Prism Patents (Class 362/620)
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Patent number: 7537373Abstract: A light guide plate (30) includes a light incident surface (31), a light emitting surface (32) and a bottom surface (33). The light emitting surface adjoins the light incident surface. The bottom surface faces an opposite direction of the light emitting surface. A number of first microstructure units (321) and second microstructure units (323) are interlaced and formed on the light emitting surface. Each first microstructure unit has a number of first prism lenses (3211) extending out from the light emitting surface parallel to the light incident surface, and each second microstructure unit has a number of second prism lenses (3231) extending out from the light emitting surface perpendicular to the light incident surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Yi Liao
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Patent number: 7537370Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include an optical panel member having a pattern of light extracting deformities on or in one or both sides to cause light to be emitted in a predetermined output distribution. The pattern of light extracting deformities on or in one side may have two or more different types or shapes of deformities and at least one of the types or shapes may vary along the length or width of the panel member. Where the light extracting deformities are on or in both sides, at least some of the deformities on or in one side may be of a different type or shape or vary in a different way or manner than the deformities on or in the other side.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventor: Jeffery R. Parker
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Patent number: 7537372Abstract: A backlight device with improved efficiency in the utilization of light and a liquid crystal display device providing this backlight device are provided, the backlight device comprising at least a light source 2, a light guide plate 1 and a reflector 10, in which the light guide plate 1 further provides an entry face 5 into which light from the light source is incident, a lower face 4 substantially perpendicular to the entry face 5 and that opposes the reflector 10, and an upper face 3 that opposes the lower face 4, and reflective elements 6 that are capable of reflecting such that light is emitted from the lower face 4 toward the reflector 10 are disposed on the upper face 3 of the light guide plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Sugimoto, Teruo Teshima, Masato Taya, Toshikatsu Shimazaki
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Publication number: 20090129120Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light incidence surface, a light reflection surface, and a light emission surface. The light emission surface forms a plurality of light-guiding structures, which are extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of a light source. The light-guiding structures have a substantially V-shaped cross-section and, among the light-guiding structures, those arranged in opposite endwise zones of the light emission surface in the lengthwise direction have an irregular V-shaped cross-section defined by a long inclined side, which faces endwise, and a short inclined side. The long and short sides respectively form first and second inclined angles with respect to the light emission surface and the first included angle is smaller than the second included angle and the first inclined angle gets smaller with the associated light-guiding structure located closer to the lengthwise end.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: WEI-HSUAN CHEN, Pei-Ling Kao, Chun-Hsien Li
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Publication number: 20090129078Abstract: An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. A plurality of micro-depressions are defined in the first surface. A plurality of elongated arc-shaped protrusions are formed on the second surface. Each micro-depression is defined by four connecting sidewalls. A transverse width of each sidewall of each micro-depression progressively decreases with increasing distance from the second surface. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: TUNG-MING HSU, SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Publication number: 20090128913Abstract: The invention provides a diffusion plate and a diffusion plate assembly. The diffusion plate is made from transparent material. Pluralities of bar-type patterns are disposed on the emission surface of the diffusion plate. The outline of these patterns has a first curve and a second curve. The protruding direction of the first curve and the second curve are inversed. The second curve is an arc whose radius curvature is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Tzu-Jang Yang, Wen-Feng Cheng
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Patent number: 7534024Abstract: An optical deflector element has a light incoming surface (41) in which light enters and a light outgoing surface (42) located opposite the light incoming surface and from which light exits. In the light incoming surface (41) are arranged elongated prisms (41A) in parallel to each other. Each of the elongated prisms (41A) is formed by a top end flat face (46) located at the top end of the elongated prism and having an inclination angle (b) of 1 to 50 degrees, a first prism face (44) located at one side of the flat face, and a second prism face (45) at the other side. A light source device is formed by combining the optical deflector element, light guide and a primary light source. The light guide has a light incident face in which light emitted from the primary light source enters, and a light emitting face from which guided light exits.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Masae Ono, Makoto Ookawa
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Patent number: 7534026Abstract: In a display device equipped with a light source device, a second light-guide member is provided to the back surface of a first light-guide member that has an emitted light control sheet provided to the front surface thereof. The emitted light control sheet is composed of a flat plate portion and protrusions. A first light source mounted to a side surface of the first light-guide member, and a second light source mounted to a side surface of a second light-guide member are switched and turned on. The emitted light control sheet has light-condensing effects when the first light source is on, and has diffusing effects when the second light source is turned on. The angle range of illuminating light can thereby be switched.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignees: NEC Corporation, NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Shin-ichi Uehara, Masao Imai
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Publication number: 20090122576Abstract: A prism sheet (an optical path changing portion and a light gathering portion) (10) having lenses is disposed facing an output surface (9a) of a light guide member (9), and a plurality of second prism inclined surfaces (inclined surfaces) (10b) that are inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the output surface (9a) is provided. Further, a lens surface (light gathering surface) (10d) that gathers light from the second prism inclined surfaces (10b) toward a normal line direction of the output surface (9a) according to the second prism inclined surface (10b) is provided, and a central position of the lens surface (10d) in a transmitting direction P of the light guide member (9) is matched with a central position of its corresponding second prism inclined surface (10b).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2006Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takashi Sato, Hisashi Watanabe
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Patent number: 7530720Abstract: A backlight unit includes a planar light source member that has a light-emitting surface and that emits light having directivity in a perpendicular direction to the light-emitting surface. An optical member has a light-receiving surface opposed to the light-emitting surface of the planar light source member and a light-emitting surface opposite to the light-receiving surface. The light-receiving surface has a multiplicity of prisms. By the prism action, the optical member emits the light having directivity in the perpendicular direction from the planar light source member as light having directivity in at least two directions on opposite sides of the perpendicular direction. The directions of light directivity are changed by varying the apex angle of the prisms.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Shimura
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Patent number: 7530719Abstract: [The present invention provides] a light source device comprising: a light conductor which has a first light incident end surface, a second light incident end surface and a light emitting surface; a first primary light source and a second primary light source which are disposed respectively adjacent to the first light incident end surface and second light incident end surface; and a light deflecting element which has a light incident surface disposed facing the light emitting surface and a light emitting surface, wherein a directional light emitting functional part with an average inclination angle of 0.5 to 15° is formed on at least one surface of the light conductor, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Masae Ono
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Patent number: 7530721Abstract: A backlight device for a display comprising (1) a side-lit light source, (2) a light guide plate and (3) a turning film comprising a light entry and a light exit surface comprising lenticular elements on the exit surface and prismatic structures on the entry surface, wherein the average values of the parameters of the features and the thickness of the film are selected to provide a peak output angle of ±10° from normal to the light exit surface of the light guide plate and an optical gain of at least 1.25. Also disclosed are methods of making the turning film and a display incorporating the backlight.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: SKC Haas Display Films Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiang-Dong Mi, Richard D. Bomba, Robert P. Bourdelais, Michael L. Ferranti, Jehuda Greener, Louis P. Harasta, Jr., Herong Lei, Stephen C. Meissner, Steven J. Neerbasch, Robert L. Walton, John M. Palmeri, Tomohiro Ishikawa
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Patent number: 7530725Abstract: A backlight module (20) includes a light source (21), a prism sheet (23) and a light guide plate (22). The light guide plate includes an incident surface (221), an emitting surface (223), a bottom surface (222) and a plurality of depressions (224). The emitting surface is located adjoining the incident surface. The depressions are formed on the emitting surface. Each depression has a refractive surface (225) and a reflective surface (226) adjoining the refractive surface. The reflective surface faces the incident surface, and the refractive surface faces away from the incident surface. The light source is arranged besides the light guide plate and facing the incident surface. The prism sheet has a prism surface facing the emitting surface of the light guide plate and forms a plurality of prisms (241) on the prism surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignees: Hon Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guo-Han Yue
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Patent number: 7527413Abstract: A liquid crystal display device has a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight. The backlight includes plural line light sources arranged in parallel with each other, a transparent optical plate disposed on a liquid-crystal-display-panel side of the line light sources, plural minute optical controlling elements formed on a liquid-crystal-display-panel-side surface of the transparent optical plate. The plural minute optical controlling elements extend in parallel with the line light sources, and are symmetrical in a cross section perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the plural line sources, between two adjacent midplanes each of which passes midway between two adjacent ones of the plural line light sources and each of which is perpendicular to the transparent optical plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignees: Hitachi Displays, Ltd., Hitachi Displays Devices, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Koganezawa, Akio Tezuka, Fumiyuki Sato
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Patent number: 7527398Abstract: A flat panel display can include a transparent substrate, a light emitting device formed on a surface of the transparent substrate, and a prism sheet formed on the other surface of the transparent substrate and having a plurality of polygonal protruding members having lengthwise axes parallel to one another to direct light output from the light emitting device in a predetermined direction. The sum of the thickness of the transparent substrate and the thickness of a portion of the prism sheet excluding the polygonal protruding members can be about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-Woo Song, Young-Rag Do, Yoon-Chang Kim, Sang-Hwan Cho, Ji-Hoon Ahn, Joon-gu Lee, So-Young Lee
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Patent number: 7529461Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light incidence surface, a light reflection surface, and a light emission surface. The light emission surface forms a plurality of light-guiding structures, which are extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of a light source. The light-guiding structures have a substantially V-shaped cross-section and, among the light-guiding structures, those arranged in opposite endwise zones of the light emission surface in the lengthwise direction have an irregular V-shaped cross-section defined by a long inclined side, which faces endwise, and a short inclined side. The long and short sides respectively form first and second inclined angles with respect to the light emission surface and the first included angle is smaller than the second included angle and the first inclined angle gets smaller with the associated light-guiding structure located closer to the lengthwise end.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Radiant Opto-Electronics CorporationInventors: Wei-Hsuan Chen, Pei-Ling Kao, Chun-Hsien Li
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Patent number: 7529048Abstract: An optical film includes a supporting layer and a structured-surface layer having a plurality of prims juxtapositionally formed on the supporting layer, each prim including a lower prism element bonded with the supporting layer and at least one upper prism element integrally superimposed on the lower prism element to increase the prism height in order to pick up sideward refracted light to reduce light loss in order to enhance brightness of the optical film.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Inventor: Ching-Bin Lin
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Publication number: 20090109703Abstract: A light guide plate and a side-emitting backlight module having the same are disclosed. The light guide plate includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of prisms and a plurality of condensing lenses. The prisms are arranged side by side on one surface of the transparent substrate. The condensing lenses are disposed between two adjacent prisms, and distributed from sparsely to densely along a direction of a crest line of each of the prisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: Nano Precision CorporationInventors: Chien-Hsiang Chen, Ming-Dah Liu
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Patent number: 7517125Abstract: A backlight unit including: a light source that irradiates light; and a diffusing plate that diffuses the light irradiated from the light source, wherein the diffusing plate is provided with a first microlens of ellipsoid form, and a second microlens of ellipsoid form disposed in such a manner that long axes of the first microlens and the second microlens are approximately perpendicular to each other, and a long axis direction of the first microlens and a long axis direction of the light source are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and a long axis direction of the second microlens and the long axis direction of the light source are arranged approximately perpendicular to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hironori Hasei, Akira Inagaki, Kazumi Aruga
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Patent number: 7517130Abstract: A planar light source unit including a light guiding plate (1) having an anisotropic diffusing surface (1h) which emits anisotropic diffusion light, and a light emitting source (2) for supplying light to the light guiding plate, the anisotropic diffusing surface being formed into a shape configured to give a gradation of the anisotropic diffusion light intensity.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daisaku Okuwaki
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Patent number: 7518663Abstract: A display device with directional backlight produces stereoscopic images by emitting light in two angular cones. Light is alternatively sent to the left and to the right eye of the observer synchronously with switching between images for the left and the right eye on a fast switching LCD. Alternatively, images may be produced for two or more observers and directed towards different directions. The display device includes a display panel, a light redirection element for directing light through the display panel, and a light guide for directing light towards the light redirection element. Two light sources are coupled to the light guide so as to couple light into the light guide in two directions. The light redirection element has a first groove structure and the light guide has a second groove structure so that light from the light sources are directed through the display panel with two angular distributions.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Koninklike Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Hugo Johan Cornelissen
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Publication number: 20090091949Abstract: An all-in-one light guide plate, a backlight apparatus employing the same, and a method of manufacturing the all-in-one light guide plate are provided. The all-in-one light guide plate has a structure in which a plurality of protrusion type refractive elements for outputting light are integrated into the light guide member. It is possible to improve optical properties by more densely arranging the refractive elements with distance from the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hong-seok LEE, Hoon SONG
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Patent number: 7513670Abstract: A backlight module (70) includes a light guide plate (72), a light source (74), a micro reflector array (723), and a reflector (76). The light guide plate includes a light input surface (722) facing the light source, a light output surface (724) adjacent to the light input surface, and a reflective surface (726) opposite to the light output surface. The light source and an emitting surface (744) thereof both face the light input surface. The micro reflector array and the reflector are configured for cooperatively coupling a first portion of the light beams into the light input surface via any corresponding microgap and reflecting a second portion of the light beams into the light guide plate at a location distant from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xing-Peng Yang, Ying-Bai Yan, Guo-Fan Jin
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Publication number: 20090086506Abstract: The light guide plate includes a light exit plane, two light entrance planes, two symmetrical inclined rear planes increasingly distanced from the light exit plane from the two light entrance planes toward a center of the light exit plane, a curved portion joining the two inclined rear planes and scattering particles for scattering light travelling inside the light guide plate. The light guide plate satisfies given ranges set for a length between the two light entrance planes, a thickness of each of the two light entrance planes, a thickness at the center of the curved portion, a radius of curvature thereof, tapers of the inclined rear planes, and a particle diameter and a density of the scattering particles, and conditions that a light use efficiency be 55% or greater and that a middle-high ratio represented by the brightness distribution at the light exit plane be greater than 0% and not greater than 25%.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Takamitsu OKUMURA
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Patent number: 7510316Abstract: An illumination system includes a light guide having an entrance face, an exit face and an aperture in which a light source can be arranged Various elements are arranged in the light guide to increase the angle of light beams incident in the light guide with respect to the optical axis of the system and to create a homogeneous illumination at the exit face of the light guide. With this arrangement, the length of a given light guide is reduced, making the illumination system smaller, lighter and more compact with even illumination and a high optical efficiency. The illumination system can be included in a display system.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Adrianus Johannes Stephanes Maria De Vaan
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Publication number: 20090080219Abstract: An exemplary prism sheet (20) includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface (201), a second surface (202) opposite to the first surface, a plurality of first micro-depressions (203) defined in the first surface, and a plurality of second micro-depressions (204) defined in the second surface. Each of the first micro-depressions is conical frustum-shaped. Each of the first micro-depressions has four inner side surfaces connected to each other. A transverse width of each inner side surface of the first micro-depressions progressively decreases with increasing distance from its bottom surface that are coplanar with one of the first surface of the transparent main body. A backlight module (200) using the present prism sheet is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: TUNG-MING HSU, SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Publication number: 20090080220Abstract: An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The transparent main body includes a surface and a plurality of micro-depressions integrally formed in the surface. Each of the micro-depressions has connecting sidewalls. A transverse width of each sidewall progressively decreases with increasing distance from the surface thereof. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
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Publication number: 20090080218Abstract: An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of spherical micro-depressions and a plurality of triangular pyramidal micro-depressions. The first surface and the second surface are on opposite sides of the main body. The spherical micro-depressions are formed in the first surface and the triangular pyramidal micro-depressions are formed in the second surfaces. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: TUNG-MING HSU, SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Publication number: 20090073724Abstract: An input device having an illumination function includes a wiring board having a predetermined wiring pattern thereon containing a fixed contact point, a light-emitting diode, a planar light-guide plate for guiding emission light from the light-emitting diode in a direction along a surface, a metal dome serving as a movable contact, and a cover sheet having an actuator thereon to be used to press the metal dome. The wiring board is manufactured of a white translucent material. The planar light-guide plate includes a plurality of prism grooves arranged in stripes on the surface thereof, and on a predetermined portion thereof a through-hole for housing the metal dome. An air layer is arranged between the prism bearing surface of the planar light-guide plate and the cover sheet. The metal dome 6 reflects the emission light directed within the through-hole, toward the side of the cover sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Hayama, Hideaki Nagakubo, Koichi Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20090073723Abstract: An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of micro-depressions formed in the first and second surfaces respectively. Each micro-depression has four sidewalls connected in turn. A transverse width of each sidewall of each micro-depression progressively decreases with increasing distance from its bottom surface that are coplanar with one of the first and second surfaces of the transparent main body. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: TUNG-MING HSU, SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Patent number: 7503684Abstract: A plane source of light (back light) of the type of emitting light from both surfaces featuring a good light utilization efficiency and without permitting the external light to transmit through a display device even when it is combined with display panels of the transmission type. Light is introduced from a point source of light into a light guide plate. Many deflecting patterns of a triangular shape in cross section are formed in a recessed manner in a surface (pattern surface) on the side opposite to a light-leaving surface of the light guide plate. A prism sheet forming a plurality of arcuate prisms is arranged on a position facing the pattern surface of the light guide plate. Light propagating through the light guide plate is totally reflected by the deflecting pattern and goes out from the light-leaving surface nearly perpendicularly thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Ueno, Masayuki Shinohara
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Publication number: 20090059620Abstract: A back light module including a back plate, a light source and a bar lens is disclosed. The bar lens includes a top and a bottom center transparent surfaces, a right and a left top total internal reflection surfaces, a right and a left first emitting surfaces, a right and a left second emitting surfaces, a right and a left bottom total internal reflection surfaces and a right and a left bottom incident surfaces. The center bottom transparent surface is located between the top center transparent surface and the light source. The connecting sequence along the right of bar lens from top center transparent surface is the right top total internal reflection surface, the right first emitting surface, the right second emitting surface, right bottom total internal reflection surface, the right incident surface and the center bottom transparent surface. The connecting sequence on the left is similar to the right.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: CHUNGHWA PICTURE TUBES, LTD.Inventor: Yan-Zuo Chen
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Publication number: 20090059128Abstract: A prism sheet includes a transparent base film with first and second surfaces and an optical refracting part with a plurality of prism units on the second surface, wherein the prism units are integral with the transparent base film, each prism unit having a predetermined height and extending along a first direction on the second surface of the transparent base film, wherein each prism unit includes a ridge extending along the first direction, a distance along a normal between the second surface of the transparent base film and the ridge defining the predetermined height of the prism unit, and wherein at least two prism units include ridges inclined at a predetermined angle other than zero with respect to the second surface of the transparent base film, the inclined ridges being unevenly distributed on the second surface of the transparent base film.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Young Soo Han, Jun Hyeak Choi, Seok Hoon Jang, Ju Yeol Choi
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Patent number: 7497610Abstract: A light guiding plate comprises a pair of main surfaces opposite to each other, and an end surface on which light emitted from a light source is incident. One of the pair of main surfaces has a plurality of prisms. Each of the prisms has a first surface which is relatively close to the end surface and has a relatively gentle slope, a second surface which is relatively distant from the end surface and has a relatively steep slope, and a third surface located between the first surface and the second surface, and an angle between the second surface and the third surface is an acute angle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Sugiura, Koichi Yamamoto, Hideaki Nagakubo
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Patent number: 7492520Abstract: A light source apparatus is provided. The light source apparatus includes: a light-emitting portion; a light-guiding plate having the light-emitting portion disposed at a side surface thereof, light beams being emitted from a top surface of the light-guiding plate; and a light path converting sheet above the light-guiding plate, formed of a prism sheet including cylindrical prisms, a cross-section of which is an isosceles triangle. Each of the prisms includes a light incidence plane that forms a first equilateral constituting an apex angle of the isosceles triangle, a reflection plane that forms a base of the isosceles triangle and a light exit plane that forms a second equilateral constituting the apex angle of the isosceles triangle The prism is disposed such that the light incidence plane is approximately perpendicular to a direction of light beams with highest luminous intensity among the light beams emitted from the top surface of the light-guiding plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Yokota
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Publication number: 20090040426Abstract: A directional backlight, a multiple view display and a multi-direction display A multiple view display (18) comprises a directional display device (19) for displaying a first image or sequence of images so as to be mainly visible from a first range of directions relative to the device and for simultaneously displaying a second image or sequence of images so as to be mainly visible from a second range of directions relative to the device different from the first range. The display (18) further comprises a directional backlight (20) for directing light through the display device (19) at least mainly in the first and second ranges. Since the directional backlight (20) directs light through the display device (19) at least mainly in the first and second ranges, the display provides users located in the first and second ranges with images of greater intensity than a conventional display.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2005Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Jonathan Mather, Neil Barratt, Diana U. Kean, Emma J. Walton, Grant Bourhill
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Publication number: 20090040788Abstract: A light guide plate has a bottom surface including flat surfaces (FSs) and a plurality of prism patterns (PPs) disposed alternately with the FSs, a light emitting surface (LES) and a light incident surface (LIS). Each FS is at a first distance respectively from the LES and the first distances gradually decrease along a direction away from the LIS. Each PP has a first slanted surface (FSS) and at least a groove having a second slanted surface (SSS) and a third slanted surface (TSS). The two opposite sides of the FSS are spaced out a second distance apart. The two opposite sides of the SSS are spaced out a third distance apart. The specific value of dividing a first orthogonal projection of the second distance on an axis perpendicular to the FSs by a second orthogonal projection of the third distance on the axis is between 0.5 and 1.5.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: CORETRONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Tzeng-Ke Shiau, Chao-Hung Weng, Jiun-Chian Liao, Chih-Jen Tsang
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Publication number: 20090034295Abstract: Provided is a front light unit and a flat panel display apparatus that includes the front light unit. The front light unit includes a light source, a light guide plate that guides light emitted from the light source and comprises a rear surface through which the guided light is emitted and a front surface facing the rear surface, and a plurality of prism shape structures which are provided in one unit with the light guide plate and emits light totally reflected from the front surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate and the prism shape structures are formed of a transparent elastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hoon SONG, Hong-seok LEE, Jun-bo YOON, Joo-hyung LEE
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Publication number: 20090034294Abstract: A light guide (3) for a surface light source used to constitute a surface light source in combination with a primary light source (1) and guiding light emitted from the primary light source (1). The light guide (3) has a light incident end face (31) on which the light emitted from the primary light source (1) impinges, a light exit face (33) from which guided light exits, and a rear surface (34) on the opposite side. A plurality of prism arrays (34a) extending in a direction traversing the light incident end face (31) are formed on at least one of the light exit face (33) and the rear surface (34), and each prism array (34a) has a plurality of divided top portions (34a1, 34a2) where the top is divided in the cross-section profile thereof in at least a partial region in the extending direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Ookawa, Yasushi Watanabe, Yoshihito Nozaki, Yoshiaki Murayama, Hiroki Matsumoto, Atsushi Saiki
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Publication number: 20090021668Abstract: A backlight module and a liquid crystal display including the backlight module are provided. The backlight module includes a light source, a light guide plate and a prism sheet. The light source is disposed at a side of the light guide plate, while the prism sheet is disposed adjacent to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. The prism sheet has a plurality of prism structures facing the light guide plate, wherein each of the prism structures substantially has a vertex angle of about 55 to 70 degrees. Thus, light emitted from the light guide plate can be adjustably concentrated along the direction perpendicular to the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Wen-Yuan Cheng, Cheng-Chih Lai, Keng-Ju Liu
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Patent number: 7478942Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light incident surface for receiving light, first and second light emission surfaces for emitting light at a first light emission angle with respect to the first and second light emission surfaces, and a light reflection pattern formed on the first light emission surface, for reflecting the light toward the second light emission surface. The reflected light from the light reflection pattern exits the second light emission surface at a second light emission angle with respect to the second light emission surface, and the second light emission angle is larger than the first light emission angle. The light reflection pattern includes multiple dots each having a prim pattern on their surface and light reflecting surfaces elongated in a selected direction. The adjacent light reflecting surfaces meet each other at their elongated edges to form a prism shape.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-Hoon Kim, Jong-Dae Park, Kyu-Seok Kim, Jeong-Hwan Lee, Jae-Ho Jung, Man-Suk Kim, Chul-Goo Chi, O-Yong Jeong
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Publication number: 20090016080Abstract: Higher brightness of a planar lighting apparatus is promoted by improving close contact between a light-emitting face of an LED and a side end face of a light guide plate. A planar lighting apparatus 20 according to the present invention comprises a light guide plate 2 and an LED 10 arranged on a incoming-light face 3, which is a side end face of the light guide plate 2, and a incoming-light face 15 of an LED 10 has a recess portion 14a formed by the surface of a translucent resin for sealing. On the incoming-light face 3 of the light guide plate 2, a projection portion 3a correspondent to the shape of the recess portion 14a of the LED 10 is integrally formed, and the LED 10 is arranged so that the recess portion 14a is complemented by the projection portion 3a and the actual light-emitting face 15 including the recess portion 14a of the LED 10 and the incoming-light face 3 of the light guide plate 2 are brought into close contact without a gap between them.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2005Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: MINEBEA CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasuo Ohno
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Publication number: 20090009686Abstract: To provide a surface emitting device and a liquid crystal display in which the number of divided main light-source images is increased to enhance the uniformity of luminance distribution. A surface emitting device 10 according to the invention includes: a diffusing sheet 14 constituting a light exiting surface; a reflector 13 disposed opposite to the diffusing sheet 14; light sources 12 disposed between the diffusing sheet 14 and the reflector 13; and a prism sheet (light-source-image division sheet) 16 disposed between the diffusing sheet 14 and the light sources 12. The prism sheet 16 has linear protrusions 16a on the front surface thereof; and a flat portion 16d parallel to the sheet surface between the adjacent linear protrusions 16a. This generates light-source images through the flat portions 16d in addition to the divided light-source images through the linear protrusions 16a to increase the number of light-source images, thereby improving luminance uniformity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Kei Obata, Mitsunari Hoshi
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Publication number: 20090002592Abstract: A backlight module including a light source, a light guide plate and a prism sheet is provided. The light source is arranged along a first direction. The light guide plate having a light incident surface, a light refraction surface and a light emission surface is disposed on one side of the light source. The light refraction surface has a plurality of grooves parallel to one another in a second direction. The prism sheet is disposed on the light emission surface of the light guide plate, and has a plurality of prism portions parallel to one another in a third direction and on a surface of the prism sheet facing the light emission surface. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the third direction, and an acute angle formed between the first direction and the third direction is less than or equal to 7 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: CORETRONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Hung-Jen Ma, Chia-Tsao Wu
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Patent number: 7470052Abstract: The light source device of a display device according to the present invention has an optical waveguide, a cone sheet, and a light source disposed along the side surface of the optical waveguide. The light-emitting surface of the optical waveguide is flat, and a tilted surface that is tilted towards the light source with respect to the light-emitting surface is formed on the light-diffusing surface. The cone sheet has a flat plate and a plurality of circular cones arranged two-dimensionally on the light-incident surface of the flat plate. The central axes of the circular cones are parallel to each other. The invention provides a light source device that can be made thin and is capable of increasing the directivity of emitted light in two dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Shinichi Uehara, Masao Imai
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Patent number: 7465084Abstract: A light guiding plate includes: an X axis direction light distribution control section; and a diffuse reflection section. The X axis direction light distribution control section performs light distribution control by which the incident light is deflected such that a tilt of an X axis direction with respect to a normal direction approaches to zero, and outputted from the light emitting surface. A direction of the incident light is the X axis direction, a direction orthogonal to the X axis direction and parallel to the light emitting surface is a Y axis direction, and a direction vertical to the X axis direction and the Y axis direction is the normal direction. The diffuse reflection section reflects the guided incident light from the light incident surface to diffuse in the Y axis direction inside of the light guiding plate and guides to the X axis direction light distribution control section.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yoshinari Kawashima, Youhei Yamazaki, Nobuo Suematsu, Shiro Sugawara, Nobuaki Kuribara, Akira Koshimura
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Patent number: 7465083Abstract: An increased emission brightness provides a clear image display. Light from luminescent lamp 10 travels into light guide plate 2 through incidence face 3, being emitted from emission face 4 for irradiating LCD panel 5. Back face 7 of light guide plate 2 serves as light gathering function surfaces 14, 15 reflecting light as to gather the light around a normal direction of emission face 4 which provides an emission promotion surface having first and second slopes 17 and 18 for promoting the light introduce through incidence face 3, the first slopes 17 being configurated as to gently decrease thickness of light guide plate 2 with an increasing distance from incidence face 3 while second slopes 18 are configurated as to sharply increase thickness of light guide plate 2 with an increasing distance from thinner-plate-thickness-side end portions of slopes 17.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Enplas CorporationInventor: Shingo Ohkawa
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Publication number: 20080304283Abstract: The transreflectors may comprise a transparent substrate having reflective surfaces and other light transmissive surfaces for respectively reflecting and transmitting a greater portion of the light striking opposite sides of the substrate. Alternatively, the transreflectors may comprise two or more transparent substrates of different indices of refraction bonded together, with a pattern of optical deformities in the mating side of one of the substrates and an inverse pattern of optical deformities in the mating side of an other substrate in mating engagement with each other. The transreflectors are used in a transreflector system or display to transmit more of the light emitted by a backlight or other light source incident on one side of the transreflectors and reflect more of the light incident on the opposite side of the transreflectors. The transreflectors and backlight may be tuned to each other to enable the transreflectors to better transmit more of the light emitted by the backlight.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Timothy A. McCollum
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Publication number: 20080297697Abstract: Disclosed herein are a light guide plate, a backlight assembly including the light guide plate, and a liquid crystal display device including the backlight assembly which can uniformly maintain the brightness uniformity and prevent the moiré phenomenon. The light guide plate in accordance with the present disclosure includes: an incident surface, to which light generated from a light source is incident, including a diffusion pattern formed in a round shape; an emitting surface, through which the light is emitted, including a first prism pattern; and an opposite surface, formed opposite to the emitting surface, including a direction change pattern by which the direction of the light is changed toward the emitting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Hyoung-Joo Kim, Jae-Joong Kwon, Seung-In Baek, Sung-Kyu Shim, In-Sun Hwang
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Patent number: 7458704Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element and an illuminating device. The optical element includes: an incident surface; and an emitting section formed on an opposite side to the incident surface. The emitting section includes a plurality of protrusions. When each of the plurality of protrusions is projected onto a reference plane perpendicular to the incident surface to form a reference contour, the reference contour is substantially a trapezoid. A height of the reference contour and a height of a triangle formed by extending two legs of the reference contour satisfy a predefined condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.Inventor: Yuki Naoi