Backlight Unit Light Guide Plate Split Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display technologies face challenges in converting a point light source into a surface light source efficiently, which is essential for achieving high-quality three-dimensional stereoscopic image display without the need for additional holographic or diffractive optical elements, while maintaining light coherence and minimizing the thickness of the backlight unit.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a light guide plate with concentrically arranged split patterns that change the path of light emitted from a point light source, converting it into a surface light source without using separate holographic or diffractive optical elements, thereby maintaining light coherence and reducing the thickness of the backlight unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a point light source is used, then the thickness of the backlight unit is reduced, but the conversion into a surface light source becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of backlight unitVSAvoidefficiency of converting point light source to surface light source
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate is segmented with multiple reflection patterns (first reflection pattern, second reflection pattern, third reflection pattern) that divide and redirect light from the point light source to create a surface light source effect. This segmentation allows efficient light distribution across the display area while maintaining a thin backlight unit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms light propagation from a point source in three-dimensional space into a surface light source by utilizing the light guide plate's structure. The reflection patterns redirect light at different angles and positions, effectively converting a zero-dimensional point source into a two-dimensional surface light source without increasing the backlight unit's thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If additional holographic or diffractive optical elements are used, then three-dimensional stereoscopic image display quality is improved, but the device complexity and thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of three-dimensional stereoscopic image displayVSAvoidnumber of optical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of light guiding, light redistribution, and three-dimensional stereoscopic image display into a single light guide plate structure. The reflection patterns integrated into the light guide plate perform multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate holographic or diffractive optical elements and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide plate serves multiple functions: it guides light from the point light source, redistributes it to create a surface light source effect, and enables three-dimensional stereoscopic image display through its specific reflection patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional holographic or diffractive optical elements are used, then three-dimensional stereoscopic image display quality is improved, but the thickness of the backlight unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of three-dimensional stereoscopic image displayVSAvoidthickness of backlight unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines light guiding and three-dimensional display functions into a single integrated light guide plate structure. The reflection patterns are formed within the light guide plate itself, eliminating the need for additional separate optical elements that would increase the overall thickness of the backlight unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional light distribution methods are used, then light emission uniformity is improved, but light coherence is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of light emissionVSAvoidlight coherence
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate uses segmented reflection patterns that redirect light in controlled segments rather than complete diffusion. This segmentation approach maintains light coherence by avoiding random scattering while still achieving uniform light emission across the display area through the coordinated action of multiple reflection patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution effectively converts a point light source into a surface light source, enhancing the uniformity and efficiency of light emission for three-dimensional stereoscopic displays while minimizing the thickness of the backlight unit and maintaining light coherence.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide plate with concentrically arranged split patterns that change the path of light emitted from a point light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3428519B1Backlight unit and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3428519B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3428519B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3428519B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

A backlight unit includes: a light source unit including a point light source; and a light guide plate disposed on a path of light emitted from the light source unit, where a plurality of split patterns is defined in the light guide plate. The plurality of split patterns transmits a part of the light emitted from the light source unit and reflects a remaining part thereof, and the plurality of split patterns is concentrically arranged on the light guide plate and around the light source unit.