Assemblies and methods for illuminating a display

• US 7,110,060 B2
• Filed: 08/30/2005
• Issued: 09/19/2006
• 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:
  US11/215,237
• Publication Number:
  US 20060001794A1
• Time in Patent Office: 385 Days
• Field of Search: 349 58- 59, 349 61- 65, 362/30, 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. An assembly for illuminating a display, the assembly comprising:

a LCD;

a LCD housing made in a single piece from a single light transmissive material, wherein the LCD housing is coupled to the LCD and is configured to protect the LCD;

at least one light source substantially embedded in the LCD housing, wherein the LCD housing functions as a light pipe for conducting light from the at least one light source directly to the LCD; and

a reflective coating on at least a portion of a surface of the LCD housing, wherein light from the at least one light source is reflected by the reflective coating.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the single light transmissive material has the same light transmissive characteristics throughout.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the reflective coating comprises a material that attenuates electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the LCD housing includes an inner surface and wherein the LCD is adjacent to the inner surface.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one light source comprises a cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

6. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the reflective coating includes a metallic coating.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the LCD housing comprises a plastic.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source comprises an omnidirectional light source.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the reflective coating comprises etched portions to allow light to leave the LCD housing.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the LCD housing includes a lower end and an upper end, and wherein the at least one light source is located at one of the lower end and the upper end.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the LCD housing is configured to protect at least two sides of the LCD.

12. A method for conducting light in a device having a LCD and a LCD housing, the method comprising:

generating light from at least one light source substantially enclosed within a LCD housing at least partially coated with a reflective material; and

conducting the generated light through the LCD housing directly to a LCD, wherein the LCD housing is made by a unitary construction of a single translucent material configured to function as a light pipe for illuminating the LCD, and wherein the LCD housing is further configured to protect the LCD.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein generating the light includes generating light with a cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

14. The method of claim 12, additionally comprising reducing electromagnetic (EMI) emissions with the reflective material.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the single translucent material has the same light transmissive characteristic throughout.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein said conducting further includes reflecting at least a first portion of the light with the reflective material.

17. The method of claim 16, additionally comprising allowing a second portion of the light to leave the LCD housing through etched portions of the reflective material.

18. A display comprising:

means for displaying data;

means for housing the display means, the housing means made in a single piece from a single light transmissive material and coupled to the display means;

means for generating light for the display means, wherein the generating means is substantially embedded in the housing means, the housing means structured to function as a light pipe to conduct light generated by the generating means directly to the display means; and

means for reflecting at least a portion of the light generated by the generating means, wherein the reflecting means coats at least a portion of a surface of the housing means.

19. The display of claim 18, wherein the single light transmissive material has the same light transmissive characteristics throughout.

20. The display of claim 18, wherein the housing means protects at least three sides of the display means.