Optical Array Passages for Backlit Illumination Through Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices are inefficient for general illumination applications, as they typically have a Lambertian output distribution that does not provide sufficient white light intensity and coverage area, and existing solutions fail to combine effective lighting and display functionalities in a single apparatus that meets both lighting and display requirements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a general illumination light source, an optical coupling, and an optical array with optical passages to direct and shape the illumination light, while also allowing for the presentation of an image through additional light emitters, ensuring efficient light distribution and image display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a display device is used for general illumination, then the device can provide variable lighting and image output, but the Lambertian output distribution does not provide sufficient white light intensity and coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into multiple independent light emitting elements (LEDs) that can be individually controlled. This allows different regions of the display to emit different colors and intensities, enabling the device to provide both image output and optimized illumination distribution simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the display device are assigned different functions - some regions are optimized for image output while others are optimized for illumination. The device can locally adjust the output characteristics of individual light emitting elements to provide Lambertian distribution for illumination applications while maintaining image quality where needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If a display device is used for general illumination, then the device can provide variable lighting, but the Lambertian output distribution does not provide sufficient coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into multiple independently controllable light emitting elements arranged across the display surface. This segmentation allows the illumination to be distributed over a larger area while maintaining control over the overall light output for variable lighting applications
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a single-plane illumination source to a three-dimensional light distribution system by utilizing the depth and arrangement of multiple light emitting elements, enabling broader coverage area while maintaining illumination intensity
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LCD displays are used for lighting, then the display can show images, but the backlight efficiency is low requiring almost ten times the light amount
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the backlight function from the LCD display structure and replaces it with direct light emitting elements (LEDs) that can be controlled to provide both illumination and image output. This eliminates the need for inefficient backlights while maintaining image display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting elements serve dual functions - they can operate as a backlight for LCD displays or directly as illumination sources for lighting applications. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide both image display and efficient lighting without requiring separate backlight systems
4Area of stationary object
If projection displays are used for large area and high brightness, then the display can cover large areas, but the color quality and light distribution are not sufficient for general lighting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The display device uses multiple independently controllable light emitting elements arranged in a matrix pattern. This segmentation allows precise control over color and intensity at each position, enabling the device to provide both large area coverage and high color quality suitable for general lighting applications
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 configuration achieves a high efficiency in general illumination lighting that meets industry standards, while simultaneously enabling the presentation of an image, thereby addressing the inefficiencies of conventional display devices in lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
a general illumination light source, an optical coupling and an optical array. The general illumination light source is configured to emit general illumination light for illuminating a space
Implementation Method 2
The optical coupling is configured to receive the general illumination light emitted by the light source and to direct general illumination light emitted by the light source toward a light output interface of the optical coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The examples relate to implementations of an apparatus and a luminaire that use isolated display and lighting portions and optical passages for backlit general illumination through the display. The apparatus includes a general illumination light source, an optical coupling, and an optical array. A luminaire includes the apparatus and a display light board. The display light board may include display light emitters and transparent regions. The transparent regions enable general illumination light to pass through the display light board. The general illumination light source outputs general illumination light that is directed by the optical coupling toward the optical array. The optical array has optical passages and optical array supports. The optical array supports frame the display light emitters and the optical passages channel the directed general illumination light from the optical coupling around display light emitters framed near the optical array supports. Near-field shadow regions are formed under the display light emitters.