English:
[0001] Electronic devices sometimes contain images or logos indicating the source or manufacturer of the electronic device. For example, one type of electronic device comprises a display enclosure of a portable computer having a logo thereon that may be illuminated. However, the logo may be difficult to discern in well lit environments or distracting in low lit environments.
[0002] FIGURE 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in which a diffused backlit display is employed to advantage; and
[0003] FIGURE 2 is a diagram illustrating a section view of the electronic device and backlit display of FIGURE 1 taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.
[0004] FIGURE 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device 10 in which a diffused backlit display 12 is employed to advantage, and FIGURE 2 is a diagram illustrating a section view of electronic device 10 and backlit display 12 of FIGURE 1 taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, electronic device 10 comprises a notebook computer 14 having a base member 16 rotatably coupled to a display member 18. However, it should be understood that electronic device 10 may comprise other types of devices such as, but not limited to, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a gaming device, a media player, a desktop computer, a cellular telephone and/or any other type of portable or non-portable electronic device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, base member 16 and display member 18 each comprise a housing 20 and 22, respectively, formed by a plurality of walls and/or panels for supporting and/or otherwise storing various types of components of electronic device 10 therein. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, housing 22 is used to support a display screen 24 for providing and/or otherwise displaying image content. In FIGURES 1 and 2, housing 22 comprises a front panel 26 and a back panel 28. However, it should be understood that housing 22 and/or display member 18 may be otherwise configured.
[0005] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, backlit display 12 is disposed on/in display member 18; however, it should be understood that backlit display 12 may be located elsewhere on electronic device 10. Backlit display 12 may be formed and/or otherwise manufactured to represent any type of logo, design, picture, illustration, graphic element or other type of illustrative element. In some embodiments, display member 18 is formed such that light emitted by a light source disposed within display member 18 is emitted through an opening in a panel or support member of display member 18 toward an exterior of electronic device 10 and is diffused by one or more reflective elements 50, thereby forming a diffused and/or silhouette-like light emission pattern. In FIGURES 1 and 2, two reflective elements 501and 502are illustrated; however, it should be understood that a greater or fewer quantity of discrete and/or joined reflective elements 50 may be used.
[0006] Referring to FIGURE 2, backlit display 12 comprises a light source 70 disposed within display member 18 for emitting light through one or more openings 60 toward an exterior of electronic device 10. In FIGURE 2, two openings 601and 602are illustrated as extending through panel 28; however, it should be understood that a greater or fewer quantity of discrete and/or joined openings 60 may be used. Opening(s) 60 may be formed in panel 28 during the manufacturing of panel 28 (e.g., during the molding process of panel 28) of formed in panel 28 at any time thereafter. In FIGURES 1 and 2, two reflective elements 50 are used to correspond to the two illustrated openings 60. For example, in some embodiments, reflective elements 50 are formed and/or otherwise constructed having a size/shape or pattern corresponding to the size/shape or pattern of openings 60. In some embodiments, reflective elements 50 are formed and/or otherwise constructed having dimensions that match the dimensions of respective openings 60; however, it should be understood that the dimensions of reflective elements 50 may vary (e.g., slightly greater than and/or slightly less than the dimensions of respective openings 60).
[0008] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, backlit display 12 comprises an optically-transmissive layer 40 disposed on an exterior side 82 of panel 28 and extending over opening(s) 60. Layer 40 is configured to transmit light therethrough that is received from opening(s) 60. Layer 40 may comprise a transparent layer or translucent layer to facilitate the transmission of light therethrough. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, layer 40 is formed having overall length/width dimensions corresponding to the overall length/width dimensions of panel 28. However, it should be understood that layer 40 may be formed having more localized dimensions (e.g., having dimensions that correspond more closely with the area(s) of panel 28 having opening(s) 60 formed therein). In some embodiments, layer 40 comprises a transparent/translucent coating that is applied to and/or otherwise formed on side 82 of panel 28. In some embodiments, layer 40 may comprise a transparent/translucent panel that is secured, attached or otherwise bonded to side 82 of panel 28. For example, layer 40 may be formed on and/or with panel 28 in connection with the manufacturing/molding of panel 28 (e.g., an optically-transmissive thermoplastic and/or resin molded onto and/or otherwise cured during or after the formation of panel 28), or layer 40 may be applied to and/or otherwise affixed to panel 28 after completion of panel 28 (e.g., a transparent/translucent panel attached to panel 28 or a transparent/translucent coating applied to side 82 of panel 28 after panel 28 has been completely molded/cured). A thickness of layer 40 may be varied to obtain desired light transmission/diffusion properties. For example, in some embodiments, a thickness of layer 40 may be approximately two to seven millimeters, or possibly one to ten millimeters. It should be understood that the thickness of layer 40, as well as the level of light transmissivity of layer 40, may be varied to obtain desired light transmission/diffusion properties, which may also vary based on the type of electronic device in which display 12 is incorporated.
[0009] Backlit display 12 comprises one or more reflective element(s) 50 to produce a diffused and/or silhouette-like lighted display corresponding to opening(s) 60. For example, in some embodiments, reflective element(s) 50 comprises an opaque material and/or layer having a reflective surface 52 facing toward opening(s) 60 to reflect/diffuse the light received from opening(s) 60. Reflective element(s) 50 is generally sized/shaped or patterned to correspond to the size/shape or pattern of opening(s) 60. Further, reflective elements) 50 is disposed over and/or is otherwise aligned with opening(s) 60 such that the location of reflective element(s) 50 coincides with a location of opening(s) 60. It should be understood that reflective element(s) 50 may be sized having dimensions that are slightly greater than or less than the dimensions of a respective opening 60. Reflective element(s) 50 may comprise any type of material, and reflective surface 52 may be formed having a variety of different textures for reflecting/diffusing light that impinges thereon. For example, in some embodiments, reflective element(s) 50 comprises a foil-like element that is applied and/or otherwise affixed to a side 90 of layer 40 (e.g., by adhesive or another attachment method). However, it should be understood that reflective element(s) 50 may be otherwise formed (e.g., formed as part of layer 40). It should be understood that in FIGURE 2, the thickness of reflective element(s) 50, layer 40, panel 28 and/or light source 70 are exaggerated to better illustrate and describe the operation/function of the various components thereof. For example, in some embodiments, reflective element(s) 50 resides on side 90 of layer 40 to be flush or nearly flush with the exterior surface of layer 40. In some embodiments, reflective element(s) 50 are formed and/or otherwise located within layer 40 to be flush or nearly flush with the exterior surface of layer 40 (e.g., disposed with a recess formed on an exterior surface of layer 40 or located within layer 40 during the manufacture/curing or layer 40). Thus, it should be understood that various methods and/or manufacturing techniques may be used to form layer 40 and/or reflective element(s) 50.
[0010] In operation, light from light source 70 is emitted through opening(s) 60 as represented by arrows 921and 922. The light passing through opening(s) 60 passes through layer 40 and impinges against reflective surface 52 of respective reflective elements 50. In response to impinging against reflective surface 52 of respective reflective elements 50, the light is reflected and/or otherwise diffused in various directions within layer 40 as represented by arrows 94. Some of the light reflected and/or otherwise diffused within layer 40 exits side 90 of layer 40 to produce a silhouette-like display corresponding to opening(s) 60/reflective element(s) 50. For example, in some embodiments, reflective element(s) 50 block the light from exiting layer 40 in the location corresponding to the location of opening(s) 60, thereby producing a silhouette-effect light pattern corresponding to opening(s) 60/reflective element(s) 50. Thus, in some embodiments, light source 70 transmits light from side 80 of panel 20 toward side 82 through opening(s) 60. The light then impinges against reflective element(s) 50 and is at least partially reflected back toward side 82 and at least partially throughout layer 40. Thus, in some embodiments, reflective element(s) 50 cause the light received from light source 70 to be diffused in directions other than the directed the light is received from light source 70 to produce a silhouette-effect light pattern corresponding to opening(s) 60/reflective element(s) 50. It should be understood that in some embodiments, reflective element(s) 50 may be formed of a semi- opaque material that provide some level of light transmission while also providing reflective/diffusive light scattering as indicated above.
[0011] Thus, embodiments of backlit display 12 enable any type of graphical/design element to be formed on and/or provided on electronic device 10 to produce a silhouette-like lighted display of such graphical/design element. It should be understood that additional design elements may be incorporated into/onto layer 40 beyond the edges of reflective element(s) 50 and/or on side 82 of panel 28, thereby enhancing the visual effect resulting from light being diffused through layer 40.

中文:
[0001]电子设备有时包含指示该电子设备的源或制造商的图像或标志。例如,一种类型的电子设备包括其上具有可以被照亮的标志的便携式计算机的显示器壳体。然而,该标志可能在光照良好的环境中难以辨别,或者在低光照环境下使人分散注意力。
[0002]图1为示出电子设备的示图,其中有利地采用了漫射(diffuse)背光显示器;以及
[0003]图2为示出沿着图1的线2-2所取的图1的电子设备和背光显示器的截面图的示图。
[0004]图1为示出电子设备10的实施例的示图,其中有利地采用了漫射背光显示器12,并且图2为示出沿着图1的线2-2所取的图1的电子设备10和背光显示器12的截面图的示图。在图1和图2示出的实施例中,电子设备10包括笔记本计算机14,其具有可旋转地耦合到显示构件18的底座构件16。然而,应当理解的是,电子设备10可以包括其他类型的设备,例如但不限于平板计算机、个人数字助理、游戏设备、媒体播放器、桌上型计算机、蜂窝电话和/或任何其他类型的便携式或非便携式电子设备。在图1和图2示出的实施例中,底座构件16和显示构件18中的每一个分别包括外壳20和22,所述外壳由多个壁和/或面板形成以用于支撑和/或以其他方式在其中存放电子设备10的各种类型的部件。例如,在图1示出的实施例中,外壳22用来支撑用于提供和/或以其他方式显示图像内容的显示屏24。在图1和图2中,外壳22包括前面板26和后面板28。然而,应当理解的是,外壳22和/或显示构件18可以以其他方式配置。
[0005]在图1和图2示出的实施例中,背光显示器12设置在显示构件18之上/之内;然而,应当理解的是,背光显示器12可以位于电子设备10上的别处。背光显示器12可以被形成和/或以其他方式制造成代表任何类型的标志、设计、图片、图示、图形元素或其他类型的说明性元素。在一些实施例中,形成显示构件18,使得由设置在显示构件18内的光源发射的光通过显示构件18的面板或支撑构件内的开口朝电子设备10的外部发射并且由一个或多个反射元件50漫射,从而形成漫射的和/或剪影状光发射图案(pattern)。在图1和图2中,示出了两个反射元件501和502;然而,应当理解的是,可以使用更大或更少数量的分立和/或连结的反射元件50。
[0006]参照图2,背光显示器12包括设置在显示构件18内的用于通过一个或多个开口60朝电子设备10的外部发射光的光源70。在图2中,两个开口601和602被示为延伸通过面板28;然而,应当理解的是,可以使用更大或更少数量的分立和/或连结的开口60。(一个或多个)开口60可以在面板28的制造期间(例如在面板28的成型工艺期间)形成在面板28中或者在其后的任何时间形成在面板28中。在图1和图2中,两个反射元件50用来与两个示出的开口60相对应。例如,在一些实施例中,反射元件50被形成和/或以其他方式构造成具有与开口60的大小/形状或样式相对应的大小/形状或样式。在一些实施例中,反射元件50被形成和/或以其他方式构造成具有与相应开口60的尺寸匹配的尺寸;然而,应当理解的是,反射元件50的尺寸可以变化(例如稍大于和/或稍小于相应开口60的尺寸)。
[0008]在图1和图2示出的实施例中,背光显示器12包括设置在面板28的外侧82上并且在(一个或多个)开口60上延伸的光学透射层40。层40被配置成从中透射从(一个或多个)开口60接收的光。层40可以包括有利于光从中透射的透明层或半透明层。在图1和图2示出的实施例中,层40被形成为具有与面板28的总长度/宽度尺寸相对应的总长度/宽度尺寸。然而,应当理解的是,层40可以形成为具有更局部化的尺寸(例如具有与其中形成(一个或多个)开口60的面板28的(一个或多个)区域更紧密对应的尺寸)。在一些实施例中,层40包括施加到面板28的侧面82和/或以其他方式在面板28的侧面82上形成的透明/半透明涂层。在一些实施例中,层40可以包括透明/半透明面板,其固定、附接或者以其他方式结合到面板28的侧面82。例如,层40可以结合面板28的制造/成型在面板28上形成和/或与面板28一起形成(例如,在面板28的形成期间或形成之后光学透射热塑性物质和/或树脂成型到面板28上和/或以其他方式固化),或者层40可以在面板28完成之后施加到面板28和/或以其他方式附着到面板28(例如,在面板28完全成型/固化之后,透明/半透明面板附接到面板28或者透明/半透明涂层施加到面板28的侧面82)。层40的厚度可以变化以获得希望的光透射/漫射特性。例如,在一些实施例中,层40的厚度可以近似为2-7毫米,或者可能地为1-10毫米。应当理解的是,层40的厚度以及层40的光透射率水平可以变化以获得希望的光透射/漫射特性,所述光透射/漫射特性也可以基于其中合并显示器12的电子设备的类型来改变。
[0009]背光显示器12包括一个或多个反射元件50以便产生与(一个或多个)开口60相对应的漫射的和/或剪影状的被照亮显示。例如,在一些实施例中,(一个或多个)反射元件50包括不透明材料和/或层,其具有面向(一个或多个)开口60的反射表面52以反射/漫射从(一个或多个)开口60接收的光。(一个或多个)反射元件50通常被确定大小/成形或做出样式为与(一个或多个)开口60的大小/形状或样式相对应。此外,(一个或多个)反射元件50设置在(一个或多个)开口60之上和/或以其他方式与(一个或多个)开口60对准,使得(一个或多个)反射元件50的位置与(一个或多个)开口60的位置重合。应当理解的是,(一个或多个)反射元件50可以被确定大小为具有稍大于或小于相应开口60的尺寸的尺寸。(一个或多个)反射元件50可以包括任何类型的材料,并且反射表面52可以形成为具有用于反射/漫射撞击到其上的光的各种不同纹理。例如,在一些实施例中,(一个或多个)反射元件50包括施加到和/或以其他方式附着到层40的侧面90(例如通过粘合剂或者另一附接方法)的箔状元件。然而,应当理解的是,(一个或多个)反射元件50可以以其他方式形成(例如形成为层40的一部分)。应当理解的是,在图2中,(一个或多个)反射元件50、层40、面板28和/或光源70的厚度被夸大以便更好地图示和描述其各个部件的操作/功能。例如,在一些实施例中,(一个或多个)反射元件50驻留在层40的侧面90上以便与层40的外表面平齐或近乎平齐。在一些实施例中,(一个或多个)反射元件50被形成和/或以其他方式定位于层40内以便与层40的外表面平齐或近乎平齐(例如在层40的制造/固化期间设置在层40的外表面上形成的凹口内或者位于层40内)。因此,应当理解的是,各种方法和/或制造技术可以用来形成层40和/或(一个或多个)反射元件50。
[0010]在工作时,来自光源70的光通过(一个或多个)开口60发射,如箭头921和922所示。穿过(一个或多个)开口60的光穿过层40并且撞击到相应反射元件50的反射表面52。响应于撞击到相应反射元件50的反射表面52,光在层40内被反射和/或以其他方式在各个方向上漫射,如箭头94所示。在层40内被反射和/或以其他方式漫射的一些光离开层40的侧面90以产生与(一个或多个)开口60/反射元件50相对应的剪影状显示。例如,在一些实施例中,(一个或多个)反射元件50在与(一个或多个)开口60的位置相对应的位置中阻止光离开层40,从而产生与(一个或多个)开口60/反射元件50相对应的剪影效果光图案。因此,在一些实施例中,光源70通过(一个或多个)开口60从面板20的侧面80朝侧面82发射光。光然后撞击到(一个或多个)反射元件50并且至少部分地朝侧面82反射回去且至少部分地贯穿层40。因此,在一些实施例中,(一个或多个)反射元件50使得从光源70接收的光在与从光源70接收光的方向不同的方向上漫射以便产生与(一个或多个)开口60/反射元件50相对应的剪影效果光图案。应当理解的是,在一些实施例中,(一个或多个)反射元件50可以由半透明材料形成,其提供一定的光透射水平,同时也提供如上所示的反射/漫射光散射。
[0011]因此,背光显示器12的实施例使得任何类型的图形/设计元素能够在电子设备10上形成和/或提供以便产生这种图形/设计元素的剪影状照亮显示。应当理解的是,附加的设计元素可以在(一个或多个)反射元件50的边缘之外和/或在面板28的侧面82上合并到层40之内/之上,从而增强由通过层40漫射的光引起的视觉效果。