User-Adjustable Color Mixing Backlight for Transflective Display
The user-adjustable color mixing backlight system for transflective displays addresses the limitations of monochromatic backlights by using a reflective spatial light modulator and LED sets to enhance color range and contrast, improving display quality in various lighting conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAYLIGHT COMPUTER CO
- Filing Date
- 2026-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Conventional transflective displays often suffer from limited displayable color range and reduced contrast ratios, particularly in low-light environments, due to the use of monochromatic backlights, which illuminate both dark and bright areas, degrading image quality and user experience.
A user-adjustable color mixing backlight system for transflective displays, utilizing a reflective spatial light modulator and LED sets emitting white and colored light, controlled by drivers to adjust light intensity and tone, ensuring uniform brightness and color across the display surface.
Enhances display quality by maintaining high contrast ratios and providing a wider range of colors, improving image clarity and brightness, especially in dimly lit conditions.
Smart Images

Figure PAT00001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to display technology, and more specifically to the uniformity and color consistency of a backlight display. Background Technology
[0002] Transflective display devices are widely used in various applications because they can operate under diverse lighting conditions. These devices typically include a display surface and a light source. Light from the source is spatially modulated and directed toward the display surface U to generate visual information. However, conventional transflective displays often use monochromatic backlights, which can limit the quality and variety of the displayed images. Additionally, these displays frequently struggle to maintain contrast ratios, particularly in low-light environments, as the backlight illuminates both the monochrome elements of the display, causing a reduction in contrast.
[0003] The present invention provides a user-adjustable color mixing backlight for a transflective display. Conventional reflective display devices often fail to provide high-quality images with good contrast ratios, particularly in low-light environments. This may be because the displayable color range is limited due to the use of a monochromatic backlight. Additionally, the backlight of such devices illuminates both dark and bright areas of the display, which reduces the contrast ratio and can cause the image to appear blurry. This problem can be exacerbated in dimly lit environments. If lighting is insufficient, the display appears less bright, and the overall user experience may be degraded.
[0004] One aspect of the present invention relates to a transflective display device. The transflective display device may include a display surface, an optical path, and / or other components. It may be configured to generate a display of visual information on the display surface by spatially modulating light received from a primary light source and directing the spatially modulated light toward the display surface. The primary light source may include ambient light and / or other light sources. A reflective spatial light modulator may have a modulating side and a rear side opposite the modulating side. The reflective spatial light modulator may be configured to spatially modulate the received light by receiving light emitted from the primary light source on the modulating side and selectively reflecting the light at individually addressable locations on the modulating side along an optical path toward the display surface. The reflective spatial light modulator may be configured to transmit light received at least partially on the rear side, so that the light transmitted through the rear side is introduced into the optical path and directed toward the display surface together with the light emitted by the primary light source, and selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator on the modulating side. An LED set may be configured to emit light directed toward the rear of a reflective spatial light modulator. The LED set may include a first LED group emitting white light and a second LED group emitting light having a first color. One or more drivers are configured to drive the LED set, so that the relative intensity of the light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group can be configured via a control signal, thereby facilitating the control signal to indicate the tone of the light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator.
[0005] According to some embodiments, the tone of light emitted from an LED set and transmitted through a reflective spatial light modulator may affect the display tone of visual information generated on a display surface.
[0006] According to some embodiments, the first color may be amber.
[0007] According to some embodiments, adjusting the tone of light emitted from the LED set may not affect the tone of light emitted from the main light source.
[0008] According to some embodiments, the LED set may be arranged in a rectangle. Along the sides of the rectangle, individual LEDs of the first LED group may be interleaved with individual LEDs of the second LED group.
[0009] According to some embodiments, individual LEDs of a second set of LEDs arranged at or near the corners of a rectangle are driven to emit light with a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs of a second set of LEDs arranged along the sides of the rectangle, so that the tone of light of the LED set transmitted to the display surface can provide uniformity across the entire display surface.
[0010] According to some embodiments, the LEDs of a second set of LEDs arranged along individual sides of a rectangle can be driven together.
[0011] According to some embodiments, the LEDs of the first LED set can be driven together.
[0012] According to some embodiments, the LEDs of an LED set arranged at or near the corners of a rectangle may be driven independently of the LEDs of a second LED set arranged along individual sides of the rectangle. The individual LEDs of the LED set arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle may emit a combination of white light and a first color light. Combining the white light and the first color light may help maintain a constant brightness between the area at or near the corners of the rectangle and the sides of the rectangle.
[0013] According to some embodiments, the transflective display device further includes a user interface configured to receive user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light emitted from an LED set, so that a control signal determining the tone of light emitted from the LED set may be generated according to the received user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light.
[0014] According to some embodiments, the main light source and the reflective spatial light modulator may be configured so that the display of visual information displayed on the display surface is monochromatic.
[0015] According to some embodiments, the reflective spatial light modulator may be a translucent liquid crystal device.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for using a transflective display device. The method may include the step of receiving user input and adjusting the relative intensity of light emitted from a first LED group and a second LED group. The method may include the step of generating a control signal according to the user input. This user input may be manually adjusted by the user or automatically adjusted according to environmental conditions or user preferences. The method may include the step of changing the tone of light emitted from an LED set and transmitted through a reflective spatial light modulator by transmitting the control signal to one or more drivers to adjust the relative intensity of light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group. The method may include the step of directing the light emitted from the LED set toward the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator. The method may include the step of spatially modulating the light received at the modulation surface of the reflective spatial light modulator by selectively reflecting light at individually addressable locations on the modulation surface along a light path toward the display surface. This method may include the step of transmitting light received from the rear of a reflective spatial light modulator through the rear and introducing it into an optical path, thereby directing it toward the display surface together with the light of the main light source, and selectively reflecting it from the modulation surface by the reflective spatial light modulator.
[0017] The features and characteristics of the present technology, the operation and function of related structural elements, and the combination and manufacturing economics of the parts will become clearer with respect to the claims relating to the following description and the attached drawings, all of which constitute part of this specification, where similar reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in various drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the limitations of the present invention. The singular forms of "one" and "above" used in this specification and claims include plural elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary transflective display device according to some embodiments. FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate an exemplary arrangement of LED sets for providing a backlight to a transflective display device, which facilitates adjustable tones of visual information displayed on the transflective display device according to some embodiments. FIG. 3 illustrates a method in which individual LEDs of a dual-color LED set providing backlight to a transflective display device according to some embodiments are driven independently of other LEDs to provide uniformity of backlight color on the display surface of the transflective display device. FIG. 4 illustrates a method of providing a backlight to a transflective display device according to some embodiments, which allows a user to easily control the tone of visual information displayed on the display surface of the transflective display device. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0019] Some embodiments may include a display device that can be characterized as semi-transparent. This type of display device may include a display surface, a light path, and / or other components. The display surface may be an area where visual information is displayed to the user. A primary light source may serve as the main light source illuminating the display surface. The primary light source may include ambient light and / or other light sources. The light path may be designed to modulate light emitted from the primary light source and direct this modulated light toward the display surface. Modulation of light may involve changing light properties such as intensity or direction. Guiding the modulated light toward the display surface may direct the light along a specific path to reach the display surface. In this process, visual information may be generated on the display surface. The visual information may be any data or images that the user needs to view on the display surface.
[0020] The optical path of such an embodiment may include a reflective spatial light modulator. This 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 main light source on the modulation surface. The light received on the modulation surface may be modulated light that is reflected toward the display surface. The received light may then be spatially modulated by selectively reflecting light at individually addressable locations on the modulation surface along the optical path toward the display surface. Spatial modulation may include changing the properties of light at different locations on the modulation surface. Selectively reflecting light may include controlling which parts of the light are reflected and which parts are not.
[0021] A reflective spatial light modulator can be designed to transmit at least partially the light received from the rear. This means that light transmitted through the rear can be introduced into an optical path and directed toward the display surface. The light transmitted through the rear can be additional light used to enhance the brightness or color of the display. This light can be combined with light emitted from a primary light source that is selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator at the modulation surface. Combining these two types of light can make the display brighter.
[0022] Certain embodiments may include a set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These LEDs may be designed to emit light directed toward the rear of a reflective spatial light modulator. An LED may be a small electronic device that emits light when current passes through it. The light emitted from the LEDs may be used to enhance the brightness or color of the display. The set of LEDs may include a first group of LEDs emitting white light and a second group of LEDs emitting light of a specific color. The white light may be used to provide a neutral background to the display, and the colored light may be used to add color to the display.
[0023] The relative intensity of the light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group can be configured via a control signal. The control signal may be an electronic signal that controls the operation of the LEDs. Through this, the control signal can indicate the tone of the light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through a reflective spatial light modulator. The tone of the light may refer to a color or brightness that can be adjusted to suit user preferences or display requirements.
[0024] Finally, certain embodiments may include one or more drivers. These drivers may be designed to drive a set of LEDs. The driver may be an electronic device that controls the operation of the LEDs. This allows a control signal to direct the tone of light emitted from the set of LEDs and transmitted through a reflective spatial light modulator. The driver can ensure that the LEDs operate correctly and produce the desired tone of light.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary transflective display device (100) according to some embodiments. The transflective display device (100) may be a device capable of both transmissive and reflective operation. Transmissive operation may include transmitting light through the device, and reflective operation may include reflecting light from the device. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transflective display device (100) may include a display surface (102), a main 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 one or more other components. These components may work together to create a display capable of operating in both transmissive and reflective modes.
[0026] The display surface (102) may be part of a device that displays visual information. This visual information may include text, images, videos, or other types of visual content. The display surface (102) may be made of a material through which light can pass, such as glass or plastic. Glass and plastic are materials frequently used 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 vary depending on the specific application of the transmissive display device (100).
[0027] The main light source (104) may include ambient light and / or other light sources.
[0028] The optical path (106) may be a path through which light received from the main light source (104) travels to the display surface (102) within the transflective display device (100). This path may ensure that the light reaches the display surface (102) in a desired manner. The optical path (106) may be a physical path, such as a fiber optic cable, or a path defined by the alignment of components within the transflective display device (100). A fiber optic cable is a type of cable capable of transmitting 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 main light source (104) to the display surface (102). The shape and length of the optical path (106) may be determined by the design of the transflective display device (100).
[0029] A 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 a display surface (102). The reflective spatial light modulator (108) may have a modulation surface and a rear surface opposite the modulation surface. The modulation surface may be a surface that interacts with light from a main light source (104). The reflective spatial light modulator (108) may be configured to receive light emitted from a first light source (104) on the modulation surface and to spatially modulate the received light by selectively reflecting the light toward the display surface (102) at individually addressable locations on the modulation surface along the light path (106). 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 excellent efficiency and lifespan. The LED set (110) may include a first group of LEDs emitting white light (or other colors) and a second group of LEDs emitting light of a first color that may be different from the color emitted by the first group of LEDs. Using LEDs of various colors allows a wider range of colors to be displayed on the display surface (102). The LED set (110) may be configured to emit light directed toward the rear 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 intensity and color. One or more drivers (112) may be configured to control the intensity of light emitted by the LED set (110). The intensity of the light may be adjusted to produce a desired level of brightness on the display surface (102). One or more drivers (112) may receive a control signal indicating the tone of light emitted by the LED set (110) and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator (108). This control signal may be generated by a controller (not shown) that is part of the transflective display device (100).
[0032] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate an exemplary arrangement (200) of a set of LEDs for providing a backlight to a transflective display device, which facilitates an adjustable tone of visual information displayed on the transflective display device according to some embodiments. Such an arrangement (200) may be designed to provide a specific type of backlight to the display device. An adjustable tone of visual information may mean the ability to adjust the color and intensity of light emitted from the LEDs.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the array (200) may include a reflective spatial light modulator (204), an LED set (206), a first LED group (208), a second LED group (210), one or more drivers (212) and / or one or more other components. The LED set (206) may be configured to emit light toward the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator (204). This configuration ensures that the light emitted from the LED set (206) reaches the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator (204).
[0034] The LED (206) set 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 can be used to provide a neutral backlight to the display device. The second group of LEDs (210) may emit light having a first color. This colored light can be used to provide a specific tone to the visual information displayed on the display device.
[0035] The LED set (206) can be arranged in a rectangle. Along the sides of the rectangle, individual LEDs of the first LED group (208) can be alternately placed with individual LEDs of the second LED group (210). This arrangement allows light to be distributed evenly across the entire display surface. Individual LEDs of the second LED group (210) arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven to emit light with a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs of the second LED group (210) arranged along the sides of the rectangle, so that the tone of light from the LED set (206) transmitted to the display surface can provide uniformity across the entire display surface. Individual LEDs of the second LED group (210) arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle can emit a combination of white light and a first color light. Combining white light and a first color light can help maintain a constant brightness between the area at or near the corners of the rectangle and the sides of the rectangle.
[0036] The LEDs of the second LED group (210) arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle can be driven together. The LEDs of the LED set (206) arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle can be driven separately from the LEDs of the second LED group (210) arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle. This driving arrangement allows for more precise control of the intensity and tone of the light emitted from the LED set (206). The LEDs of the first LED group (208) are driven together. This driving arrangement can ensure that the white light transmitted from 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 serve to control the operation of the LED set (206). One or more drivers (212) may control the relative intensity of light emitted from the first LED group (208) and the second LED group (210) according to a control signal. Through this control signal, the intensity of the light emitted from the two LED groups can be adjusted. This facilitates a control signal that indicates the tone of light emitted from the LED set (206) and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator (204). Through this indication of tone, the color and intensity of the light reaching the display surface of the display device can be adjusted.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the array (200) may include a third LED set (214) and / or other components. The third LED set (214) may be placed at or near the corners of the rectangle. Individual LEDs of the third LED set (214) may emit a combination of white light and a first color light. Combining white light and a first color light may help maintain a constant brightness between the area at or near the corners of the rectangle and the sides of the rectangle.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a method in which individual LEDs of a dual-color LED set providing backlight to a transflective display device (300) according to some embodiments are driven independently of other LEDs of the dual-color LED set to provide uniformity of backlight color on the display surface of the transflective display device. In FIG. 3, the transflective display device (300) is illustrated with a dual-color LED set (302) capable of providing backlight, specifically amber and white. The LEDs included in the LED set (302) may be arranged into two individual chains (304). Each chain (304) may be independently addressable and driven individually. This allows each LED of the LED set (302) to be individually adjusted in terms of tone as well as brightness, thereby enabling high control over the color mixing of the backlight.
[0040] FIG. 3 also illustrates the arrangement of a smaller array of color-specific LEDs (306) at the corners and edges of a transflective display device (300). This arrangement can be designed to achieve uniformity between colors across the entire display surface (308). The LEDs (302) can be distributed in a specific pattern to maintain this uniformity, as shown in the drawing.
[0041] Additionally, FIG. 3 shows how the LED (302) is dynamically adjusted according to sensor input to the sensor (310). The sensor (310) may include an ambient light sensor and an RGB sensor, which can provide data on ambient light conditions. This data can be used in a dynamic loop to select amber and white brightness levels for each LED of the LED set (302). FIG. 3 also shows how accelerometer data recorded by the accelerometer (314) can be used to adjust the LED brightness to fit the possible viewing angle of the transflective display device (300).
[0042] Additionally, FIG. 3 shows that DC (direct current) dimming (316) is used to control the brightness of the LED (302). This allows for precise control of the brightness level of each LED (302), which can further contribute to the uniformity of the backlight.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a method (400) for providing a backlight to a transflective display device, according to some embodiments, so that a user can easily control the tone of visual information displayed on the display surface of the transflective display device. For the purposes of explanation, the steps of the method (400) are described herein as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, several steps of the method (400) may proceed in parallel.
[0044] In step 402, the method begins by receiving user input to adjust the relative intensity of light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group. This user input can be adjusted manually by the user or automatically based on environmental conditions or user preferences.
[0046] In step 404, a control signal is generated based on user input. This control signal is designed to adjust the relative intensity of light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group.
[0047] In step 406, the control signal is transmitted to one or more drivers. These drivers are responsible for changing the tone of the light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator by adjusting the relative intensity of the light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group.
[0048] In step 408, light emitted from the LED set is directed toward the back of the reflective spatial light modulator. Then, this light is spatially modulated in step 410 by selectively reflecting light at individually addressable locations on the modulation plane along the light path toward the display surface.
[0049] In step 412, light received from the back of the reflective spatial light modulator is transmitted through the back and introduced into the light path. This causes light emitted from the main light source and selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator from the modulation plane to be directed toward the display surface. As a result, visual information is displayed in a tone controlled by the user.
[0050] Although the present technology has been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and desirable embodiment, it should be understood that such details are for such purposes only and the present technology is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to include variations and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is understood that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
[0051] According to this application, a transflective display device comprises: a display surface; and a light path configured to generate a display of visual information on the display surface by spatially modulating light emitted from a main light source and directing said spatially modulated light toward the display surface, wherein the light path comprises a reflective spatial light modulator having a modulation surface and a rear surface opposite the modulation surface; wherein the reflective spatial light modulator is configured to receive light from the main light source on the modulation surface and to spatially modulate said received light by selectively reflecting said light at an individually addressable location on the modulation surface toward the display surface along the light path, and wherein the reflective spatial light modulator is further configured to transmit at least partially said received light at the rear surface such that the light transmitted through said rear surface is introduced into the light path and combined with the light of said main light source and the light selectively reflected by said reflective spatial light modulator on the modulation surface, and said combined light becomes brighter than the light of said main light source and the light selectively reflected by said reflective spatial light modulator on the modulation surface. A transflective display device is disclosed comprising: an LED set configured to emit light directed toward the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator, wherein the LED set includes a first LED group emitting white light and a second LED group emitting light having a first color; and one or more drivers configured to drive the LED set, wherein the relative intensity of the light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group can be configured via a control signal, thereby facilitating the control signal to indicate the tone of the light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator.
[0052] The tone of light emitted from the above LED set and transmitted through the above reflective spatial light modulator can affect the display tone of the visual information generated on the display surface.
[0053] The first color mentioned above may be amber.
[0054] Adjusting the tone of light emitted from the above LED set may not affect the tone of light emitted from the above main light source.
[0055] The above LED set is arranged in a rectangle, and individual LEDs of the first LED group may be alternately placed along the sides of the rectangle with individual LEDs of the second LED group.
[0056] The individual LEDs of the second LED group arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven to emit light with a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the sides of the rectangle, so that the tone of the light of the LED set transmitted to the display surface can provide uniformity across the entire display surface.
[0057] The LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle are driven together, and the LEDs of the LED set arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle can be driven separately from the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle.
[0058] The LEDs of the first LED group can be driven together.
[0059] It may further include a user interface configured to receive user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light emitted from the LED set and to generate the control signal indicating the tone of light emitted from the LED set according to the received user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light.
[0060] The above-described reflective spatial light modulator can be configured so that the display of visual information displayed on the display surface is monochromatic.
[0061] The above reflective spatial light modulator may be a translucent liquid crystal device.
[0062] A method for using the aforementioned transflective display device comprises: receiving user input and adjusting the relative intensity of the light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group; generating a control signal according to the user input; transmitting the control signal to one or more drivers to adjust the relative intensity of the light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group, thereby changing the tone of the light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator; directing the light emitted from the LED set toward the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator; and selectively reflecting the light at individually addressable locations on the modulation surface along the light path toward the display surface to spatially modulate the light received on the modulation surface of the reflective spatial light modulator. A method is disclosed comprising the step of transmitting light received from the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator through the rear and introducing it into the light path toward the display surface to combine the light of the main light source and the light selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator on the modulation surface, and configuring the combined light to become brighter than the light of the main light source and the light selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator on the modulation surface.
[0063] The tone of light emitted from the above LED set and transmitted through the above reflective spatial light modulator can affect the display tone of the visual information generated on the display surface.
[0064] The first color mentioned above may be amber.
[0065] Adjusting the tone of light emitted from the above LED set may not affect the tone of light of the above main light source.
[0066] The above LED set is arranged in a rectangle, and individual LEDs of the first LED group may be alternately placed along the sides of the rectangle with individual LEDs of the second LED group.
[0067] The individual LEDs of the second LED group arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven to emit light with a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the sides of the rectangle, so that the tone of the light of the LED set transmitted to the display surface can provide uniformity across the entire display surface.
[0068] The LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle are driven together, and the LEDs of the LED set arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle can be driven separately from the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle.
[0069] The LEDs of the first LED group are driven together, and the reflective spatial light modulator is configured so that the display of visual information displayed on the display surface is monochromatic, and the reflective spatial light modulator may be a transflective liquid crystal device.
[0070] The method may further include the step of receiving user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light emitted from the LED set and generating the control signal indicating the tone of light emitted from the LED set according to the received user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light.
Claims
Claim 1 A transflective display device comprising: a display surface; and a light path configured to generate a display of visual information on the display surface by spatially modulating light emitted from a main light source and directing said spatially modulated light toward the display surface, wherein the light path comprises a reflective spatial light modulator having a modulation surface and a rear surface opposite the modulation surface; wherein the reflective spatial light modulator is configured to receive light from the main light source on the modulation surface and to spatially modulate said light by selectively reflecting said light at an individually addressable location on the modulation surface along the light path toward the display surface, and wherein the reflective spatial light modulator is further configured to transmit at least partially said light received on said rear surface so that the light transmitted through said rear surface is introduced into said light path toward the display surface and combined with the light of the main light source and the light selectively reflected by said reflective spatial light modulator on said modulation surface; and a set of LEDs configured to emit colored light directed toward said rear surface of said reflective spatial light modulator and transmitted through said reflective spatial light modulator. Claim 2 A transflective display device according to claim 1, wherein the tone of light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator affects the display tone of visual information generated on the display surface. Claim 3 In claim 1, the LED set is a transmissive display device comprising a first LED group emitting white light and a second LED group emitting light having a first color. Claim 4 A transflective display device according to claim 3, wherein the light path is configured to drive the LED set, and the relative intensity of the light emitted from the first LED group and the second LED group can be configured through a control signal, thereby facilitating the control signal to indicate the tone of the light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator. Claim 5 A transmissive display device according to claim 1, wherein the LED set is arranged in a rectangle, and the individual LEDs of the first LED group are alternately arranged with the individual LEDs of the second LED group along the sides of the rectangle. Claim 6 A transmissive display device according to claim 5, wherein individual LEDs of the second LED group arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven to emit light with a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the sides of the rectangle, so that the tone of light of the LED set transmitted to the display surface is uniform across the entire display surface. Claim 7 A transmissive display device according to claim 6, wherein the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle are driven together, and the LEDs of the LED set arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven separately from the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle. Claim 8 In paragraph 5, the LEDs of the first LED group are a transflective display device driven together. Claim 9 A transflective display device according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to receive user input and / or selection regarding a tone of light emitted from the LED set and to generate a control signal indicating a tone of light emitted from the LED set according to the received user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light. Claim 10 In claim 1, the reflective spatial light modulator is a transmissive display device configured such that the display of visual information displayed on the display surface is monochromatic. Claim 11 In claim 1, the reflective spatial light modulator is a semi-transparent display device that is a semi-transparent liquid crystal device. Claim 12 A method of using a transflective display device of claim 1, comprising: receiving user input and adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the LED set; generating a control signal according to the user input; transmitting the control signal to one or more drivers to adjust the intensity of light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator; directing the light emitted from the LED set toward the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator; selectively reflecting the light at individually addressable locations on the modulation surface along the light path toward the display surface to spatially modulate the light received at the modulation surface of the reflective spatial light modulator; and transmitting the light received at the rear of the reflective spatial light modulator through the rear and introducing it into the light path toward the display surface to combine the light of the main light source and the light selectively reflected by the reflective spatial light modulator at the modulation surface. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, a method in which the tone of light emitted from the LED set and transmitted through the reflective spatial light modulator affects the display tone of visual information generated on the display surface. Claim 14 In paragraph 12, the method in which the first color is amber. Claim 15 In paragraph 12, a method of adjusting the tone of light emitted from the LED set that does not affect the tone of light of the main light source. Claim 16 In claim 12, the LED set is arranged in a rectangle, and the individual LEDs of the first LED group are alternately arranged with the individual LEDs of the second LED group along the sides of the rectangle. Claim 17 In claim 16, the individual LEDs of the second LED group arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven to emit light with a relatively higher intensity than the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the sides of the rectangle, so that the tone of the light of the LED set transmitted to the display surface is uniform across the entire display surface. Claim 18 A method according to claim 17 in which the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle are driven together, and the LEDs of the LED set arranged at or near the corners of the rectangle are driven separately from the LEDs of the second LED group arranged along the individual sides of the rectangle. Claim 19 In claim 16, the LEDs of the first LED group are driven together, the reflective spatial light modulator is configured such that the display of visual information displayed on the display surface is monochromatic, and the reflective spatial light modulator is a transmissive liquid crystal device. Claim 20 A method according to claim 12 further comprising the step of receiving user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light emitted from the LED set and generating the control signal indicating the tone of light emitted from the LED set according to the received user input and / or selection regarding the tone of light.