Segmented Edge-Lit Backlight Assembly for Selective Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge-lit backlight assemblies for displays fail to provide selective backlighting, as light from activated LEDs propagates through the entire light guide, backlighting undesired portions of the display, which is inefficient in terms of power consumption and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a segmented light guide with optically isolated segments, where a first segment backlights a select portion of the display and a second segment backlights the remaining area, using a first LED along the edge of the first segment and multiple LEDs along the edge of the second segment, with the first segment being partially blocked from illuminating the second segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single continuous light guide is used in edge-lit backlight assemblies, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but light from activated LEDs propagates through the entire light guide, causing inability to provide selective backlighting and backlighting undesired portions of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple segments (first light guide segment, second light guide segment) with optical isolation between them. This segmentation allows independent control of backlighting in different display portions, enabling selective backlighting while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly
2Device complexity
If light propagates through the entire light guide, then the backlight assembly structure is simple, but power consumption increases and aesthetics deteriorate due to illumination of unnecessary display areas
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into optically isolated portions, allowing only the necessary segments to be activated based on display content requirements. This reduces power consumption by eliminating light propagation through inactive areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating the entire light guide, only the specific segments corresponding to the displayed content are activated. This partial action approach reduces energy consumption and improves aesthetics by illuminating only the necessary display portions
3Use of energy by moving object
If the light guide is segmented and optically isolated, then selective backlighting is achieved reducing power consumption, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple segments with optical isolation features (gaps, reflective barriers, absorptive materials) between them. This segmentation enables selective backlighting control while managing complexity through modular design that can be integrated into existing display architectures
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 allows for efficient selective backlighting, reducing power consumption and enhancing aesthetics by only illuminating the necessary display areas, while maintaining uniformity and color accuracy, thus addressing the inefficiencies of previous edge-lit backlighting technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide having a first segment and a second segment disposed within a common plane; a first light source disposed along an edge of the first segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the first light source propagates through the first segment
Data Source
AI summary
An edge-lit backlight assembly is provided for backlighting a display. The backlight assembly may include: a light guide having a first segment and a second segment disposed within a common plane; a first light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the first segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode propagates through the first segment; and a second light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the second segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the second light emitting diode propagates through the second segment. The first segment of the light guide is at least partially optically isolated from the second segment such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode is at least partially blocked from propagating through the second segment.