Backlighting system for an LCD

• US 6,992,733 B1
• Filed: 04/11/1997
• Issued: 01/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Original Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Klein, Dean A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Dung T.
• Application Number:
  US08/835,732
• Time in Patent Office: 3,217 Days
• Field of Search: 349 61- 65, 349 58- 59, 362/26, 362/29, 362/30, 362/31, 362/32
• US Class Current: 349/58
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0021 for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0031 Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0055 Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133308 Support structures for LCD panels, e.g. frames or bezels
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133314 Back frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133608 including particular frames or supporting means
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133611 including means for improving the brightness uniformity
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133615 Edge-illuminating devices, i.e. illuminating from the side

Abstract

A computer display is disclosed. The computer display includes a LCD housing, a light source coupled to the LCD housing, and a LCD coupled to the LCD housing. The LCD housing conducts light from the light source to the LCD. A method for conducting light is also disclosed. The method includes generating light and conducting the generated light through a LCD housing.

Claims

1. A computer display comprising:

a LCD housing made in a single piece from a single light transmissive material, said material having the same light transmissive characteristics throughout;

a light source, wherein the light source is embedded in the LCD housing;

a LCD having a back surface, a front surface and edges therebetween, wherein the back surface of the LCD is coupled directly to the LCD housing, and wherein the back surface and the edges of the LCD are at least partially enclosed by the LCD housing;

a reflective coating on at least a portion of a surface of the LCD housing, wherein light is reflected by said reflective coating; and

wherein the LCD housing functions as a light pipe for conducting light from the light source directly to the LCD and protects the LCD.

2. The computer display of claim 1 wherein the reflectively coated outer surface is comprised of a material that attenuates EMI emissions.

3. The computer display of claim 2 wherein the LCD housing includes an inner surface and the LCD is adjacent to the inner surface.

4. The computer display of claim 3 wherein the light source is a cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

5. The computer display of claim 4 wherein the reflectively coated outer surface includes a metallic coating.

6. The computer display of claim 1 wherein the LCD housing includes an outer surface that partially conducts light out of the LCD housing.

7. A computer comprising:

a display panel having a back surface, a front surface and edges therebetween;

first means for generating light for the display panel; and

second means made in a single piece from a single light transmissive material for housing the display panel, wherein the second means is connected directly to the back surface of the display panel, and wherein the second means at least partially encloses the back surface and edges of the display panel;

a reflective coating on at least a portion of a surface of the second means, wherein light is reflected by said reflective coating;

wherein the first means is embedded in the second means, the second means structured to function as a light pipe so as to conduct light received from the first means for generating light directly to the display panel; and

wherein the single light transmissive material has the same light transmissive characteristics throughout.

8. A method for conducting light in a computer system having a LCD and a LCD housing comprising:

generating light from a light source embedded within an LCD housing; and

conducting the generated light through the LCD housing directly to an LCD having a back surface, a front surface and edges therebetween, wherein the LCD housing is made in a single piece from a single light transmissive material, wherein the LCD housing includes a reflective coating; and

wherein the single light transmissive material has the same light transmissive characteristics throughout and functions as a light pipe for illuminating the LCD and as a housing which protects and at least partially encloses the back surface and edges of the LCD.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of generating light includes generating light with a cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of conducting the generated light includes conducting the generated light through a LCD housing that is coated with a coating that reduces EMI emissions.

11. A computer display comprising:

a LCD housing made by a unitary construction of a single translucent material which has the same light transmissive characteristic throughout;

a reflective coating on at least a portion of a surface of the LCD housing, wherein light is reflected by said reflective coating;

a light source embedded in the LCD housing so as to transmit light into the LCD housing; and

a LCD having a back surface, a front surface and edges therebetween, wherein the LCD is coupled to the LCD housing such that the back surface of said LCD is coupled directly to said LCD housing, wherein the edges of said LCD are at least partially enclosed by said LCD housing, and wherein light received from the light source is transmitted from the LCD housing to the LCD.