Opaque Layer Absorbs Reflected Light in Edge-Lit Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional edge-lit reflective displays suffer from poor light uniformity and a glowing effect around the edges due to light reflection off the cover glass, which is distracting in low-light environments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an opaque layer, such as a black-ink or aluminum layer, adjacent to the cover glass to absorb or block reflected light, preventing it from reaching the top surface and reducing edge glow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If edge-lit reflective display is used, then display brightness is improved, but light uniformity deteriorates due to glowing effect around edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay brightnessVSAvoidlight uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful reflected light from the display system by introducing an opaque layer that selectively blocks light reflections at the edges, separating the useful display brightness function from the harmful edge glow effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful reflected light that causes edge glow into a beneficial effect by using the same light paths and reflecting surfaces, but with an opaque layer that redirects the reflected light to illuminate the display content rather than creating distracting edge effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Manufacturing precision

If opaque layer is added to block reflected light, then light uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight uniformityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the opaque layer with existing display components such as the cover glass or bezel structure, combining the light-blocking function with structural elements that already exist in the display assembly, thereby minimizing additional complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The opaque layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks reflected light to prevent edge glow, provides structural support, and can be integrated with touch-sensitive surfaces or display bezels, making the additional component versatile and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 opaque layer enhances user experience by eliminating dim spots and providing a uniformly bright display without distracting edge glows, improving light uniformity and visibility in low-light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating an opaque layer, such as a black-ink or aluminum layer, adjacent to the cover glass to absorb or block reflected light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9927650B1Display assembly with an opaque layer

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Displays are described. One display having a reflective display, a light guide, and a light guide cover. The light guide is disposed on a top side of the reflective display. The light guide cover is disposed on the light guide. The light guide cover includes: a cover glass disposed above the light guide; an opaque layer, disposed above the cover glass and around an edge of the reflective display that absorbs light reflected off the reflective display; and a white ink layer disposed above the opaque layer.