Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US8068710?dq=7,321,221
Timestamp: 2015-08-01 12:16:54
Document Index: 651492614

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 07838811', 'Application No. 08152870', 'Application No. 11160289', 'Application No. 11160294', 'Application No. 11160297', 'Application No. 11160299', 'Application No. 11160304', 'Application No. 07', 'Application No. 200780037248', 'Application No. 200780037248', 'Application No. 07', 'Application No. 08153686', 'Application No. 08152870', 'Application No. 2009', 'Application No. 07', 'Application No. 07']

Patent US8068710 - Decoupled holographic film and diffuser - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsIn various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide may include...http://www.google.com/patents/US8068710?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US8068710 - Decoupled holographic film and diffuserAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS8068710 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/952,941Publication dateNov 29, 2011Filing dateDec 7, 2007Priority dateDec 7, 2007Also published asCN101889224A, EP2068180A1, EP2068180B1, US8798425, US20090147332, US20120069031, WO2009076075A1Publication number11952941, 952941, US 8068710 B2, US 8068710B2, US-B2-8068710, US8068710 B2, US8068710B2InventorsIon Bita, Gang Xu, Lai Wang, Marek Mienko, Russell Wayne GruhlkeOriginal AssigneeQualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (120), Non-Patent Citations (68), Referenced by (2), Classifications (15), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetDecoupled holographic film and diffuser
US 8068710 B2Abstract
In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide may include a turning film to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, the light guide comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The display device may include additional films as well. The light guide, for example, may include a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical characteristics of the display.
a plurality of display elements;
a light guide configured to propagate light therein by total internal reflection, said light guide comprising a turning film, said turning film comprising a holographic layer configured to turn said light propagating within the light guide by total internal reflection toward said plurality of display elements;
a plurality of scattering features forward said turning film; and
a cladding comprising material disposed between said turning film and said scattering features such that light is guided in said turning film.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of display elements comprises electromechanical system structures.
3. The display device of claim 2, wherein said electromechanical system structures comprise first and second reflective surfaces, at least one of said first and second reflective surfaces being movable with respect to the other.
4. The display device of claim 3, wherein said plurality of display elements comprises interferometric modulators.
5. The display device of claim 1, wherein said holographic layer is disposed on a plastic carrier.
6. The display device of claim 1, wherein said scattering features are included in said cladding.
7. The display device of claim 1, wherein said cladding is disposed between a diffusing layer comprising said scattering features and said turning film.
8. The display device of claim 1, wherein said cladding comprises low index material having sufficiently low refractive index such that said light is guided in said light turning film.
9. The display device of claim 8, wherein said low index material has an index of refraction less than said turning film.
10. The display device of claim 8, wherein the low index material has an index of refraction less than 1.48.
11. The display device of claim 8, wherein said scattering features comprise diffusing particulates disposed in said low index material.
12. The display device of claim 11, wherein said low index material comprises adhesive.
13. The display device of claim 1, wherein said scattering features are disposed in a diffuser layer.
14. The display device of claim 13, wherein said diffuser layer is directly adjacent said turning film or directly adhered to said turning film with an adhesive.
15. The display device of claim 13, wherein said turning film is disposed on a plastic carrier and said plastic carrier is directly adjacent said diffuser layer.
16. The display device of claim 13, wherein said turning film and said diffuser layer are disposed on plastic carriers and said plastic carriers are directly adjacent or directly adhered to each other by an adhesive.
17. The display device of claim 13, wherein said diffuser layer is disposed on a plastic carrier and said plastic carrier is directly adjacent said turning film or directly adhered to said turning film with an adhesive.
18. The display device of claim 13, wherein said diffuser layer has a lower index of refraction than said holographic layer.
19. The display device of claim 13, wherein said diffuser layer comprises a gel.
20. The display device of claim 1, further comprising an anti-reflective coating, said anti-reflective coating forward a diffusing layer comprising said scattering features.
21. The display of claim 1, further comprising:
a processor that is in electrical communication with at least one of said plurality of display elements, said processor being configured to process image data; and
22. The display of claim 21, further comprising:
a driver circuit configured to send at least one signal to said at least one of said plurality of display elements.
23. The display of claim 22, further comprising:
24. The display of claim 21, further comprising:
25. The display of claim 24, wherein said image source module comprises at least one of a receiver, transceiver, and transmitter.
26. The display of claim 21, further comprising:
means for displaying an image;
means for turning light comprising a holographic means, said light turning means configured to propagate light in the holographic means and to turn light toward the displaying means;
means for scattering light disposed forward of said light turning means; and
means for redirecting light from said light turning means back into said light turning means such that light is guided in said light turning means, said light redirecting means comprising material being between said light turning means and said light scattering means.
28. The display device of claim 27, wherein said displaying means comprises a plurality of display elements.
29. The display device of claim 28, wherein said plurality of display elements comprise interferometric modulators.
30. The display device of claim 27, wherein said light scattering means comprises scattering features.
31. The display device of claim 27, wherein said light turning means comprises a holographic layer or a prismatic layer.
32. The display device of claim 27, wherein said light redirecting means comprises cladding.
33. A method of manufacturing a display device comprising:
providing a plurality of display elements;
providing a light guide configured to propagate light therein by total internal reflection, said light guide comprising a turning film, said turning film comprising a holographic layer configured to turn said light propagating within the light guide by total internal reflection toward said plurality of display elements;
providing a plurality of scattering features forward said turning film; and
disposing a cladding comprising material between said turning film and said scattering features such that light is guided in said turning film.
Various embodiments described herein comprise a display device comprising a substrate, a plurality of display elements, a turning film, and a cladding. The substrate is configured to guide light therein. The plurality of display elements is supported by the substrate and is rearward of the substrate. The turning film is forward the substrate and is configured to turn light guided in the substrate toward the plurality of display elements. The plurality of scattering features are forward the turning film. The cladding is disposed between the turning film and the scattering features such that light is guided in the turning film and the substrate.
Certain embodiments described herein comprise a display device comprising means for displaying an image and means for supporting the displaying means. The supporting means is disposed forward the displaying means and is configured to guide light therein. The display device further comprises means for turning light guided within the supporting means toward the displaying means. The light turning means is forward of the supporting means. The display device additionally comprises means for scattering light, which is disposed forward of the light turning means. The display device also comprises means for redirecting light from the light turning means back into the light turning means such that light is guided in the light turning means and the supporting means. The light redirecting means is between the light turning means and the light scattering means.
Certain embodiments described herein comprise a method of manufacturing a display device that comprises providing a substrate with plurality of display elements rearward the substrate. The substrate is configured to guide light therein. In this method, a turning film is disposed forward the substrate. The turning film is configured to turn light guided in the substrate and the turning film toward the plurality of display elements. A plurality of scattering features are provided forward the turning film. A cladding is disposed between the turning film and the scattering features such that light is guided in the light turning film and the substrate.
FIG. 8 is a cross section of a portion of a display device comprising a turning film and a diffuser disposed on a substrate on which display elements are formed.
FIG. 9 is a cross section of a portion of a display device further comprising an anti-reflective coating.
FIG. 10 is a cross section of a portion of a display device further comprising a lens or a touch panel.
In various embodiments described herein, the display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. For example, a light guide that includes a turning film may be disposed in front of the array of display elements to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements while allowing for the option of illumination from ambient lighting of the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, however, it is important that the display be very thin. Accordingly, in various embodiments described herein, the light guide comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The light guide may include additional films as well. The light guide, for example, may include a turning film deposited or laminated on the top or bottom surface of the glass substrate supporting the array of display elements. As a consequence, the overall thickness of the entire display is only slightly increased beyond that of the display elements themselves which are formed on a substrate. Certain embodiments include additional optical layers, such as a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical characteristics of the display.
As described above, in certain embodiments the interferometric modulators are reflective and rely on ambient lighting in daylight or well-lit environments. In addition, an artificial source of illumination can be provided for illumination of interferometric modulators in dark ambient environments. The illumination source for interferometric modulator displays may, for example, comprise a front light that uses a light guide to collect light through a narrow rectangular edge of the light guide and redirect it towards the interferometric modulators. In certain embodiments, the light guide may comprise a plastic or glass slab, sheet, plate, or film that is disposed in front of the interferometric modulators. A turning film may be laminated to or deposited on the slab, sheet, or film to redirect light propagating along the light guide toward the display elements. In various designs, such light guides comprise a layer of plastic approximately 1 mm thick. However, for certain applications, the light guide might have a reduced or minimal thickness, for example, of less than about one-half a millimeter, to keep the overall display device thin.
One way to reduce or minimize the overall thickness of the display is to incorporate the turning film on a structural component of the interferometric modulators, such as the substrate on which the interferometric modulators are formed. This substrate may comprise glass. Alternatively, the substrate may comprise plastic or another substantially optically transmissive material. By applying the turning film on a structural component of the interferometric modulators, such as the glass substrate, the light from the artificial light source can be coupled into the glass substrate layer of the interferometric modulators and turned toward the interferometric modulators by the turning film. In such embodiments, the separate glass or plastic slab, sheet, or film is not used and thus the thickness of the overall display device can be significantly reduced.
In certain embodiments, one or more additional optical layers, such as a diffuser or an optical isolation layer may also be disposed on the substrate of the interferometric modulators to otherwise improve the optical performance of the display. For example, a diffuser layer may be provided to scatter light reflected from the interferometric modulators providing a more diffuse look to the display which may otherwise be too mirror-like. Alternatively or in addition, an optical isolation layer may be provided between the light guiding portion of the display and the interferometric modulators to prevent the interferometric modulators from absorbing light propagating through the light guiding portion. As described herein, the geometric arrangement of the turning film, diffuser, and additional optical films on the substrate relative to the interferometric modulator may be selected to enhance the efficiency of the light guiding portion of the display, to further enhance the optical performance of the overall display, or provide other advantages.
The display device may be formed using any of a variety of manufacturing processes known to those skilled in the art to adhere one or more of the optical layers described herein on the glass or plastic substrate of the array of display elements. The glass or plastic substrate comprises a support layer upon which the display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, are fabricated. As disclosed herein, the substrate may be further used to support one or more optical layers of the display device.
In one embodiment, a turning film may be deposited or laminated to the substrate. For example, the turning film may be laminated to a top surface of substrate using a pressure sensitive adhesive. Alternatively, the turning film may be deposited on the substrate using techniques known in the art or other techniques yet to be developed. The turning film may be disposed on the opposite surface of the substrate from the array of display elements. In certain embodiments, one or more layers may be disposed between the turning film and the substrate.
A diffuser may also be adhered to the glass substrate. In some embodiments, the diffuser is disposed forward of the turning film such that the turning film is between the diffuser and the substrate. For example, the diffuser may be disposed on the turning film. In some embodiments, one or more layers may be disposed between the diffuser and the turning film. The diffuser may be coated, deposited, laminated, or etched on the turning film or another layer between the diffuser and the turning film using any suitable techniques known in the art or yet to be developed. For example, the diffuser may be spin cast, or alternatively the diffuser may comprise a thin film grown directly on the surface of the turning film or another layer disposed over the turning film. In some embodiments the diffuser comprises adhesive with particulates therein for scattering, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive with diffusing features, used to laminate one or more layers or structures to the turning film. In other embodiments, the diffuser may be a surface diffuser sheet or a volume diffuser sheet laminated to the turning film or a layer over the turning film. The diffuser may also comprise a thin film formed on a carrier.
In certain embodiments, an optical isolation layer may be disposed between the glass substrate and the array of display elements. For example, the optical isolation layer may be laminated to or deposited on the surface of the substrate between the glass substrate and the array of display elements. In other embodiments, the optical isolation layer may be laminated to or deposited on a layer over the substrate such that the optical isolation layer is between the glass substrate and the array of display elements.
Moreover, a wide variety of variation is possible. Films, layers, components, and/or elements may be added, removed, or rearranged. Additionally, processing steps may be added, removed, or reordered. Also, although the terms film and layer have been used herein, such terms as used herein include film stacks and multilayers. Such film stacks and multilayers may be adhered to other structures using adhesive or may be formed on other structures using deposition techniques or in other manners. Thus, it is apparent that any one of several geometric arrangements of the multiple optical layers can be produced on the substrate of the display elements using known manufacturing techniques or techniques yet to be developed to provide a thin display device having certain desired optical characteristics.
FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a portion of an illumination apparatus 80 in which a turning film 82 is deposited on a top surface of a glass substrate 85 for an array of interferometric modulators 86. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the turning film 82 includes turning features 82 a disposed on a carrier 82 b. Although in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the turning features 82 a are rearward of the carrier 82 b, in other embodiments the turning features are forward of the carrier. In still other embodiments, the carrier 82 b is excluded. The turning film 82 may be adhered to the glass substrate 85 using an adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive in some embodiments.
The glass substrate 85 and turning film 82 form a light guiding region 81 of the illumination apparatus 80 through which light can be guided. However, the overall thickness of the display device due to the light guide 81 is only increased by the addition of the turning film 82, since the glass substrate 85 is a structural component of the interferometric modulators 86. The need for a separate glass or plastic slab or sheet for the light guide 81 has been eliminated by adhering the turning film 82 directly to the glass substrate 85 of the interferometric modulators 86 and using the substrate to guide light. Consequently, the overall thickness of the illumination apparatus 80 is only increased by the thickness of the turning film 82, which is generally between about 50-300 microns. A pressure sensitive adhesive between the turning film 82 and the substrate 85 may be about 25-50 microns in some embodiments.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 further comprises a diffuser 84 disposed over the light guide 81 and array of interferometric modulators 86. The diffuser 84 comprises a plurality of diffusing or scatter features 84 a disposed on a carrier 84 b. Although the plurality of scatter features 84 a are shown disposed in a portion of the diffuser rearward of the carrier 84 b, in other embodiments the plurality of scatter features 84 a may be disposed in a portion of the diffuser forward of the carrier 84 b. Alternatively, the carrier may be excluded. The diffuser 84 is positioned forward of and adhered to the turning layer 82 such that the turning layer is between the diffuser and the substrate 85 and interferometric modulators 86.
A light source 83 comprising for example one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) is disposed with respect to the light guide 81 to inject light therein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, for example, the light 5 from the light source 83 is injected in to an edge of the light guiding portion 81 of the illumination apparatus 80. In some embodiments, the light source 83 comprises a light injection system that transforms light from a point source emitter (e.g., a light emitting diode) into a line source. This light injection system may, for example, comprise a light bar. Other types of light sources may also be used.
Thus, light 5 is injected into the edge of the turning film 82 and/or the glass substrate 85. The light 5 is propagated along the light guiding region 81 at least in part through total internal reflection due to the difference in index of refraction between the turning film 82 and the diffuser 84.
For example, the turning film 82 and/or carrier 82 b typically comprises a material such as polycarbonate, acrylic such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or acrylate copolymers such as poly(styrene-methylmethacrylate) polymers (PS-PMMA, sold under the name of Zylar), or other optically transparent plastics. The index of refraction of polycarbonate is approximately 1.59 and for Zylar is approximately 1.54 for wavelengths in the visible spectrum.
The diffuser 84 may comprise material having a lower refractive index. This material may for example comprise pressure sensitive adhesive having an index of refraction of 1.47. This material is referred to herein as a cladding 88 a since this material facilitates guiding of light within the light guide region 81 via total internal reflection. In particular, since the index of refraction of the turning film 82 is greater than that of cladding 88 a, light incident on the turning film/cladding interface at an angle greater than the critical angle will be reflected back into the light guiding region 81 and will continue to propagate along the light guiding region 81.
The light 5 may also reflect from the display elements 86 additionally supporting propagation of the light along the light guide 81. The display elements 86, such as interferometric modulators, may however, be absorbing and thus may absorb some of the light incident thereon as is discussed more fully below.
Accordingly, the display device may further comprise an optical isolation layer 88 b disposed between the glass substrate 85 and the array of interferometric modulators 86. Typically, the interferometric modulators 86 are absorptive structures, for light rays guided at an angle of 45-90 degrees measured from the normal to the display elements. Thus, some of the light propagating through the light guiding portion 81 and incident on the interferometric modulators 86 at an oblique angle may be substantially absorbed by the interferometric modulators 86 after a sufficient number of reflections. In order to reduce, minimize, or prevent this loss of light due to absorption, the optical isolation layer 88 b may be disposed between the glass substrate 85 and the interferometric modulators 86. The optical isolation layer 88 b, as discussed in more detail below, advantageously has an index of refraction substantially lower than the glass substrate 85, such that light traveling through the light guiding potion 81 and striking the glass/optical isolation film interface at an oblique or grazing angle, for example, greater than the critical angle (e.g., greater than 40� or 50�), will be totally internally reflected back into the light guiding portion 81 of the illumination apparatus 80. In various embodiments, the optical isolation layer comprises silicon dioxide, or fluorinated silicon dioxide. Other materials may be employed as well.
In certain embodiments, the indices of refraction of the multiple optical layers comprising the light guiding portion 81, here the turning film 82 and the glass substrate 85, are advantageously close such that light may be transmitted through the multiple optical layers without being substantially reflected or refracted. The substrate 85 may for example have an index of refraction of 1.52. As described above, the substrate 85 may comprise glass or polymeric material in certain embodiments.
In some embodiments, the refractive index of substrate 85 is lower than that of turning film 82. With such a design, some portion of the light incident at large incident angles (e.g. 70� to 90�) on the interface between substrate 85 and the turning features 82 a would be reflected back such that light is guided to the end of the turning film 82 opposite the light source 83. Such a configuration may improve the uniformity of the distribution of light directed onto the display elements 86, for example, when the efficiency of the turning film 82 is high.
In certain embodiments, the light guiding portion 81 or other portions of the illumination apparatus 80 further comprises an adhesive such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer. The PSA layer may be used to adhere the diffuser layer 84, the turning film 82, and the glass substrate 85. In various embodiments, the PSA layers are transparent with an index of refraction of between about 1.47-1.53 such that the index of refraction matches the index of refraction of glass substrate 85, generally about 1.52 for wavelengths in the visible spectrum. For example, in certain embodiments, the index of refraction of the PSA layers is about 1.53. Matching the indices of refraction of the PSA layers with the glass substrate 85 and the turning film 82 is advantageous in preventing unwanted reflections originating from the ambient or from the light source of the light guide at the interfaces between the substrate 85 and turning film 82. Such adhesive may be used elsewhere as well. Alternative approaches to adhering the layers together may also be used.
The plurality of turning features 82 a in the turning film 82 turn light normally guided in the light guide 81 such that the light is redirected towards the display elements 86 and such that the propagation direction of the turned light forms an angle smaller than 45 degrees from the normal to the surface of the display elements. Accordingly, light is redirected through the thickness of the light guiding portion 81 substantially normal to the light guide and the array of display elements 86 and is transmitted to the interferometric modulators 86 possibly at normal incidence or substantially close thereto. In certain embodiments, the turning features 82 a may comprise a plurality of surface features or volume features. In some embodiments, the turning film 82 comprises a diffractive optical element and the turning features comprise diffractive features extending across the width of the turning film 82. The diffractive optical element may comprise volume or surface features, extending across the width of the turning film 82. In certain embodiments, the turning film 82 comprises a hologram and the turning features 82 a comprise holographic features. The hologram may comprise holographic volume or surface features, extending across the width of the turning film 82. The holographic film may be disposed on a plastic carrier.
Alternatively, the turning features 82 a may comprise a plurality of microprisms extending along the width of the turning film 82. The microprisms may be configured to receive light 5 propagating along the width of the turning film 82 and turn the light 5 through a large angle, usually between about 70-90�. The prismatic microstructures may comprise two or more turning facets angled with respect to one another for reflecting the light via total internal reflection and causing the light to be turned toward the array of display elements 86 at normal incidence or near normal incident thereto. The prismatic microstructures may be included in a film disposed on a carrier. Note that the size, shape, and separation of the turning features may vary. A wide variety of other types of turning films, diffractive, holographic, prismatic, or otherwise are possible. Accordingly, different sizes, shapes, configuration, and arrangements may be employed.
After being turned by the turning features 82 a, the light 5 is transmitted through the thickness of the light guiding region 81 toward the interferometric modulators 86 where it may be modulated and reflected back through the light guiding portion 81 towards a viewer disposed in front of the display device to provide an image on the display device. This reflected light is schematically represented by an arrow 89 in FIG. 8.
In various embodiments, light propagating through the light guiding portion 81 at steep angles (closer to the display elements' normal), such as light turned substantially normal to the light guiding portion 81 by the turning film 82, or ambient light, will be transmitted through the interfaces between the layers with low reflection. This normally incident light or near normally incident light preferably looses less than about 0.5% of its power or flux, and more preferably looses less than about 0.1% of its power or flux.
As described above, in alternative embodiments, the turning film 82 and the diffuser 84 need not include carriers 82 b, 84 b. For example, the diffuser 84 may comprise a transparent adhesive or other material with light diffusing or light scattering features such as particulates interspersed therein to provide the light diffusing characteristics. This design may further decrease the thickness of the overall display illumination apparatus 80 by removing the need for a carrier 84 b, which may cause the diffuser layer 84 to be between about 25-100 microns thick in some embodiments.
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an illumination apparatus 80 of a display device. In this embodiment, an anti-reflective layer 90 has been disposed forward of the diffuser 84. In this particular embodiment, the anti-reflective layer 90 is disposed on the carrier 84 b which supports the diffusing layer 84 a. Other embodiments can be configured differently. For example, one or more layers may be disposed between the diffuser 84 and the anti-reflective layer 90. Also, the diffuser 84 may be constructed differently. In some embodiments, for example, as described above, the carrier 84 b may be excluded.
In various embodiments, the anti-reflective layer 90 reduces reflection of ambient light from the illumination apparatus 80. Such reflected ambient light can decrease the contrast of the device as the viewer sees the reflected ambient which is un-modulated light together with the modulated light from reflected from the array of light modulators 86.
The anti-reflective layer 90 may comprise one or more layers that reduce reflection. The anti-reflective layer 90 may for example be a transparent dielectric that increases index matching between the illumination apparatus 80 (e.g., the diffuser 84) and ambient (or a layer forward the anti-reflective layer). In some embodiments, the anti-reflective layer 90 comprises a multilayer stack such as an interference stack like a quarter-wave stack. A variety of anti-reflective layers are possible.
FIG. 9 also illustrates other possible variations in the design of the illumination apparatus 80. A cladding 88 a is shown disposed between the turning film 82 and the diffuser 84. For example, this cladding 88 a may, for example, comprise a material having a lower refractive index than that of the turning film 82 and possibly of the substrate 85. The cladding 88 a may therefore assist in guiding light within the light propagation region 81 via total internal reflection. With the lower indexed cladding 88 a, the refractive index of diffuser 84 a is not limited to being lower than that of turning film 82. In other embodiments, the diffuser 84 may form part of the cladding 88 a as discussed above with regard to FIG. 8. Other variations are also possible.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the turning film 82 is attached to the cladding 88 a. A separate carrier 82 b for supporting the turning features 82 a such as shown in FIG. 8 is not included in FIG. 9 to illustrate variations in possible designs. The substrate 85 or cladding 88 a may provide structural support for the turning film 82 or the turning film may be sufficiently rigid itself. In some embodiments, the turning film 82 comprises a prismatic film. In other embodiments, the turning film 82 comprises a diffractive or holographic layer. Still other variations are possible.
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an illumination apparatus 80 of a display device. In this embodiment, a cover lens or touch panel 100 has been disposed forward of the diffuser 84. In other embodiments, the cover lens or touch panel 100 may instead comprise a cover plate that is planar. In this particular embodiment, the cover lens or touch panel 100 is disposed on the diffuser 84. Other embodiments can be configured differently. For example, one or more layers may be disposed between the diffuser 84 and the cover lens or touch panel 100.
The cover lens 100 may comprise a positive or negative power optical element. The cover lens 100 may comprise a refractive lens or a diffractive (e.g. holographic) lens. In some embodiments, a plurality of lenslets may be disposed forward of the diffuser 84.
The touch panel 100 may comprise a wide variety of touch panels that permit a user to touch portions of the illumination apparatus 80 or display device to enter data, select options, or control the display device. Touch panels 100 yet to be developed may also be used.
FIG. 10 also illustrates other possible variations in the design of the illumination apparatus 80. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the diffuser 84 is attached to the cover lens or touch panel 100 and carrier 82 b for the turning film 82. A separate carrier 84 b such as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is not included in FIG. 10 to illustrate variations in possible designs. The cover lens or touch panel 100 and carrier 82 b for the turning film 82 may provide structural support for the diffuser 84 or the diffuser may be sufficiently rigid itself. In some embodiments, the diffuser 84 comprises an adhesive, for example, adhering the cover lens or touch panel 100 to the turning film 82. The adhesive may include diffusing features or scatter features such as particulates therein to diffuse the light. The diffuser 84 may also comprise a gel in some embodiments. The gel may include diffusing features or scatter features such as particulates therein to diffuse the light. The gel may provide optical coupling between the cover lens or touch panel 100 and the turning film 82 and turning features 82 a. Still other variations are possible. In various embodiments, scatter features are disposed in a material at least a portion of which is a cladding for the light guide 81. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the matrix material may be disposed between the scattering feature and the light guide 81. Accordingly, the scattering features may be disposed in the cladding and at least a portion of the cladding is disposed between the scattering features and the turning film.
FIG. 10 illustrates that a wide variety of components may be added to the illumination apparatus 80 and/or the display device. In addition anti-reflective layers 90, touch screens and/or lens 100, other components may also be included.
A wide variety of other alternative configurations are also possible. For example, components (e.g., layers) may be added, removed, or rearranged. Similarly, processing and method steps may be added, removed, or reordered. Also, although the terms film and layer have been used herein, such terms as used herein include film stacks and multilayers. Such film stacks and multilayers may be adhered to other structures using adhesive or may be formed on other structures using deposition or in other manners.
Accordingly, although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
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