Optical Patterned Light Source Module to Minimize Backlight Dark Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Direct-type backlight modules in non-self-luminous displays suffer from reflective dark spots and non-uniform light emission due to the arrangement of reflective members or structures, which affects the overall light uniformity, especially in ultra-thin designs.

Innovation Solution

A light source module with an optical pattern that includes partial penetration and reflection characteristics, featuring active zones with varying transmittances and reflective particles, embedded within an encapsulation structure to enhance light uniformity and adjust light patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a reflective member or reflective structure is arranged in the encapsulation layer to enhance light extraction efficiency, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but reflective dark spots are generated in the overlapping zone with the light emitting device, deteriorating light uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidlight uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the optical properties of the encapsulation layer in different regions. The first region (overlapping with light emitting device) has different reflective/transmissive characteristics compared to the second region (non-overlapping). This is achieved by selectively positioning reflective members or adjusting the encapsulation layer structure in specific zones, allowing optimal light extraction in non-overlapping areas while preventing dark spots in overlapping areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation layer is segmented into functionally distinct regions: a first region corresponding to the overlapping zone with the light emitting device, and a second region corresponding to non-overlapping zones. This segmentation allows independent optimization of optical properties in each region, enabling the reflective structure to enhance extraction efficiency in the second region while the first region maintains uniform light emission without dark spots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the encapsulation layer is designed to be ultra-thin (optical distance less than 10 mm) to reduce module thickness, then module thickness is reduced, but light uniformity deteriorates due to insufficient light diffusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule thicknessVSAvoidlight uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating regional differences in the encapsulation layer's optical properties. In the ultra-thin encapsulation layer, specific regions are designed with different characteristics - the first region (overlapping zone) and second region (non-overlapping zone) have differentiated structures or materials that compensate for the reduced thickness, ensuring adequate light diffusion and uniformity despite the overall thin profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the optical properties (refractive index, thickness, material composition) of different regions within the encapsulation layer. These parameter adjustments in specific zones enable the ultra-thin encapsulation layer to maintain sufficient light diffusion capability and uniformity, overcoming the limitations imposed by reduced overall thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution effectively minimizes dark zones and improves light output uniformity by optimizing light distribution through adjustable transmittance and reflection, enhancing the light-emitting performance of ultra-thin backlight modules.

Implementation Method 1

The optical pattern has characteristics of partial penetration and partial reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The optical pattern has characteristics of partial penetration and partial reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

The optical pattern is provided with a plurality of reflective particles in the first active zone and the second active zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4418039B1Light source module
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 EOSOPTO TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4418039B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4418039B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4418039B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A light source module (10) includes a substrate (100), a light emitting device (120), an encapsulation structure (140), and an optical pattern (160). The light emitting device (120) is disposed on a surface (100s) of the substrate (100). The encapsulation structure (140) is disposed on the surface (100s) of the substrate (100) and covers the light emitting device (120). The optical pattern (160) is covered by the encapsulation structure (140) and overlaps the light emitting device (120). The optical pattern (160) has characteristics of partial penetration and partial reflection and is provided with a first active zone (AZ1) and a second active zone (AZ2). The first active zone (AZ1) and the second active zone (AZ2) are arranged in a direction parallel to the surface (100s) of the substrate (100). The first active zone (AZ1) and the second active zone (AZ2) of the optical pattern (160) respectively has a first transmittance and a second transmittance, and the first transmittance is different from the second transmittance.