Microperforated Display Element With Microlenses for Low-Power Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual display elements in electronic devices often compromise aesthetic appeal and power efficiency due to inadequate lighting, with inactive elements remaining visible and power drainage being a concern, especially when using battery power.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of microperforated base layers with aligned concave microlenses in a light guide system that directs light through miniature holes, allowing for efficient light transmission while minimizing power consumption and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional backlighting is used to illuminate display elements, then sufficient light transmission is achieved, but power consumption increases and inactive elements remain visible
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer incorporates microperforations (small holes) that allow light to pass through selectively. This porous structure enables the display element to transmit sufficient light for visibility while maintaining the ability to block light when inactive, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display element uses a light guide with varying optical properties in different regions. The light guide directs light preferentially toward active display areas while minimizing light transmission to inactive areas, achieving local optimization of both illumination and power efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If larger light sources are used to improve visibility, then adequate lighting is achieved, but device space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is segmented into multiple small light sources distributed across the display element, rather than using a single large light source. This segmentation allows for more efficient space utilization while maintaining adequate illumination through the microperforated base layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional light source plane to a three-dimensional light distribution system using the light guide and microperforations. This dimensional change allows light to be directed efficiently through the thickness of the display element, improving visibility without increasing the planar footprint.
3Illumination intensity
If uniform lighting is provided across the entire display, then readability is improved, but inactive elements remain perceptible
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed to provide non-uniform lighting distribution, directing light preferentially toward active display elements while minimizing illumination of inactive elements. This local quality differentiation ensures that readable elements are well-lit while inactive elements remain imperceptible, preventing loss of display state information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that respond to the active/inactive state of display elements, dynamically adjusting light distribution through the light guide and microperforations. This feedback-based control ensures that light is directed only where needed, maintaining readability while preserving display state clarity.
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 enhances the aesthetic appeal of visual display elements by providing sufficient light while conserving power and space, ensuring efficient light transmission and reducing the visibility of inactive elements.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide may be positioned adjacent the microperforated base layer and include one or more concave microlenses that are aligned with the one or more microperforations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and aparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. A visual display element may include a base layer defining one or more microperforations and a light guide coupled to a light source. The light guide may be positioned adjacent the base layer and include one or more microlenses in alignment with the one or more microperforations along at least one vertical axis.