LIGHT-GUIDE APPARATUS
First Claim
1. A light-guide apparatus comprising a light-guide plate for guiding light rays and a plurality of light extraction features, the light extraction features comprising a transparent material applied to the light-guide plate and having an uneven surface such that light rays incident upon the uneven surface are refracted out of the light guide.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A light-guide apparatus comprising a light-guide plate for guiding light rays and a plurality of light extraction features is described. The light extraction features comprise a transparent material applied to the light-guide plate so as to form an uneven surface. The transparent material may comprise a textured ink applied to the surface of the light-guide plate via a printing process. The incorporation of an uneven surface provides mirco-lens like elements on the surface of the extraction feature which have a higher aspect ratio and so lend themselves to the refraction of the light out of the light-guide plate. In this way a device is produced wherein the size, height, location and surface profile of the extraction features can be carefully controlled. As a result the described light-guide apparatus provides for a highly efficient and relatively uniform light output.
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Citations
31 Claims
- 1. A light-guide apparatus comprising a light-guide plate for guiding light rays and a plurality of light extraction features, the light extraction features comprising a transparent material applied to the light-guide plate and having an uneven surface such that light rays incident upon the uneven surface are refracted out of the light guide.
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20. A method of manufacturing a light-guide apparatus having one or more extraction features comprising the steps of:
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applying a transparent material onto a surface of light-guide so as to define the position of the one or more extraction features; and drying or curing the transparent material such that the surface of the transparent material is uneven. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. (canceled)
Specification