Transparent display with diffuser backed microtextured illuminating device and method of manufacture therefor
Files
Published version
Date
2000-03-14
DOI
Authors
Blonder, Greg
Johnson, Bertrand H.
Wong, Yiu-Huen
Version
Published version
OA Version
Citation
Greg Blonder, Bertrand H Johnson, Yiu-Huen Wong. "Transparent display with diffuser backed microtextured illuminating device and method of manufacture therefor." U.S. Patent 6,036,327-A.
Abstract
The present invention provides a substantially planar illuminating device, a visual display having an internal light source and a method of manufacture therefor. The illuminating device includes a transparent substrate having a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces and an entry point for accepting light from the light source wherein the substrate functions as a guide for the light. The device also includes a plurality of microelements located on one of the pair of surfaces. The microelements have a substantially planar surface with an average roughness less than one micron and a side wall abnormal to the planar surface. In advantageous embodiments, the side wall is curved. The planar surface is configured to re-direct a substantial amount of light received in the substrate from an external light source out of the substrate. The side wall is configured to re-direct light from the internal light source out of the substrate.