Patent ID: 6690349
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A scrolling backlighting system for a panel carrying an LCD display, said system comprising:a) a light source; b) a drum having a cylindrical side wall with a central axis, an end wall closing one end of said drum, the other end being open, said side and end walls having highly reflective internal surfaces, and an orifice of predetermined dimensions extending through said side wall; c) a reflector positioned to reflect light from said source into said open end of said drum; d) a plurality of n optical fibers each having a proximal and a distal end; e) said proximal ends being arranged on a circle coaxial with said central axis in outwardly facing relation to said drum in the plane of said orifice in a sequence 1 through n; f) said distal ends being arranged linearly along one edge of said panel in said sequence 1 through n; and g) motive means for imparting rotation to said drum about said central axis, whereby a beam of light from within said drum passes through said orifice and sequentially impinges on said proximal ends of said fibers for transmission thereby to said proximal ends in said sequence 1 through n and thence to said panel to provide scrolling backlighting illumination for said LCD display.