US6692137B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Display system using a hybrid backlight reflector
Assignee: L3 Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 2001-05-11
•
Granted: 2004-02-17
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Expires: 2021-05-11
Abstract
Abstract The present technique relates to a method and apparatus of illuminating a display, which has a display screen, a plurality of lamps and reflector containing both specular and diffuse surfaces. The technique provides a relatively small area specular reflector with a curved surface configured for reflecting a substantial amount of light away from the lamps, into the intermediate areas between the lamps, and toward the display screen. The relatively large remaining area of the reflector provides a diffuse surface to direct some amount of light away from the lamps and toward the display. In addition, this diffuse surface optimizes the performance of light control films integral to the illumination system.
Inventors
- 👤 Randall D. Blanchard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:30
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1335; G02F1/1336; G02F1/133602; G02F1/133605; G02F1/133604
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 92
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A reflector panel adapted for uniformly lighting a display having a plurality of lights, the reflector panel comprising: a reflective surface having a plurality of curved sections, the reflective surface being configured to reflect light away from the plurality of lights and into a plurality of intermediate areas between the plurality of lights, wherein the plurality of curved sections comprise a convex ridge configured to be disposed between a pair of the plurality of lights.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A reflector panel adapted for uniformly lighting a display having a plurality of lights, the reflector panel comprising: a reflective surface having a plurality of curved sections, the reflective surface being configured to reflect light away from the plurality of lights and into a plurality of intermediate areas between the plurality of lights, wherein the plurality of curved sections comprise a convex ridge configured to be disposed between a pair of the plurality of lights.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , comprising a display screen positioned in front of the plurality of lights, wherein the reflective surface is positioned behind the plurality of lights.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The reflector panel of claim 2 , wherein the display screen comprises a liquid crystal screen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the curved sections are uniformly spaced.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of brightness enhancement films positioned in front of the plurality of lights, wherein the reflective surface is positioned behind the plurality of lights.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises plastic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises silicone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises vinyl.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises paint.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a white material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a silver material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a light diffusive surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a surface having a reflectance of greater than 90 percent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of curved sections comprise a plurality of concave depressions, each one of the concave depressions being configured to be at least partially positioned behind one of the plurality of lights.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The reflector panel of claim 14 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a diffusive surface disposed between the plurality of concave depressions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The reflector panel of claim 14 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a mirror surface disposed in the plurality of concave depressions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The reflector panel of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of concave depressions is disposed behind one of the plurality of lights, each concave depression having a first side being positioned adjacent an edge of the light to reflect light rays around the light to an opposite side of the concave depression to produce a virtual light source adjacent to the light.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The reflector panel of claim 17 , wherein each one of the virtual light sources comprises a reflected image of one of the plurality of lights.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The reflector panel of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of concave depressions comprises a plurality of cylindrical channels, and the plurality of lights comprises a plurality of elongated lights.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein the reflector panel is configured to reflect and disperse light substantially uniformly toward the display to facilitate consistent illumination over a viewable area of the display.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
94 words
A reflector panel adapted for uniformly lighting a display having a plurality of elongated lights, the reflector panel comprising: a reflective surface having a plurality of cylindrical channels, the reflective surface being configured to reflect light away from the plurality of elongated lights and into a plurality of intermediate areas as virtual light sources between the plurality of elongated lights, wherein the plurality of cylindrical channels and the plurality of elongated lights are arranged in pairs, each pair of cylindrical channels and elongated lights being symmetrically arranged relative to a centerline for the pair.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
94 words
A reflector panel adapted for uniformly lighting a display having a plurality of elongated lights, the reflector panel comprising: a reflective surface having a plurality of cylindrical channels, the reflective surface being configured to reflect light away from the plurality of elongated lights and into a plurality of intermediate areas as virtual light sources between the plurality of elongated lights, wherein the plurality of cylindrical channels and the plurality of elongated lights are arranged in pairs, each pair of cylindrical channels and elongated lights being symmetrically arranged relative to a centerline for the pair.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The reflector panel of claim 21 , comprising a plurality of intermediate ridges configured to be positioned between the plurality of cylindrical channels and between the plurality of elongated lights.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The reflector panel of claim 22 , wherein the plurality of intermediate ridges comprises a convex ridge configured to be positioned between each pair of the plurality of elongated lights.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The reflector panel of claim 22 , wherein the plurality of cylindrical channels form the plurality of intermediate ridges, and the plurality of intermediate ridges comprise a sharp ridge.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The reflector panel of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of curved sections has a radius measured from an edge point of an adjacent one of the plurality of lights, the edge point being aligned with a centerline passing through the plurality of lights.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The reflector panel of claim 25 , wherein the curved sections have a geometry configured to reflect light rays being emitted normally from the plurality of lights through a point disposed adjacent the plurality of lights.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
37 words
The reflector panel of claim 26 , wherein the point is a center of a virtual light source created by light rays emitted from the plurality of lights and reflected off of the plurality of curved sections.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
134 words
A system for uniformly lighting a display, comprising a plurality of elongated lamps configured to be disposed behind the display; and a reflector panel configured to be disposed behind the plurality of elongated lamps at a desired offset distance from the display, wherein the reflector panel has a reflective surface comprising a plurality of curved sections configured to reflect light substantially around the elongated lamps and into a plurality of intermediate areas between the plurality of elongated lamps, the plurality of curved sections comprising a plurality of curved depressions and a plurality of intermediate convex ridges, wherein each of the plurality of curved depressions is disposed at least partially behind one of the plurality of elongated lamps and each of the plurality of intermediate convex ridges is disposed between the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
134 words
A system for uniformly lighting a display, comprising a plurality of elongated lamps configured to be disposed behind the display; and a reflector panel configured to be disposed behind the plurality of elongated lamps at a desired offset distance from the display, wherein the reflector panel has a reflective surface comprising a plurality of curved sections configured to reflect light substantially around the elongated lamps and into a plurality of intermediate areas between the plurality of elongated lamps, the plurality of curved sections comprising a plurality of curved depressions and a plurality of intermediate convex ridges, wherein each of the plurality of curved depressions is disposed at least partially behind one of the plurality of elongated lamps and each of the plurality of intermediate convex ridges is disposed between the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the display comprises a liquid crystal screen.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the plurality of elongated lamps and the reflector panel are jointly configured to distribute light away from the plurality of elongated lamps and toward the display to illuminate the display in a substantially uniform manner.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 30 , wherein the display comprises a light diffusion screen adjacent the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the reflective surface comprises plastic.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a matte surface disposed between the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a surface having a reflectance greater than 90 percent.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a surface having a reflectance greater than 95 percent.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a light diffusive surface disposed between the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 36 , wherein the light diffusive surface is configured to disperse light substantially uniformly toward the display.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein each one of the plurality of elongated lamps is disposed toward a side of one of the plurality of curved depressions, and each curved depression is configured to reflect light from the elongated lamp to an opposite side of the curved depression.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the plurality of intermediate convex ridges are configured to reflect lateral light rays toward the display.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein each one of the plurality of curved sections has a radius measured from an edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of elongated lamps, the edge being aligned with a line passing through a center of the respective one of the plurality of elongated lamps and being parallel with at least a portion of the reflective surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 40 , wherein the curved sections have a geometry configured to reflect light rays being emitted normally from the plurality of elongated lamps through a point disposed adjacent the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the plurality of curved depressions comprises a plurality of elongated concave channels.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
150 words
A display system comprising: a display screen; a diffusion screen disposed behind the display screen; a plurality of elongated lamps disposed behind the diffusion screen and configured to emit light; and a reflector panel disposed behind the plurality of elongated lamps at a desired offset distance from the display screen, the reflector panel having a reflective surface comprising a plurality of curved sections configured to reflect light substantially around the elongated lamps and into a plurality of intermediate areas as virtual light sources between the plurality of elongated lamps, the plurality of curved sections comprising a plurality of curved depressions each of which are disposed at least partially behind one of the plurality of elongated lamps, wherein the plurality of curved depressions and the plurality of elongated lamps are arranged in pairs, each pair of curved depressions and elongated lamps being symmetrically arranged relative to a centerline for the pair.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
150 words
A display system comprising: a display screen; a diffusion screen disposed behind the display screen; a plurality of elongated lamps disposed behind the diffusion screen and configured to emit light; and a reflector panel disposed behind the plurality of elongated lamps at a desired offset distance from the display screen, the reflector panel having a reflective surface comprising a plurality of curved sections configured to reflect light substantially around the elongated lamps and into a plurality of intermediate areas as virtual light sources between the plurality of elongated lamps, the plurality of curved sections comprising a plurality of curved depressions each of which are disposed at least partially behind one of the plurality of elongated lamps, wherein the plurality of curved depressions and the plurality of elongated lamps are arranged in pairs, each pair of curved depressions and elongated lamps being symmetrically arranged relative to a centerline for the pair.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the display screen comprises a liquid crystal screen.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the diffusion screen is configured to facilitate a relatively uniform brightness level over its entire surface.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the plurality of elongated lamps and the reflector panel are jointly configured to distribute light away from the plurality of elongated lamps and toward the display screen in a substantially uniform manner to facilitate consistent illumination over a viewable area of the display screen.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a white matte surface disposed between the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a surface having a reflectance greater than 90 percent.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a light diffusive surface disposed between the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein each one of the plurality of elongated lamps is disposed toward a side of one of the plurality of curved depressions, and each curved depression is configured to reflect light from the elongated lamp to an opposite side of the curved depression.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the plurality of curved sections comprise a plurality of intermediate ridges extending between the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 51 , wherein the plurality of intermediate ridges comprise a convex ridge.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein each one of the plurality of curved sections has a radius measured from an edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of elongated lamps, the edge being aligned with a line passing through a center of the respective one of the plurality of elongated lamps and being substantially parallel with the reflector panel.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein the curved sections have a geometry configured to reflect light rays being emitted normally from the plurality of elongated lamps through a common point disposed adjacent the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 43 , comprising a plurality of brightness enhancement films positioned between the display screen and the diffusion screen.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 43 , comprising an anti-glare layer disposed in front of the display screen.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 43 , comprising an anti-reflection layer in front of the display screen.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of illuminating a display screen, the method comprising the acts of: disposing a reflector panel behind a plurality of elongated lamps positioned adjacent the display screen for illuminating the display screen, wherein the reflector panel has a reflective surface comprising a plurality of elongated curved portions; arranging the plurality of elongated curved portions and the plurality of elongated lamps in pairs symmetrically disposed about an intermediate centerline; offsetting the plurality of elongated curved portions at a desired position relative to the plurality of elongated lamps such that the reflective surface can reflect light substantially around the elongated lamps and into a plurality of intermediate areas as virtual light sources between the plurality of elongated lamps; and positioning the reflector panel at a desired offset distance from the display screen to facilitate substantially uniform illumination of the display screen.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of illuminating a display screen, the method comprising the acts of: disposing a reflector panel behind a plurality of elongated lamps positioned adjacent the display screen for illuminating the display screen, wherein the reflector panel has a reflective surface comprising a plurality of elongated curved portions; arranging the plurality of elongated curved portions and the plurality of elongated lamps in pairs symmetrically disposed about an intermediate centerline; offsetting the plurality of elongated curved portions at a desired position relative to the plurality of elongated lamps such that the reflective surface can reflect light substantially around the elongated lamps and into a plurality of intermediate areas as virtual light sources between the plurality of elongated lamps; and positioning the reflector panel at a desired offset distance from the display screen to facilitate substantially uniform illumination of the display screen.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 58 , comprising the acts of: positioning the reflector panel behind a liquid crystal display screen; and positioning the plurality of elongated lamps between the reflector panel and the liquid crystal display screen.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 58 , comprising the acts of: positioning a diffusion screen behind the display screen; and positioning the plurality of elongated lamps between the diffusion screen and the reflector panel, wherein the diffusion screen provides a relatively uniform brightness level over its entire surface.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 60 , comprising the act of: disposing a plurality of light control films between the display screen and the diffusion screen.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 60 , comprising the act of: disposing a reflective polarizer layer behind the display screen.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the act of offsetting the plurality of elongated curved portions comprises the act of: positioning a plurality of elongated concave depressions such that each of the elongated concave depressions is at least partially disposed behind one of the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 63 , wherein the act of positioning the plurality of elongated concave depressions comprises the act of: positioning a first side of each elongated concave depression adjacent an edge of each elongated lamp such that light rays emitted from each elongated lamp reflect around the elongated lamp to a common point at an opposite side of the elongated concave depression.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the act of offsetting the plurality of elongated curved portions comprises the act of: positioning one of a plurality of intermediate ridges between each of the plurality of elongated light bulbs.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the act of offsetting the plurality of elongated curved portions at the desired position comprises the act of: positioning each one of the plurality of elongated curved portions such that a center of a curve radius for the respective one of the plurality of elongated curved portions is oriented at an edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 58 , comprising the act of: retrofitting the reflector panel into the display.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 67 , comprising the act of: retrofitting the plurality of elongated lamps into the display between the display screen and the reflector panel.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of forming a light reflector assembly for a display, the method comprising the acts of: forming a reflector panel with a plurality of curved depressions and intermediate convex ridges, wherein each curved depression is configured to be positioned behind one of a plurality of lamps and each intermediate convex ridge is configured to be positioned between a pair of the plurality of lamps, which are adapted to be positioned adjacent a display screen; and forming a reflective surface on the reflector panel for distributing light substantially uniformly toward the display screen, wherein the reflective surface comprises a curved portion disposed in the plurality of curved depressions and an intermediate portion disposed on the intermediate convex ridges.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of forming a light reflector assembly for a display, the method comprising the acts of: forming a reflector panel with a plurality of curved depressions and intermediate convex ridges, wherein each curved depression is configured to be positioned behind one of a plurality of lamps and each intermediate convex ridge is configured to be positioned between a pair of the plurality of lamps, which are adapted to be positioned adjacent a display screen; and forming a reflective surface on the reflector panel for distributing light substantially uniformly toward the display screen, wherein the reflective surface comprises a curved portion disposed in the plurality of curved depressions and an intermediate portion disposed on the intermediate convex ridges.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein the plurality of curved depressions comprises a plurality of elongated depressions and the plurality of lamps comprises a plurality of elongated lamps.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein the act of forming a reflector panel with a plurality of curved depressions comprises the act of: forming a curve radius for each one of the plurality of curved depressions measured from an edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of lamps, the edge being aligned with a centerline extending through centerpoints for the plurality of lamps.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 69 , comprising the act of: integrating the plurality of lamps and the reflector panel to distribute light away from the plurality of lamps and toward the display screen to facilitate relatively uniform illumination of a viewable area of the display screen.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 72 , comprising the act of: positioning a diffusion screen between the display screen and the plurality of lamps.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 73 , wherein the display screen comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 73 , comprising the act of: positioning a plurality of light control layers between the diffusion screen and a viewable area of the display screen.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 75 , comprising the act of: positioning a reflective polarizer display screen and the diffusion screen.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein the reflective surface comprises a plastic.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein the reflective surface has a reflectance of greater than 90 percent.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein the intermediate portion of the reflective surface comprises a light diffusive surface.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 69 , comprising the act of: reflecting light substantially around the lamps and into intermediate areas between the plurality of lamps.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
62 words
A lighting system, comprising: a backlight reflector comprising a plurality of concave reflective surfaces; and a plurality of elongated lamps disposed at a vertical offset from the backlight reflector, wherein each lamp of the plurality of elongated lamps is disposed in front of one surface of the plurality of concave reflective surfaces at a horizontally off-center point relative to the one surface.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
62 words
A lighting system, comprising: a backlight reflector comprising a plurality of concave reflective surfaces; and a plurality of elongated lamps disposed at a vertical offset from the backlight reflector, wherein each lamp of the plurality of elongated lamps is disposed in front of one surface of the plurality of concave reflective surfaces at a horizontally off-center point relative to the one surface.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
18 words
The light system of claim 81 , wherein plurality of concave reflective surfaces each comprise a cylindrical channel.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
27 words
The light system of claim 81 , wherein the backlight reflector comprises a reflective convex surface disposed between adjacent pairs of the plurality of concave reflective surfaces.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
47 words
The light system of claim 81 , wherein the plurality of concave reflective surfaces and the plurality of elongated lamps are arranged in pairs, each pair of concave reflective surfaces and each pair of elongated lamps being symmetrically arranged relative to a common centerline for the pairs.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
46 words
The light system of claim 81 , wherein each of the plurality of concave reflective surfaces has a focal point horizontally offset from the horizontally off-center point of each lamp, such that a virtual light source emanates from the focal point during operation of each lamp.
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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) | 2007-02-16 | 2007-08-18 | 2008-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-02-16 | 2011-08-18 | 2012-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-02-16 | 2015-08-18 | 2016-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |