Indicium Illumination Using Embedded Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LEDs are limited in their ability to illuminate indicia on devices like laptop lids or mobile devices without increasing thickness or battery drain, as they require additional lighting elements or keeping the backlight on, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing thin edge-lighting or surface-mounted light-generating sources, such as unpackaged LEDs or dLEDs, that can illuminate indicia independently of the device's display state, using techniques like edge-lighting or surface-mounted configurations to provide continuous illumination without adding thickness or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional LEDs are used to illuminate indicia independently, then continuous illumination is achieved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indicium and light-generating source into a single integrated component. The indicium itself contains or is coupled with light-generating sources (such as LEDs or electroluminescent materials), eliminating the need for separate lighting elements and reducing overall device thickness while maintaining continuous illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-generating sources are nested within or behind the indicium structure. The indicium acts as a housing or mounting structure for the light sources, allowing the lighting function to be embedded within the existing indicium footprint without adding external thickness.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If additional lighting elements are added to illuminate indicia, then continuous illumination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicium with the light-generating source into a single functional unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate control circuits, mounting structures, and alignment mechanisms that would be required for independent lighting elements, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicium serves multiple functions: it acts as both the visual indicator element and the housing/mounting structure for the light-generating source. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the lighting system.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If backlight is kept on to illuminate indicia, then continuous illumination is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting function from the display backlight system. Independent light-generating sources are used specifically for indicium illumination, allowing this function to operate separately from the main display backlight. This enables selective illumination of only the indicium elements rather than the entire display backlight.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-generating sources can be activated periodically or on-demand based on specific conditions (such as device state changes or user interaction), rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability for continuous illumination when needed.
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 continuous illumination of indicia on devices without increasing thickness or power consumption, allowing for enhanced functionality and user interaction even when the display is off or in hibernate mode.
Implementation Method 1
Light-emitting diode (LED) technology provides a lighting means that consumes less energy and is more physically robust, smaller, faster-switching, and longer lasting than previous lighting elements
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising a housing having a front and a back; a component embedded within the front or the back of the housing; and an array of light-generating sources (LGSs) deposited on a substrate disposed in the housing, the array of LGSs being disposed adjacent at least a portion of the component of the electronic device.