User-adjustable color-mixing backlight for transflective displays

Abstract

SOLUTION: Some implementations pertain to a transflective display device comprising a display surface, an optical path, and / or other components. The optical path may spatially modulate light emitted from a primary light source and direct it to the display surface, generating a display of visual information. The optical path includes a reflective spatial light modulator and a set of light emitting diodes. The modulator may receive light from the primary light source and selectively reflect it toward the display surface. The light emitting diodes may emit light directed to the backside of the modulator, including white light and light of a first color. Some implementations may include drivers to control the intensity of the light emitted by the light emitting diodes, directing the tone of the light transmitted through the modulator.EFFECT: This configuration may facilitate the creation of a uniform, high-quality display.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to display technology, and more particularly to uniformity and color consistency in backlit displays. [Background technology]

[0002] Transflective display devices are widely used in a variety of applications due to their ability to operate under different lighting conditions. These devices typically include a display surface and a light source. Light from the light source is spatially modulated and directed toward the display surface to generate visual information. However, conventional transflective displays often use a monochromatic backlight, which can limit the quality and versatility of the displayed image. Furthermore, these displays often experience a loss of contrast, particularly in low-light conditions, as the backlight illuminates both the black and white elements of the display, making it difficult to maintain contrast. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure provides a user-adjustable color-mixing backlight for a transflective display. Existing reflective display devices often fail to provide high-quality images with good contrast, especially under low-light conditions. This can be primarily due to the use of monochromatic backlights, which can limit the range of colors that can be displayed. Furthermore, the backlights in these devices can illuminate both dark and bright elements of the display, reducing contrast and making the image appear washed out. This problem can be exacerbated in dim light environments. A lack of sufficient light can cause the display to appear under-bright, resulting in a poor overall user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a transflective display device. The transflective display device may include a display surface, an optical path, and / or other components. The optical path may be configured to spatially modulate light received from a primary light source and direct the spatially modulated light toward a display surface, thereby generating a display of visual information on the display surface. The primary light source may include ambient light and / or other light sources. The reflective spatial light modulator may have a modulation surface and a rear surface opposite the modulation surface. The reflective spatial light modulator may be configured to receive light emitted from the primary light source at the modulation surface and spatially modulate the received light by selectively reflecting the received light along the optical path toward the display surface at separately addressable locations on the modulation surface. The reflective spatial light modulator may be configured to at least partially transmit light received at the rear surface such that light transmitted through the rear surface is introduced into the optical path and directed toward the display surface along with light emitted from the primary light source and selectively reflected from the modulation surface by the reflective spatial light modulator. An LED set may be configured to emit light that is directed toward the rear surface of the reflective spatial light modulator. The LED set may include a first group of LEDs that emit white light and a second group of LEDs that emit light having a first color. One or more drivers may be configured to drive the LED set such that the relative intensities of the light emitted by the first and second groups of LEDs are configurable via control signals, thereby facilitating the control signals dictating the color tone of the light emitted by the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator.

[0005] According to some implementations, the hue of the light emitted by the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator can affect the hue of the display of visual information produced on the display surface.

[0006] According to some implementations, the first color may be amber.

[0007] According to some implementations, adjusting the color tone of the light emitted by the LED set may not affect the color tone of the light emitted by the primary light source.

[0008] According to some implementations, the LED sets may be arranged in a rectangle, and along each side of the rectangle, individual LEDs of a first group of LEDs may be alternated with individual LEDs of a second group of LEDs.

[0009] According to some implementations, individual LEDs from the second LED set located at or near the corners of the rectangle can be driven to emit light at a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs from the second LED set along each side of the rectangle, thereby causing the color tone of the light from the LED set transmitted to the display surface to be uniform throughout the display surface.

[0010] According to some implementations, the LEDs from the second set of LEDs arranged along each side of the rectangle may be driven together.

[0011] According to some implementations, the LEDs from the first LED set may be driven together.

[0012] According to some implementations, LEDs from a set of LEDs located at or near the corners of the rectangle may be driven separately from LEDs from a second set of LEDs located along each side of the rectangle. Individual LEDs from a set of LEDs located at or near the corners of the rectangle may emit a combination of white light and light of a first color. The combination of white light and light of the first color facilitates maintaining a constant brightness between areas at or near the corners of the rectangle and each side of the rectangle.

[0013] According to some implementations, the transflective display device may further include a user interface configured to receive input and / or selection from a user regarding a color tone of light to be emitted by the LED set, such that a control signal indicating the color tone of light to be emitted by the LED set is generated based on the input and / or selection regarding the color tone of light received from the user.

[0014] According to some implementations, the primary light source and the reflective spatial light modulator may be configured to provide a monochromatic display of visual information displayed on the display surface.

[0015] According to some implementations, the reflective spatial light modulator may be a transflective liquid crystal device.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for using a transflective display device. The method may include receiving a user input to adjust the relative intensities of light emitted by a first group of LEDs and a second group of LEDs. The method may include generating a control signal based on the user input. The user input may be a manual adjustment by a user or an automatic adjustment based on environmental conditions or user preference. The method may include transmitting a control signal to one or more drivers to adjust the relative intensities of light emitted by the first group of LEDs and the second group of LEDs, thereby changing the color of light emitted by the LED sets and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator. The method may include directing light emitted by the LED sets toward a back surface of the reflective spatial light modulator. The method may include spatially modulating light received by a modulation surface of the reflective spatial light modulator by selectively reflecting light along a modulation surface light path toward a display surface at separately addressable locations on the modulation surface. The method may include transmitting light received at the back surface of the reflective spatial light modulator through the back surface, introducing it into an optical path, and thereby directing it toward a display surface along with light emitted by a primary light source and selectively reflected from a modulation surface by the reflective spatial light modulator.

[0017] These and other features of the present technology, as well as the method of operation and function of associated structural elements, combination of parts, and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description of the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, all of which form a part of this specification, and in which like reference characters indicate corresponding parts in the various views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in this specification and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary transflective display device according to some implementations. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a set of LEDs for providing backlight illumination to a transflective display device that facilitates adjusting the color tone of visual information displayed on the transflective display device, according to some implementations. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a set of LEDs for providing backlight illumination to a transflective display device that facilitates adjusting the color tone of visual information displayed on the transflective display device, according to some implementations. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates how individual LEDs within a two-color LED set that provides backlight illumination for a transflective display device can be driven independently of other LEDs to achieve color uniformity of the backlight illumination across the display surface of the transflective display device, according to some implementations. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for providing backlight illumination for a transflective display device that facilitates a user's control over the color tone of visual information displayed on the display surface of the transflective display device, according to some implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In some implementations, a display device may be used that may be characterized as transflective. This type of display device may include a display surface, an optical path, and / or other components. The display surface may be an area where visual information is presented to a user. A primary light source may act as a primary light source illuminating the display surface. The primary light source may include ambient light and / or other light sources. The optical path may be designed to modulate light emitted from the primary light source and direct the modulated light toward the display surface. Modulating light may involve changing properties such as intensity or direction. Directing the modulated light toward the display surface may involve directing the light along a specific path to reach the display surface. This process may result in the generation of visual information on the display surface. The visual information may be any data or image that a user needs to see on the display surface.

[0020] The light path in these implementations may incorporate a reflective spatial light modulator. The modulator may have a modulation surface and a back surface opposite the modulation surface. The modulation surface may be a surface that receives and reflects light, and the back surface may be a surface that transmits light. The modulator may be designed to receive light emitted from a primary light source of the modulation surface. The light received by the modulation surface may be light that is modulated and reflected toward the display surface. The modulator may then spatially modulate the received light by selectively reflecting the light toward the display surface at separately addressable locations on the modulation surface along the light path. Spatial modulation may include changing the properties of the light at different locations on the modulation surface. Selectively reflecting light may include controlling which portions of the light are reflected and which portions are not.

[0021] Reflective spatial light modulators can be designed to at least partially transmit light received at the rear surface. This means that light transmitted through the rear surface is introduced into the optical path toward the display surface. The light transmitted through the rear surface can be additional light used to enhance the brightness or color of the display. This light may be combined with light emitted by a primary light source that is selectively reflected from the modulation surface by the reflective spatial light modulator. Combining these two types of light can result in a brighter display.

[0022] Certain implementations may incorporate a set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These LEDs may be designed to emit light that is directed toward the back surface of the reflective spatial light modulator. LEDs may be small electronic devices that generate light when an electric current is passed through them. The light emitted by the LEDs may be used to enhance the brightness or color of the display. The LED set may include a first group of LEDs that emits white light and a second group of LEDs that emits light of a particular color. The white light may be used to provide a neutral background for the display, while the colored light may be used to add color to the display.

[0023] The relative intensities of the light emitted by the first and second groups of LEDs may be configurable by a control signal. The control signal may be an electronic signal that controls the operation of the LEDs. This may allow the control signal to dictate the hue of the light emitted by the set of LEDs and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator. The hue of the light may refer to its color or brightness, which may be adjusted to suit user preferences or display requirements.

[0024] Finally, certain implementations may incorporate one or more drivers. These drivers may be designed to drive the set of LEDs. The drivers may be electronic devices that control the operation of the LEDs. This may allow a control signal to dictate the color of light emitted by the set of LEDs and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator. The drivers may ensure that the LEDs operate correctly and produce the desired color of light.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an exemplary transflective display device 100 according to some implementations. The transflective display device 100 may be a device capable of both transmissive and reflective operation. Transmissive operation may involve the transmission of light through the device, while reflective operation may involve the reflection of light from the device. As shown in FIG. 1 , the transflective display device 100 may include one or more of a display surface 102, a primary light source 104, a light path 106, a reflective spatial light modulator 108, a set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 110, one or more drivers 112, and / or other components. These components may work in conjunction to create a display capable of operating in both transmissive and reflective modes.

[0026] The display surface 102 may be a portion of a device on which visual information is displayed. This visual information may include text, images, video, or any other type of visual content. The display surface 102 may be made of a material that allows light to be transmitted through it, such as glass or plastic. Glass and plastic are commonly used materials in display devices due to their transparency and durability. The display surface 102 may be flat or curved. The display surface 102 may be of any size suitable for displaying visual information. The shape and size of the display surface 102 may depend on the particular application of the transflective display device 100.

[0027] The primary light source 104 may include ambient light and / or other light sources.

[0028] The optical path 106 may be the path along which light received from the primary light source 104 travels to the viewing surface 102 within the transflective display device 100. This path may ensure that the light reaches the viewing surface 102 in a desired manner. The optical path 106 may be a physical path, such as a fiber optic cable, or may be a path defined by the arrangement of components within the transflective display device 100. A fiber optic cable is a type of cable that can transmit light along its length. The optical path 106 may be straight or curved and may be of any length suitable for directing light from the primary light source 104 to the viewing surface 102. The shape and length of the optical path 106 may be determined by the design of the transflective display device 100.

[0029] The reflective spatial light modulator 108 may be a component that modulates light by selectively reflecting it. This selective reflection may be used to create a desired image on the display surface 102. The reflective spatial light modulator 108 may have a modulation surface and a back surface opposite the modulation surface. The modulation surface may be a surface that interacts with light from the primary light source 104. The reflective spatial light modulator 108 may be configured to receive light emitted from the primary light source 104 at the modulation surface and spatially modulate the received light by selectively reflecting the light along an optical path 106 toward the display surface 102 at separately addressable locations on the modulation surface. This spatial modulation may be used to create a desired image on the display surface 102.

[0030] The LED set 110 may be a group of LEDs. LEDs are a type of light source known for their efficiency and longevity. The LED set 110 may include a first group of LEDs that emits white light (or other color) and a second group of LEDs that emits light of a first color that may be different from the color of light emitted by the first group of LEDs. The use of different colored LEDs may enable the display surface 102 to display a wide range of colors. The LED set 110 may be configured to emit light that is directed toward the back surface of the reflective spatial light modulator 108. This light may be used to illuminate the display surface 102.

[0031] One or more drivers 112 may be components that drive the LED set 110. These drivers may control the operation of the LEDs, including the intensity and color of the LEDs. The one or more drivers 112 may be configured to control the intensity of light emitted by the LED set 110. The light intensity may be adjusted to create a desired level of brightness on the display surface 102. The one or more drivers 112 may receive control signals that dictate the color of the light emitted by the LED set 110 and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator 108. The control signals may be generated by a controller (not shown) that is part of the transmissive display device 100.

[0032] 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary arrangement 200 of a set of LEDs for providing backlighting to a transflective display device that facilitates adjusting the color tone of visual information displayed on the transflective display device, according to some implementations. The arrangement 200 may be designed to provide a particular type of backlighting to the display device. Tunable color tone of visual information may refer to the ability to adjust the color and intensity of light emitted from the LEDs.

[0033] 2A , the arrangement 200 may include one or more of a reflective spatial light modulator 204, an LED set 206, a first group of LEDs 208, a second group of LEDs 210, one or more drivers 212, and / or other components. The LED set 206 may be configured to emit light that is directed toward the back surface of the reflective spatial light modulator 204. This configuration may ensure that the light emitted by the LED set 206 reaches the back surface of the reflective spatial light modulator 204.

[0034] The LED set 206 may include a first group of LEDs 208 and a second group of LEDs 210. These two groups of LEDs may emit light of different colors and intensities. The first group of LEDs 208 may emit white light. This white light may be used to provide neutral backlighting for the display device. The second group of LEDs 210 may emit light having a first color. This color light may be used to provide a particular color tone to the visual information displayed on the display device.

[0035] The LED set 206 may be arranged in a rectangle. Along each side of the rectangle, the individual LEDs in the first LED group 208 may be alternated with the individual LEDs in the second LED group 210. This arrangement may enable a balanced distribution of light across the display surface. The individual LEDs from the second LED group 210 located at or near the corners of the rectangle may be driven to emit light at a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs from the second LED group 210 along each side of the rectangle, so that the color of the light from the LED set 206 transmitted to the display surface is uniform throughout the display surface. The individual LEDs from the second LED group 210 located at or near the corners of the rectangle may emit a combination of white light and a first color of light. The combination of white light and a first color of light may facilitate maintaining a consistent brightness between the areas at or near the corners of the rectangle and each side of the rectangle.

[0036] The LEDs from the second LED group 210 arranged along each side of the rectangle may be driven together. The LEDs from the LED set 206 arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle may be driven separately from the LEDs from the second LED group 210 arranged along each side of the rectangle. This driving arrangement may allow for more precise control over the intensity and hue of the light emitted by the LED set 206. The LEDs from the first LED group 208 are driven together. This driving arrangement may ensure that the white light emitted by the first LED group 208 is uniform across the entire display surface.

[0037] One or more drivers 212 may be configured to drive the LED set 206. These drivers may be responsible for controlling the operation of the LED set 206. The one or more drivers 212 may control the relative intensities of light emitted by the first group of LEDs 208 and the second group of LEDs 210 based on a control signal. This control signal may allow for adjustment of the intensities of light emitted by the two groups of LEDs. This may facilitate the control signal dictating the color tone of the light emitted by the LED set 206 and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator 204. This color tone dictation may allow for adjustment of the color and intensity of the light reaching the display surface of the display device.

[0038] 2B, the arrangement 200 may include a third set of LEDs 214 and / or other components. The third set of LEDs 214 may be positioned at or near the corners of the rectangle. The individual LEDs of the third set of LEDs 214 may emit a combination of white light and a first color of light. Using a combination of white light and a first color of light facilitates maintaining consistent brightness between the areas at or near the corners of the rectangle and each side of the rectangle.

[0039] 3 illustrates how individual LEDs of a bi-color LED set that provides backlighting for a transflective display device 300 can be driven independently of other LEDs in the bi-color LED set to achieve color uniformity of the backlighting across the viewing surface of the transflective display device, according to some implementations. In FIG. 3 , a transflective display device 300 is shown with a bi-color LED set 302 that can provide backlighting, specifically, an amber and white LED set 302. The LEDs in the LED set 302 can be arranged into two separate chains 304. Each chain 304 can be independently addressable and driven separately. This can allow each LED in the LED set 302 to be individually adjusted not only for brightness but also for hue, providing a high degree of control over the overall color mix of the backlighting.

[0040] 3 also shows smaller arrays of color-specific LEDs 306 arranged at the corners and edges of the transflective display device 300. This arrangement can be designed to achieve color uniformity across the viewing surface 308. The LEDs 302 can be distributed in a specific pattern to maintain this uniformity, as shown.

[0041] 3 further illustrates how the LEDs 302 are dynamically adjusted based on sensor inputs to sensors 310. These sensors 310 may include an ambient light sensor and an RGB sensor, which may provide data regarding ambient light conditions. This data may be used in a dynamic loop to select the amber and white brightness levels for each LED in the LED set 302. FIG. 3 also illustrates how accelerometer data recorded by the accelerometer 314 may be used to adjust the brightness of the LEDs for the expected viewing angle of the transmissive display device 300.

[0042] 3 further illustrates the use of a DC (direct current) dimmer 316 to control the brightness of the LEDs 302. This may allow for precise control over the overall brightness level of each LED 302, further increasing the uniformity of the backlight illumination.

[0043] 4 illustrates a method 400 for providing backlighting for a transflective display device that facilitates a user's control over the color tone of visual information displayed on the display surface of the transflective display device, according to some implementations. For ease of explanation, the steps of method 400 are described herein as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, multiple steps of method 400 may occur in parallel.

[0044] In step 402, the method begins by receiving user input to adjust the relative intensities of light emitted by the first and second groups of LEDs. This user input can be a manual adjustment by the user or an automatic adjustment based on environmental conditions or user preference.

[0045] At step 404, a control signal is generated based on the user input, the control signal being designed to adjust the relative intensities of the light emitted by the first group of LEDs and the second group of LEDs.

[0046] In step 406, control signals are transmitted to one or more drivers that are responsible for adjusting the relative intensities of light emitted by the first and second groups of LEDs, thereby varying the color of the light emitted by the set of LEDs and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator.

[0047] In step 408, light emitted by the LED set is directed toward the rear surface of a reflective spatial light modulator. This light is then spatially modulated in step 410 by selectively reflecting the light toward the display surface at separately addressable locations on the modulation surface along the light path.

[0048] In step 412, the light received at the rear surface of the reflective spatial light modulator is transmitted through the rear surface and directed into an optical path, whereby the light received at the rear surface of the reflective spatial light modulator, along with the light emitted by the primary light source and selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator from the modulation surface, is directed toward the display surface, thereby displaying visual information in a user-controlled color tone.

[0049] While the present technology has been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on implementations presently considered to be the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that such detail is for that purpose only and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Claims

1. 1. A transflective display device, comprising: A display surface; a light path configured to spatially modulate light emitted from a primary light source and direct the spatially modulated light toward the display surface, thereby generating a display of visual information on the display surface, the light path comprising: a reflective spatial light modulator having a modulation surface and a back surface opposite the modulation surface, the reflective spatial light modulator configured to receive light from the primary light source at the modulation surface and spatially modulate the received light by selectively reflecting the light along the light path toward a display surface at separately addressable locations on the modulation surface, the reflective spatial light modulator further configured to at least partially transmit the light received at the back surface, whereby light transmitted through the back surface is introduced into the light path toward the display surface and combined with the light from the primary light source and selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator from the modulation surface, whereby combined light is brighter than the light from the primary light source and selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator from the modulation surface; an LED set configured to emit light toward a back surface of a reflective spatial light modulator, the LED set including a first group of LEDs that emit white light and a second group of LEDs that emit light having a first color; one or more drivers configured to drive the set of LEDs such that the relative intensities of the light emitted by the first group of LEDs and the second group of LEDs are configurable by a control signal, whereby the control signal tends to dictate the color tone of the light emitted by the set of LEDs and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator; an optical path including A transflective display device comprising:

2. 10. The transflective display device of claim 1, wherein the hue of the light emitted by the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator affects the hue of the display of the visual information produced on the display surface.

3. 10. The transflective display device of claim 1, wherein the first color is amber.

4. The transflective display device of claim 1 , wherein adjusting the color tone of the light emitted by the LED set does not affect the color tone of the light emitted by the primary light source.

5. 10. The transflective display device of claim 1, wherein the LED sets are arranged in a rectangle, and along each side of the rectangle, individual LEDs of the first group of LEDs are alternated with individual LEDs of the second group of LEDs.

6. 6. The transflective display device of claim 5, wherein the individual LEDs of the second group of LEDs located at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven to emit light at a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs of the second group of LEDs located along each side of the rectangle, such that the color tone of the light from the set of LEDs transmitted to the display surface is uniform throughout the display surface.

7. 7. The transflective display device of claim 6, wherein the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along each side of the rectangle are driven together, and the LEDs of the LED sets arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven separately from the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along each side of the rectangle.

8. 6. The transflective display device of claim 5, wherein the LEDs of the first group of LEDs are driven together.

9. 10. The transflective display device of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to receive user input and / or selection regarding the color tone of the light emitted by the LED set, such that the control signal indicating the color tone of the light emitted by the LED set is generated based on the user input and / or selection regarding the received color tone of the light.

10. 10. The transflective display device of claim 1, wherein the reflective spatial light modulator is configured to provide a monochromatic display of the visual information displayed on the display surface.

11. 10. The transflective display device of claim 1, wherein the reflective spatial light modulator is a transflective liquid crystal device.

12. 10. A method of using the transflective display device of claim 1, comprising: receiving a user input to adjust the relative intensities of the light emitted by the first group of LEDs and the second group of LEDs; generating a control signal based on the user input; sending the control signal to one or more drivers to adjust the relative intensities of the light emitted by the first group of LEDs and the second group of LEDs, thereby changing the color of the light emitted by the set of LEDs and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator; directing the light emitted by the LED set toward a rear surface of the reflective spatial light modulator; spatially modulating the light received at a modulation surface of the reflective spatial light modulator by selectively reflecting the light along the optical path toward the display surface at separately addressable locations on the modulation surface; transmitting light received at a rear surface of the reflective spatial light modulator through the rear surface, introducing the light into the optical path toward the display surface, combining the light with the light from the primary light source, and selectively reflecting the combined light from the modulation surface by the reflective spatial light modulator, whereby the combined light is brighter than the light from the primary light source and is selectively reflected from the modulation surface by the reflective spatial light modulator; A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hue of the light emitted by the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator affects the hue of the display of the visual information produced on the display surface.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the first color is amber.

15. The method of claim 12 , wherein adjusting the color tone of the light emitted by the LED set does not affect the color tone of the light from the primary light source.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the set of LEDs is arranged in a rectangle, and along each side of the rectangle, individual LEDs in the first group of LEDs are alternated with individual LEDs in the second group of LEDs.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein individual LEDs of the second group of LEDs located at or near corners of the rectangle are driven to emit light at a relatively higher intensity than LEDs of the second group of LEDs located along each side of the rectangle, such that the color of the light from the set of LEDs transmitted to the display surface is uniform throughout the display surface.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein LEDs in the second group of LEDs arranged along each side of the rectangle are driven together, and LEDs in the set of LEDs arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven separately from LEDs in the second group of LEDs arranged along each side of the rectangle.

19. The method described in claim 16, wherein the LEDs of the first LED group are driven together, the reflective spatial light modulator is configured so that the display of the visual information displayed on the display surface is monochromatic, and the reflective spatial light modulator is a semi-transparent liquid crystal device.

20. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving user input and / or selection regarding a color tone of the light to be emitted by the LED set, whereby the control signal indicating the color tone of the light to be emitted by the LED set is generated based on the received user input and / or selection regarding a color tone of light.

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