US5349503A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated transparent display with microtextured back reflector
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1993-04-23
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Granted: 1994-09-20
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Expires: 2013-04-23
Abstract
Abstract Applicants have discovered that a particularly efficient illuminating device for a transparent display comprises a microtextured reflecting surface formed on a major surface of a transparent substrate and a light source for directing light into the transparent substrate approximately parallel to the major surface. Preferably the substrate has two major surfaces separated by a thickness in the range 0.5 to 1.0 mm so that the substrate acts as a light guide. A substantial portion of the light passing into the substrate undergoes total internal reflection until it hits a microelement and is reflected out of the substrate. The result is an efficient illuminating device particularly useful for lighting transparent displays.
Inventors
- 👤 Greg E. Blonder
- 👤 Bertrand H. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:00
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0011; G02B6/0033; G02B6/0035; G02B6/0036; G02B6/0058; G02B6/0061; G02B6/0065; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1335; G02F1/133553; G02B6/005; G02B6/0051; G02B6/0055
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
An illuminating device comprising: a transparent substrate comprising a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces; one of said major surfaces comprising a plurality of spherical segments having smooth, continuous mold-formed surfaces and bases in the range 10-125 micrometers in diameter; and means for directing light into said substrate in a direction generally parallel to said major surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
An illuminating device comprising: a transparent substrate comprising a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces; one of said major surfaces comprising a plurality of spherical segments having smooth, continuous mold-formed surfaces and bases in the range 10-125 micrometers in diameter; and means for directing light into said substrate in a direction generally parallel to said major surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said major surfaces are spaced apart by a thickness of about 0.5 to 1.00 ram.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising a diffusing sheet disposed parallel to said major surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said spherical segments are coated with reflecting material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said spherical segments have altitudes which are 10% to 20% of the diameters of their bases.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the combined areas of the spherical segment bases comprises 50 to 90% of the area of the major surface on which they are formed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An illuminated display device comprising a transparent display device and an illuminating device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-09-19 | 1998-03-21 | 1998-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-09-19 | 2002-03-21 | 2002-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-09-19 | 2006-03-21 | 2006-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |