Waveguide Illumination With Light-Input Wells for HDR Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems, such as backlights for displays and environmental lighting, face challenges in achieving high dynamic range, privacy, and efficient light distribution with reduced thickness and complexity, while maintaining uniformity and security against off-axis snooping.
Innovation Solution
An illumination apparatus comprising a waveguide with light input and deflecting wells, light extraction features, and a light turning arrangement, which efficiently directs and extracts light to provide high dynamic range, privacy, and uniform illumination with reduced thickness and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple optical components are used to achieve high efficiency illumination, then illumination efficiency is improved, but device thickness increases to 1mm or greater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light guiding, light extraction, light turning, and privacy control) into a single integrated waveguide component. The waveguide incorporates surface features for light extraction, turning films for light redirection, and privacy control layers, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing overall thickness to below 1mm while maintaining high illumination efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs light guiding from edge-mounted LEDs, light extraction through surface features, light turning via turning films, and privacy control through switchable layers. This universal design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into one thin integrated structure
2Length of stationary object
If edge illuminated light guide plate is used, then thickness is reduced and efficiency is improved, but it cannot provide two-dimensional local dimming for HDR-LCD illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waveguide into multiple independently controllable regions corresponding to different LED input zones. Each region can be individually controlled to provide local dimming, enabling two-dimensional HDR illumination while maintaining the thin edge-lit structure. The waveguide surface is divided into zones that can be independently activated or dimmed based on image requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If switchable polarisation control layers are added to provide privacy function, then privacy capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is designed to integrate privacy control functionality directly into its structure through switchable polarisation control layers that are part of the waveguide assembly. This allows the same waveguide component to simultaneously provide illumination, light distribution, and switchable privacy control, reducing overall system complexity compared to adding separate privacy layers to traditional backlight designs
4Adaptability or versatility
If array of packaged LEDs with individual optics is used, then local dimming capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and alignment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical functions previously requiring individual packaged LEDs with separate optics into a single edge-lit waveguide structure. The waveguide itself performs light distribution and local dimming through its surface features and regional control, eliminating the need for complex pick-and-place LED assembly and individual optics alignment while maintaining two-dimensional local dimming capability
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 apparatus achieves high efficiency, uniformity, and reduced power consumption, with enhanced privacy and security features, suitable for displays and environmental lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide extending over the predetermined area, the waveguide comprising front and rear light guiding surfaces for guiding light along the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the light deflecting surface being arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light that is incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A directional illumination apparatus includes a waveguide and an array of light emitting diodes arrayed across an area behind the waveguide, where the waveguide includes a front light guiding surface, and a rear light guiding surface including an array of light input wells arranged in the waveguide to reflect guided light in the region around each light emitting diode. Light is guided in the waveguide using total internal reflection and extracted from the waveguide by light extraction features. A directional illumination output may be provided. A backlight for a high dynamic range display may achieve high efficiency and luminance. A privacy display with high security factor and high dynamic range may be achieved.