Light Guide Plate Microstructures for Side Light-Leakage Control

The patent applies local quality by creating different microstructure types at different locations on the light guide plate. Convex microstructures are formed on the light incident surface to scatter incoming light, while concave microstructures are formed on the side surfaces to reflect and block leaked light. This location-specific structural differentiation addresses the side light-leakage problem without compromising the thinness of the overall device.

The patent utilizes curvature by forming microstructures with rounded convex and concave surfaces rather than sharp edges. The convex microstructures on the light incident surface have curved tops that scatter light effectively, while the concave microstructures on side surfaces have curved bottoms that reflect light back into the plate. This curvature approach improves light control while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light guide plate surface into distinct functional zones: the light incident surface with convex microstructures and the side surfaces with concave microstructures. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function - light scattering at the incident surface and light blocking at the side surfaces - thereby improving light distribution uniformity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured in one piece.

The microstructures serve multiple functions: the convex microstructures on the light incident surface both scatter light to improve uniformity and reduce direct glare, while the concave microstructures on side surfaces simultaneously block leaked light and maintain the thin profile of the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.