GB2622621A - Backlighting unit, display screen, and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Backlighting unit, display screen, and method of manufacture Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2622621A
GB2622621A GB2213904.2A GB202213904A GB2622621A GB 2622621 A GB2622621 A GB 2622621A GB 202213904 A GB202213904 A GB 202213904A GB 2622621 A GB2622621 A GB 2622621A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
array
mode
light
switchable
backlighting unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2213904.2A
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GB202213904D0 (en
Inventor
Gourlay James
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Design LED Products Ltd
Original Assignee
Design LED Products Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Design LED Products Ltd filed Critical Design LED Products Ltd
Priority to GB2213904.2A priority Critical patent/GB2622621A/en
Publication of GB202213904D0 publication Critical patent/GB202213904D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2023/052219 priority patent/WO2024062212A1/en
Publication of GB2622621A publication Critical patent/GB2622621A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0066Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form characterised by the light source being coupled to the light guide
    • G02B6/0068Arrangements of plural sources, e.g. multi-colour light sources
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/1323Arrangements for providing a switchable viewing angle
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0035Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0035Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/00362-D arrangement of prisms, protrusions, indentations or roughened surfaces
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0035Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/0038Linear indentations or grooves, e.g. arc-shaped grooves or meandering grooves, extending over the full length or width of the light guide
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/133524Light-guides, e.g. fibre-optic bundles, louvered or jalousie light-guides
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133602Direct backlight
    • G02F1/133606Direct backlight including a specially adapted diffusing, scattering or light controlling members
    • G02F1/133607Direct backlight including a specially adapted diffusing, scattering or light controlling members the light controlling member including light directing or refracting elements, e.g. prisms or lenses
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133626Illuminating devices providing two modes of illumination, e.g. day-night
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133626Illuminating devices providing two modes of illumination, e.g. day-night
    • G02F1/133627Projection-direct viewing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09GARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G3/00Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes
    • G09G3/20Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters
    • G09G3/34Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters by control of light from an independent source
    • G09G3/3406Control of illumination source
    • G09G3/342Control of illumination source using several illumination sources separately controlled corresponding to different display panel areas, e.g. along one dimension such as lines
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0015Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/002Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
    • G02B6/0021Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • G02B6/0055Reflecting element, sheet or layer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2203/00Function characteristic
    • G02F2203/62Switchable arrangements whereby the element being usually not switchable

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)

Abstract

A mode-switchable backlighting unit 1a that comprises a first and second array of one or more light sources 2 and 3 and a transparent light guide 4. The transparent light guide 4 comprises an array of extraction features 6 which form a light output surface 5, the extraction features comprising an asymmetric shape, wherein the backlighting unit 1a has: a first mode of operation, corresponding to the first array of light sources 2 illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from the light output surface having a first angle of divergence (fig.2); and a second mode of operation, corresponding to the second array of light sources 3 illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from the light output surface having a second angle of divergence (fig.3), the second angle of divergence being larger than the first angle of divergence. The privacy mode switchable backlight unit 1a allows for at least two different and switchable beam angle distributions to be delivered by a single light-guide backlighting unit.

Description

1 Backlighting Unit, Display Screen, and Method of Manufacture 3 The present invention relates to an active privacy backlight, also termed a mode- 4 switchable backlighting unit, and a display screen.
6 Background to the Invention
8 In the automotive field, there is a need for automotive displays to have a switchable 9 privacy mode for some use experiences, for example, for preventing the driver from being distracted by the content of the display. Such displays preferably have a switchable beam 11 angle, which allows the screen to be viewable or switched to a mode where they are not 12 viewable from certain positions. By way of an example, in one mode the screen may be 13 viewable by the driver and the passenger, but in another mode the screen may be 14 viewable by only the passenger.
16 Displays in the art typically use a two-layer, edge-lit light-guide design. For example, 17 International patent publication number WO 2020185264 describes a mode-switchable 18 backlight comprising a first directional backlight comprising an array of narrow-angle 19 emitters configured to provide narrow-angle emitted light during both a first mode and a 1 second mode; and a second directional backlight comprising an array of bidirectional 2 emitters configured to provide bidirectional emitted light exclusively during the second 3 mode, the bidirectional emitted light having a bifurcated angular extent that is 4 complementary to an angular range of the narrow-angle emitted light. A combination of the narrow-angle emitted light and the bidirectional emitted light during the second mode is 6 configured to provide broad-angle emitted light having an angular range that is a 7 summation of the angular range of the narrow-angle emitted light and the bifurcated 8 angular extent of the bidirectional emitted light.
US patent publication number US 2018259799 describes a display device having a privacy 11 mode and a public mode, which uses a light blocking arrangement (comprising elements 12 formed from a photochromic material) to block laterally directed light in the privacy mode, 13 but not in the public mode.
The displays described in the above documents have significant cost, thickness, and/or 16 power efficiency issues.
18 Summary of the Invention
There is generally a need for an apparatus and method which addresses one or more of 21 the problems identified above.
23 It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a mode-switchable 24 backlighting unit that obviates or at least mitigates one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages of the arrangements known in the art.
27 Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following
28 description.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mode-switchable 31 backlighting unit comprising: 32 a. a first array of one or more light sources; 33 b. a second array of one or more light sources, independent from the first array of one 34 or more light sources; and 1 c. a transparent light guide for guiding light emitted from the first array and second 2 array of light sources, the transparent light guide comprising an array of extraction 3 features which form a light output surface of the mode-switchable backlighting unit, 4 the extraction features comprising an asymmetric shape, wherein the mode-switchable backlighting unit has: 6 a first mode of operation, corresponding to the first array of one or more light 7 sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from the 8 light output surface having a first angle of divergence; and 9 a second mode of operation, corresponding to the second array of one or more light sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from 11 the light output surface having a second angle of divergence, the second angle of 12 divergence being larger than the first angle of divergence.
14 The mode-switchable backlighting unit of the present invention advantageously allows for at least two different and switchable beam angle distributions (i.e. the angle of divergence) 16 to be delivered by a single light-guide backlighting unit. The angle of divergence is 17 preferably quantified by the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the output beam.
19 Compared to arrangements in the art, the backlighting unit of the present invention has a lower cost (because of fewer components and reduced complexity) and easier system 21 integration.
23 Furthermore, the backlighting unit of the present invention is more energy efficient than 24 arrangements in the art. This is because the backlighting unit can have fewer layers; compared to, for example. International patent publication number W02020185264, the 26 number of light guide layers can be reduced from two to one. This yields a higher optical 27 efficiency and thus a lower system power consumption. Additionally, it follows that the 28 backlighting unit of the present invention is advantageously thinner than arrangements in 29 the art.
31 By "independent", in the context of the first array and second array of one or more light 32 sources, it is meant that the second array of one or more light sources can be switched on 33 and off without affecting the first array of one or more light sources, and vice versa. In 34 other words, the first array of one or more light sources can be on while the second array of one or more light sources is off, and vice versa.
2 By "transparent", in the context of the light guide, it is meant that the rate of visible light 3 transmission is more than 80%, and preferably more than 90%, according to the test 4 standard ASTM D-1003 (Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics).
7 The extraction features may comprise a first surface profile and a second surface profile.
8 Light from the first array of one or more light sources may preferably interact substantially 9 with the first surface profile. Light from the second array of one or more light sources may preferably interact substantially with the second surface profile. By "substantially", in this 11 context, is it meant that at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, of light emitted from 12 the one or more lights sources interacts with the surface profile.
14 The first angle of divergence may be less than about 900, or less than about 800, or less than about 70°, or less than about 60°, or about 40°.
17 The second angle of divergence may be greater than about 900, or greater than about 18 100°, or about 110°.
The relative normal intensity in the first mode of operation may be approximately double 21 the relative normal intensity in the second mode of operation.
23 The first array of one or more light sources and the second array of one or more light 24 sources may preferably be coplanar. Additionally, the first array and the second array of one or more light sources may preferably be coplanar with the transparent light guide.
27 Preferably, the backlighting unit comprises a single transparent light guide (i.e. no more 28 than one transparent light guide). This advantageously provides a backlighting unit that is 29 thinner than those disclosed in the art.
31 The transparent light guide may comprise a layer of transparent sheet, and a layer of the 32 array of extraction features may be mounted on the layer of transparent sheet. In some 33 embodiments, the extraction features comprise refractive extraction features. In some 34 embodiments, the extraction features comprise reflective extraction features.
1 The extraction features may comprise a transparent prism structure, wherein at least one 2 face of the prism is curved. In these embodiments, the curved face of the prism is the 3 second surface profile, and the flat/straight face of the prism is the first surface profile.
The mode-switchable backlighting unit may be absent of any symmetric extraction 6 features.
8 The one or more light sources can be any of those known to those skilled in the art, 9 particularly those which are suitable for use in backlighting. Such light sources include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), cold cathode fluorescent lamps, laser diodes, 11 organic light emitting diode sources, and other electroluminescent devices. The light may 12 be non-directional.
14 Preferably, the light sources comprise LEDs. The LEDs can be any of the designs known to those skilled in the art, including edge-emitting, side emitting, top emitting, or bare die 16 LEDs.
18 The mode-switchable backlighting unit may further comprise a substrate for supporting the 19 first array of one or more light sources and the second array of one or more light sources.
21 The transparent light guide may be disposed on the substrate.
23 The transparent light guide may have a width of from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.
24 Preferably, the transparent light guide is planar.
26 The extraction features may have a height of from about 1 pm to about 100 pm.
28 The mode-switchable backlighting unit may have a width of from about 0.1 mm to about 29 10 mm.
31 The light sources may be encapsulated within the transparent light guide and/or in air 32 pockets within the transparent light guide 34 Alternatively, or additionally, the light sources may be adjacent the transparent light guide.
Such embodiments may be termed "edge-lit".
2 Alternatively, or additionally, the light sources may be distributed throughout the 3 transparent light guide. For instance, each light source (from left-to-right in the transparent 4 light guide) may alternate between the first array and the second array (i.e. in a A-B-A-B-A-B arrangement). Such embodiments may be termed "full array lit". This advantageously 6 provides different angles of light emission from the light sources.
8 The mode-switchable backlighting unit may further comprise a specular reflector. The 9 purpose of the reflector is to reflect the output beam back through the backlighting unit.
The reflector may be positioned such that the array of extraction features is positioned 11 between the reflector and the transparent light guide. Alternatively, the reflector may be 12 positioned adjacent a surface of the transparent light guide opposite the light output 13 surface.
The mode-switchable backlighting unit may further comprise a diffuser, which 16 advantageously improves the output beam quality. The diffuser may be positioned 17 between the light output surface and the viewer of the mode-switchable backlighting unit, 18 and in some instances adjacent the light output surface. The diffuser may be a weak 19 gaussian diffuser.
21 Embodiments comprising a diffuser and/or a reflector may be considered less preferred, 22 because of the concomitant increase in thickness of the backlighting unit. However, the 23 advantages provided by the diffuser and/or a reflector may be of particular benefit in 24 certain applications. For instance, it is preferable for the mode-switchable backlighting unit to comprise a specular reflector when refractive light extraction features are used.
27 According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a display screen 28 comprising an image displaying element and a mode-switchable backlighting unit as 29 hereinbefore described, the mode-switchable backlighting unit disposed under the image displaying element for backlighting the image displaying element.
32 The display screen of the present invention, with a switchable beam angle, 33 advantageously allows the screen to be viewable or switched to a mode where it is not 34 viewable from certain positions. Thus, the display screen of the present invention is suitable for switching between a public mode and a privacy mode, while being cheaper 1 and more energy efficient than display screens in the art. Thus, the display may be an 2 automotive display.
4 The image displaying element may comprise a thin-film-transistor (TFT) display. The display device may be a liquid crystal display device and may therefore comprise a liquid 6 crystal cell which may also be referred to as a liquid crystal panel.
8 Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of 9 the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
11 According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a mode-switchable 12 backlighting unit as hereinbefore described, or a display screen as hereinbefore described, 13 in an automotive vehicle.
The inventors have found the present invention to be particularly beneficial to the
16 automotive field.
18 Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the 19 first or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.
21 According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing 22 a mode-switchable backlighting unit as hereinbefore described, comprising the steps of: 23 * providing a first array of one or more light sources and a second array of one or 24 more light sources, independent from the first array of one or more light sources; * providing a transparent light guide suitable for guiding light emitted from the first 26 array and second array of light sources; and 27 * locating an array of extraction features on the transparent light guide, which form a 28 light output surface of the mode-switchable backlighting unit, the extraction 29 features comprising an asymmetric shape, wherein 31 the mode-switchable backlighting unit has: a first mode of operation, corresponding to the 32 first array of one or more light sources illuminating the array of extraction features to 33 provide an output beam from the light output surface having a first angle of divergence; 34 and a second mode of operation, corresponding to the second array of one or more light sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from the 1 light output surface having a second angle of divergence, the second angle of divergence 2 being larger than the first angle of divergence.
4 The mode-switchable backlighting unit may be manufacturing by replicating a master. The master may be made using one or more of lasering, 3D photolithography and diamond 6 tooling. The master may be replicated using one or more of embossing (including UV 7 embossing) and micro-stamping. Alternatively, the mode-switchable backlighting unit may 8 be manufactured using any suitable method known in the art for micro-optical films.
Suitable materials for the transparent light guide, the array of extraction features, and (if 11 present) the substrate, are conventional and would be known to the skilled person.
13 The method may also comprise forming a display device from the mode-switchable 14 backlighting unit.
16 Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the 17 first to third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.
19 According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a mode-switchable backlighting unit comprising: 21 a. a first array of one or more light sources; 22 b. a second array of one or more light sources, independent from the first array of one 23 or more light sources; and 24 c. a transparent light guide for guiding light emitted from the first array and second array of light sources, the transparent light guide comprising an array of extraction 26 features which form a light output surface of the mode-switchable backlighting unit, 27 the extraction features comprising an asymmetric shape, 28 wherein a light beam emitted from the output surface has a first angle of divergence when 29 the array of extraction features is illuminated by the first array of one or more light sources, and 31 the light beam emitted from the output surface has a second angle of divergence, larger 32 than the first angle of divergence, when the array of extraction features is illuminated by 33 the second array of one or more light sources.
1 The mode-switchable backlighting unit advantageously can toggle between two modes: 2 one having the first angle of divergence, and another having the second angle of 3 divergence.
In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the mode-switchable backlighting unit has a first 6 mode of operation, corresponding to the first array of one or more light sources illuminating 7 the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from the light output surface 8 having the first angle of divergence; and a second mode of operation, corresponding to the 9 second array of one or more light sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from the light output surface having the second angle of 11 divergence, the second angle of divergence being larger than the first angle of divergence.
13 Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the 14 first to fourth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.
16 Brief Description of the Drawings
18 There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the 19 invention with reference to the drawings, of which: 21 Figure 1 is a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit in accordance with an 22 embodiment of the invention; 24 Figure 2 is a side view of the mode-switchable backlighting unit in Figure 1 in the first mode of operation; 27 Figure 3 is a side view of the mode-switchable backlighting unit in Figure 1 in the second 28 mode of operation; Figure 4 is a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit in accordance with an 31 embodiment of the invention; 33 Figure 5 is a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit in accordance with an 34 embodiment of the invention; 1 Figure 6 is a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit in accordance with an 2 embodiment of the invention; 4 Figure 7 is a side view of a display screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 7 Figure 8 is a side view of example surface profiles which provide an output beam having a 8 first angle of divergence; and Figure 9 is a side view of example surface profiles which provide an output beam having a 11 second angle of divergence.
13 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments An explanation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 16 to 9.
18 Referring to Figure 1, a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit la in accordance 19 with an embodiment of the present invention is presented. The mode-switchable backlighting unit la can be seen to comprise a first array of light sources 2, in the form of 21 light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and a second array of light sources 3, also in the form of 22 LEDs. The first array of light sources 2 and the second array of light sources 3 are 23 coplanar. Both the first array of light sources 2 and second array of light sources 3 are 24 edge coupled to a transparent planar light guide 4. Light is guided inside the transparent light guide 4 until it meets a change in the surface profile. A surface of the transparent 26 light guide 4 forms a light output surface 5 of the mode-switchable backlighting unit la.
27 The thickness of the transparent light guide 4 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm.
29 Located across an outer surface of the transparent light guide 4 is an array of extraction features 6 having an asymmetric shape. In this embodiment, each extraction feature 6 31 has a transparent asymmetric prism structure, such that at least one face of the prism is 32 straight 7 and at least one face of the prism is curved 8. Each extraction feature 6 on the 33 transparent light guide 4 is identical. However, it will be appreciated that the extraction 34 features 6 need not be identical, so long as each extraction feature 6 has an asymmetric shape.
2 In this embodiment, the extraction features 6 are refractive extraction features and thus 3 are located across the light output surface 5. However, it will be appreciated that the 4 extraction features 6 may be reflective extraction features and thus can be located on a surface of the transparent light guide 4 opposite the light output surface 5.
7 Figure 2 presents a side view of the mode-switchable backlighting unit la in Figure 1 in the 8 first mode of operation. In this mode, the first array of light sources 2 is switched on and 9 the second array of light sources 3 is switched off. When switched on, the first array of light sources 2 illuminates the array of extraction features 6, the light interacting with the 11 straight face 7 of the extraction features 6 to provide an output beam 9 from the light 12 output surface 5 having a first angle of divergence (a).
14 Figure 3 presents a side view of the mode-switchable backlighting unit lain Figure 1 in the second mode of operation. In this mode, the second array of light sources 3 is switched 16 on and the first array of light sources 2 is switched off. When switched on, the second 17 array of light sources 3 illuminates the array of extraction features 6, the light interacting 18 with the curved face 8 of the extraction features 6 to provide an output beam 9 from the 19 light output surface Shaving a second angle of divergence (p). As can be seen comparing Figure 3 to Figure 2, the second angle of divergence (13) is larger than the first angle of 21 divergence (a).
23 Thus, the angle of divergence can be toggled between a relatively wide angle (as in Figure 24 3) and a relatively narrow angle (as in Figure 2) through selective illumination of the array of light sources 2,3 (that is, which array is switched on and which array is switched off). In 26 these embodiments, the first angle of divergence (a) has a full width at half maximum 27 (FWHM) of ± 200 (i.e. a equals 400), and the second angle of divergence (p) has a FWHM 28 of ± 55° (i.e. a equals 1100). However, it will be appreciated that the first and second 29 angles of divergence need not be exactly these values, so long as the second angle of divergence 03) is larger than the first angle of divergence (a).
32 Figure 4 presents a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit lb in accordance with 33 an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes all the features of the 34 embodiment presented in Figure 1 and operates in a similar way. However, instead of the first 2 and second 3 array of light sources being positioned adjacent the transparent light 1 guide 4 (i.e. edge-lit), the light sources 2,3 are encapsulated within the transparent light 2 guide 4. It will be appreciated that the light sources 2,3 could alternatively be located in air 3 pockets within the transparent light guide 4, or a combination of both, or a combination of 4 all three (i.e. encapsulated, air pockets and edge-lit).
6 Figure 5 presents a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit lc in accordance with 7 an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes all the features of the 8 embodiment presented in Figure 4 and operates in a similar way. However, the mode- 9 switchable backlighting unit lc further comprises a substrate 10 for supporting the first array of one or more light sources 2 and the second array of one or more light sources 3.
11 The transparent light guide 4 is disposed on the support 10, and the light sources 2,3 are 12 positioned on the support 10, such that the light sources 2,3 are encapsulated by a 13 combination of the support 10 and the transparent light guide 4.
Figure 6 presents a side view of a mode-switchable backlighting unit 1d in accordance with 16 an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes all the features of the 17 embodiment presented in Figure 4 and operates in a similar way. However, the first array 18 2 and second array 3 atone or more light sources are distributed throughout the 19 transparent light guide 4. Such an arrangement is termed "full array". In this embodiment, each light source 2,3 (from left-to-right in the transparent light guide) alternates between 21 the first array and the second array (i.e. in a A-B-A-B-A-B arrangement). Distributing the 22 light sources 2,3 throughout the transparent light guide 4 provides different angles of light 23 emission.
Figure 7 presents a side view of a display screen 11 in accordance with an embodiment of 26 the invention. The display screen comprises the mode-switchable backlighting unit 1 as 27 shown in Figure 1 and a liquid crystal panel 12. It will be appreciated that any of the 28 mode-switchable backlighting units described herein can be used with a liquid crystal 29 panel 12. The liquid crystal panel 12 is positioned adjacent to the light output surface 5 of the mode-switchable backlighting unit 1. The arrow 13 indicates the direction in which the 31 display screen 11 is viewed. Thus, the mode-switchable backlighting unit 1 illuminates the 32 liquid crystal panel 12. By switching between the two modes of operation, the range in 33 which the display screen 11 can be viewed is changed. That is, the display screen 11 can 34 be switched to a mode in which the display screen 11 is not viewable from certain positions.
2 In addition, the mode-switchable backlighting unit 1 comprises a specular reflector 14 3 adjacent a surface of the transparent light guide 4 opposite the light output surface 5. The 4 purpose of the specular reflector 14 is to ensure that as much light as possible (preferably all the light) is directed through the liquid crystal panel 12.
7 Figures 8A and 8B present side views of example surface profiles which provide an output 8 beam 9 having a first angle of divergence (a). Both have a flat surface which yields light 9 with a relatively narrow angle of divergence.
11 Figures 9A and 9B present side views of example surface profiles which provide an output 12 beam 9 having a second angle of divergence (Is). Figure 9A shows a smooth curved 13 surface which yields non-scattered light with a relatively wide angle of divergence. Figure 14 9B shows a jagged curved surface which yields scattered light with a relatively wide angle of divergence.
17 Typically, each extraction feature 6 will comprise a surface profile as shown in Figure 8A 18 or 8B, and a surface profile as shown in Figure 9A or 9B, such that the extraction feature 6 19 has an overall asymmetric shape.
21 As discussed previously, the mode-switchable backlighting unit 1 has several advantages 22 over the prior art. The backlighting unit 1 of the present invention has a lower cost 23 (because of fewer components and reduced complexity), easier system integration, is 24 thinner, and is more energy efficient than arrangements in the art. This is because the backlighting unit 1 has fewer layers. This yields a higher optical efficiency and thus a 26 lower system power consumption.
28 A mode-switchable backlighting unit 1 is disclosed, which comprises a first 2 and second 3 29 array of one or more lights sources and a transparent light guide 4, with the transparent light guide 4 comprising an array of extraction features 6 which form a light output surface 31 5, the extraction features 6 comprising an asymmetric shape. The mode-switchable 32 backlighting unit 1 has at least two switchable modes of operation which provide an output 33 beam 9 having a first (a) and second (p) angle of divergence, the second angle of 34 divergence (p) being larger than the first angle of divergence (a). This allows for at least two different and switchable beam angle distributions to be delivered by a single light- 1 guide backlighting unit 1. The mode-switchable backlighting unit 1 has several 2 advantages, including reduced thickness and improved energy efficiency.
4 Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms "comprise" or "include", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", "includes" or "including' will 6 be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the 7 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, unless the context clearly 8 demands otherwise, the term "or' will be interpreted as being inclusive not exclusive.
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration 11 and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise 12 form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best 13 explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others 14 skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further 16 modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of 17 the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1 Claims: 3 1. A mode-switchable backlighting unit comprising: 4 a. a first array of one or more light sources; b. a second array of one or more light sources, independent from the first array 6 of one or more light sources; and 7 c. a transparent light guide for guiding light emitted from the first array and 8 second array of light sources, the transparent light guide comprising an array 9 of extraction features which form a light output surface of the mode-switchable backlighting unit, the extraction features comprising an 11 asymmetric shape, 12 wherein the mode-switchable backlighting unit has: 13 a first mode of operation, corresponding to the first array of one or more light 14 sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from the light output surface having a first angle of divergence; and 16 a second mode of operation, corresponding to the second array of one or 17 more light sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output 18 beam from the light output surface having a second angle of divergence, the second 19 angle of divergence being larger than the first angle of divergence.21
2. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to claim 1, wherein the extraction 22 features comprise a first surface profile and a second surface profile.24
3. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to claim 2, wherein light from the first array of one or more light sources interacts substantially with the first surface 26 profile and light from the second array of one or more light sources interacts 27 substantially with the second surface profile.29
4. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the first angle of divergence is less than about 90°, or less than about 80°, or less than 31 about 70°, or less than about 60°, or about 400.33
5. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the 34 second angle of divergence is greater than about 90°, or greater than about 100°, or about 110°.2
6. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the 3 first array of one or more light sources and the second array of one or more light 4 sources are coplanar.6
7. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the 7 transparent light guide comprises a layer of transparent sheet, and a layer of the 8 array of extraction features mounted on the layer of transparent sheet.
8. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the 11 extraction features comprise a transparent prism structure, wherein at least one face 12 of the prism is curved.14
9. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a substrate for supporting the first array of one or more light sources and 16 the second array of one or more light sources, optionally wherein the transparent 17 light guide is disposed on the substrate.19
10. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light sources are encapsulated within the transparent light guide and/or in air 21 pockets within the transparent light guide 23
11. The mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any preceding claim, further 24 comprising a specular reflector positioned adjacent a surface of the transparent light guide opposite the light output surface.27
12. A display screen comprising an image displaying element and a mode-switchable 28 backlighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the mode-switchable 29 backlighting unit disposed under the image displaying element for backlighting the image displaying element.32
13. Use of a mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or 33 a display screen according to claim 12, in an automotive vehicle.1
14. A method of manufacturing a mode-switchable backlighting unit according to any 2 one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of 3 * providing a first array of one or more light sources and a second array of 4 one or more light sources, independent from the first array of one or more light sources; 6 * providing a transparent light guide suitable for guiding light emitted from 7 the first array and second array of light sources; and 8 * locating an array of extraction features on the transparent light guide, 9 which form a light output surface of the mode-switchable backlighting unit, the extraction features comprising an asymmetric shape, 11 wherein the mode-switchable backlighting unit has: 12 a first mode of operation, corresponding to the first array of one or more light 13 sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output beam from 14 the light output surface having a first angle of divergence; and a second mode of operation, corresponding to the second array of one or 16 more light sources illuminating the array of extraction features to provide an output 17 beam from the light output surface having a second angle of divergence, the second 18 angle of divergence being larger than the first angle of divergence.
GB2213904.2A 2022-09-23 2022-09-23 Backlighting unit, display screen, and method of manufacture Pending GB2622621A (en)

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