Backlight Module With Segmented Light Guide Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex internal structures in displays can affect image uniformity as they adapt to varied image presentation methods, leading to non-uniform brightness in liquid crystal display panels.

Innovation Solution

A backlight module comprising a light guide panel with light-guiding patterns of gradually changing pitches, combined with independently controlled first and second light sources, allowing for both partial and full-screen display modes with uniform brightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex internal structures are added to support varied image presentation methods, then display functionality is improved, but image uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidimage uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The backlight module is divided into multiple independently controllable light source regions (first light source and second light source) that can be selectively activated. The light guide panel is segmented with different light-guiding pattern densities in different regions, allowing independent control of illumination in different display zones, thus supporting varied display functionalities while maintaining uniformity in each zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the light guide panel are equipped with light-guiding patterns of different densities - higher density in regions receiving light from the first light source and lower density in regions receiving light from the second light source. This local differentiation optimizes light extraction efficiency in each region, ensuring uniform brightness distribution across the entire display area despite the complex internal structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If light-guiding patterns with gradually changing pitches are used, then brightness uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pitch of light-guiding patterns is gradually changed from one region to another within the light guide panel. Specifically, the pitch decreases from the first end toward the second end in the first region, and decreases from the second end toward the first end in the second region. This gradual parameter change compensates for the non-uniform light distribution from edge-mounted LED light sources, achieving uniform brightness across the display area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independently controlled light sources are used, then display mode versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay mode versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backlight module with multiple independently controllable light sources and regionally differentiated light-guiding patterns can support multiple display modes including full-screen display, partial display, and asymmetric display configurations. The same structural design achieves multiple functions without requiring separate backlight modules for different display modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables uniform brightness in both partial and full-screen display modes by adjusting the density and pitch of light-guiding patterns in response to the light sources' illumination, accommodating diverse display configurations and reducing manufacturing costs through the use of LEDs with different specifications.

Implementation Method 1

The light guide panel has a plurality of light-guiding patterns, arranged on either the bottom surface or the light-emitting surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The light guide panel has a plurality of light-guiding patterns, disposed on a bottom surface of the light guide panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10564343B2Backlight module

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 AU OPTRONICS (XIAMEN) CORP

AI summary

A backlight module includes a light guide panel, and first and second light sources. The light guide panel has a light-emitting surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other. Two adjacent sides of the bottom surface are respectively connected to a first light-incident surface, and a second light-incident surface. The first and second light sources are disposed adjacent to the first and second light-incident surfaces, respectively. Light-guiding patterns are arranged on the bottom surface or the light-emitting surface. Any adjacent two of the light-guiding patterns have a first pitch in a first direction and a second pitch in a second direction, respectively. The first pitch is decreased gradually from a position near the first light-incident surface toward a position far from the first light-incident surface. The second pitch is decreased gradually from a position near the second light-incident surface toward a position far from the second light-incident surface.