Reflector Layer for Backlight Recycling in LCDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal displays suffer from low backlight efficiency due to the absorption of light by the black matrix, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life in battery-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflector layer between the black matrix and the backlight unit, with openings aligned to the color filter elements, to recycle and reflect back the absorbed light, thereby enhancing backlight efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a black matrix is used to block stray light and hide signal lines, then color mixing between pixels and signal line visibility are reduced, but backlight efficiency deteriorates due to light absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light absorption function of the black matrix into a beneficial light reflection function by replacing the black matrix with a reflector layer. The reflector layer reflects stray light that would otherwise be absorbed, converting it into useful backlight illumination, thereby improving backlight efficiency while maintaining the ability to block stray light between pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflector layer as an intermediary component between the backlight unit and the color filter layer. This reflector layer mediates the interaction between backlight and the display structure, reflecting light that would otherwise be lost to the black matrix, thereby improving overall light utilization without compromising the black matrix's stray light blocking function.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If backlight efficiency is improved by recycling light, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional reflector layer
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector layer is designed to serve multiple functions: it reflects stray light to improve backlight efficiency, maintains the structural integrity of the display, and works in conjunction with the existing black matrix and color filter layers. By making the reflector layer multi-functional, the patent reduces power consumption without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the reflector layer's optical parameters (reflectivity, wavelength range) and physical parameters (thickness, position) to achieve maximum light recycling efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent improves backlight efficiency while minimizing the additional complexity introduced by the reflector layer.
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 reflector layer effectively recycles the absorbed light, improving backlight efficiency and reducing power consumption by ensuring that more light is utilized for illumination, thus extending battery life in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
Other backlight may by be recycled by being reflected off of the reflector layer towards the backlight unit, thereby enhancing backlight efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A display may have an array of pixels. The pixels may have color filter elements such as red, green, and blue color filter elements. A layer of opaque material may be used to form a black matrix. The black matrix may have openings that receive the color filter elements. A backlight unit may produce backlight illumination for the display. A reflector layer may be interposed between the black matrix and the backlight unit. The reflector layer may have openings aligned with the openings in the black matrix and the color filter elements and may overlap the black matrix. Some of the backlight from the backlight unit may pass through the color filter elements. Other backlight may by be recycled by being reflected off of the reflector layer, thereby enhancing backlight efficiency.