along the edge of the transparent waveguide layer. Each of the first light sources is configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the edge. The array layer includes a first reflective layer and a plurality of second light sources. Each of the second light sources is configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the first surface. The first reflective layer is disposed between the first surface of the transparent waveguide layer and the array layer. The first reflective layer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0007] In another aspect, the first reflective layer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by a plurality of second light sources away from the first surface.

[0008] In a further aspect, the first reflective layer includes a color conversion sublayer and a color reflection sublayer. The color conversion sublayer is configured to convert light transmitted by a plurality of second light sources from a first color to a second color. The color reflection sublayer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through a first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0009] In another aspect, a display device includes a display layer, a backlight assembly, and a backlight controller. The backlight assembly includes any backlight described herein. The display layer is positioned adjacent to the backlight assembly and configured to selectively filter light emitted from the backlight assembly. The backlight controller is configured to receive image data and determine, based on the image data, that the average brightness level of a display area of ​​the display layer is below a threshold. In response to this determination, the backlight controller is configured to illuminate a portion of a plurality of first light sources.

[0010] In a further aspect of the display device, in response to this determination, the backlight controller is configured to keep multiple second light sources in an off state.

[0011] In a further aspect of the display device, the backlight controller is configured to determine, based on image data, that the average brightness level of a first area of ​​the display region is below a threshold while the average brightness level of a second area of ​​the display region is above a threshold. The backlight controller is configured to illuminate a portion of a plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second area and a portion of a plurality of first light sources corresponding to the first area. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to allow those skilled in the art to implement and use these embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1 A block diagram of a user device including a composite backlight with edge illumination, according to an example embodiment, is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system including a user device with composite backlighting according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 A flowchart is shown for a portion of a light source used to illuminate a composite backlight, according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4A A cross-sectional side view of a backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 4B An example embodiment is shown. Figure 4A A top view of the backlight assembly.

[0018] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown for a portion of a light source used to illuminate a composite backlight, according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of a display layer and backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a display layer and backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a display layer and backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a display layer and backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a display layer and backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 A block diagram of an example computing system in which embodiments can be implemented is shown.

[0025] The subject matter of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate the same or similarly functional elements. Additionally, the leftmost digit(s) of the reference numeral(s) identifies the drawing in which that reference numeral(s) first appears. Detailed Implementation

[0026] I. Introduction

[0027] The following detailed description discloses several exemplary embodiments. The scope of this patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but includes various combinations of the disclosed embodiments and various modifications to the disclosed embodiments. It should be noted that any section / subsection headings provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Various embodiments are described in this document, and embodiments of any type may be included under any section / subsection. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in any section / subsection may be combined in any way with any other embodiments described in the same section / subsection and / or different sections / subsections.

[0028] II. Examples of composite backlights with edge illumination

[0029] Backlighting is a form of illumination used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Since LCDs do not produce their own light, another light source, the "backlight," illuminates the LCD so that a visible image can be produced. Backlit LCDs are used in many electronic user devices, such as flat panel displays, LCD televisions, and mobile devices such as cellular phones.

[0030] Some LCDs use a backlight that emits uniform light across its surface, while others use multiple light sources for localized dimming. For example, some LCDs with localized dimming utilize miniLED arrays driven by LED drivers. A backlight controller can selectively illuminate the LEDs in the miniLED array to achieve a high contrast ratio between illuminated and unilluminated portions of the display area. To control LEDs or groups of LEDs individually, some implementations utilize dedicated hardware for each LED. However, this requires significant space and cost for the components controlling the LEDs. Other implementations utilize multiple scanning backlight drivers that control corresponding portions of the LED array. The use of such scanning backlight drivers increases the power consumption of the LCD system.

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a composite backlight comprising a light source array and edge-aligned light sources (also referred to as "edge lights"). The light source array is disposed beneath a waveguide layer of the composite backlight, and the edge lights are disposed along the edges (or multiple edges) of the waveguide layer. The light sources for the light source array and / or the edge lights can be LEDs or other types of light emitters. By including both the light source array and the edge lights, the driver of a portion of the light source array can be selectively disabled, and the edge lights can be illuminated to reduce the power consumed by the backlight.

[0032] In some implementations of backlighting that utilize edge light, a portion of the light emitted by the edge light is lost. For example, some light projected by the LED edge light will be directed toward the rear of the backlight (i.e., toward the array) rather than toward the display panel. To compensate for this loss, the amount of light emitted by the edge light can be increased; however, this increases the power consumed by the edge light. Embodiments of this disclosure further provide various composite backlight assemblies comprising one or more reflective layers positioned to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the edge light toward the display panel. Such embodiments have various advantages, including one or more of the following: 1) increased illumination output; 2) thinner backlight assembly; 3) a reduced number of light sources in the light source array; and / or 4) improved uniformity of the light source array. Each of these benefits is briefly described below and elsewhere herein.

[0033] Increased illumination output—as described herein, some of the light emitted by the edge light is directed away from the display panel of the LCD. Embodiments of this disclosure include a reflective layer that reflects this portion of the emitted light toward the display panel. In this way, when the edge light is used, the “lost” light is redirected out of the backlight, thereby increasing the light output from the backlight.

[0034] Thinner backlight assemblies—backlights with an array of light sources can be implemented using films or sheets of material (e.g., “pyramidal sheets”) to scatter light emitted by the array of light sources. By scattering the light, the light emitted by the backlight or a portion of the backlight is uniform (or nearly uniform). The thickness of the backlight assembly increases with the number of pyramidal sheets. In some embodiments described herein, backlights utilizing reflective layers require fewer pyramidal sheets to adequately scatter the light emitted by the array of light sources; therefore, the overall thickness of the backlight is reduced.

[0035] The reduced number of light sources in the light source array—light sources can be expensive. In some embodiments described herein, a reflective layer recirculates the light emitted by the light source array (e.g., through a pyramidal plate). This results in further diffusion (or scattering) of the light emitted by the individual light sources within the array. Therefore, the array is able to illuminate the LCD display panel with fewer light sources.

[0036] Improved uniformity in the light source array—light emitted from the light sources in the array may form “hot spots” in the display area directly above the light sources. In some embodiments, the light sources in the array are positioned in a way that reduces or eliminates the presence of hot spots, thereby improving the uniformity of the backlight when illuminating the light source array (or a portion of the light source array).

[0037] In various embodiments, the backlight, including the light source array and edge-aligned light sources, can be configured in various ways. For example, Figure 1A block diagram of a user device 102 including a composite backlight with edge illumination, according to an example embodiment, is shown. Figure 1 As shown, user equipment 102 includes a display system 104, which includes a display device 106. The display device 106 includes a backlight assembly 108 and a display 110 (also referred to as a "display panel"). According to one embodiment, the display 110 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). The backlight assembly 108 includes a waveguide 112 (e.g., a light guide plate), an array layer 114, and a plurality of light sources 116. The array layer 114 includes a plurality of light sources 118 and a reflective layer 120. User equipment 102 is described below.

[0038] User equipment 102 can be any type of fixed or mobile electronic device including (touch-sensitive or non-touch-sensitive) display, including but not limited to desktop computers, servers, mobile or handheld devices (e.g., tablets, personal data assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, smartphones, laptops, netbooks, etc.), wearable computing devices (e.g., smartwatches, head-mounted devices (e.g., smart glasses, virtual reality headsets, etc.)), displays in automobiles (e.g., dashboards, navigation panels, infotainment panels, etc.), portable media players, fixed or handheld game consoles, personal navigation assistants, cameras, televisions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, or other types of electronic devices.

[0039] Display system 104 is configured to display content on display device 106 by user device 102. In addition to display device 106, display system 104 includes any additional hardware, software, and / or firmware for implementing the display of content by display system 104. For example, display system 104 may include a graphics subsystem, one or more processors, and / or one or more memories (physical hardware), which will be omitted for brevity. Figure 1 Not shown in the image.

[0040] Display device 106 displays visible content to a user. Specifically, backlight assembly 108 generates light (e.g., white light) that passes through display 110 and is filtered by display 110 to impart color to the light. The filtered light is emitted from display device 106 as content to be viewed by the user. Backlight assembly 108 generates light using light source 116, light source 118, and / or a combination of light source 116 and light source 118. Light source 116 (also referred to as “edge light 116”) is arranged along one or more edges of waveguide 112. Light source 118 (also referred to as “array light 118”) is arranged below the surface of waveguide 112. Waveguide 112 is configured to guide lateral (or near-lateral) light (e.g., light emitted by light source 116) and diffuse and guide orthogonal (or near-orthogonal) light (e.g., light transmitted by light source 118). For example, light from light source 116 enters one or more edges of waveguide 112 and is released to be filtered by display 110. Light from light source 118 enters waveguide 112 through the surface, is diffused or otherwise distributed, and is released to be filtered by display 110.

[0041] As discussed above, some of the light emitted by the light source 116 is directed to the rear of the backlight assembly 108 or otherwise away from the display 110. The reflective layer 120 is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted away from the display 110 toward the display 110. The reflective layer 120 may be a specular reflective surface (e.g., a mirror surface), a diffuse reflective surface (e.g., a white diffuse reflective surface), or another type of reflective surface. In embodiments where the reflective layer 120 is a specular reflective surface, the efficiency of light being reflected by the reflective layer 120 is increased. In embodiments where the reflective layer 120 is a diffuse reflective surface, the manufacturing cost of the backlight assembly 108 can be reduced, and the light reflected by the reflective layer 120 is dispersed in a uniform manner. According to one embodiment, the reflective layer 120 is arranged below the light source 118 (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 6A , 6B (as described in 9 and elsewhere herein). According to another embodiment, the reflective layer 120 is arranged between the light source 118 and the waveguide 112 (e.g., as per [reference to 9]). Figure 7 , 8 (and 9 and elsewhere in this document). In some embodiments, and as per [the relevant information] Figure 9 As described (and elsewhere in this document), array layer 114 and / or backlight assembly 108 include multiple reflective layers. Although reflective layer 120 in... Figure 1 The layer 120 is shown as a sublayer of array layer 114, but it is also anticipated that the reflective layer 120 may be a layer separate from array layer 114.

[0042] User equipment 102, display system 104, and display device 106 can be configured in various ways to perform their functions. For example, Figure 2A block diagram of a system 200 including a user equipment with composite backlighting, according to an example embodiment, is shown. Figure 2 As shown, system 200 includes Figure 1 User equipment 102 and image source 240. For example... Figure 2 The user equipment 102, as also shown, includes a display system 104 (as per [reference]). Figure 1 As described herein, one or more processors 216 (“processor 216” herein) and one or more memories 218 (“memory 218” herein). Memory 218 stores image data 242. Display system 104 includes display device 106 (as described herein). Figure 1 The system includes one or more processors 208 (“processor 208” herein), one or more memories 210 (“memory 210” herein), a backlight controller 212, one or more additional display drivers 214 (“display drivers 214” herein), and an ambient light sensor 238. The memory 210 stores the LC controller 226. Figure 2 System 200 is described in further detail below.

[0043] Display system 104 is communicatively coupled to processor 216 and memory 218 to support the display of video or other images. For example, processor 216 may provide display system 104 with image data 246 indicating each image frame of the video / image. Image data 246 may be generated by processor 216, another component of user equipment 102, and / or obtained by processor 216. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, processor 216 receives image data 242 from memory 218. According to one embodiment, processor 216 provides image data 242 as image data 246 to display system 104. Figure 2 As also shown, the processor 216 receives image data 244 from the image source 240 (e.g., via the communication interface of the user equipment 102, for simplicity in...). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). According to one embodiment, processor 216 provides image data 244 as image data 246 to display system 104. Examples of processor 216 include, but are not limited to, central processing unit, graphics processing unit, and / or another processor or processing unit.

[0044] As described above, processor 216 can receive image data 244 from image source 240. Image source 240 is a device and / or service that is communicatively coupled to user equipment 102 via a network (e.g., one or more local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), corporate networks, the Internet, intranets, etc.). The network may include one or more wired and / or wireless components. Examples of image source 240 include, but are not limited to, electronic devices that provide content to user equipment 102 (e.g., streaming media players, computing devices, DVD players, Blu-ray players, etc.), streaming services hosted on servers, image and / or video data stored in memory outside user equipment 102 (e.g., storage servers, external storage devices, another computing device, etc.), and / or any other electronic devices and / or services that are suitable for providing image and / or video data to user equipment 102.

[0045] Processor 208 can be a CPU, GPU, and / or any other type of processor or processing unit configured for graphics or display-related functions. Some components of display system 104 can be integrated. For example, processor 208, memory 210, backlight controller 212, and / or display driver 214 can be integrated as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Display system 104 can include more than Figure 2 The components shown may include more, fewer, or alternative components. For example, display system 104 according to one embodiment may not include a dedicated processor, but instead relies on processor 216. According to another embodiment, display system 104 may not include memory 210, but instead uses memory 218 to support display-related processing. In embodiments, instructions implemented by processor 208 and data generated or used by processor 208 are stored in memory 210, memory 218, or a combination of memory 210 and memory 218.

[0046] Display device 106 includes backlight assembly 108 (as per [reference]). Figure 1 (As described) and LC display layer 206. LC display layer 206 is Figure 1 An example of a display 110. The LC display layer 206 includes a pixel array 228. (Example...) Figure 2 As shown, the backlight assembly 108 includes an array layer 114 (including a light source 118 and a reflective layer 120) and a light source 116, as per [reference to...]. Figure 1 As described, and waveguide layer 204. Waveguide layer 204 is Figure 1 Example of waveguide 112.

[0047] As described above (and elsewhere herein), light source 116 is arranged along one or more edges of waveguide layer 204, while light source 118 is arranged below waveguide layer 204 (e.g., between waveguide layer 204 and reflective layer 120 or between waveguide layer 204 and support structure of backlight assembly 108). Light sources 116 and 118 may be organic LED (OLED) devices, another type of LED, or another type of light source disposed along the edge of the display.

[0048] Light sources 116 are arranged in a column or row and configured to transmit light 230 into waveguide layer 204 along the edges (or multiple edges) along which they are arranged. Each light source 116 is adjacent to a portion of a row of waveguide layer 204 corresponding to a display area of ​​display device 106. Each row includes multiple areas in series. Each row has at least one light source 116. In some cases, each row has multiple light sources. The option of including multiple light sources can provide flexibility in configuring the area arrangement. Having multiple devices per area can also provide redundancy and / or allow each component light source to share the average brightness level burden and thus be driven at a lower intensity. Operating at a lower intensity can help avoid performance degradation caused by overdriving devices. In one example, the light sources are distributed in a column at a density of 30 devices per inch, while the backlight assembly 108 has only 10 rows per inch. Other device and area / row resolutions can be used. Additional details about the areas are available later. Figure 4B and Figure 5 And as described elsewhere in this article.

[0049] Light sources 118 are arranged in a matrix or array and configured to transmit light 232 through the surface of waveguide layer 204 into waveguide layer 204. Each light source 118 is adjacent to a portion of a region of waveguide layer 204 corresponding to a display area of ​​display device 106. Each region of the display area is associated with at least one light source 118. In some cases, each region has multiple light sources, which (in a manner similar to that described with respect to light source 116) provides flexibility in the configuration of the regions. In one example, the light sources are distributed to the corresponding regions in a 2x2 matrix. Other device and region / light source resolutions can be used. Additional details regarding the regions are available later. Figure 4B and Figure 5 And as described elsewhere in this article.

[0050] Processor 208 is coupled to backlight assembly 108 to control the amount of light emitted by light source 116 and / or light source 118. Figure 2 In the example, processor 208 is coupled to backlight assembly 108 via backlight controller 212. Figure 2As also shown, the backlight controller 212 includes a serial backlight driver 222 and an array backlight driver 224. The serial backlight driver 222 is configured to control the amount of light emitted by the light source 116. The array backlight driver 224 is configured to control the amount of light emitted by the light source 118. The processor 208 may, for example, execute the code of the serial backlight driver 222 and / or the code of the array backlight driver 224. Alternatively, the backlight controller 212 may be implemented in hardware (e.g., a circuit including one or more processors, logic gates, and / or transistors), which may execute one or both of firmware and software, or may not execute them. The serial backlight driver 222 and / or the array backlight driver 224 may include multiple corresponding drivers. Alternatively, the serial backlight driver 222 and the array backlight driver 224 may be integrated into a single driver.

[0051] The serial backlight driver 222 is configured to drive the light source 116 for each row of the backlight assembly 108 (e.g., each row of waveguide layer 204, each row or group of pixels of LC display layer 206, each row or group of light sources 118), separately from other light sources in other rows. In embodiments where one row includes multiple light sources 116, each light source in the corresponding row may be driven at a common brightness level. Alternatively or additionally, multiple light sources may be driven at their respective, individual brightness levels, which are combined together to establish a desired collective average brightness level for that row.

[0052] The array backlight driver 224 is configured to drive the light source 118 for each area of ​​the display area of ​​the display device 106, separately from other light sources in other areas. In embodiments where one area includes multiple light sources 118, each light source in the respective area may be driven at a common brightness level. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple light sources may be driven at their own, individual brightness levels, which are combined together to establish a desired collective average brightness level for the area.

[0053] A backlight assembly 108 according to one or more embodiments is configured to transmit light 234 to an LC display layer 206. The light 234 according to one or more embodiments is white light (or near-white light). Each of the light sources 116 and / or 118 according to one embodiment is therefore configured to emit white light. In alternative embodiments, and as per [the relevant information]... Figure 8Further described, light source 116 and / or light source 118 are colored light sources (e.g., red, green, and / or blue). In this alternative, backlight assembly 108 includes a color conversion sheet that converts a portion of the emitted light (e.g., by absorbing the emitted light and re-emitting it as another color) into white light (or another color). In another alternative embodiment, light source 116 and / or light source 118 comprises an arrangement of three colored light sources (e.g., red, green, and blue). In such a case, the brightness of each color in a corresponding row (i.e., in the case of light source 116) and / or area (i.e., in the case of light source 118) can be controlled separately from the colors in the other rows and / or areas. The corresponding brightness level of a color can be determined as a function of the image to be displayed. In some cases, the brightness of each light source can depend on the intensity of the corresponding color present in the image to be displayed.

[0054] Such as about Figure 1 As discussed (and elsewhere herein), the reflective layer 120 is configured to receive at least a portion of light emitted by the light source 116 and directed away from the LC display layer 206, and to reflect the received portion of the light toward the LC display layer 206 (and away from the layer 114). The reflective layer 120 according to one embodiment (and as discussed regarding...) Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 (and as further described elsewhere herein) is arranged between the light source 118 and the waveguide layer 204. According to alternative embodiments (and as per [the description elsewhere]... Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 9 (and as further described elsewhere in this document), the light source 118 is arranged between the reflective layer 120 and the waveguide layer 204. Although in Figure 2 Only a single reflective layer 120 is shown, but in some embodiments, the backlight assembly 108 includes multiple reflective layers (e.g., a reflective layer disposed between the light source 118 and the waveguide layer 204, and another reflective layer disposed below the light source 118 (i.e., opposite to the first reflective layer)). Furthermore, although the reflective layer 120 is... Figure 2 The reflective layer 120 is shown as a sublayer of array layer 114, but it is also contemplated herein that the reflective layer 120 may be a layer separate from array layer 114 (e.g., as a separate layer of backlight assembly 108, as a base layer of display device 106 (e.g., where backlight assembly 108 is arranged between the base layer and LC display layer 206), or as a sublayer of waveguide layer 204).

[0055] The LC display layer 206 is positioned adjacent to or near the backlight assembly 108. One or more intermediate layers may be present. In some cases, the backlight assembly 108 and the LC display layer 206 are in contact with each other. Alternatively, one or more transparent layers are disposed between the backlight assembly 108 and the LC display layer 206. For example, an adhesive film may be disposed between the backlight assembly 108 and the LC display layer 206. A diffusion layer or other layers or elements may also be disposed between the backlight assembly 108 and the LC display layer 206 in some cases.

[0056] The LC display layer 206 is configured to selectively filter light 234 generated by multiple light sources to produce filtered light 236. The LC display layer 206 may include one or more layers disposed within the liquid crystal panel. For example, corresponding layers may be provided in the liquid crystal panel for individual color filtering. The liquid crystal panel (or one layer thereof) defines a pixel array 228 addressable by the processor 208 (and / or display driver 214). The number of pixels in the array 228 may exceed the resolution of the area arrangement in the backlight assembly 108. Figure 2 The resolution of array 228 shown in this article (about Figure 2 The resolution of the regions in the backlight assembly described (or otherwise) is merely exemplary and for illustrative purposes. For example, array 324 may have a resolution one, two, or more orders of magnitude higher than that of the regions of backlight assembly 108.

[0057] According to one embodiment, processor 208 individually controls each pixel in array 228 to determine the extent to which light from light sources 116 and / or 118 passes through LC display layer 206. In this example, processor 208 is configured to execute code for LC controller 226 and / or display driver 214 to control LC display layer 206. Alternatively, display driver 214 is implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry including one or more processors, logic gates, and / or transistors), which may execute one or both firmware and software, or none at all. Processor 208 and / or display driver 214 may be configured to adjust the image tone level of array 228 of LC display layer 206 to coordinate light filtering with the brightness level of the light source. For example, the amount of filtering may be adjusted at the boundary between adjacent regions of backlight assembly 108 with different brightness levels (e.g., different average brightness levels for different areas). If pixels on both sides of the boundary are intended to have similar image tone levels, pixels in the region with brighter backlight illumination are instructed to filter out more light relative to pixels in another region with darker backlight illumination. The filtering of the corresponding pixels in the LC display layer 206 can therefore be controlled in a manner that takes into account the amount of light emitted by the light source 116 and / or 118 where the pixel is located. The average brightness level of the backlight assembly 108 and the amount of filtering are therefore two controllable variables that are combined to achieve the desired hue or brightness for each pixel.

[0058] Processor 208 and / or backlight controller 212 process image data 246 to determine the average brightness level of the display area of ​​display device 106. In some cases, image data 246 is processed separately for a subset of the display area of ​​LC display layer 206 from image data for other subsets of the display area. The average brightness level of a portion of the display area may be determined on a region-by-region basis, on a line-by-line basis, and / or in any other grouping of regions and / or other subsets of the display area.

[0059] In some embodiments, (e.g., before or after determining the average brightness level of the display area) processor 208 and / or backlight controller 212 perform additional processing on image data 246. For example, according to one embodiment, processor 208 and / or backlight controller 212 includes a low-pass filter (LPF) configured to smooth the brightness levels of neighboring regions and / or rows. As a result of smoothing, the difference in brightness levels between adjacent rows can be limited to a predetermined amount. Therefore, artifacts or irregularities in the resulting display image can be avoided or reduced. The low-pass filter can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0060] Ambient light sensor 238 is configured to detect ambient light in the room or location where user equipment 102 is located and transmit ambient light data 250 to processor 208. For example... Figure 2 As shown, ambient light sensor 238 is integrated into display system 104. Alternatively, ambient light sensor 238 may be a separate component of user equipment 102, a stand-alone ambient light sensor external to user equipment 102, or integrated into a device communicatively coupled to user equipment 102. As described elsewhere herein, processor 208 and / or backlight controller 212, according to some embodiments, control light source 116 and / or light source 118 based on ambient light data 250 received from ambient light sensor 238.

[0061] In some embodiments, and as per... Figure 3 As further described herein (and elsewhere), user equipment 102 operates in multiple power modes. For example, according to one embodiment, user equipment 102 operates in a power-saving mode and a normal power mode. If user equipment 102 is operating in a power-saving mode, processor 216 transmits a notification 248 indicating that the power-saving mode is activated to processor 208. As described elsewhere herein, processor 208 and / or backlight controller 212, according to some embodiments, control light source 116 and / or light source 118 based on whether the power-saving mode is activated. Although power-saving mode and normal power mode are described herein, user equipment 102 may operate in other types of power modes, including but not limited to performance modes (e.g., high dynamic range (HDR) mode), ultra-power-saving mode, etc.

[0062] Therefore, example embodiments of the processor (e.g., processor 208) and the backlight controller (e.g., backlight controller 212) are configured to control the light source 116 associated with a row (e.g., by applying or removing voltage to the electrodes associated with the row) and / or control the light source 118 associated with a region (e.g., by applying or removing voltage to the electrodes associated with the region).

[0063] An embodiment of the backlight controller (or a processor executing the code of the backlight controller) can operate in various ways to illuminate a portion of the backlight source. For example, Figure 3 A flowchart 300 illustrates a process for illuminating a portion of a light source for a composite backlight, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, Figure 2 The backlight controller 212 can operate according to flowchart 300. Note that not all embodiments require the execution of all steps in flowchart 300. Further architectural and operational embodiments will be based on the following... Figure 2 right Figure 3 The description becomes obvious to those skilled in the relevant field.

[0064] Flowchart 300 begins with step 302. In step 302, image data is received. For example, Figure 2The processor 208 receives image data 246. In some cases, image data 246 includes image data for the entire display area of ​​the LC display layer 206. Alternatively, image data 246 includes image data for a subset of the display area (e.g., one area, multiple areas, one row area, multiple rows area, etc.). Image data 246 may correspond to image data generated by the processor 216, image data generated by another component of the user device 102, image data 242 stored in memory 218, image data 244 received from image source 240, etc.

[0065] In step 304, it is determined whether the average brightness level of the display area is below a threshold. For example, Figure 2 The backlight controller 212 (or the processor 208 executing the code of the backlight controller 212) determines whether the average brightness level of the display area is below a threshold based on image data 246. According to one embodiment, the backlight controller 212 also makes this determination based on ambient light data 250. The image data 246 can be processed for the entire display area of ​​the LC display layer 206 or a subset of the display area. For example, the average brightness level of the display area can be determined for each area, each group of areas, each row of areas, each multi-row of areas, and / or a subset of the display area of ​​the LC display layer 206 or any other grouping. In this way, the average brightness level of this subset of the display area is determined based on the image data local to that subset rather than global image data for the entire display area. In addition to determining the average brightness level (for the entire display area and / or one or more subsets of the display area), the backlight controller 212 can also determine image histograms, image contrast levels, and / or any other information that can be used to control light sources 116 and / or 118 based on the image data 246. If the average brightness level of the display area is not lower than the threshold, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 306. If the average brightness level of the display area is lower than the threshold, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 308.

[0066] In step 306, portions of the plurality of first light sources and portions of the plurality of second light sources are illuminated. For example, Figure 2The backlight controller 212 (or the processor 208 executing the code of the backlight controller 212) illuminates a portion of the light sources 116 and 118 corresponding to the analyzed image data 246. For example, if in step 304 the backlight controller 212 analyzes the image data of the entire display area and determines that the average brightness level of the display area is higher than a threshold, then according to one embodiment the backlight controller 212 illuminates all light sources 116 and 118. If in step 304 the backlight controller 212 analyzes the image data corresponding to a specific row or region, then according to one embodiment the backlight controller 212 illuminates the light sources 116 and 118 corresponding to that specific row or region. Additional details regarding regions, rows, and controlling subsets of light sources corresponding to regions and rows are provided. Figure 4B and Figure 5 And as discussed elsewhere in this document. By illuminating both the edge light (the light source of light source 116) and the array light (the light source of light source 118), the backlight assembly 108 is able to emit light at a higher brightness level than when only the array light or the edge light is illuminated, thereby improving the quality of the content displayed in the area or row illuminated by the array light and the edge light.

[0067] In step 308, a determination is made as to whether the power-saving mode is activated. For example, Figure 2 The backlight controller 212 (or the processor 208 executing the code of the backlight controller 212) determines whether a power-saving mode is activated. According to one embodiment, the backlight controller 212 determines whether a power-saving mode is activated based on whether it receives a notification 248 indicating that the power-saving mode is activated from the processor 216. According to one embodiment, the user interface of the user equipment 102 or a remote control device of the user equipment 102 (…) Figure 2 (Not shown) Interact to activate (or deactivate) the power saving mode. According to another embodiment, if a specific condition is met (e.g., the battery level of user equipment 102 is below a threshold), user equipment 102 (or a component or application of user equipment 102) automatically activates the power saving mode. If the power saving mode is not activated, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 310. If the power saving mode is activated, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 316.

[0068] In step 310, a determination is made as to whether the contrast level is at or above a high contrast threshold. For example, Figure 2The backlight controller 212 (or the processor 208 executing the code of the backlight controller 212) determines whether the contrast level is at or above a high contrast threshold. The backlight controller 212 determines the contrast level of the image to be displayed by the display device 106 based on image data 246. According to another embodiment, the backlight controller 212 determines the contrast level of a specific area or row of the display device 106. If the contrast level is at or above the high contrast threshold, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 312. Otherwise, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 316.

[0069] Step 310 is described in relation to determining whether the contrast level is at or above a high contrast threshold. In an alternative embodiment, the backlight controller 212 is configured to determine whether the contrast level is at or below a low contrast threshold.

[0070] In step 312, it is determined whether the ambient brightness level is at or above a high ambient brightness threshold. For example, Figure 2 The backlight controller 212 (or the processor 208 executing the code of the backlight controller 212) determines whether the ambient brightness level is at or above a high ambient brightness threshold based on the ambient light data 250. If the ambient brightness level is not at or above the high brightness threshold, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 314. If the ambient brightness level is at or above the high ambient brightness threshold, flowchart 300 proceeds to step 316.

[0071] Step 312 is described in relation to determining whether the ambient brightness level is at or above a high ambient brightness threshold. In an alternative embodiment, the backlight controller 212 is configured to determine whether the ambient brightness level is at or below a low ambient brightness threshold.

[0072] In step 314, a portion of the multiple second light sources is illuminated. For example, Figure 2 The array backlight driver 224 (or the processor 208 executing the code of the array backlight driver 224) illuminates a portion of the light source 118 corresponding to the analyzed image data 246. For example, if the backlight controller 212 analyzes image data for the entire display area in step 304, the array backlight driver 224, according to one embodiment, illuminates all light sources 118. If the backlight controller 212 analyzes image data corresponding to a specific row or region in step 304, the array backlight driver 224, according to one embodiment, illuminates the light source 118 corresponding to that specific row or region. Additional details regarding regions, rows, and controlling subsets of light sources corresponding to regions and rows are provided. Figure 4B and Figure 5 And discussed elsewhere in this article.

[0073] In step 316, a portion of the plurality of first light sources is illuminated. For example, Figure 2 The serial backlight driver 222 (or the processor 208 executing the code of the serial backlight driver 222) illuminates a portion of the light source 116 corresponding to the analyzed image data 246. For example, if the backlight controller 212 analyzes image data for the entire display area in step 304, the serial backlight driver 222 illuminates all light sources 116 according to one embodiment. If the backlight controller 212 analyzes image data corresponding to a specific row or region in step 304, the serial backlight driver 222 illuminates the light source 116 corresponding to that specific row or region according to one embodiment. Additional details regarding regions, rows, and controlling subsets of light sources corresponding to regions and rows are provided. Figure 4B and Figure 5 And discussed elsewhere in this article.

[0074] In step 316, the backlight controller 212 may also disable (or otherwise not use) the drivers of the array backlight driver 224 that control the light sources 118 corresponding to specific areas or rows of the illuminated light sources 116. For example, if the entire display area is analyzed and all light sources 116 are illuminated, the backlight controller 212 disables the array backlight driver 224. If the light sources 116 are illuminated for a specific area or row, the backlight controller 212 disables the drivers that control the light sources 118 corresponding to (at least a portion) of that specific area or row. By selectively disabling the drivers of the array backlight driver 224 in this manner, the backlight controller 212 reduces the power consumed by the display device 106 because fewer light sources are powered to illuminate (e.g., a portion or all) of the display area.

[0075] III. Example backlight assembly embodiments with edge light source and array light source

[0076] As described herein, (e.g., composite) backlight assemblies such as backlight assembly 108 include an edge light source and an array light source. In various embodiments, backlight assembly 108, light source 116 (edge ​​light), and light source 118 (array light) can be configured in various ways to perform their functions. For example, Figure 4A A cross-sectional side view 400A of a backlight assembly 420 including an edge light source and an array light source according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 4B An example embodiment is shown. Figure 4A Top view 400B of backlight assembly 420. Backlight assembly 420 is an example of backlight assembly 108, as shown in the related... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described. Further architectural and operational embodiments will be based on the following... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The description becomes obvious to those skilled in the relevant field.

[0077] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the backlight assembly 420 includes a diffuser layer 402, one or more prism sheets 404 (hereinafter “prism sheet 404”), a waveguide layer 406, one or more pyramidal pieces 430 (hereinafter “pyramidal piece 430”), an array layer 408, and light sources 410A-410H. The array layer 408 includes light sources 410A-410P. The pyramidal pieces 430 are configured to scatter light emitted by the array layer 408. According to one embodiment, the pyramidal piece 430 is a polymer sheet in which pyramids (or other shapes suitable for diffusing light) are stamped. The diffuser layer 402 and the prism sheets 404 are configured to normally distribute light transmitted through the waveguide layer 406.

[0078] Waveguide layer 406 is Figure 1 waveguide 112 and Figure 2 A further example of waveguide layer 204. Waveguide layer 406 is transparent and has opposing first and second surfaces 422 and 424 and opposing first and second edges 426 and 428. Small tilt angles (non-zero angles) may exist between surfaces 422 and 424 and edges 426 and 428 to achieve performance uniformity. Waveguide layer 406 can be made of any suitable material, including transparent polymers, glass, optical fiber materials, etc. Waveguide layer 406 is configured to guide lateral (or near-lateral) light (e.g., light emitted by light sources 412A-412P) and diffuse and guide orthogonal (or near-orthogonal) light (e.g., light emitted by light sources 410A-410H). This particular design of waveguide layer 406 makes it possible to use the same layer to facilitate illumination of areas of the backlight assembly 850 by edge light (light sources 410A-410H) and array light (light sources 412A-412P). Therefore, the structure of the backlight assembly 850 can be relatively thinner than assemblies that use separate waveguides for the light emitted by light sources 410A-410H and 412A-412P.

[0079] Light sources 410A-410H (collectively referred to as "light source 410") are Figure 1 and Figure 2 Example of light source 116. Although in Figure 4B In the example, light source 410 includes five individual light sources, but any number of light sources can exist, including dozens, hundreds, or even more. Each of the light sources 410 is configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer 406 via edge 426.

[0080] Light source 412A-412P (collectively referred to as "light source 412") is Figure 1 and Figure 2 Example of light source 118. Although in Figure 4B In the example, light source 412 includes sixteen individual light sources, but any number of light sources can be present, including dozens, hundreds, or even more. Each of the light sources 412 is configured to transmit light through surface 422 into waveguide layer 406.

[0081] The layers of diffusion layer 402, prism sheet 404, waveguide layer 406, pyramid sheet 430, and / or array layer 408 can be attached in any manner such that adjacent layers are in planar (or nearly planar) contact with each other. For example, these layers can be attached by adhesive materials (e.g., epoxy resin, film adhesive, etc.), by lamination, by fabricating one layer on the surface of another layer (e.g., fabricating prism sheet 404 on surface 424 of waveguide layer 406), or by other means.

[0082] like Figure 4B As shown, the backlight array 420 has multiple regions 418A-418D. Regions 418A-418D can be configured as follows: Figure 4B The regions shown are arranged as a matrix or array. In this example, regions 418A-418D are arranged in two consecutive rows and two consecutive columns. The rows and columns may or may not be oriented along the vertical and horizontal axes of the visible area. In some cases, the size, shape, and other aspects of regions 418A-418D may vary within the visible area. Although in Figure 4B Each of regions 418A-418D is shown as including four light sources, but the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, a region may include fewer (e.g., one, two, or three) light sources, the same number of light sources, and / or more (e.g., dozens, hundreds, etc.) light sources. In some embodiments, one or more regions include a different number of light sources than another. Furthermore, although regions 418A-418D are arranged in a square matrix, the embodiments described herein may also be arranged in other shapes.

[0083] like Figure 4B As shown, the light sources of light source 410 are arranged such that a corresponding subset of light sources 410 is associated with a corresponding subset of regions 418A-418D. For example, light sources 410A-410D are associated with regions 418A and 418B, and light sources 410E-410H are associated with regions 418C and 418D. In this context, regions 418A and 418B comprise the first row of regions, and regions 418C and 418D comprise the second row of regions. Although Figure 4B Each row shown includes two regions, but embodiments of rows described herein may include fewer (e.g., 1 region) or more (e.g., dozens, hundreds, etc.) regions.

[0084] Figure 4AThis illustrates how light is transmitted from the backlight assembly 420. For example, assume that light sources 410A and 412C are in an "on" state (i.e., light sources 410A and 412C are illuminated). Regarding light source 410A, light source 410A emits light (denoted as light 414A and light 414B), which enters (i.e., is transmitted to) the waveguide layer 406 at edge 426. A portion of the light emitted by light source 410A (denoted as light 414A) passes through surface 424, prism sheet 404, and diffuser layer 402 as extracted light. The extracted light is then distributed by the LC display layer (for simplicity, in...). Figure 4A (Not shown in the image) Some light emitted by the light source 410A (e.g., light 414B) is directed away from the surface 424 of the waveguide layer 428. In some cases, light 414B is considered "lost light." However, in other cases, the backlight assembly 420 is configured to recapture at least a portion of the lost light and guide the recaptured light as extracted recaptured light through the waveguide layer 428, the prism sheet 404, and the diffuser layer 402. Embodiments of backlight assemblies configured to recapture light are described below. Figure 6A-9 And this is discussed further elsewhere in this article.

[0085] Regarding light source 412C, light source 412C emits light (represented as light 416), which passes through the pyramidal sheet 430 (which further scatters light 416) and enters (i.e., is transmitted to) the waveguide layer 406 at surface 422. Light 416, as extracted light, passes through surface 424, the prism sheet 404, and the diffuser layer 402. The extracted light is then distributed by the LC display layer (for simplicity, in...). Figure 4A (Not shown in the image) Received.

[0086] In some embodiments, the backlight controller (e.g., Figure 2 The backlight controller 212 is configured to selectively illuminate regions 418A-418D of the backlight assembly 420. In embodiments, the backlight controller 212 can operate in various ways to selectively illuminate regions 418A-418D of the backlight assembly 420. For example, Figure 5 A flowchart 500 illustrates a process for illuminating a portion of a light source for a composite backlight, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, a backlight controller 212 may operate according to flowchart 500. Note that not all embodiments require the execution of all steps in flowchart 500. Further architectural and operational embodiments will be based on the following... Figure 2 and Figure 4B right Figure 5 The description becomes obvious to those skilled in the relevant field.

[0087] Flowchart 500 begins with step 502. In step 502, based on image data, it is determined that the average brightness level of a first region of the display area is below a threshold, and based on image data, it is determined that the average brightness level of a second region of the display area is above a threshold. For example, as a non-limiting operational example, assume... Figure 2 The backlight controller 212 determines, based on image data 246, that the average brightness level of region 418A in Figure 4 is below a threshold, while determining, based on image data 246, that the average brightness level of region 418C is above a threshold. The backlight controller 212 may determine the average brightness level of the region in a similar manner to that described with respect to step 304 of flowchart 300.

[0088] In step 504, a portion of the plurality of first light sources corresponding to the first region is illuminated. Referring again to the operational example described regarding step 502, Figure 2 The backlight controller 212 illuminates light sources 410A-410D (i.e., edge light sources corresponding to region 418A). According to one embodiment, the backlight controller 212 illuminates all light sources corresponding to region 418A (e.g., light sources 410A-410D). In an alternative embodiment, the backlight controller 212 illuminates a portion of the light sources corresponding to region 418A (e.g., one, two, or three of light sources 410A-410D). By illuminating edge light sources corresponding to regions with average brightness below a threshold in this manner, embodiments of this disclosure can reduce the power consumed by the backlight assembly 420 compared to illuminating the same region using an array of light sources. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the backlight controller 212 disables the drivers of the array light associated with region 418A (e.g., light sources 412A, 412B, 412E, and 412F). By selectively disabling the drivers of the array light associated with regions with average brightness levels below a threshold in this manner, the power consumed by the backlight assembly 420 is further reduced.

[0089] In step 506, a portion of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second region is illuminated. Referring again to the operational example described regarding steps 502 and 504, Figure 2The backlight controller 212 illuminates light sources 412I, 412J, 412M, and 412N (i.e., the array of light sources corresponding to region 418C). According to one embodiment, the backlight controller 212 illuminates all light sources corresponding to region 418C (e.g., light sources 412I, 412J, 412M, and 412N). In an alternative embodiment, the backlight controller 212 illuminates a portion of the light sources corresponding to region 418C (e.g., one, two, or three of light sources 412I, 412J, 412M, and 412N). By determining to illuminate the array of light sources after determining that the average brightness level of region 418C is above a threshold, the backlight controller 212 enables the drivers of the array light in the appropriate region in a manner that improves the power efficiency of the backlight assembly 420 (e.g., only, because unnecessary drivers are not powered). According to one embodiment, the backlight controller 212 illuminates one or more edge light sources corresponding to region 418C (e.g., one or more of light sources 410E-410H). In this way, the backlight assembly 108 can emit light from region 418C at a higher average brightness level than if only the array light sources 412I, 412J, 412M, and 412N were illuminated. Alternatively, by combining edge light sources with array light sources for regions with high average brightness levels, the number of array light sources in that region can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the backlight assembly. In another alternative, by combining edge light sources with array light sources for regions with high average brightness levels, the amount of current driven to the array light sources in that region can be reduced, thereby improving the power efficiency of the device.

[0090] Flowchart 500 has described how backlight controller 212 selectively illuminates edge light sources (e.g., one or more of light sources 410A-410H) and / or array light sources (e.g., one or more of light sources 412A-412P) based on the average brightness level of the corresponding area. It is also contemplated herein that backlight controller 212 may also selectively illuminate edge and / or array light sources based on other factors. For example, according to one embodiment, backlight controller 212 illuminates (e.g., only) edge light sources (e.g., contrast levels below a high contrast threshold and / or contrast levels at or below a low contrast threshold) for areas with low contrast and illuminates (e.g., only) array light sources (or array light and edge light) (e.g., contrast levels at or above a high contrast threshold) for areas with high contrast (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3(as described in step 310 of flowchart 300). Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the backlight controller 212 compares the contrast levels between two regions when determining whether to use an edge light source, an array light source, or a combination of an array light source and an edge light source. By selectively illuminating the edge and / or array light for specific regions based on the contrast level, the display device 106 is able to achieve a high contrast ratio between regions illuminated with edge light (but not array light) and regions illuminated with array light (or array light and edge light), thereby improving the quality of the image displayed by the display device 106.

[0091] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the backlight controller 212 is configured to illuminate both the edge light source and the array light source for specific areas. For example, in step 506 of flowchart 500, the backlight controller 212 may illuminate both the edge light and the array light corresponding to a second area. Alternatively, if the average brightness level of the area is higher than a second (e.g., higher) threshold, the backlight controller 212 illuminates both the edge light and the array light. According to another embodiment, the backlight controller 212 illuminates both the edge light and the array light for areas of the image that have a flat field (e.g., a monochrome area). By illuminating both the edge light and the array light for areas with a flat field, the display device 106 improves the uniformity of the displayed image. Furthermore, if the edge light and the array light are illuminated for flat field areas, the number of light sources in the array can be reduced.

[0092] The embodiments are further described in detail below. The next subsection describes a backlight assembly with a reflective layer, followed by a subsection describing a backlight assembly with the reflective layer located between the waveguide layer and the array layer, and then a subsection describing a backlight assembly with multiple reflective layers.

[0093] A. Example backlight assembly embodiment with reflective layer

[0094] In embodiments, the display device 106 (including a backlight assembly 108 and a display 110) can be configured in various ways to perform its functions. For example, as discussed elsewhere herein, the backlight assembly 108 may include one or more reflective layers (e.g., Figure 1 The reflective layer 120 of the backlight assembly 108 can be configured in various ways in the embodiments. For example, Figure 6A A cross-sectional view 600A is shown, illustrating a display layer and backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to an example embodiment. Figure 6A As shown, cross-sectional view 600A includes display layer 602 and backlight assembly 650A, which are further examples of display 110 and backlight assembly 108, respectively, as per [reference to...]. Figure 1As described. According to one embodiment, the display layer 602 and the backlight assembly 650A are attached such that the display layer 602 is flat (or nearly flat) against the backlight assembly 650A. For example, the display layer 602 may be attached to the backlight assembly 650A by means of an adhesive material, by lamination, by manufacturing one layer on the surface of another layer (e.g., by manufacturing the display layer 602 on a layer of the backlight assembly 650A), or by other means.

[0095] The backlight assembly 650A includes a diffuser layer 604, one or more prism sheets 606 (“prism sheet 606” herein), a waveguide layer 608, one or more pyramidal sheets 610 (“pyramidal sheet 610” herein), an array layer 632, and a light source 616A, each being a corresponding example of the diffuser layer 402, prism sheet 404, waveguide layer 406, pyramidal sheet 430, array layer 408, and light source 410A, as described above. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described. Waveguide layer 608 has opposing first and second surfaces 634 and 636 and opposing first and second edges 638 and 640.

[0096] like Figure 6A As shown, array layer 632 includes a light source layer 612 (including light sources 618A-618C) and a reflective layer 614. According to one embodiment, light source layer 612 includes an optically transparent (e.g., transparent) resin, film, or other material surrounding light sources 618A-618C. Light sources 618A-618C are examples of light sources 412A-412P, as discussed regarding... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described.

[0097] Reflective layer 614 is reflective layer 120 (as per...) Figure 1 A further example of the described light source 616A (and other edge light sources of the backlight assembly 650A) is arranged below the light sources 618A-618C (such that the light sources 618A-618C are arranged between the reflective layer 614 and the waveguide layer 608). The reflective layer 614 may be a specular reflective surface, a diffuse reflective surface, or another type of reflective surface. The reflective layer 614 is configured to be illuminated by the light source 616A (and other edge light sources of the backlight assembly 650A, in...). Figure 6A Light transmitted (not shown) is reflected by the surface 634 of the waveguide layer 608 into (or toward) the waveguide layer 608.

[0098] Regarding reflective layer 614, Figure 6AThis illustrates how light is transmitted from the backlight assembly 650A to the display layer 602. For example, assume that light sources 616A and 618C are in an "on" state (i.e., light sources 616A and 618C are illuminated). Regarding light source 616A, light source 616A emits light (denoted as light 620A and 620B), which enters (i.e., is transmitted to) the waveguide layer 608 at edge 638. A portion of the light emitted by light source 616A (denoted as light 620A) passes as extracted light 652 through surface 636, prism sheet 606, and diffuser layer 604. Extracted light 652 is received by the display layer 602.

[0099] Some light emitted by light source 616A (represented as light 620B) is directed away from surface 636 of waveguide layer 608. Backlight assembly 650A is configured to recapture at least a portion of light 620B. For example, as Figure 6A As shown, light 620B passes through surface 634, pyramid 610, and light source layer 612. Reflective surface 614 is configured to reflect light 620B as reflected light 622. Reflected light 622 passes through light source layer 612, through pyramid 610, and enters waveguide layer 608 via surface 634. Reflected light 622, as extracted light 654, passes through surface 636, prism sheet 606, and diffuser layer 604. Extracted light 654 is received by display layer 602. By configuring reflective surface 614 in this manner, backlight assembly 650A is able to recapture light that would otherwise be lost from light source 616A, thereby increasing the light output by backlight assembly 650A when using edge light (e.g., light source 616A).

[0100] Regarding light source 618C, the light emitted by light source 618C is related to... Figure 4A The light emitted by the described light source 412C passes through the backlight assembly 650A in a similar manner to that emitted by the backlight assembly 420. Light source 618C emits light (represented as light 624), which passes through the pyramidal sheet 610 (which further scatters the light 624) and enters (i.e., is transmitted to) the waveguide layer 608 at surface 634. Light 624, as extracted light 656, passes through surface 636, the prism sheet 606, and the diffuser layer 604. The extracted light 656 is received by the display layer 602.

[0101] Example embodiments of a backlight assembly having an array of light sources arranged between a waveguide layer and a reflective layer have been discussed. Figure 6A The cross-sectional view 600A is described. In a further embodiment, the backlight assembly 108 is configured as an array of light sources with an orientation opposite to that of the waveguide layer. For example, Figure 6B A cross-sectional view 600B is shown of a display layer and backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment. Figure 6B As shown, cross-sectional view 600B includes, as per... Figure 6AThe described display layer 602 and backlight assembly 650B are mentioned. Backlight assembly 650B is related to... Figure 1 Further examples of the described backlight assembly 108. According to one embodiment, the backlight assembly 650B is configured with respect to... Figure 6A The display layer 602 and the backlight assembly 650A are attached to the display layer 602 in any manner as described.

[0102] Backlight assembly 650B includes, as about Figure 6A The described components include a diffusion layer 604, a prism sheet 606, a waveguide layer 608, a pyramidal sheet 610, and a light source 616A, as well as an array layer 642. The array layer 642 includes a transparent sublayer 626, a light source layer 628 (including light sources 618A-618C), and a reflective layer 614 (as described above). Figure 6A (As described). According to one embodiment, the light source layer 628 includes an optically transparent resin, film, or other material surrounding the light sources 618A-618C. According to one embodiment, the transparent sublayer 626 is an optically transparent flexible printed circuit board on which the light sources 618A-618C are mounted.

[0103] like Figure 6B As shown, light sources 618A-618C are mounted on the transparent sublayer 626 and oriented towards the reflective layer 614 and away from the surface 634 of the waveguide layer 608. To illustrate the operation of light sources 618A-618C relative to the array layer 642, Figure 6BThis includes a representation of light emitted by light source 618B. In this example, light source 618B is in an "on" state (i.e., illuminated) and emits light (represented as light 630A). Light source 618B transmits light 630A toward reflective layer 614, so that reflective layer 614 reflects light 630A as reflected light 630B through surface 634 into waveguide layer 608 (pyramidal sheet 610 and) . Reflected light 630B, as extracted light 658, passes through surface 636, prism sheet 606, and diffuser layer 604. Extracted light 658 is received by display layer 602. By oriented light sources 618A-618C in this way to transmit light toward reflective layer 614, backlight assembly 650B reduces or eliminates the presence of "hot spots" (e.g., areas where light emitted by light sources 618A-618C is diffused less effectively through the backlight assembly (e.g., directly above the array of light sources). Therefore, the backlight assembly 650B improves the uniformity of the extracted light received by the display layer 602. Furthermore, the reflection of light 630A as reflected light 630B causes scattering of the light emitted by the light source 618B; thus, in some embodiments of the backlight 650B, the number of pyramids in the pyramid 610 can be reduced compared to a design where the light sources 618A-618C are oriented towards the waveguide layer 608 (e.g., as in the backlight 650A). This allows for a thinner backlight assembly while still adequately scattering the light emitted by the light sources 618A-618C.

[0104] B. Example backlight assembly embodiment with a reflective layer located between the waveguide layer and the array layer

[0105] In some embodiments of the backlight assembly 108, a reflective layer 120 is disposed between the waveguide layer and the array layer. In embodiments, the backlight assembly having a reflective layer disposed between the waveguide layer and the array layer can be configured in various ways. For example… Figure 7 A cross-sectional view 700 of a backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment is shown. Figure 7 As shown, cross-sectional view 700 includes a display layer 702 and a backlight assembly 750, which are further examples of the display 110 and the backlight assembly 108, respectively, as per [reference to...]. Figure 1 As described. According to one embodiment, the backlight assembly 750 is about Figure 6A The display layer 602 and the backlight assembly 650A are attached to the display layer 702 in any manner as described.

[0106] The backlight assembly 750 includes a diffuser layer 704, one or more prism sheets 706 ("prism sheet 706" herein), a waveguide layer 708, a reflective layer 710, one or more pyramidal pieces 712 ("pyramidal piece 712" herein), an array layer 742, and a light source 718A. The diffuser layer 704, prism sheet 706, waveguide layer 708, pyramidal piece 712, and light source 718A are each corresponding examples of the diffuser layer 402, prism sheet 404, waveguide layer 406, pyramidal piece 430, and light source 410A, as per their respective contexts. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described. Waveguide layer 708 has opposing first and second surfaces 734 and 736 and opposing first and second edges 738 and 740.

[0107] Array layer 742 is a further example of array layer 408 in Figure 4. Figure 7 As shown, array layer 742 includes light source layer 714 (including light sources 720A and 720B) and mounting layer 716. Light sources 720A and 720B are further examples of light sources 412A-412P, as discussed in... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described. Light sources 720A and 720B are mounted to mounting layer 716. According to one embodiment, mounting layer 716 is a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. In some embodiments, a portion of mounting layer 716 is at least partially reflective (e.g., as a diffuse layer (e.g., a white diffusion layer), as a specular layer, etc.).

[0108] Reflective layer 710 is reflective layer 120 (as per...) Figure 1 A further example (described) is arranged between waveguide layer 708 and light source 720A-720B. Reflective layer 710 is a partially reflective sheet or film that reflects a portion of the light received by reflective layer 710. For example, in a particular example, reflective layer 710 is a fifty percent reflective sheet that reflects fifty percent (or approximately fifty percent) of the light received by reflective layer 710.

[0109] Regarding reflective layer 710, Figure 7 This illustrates how light is transmitted from the backlight assembly 750 to the display layer 702. For example, assume that light sources 718A and 720B are in an "on" state (i.e., light sources 718A and 720B are illuminated). Regarding light source 718A, light source 718A emits light (denoted as light 722A and 722B), which enters (i.e., is transmitted to) the waveguide layer 708 at edge 738. A portion of the light emitted by light source 718A (denoted as light 722A) passes through surface 736, prism sheet 706, and diffuser layer 704 as extracted light 752. Extracted light 752 is received by the display layer 702.

[0110] Some light emitted by light source 718A (denoted as light 722B) is directed away from surface 736 of waveguide layer 708. Backlight assembly 750 is configured to recapture at least a portion of light 722B. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, light 722B is received by reflective layer 710. Reflective layer 710 reflects a portion (e.g., 50%) of light 722B as reflected light 724A through surface 734 into waveguide layer 708. Reflected light 724A, as extracted light 754, passes through surface 736, prism sheet 706, and diffuser layer 704. Extracted light 754 is received by display layer 702. Another portion (e.g., 50%) of light 722B passes through reflective layer 710 as light 724B. Depending on the configuration of backlight assembly 750, light 724B can be considered "lost" light or can be further recycled (e.g., reflected by mounting layer 716 and directed towards reflective layer 710). By utilizing the reflective layer arranged between the light source 720A-720B and the waveguide layer 708 in this manner, the backlight assembly 750 is able to recover at least a portion (e.g., 50%) of the light that would otherwise be lost from the edge light (e.g., the light source 718A), thereby increasing the light output by the backlight assembly 750 when the edge light source is used.

[0111] Regarding light source 720B, light source 720B emits light 726. Light 726 is received by reflective layer 710. Reflective layer 710 reflects a portion (50%) of light 726 as reflected light 728A away from surface 734 of waveguide layer 708. Another portion (50%) of light 726 passes through reflective layer 710 as light 728B. Light 728B passes through surface 736, prism sheet 706, and diffuser layer 704 as extracted light 758. Extracted light 758 is received by display layer 702.

[0112] As described above, the reflective layer 710 reflects a portion of light 726 as reflected light 728A. Reflected light 728A recirculates through the pyramidal plate 712 (which further scatters and distributes reflected light 728A) and enters the mounting layer 716. The mounting layer 716 reflects reflected light 728A toward surface 734 as reflected light 730. Reflected light 730 recirculates through the pyramidal plate 712 (further scattering and / or distributing reflected light 730) and is received by the reflective layer 710. In a similar manner to that described with respect to light 726, the reflective surface 710 reflects a first portion of reflected light 730 as reflected light 732A and allows a second portion of reflected light 730 to pass through as light 732B. Reflected light 732A is reflected away from the waveguide layer 708 in a similar manner to reflected light 728A, and the process of light recycling and reflection continues (for the sake of brevity and clarity, ...). Figure 7 (Not shown in the image). Light 732B, as extracted light 756, passes through surface 736, prism sheet 706, and diffusion layer 704. The extracted light 756 is received by display layer 702.

[0113] As described above (and elsewhere herein), the backlight assembly 750 includes a (partial) reflective layer 710 disposed between the light sources 720A-720B and the waveguide layer 708. The inclusion of the reflective layer 710 causes a portion of the light emitted by the array of light sources (e.g., light sources 720A and 720B) to be reflected back through the pyramidal plate 712 and “recirculated” as described above. This allows the light emitted by the array of light sources to be further diffused (or scattered) over a shorter distance. Therefore, some embodiments of the backlight assembly 750 can utilize fewer layers (such as the pyramidal plate 712) configured to scatter light. This allows for a thinner backlight assembly while still adequately scattering the light emitted by the light sources 720A and 720B.

[0114] Furthermore, due to the configuration of the backlight assembly 750, the light emitted by the array light source can be further diffused, and the individual array light source of the backlight assembly 750 can be a display device including the backlight assembly 750 (e.g., Figure 1 The display device 106 provides light to a larger corresponding portion of the display area. Therefore, the backlight assembly that achieves this feature can utilize fewer array light sources to provide extracted light to the display layer; thus, manufacturing complexity and material costs are reduced.

[0115] In some embodiments of the backlight assembly 108, other types of reflective layers may be arranged between the waveguide layer and the array layer. For example, the reflective layer may be configured to allow light emitted by the array light source to pass through and reflect (at least a portion of) light emitted by the edge light source. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view 800 of a backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment is shown. Figure 8 As shown, cross-sectional view 800 includes a display layer 802 and a backlight assembly 850, which are further examples of the display 110 and the backlight assembly 108, respectively, as per [reference to...]. Figure 1 As described. According to one embodiment, the backlight assembly 850 is about Figure 6A The display layer 602 and the backlight assembly 650A are attached to the display layer 802 in any manner as described.

[0116] The backlight assembly 850 includes a diffuser layer 804, one or more prism sheets 806 (“prism sheet 806” herein), a waveguide layer 808, a reflective layer 810, one or more pyramidal pieces 812 (“pyramidal piece 812” herein), an array layer 830, and a light source 820A. The diffuser layer 804, prism sheet 806, waveguide layer 808, pyramidal piece 812, array layer 830, and light source 820A are each corresponding examples of the diffuser layer 402, prism sheet 404, waveguide layer 406, pyramidal piece 430, array layer 408, and light source 410A, as per their respective contexts. Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs described. Waveguide layer 808 has opposing first and second surfaces 832 and 834 and opposing first and second edges 836 and 838.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, array layer 830 includes light source layer 814 (including light sources 822A-822C) and mounting layer 816. Light sources 822A-822C are further examples of light sources 412A-412P, as discussed in... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described. Light sources 822A-822C are mounted on mounting layer 816. Figure 8 In the examples, light sources 822A-822C are colored light sources (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.). According to one embodiment, mounting layer 816 is a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. In some embodiments, a portion of mounting layer 816 is at least partially reflective (e.g., as a diffuse layer (e.g., a white diffusion layer), as a specular layer, etc.).

[0118] Reflective layer 810 is reflective layer 120 (as per...) Figure 1 A further example of the above is provided, and it is arranged between waveguide layer 808 and light sources 822A-822C. Reflective layer 810 includes a color conversion sublayer 818A and a color reflection sublayer 818B. Color conversion sublayer 818A is configured to convert light passing through it from a first color to a second color. For example, according to one embodiment, color conversion sublayer 818A is configured to convert light emitted by the array of light sources (e.g., light sources 822A-822C) from colored light (e.g., blue light) to white light. Color conversion sublayer 818A may include one or more phosphors configured to convert light passing through the sublayer. For example, according to one embodiment, color conversion sublayer 818A includes potassium fluorosilicate (KSF) phosphors and silane (e.g., β-SiAlON) phosphors to convert blue light emitted by light sources 822A-822C to white light. In an alternative embodiment, color conversion sublayer 818A is a quantum dot color conversion sublayer.

[0119] Color reflective sublayer 818B is a selective color reflective layer that selectively reflects a wavelength or wavelength range of light. According to one embodiment, color reflective sublayer 818B is configured to allow light emitted by light sources 822A-822C to pass through (e.g., without reflecting the light). For example, and as a non-limiting example, suppose light sources 822A-822C are configured to emit blue light. In this context, color reflective sublayer 818B is configured to reflect yellow light (e.g., non-blue light), thereby enabling light emitted by light sources 822A-822C to pass through color reflective sublayer 818B and enter color conversion sublayer 818A.

[0120] Regarding reflective layer 810, Figure 8 This illustrates how light is transmitted from the backlight assembly 850 to the display layer 802. For example, assume that light sources 820A and 822C are in an "on" state (e.g., light sources 820A and 822C are illuminated). Further assume that light source 820A is configured to emit cool white light (i.e., white light with a color temperature higher than neutral white light (e.g., white light with a color temperature higher than 6000K)) and light source 822C is configured to emit blue light. Even further, assume that the color conversion sublayer 818A is configured to convert blue light to white light. Regarding light source 820A, light source 820A emits light (denoted as light 824A and 824B), which enters (i.e., is transmitted to) the waveguide layer 808 at the edge. A portion of the light emitted by light source 820A (denoted as light 824A) passes through the surface, prism sheet 806, and diffuser layer 804 as extracted light 852. Extracted light 852 is received by the display layer 802.

[0121] Some light emitted by light source 820A (denoted as light 824B) is directed away from the surface of waveguide layer 808. Backlight assembly 850 is configured to recapture at least a portion of light 824B. Color conversion sublayer 818A converts light 824B into converted light 826. Converted light 826 is (mostly or nearly) yellow light (e.g., a portion of converted light 826 contains white light as a result of the additional blue light contained in light 824B). Color reflection sublayer 818B receives converted light 826 and reflects the yellow portion of converted light 826 as reflected light 828A through surface 832 into waveguide layer 808. Reflected light 828A, as extracted light 854, passes through surface 834, prism sheet 806, and diffuser layer 804. Extracted light 854 is received by display layer 802.

[0122] like Figure 8 As shown, a portion of the converted light 826 is not reflected by the color reflective sublayer 818B, but instead passes as light 828B through the color reflective sublayer 818B, the pyramid 812, and the light source layer 814. Depending on the implementation, light 828B may be "lost" light or a portion of light 828B may utilize additional reflective surfaces (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 6A (As described) is recaptured. In an alternative embodiment, light source 820A is configured such that light emitted by light source 820A (e.g., light 824B) is completely reflected by color reflection sublayer 818B (e.g., as reflected light 828A) when converted by color conversion sublayer 818A (e.g., as converted light 826). For example, light source 820A may emit neutral or warm white light (i.e., white light with a color temperature lower than neutral white light (e.g., white light with a color temperature lower than 3000K)), which is completely reflected by color reflection sublayer 818B when converted by color conversion sublayer 818A.

[0123] Regarding light source 822C, light source 822C emits light 840. As described above, in this example, light 840 is blue light. Light 840 passes through color reflection sublayer 818B and is received by color conversion sublayer 818A. Color conversion sublayer 818B converts light 840 into light 842. Light 842 is (e.g., neutral) white light. Light 842 enters waveguide layer 808 through surface 832 and passes through surface 834, prism sheet 806, and diffuser layer 804 as extracted light 856. Extracted light 856 is received by display layer 802.

[0124] Therefore, an example embodiment of a backlight assembly that utilizes a color conversion sublayer and a color reflection sublayer to recapture a portion of the light emitted by an edge light source has been described. By utilizing the color conversion sublayer and the color reflection sublayer in these ways, the backlight assembly 850 is able to recover at least a portion (e.g., two-thirds, or even more than two-thirds) of the light that would otherwise be lost from the edge light (e.g., light source 820A), thereby increasing the light output by the backlight assembly 850 when using an edge light source.

[0125] C. Example backlight assembly embodiment with multiple reflective layers

[0126] In some embodiments of the backlight assembly 108, multiple reflective layers are used for recapture. For example, Figure 9 A cross-sectional view 900 of a backlight assembly including an edge light source and an array light source according to another example embodiment is shown. Figure 9 As shown, cross-sectional view 900 includes display layer 902 and backlight assembly 950, which are further examples of display 110 and backlight assembly 108, respectively, as per [reference to...]. Figure 1 As described. According to one embodiment, the backlight assembly 950 is about Figure 6A The display layer 602 and the backlight assembly 650A are attached to the display layer 902 in any manner as described.

[0127] Backlight assembly 950 is an example embodiment of a backlight assembly utilizing the features of backlight assembly 650B and backlight assembly 750, as shown respectively with respect to FIG6 and Figure 7 As described. Figure 9 As shown, the backlight assembly 950 includes a diffuser layer 904, one or more prism sheets 906 (hereinafter referred to as "prism sheet 906"), a waveguide layer 908, a first reflective layer 910, one or more pyramidal pieces 612 (hereinafter referred to as "pyramidal piece 612"), an array layer 962, and a light source 920A. The diffuser layer 904, prism sheet 906, waveguide layer 908, pyramidal piece 912, and light source 920A are each corresponding examples of the diffuser layer 402, prism sheet 404, waveguide layer 406, pyramidal piece 430, and light source 410A, as per their respective contexts. Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs described. Waveguide layer 908 has opposing first and second surfaces 942 and 944 and opposing first and second edges 946 and 948.

[0128] Array layer 962 is a further example of array layer 408 in Figure 4. (As shown...) Figure 9 As shown, array layer 962 includes a transparent sublayer 914, a light source layer 916 (including light sources 922A and 922B), and a reflective layer 918. According to one embodiment, the transparent sublayer 914 is an optically transparent flexible printed circuit board to which light sources 922A and 922B are mounted. According to one embodiment, the light source layer 916 includes an optically transparent resin, film, or other material surrounding light sources 922A and 922B. Light sources 922A and 922B are examples of light sources 412A-412P, as described above. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described. Light sources 922A and 922B are related to... Figure 6B The light source 618-618C of the backlight assembly 650B is oriented in a similar manner to that described above, toward the reflective layer 918 and away from the surface 942 of the waveguide layer 908.

[0129] Reflective layer 918 is reflective layer 120 (as per...) Figure 1 A further example of the described structure is arranged below light sources 922A-922B (such that light sources 922A and 922B are arranged between reflective layer 918 and waveguide layer 908). Reflective layer 918 can be a specular reflective surface, a diffuse reflective surface, or another type of reflective surface. Reflective layer 918 is configured to be illuminated by light source 920A (and other edge light sources of backlight assembly 950, in...). Figure 9 (not shown) and light sources 922A-922B (and other array light sources of the backlight assembly 950, in Figure 9 Light transmitted (not shown) in a manner similar to the reflective surface 614 of the backlight 650B, as per [reference to...] Figure 6B (As described) is reflected through the surface 942 of the waveguide layer 908 into (or toward) the waveguide layer 908.

[0130] Reflective layer 910 is also reflective layer 120 (as per...) Figure 1 A further example (as described) is arranged between waveguide layer 908 and light source 922A-922B. Reflective layer 910 is a partially reflective sheet or film that reflects a portion of the light received by reflective layer 910. For example, in a particular example, reflective layer 910 is a fifty percent reflective sheet, which (e.g., in a similar manner to reflective layer 710 of backlight 750, as described above) Figure 7 (As described) reflects fifty percent (or about fifty percent) of the light received by the reflective layer 910.

[0131] As described above, the backlight assembly 950 is configured to combine with a similar Figure 6B The backlight 650B and Figure 7 The characteristics of the backlight 750. To illustrate the operation of the light sources 920A, 922A, and 922B relative to the backlight assembly 950, Figure 9 This includes a representation of the light emitted by light sources 920A and 922B. In this example, light sources 920A and 922B are in an "on" state (i.e., light sources 920A and 922B are illuminated). Regarding light source 920A, light source 920A emits light (represented as light 924A and 924B), which enters (i.e., is transmitted to) waveguide layer 908 at edge 946. A portion of the light emitted by light source 920A (represented as light 924A) passes through surface 944, prism sheet 906, and diffuser layer 904 as extracted light 952. Extracted light 952 is received by display layer 902.

[0132] Some light emitted by light source 920A (denoted as light 924B) is directed away from surface 944 of waveguide layer 908. Backlight assembly 950 is configured to recapture at least a portion of light 924B. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, light 924B is received by reflective layer 910. Reflective layer 910 reflects a portion (e.g., 50%) of light 924B as reflected light 926B through surface 942 into waveguide layer 908. The reflected light 926B, as extracted light 954, passes through surface 944, prism sheet 906, and diffuser layer 904. Extracted light 954 is received by display layer 902.

[0133] Another portion (e.g., 50%) of light 924B, as light 926A, passes through the reflective layer 910, the pyramidal plate 912, the transparent sublayer 914, and the light source layer 916. The reflective surface 918 is configured to reflect light 926A as reflected light 928. The reflected light 928 passes through the light source layer 916 and the transparent sublayer 914, through the pyramidal plate 912 (which further scatters the light 928), and enters the reflective surface 910. The reflective surface 910 reflects a portion (e.g., 50%) of the reflected light 928 as reflected light 930B, which is recycled through the pyramidal plate 912, and the process of light recycling and reflection continues (for the sake of brevity and clarity, ...). Figure 9 (Not shown in the image). Another portion (e.g., 50%) of the reflected light 928 passes through the reflective surface 910 as light 930A. Light 930A enters the waveguide 908 through surface 942 and passes through surface 944, prism sheet 906, and diffuser layer 908 as extracted light 956. The extracted light 956 is received by display layer 902.

[0134] Regarding light source 922B, light source 922B emits light (represented as light 932). Specifically, light source 922B transmits light 932 toward reflective layer 918, so that reflective layer 918 reflects light 932 as reflected light 934 into reflective layer 910 (pyramidal sheet 912). A portion (e.g., 50%) of the reflected light 934 passes through reflective layer 910 and enters waveguide layer 908 as light 936A through surface 942. Light 936A, as extracted light 958, passes through surface 944, prism sheet 906, and diffuser layer 904. Extracted light 958 is received by display layer 902.

[0135] Another portion (e.g., 50%) of the reflected light 934 is reflected by the reflective layer 910 as reflected light 936B. The reflected light 936B is recycled through the pyramidal plate 912 (which further scatters / distributes the reflected light 936B), the transparent sublayer 914, and the light source layer 916. The reflective layer 918 reflects the light 936B toward the surface 942 and as reflected light 938 back into the reflective layer 910 (pyramidal plate 912). The reflective surface 910 reflects a portion (e.g., 50%) of the reflected light 938 as reflected light 940B, which is recycled through the pyramidal plate 912, and the process of light recycling and reflection continues (for the sake of brevity and clarity, ...). Figure 9 (Not shown in the image). Another portion (e.g., 50%) of the reflected light 938 passes through the reflective surface 910 as light 940A. Light 940A enters the waveguide 908 through surface 942 and passes through surface 944, prism sheet 906, and diffuser layer 908 as extracted light 960. The extracted light 960 is received by display layer 902.

[0136] By implementing multiple reflective layers, the backlight assembly 950 can further reduce the number of layers required to diffuse light emitted by the array of light sources (e.g., light sources 922A and 922B). For example, the light is further distributed / scattered as it recirculates through the pyramidal plate 912 between reflective layers 910 and 918. Furthermore, aligning the light sources 922A and 922B away from the waveguide layer 908 and towards the reflective layer 918 causes initial scattering of the light emitted by the light sources 922A and 922B, further increasing the light distribution over shorter distances. Therefore, the number of pyramidal plates (or other types of light diffuser / scatterer / distributor plates) can be reduced. This allows for a thinner backlight assembly that adequately scatters the light emitted by the light sources 922A and 922B. Furthermore, as per [reference to...] Figure 6B The discussed method of oriented array light sources reduces or eliminates the presence of hot spots, improving the uniformity of the extracted light received by display layer 602. Furthermore, as regarding... Figure 7 The discussed recirculation of light emitted by a single array of light allows the array of light to power a display device including a backlight assembly 950 (e.g., Figure 1The display device 106) provides backlighting to a larger corresponding portion of the display area. Therefore, the backlight assembly that achieves this feature can utilize fewer array light sources to provide extracted light to the display layer; thus, manufacturing complexity and material costs are reduced.

[0137] Figure 9 The combination is shown Figure 6B The backlight assembly 650B and Figure 7 The backlight assembly 750 is characterized to provide an example embodiment of a backlight assembly utilizing multiple reflective layers. However, other combinations of reflective layers are also contemplated herein. For example, in another example embodiment, the backlight assembly combines backlight assembly 650B and Figure 8 The backlight assembly 850 features [characteristics]. In this way, the backlight assembly including a color array light source can reduce hot spots and improve light scattering, while increasing the light output by the backlight assembly when using an edge light source. Other implementations of the backlight assembly utilizing multiple reflective layers are also possible (e.g., including [other implementations]). Figure 6A The reflective layer 614, regarding Figure 6A The described orientation light source 618A-618C includes Figure 7 The backlight assembly of the reflective layer 710 includes Figure 6A Reflective layer 614 Figure 7 The reflective layer 710 and Figure 8 (The backlight assembly of the reflective layer 810, and / or any other combination of reflective layers described elsewhere in this document).

[0138] VI. Example Computer System Implementation

[0139] As mentioned herein, the described embodiments, together with any circuitry, components and / or sub-components thereof, and the flowcharts / flowcharts (including their portions) and / or other embodiments described herein, may be implemented in hardware or hardware having any combination of software and / or firmware, including computer program code implemented as configured to execute in one or more processors and stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or implemented as a hardware logic / circuit system, such as in a system-on-a-chip (SoC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). An SoC may include an integrated circuit chip comprising one or more of the following: a processor (such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), etc.), memory, one or more communication interfaces, and / or further circuitry and / or embedded firmware for performing its functions.

[0140] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in one or more computing devices, which can be mobile (mobile devices) and / or fixed (fixed devices), and can include any combination of features of such mobile and fixed computing devices. Examples of computing devices in which the various embodiments can be implemented are provided below. Figure 10 The description is as follows. Figure 10 A block diagram of an exemplary computing environment 1000 including a computing device 1002 is shown. The computing device 1002 is... Figure 1 and Figure 2 User equipment 102 and / or Figure 2 Examples of image sources 240, each of which may include one or more components of computing device 1002. In some embodiments, computing device 1002 is connected to devices outside computing environment 1000 via network 1004. Figure 10 (Not shown in the image) is communicatively coupled. Network 1004 includes one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an enterprise network, the Internet, etc., and may include one or more wired and / or wireless components. Network 1004 may additionally or alternatively include a cellular network for cellular communication. A detailed description of computing device 1002 is as follows.

[0141] Computing device 1002 can be any of various types of computing devices. For example, computing device 1002 can be a mobile computing device, such as a handheld computer (e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA)), a laptop computer, a tablet computer (such as the Apple iPad™), a hybrid device, a notebook computer (e.g., the Google Chromebook™ from Google LLC), a netbook, a mobile phone (e.g., a cellular phone, a smartphone, such as the Apple® iPhone® from Apple Inc., a phone implementing the Google® Android™ operating system, etc.), a wearable computing device (e.g., a head-mounted augmented reality and / or virtual reality device, including smart glasses such as Google® Glass™, the Oculus Rift® from Facebook Technologies, LLC, etc.), or other types of mobile computing devices. Computing device 1002 can also be a fixed computing device, such as a desktop computer, a personal computer (PC), a fixed server device, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, etc.

[0142] like Figure 10As shown, computing device 1002 includes various hardware and software components, including a processor 1010, storage 1020, one or more input devices 1030, one or more output devices 1050, one or more wireless modems 1060, one or more wired interfaces 1080, a power supply 1082, a location information (LI) receiver 1084, and an accelerometer 1086. Storage 1020 includes memory 1056 and storage devices 1090, with memory 1056 including non-removable memory 1022 and removable memory 1024. Storage 1020 also stores an operating system 1012, applications 1014, and application data 1016. Wireless modems 1060 include a Wi-Fi modem 1062, a Bluetooth modem 1064, and a cellular modem 1066. Output devices 1050 include a speaker 1052 and a display 1054. The display 1054 is for... Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a described display device 106. According to one embodiment, a display 1054 includes information about... Figure 1 The backlight assembly 108 and / or display layer 110 described, regarding Figure 2 The backlight assembly 108 and / or LC display layer 206 described, regarding Figure 4A and Figure 4B The backlight assembly 420 described, about Figure 6A The described display layer 602 and / or backlight assembly 650A, regarding Figure 6B The described display layer 602 and / or backlight assembly 650B, regarding Figure 7 The described display layer 702 and / or backlight assembly 750, regarding Figure 8 The described display layer 802 and / or backlight assembly 850, and / or about Figure 9 The description includes the display layer 902 and / or backlight assembly 950, and any components and / or sub-components thereof. Input devices 1030 include a touchscreen 1032, a microphone 1034, a camera 1036, a physical keyboard 1038, and a trackball 1040. Not necessarily. Figure 10 All components of the computing device 1002 shown are present in all embodiments, and there may be additional components not shown, and in a particular embodiment there may be any combination of these components. These components of the computing device 1002 are described below.

[0143] A single processor 1010 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, microprocessor, signal processor, ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), and / or other physical hardware processor circuitry) or multiple processors 1010 may exist in the computing device 1002 for performing tasks such as program execution, signal encoding, data processing, input / output processing, power control, and / or other functions. The processor 1010 may be a single-core or multi-core processor, and each processor core may be single-threaded or multi-threaded (to provide multiple execution threads simultaneously). The processor 1010 is configured to execute program code stored in a computer-readable medium, such as program code of the operating system 1012 stored in storage 1020 and application programs 1014. The operating system 1012 controls the allocation and use of components of the computing device 1002 and provides support for one or more applications 1014 (also referred to as "applications" or "apps"). Application 1014 may include general computing applications (e.g., email applications, calendars, contact managers, web browsers, messaging applications), other computing applications (e.g., word processing applications, map applications, media player applications, productivity suite applications), one or more machine learning (ML) models, and applications related to the various embodiments disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0144] Any component in computing device 1002 can communicate with any other component according to its function, although not all connections are shown for ease of illustration. For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, bus 1006 is a multi-signal-line communication medium (e.g., conductive traces in silicon, metal traces along the motherboard, wires, etc.) that may exist to communicatively couple processor 1010 to various other components of computing device 1002. However, in other embodiments, alternative buses, other buses, and / or one or more individual signal lines may exist to communicatively couple components. Bus 1006 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, including memory buses or memory controllers, peripheral buses, accelerated graphics ports, and processor or local buses using any of the various bus architectures.

[0145] Storage 1020 is a physical storage comprising one or both of memory 1056 and storage device 1090, which, depending on the distribution, stores operating system 1012, applications 1014, and application data 1016. Non-removable memory 1022 includes one or more of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), hard disk drive (e.g., a disk drive for reading from and writing to a hard disk), and / or other physical storage device types. Non-removable memory 1022 may include main memory and may be separate from processor 1010 or fabricated in the same integrated circuit as processor 1010. Figure 10 As shown, non-removable memory 1022 stores firmware 1018, which may exist to provide low-level control of the hardware. Examples of firmware 1018 include BIOS (Basic Input / Output System, such as in a personal computer) and boot firmware (e.g., in a smartphone). Removable memory 1024 may be inserted into a socket of computing device 1002 or otherwise coupled to computing device 1002 and may be removed from computing device 1002 by a user. Removable memory 1024 may include any suitable type of removable memory device, including SD (Secure Digital) cards, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards well known in GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communication systems, and / or other types of removable physical memory devices. One or more of the storage devices 1090 may be located inside and / or outside the housing of computing device 1002 and may be removable or non-removable. Examples of storage devices 1090 include hard disk drives, SSDs, thumb drives (e.g., USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drives), or other physical storage devices.

[0146] One or more programs may be stored in storage 1020. Such programs include operating system 1012, one or more applications 1014, and other program modules and program data. Examples of such applications may include, for example, computer program logic (e.g., computer program code / instructions) for implementing one or more of the backlight controller 212, display driver 2140, LC controller 226, and / or image source 240, and any of their components and / or subcomponents, as well as flowcharts / flowcharts (e.g., flowcharts 300 and / or 500), including portions thereof, and / or other examples described herein.

[0147] Storage 1020 also stores data used and / or generated by the operating system 1012 and applications 1014 as application data 1016. Examples of application data 1016 include web pages, text, images, tables, sound files, video data, and other data, which may be sent to and / or received from one or more web servers or other devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. Storage 1020 can be used to store other data including subscriber identifiers (such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) and equipment identifiers (such as International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI)). Such identifiers may be transmitted to web servers to identify users and devices.

[0148] Users can input commands and information into computing device 1002 through one or more input devices 1030, and receive information from computing device 1002 through one or more output devices 1050. Input devices 1030 may include one or more of a touchscreen 1032, a microphone 1034, a camera 1036, a physical keyboard 1038, and / or a trackball 1040, and output devices 1050 may include one or more of a speaker 1052 and a display 1054. Each of the input devices 1030 and output devices 1050 may be integrated into computing device 1002 (e.g., built into the housing of computing device 1002) or located externally to computing device 1002 (e.g., wired or wirelessly coupled to computing device 1002 via wired interfaces 1080 and / or wireless modems 1060). Other input devices 1030 (not shown) may include natural user interfaces (NUIs), pointing devices (computer mice), joysticks, video game controllers, scanners, touchpads, styluses, voice recognition systems that receive voice input, gesture recognition systems that receive gesture input, etc. Other possible output devices (not shown) may include piezoelectric or other tactile output devices. Some devices may provide more than one input / output function. For example, display 1054 may display information or function as touchscreen 1032 by receiving user commands and / or other information (e.g., via touch, finger gestures, virtual keyboard, etc.) as a user interface. Any number of each type of input device 1030 and output device 1050 may be present, including multiple microphones 1034, multiple cameras 1036, multiple speakers 1052, and / or multiple displays 1054.

[0149] One or more wireless modems 1060 may be coupled to antennas (not shown) of computing device 1002 and may support bidirectional communication between processor 1010 and devices external to computing device 1002 via network 1004, as understood by those skilled in the art. Wireless modems 1060 are generally shown and may include cellular modems 1066 for communicating with one or more cellular networks, such as GSM networks for data and voice communication within a single cellular network, between cellular networks, or between mobile devices and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Wireless modems 1060 may also, or alternatively, include other radio-based modem types, such as Bluetooth modem 1064 (also referred to as a “Bluetooth device”) and / or Wi-Fi modem 1062 (also referred to as a “wireless adapter”). Wi-Fi modem 1062 is configured to communicate with access points or other devices with remote Wi-Fi capabilities according to one or more wireless network protocols based on the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 family of standards, which is commonly used for local area networking and internet access for devices. The Bluetooth modem 1064 can communicate with another Bluetooth-enabled device in accordance with Bluetooth short-range wireless technology standards such as IEEE 802.15.1 and / or those managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).

[0150] Computing device 1002 may further include a power supply 1082, an LI receiver 1084, an accelerometer 1086, and / or one or more wired interfaces 1080. Example wired interfaces 1080 include a USB port, an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port, an RS-232 port, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port (e.g., for connection to an external display), a DisplayPort port (e.g., for connection to an external display), an audio port, an Ethernet port, and / or an Apple® Lightning® port, the purpose and function of which are well known to those skilled in the art. The wired interface 1080 of computing device 1002 provides a wired connection between computing device 1002 and network 1004, or a wired connection between computing device 1002 and such devices / peripherals when one or more devices / peripherals (e.g., pointing devices, display 1054, speakers 1052, camera 1036, physical keyboard 1038, etc.) are external to computing device 1002. Power supply 1082 is configured to supply power to each component of computing device 1002 and may receive power from a battery inside computing device 1002 and / or from a power cord plugged into a power port of computing device 1002 (e.g., USB port, A / C power port). LI receiver 1084 may be used for location determination of computing device 1002 and may include a satellite navigation receiver (such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver), or may include other types of location determiners configured to determine the location of computing device 1002 based on received information (e.g., using cellular triangulation, etc.). Accelerometer 1086 may be present to determine the orientation of computing device 1002.

[0151] Note that the components shown for computing device 1002 are not essential or all-encompassing, and those skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more components may be present. For example, computing device 1002 may also include one or more of a gyroscope, barometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, digital compass, etc. Processor 1010 and memory 1056 may coexist in the same semiconductor device package, such as optionally being included in an integrated circuit chip, FPGA, or system-on-a-chip (SoC) along with other components of computing device 1002.

[0152] In various embodiments, computing device 1002 is configured to implement any of the features described above in the flowcharts herein. Computer program logic for performing any operations, steps, and / or functions described herein may be stored in storage 1020 and executed by processor 1010.

[0153] In some embodiments, server infrastructure 1070 may reside within computing environment 1000 and may be communicatively coupled to computing device 1002 via network 1004. Server infrastructure 1070 (when present) may be a network-accessible set of servers (e.g., a cloud computing platform). Figure 10 As shown, server infrastructure 1070 includes clusters 1072. Each cluster 1072 may include a group of one or more compute nodes and / or a group of one or more storage nodes. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, cluster 1072 includes nodes 1074. (Each of these nodes, in an embodiment of a "cloud computing platform" or "cloud-based" architecture, can be accessed via network 1004 to build, deploy, and manage applications and services. Any of the nodes 1074 can be a storage node, comprising multiple physical storage disks, SSDs, and / or other physical storage devices accessible via network 1004, and configured to store data associated with the applications and services managed by node 1074. For example, as... Figure 10 As shown, node 1074 can store application data 1078.

[0154] As computing nodes, each of nodes 1074 may include one or more server computers, server systems, and / or computing devices. For example, node 1074 may include one or more components of the computing device 1002 disclosed herein. Each of nodes 1074 may be configured to execute one or more software applications (or "applications") and / or service and / or manage hardware resources (e.g., processors, memory, etc.) that can be used by users (e.g., clients) of a network-accessible set of servers. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, node 1074 can operate application 1076. In one implementation, a node of node 1074 can operate or include one or more virtual machines, each virtual machine simulating a system architecture (e.g., an operating system) in an isolated manner on which applications such as application 1076 can be executed.

[0155] In one embodiment, one or more of clusters 1072 may be located in the same location (e.g., housed in one or more nearby buildings along with related components such as backup power, redundant data communications, and environmental controls) to form a data center, or may be arranged in other ways. Thus, in one embodiment, one or more of clusters 1072 may be a data center within a distributed collection of data centers. In various embodiments, exemplary computing environment 1000 includes part of a cloud-based platform, such as Amazon Web Services® from Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud Platform™ from Google LLC, but these are merely examples and not limiting.

[0156] In one embodiment, computing device 1002 may access application 1076 for execution in any manner, such as by a client application and / or browser at computing device 1002. Example browsers include Microsoft Edge® from Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington; Mozilla Firefox® from Mozilla Corporation, Mountain View, California; Safari® from Apple Inc., Cupertino, California; and Google® Chrome from Google LLC, Mountain View, California.

[0157] For network (e.g., cloud) backup and data security purposes, computing device 1002 may additionally and / or alternatively synchronize copies of application 1014 and / or application data 1016 to be stored as application 1076 and / or application data 1078 in network-based server infrastructure 1070. For example, operating system 1012 and / or application 1014 may include file hosting service clients such as Microsoft® OneDrive® from Microsoft Corporation, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3®) from Amazon Corporation, Dropbox® from Dropbox Corporation, Google Drive™ from Google LLC, etc., which are configured to synchronize applications and / or data stored in storage 1020 in network-based server infrastructure 1070.

[0158] In some embodiments, local server 1092 may reside within computing environment 1000 and may be communicatively coupled to computing device 1002 via network 1004. Local server 1092 (if present) is hosted within the organization's infrastructure, and in many cases, physically located at the organization's facility site. Local server 1092 is controlled, managed, and maintained by the organization's IT (information technology) personnel or the organization's IT partners. Application data 1098 may be shared by local server 1092 among the organization's various computing devices, including computing device 1002 (when it is part of the organization), via the organization's local network and / or via other networks accessible to the organization (including the Internet). Furthermore, local server 1092 may provide applications such as application 1096 to the organization's various computing devices (including computing device 1002). Therefore, local server 1092 may include storage 1094 (which includes one or more physical storage devices, such as storage disks and / or SSDs) for storing application 1094 and application data 1096, and may include one or more processors for executing application 1096. In addition, computing device 1002 can be configured to synchronize copies of application 1014 and / or application data 1016 to be stored on local server 1092 as backups of application 1096 and / or application data 1098.

[0159] The embodiments described herein can be implemented in one or more of computing device 1002, network-based server infrastructure 1070, and local server 1092. For example, in some embodiments, computing device 1002 can be used to implement systems, clients, or devices, or components / subcomponents thereof, disclosed elsewhere herein. In other embodiments, a combination of computing device 1002, network-based server infrastructure 1070, and / or local server 1092 can be used to implement systems, clients, or devices, or components / subcomponents thereof, disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0160] As used herein, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer-readable medium,” and “computer-readable storage medium,” etc., are used to refer to physical hardware media. Examples of such physical hardware media include any hard disk, optical disk, SSD, other physical hardware media such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, digital video disk, zip disk, MEM (microelectronic machine) memory, nanotechnology-based storage devices, and other types of physical / tangible hardware storage media that store 1020. Such computer-readable media and / or storage media are distinct from and do not overlap with communication media and propagation signals (excluding communication media and propagation signals). Communication media carry computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves. The term modulated data signal means a signal in which one or more characteristics of the signal are set or changed in a manner that encodes information in the signal. By way of example and not limitation, communication media include wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media) and wired media. The embodiments also relate to such communication media that are distinct from and do not overlap with the embodiments for computer-readable storage media.

[0161] As mentioned above, computer programs and modules (including application program 1014) may be stored in storage 1020. Such computer programs may also be received via network 1004 through wired interface 1080 and / or wireless modem 1060. These computer programs, when executed or loaded by an application, enable computing device 1002 to implement the features of the various embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, such computer programs represent the controller of computing system 1002.

[0162] The embodiments also relate to computer program products including computer code or instructions stored on any computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium. Such computer program products include physical storage of 1020 and other types of physical storage.

[0163] VII. Additional Exemplary Examples

[0164] This document describes a display system. The display system includes a backlight assembly and a display layer. The backlight assembly includes a transparent waveguide layer, a plurality of first light sources, and an array layer. The transparent waveguide layer has a first surface. The plurality of first light sources are arranged along the edge of the transparent waveguide layer, each of the first light sources being configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the edge. The array layer is coupled to the first surface of the transparent waveguide layer. The array layer includes a first reflective layer and a plurality of second light sources. The first reflective layer is configured to reflect light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer. The plurality of second light sources are arranged between the first surface and the first reflective layer, each of the second light sources being configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the first surface. The display layer is positioned adjacent to the backlight assembly. The display layer is configured to selectively filter light emitted from the backlight assembly.

[0165] In one implementation of the above display system, a plurality of second light sources are mounted on a transparent sublayer and oriented toward the first reflective layer and away from the first surface; and in order to transmit light into the waveguide layer, the plurality of second light sources are configured to transmit light toward the first reflective layer so that the first reflective layer reflects the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0166] In one implementation of the above display system, the backlight assembly further includes a second reflective layer disposed between the first surface and the array layer, the second reflective layer being configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0167] In one implementation of the above display system, the second reflective layer includes: a color conversion sublayer configured to convert light transmitted by a plurality of second light sources from a first color to a second color; and a color reflection sublayer configured to reflect that portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through a first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0168] In one implementation of the above display system, the second reflective layer is further configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by a plurality of second light sources toward the first reflective layer.

[0169] In one implementation of the above display system, the first reflective layer is a specular reflective layer.

[0170] In one implementation of the above display system, the display system further includes a backlight controller configured to: receive image data; determine, based on the image data, that the average brightness level of the display area of ​​the display layer is below a threshold; and, in response to the determination, illuminate a portion of a plurality of first light sources.

[0171] In one implementation of the above display system, in response to a determination, the backlight controller is further configured to keep multiple second light sources in an off state.

[0172] In one implementation of the above display system, the backlight controller is further configured to: determine, based on image data, that the average brightness level of a first area of ​​the display area is below a threshold and the average brightness level of a second area of ​​the display area is above a threshold, and illuminate a portion of a plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second area. This portion of the plurality of first light sources corresponds to the first area.

[0173] In one implementation of the above display system, the display layer is a liquid crystal display layer.

[0174] This document describes a backlight assembly for a device. The backlight assembly includes a transparent waveguide layer, a plurality of first light sources, an array layer, and a first reflective layer. The transparent waveguide layer has a first surface. The plurality of first light sources are arranged along the edge of the transparent waveguide layer. Each of the first light sources is configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the edge. The array layer includes a plurality of second light sources, each of the second light sources being configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the first surface. A first reflective layer is disposed between the first surface of the transparent waveguide layer and the array layer. The first reflective layer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer, and to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources away from the first surface.

[0175] In one implementation of the above backlight assembly, the array layer further includes a second reflective layer, and a plurality of second light sources are arranged between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer. The second reflective layer is configured to reflect light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through a first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0176] In one implementation of the above backlight assembly, a plurality of second light sources are mounted on a transparent sublayer and oriented toward a second reflective layer and away from the first surface. In order to transmit light into the waveguide layer, the plurality of second light sources are configured to transmit light toward the first reflective layer, so that the first reflective layer reflects the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0177] In one implementation of the above backlight component, the first reflective layer is a specular reflective layer.

[0178] This paper describes another backlight assembly for a device. In this implementation, the backlight assembly includes a transparent waveguide layer, a plurality of first light sources, and an array layer, the transparent waveguide layer having a first surface. The plurality of first light sources are arranged along the edge of the transparent waveguide layer, each of the first light sources being configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the edge. The array layer is coupled to the first surface of the transparent waveguide layer. The array layer includes a first reflective layer and a plurality of second light sources. The first reflective layer is configured to reflect light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer. The plurality of second light sources are arranged between the first surface and the first reflective layer, each of the second light sources being configured to transmit light into the waveguide layer through the first surface.

[0179] In another implementation of the backlight assembly described above, a plurality of second light sources are mounted on a transparent sublayer and oriented toward the first reflective layer and away from the first surface; and in order to transmit light into the waveguide layer, the plurality of second light sources are configured to transmit light toward the first reflective layer so that the first reflective layer reflects the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0180] In another implementation of the backlight assembly described above, the backlight assembly further includes a second reflective layer disposed between the first surface and the array layer, the second reflective layer being configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0181] In another implementation of the backlight component described above, the second reflective layer includes: a color conversion sublayer configured to convert light transmitted by a plurality of second light sources from a first color to a second color; and a color reflection sublayer configured to reflect that portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through a first surface into the waveguide layer.

[0182] In another implementation of the backlight assembly described above, the second reflective layer is further configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by a plurality of second light sources toward the first reflective layer.

[0183] In one implementation of the other backlight component described above, the first reflective layer is a specular reflective layer.

[0184] VIII. Conclusion

[0185] References to "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic; however, each embodiment need not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, implementing that feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0186] In this discussion, unless otherwise stated, adjectives modifying one or more features of an implementation of this disclosure should be understood to mean that the condition or feature is defined within an acceptable tolerance for the intended application of the implementation. Furthermore, if the execution of an operation described herein is "in response to" one or more factors, it should be understood that the one or more factors can be considered as the sole contributing factor to the occurrence of the operation, or as contributing factors together with one or more additional factors, and that the operation can occur at or after the establishment of the one or more factors. Moreover, in the use of "based on" to indicate that an effect is a result of an indicative cause, it should be understood that the effect is not necessarily caused solely by the indicative cause, but that any number of possible additional causes may also contribute to the effect. Therefore, as used herein, the term "based on" should be understood as equivalent to the term "at least based on".

[0187] Numerous exemplary embodiments have been described above. Any section / subsection headings provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Various embodiments have been described in this document, and embodiments of any type may be included under any section / subsection. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in any section / subsection may be combined in any way with any other embodiments described in the same section / subsection and / or different sections / subsections.

[0188] Furthermore, example embodiments have been described above with respect to one or more operational examples. Such operational examples describe one or more specific implementations of the example embodiments; however, the embodiments described herein are not limited to these specific implementations.

[0189] Furthermore, several exemplary cross-sectional and top views of the backlight assembly have been shown. While only a few edge and / or array light sources are shown in these example views, implementations of the described embodiments can utilize any number of light sources, more or less than those shown. Moreover, while a specific arrangement of the inner layers of the backlight assembly has been shown, it is also contemplated herein that layers can be arranged in different orders, some layers can be omitted entirely, and / or some layers can be combined into a single layer. Furthermore, while example pyramidal sheets, diffusion layers, and prism sheets have been described, it is also contemplated herein that other sheets and / or layers can be used to scatter and / or otherwise diffuse light through the backlight assembly, as will be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. For example, in a non-limiting example, the pyramidal sheet located between the waveguide layer and the array layer could be replaced with a prism sheet.

[0190] Furthermore, according to the described embodiments and techniques, any component of the system, user equipment, display system, display device, backlight assembly, display layer and / or its functions may be activated to operate / perform based on other operations, functions, actions and / or similar items (including initialization, completion and / or execution of these operations, functions, actions and / or similar items).

[0191] In some example embodiments, one or more operations of the flowchart described herein may not be performed. Furthermore, operations that supplement or replace the operations of the flowchart described herein may be performed. Additionally, in some example embodiments, one or more operations of the flowchart described herein may be performed out of order, in a replacement sequence, or partially (or completely) concurrently with each other or with other operations.

[0192] The embodiments described herein and / or any further systems, subsystems, devices and / or components disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware (e.g., hardware logic / circuit systems) or any combination of hardware and software (computer program code configured to execute in one or more processors or processing devices) and / or firmware.

[0193] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented as examples only and not as limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display system (104, 1054), comprising: Backlight assemblies (108, 420, 650A, 650B, 750, 850, 950) include: A transparent waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908) has a first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942). Multiple first light sources (116, 410A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) are arranged along the edges (426, 638, 738, 836, 946) of the transparent waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908). Each of 10A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) is configured to transmit light (230, 414A, 414B, 620A, 620B, 722A, 722B, 824A, 824B, 924A, 924B) through the edges (426, 638, 738, 836, 946) into the waveguide layers (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908), and An array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962), said array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962) coupled to the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) of said transparent waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908), said array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962) comprising: A first reflective layer (120, 614, 918) is configured to reflect light (230, 414A, 414B, 620A, 620B, 722A, 722B, 824A, 824B, 924A, 924B) transmitted by the plurality of first light sources (116, 410A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) through the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) into the waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908); and A plurality of second light sources (118, 412A-412P, 618A-618C, 720A, 720B, 822A-822C, 922A, 922B) are arranged on the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) and the first reflective layer (120, 614, 918). Between these, each of the second light sources (118, 412A-412P, 618A-618C, 720A, 720B, 822A-822C, 922A, 922B) is configured to transmit light (232, 416, 624, 630A, 726, 840, 932) through the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) into the waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908), and Display layers (110, 602, 702, 802, 902) are disposed adjacent to the backlight assembly (108, 420, 650A, 650B, 750, 850, 950) and the display layers (110, 602, 702, 802, 902) are configured to selectively filter light (234, 652, 654, 656, 658, 752, 754, 756, 758, 852, 854, 856, 952, 954, 956, 958, 960) emitted from the backlight assembly (108, 420, 650A, 650B, 750, 850, 950).

2. The display system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of second light sources are mounted on a transparent sublayer and oriented toward the first reflective layer and away from the first surface; and In order to transmit light into the waveguide layer, the plurality of second light sources are configured to transmit light toward the first reflective layer, such that the first reflective layer reflects the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

3. The display system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight assembly further includes: A second reflective layer is disposed between the first surface and the array layer, and the second reflective layer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

4. The display system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second reflective layer includes: A color conversion sublayer, configured to convert light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources from a first color to a second color; and A color reflective sublayer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

5. The display system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second reflective layer is further configured as follows: A portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources is reflected toward the first reflective layer.

6. The display system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first reflective layer is a specular reflective layer.

7. The display system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: Backlight controller, the backlight controller being configured to: Receive image data; Based on the image data, it is determined that the average brightness level of the display area of ​​the display layer is lower than a threshold; and In response to the determination, a portion of the plurality of first light sources are illuminated.

8. The display system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In response to the determination, the backlight controller is further configured to keep the plurality of second light sources in an off state.

9. The display system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, in: The backlight controller is further configured to: Based on the image data, it is determined that the average brightness level of the first region of the display area is lower than the threshold while the average brightness level of the second region of the display area is higher than the threshold. Illuminate a portion of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second region; and The portion of the plurality of first light sources corresponds to the first region.

10. The display system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The display layer is a liquid crystal display layer.

11. A backlight assembly (108, 420, 650A, 650B, 750, 850, 950) for a device (102, 104, 1002, 1054), comprising: Transparent waveguide layers (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908) having first surfaces (422, 634, 734, 832, 942). Multiple first light sources (116, 410A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) are arranged along the edges (426, 638, 738, 836, 946) of the transparent waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908). Each of the following (410A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) is configured to transmit light (230, 414A, 414B, 620A, 620B, 722A, 722B, 824A, 824B, 924A, 924B) through the edges (426, 638, 738, 836, 946) into the waveguide layers (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908). An array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962) includes multiple second light sources (118, 412A-412P, 618A-618C, 720A, 720B, 822A-822C, 922A, 922B). The second light sources (118, 412A-412P, 61...) Each of 8A-618C, 720A, 720B, 822A-822C, 922A, 922B is configured to transmit light (232, 416, 624, 630A, 726, 840, 932) through the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) into the waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908); as well as A first reflective layer (120, 710, 810, 910) is disposed between the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) of the transparent waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908) and the array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962). The first reflective layer (120, 710, 810, 910) is configured as follows: A portion (724A, 828A, 926B) of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources (116, 410A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) is reflected (724A, 828A, 926B) through the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) into the waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908), and A portion (728A, 732A, 936B, 940B) of the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources (118, 412A-412P, 618A-618C, 720A, 720B, 822A-822C, 922A, 922B) is reflected away from the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942).

12. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The array layer further includes: A second reflective layer is provided, wherein the plurality of second light sources are arranged between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, and the second reflective layer is configured to reflect light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

13. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The plurality of second light sources are mounted on a transparent sublayer and oriented toward the second reflective layer and away from the first surface; and In order to transmit light into the waveguide layer, the plurality of second light sources are configured to transmit light toward the first reflective layer, such that the first reflective layer reflects the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

14. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first reflective layer is a specular reflective layer.

15. A backlight assembly (108, 420, 650A, 650B, 750, 850, 950) for a device (102, 104, 1002, 1054), comprising: Transparent waveguide layers (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908) having first surfaces (422, 634, 734, 832, 942). Multiple first light sources (116, 410A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) are arranged along the edges (426, 638, 738, 836, 946) of the transparent waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908). Each of 10A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) is configured to transmit light (230, 414A, 414B, 620A, 620B, 722A, 722B, 824A, 824B, 924A, 924B) through the edges (426, 638, 738, 836, 946) into the waveguide layers (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908), and An array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962), said array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962) coupled to the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) of said transparent waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908), said array layer (114, 408, 632, 742, 830, 962) comprising: A first reflective layer (120, 614, 918) is configured to reflect light (230, 414A, 414B, 620A, 620B, 722A, 722B, 824A, 824B, 924A, 924B) transmitted by the plurality of first light sources (116, 410A-410H, 616A, 718A, 820A, 920A) through the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) into the waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908); and A plurality of second light sources (118, 412A-412P, 618A-618C, 720A, 720B, 822A-822C, 922A, 922B) are arranged on the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) and the first reflective layer (120, 614, 91...). Between 8), each of the second light sources (118, 412A-412P, 618A-618C, 720A, 720B, 822A-822C, 922A, 922B) is configured to transmit light (232, 416, 624, 630A, 726, 840, 932) through the first surface (422, 634, 734, 832, 942) into the waveguide layer (112, 204, 428, 608, 708, 808, 908).

16. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The plurality of second light sources are mounted on a transparent sublayer and oriented toward the first reflective layer and away from the first surface; and In order to transmit light into the waveguide layer, the plurality of second light sources are configured to transmit light toward the first reflective layer, such that the first reflective layer reflects the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

17. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, Further includes: A second reflective layer is disposed between the first surface and the array layer, and the second reflective layer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

18. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The second reflective layer includes: A color conversion sublayer, configured to convert light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources from a first color to a second color; and A color reflective sublayer is configured to reflect a portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of first light sources through the first surface into the waveguide layer.

19. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The second reflective layer is further configured as follows: A portion of the light transmitted by the plurality of second light sources is reflected toward the first reflective layer.

20. The backlight assembly as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The first reflective layer is a specular reflective layer.

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