Method of illuminating flat panel displays to provide CRT appearing displays
AssigneeAlphasil, Inc.
InventorsRichard A. Flasck, Benny Irwin, Scott H. Holmberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
LCD screen illumination is provided by a neon tube formed to fit closely adjacent the screen. A tube formed to fit around the periphery of the screen shielded from the viewer's eyes can be utilized to front light the screen. A serpentine shaped tube can be placed adjacent the back of the screen to back light the screen. The tube can be formed to have a size coextensive with the screen configuration and can have a light diffuser between the tube and the screen to provide uniform illumination. The tube can provide any desired color, an adjustable high maximum surface brightness, high electrical efficiency and a narrow profile.
Claims10
A method of illuminating flat panel display screens, comprising:
- providing a liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side;
- forming a neon tube with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration;
- placing said tube adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen;
- and
- activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
An apparatus for illuminating flat panel display screens, comprising:
- a liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side;
- a neon tube formed with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration;
- said tube placed adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen;
- and
- means for activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
An improved portable computer including a liquid crystal display screen attached thereto for displaying information thereon in the form of characters or other screen segments, said improvement comprising:
- the liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side;
- a neon tube formed with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration;
- said tube placed adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen;
- and
- means for activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.