Patent ID: 6917391
Filing Date: 2005-07-12
Classification: B82Y,G02B,G02F,G03B,G06F,H04N

Abstract:
1. A backlighting panel construction having first and second modes of operation, comprising: an electro-optical panel having a light emission state in which said electro-optical panel emits light, and a light transmission state in which said electro-optical panel is optically transparent; state selection means for selecting said light emission state of said electro-optical panel during said first mode, and said light transmission state of said electro-optical panel during said second mode, wherein during said first mode, said electro-optical panel emits light from said electro-optical panel, further wherein during said second mode, said electro-optical panel permits light produced from an external source to be transmitted through said electro-optical panel without substantial scattering; and said electro-optical panel including a layer of electroluminescent material interposed between first and second optically transparent conducting electrode layers; wherein said first and second optically transparent conducting electrode layers are disposed against first and second optically transparent panels, respectively; and further wherein said layer of electroluminescent material is optically transparent in said light transmission state.