TW202101047A - Apparatus comprising a light guide plate and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus can comprise a light guide plate comprising a first major surface. The first major surface can comprise a feature extending in a direction of a length of the light guide plate. In some embodiments, the feature can comprise a surface scattering factor in a range from about 1 degree to about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the feature can comprise a feature width that varies in the direction of the length. The feature width can comprise a minimum width at an intermediate location of the feature. Further embodiments comprise methods of emitting light with the apparatus. Still further embodiments comprise methods of making the apparatus.

Description

Equipment and method including light guide plate

This application requests priority right from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/844,809 filed on May 8, 2019. The entire content of this patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure generally relates to a device and method including a light guide plate, and more specifically, to a device including a light guide plate, (wherein) the light guide plate includes a first main surface containing features, a method of manufacturing the device, and the device emits light Methods.

A device including a light guide plate is known, and the light guide plate is arranged in such a manner that the first main surface faces the display (for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD)). A light source that emits light to the edge of the light guide plate is known. The light traveling within the light guide plate passes through the first major surface of the light guide plate to provide a backlight for the display.

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the implementation mode.

Example 1. The (disclosed) device may include a light guide plate including a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, and an opposite A second edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface at the first edge, and a length defined between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the direction of the length can be from the first edge to the second Edge extension. The first major surface may include features extending in the direction of the length. The feature may include a surface scattering factor in the range of about 1 degree to about 15 degrees.

Example 2. Like the device of embodiment 1, wherein the device may further include a display. The first main surface of the light guide plate may face the display.

Example 3. An apparatus as in any one of Embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the apparatus may further include a light source configured to emit light into the first edge of the light guide plate.

Example 4. The device as in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the surface scattering factor can be in the range from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees.

Example 5. The device as in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the light guide plate may include glass.

Example 6. The device as in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the characteristic may further include a characteristic width in a direction perpendicular to the length. The feature may include a feature height perpendicular to both the direction of the width of the feature and the direction of the length. The feature width can vary along the length.

Example 7. The device as in embodiment 6, wherein the ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height along the length may be substantially constant.

Example 8. The device as in embodiment 7, wherein the ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height can be in the range from about 2 to about 10.

Example 9. A device as in any one of embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the feature width may include the smallest width at an intermediate position between the first edge and the second edge of the feature.

Example 10. The device as in Example 9, wherein the minimum width may range from about 20 microns to about 200 microns.

Example 11. The device as in any one of embodiments 7 to 8, wherein the characteristic width can be continuously reduced from the first edge to the minimum width.

Example 12. The device of any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the characteristic width can be continuously increased from the minimum width to the second edge.

Example 13. The device as in any one of embodiments 9 to 12, wherein the distance from the intermediate position to the first edge and the distance from the second edge may be approximately the same.

Example 14. The device as in any one of embodiments 9 to 12, wherein the intermediate position may be closer to the first edge than to the second edge.

Example 15. The device as in embodiment 14, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width located closer to the second edge than the first edge.

Example 16. The device as in any one of embodiments 9 to 12, wherein the intermediate position may be closer to the second edge than to the first edge.

Example 17. The device as in embodiment 16, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width located closer to the first edge than to the second edge.

Example 18. The device as in embodiment 15 or embodiment 17, wherein the maximum width can be in the range from about 50 microns to about 500 microns.

Example 19. The device as in any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the feature includes a plurality of features, and each feature of the plurality of features extends in the length direction.

Example 20. The (disclosed) device may include a light guide plate including a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, and an opposite A second edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface at the first edge, and a length defined between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the direction of the length can be from the first edge to the second Edge extension. The first major surface may include features extending in the direction of the length. The feature may include a feature width perpendicular to the length. The feature width can vary in the direction of the length, and includes the smallest width at an intermediate position between the first edge and the second edge of the feature. The feature width can be reduced to the minimum width along the length. The feature width may increase from the minimum width along the length direction. The feature may further include a feature height perpendicular to both the direction of the width of the feature and the direction of the length.

Example 21. Like the device of embodiment 20, the device may further include a display. The first main surface of the light guide plate may face the display.

Example 22. A device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 21, wherein the device may further include a light source configured to emit light into the first edge of the light guide plate.

Example 23. The device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the light guide plate may include glass.

Example 24. The device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the minimum width may be in the range from about 20 microns to about 200 microns.

Example 25. A device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 24, wherein the ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height along the length may be substantially constant.

Example 26. A device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 24, wherein the ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height may be in the range from about 2 to about 10.

Example 27. A device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 26, wherein the characteristic width can be continuously reduced from the first edge to the minimum width.

Example 28. A device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 27, wherein the characteristic width can be continuously increased from the minimum width to the second edge.

Example 29. The device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 28, wherein the distance from the intermediate position to the first edge and the distance from the second edge may be approximately the same.

Example 30. The device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 28, wherein the intermediate position may be closer to the first edge than to the second edge.

Example 31. The device as in embodiment 30, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width located closer to the second edge than the first edge.

Example 32. The device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 28, wherein the intermediate position may be closer to the second edge than to the first edge.

Example 33. The device of embodiment 32, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width located closer to the first edge than the second edge.

Example 34. The device as in embodiment 31 or embodiment 33, wherein the maximum width may be in the range from about 50 microns to about 500 microns.

Example 35. A device as in any one of embodiments 20 to 34, wherein the feature includes a plurality of features, and each feature of the plurality of features extends in the length direction.

Example 36. A method for emitting light with the device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 35 may include the step of injecting light into the light guide plate through the first edge of the light guide plate. The (disclosed) method may include the step of propagating light within the light guide plate. This method may include the step of extracting light propagating in the light guide plate through the first main surface of the light guide plate. The brightness uniformity of the light extracted from the light guide plate may be about 70% or more.

Example 37. As in the method of embodiment 36, the brightness uniformity of the light extracted from the light guide plate may be about 80% or more.

Example 38. As in the method of embodiment 30 or embodiment 37, the extraction efficiency of light extracted from the light guide plate may be about 60% or more.

Example 39. The method as in any one of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein the area darkening index of the light guide plate may be about 70% or more.

Example 40. As in the method of embodiment 39, the area darkening index of the light guide plate may be about 80% or more.

Example 41. The (disclosed) device may include a light guide plate including a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, and an opposite A second edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface at the first edge, and a length defined between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the direction of the length can be from the first edge to the second Edge extension. The first major surface may include features extending in the direction of the length. The feature may extend from the first edge to the second edge. The feature may include a first section, the first section including a first edge, a second section integrated with the first section at the connection point, the second section including a second edge, a feature height perpendicular to the length, The characteristic width perpendicular to the length and the characteristic height, the characteristic width varying in the length direction, and the first minimum width of the characteristic width of the first section at the first intermediate position between the first edge and the connecting point. The characteristic width may decrease to the first minimum width along the length direction and may increase from the first minimum width along the length direction. At a second intermediate position of the second section between the connection point and the second edge, the feature may further include a second minimum width of the feature width. The characteristic width may decrease to the second minimum width along the length direction, and may increase from the second minimum width along the length direction.

Example 42. Such as the device of embodiment 41, wherein the device may further include a display. The first main surface of the light guide plate may face the display.

Example 43. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 42, wherein the device may further include a light source configured to emit light into the first edge of the light guide plate.

Example 44. The device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the light guide plate may include glass.

Example 45. The device of any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the first section may be a mirror image of the second section with respect to the connection point.

Example 46. The device of any one of embodiments 41 to 45, wherein the first minimum width may be in the range from about 20 microns to about 200 microns.

Example 47. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 46, wherein the second minimum width may be in a range from about 20 microns to about 200 microns.

Example 48. The device of any one of embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height along the length may be substantially constant.

Example 49. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height can be in the range from about 2 to about 10.

Example 50. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 49, wherein the characteristic width can be continuously reduced from the first edge to the minimum width.

Example 51. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 50, wherein the characteristic width can continuously increase from the first minimum width to the connection point.

Example 52. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 51, wherein the characteristic width can be continuously reduced from the connection point to the minimum width.

Example 53. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 52, wherein the characteristic width can be continuously increased from the second minimum width to the second edge.

Example 54. The device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 53, wherein the distance from the first intermediate position to the first edge may be approximately the same as the distance from the connection point.

Example 55. The device as in any one of embodiments 35 to 54, wherein the distance from the second intermediate position to the second edge may be approximately the same as the distance from the connection point.

Example 56. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 53, wherein the first intermediate position may be closer to the first edge than close to the connection point.

Example 57. The device as in embodiment 48, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width of the first section located closer to the connection point than the first edge.

Example 58. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 53, wherein the first intermediate position may be closer to the connection point than to the first edge.

Example 59. The device as in embodiment 58, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width of the first section located closer to the first edge than close to the connection point.

Example 60. As in the device of embodiment 57 or embodiment 59, the maximum width of the first section may be in the range from about 50 microns to about 500 microns.

Example 61. The device included in any one of embodiments 41 to 53 or 56 to 60, wherein the second intermediate position may be closer to the second edge than to the connection point.

Example 62. The device of embodiment 61, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width of the second section located closer to the connection point than the second edge.

Example 63. The device included in any one of embodiments 41-53 or 56 to 60, wherein the second intermediate position may be closer to the connection point than to the second edge.

Example 64. The device as in embodiment 63, wherein the characteristic width may include the maximum width of the second section located closer to the second edge than to the connection point.

Example 65. As in the device of embodiment 62 or embodiment 64, the maximum width of the second section may be in a range from about 50 microns to about 500 microns.

Example 66. A device as in any one of embodiments 41 to 65, wherein the feature includes a plurality of features, and each feature of the plurality of features extends in the length direction.

Example 67. A method of emitting light with the device of any one of embodiments 41 to 66 may include the step of injecting light into the light guide plate, wherein the first part of the light is injected into the light guide plate through the first edge of the light guide plate, and the second part of the light Partially injected into the light guide plate through the second edge of the light guide plate. The (disclosed) method may include the step of propagating light within the light guide plate. This method may include the step of extracting light propagating in the light guide plate through the first main surface of the light guide plate. The brightness uniformity of the light extracted from the light guide plate may be about 70% or more.

Example 68. As in the method of embodiment 67, the brightness uniformity of the light extracted from the light guide plate may be about 80% or more.

Example 69. The method of any one of embodiments 67-68, wherein the extraction efficiency of the light extracted from the light guide plate may be about 60% or more.

Example 70. The method as in any one of embodiments 67 to 69, wherein the area darkening index of the light guide plate may be about 70% or more.

Example 71. As in the method of embodiment 70, the area darkening index of the light guide plate may be about 80% or more.

Example 72. A method of manufacturing the device of any one of Examples 1 to 35 and 41 to 66 may include the step of using ink to print a pattern on the first main surface of the light guide plate. The method may include the step of etching the first main surface of the light guide plate. The method may include the step of removing ink from the first main surface of the light guide plate.

Example 73. As in the method of embodiment 72, the step of printing the pattern may include the step of screen printing.

Example 74. The method of any one of embodiments 72 to 73, wherein the etching solution may include about 5% or more by weight of HF and about 20% or more by weight of H ₂ SO ₄ , HNO ₃ , and HCl One or more of.

Other embodiments disclosed herein will be described in the detailed description below. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the examples presented in the subsequent implementation modes are intended to provide an overview or framework, which is used to understand the nature and characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein. This specification includes accompanying drawings to provide further understanding, and the accompanying drawings are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings show different embodiments of the disclosed content, and together with the narrative content, explain the principles and operations of these embodiments.

Specific embodiments The embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings that illustrate exemplary embodiments. Whenever possible, the same reference symbols are used in all the drawings to denote the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in several different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 101 for exposing content. For example, as shown, the device 101 includes a light guide plate 105 that includes a first main surface 109 and a second main surface 111 opposite to the first main surface 109. As shown, the first major surface 109 may include a feature 109a and a base surface 109b (eg, curved base surface, flat base surface). In some embodiments, the feature may include a plurality of features. Although the second main surface may include a curved surface in further embodiments, the second main surface 111 may include a flat surface. As used herein, the base surface 109b of the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 includes the portion of the first main surface 105 excluding the features 109a. In some embodiments, although not required, the base surface 109b may include points, contours, and/or surfaces that optionally extend along a plane. For example, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the base surface 109b may include a flat base surface extending along a plane. In some embodiments, if provided, the flat base surface may extend parallel to the optional flat surface of the second major surface 111. In addition, the thickness 108 of the light guide plate 105 may be defined between the base surface 109 b of the first main surface 109 and the second main surface 111. In some embodiments, the direction 126 of the thickness 108 of the light guide plate 105 may be regarded as a direction perpendicular to the flat base surface of the base surface 109 b of the first main surface 109 and/or a direction perpendicular to the second main surface 111. In some embodiments, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments, the thickness 108 may range from 100 micrometers (μm) to about 10 millimeters (mm). In some embodiments, the thickness 108 may be about 100 μm or more, about 200 μm or more, about 300 μm or more, about 500 μm or more, about 700 μm or more, about 1 mm or more. Thick, about 10 mm or thinner, about 6 mm or thinner, about 3 mm or thinner. In some embodiments, the thickness 108 may range from about 100 μm to about 10 mm, from about 100 μm to about 3 mm, from about 200 μm to about 10 mm, from about 300 μm to about 10 mm. In the range of about 6 mm, in the range from about 500 μm to about 3 mm, or any range or sub-range between (both). In addition, due to the substantially parallel arrangement of the flat base surface of the base surface 109b of the first main surface 109 and the illustrated flat second main surface 111, the thickness 108 may be substantially constant along a significant portion of the light guide plate 105. Although not shown, the flat base surface of the base surface 109b of the first main surface 109 and the flat second main surface 111 do not extend in parallel, but may extend at an acute angle with respect to each other, wherein the thickness 108 may be along the length of the light guide plate 105 And/or width changes.

The first main surface 109 and the second main surface 111 of the light guide plate 105 may include various shapes, such as a polygon with three or more sides (for example, a triangle, a quadrilateral), a curve (for example, a circle, an ellipse), or Includes a combination of polygonal and curved shapes. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, the first main surface 109 and the second main surface 111 of the light guide plate 105 may each include a quadrangular (for example, rectangular) shape. In these embodiments, the first edge 107 and the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105 may respectively extend between the first main surface 109 and the second main surface 111. In addition, the second edge 110 may be disposed relative to the first edge 107 to define the length 112 of the light guide plate 105 between the first edge 107 and the second edge 110.

In the entire disclosure, the direction 114 of the length 112 of the light guide plate 105 extends from the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 toward the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, the direction 114 of the length 112 may also be parallel to the first main surface 109 and/or the second main surface 111. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the direction 114 of the length 112 may extend perpendicular to one or both of the first edge 107 or the second edge 110. In some embodiments, the direction 114 of the length 112 of the light guide plate 105 may be regarded as extending from the edge closest to the light source toward the opposite edge. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the direction 114 of the length 112 of the light guide plate 105 may extend from the first edge 107 (closest to the light source 103) to the second edge 110 (furthest away from the light source 103).

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the light guide plate 105 may further include a third edge 503 and a fourth edge 505, each of which may extend between the first main surface 109 and the second main surface 111. In some embodiments, the third edge 503 and the fourth edge 505 may include parallel straight edges. In addition, the fourth edge 505 may be disposed relative to the third edge 503 to define the width 507 of the light guide plate 105. Throughout the disclosure, the direction 518 of the width 507 of the light guide plate 105 is regarded as the direction perpendicular to the direction 114 of the length 112 of the light guide plate 105 and parallel to the flat base surface of the base surface 109b of the first main surface 109 and /Or parallel to the second main surface 111.

In some embodiments, the edges 107, 110, 503, 505 may form a rectangular shape, and the third edge 503 and the fourth edge 505 each extend from the first edge 107 to the second edge 110, while being perpendicular to the first edge 107 and the second edge. Two edges 110. In some embodiments, the length 112 of the light guide plate 105 may be approximately the same as the width 507 of the light guide plate 105, or greater than the width 507 of the light guide plate 105, or less than the width 507 of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, although other lengths may be provided in further embodiments, the length 112 and the width 507 of the light guide plate 105 may be equal to the corresponding size of the display 115 (see FIGS. 1 to 4).

The light guide plate 105 may include various materials that provide desired optical characteristics. In some embodiments, the light guide plate 105 may include amorphous inorganic materials (for example, glass), crystalline materials (for example, sapphire, single crystal or polycrystalline alumina, spinel (MgAl ₂ O ₄ ), quartz), Or polymer. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, the following examples, and their mixtures and blends: thermoplastics, including polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyester fibers including polyparatoluene Diester (PET), polyolefin including polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylate polymer including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyether imide (PEI) ), epoxy resin, and silicone include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Examples of glass (which may be reinforced or unreinforced and may not have lithium oxide or have lithium oxide) include soda lime glass, alkali metal aluminosilicate glass, salt-containing metal borosilicate glass, and alkali metal aluminum Borosilicate glass. As used herein, when applied to a substrate, such as glass or another transparent layer, the term "reinforced" can mean that it has been chemically strengthened (e.g., by ion-exchange of larger ions to exchange smaller ions Exchange to the surface of the substrate) substrate. However, other strengthening methods known in the art can be used, such as thermal annealing or using the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients of the various parts of the substrate to generate surface compressive stress and central tension regions to form a strengthened substrate.

1, the embodiment of the device of any embodiment disclosed herein may include a light source 103 that can face the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105. Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the device may include both a first light source 103 that can face the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 and an optional second light source that can face the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, the light source 103 and/or the second light source 406 may include luminescent light, such as a light emitting diode (LED) array. In a further embodiment, the light source 103 and/or the second light source 406 may include incandescent light or electric discharge light. The light source 103 and/or the second light source 406 may include a light emitting diode, a bulb, or a laser. Exemplary diodes include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), including inorganic semiconductor materials, small molecule organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs). Examples of bulbs include, but are not limited to, incandescent bulbs including tungsten filament bulbs, and gas-filled discharge tubes including fluorescent, neon, argon, xenon, and high-energy arc discharge lamps. Examples of lasers include, but are not limited to, helium-neon, argon, krypton, ruby, copper vapor, gold vapor, manganese vapor, and dye lasers. In some embodiments, a diode can be used as the light source 103 and/or the second light source 406 in an embodiment requiring a compact shape and lower energy consumption. In other embodiments, fluorescent light sources can be used when the cost is to be minimized. In a further embodiment, the light source 103 and/or the second light source 406 may include a light pipe configured to transmit light to the first edge 107 or the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105, respectively. For example, the light source 103 may include an optical fiber that transmits light to the first edge 107 and/or the second light source 406 may include an optical fiber that transmits light to the second edge 110.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the optional display 115 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a similar display that may benefit from external lighting. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 may face the display 115. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the device 101 may include a reflector 113. In these embodiments, the reflector 113 may include a material that is inherently reflective, such as aluminum, steel, or silver. In other such embodiments, the reflector 113 may include a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate (PC), when this material has a different refractive index from another of the device 101 The material is reflective when placed next to each other. In some embodiments, the reflector 113 may include about 90% or more, about 95% or more, about 96% or more, or about 98% when spanning a wavelength range of about 400 nanometers (nm) to about 700 nm. Or above the average reflectivity. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second main surface 111 of the light guide plate 105 may face the reflector 113. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the side reflector 118 may face the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105, as shown in FIG. Although not shown, the side reflector may also be placed to face one or both of the third edge 503 or the fourth edge 505.

In the optional configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the display 115 can be illuminated from the back by light exiting the light guide plate 105 from the light source 103. In other embodiments, the light guide plate 105 may be on the other side of the display 115 and illuminated from the front of the display 115. Furthermore, the light source 103 is shown to face the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 and illuminate from the edge of the light guide plate 105. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the display 115 can be illuminated from the back by light exiting the light guide plate 105 from the multiple light sources 103, 406, and the multiple light sources 103, 406 face different edges of the light guide plate 105 (for example , Opposite edges) (for example, the light source 103 facing the first edge 107 and the second light source 406 facing the second edge 110 opposite to the first edge 107). Additionally or alternatively, the light source 103 may face the other edge of the light guide plate 105 (for example, one or both of the third edge 503 or the fourth edge 505).

In the entire disclosure, the virtual surface is defined as the smoothest surface including all parts of the first main surface (including the base surface of the first main surface). In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the virtual surface may include a flat virtual surface 903 that extends along a plane and includes the base surface 109b. In some embodiments, although not shown, the virtual surface may include a curved virtual surface. In a further embodiment, the curved virtual surface may be undulating (e.g., including sine waves).

The feature 109a is a structure on the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105, which extends away from the virtual surface defined by the base surface 109b and is configured to extract light from the light guide plate 105. The cross-section of the feature 109a along the width of the light guide plate 105 (see FIG. 9) may include various shapes, such as a polygon with three or more sides (e.g., triangle, quadrilateral), curve (e.g., circle, ellipse) ), or a combination of polygonal and curved shapes. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, along the width of the light guide plate 105, the cross-section of the feature 109a may be curved (eg, circular, oval). In the entire disclosure, the feature 109a may include a single feature. Alternatively, as illustrated in the entire disclosure, the feature 109a may include a plurality of features. In some embodiments, if a plurality of features are provided, although in further embodiments two or more features may have different characteristics, each of the plurality of features may include the same characteristic. In the entire disclosure, if provided, the discussion on the characteristics of the feature 109a can be equally applied to some or all of the plurality of features.

In the entire disclosure, the length of the feature 109a is measured in the length 112 direction 114 of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, the length of the feature 109a may be approximately equal to the length 112 of the light guide plate 105. In a further embodiment, the feature 109a may include a plurality of features, and each feature of the plurality of features may include substantially the same length. In some embodiments, the length of the feature 109a may be about 25% to about 100%, about 50% to about 100%, about 66% to about 100%, or about 75% to 100% of the length of the light guide plate 105.

In the entire disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the width 515 of the feature 109 a is measured in the direction 518 of the width 507 of the light guide plate 105. 9, the width 515 of the feature 109a can be regarded as the indicated basic width of the feature, where the feature 109a initially deviates from the virtual surface defined by the base surface 109b. The width 515 of the feature 109a may be substantially uniform or variable along the length of the light guide plate 105. For example, although not shown, the width of the feature may be substantially uniform along the length of the feature. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the width 515 of the feature 109a may vary along the length of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, the minimum value of the width 515 of the feature 109a may be about 1 μm or more, about 20 μm or more, about 50 μm or more, about 100 μm or more, or about 200 μm or more. many. In some embodiments, the maximum value of the width 515 of the feature 109a may be about 1000 μm or less, about 500 μm or less, about 200 μm or less, about 100 μm or less, about 50 μm or less. . In some embodiments, the width 515 of the feature 109a can be in the range from about 1 μm to about 1,000 μm, from about 20 μm to about 500 μm, from about 20 μm to about 200 μm, from In the range of about 20 μm to about 100 μm, from about 20 μm to about 50 μm, from about 50 μm to about 500 μm, from about 50 μm to about 200 μm, from about 50 Within the range of μm to about 100 μm, or any range or subrange therebetween.

The feature 109a includes a height 116a that extends from a virtual surface defined by the base surface 109b of the first major surface 109. As previously illustrated and discussed, although other orientations may be provided in further embodiments, the base surface 109b may extend along a plane that is a flat base surface, and may be parallel to the second major surface 111. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the feature 109a may include a plurality of features, and the distance from the virtual surface is measured as the height 116a of the feature of the plurality of features. The virtual surface includes a flat virtual surface 903 and corresponding features. The point (indicated by 901) farthest from the virtual surface bounded by the base surface. In a further embodiment, the feature may include a plurality of features, and the minimum thickness of the light guide plate may be defined at a special position of the light guide plate along the length of the light guide plate between adjacent features of the plurality of features. These minimum thickness positions include contours along the length of the light guide plate (including the base surface), and these contours coincide with virtual surfaces (for example, curved virtual surfaces, flat virtual surfaces). Throughout the application, the height 116a of the feature 109a at a specific position along the length of the light guide plate 105 is the height 116a of the feature 109a in the direction 126 of the thickness 108 of the light guide plate 105, perpendicular to the virtual surface defined by the base surface 109b The specific position in the direction and/or in the direction perpendicular to the second main surface 111 extends beyond the maximum distance of the virtual surface defined by the base surface 109. In FIG. 9, the farthest point along the width of the light guide plate 105 and the surface of the feature 109 from the virtual surface defined by the base surface 109b of the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 is marked as 901; the height of this feature 109a is Mark as 116a. Additionally, the height of the feature 109a can be measured at other locations along the length of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, although not shown, the height of the feature along the length of the feature may be substantially uniform. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the height 116a of the feature 109a may vary along the length of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, the minimum value of the height 116a of the feature 109a may be about 1 μm or more, about 20 μm or more, about 50 μm or more, about 100 μm or more, or about 200 μm or more. many. In some embodiments, the maximum value of the height 116a of the feature 109a may be about 1000 μm or less, about 500 μm or less, about 200 μm or less, about 100 μm or less, or about 50 μm or more. less. In some embodiments, the height 116a of the feature 109a may be in the range from about 1 μm to about 1000 μm, from about 20 μm to about 500 μm, from about 20 μm to about 200 μm, from In the range of about 20 μm to about 100 μm, from about 20 μm to about 50 μm, from about 50 μm to about 500 μm, from about 50 μm to about 200 μm, from about 50 Within the range of μm to about 100 μm, or any range or subrange therebetween.

In the entire disclosure, for locations along the length of the feature 109a, the aspect ratio of this location is defined as the width 515 of the feature 109a at the corresponding location divided by the height 116a of the feature 109a at the corresponding location. Referring to FIG. 9, the aspect ratio of the feature 109a at the intersection of the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 and the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 along the length of the feature 109a is illustrated, which is defined as the corresponding feature 109a The width 515 is divided by the height 116a of the corresponding feature 109a. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of feature 109a may vary along the length of feature 109a. In other embodiments, even in embodiments where the width 515 of the feature 109a varies along the length of the feature 109a, the aspect ratio of the feature 109a may be substantially constant along the length of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, the minimum value of the aspect ratio of the feature 109a can be about 0.1 or more, about 1 or more, about 2 or more, or about 5 or more. In some embodiments, the maximum aspect ratio of feature 109a may be about 100 or less, about 20 or less, about 10 or less, or about 7 or less. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the feature 109a can be in the range from about 0.1 to about 100, from about 1 to about 20, from about 2 to about 10, from about 2 to about 7. Within the range, from about 5 to about 10, or any range or subrange in between.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the feature 109a may include intermediate positions 119, 203, 303 where the height 116a of the feature 109a is the minimum height of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303 including the minimum height may be located at intermediate positions along the length of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the intermediate positions 119, 203, and 303 including the minimum height may be located at the intermediate positions between the first edge 107 and the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105. As used herein, the intermediate position is not at the extreme end of feature 109a. For example, referring to FIG. 1, because the minimum width is not at the end of the feature 109a, the middle position 119 of the minimum width is located at the middle width of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the feature 109 a extends from the first edge 107 to the second edge 110, where the intermediate width is not located at either the first edge 107 or the second edge 110. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in the direction 114 of the length 112 of the light guide plate 105, the distance between the middle position 119 of the minimum height and the first edge 107 may be approximately the same as the distance from the second edge 110. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in the direction 114 of the length 112 of the light guide plate 105, the middle position 203 of the minimum height may be closer to the first edge 107 than to the second edge 110. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in the direction 114 of the length 112 of the light guide plate 105, the middle position 303 of the minimum height may be closer to the second edge 110 than to the first edge 107.

In some embodiments, the width 515 of the feature 109a may include the minimum width of the feature 109a at the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, FIGS. 2 and 6, and FIGS. 3 and 7, the minimum width of the feature 109a and the minimum height of the feature 109a can be located at the middle positions 119, 203 of the feature 109a. , 303 places. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the intermediate positions 119, 203, and 303 including the minimum width may be located at the intermediate positions between the first edge 107 and the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in the direction 114 of the length 112, the distance between the intermediate position 119 of the smallest width and the first edge 107 may be approximately the same as the distance from the second edge 110. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the direction 114 of the length 112, the middle position 203 of the minimum width may be closer to the first edge 107 than to the second edge 110. As further illustrated in FIG. 7, in the direction 114 of the length 112, the intermediate position 303 of the minimum width may be closer to the second edge 110 than to the first edge 107.

In some embodiments, as suggested by matching any one of FIGS. 1 and 5, FIGS. 2 and 6, FIGS. 3 and 7, and/or FIGS. 4 and 8, the minimum width of this feature The position may be approximately the same as the position of the minimum height of the corresponding feature. In some embodiments, the location of the minimum width of the feature may be different from the location of the minimum height of the corresponding feature. In this way, it should be understood that, within the scope of the disclosure, any description of the position of the smallest width can be optionally paired with the description of the position of the smallest height of the embodiment. Although not shown, in some embodiments, when the height of the feature remains substantially constant, the width of the feature may vary along the length of the feature. In addition, although not shown, in further embodiments, when the feature width remains substantially constant, the feature height may vary along the length of the feature.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the height 116a of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, and 407 of the minimum height of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, if the feature 109a extends to the first edge 107, the height 116a of the feature 109a may continuously decrease from the first edge 107 to the minimum height of the feature 109a in the direction 114 of the length 112, 203, 303, 407. In some embodiments, as further illustrated, the height 116a of the feature 109a of the plurality of features may continue to increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 405. In some embodiments, if the feature 109a extends to the second edge 110, the height 116a of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 119, 203, 303, 405 of the minimum height of the feature 109a to Second edge 110.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the height 116a of the feature 109a can be continuously reduced in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 407 of the minimum height of the feature 109a, and also And in the direction 114 of the length 112, the middle position 119, 203, 303, 407 of the minimum height of the feature 109a continues to increase. For example, if the feature 109a extends to the first edge 107 and the second edge 110, in some embodiments, the height 116a of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the first edge 107 to the height of the feature 109a. The minimum height intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 407, and the height 116a of the feature 109a can be in the direction 114 of the length 112, from the minimum height intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 405 of the feature 109a continuously increasing to the second edge 110. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, in an embodiment where there is a minimum height along the entire length of the feature 109a, the height 116a of the feature 109a can optionally continue to decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the first edge 107 To the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303 of the minimum height of the feature 109a, and in the direction 114 of the length 112, continue to increase from the same intermediate positions 119, 203, 303 to the second edge 110.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, the width 515 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 407 of the minimum width of the feature 109a. In some embodiments, if the feature 109a extends to the first edge 107, the width 515 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the first edge 107 to the middle position 119, the smallest width of the feature 109a. 203, 303, 407. In some embodiments, as further illustrated, the width 515 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 405. In some embodiments, if the feature 109a extends to the second edge 110, the width 515 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 119, 203, 303, 405 of the minimum width of the feature 109a to Second edge 110.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the width 515 of the feature 109a can be continuously reduced in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, and 407 of the minimum width of the feature 109a, also And in the direction 114 of the length 112, it continuously increases from the middle positions 119, 203, 303, and 407 of the minimum width of the feature 109a. For example, if the feature 109a extends to the first edge 107 and the second edge 110, in some embodiments, the width 515 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the first edge 107 to the width of the feature 109a. The minimum width intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 407, and the width 515 of the feature 109a can be in the length 112 direction 114, from the minimum width intermediate positions 119, 203, 303, 405 of the feature 109a continue to increase to the second edge 110. As illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, in an embodiment where there is a minimum width along the entire length of the feature 109a, the width 515 of the feature 109a can optionally continue to decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the first edge 107 As small as the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303 of the minimum width of the feature 109a, and in the direction 114 of the length 112, the same intermediate positions 119, 203, 303 continue to increase to the second edge 110.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, there may be a position as the minimum width and/or height of the feature 109a. In these embodiments, the position of the minimum width and/or the position of the minimum height corresponds to both the absolute minimum of the width and/or height of the feature 109a and the minimum of the area. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, there may be multiple regional minima in the width and/or height of the feature 109a.

In some further embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the multiple area minimums in height may have approximately the same height. Although three or more intermediate positions may be provided in further embodiments, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, there may be exactly two intermediate positions 405 corresponding to the area minimum of the feature 109a in height. , 407. In some embodiments, the local minimum height set closer to the first edge 107 than the second edge 110 may include a minimum height different from the minimum height of another region set closer to the second edge 110 than the first edge 107 height. In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the minimum values of the multiple regions in height may have substantially the same height. For example, as illustrated in Figure 4, although different heights may be provided in further embodiments, there may be exactly two intermediate locations 405, 407 that include the same minimum height along the entire length of feature 109a.

The feature 109a may include a location where the height of the feature 109a is the maximum height. In some embodiments, as illustrated by the dotted line in FIG. 1 and the solid line in FIGS. 2 to 3, there may be a single position 209 along the entire length of the feature 109a, where the single position 209 has the absolute maximum of the feature 109a height. In some embodiments, as illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 1 and the solid line in FIG. 3, the position 209 of the absolute maximum height may be located closer to the first edge 107 than to the second edge 110. In some embodiments, as further illustrated by the dotted line in FIG. 1 and the solid line in FIG. 3, the position 209 of the absolute maximum height may be located at the first edge 107. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the position 209 of the absolute maximum height is closer to the second edge 110 than to the first edge 107. In some embodiments, as further illustrated in FIG. 2, the position 209 of the absolute maximum height may be located at the second edge 110. In some embodiments, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 1 and the solid and dashed lines in FIG. 4, there may be multiple positions 209, where the height of the multiple positions 209 is the maximum value of the region, and the maximum value of all regions Both include approximately the same height.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by the dashed line in Fig. 5 and the solid line in Figs. 6-7, there may be a single position 209 where the single position 209 has the absolute maximum width of the feature 109a. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the position 209 of the maximum width may be located closer to the first edge 107 than to the second edge 110. For example, as illustrated by the dotted line in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the position 209 of the maximum width may be at the first edge 107. In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the position 209 of the maximum width may be located closer to the second edge 110 than to the first edge 107. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the position 209 of the maximum width may be at the second edge 110. In other embodiments, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5 and the solid and dashed lines in FIG. 8, there may be multiple positions 209, where the width of the multiple positions 209 is the maximum value of the area, and the maximum value of all areas Both include approximately the same width 515.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, the feature 109a may include a first section 402 closer to the first edge 107 and a second section 404 closer to the second edge 110. In some embodiments, the first section may include the first edge 107. In some embodiments, the second section 404 may include the second edge 110. In some embodiments, the first section 402 and the second section 404 may be integrated, and there is a connection point 403 between the first section 402 and the second section 404. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the first section 402 may include a first edge 107, the second section 404 may include a second edge 110, and the first section 402 may be connected to the second area The segment 404 is formed as a whole, and there is a connection point 403 between the first segment 402 and the second segment 404 so that the feature 109 a continuously extends from the first edge 107 to the second edge 110. In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, the distance between the connection point 403 and the first edge 107 may be approximately the same as the distance from the second edge 110. In still further embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, the first section 402 may be a mirror image of the second section 404 with respect to the connection point.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the first section 402 of the feature 109a includes a first minimum width at an intermediate position 407 between the first edge 107 and the starting point of the second section 404 (eg, at the connection point 403) . The second section 404 includes the second minimum width at an intermediate position 405 between the end point of the first section 402 (for example, at the connection point 403) and the second edge 110.

In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the width 515 of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the middle position of the first minimum width of the first section 402 407. For example, as shown in the figure, the width 515 of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the first edge 107 to the middle position of the first minimum width of the first section 402 407. In a further embodiment, the width 515 of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 407 of the first minimum width of the first section 402. For example, as shown in the figure, the width 515 of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 407 of the first minimum width of the first section 402 to the connection point 403.

As further illustrated in FIG. 8, the width 515 of the second section 404 of the feature 109 a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the middle position 405 of the second minimum width of the second section 404. For example, as shown in the figure, the width 515 of the second section 404 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the connection point 403 to the middle position 405 of the second minimum width of the second section 404 . In a further embodiment, the width 515 of the second section 404 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 405 of the second minimum width of the second section 404. For example, as shown in the figure, the width 515 of the second section 404 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 405 of the second minimum width of the second section 404 to the second edge 110 .

In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the distance between the middle position 407 of the first minimum width of the first section 402 and the first edge 107 may be approximately the same as the distance from the connection point 403. In other embodiments, although not shown, the middle position 407 of the first minimum width of the first section 402 may be closer to the first edge 107 than close to the connection point 403, or may be farther from the first edge 107 than away from the connection point 403 . In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the distance from the middle position 405 of the second minimum width of the second section 404 from the second edge 110 may be approximately the same as the distance from the connection point 403. In other embodiments, although not shown, the middle position 405 of the second minimum width of the second section 404 may be closer to the second edge 110 than close to the connection point 403, or may be farther from the second edge 110 than away from the connection point 403 .

In some embodiments, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 8, the first section 402 may include a position 209 that is closer to the maximum width of the first edge 107 than to the connection point 403. In a further embodiment, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 8, the position 209 of the maximum width of the first section 402 may be at the first edge 107. In other embodiments, although not shown, the position of the maximum width of the first section 402 may be at the connection point 403. In other embodiments, as illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 8, there are two positions 209 with the largest width within the first section 402 (for example, at the connection point 403 and the first edge 107), which have substantially the same The width. In some embodiments, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 8, the second section 404 may include a position 209 that is closer to the maximum width of the second edge 110 than the connection point 403 is. In a further embodiment, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 8, the position 209 of the maximum width of the second section 404 may be located at the second edge 110. In other embodiments, although not shown in FIG. 8, the position of the maximum width of the second section 404 may be at the connection point 403. In other embodiments, as illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 8, there may be two positions 209 with the largest width within the second section 404 (for example, at the connection point 403 and the second edge 110), which have approximately The same width.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first section 402 of the feature 109a may include a first minimum at an intermediate position 407 between the first edge 107 and the starting point of the second section 404 (e.g., at the connection point 403). height. The second section 404 may include the second minimum height at an intermediate position 405 between the end point of the first section 402 (for example, at the connection point 403) and the second edge 110.

In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the height 116a of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the middle position of the first minimum height of the first section 402 407. For example, as shown in the figure, the height 116a of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the first edge 107 to the middle position of the first minimum height of the first section 402 407. In a further embodiment, the height 116a of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 407 of the first minimum height of the first section 402. For example, as shown in the figure, the height 116a of the first section 402 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 407 of the first minimum height of the first section 402 to the connection point 403.

As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the height 116 a of the second section 404 of the feature 109 a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 to the middle position 405 of the second minimum height of the second section 404. For example, as shown in the figure, the height 116a of the second section 404 of the feature 109a may continuously decrease in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the connection point 403 to the middle position 405 of the second minimum height of the second section 404 . In a further embodiment, the height 116a of the second section 404 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 405 of the second minimum height of the second section 404. For example, as illustrated, the height 116a of the second section 404 of the feature 109a may continuously increase in the direction 114 of the length 112 from the middle position 405 of the second minimum height of the second section 404 to the second edge 110 .

In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the distance between the middle position 407 of the first minimum height of the first section 402 and the first edge 107 may be approximately the same as the distance from the connection point 403. In other embodiments, although not shown, the middle position 407 of the first minimum height of the first section 401 may be closer to the first edge 107 than close to the connection point 403, or may be farther from the first edge 107 than away from the connection point 403 . In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the distance from the middle position 405 of the second minimum height of the second section 404 from the second edge 110 may be approximately the same as the distance from the connection point 403. In other embodiments, although not shown, the middle position 405 of the second minimum height of the second section 404 may be closer to the second edge 110 than close to the connection point 403, or may be farther from the second edge 110 than away from the connection point 403 .

In some embodiments, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 4, the first section 402 includes a position 209 that is closer to the maximum height of the first edge 107 than to the connection point 403. In a further embodiment, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 4, the position 209 of the maximum height of the first section 402 is at the first edge 107. In other embodiments, although not shown, the position of the maximum height of the first section 402 is at the connection point 403. In other embodiments, as illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 4, there are two maximum height positions 209 within the first section 402 (for example, at the connection point 403 and the first edge 107), which have substantially the same the height of. In some embodiments, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 4, the second section 404 may include a position 209 that is closer to the maximum height of the second edge 110 than the connection point 403 is. In a further embodiment, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 4, the position 209 of the maximum height of the second section 404 may be located at the second edge 110. In other embodiments, although not shown in FIG. 4, the position of the maximum height of the second section 404 may be at the connection point 403. In other embodiments, as illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 4, there may be two maximum height positions 209 within the second section 404 (for example, at the connection point 403 and the second edge 110), which have approximately The same height.

In some embodiments, the feature 109a includes a surface scattering factor (defined below). In further embodiments, the surface scattering factor may be about 1 degree or more, about 2 degrees or more, about 5 degrees or more, or about 8 degrees or more. In further embodiments, the surface scattering factor may be about 15 degrees or less, about 12 degrees or less, or about 10 degrees or less. In further embodiments, the surface scattering factor may be in the range from about 1 degree to about 15 degrees, from about 1 degree to about 12 degrees, from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees, from about 2 degrees. In the range from about 15 degrees, from about 2 degrees to about 12 degrees, from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees, from about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees, from about 5 degrees to Within the range of about 12 degrees, from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, from about 8 degrees to about 15 degrees, from about 8 degrees to about 12 degrees, from about 8 degrees to about 10 degrees Degree or any range or subrange in between. In a further embodiment, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 10, the feature 109 a includes a rough surface 1001. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the surface scattering factor can be controlled by adjusting the characteristics of the rough surface. However, there is no direct correlation between traditional surface roughness measurements and surface scattering factors. The surface scattering factor within the above range can provide technical benefits such as increased brightness uniformity, increased extraction efficiency, and increased collimation (for example, as measured using the regional darkening index), as described in detail later.

In order to measure the surface scattering factor of the light guide plate 105 using the light source 103 at the first edge 107, the surface scattering test device 1101 illustrated in FIG. 11 is used. According to the embodiment of this disclosure, the light source 103 faces the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105. The second main surface 111 of the light guide plate 105 faces the reflector 113. For the measurement of the surface scattering factor, the reflector 113 is made by Fusion Optix and has a white reflective film with 97% diffuse reflectance. The first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 faces the diffusion film 1103. For the measurement of the surface scattering factor, the diffusion film 1103 is 3M Envision diffusion film 3735-50. With respect to the light guide plate 105, the brightness enhancement film 1105 is located on the opposite side of the diffusion film 1103. For the measurement of the surface scattering factor, the brightness enhancement film 1105 is a 3M brightness enhancement film (3M BEF). The camera 1107 faces the brightness enhancement film 1105 and is located on the opposite side of the brightness enhancement film 1105 with respect to the diffusion film 1103. The camera is a ProMetric I16 camera manufactured by Radiant Vision Systems. The camera 1107 is focused on the brightness enhancement film 1105 and is configured to record the illuminance at a series of distances from the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 along the length of the light guide plate 105. The reflector 113, the diffusion film 1103, and the brightness enhancement film 1105 all have approximately the same length 112 and width 507 as the light guide plate 105 (see FIG. 5-8). The surface scattering test device 1101 further includes a side reflector 118 shown in dotted lines on the second edge 110 of the facing light guide plate 105. The side reflector 118 includes the same material as the reflector 113.

Additionally, a ray tracing model is used when determining the surface scattering factor. Use the ray tracing tool LightTool to build a ray tracing model. The size and feature arrangement, configuration, and shape of the light guide plate can be used to build the model. In a further embodiment, this feature includes a plurality of features, and all features of these features are used to construct the model. This model also includes a scattering function modeled using a Gaussian scattering function, where the surface scattering function is the standard deviation of the angular distribution of scattered light. Using this model, based on a set of different surface scattering factors used as input, a simulated illuminance curve that is a function of the distance from the first edge of the light guide plate is obtained. The value of a different set of surface scattering factors used does not differ from the value of another surface scattering factor in the corresponding set by more than 0.5 degrees.

In order to determine the surface scattering factor, the illuminance curve measured by the camera 1107 is compared with the simulated illuminance curve measured by the ray tracing model. Adjust the illuminance for different curves to generate a standardized version of the curve. Subsequently, the shapes of the different normalized simulated illuminance curves are compared with the normalized illuminance curves measured by the camera. The surface scattering factor of the light guide plate is determined as the surface scattering factor associated with the normalized simulated illuminance curve, and the normalized simulated illuminance curve best matches the shape of the normalized illuminance curve measured by the camera.

In some embodiments, the light guide plate of the embodiment of the disclosure can be manufactured according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12. The method may include a first step 1201, in which the glass sheet pre-cut into the predetermined length and width of the final light guide plate is dried in the drying step. This method may include a second step 1203, in which ink is printed in a predetermined pattern on the surface opposite to the second main surface 111 of the glass sheet to be the light guide plate 105. This method may include a third step 1205 in which the ink is cured in the curing step. This method may further include a fourth step 1207, in which the surface including the ink is etched in the etching step. This method may further include a fifth step 1209, in which the surface etched in the etching step is cleaned in the cleaning step to remove any residual ink.

In some embodiments, the drying step includes increasing the temperature for a predetermined time at a predetermined relative humidity level. In further embodiments, the temperature during the drying step may be about 100°C or higher, about 200°C or higher, or about 400°C or lower. In further embodiments, the time to dry the glass sheet may be about 1 hour or more, about 4 hours or more, about 8 hours or more, or about 16 hours or more, about 48 hours or less, Or about 24 hours or less. In further embodiments, the relative humidity during drying may be about 0% or higher, about 10% or higher, about 20% or higher, about 40% or lower, or about 30% or lower. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the drying step can remove moisture from the glass sheet.

In some embodiments, the printing step may include inkjet printing ink. In a further embodiment, although not shown in the figure, the ink may be deposited by inkjet printing to deposit a pattern approximately matching or approximately proportional to the coverage area of the predetermined feature to be formed. In a further embodiment, the height of the ink may vary depending on the position. In some embodiments, the printing step may include screen printing ink. As shown in FIG. 13, screen printing may include the deposition of a movable mask material. The movable mask material includes a mask material 1303 having a predetermined width 1305, and a light guide plate 105 opposite to the second main surface 111. A predetermined space 1307 between adjacent parts of the mask material 1303 on the surface. In a further embodiment, the depth of the mask may vary depending on the position. In a further embodiment, the width and/or interval of the mask can be changed according to the position. In a further embodiment, the mask may not be deposited in the footprint of the predetermined feature to be formed. In a further embodiment, the mask material 1303 may include a quantitative amount of boron or polymer. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the printing step may include depositing ink 1403 such that the ink 1403 fills the space 1307 between adjacent portions of the mask material 1303 on the surface of the light guide plate 105 opposite to the second main surface 111. In a further embodiment, the depth of the ink 1403 may vary depending on the position. In some embodiments, the printing step may optionally leave the ink 1403 on the surface of the light guide plate 105 while removing the mask material 1303. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the ink 1403 may spread to the surface of the light guide plate 105 opposite to the second main surface 111 into a curved drop shape, a ridge shape, and/or a row. In a further embodiment, the coverage area of the ink 1403 may approximately match or be approximately proportional to the coverage area of the predetermined feature to be formed.

In some embodiments, the ink may include organic polymers and inorganic materials. In a further embodiment, the ink may include about 10% or more, 20% or more, 40% or more, or 60% or less inorganic material. In a further embodiment, the inorganic material may include wherein the difference between the 90th percentile particle size and the 10th percentile particle size is about 5 μm or more, about 50 μm or more, about 100 μm or more , About 200 μm or less, or about 150 μm or less particle size distribution. In further embodiments, the ink may include Sun Chemical's CGSN-XG77, Sun Chemical's ESTS-3000, or Kiwo Group's Kiwomask Z 865/2 VP. In a further embodiment, the ink may include an adhesion promoter. In still further embodiments, the adhesion promoter may include one or more of silane, siloxane oxide, and siloxane. In still further embodiments, the adhesion promoter may include octadecyldimethyl(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride, (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane , Acrylic polysiloxane bis-semioxane, or polysilsesquioxane. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the organic polymers and inorganic materials of the ink can be etched at different rates, which creates a rough surface that contributes to the surface scattering factor.

In some embodiments, the curing step may include the use of light. In a further embodiment, the light may be infrared (IR) light. In a further embodiment, the light may be ultraviolet (UV) light. In some embodiments, the curing step may include heating the ink. In further embodiments, the ink may be heated to about 100°C or higher, about 120°C or higher, or about 200°C or lower, or about 150°C or lower.

In some embodiments, the etching step may include chemical etching using an etching solution. In some embodiments, the etching solution may include acid, such as HF, H ₂ SO ₄ , HNO ₃ , HCl, or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the etching solution may include about 5% or more by weight of HF and about 20% or more by weight of H ₂ SO ₄ . In a further embodiment, the etching solution may include about 5% or more by weight of HF and about 20% or more by weight of HNO ₃ . In a further embodiment, the etching solution may include one or more of about 5% or more of HF and about 20% or more of HCl by weight. In a further embodiment, the etching solution may include about 5% or more by weight of HF and about 20% or more by weight of one or more of H ₂ SO ₄ , HNO ₃ , or HCl. In some embodiments, the etching solution may include alkali, such as NaOH or KOH. In some embodiments, the etching solution can be supplied in a gaseous manner. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the exposure time and the concentration distribution of the etching solution can control the resulting characteristic shape. In some embodiments, the etching step may include laser-induced backside wet etching (LIBWE). In LIBWE, a selected portion of the light guide plate can be contacted with a thin liquid layer, which absorbs the pulse energy of the laser to etch the light guide plate. LIBWE can effectively etch crack-free features in transparent materials with high precision. Various organic dyes and/or inorganic pigments can be used as photoetchants.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, after the etching step, the residual ink 1603 may remain on the light guide plate 105, and the residual ink 1603 may be removed by a cleaning step. In some embodiments, the cleaning step may include a step of oxidizing residual ink through plasma exposure. In some embodiments, residual ink can be removed by ashing. In some embodiments, residual ink may be removed using a solvent such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). In some embodiments, the residual ink can be removed with alkali, such as NaOH or KOH. In some embodiments, the washing step may further include a step of washing the light guide plate 105 with water.

Several different methods (including diamond turning, laser ablation, or laser etching) can also be used to generate the features of the disclosed embodiments. Diamond engraving can be used to produce very precise features in any light guide plate material. However, in some applications, diamond engraving may be an expensive process because it requires tools with diamond tips and very precise machining, for example, using very precise computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Laser ablation can be used to remove part of the light guide plate and use lasers to form features. Lasers may include pump probe systems, optical filters, lenses, mirrors, and gratings, which are used to stretch, compress, amplify, or filter pulses. The wavelength of the laser can be fine-tuned so that the material of the light guide plate cannot be penetrated at this optical wavelength, which means that this material will absorb some of the energy emitted by the laser. A high-intensity pulse of a laser is emitted, and the high-intensity pulse is characterized by its flux (for example, in the form of a pulse on a cross section of the surface, the time fluence of radiation emitted by the laser) and duration. Depending on the characteristics of both the light guide plate material and the laser device, when the flux is higher than the threshold, ablation usually occurs. The duration of each pulse may be very short, for example, about 1 microsecond or less, 10 nanoseconds (ns) or less, 5 ns or less, 1 ns or less, about 500 femtoseconds (fs) or Less, about 200 fs or less, or about 100 fs or less. Each pulse can remove a predetermined amount of material in the area aimed at the laser with the beam radius, for example, 0.04 μm/pulse. Generally, the duration of the pulse, the number of pulses, and the pulse repetition rate can be adjusted to control the amount of material removed and the pattern formed in the light guide plate material. The shorter pulse and slower repetition rate may be related to the reduction of cracks or even no cracks in the light guide plate material. Laser ablation can occur in vacuum, air, liquid, or inert gas. Plasma-assisted laser ablation or flow-supported laser ablation can be used to gain additional control over the characteristics of the result. Longer laser pulses can be used to create features via laser etching. One method allows the laser to melt part of the light guide plate material. Generally, infrared lasers are used to heat the light guide plate material in the preselected area.

Additionally, molding, hot embossing, or printing can be used to generate embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the molten material can be poured into a mold having the desired surface profile of the light guide plate. Once cooled, the light guide plate can be taken out of the mold, and then the surface can be machined. In other embodiments, the light guide plate may be thermally embossed. Alternatively, inkjet or three-dimensional (3D) printing can be performed on the light guide plate to form the desired characteristic shape. In one embodiment, the light guide plate can be made of a single material formed in a single molding or printing process. In another embodiment, a part of the light guide plate can be molded or printed separately from the rest of the light guide plate. In a further embodiment, the first part of the light guide plate may include a different material from the second part including the rest of the light guide plate. In still further embodiments, the first part may include a polymer and the second part may include an amorphous inorganic material or a crystalline material.

The light guide plate according to the embodiments described herein can be used as a part of the light device in the light emission method. First, the light emitted from the light source 103 may be injected into the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, light can also be emitted from the second light source 406 and injected into the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105. In a further embodiment, the first part of the light injected into the light guide plate 105 may come from the light source 103 injected through the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105, and the second part of the light injected into the light guide plate 105 Part of it may come from the second light source 406 injected through the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105. Subsequently, the injected light can propagate within the light guide plate 105 as propagating light. In addition, the propagating light in the light guide plate 105 can be extracted through the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105. In a further embodiment, a part of the propagating light in the light guide plate 105 may be extracted through the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105.

As used herein, the brightness uniformity is the minimum light intensity emitted from the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 at a first distance from the first edge 107, relative to the second distance from the first edge 107 The percentage of the maximum light intensity emitted by the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105. In some embodiments, the brightness uniformity of the light extracted from the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 may be about 70% or more, about 80% or more, about 90% or more, or about 92%. % Or more, or about 94% or more. Since the brightness is more uniform, the increased brightness uniformity can provide the technical benefit of fewer light spots and/or dark spots. This can also have the technical benefit of reducing the need for brightness enhancement films and/or diffusion films that are usually used in combination with light guide plates.

As used herein, extraction efficiency refers to the percentage of the light intensity emitted from the first main surface 109 and the second main surface 111 of the light guide plate 105 relative to the total intensity of the light injected into the light guide plate 105 by the light source 103 (406) . In some embodiments, the extraction efficiency of the light extracted by the first main surface 109 and the second main surface 111 of the light guide plate 105 may be about 60% or more, about 70% or more, about 80% or more. More, about 85% or more, about 90% or more, or about 92% or more. The increased extraction efficiency can provide the technical benefit of reducing the power consumption of the optical device required to achieve the predetermined brightness facing the display 115. Additionally, because additional light is extracted from the light guide plate 105, instead of capturing the additional light in the light guide plate 105 and dissipating it as heat, the increased extraction efficiency can reduce the heating of the light guide plate 105; The temperature requirement of the material of 105, the increase in the life of the light guide plate 105, and/or the technical benefits of preventing the "yellowing" of the light guide plate 105 which is usually associated with polymers.

In some embodiments, the collimation of the light emitted from the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 may be required. For a light guide plate with perfect collimation, the light injected along the predetermined width of the light guide plate will emit light within the predetermined width. The measure of light collimation is the area darkening index. As used herein, the area darkening index is defined as 100 minus the percentage of light emitted along the outside of the predetermined width of injected light. In some embodiments, the area darkening index of the light guide plate may be about 70% or more, about 80% or more, about 82% or more, or about 84% or more. As described above, the increased area darkening index can provide the technical benefit of increased extraction efficiency. Additionally, when the area darkening index is high, since the light is highly collimated, the increased area darkening index may provide a technical benefit that allows the brightness of the light extracted from the light guide plate to be selectively adjusted.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the initial width and height at the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 are reduced to the minimum width and/or the middle position 119, 203, 303, The features of 407 can provide technical benefits such as increased light extraction efficiency, increased brightness uniformity, and/or increased light collimation. Without wishing to be bound by theory, without the features of the embodiment according to this disclosure, the light injected at the first edge 107 on the first main surface 109 close to the first edge 107 may mainly pass through the whole The angle at which internal reflection is reflected (injection), which will cause a dark spot close to the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105. These features change the inclination of the first main surface 109 so that light incident on the first main surface 109 close to the first edge 107 can increase the possibility of emission from the first main surface 109, thereby eliminating dark spots. Additionally, the increased extraction amount of light initially incident on the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 increases the area darkening index of the light guide plate 105 because the extracted light does not diffuse or propagate within the light guide plate 105. In addition, the increased extraction amount of the light initially incident on the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105 increases the extraction efficiency of the light guide plate 105, because this light is directly extracted and does not dissipate within the light guide plate 105, nor does it pass through Another part of the light guide plate 105 is extracted.

According to the embodiment of the disclosure and the diagrams in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the features that increase from the intermediate positions 119, 203, 303 of the minimum width and/or height toward the second edge 110 relative to the first edge 107 , Can provide technical benefits such as increased light extraction efficiency, increased brightness uniformity, and/or increased light collimation. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the light intensity in the light guide plate generally decreases sharply with the distance from the light source 103; therefore, a position far away from the light source 103 may result in dark spots, because there is less energy at these positions. Light extracted. Increasing the width and/or height of the feature can increase the surface area of the corresponding position on the first main surface 109 of the light guide plate 105. The increased surface area can result in increased light extraction, which eliminates dark spots away from the light source 103. Additionally, the increased amount of light extraction can increase the darkening index and collimation of the light guide plate 105 area, because the extracted light does not reach the second edge 110 and/or the side reflector 118, which can be The light is redirected so that the light diffuses to other positions on the light guide plate 105. In addition, the increased amount of light extraction directly increases the light extraction efficiency of the light guide plate 105, because this light is neither dissipated within the light guide plate 105 nor extracted through another part of the light guide plate 105.

The position of the minimum width and/or height according to the embodiment of this disclosure helps to increase the brightness uniformity. The reduced width and/or height at this position means that the light extracted from this position (originally bright when there are no features) is not as good as other positions (the extracted light is not so bright) (for example, dark spots) The increase is generally more. The distance from the position of the minimum width and/or height of the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 depends on several factors, including the length 112 of the light guide plate 105, the thickness 108 of the light guide plate, and the surface scattering factor.

According to the disclosed embodiment and the light guide plate 105 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, when light is extracted through both the first edge 107 of the light guide plate 105 and the second edge 110 of the light guide plate 105, it can provide increased Technical benefits such as light extraction efficiency, increased brightness uniformity, and/or increased light collimation. In addition to the above technical benefits of reducing the height and/or width of features due to the increase in the distance from the light source 103 and the corresponding edge, there is an additional problem that the light guide plate 105 may be large enough that the light guide plate 105 There is a dark spot in the middle. These embodiments eliminate this dark spot by increasing the width and/or height near the center of the light guide plate 105. Such embodiments may include two sections, where each section may have a shape similar to the features described above in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 7. This results in a feature having two minimums in height and/or width: a minimum in the middle of the first section and a minimum in the middle of the second section. As described above, increasing the height and/or width of the feature at this location can increase the surface area of the first major surface 109 at this location, which can increase the light intensity extracted at this location. In this way, these embodiments can increase the uniformity of brightness by increasing the surface area of the first main surface 109 at this position, so as to extract more light at a position with less light that can be extracted. As mentioned above, for roughly the same reasons, this will also lead to an increase in light collimation (area darkening index) and extraction efficiency. In some embodiments, as described above, there may be two light sources 103 and 406 respectively configured to emit light at the opposite edges 107 and 110 of the light guide plate 105.

As used herein, the terms "width of a feature", "width of the feature", and "feature width" all refer to the same aspect of the feature. As used herein, the terms “height of a feature”, “height of the feature”, and “height of the feature” all refer to the same aspect of the feature. As used herein, the terms "length of a feature", "length of the feature", and "feature length" all refer to the same aspect of the feature.

Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the", "one" (a) or "one" (an) mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components.

As used herein, the term "about" refers to the quantity, size, formula, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics that are not and need not be precise, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller as needed, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors , Rounding, measurement error, etc., and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or endpoint of a range, this disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint involved. If the value or end point of the range in the specification indicates "about", the value or end point of the range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and the other without "about". It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range are important and independent of the other endpoints.

The terms "basic", "substantially" and their variants are intended to note that the described characteristic is equal to or approximately equal to the value or description. For example, "substantially flat" surface is intended to mean a flat or nearly flat surface. In addition, as defined above, "substantially similar" is intended to indicate two equal or approximately equal values. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean values within about 10% of each other, such as values within about 5% of each other, or values within about 2% of each other.

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the terms "including" and "including" and their variants should be interpreted as synonymous and open-ended.

Although various embodiments have been described in detail for some illustrative and specific examples, the content of this disclosure should not be regarded as limited thereto, because the scope of the attached patent application can be discussed without departing from the content of this disclosure. Various modifications and combinations are made to the features of the scope of disclosure content.

101: Equipment 103: The first light source 105: light guide plate 107: First Edge 108: thickness 109: The first major surface 109a: Features 109b: Base surface 110: second edge 111: second major surface 112: length 113: reflector 114,126,518: direction 115: display 116a: height 118: Side reflector 119,203,303,405,407: middle position 209: Location 402: first section 403: connection point 404: second section 406: second light source 503: The Third Edge 505: The Fourth Edge 507,515: width 903: Flat virtual surface 1101: Surface scattering test equipment 1103: Diffusion film 1105: Brightness enhancement film 1107: camera 1201: first step 1203: second step 1205: third step 1207: Fourth Step 1209: Fifth Step 1303: Mask material 1305: predetermined width 1307: predetermined space 1403: Deposit ink 1603: Residual ink

These and other embodiments will be better understood when reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the device along section line 1-1 of Figure 5;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the device along the section line 2-2 of FIG. 6;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a still further embodiment of the device along section line 3-3 of Figure 7;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a still further embodiment of the device along section line 4-4 of Figure 8;

Figure 5 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the device along section line 5-5 in Figure 1;

Figure 6 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the device along section line 6-6 in Figure 2;

Figure 7 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the device along the section line 7-7 in Figure 3;

Figure 8 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the device along the section line 8-8 in Figure 4;

Figure 9 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the device along the section line 9-9 in Figure 4;

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates an enlarged view of an embodiment of the device of view 10 of Fig. 1;

Figure 11 illustrates a device for measuring surface scattering factor;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of forming a device according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates steps in the method of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates another step in the method of FIG. 12

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates another step in the method of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates another step in the method of FIG. 12.

Domestic deposit information (please note in the order of deposit institution, date and number) no Foreign hosting information (please note in the order of hosting country, institution, date and number) no

101: Equipment

103: The first light source

105: light guide plate

107: First Edge

108: thickness

109: The first major surface

109a: Features

109b: Base surface

110: second edge

111: second major surface

112: length

113: reflector

114: direction

115: display

116a: height

118: Side reflector

119: middle position

209: Location

Claims (10)

A device that includes: A light guide plate includes a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, and is opposite to the first main surface. An edge and a second edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, a length defined between the first edge and the second edge, a direction of the length from the first The edge extends toward the second edge; and The first major surface includes a feature extending in one direction of the length, and the feature includes a surface scattering factor in a range of about 1 degree to about 15 degrees. The device according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic further includes a characteristic width of the direction perpendicular to the length, a characteristic height of a direction perpendicular to the characteristic width, and the direction of the length, and the characteristic The width varies along this direction of the length. The device according to claim 2, wherein a ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height is in a range of about 2 to about 10. A device that includes: A light guide plate includes a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, and is opposite to the first main surface. An edge and a second edge extending between the first main surface and the second main surface, a length defined between the first edge and the second edge, and a direction of the length is from the first The edge extends toward the second edge; and The first main surface includes a feature extending in one direction of the length, the feature including a feature width perpendicular to the length, and a feature height perpendicular to both a direction perpendicular to the feature width and the direction of the length , The characteristic width varies in the direction of the length and includes a minimum width at an intermediate position between the first edge and the second edge of the characteristic, and the characteristic width decreases along the direction of the length To the minimum width and increase from the minimum width along the direction of the length. The device according to claim 4, wherein a ratio of the characteristic width to the characteristic height is in a range of about 2 to about 10. The device according to claim 4, wherein the characteristic width continuously decreases from the first edge to the minimum width. The device according to claim 4, wherein the characteristic width continuously increases from the minimum width to the second edge. The device according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate position is closer to the first edge than to the second edge. The device according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate position is closer to the second edge than to the first edge. The device according to claim 9, wherein the characteristic width includes a maximum width located closer to the first edge than close to the second edge.

Images