Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to a capacitive touch sensor with light shielding structures. In one aspect, a device includes an array formed by a plurality of row electrodes and a plurality of non-transparent column electrodes, wherein at least a first portion of the row electrodes is non-transparent and coplanar with the column electrodes and at least a second portion of the row electrodes is non-coplanar with the column electrodes. The device further includes light shielding structures that are non-transparent and coplanar with the column electrodes, wherein the light shielding structures substantially overlap the second portion.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, the light guide has a surface, such as an edge, into which light is injected. The surface is treated to create a diffusive interface with a light source. For example, the surface may be subjected to abrasion to form a frosted surface that acts as the diffusive interface, or a diffusive structure may be attached to the edge, with the attached diffusive structure functioning as the diffusive interface. The diffusive interface diffuses light entering into the light guide, and can thereby increase the uniformity of light propagating within the light guide. The light guide may be provided with light turning features that redirect light out of the light guide. In some implementations, the redirected light may be applied to illuminate a display.
Abstract:
Illumination devices and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an illumination apparatus includes a light source, a light guide (803) having a planar first surface, a first end and a second end, and a length therebetween, the light guide positioned to receive light from the light source into the light guide first end, and the light guide configured such that light from the light source provided into the first end of the light guide propagates towards the second end, and a plurality of light turning features (820) that are configured to reflect light propagating towards the second end of the light guide out of the planar first surface of the light guide, each light turning feature having a turning surface and an interf erometric stack (1707) formed on the turning surface.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for illuminating interferometric modulator reflective displays are disclosed. One embodiment includes a display (918) including a plurality of interferometric modulators (12a, 12b) configured to reflect a spectrum of radiation having a reflectance response peak at one or more wavelengths. A plurality of quantum dots (914) are configured to emit radiation having a peak wavelength substantially at said one or more wavelengths, and the display is configured such that light emitted from the quantum dots irradiates the plurality of interferometric modulators.
Abstract:
A light collection device includes a light guide body (180) and a plurality of spaced-apart slits (100). The slits (100) are formed by undercuts in the light guide body (180). Sides of the slits (100) form facets that redirect light impinging on the facets (100). In some embodiments, the light collection body (180) is attached to a photovoltaic cell (200). Light impinging on the light collection body is redirected towards the photovoltaic cell (200) by the slits (100). The photovoltaic cells (200) convert the light into electrical energy.
Abstract:
A reflective electronic display (e.g., 1200) includes a front light assembly with a diffuser (e.g., 1230) for enlarging the viewing cone of the display. The front light may include a substrate (e.g., 1220), a plurality of optical turning features (e.g., 1240), and a diffuser (e.g., 1230) formed therebetween. The haze of the diffuser (e.g., 1230) may be spatially non-uniform and switchable between two or more levels.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A display with patterned photovoltaic (PV) material (81) integrated on the front side and/or back side of the display is disclosed. Light may reach PV material (81) situated behind a display through inactive areas (103) within the display. Display-generated light may also reach PV material (81) behind a display. A patterned PV material (81) situated in front of a display may collect both ambient light as well as display-generated light.
Abstract:
An illumination apparatus includes a light bar having a first end for receiving light from a light source. The light bar includes material that supports propagation of the light along the length of the light bar. Turning microstructure is disposed on a first side of the light bar. The turning microstructure is configured to turn a substantial portion of light incident on the first side and to direct the portion of the light out a second opposite side of the light bar. A light guide panel is disposed with respect to a second opposite side of the light bar to receive the light turned by said turning microstructure and directed out of the second opposite side of the light bar. An optical coupler has an input surface and an output surface. The input surface is disposed to receive the light directed out of the second opposite side of the light bar. The output surface is disposed to couple light from the optical coupler into the light guide panel. The output surface of the optical coupler is tapered.
Abstract:
An illumination apparatus includes a light bar, a plurality of indentations in the light bar on a first side of the light bar, and a contoured reflective surface including a plurality of protruding surface portions, such that the surface portions reflect light transmitted through sloping sidewalls of the indentations. The light bar has a first end for receiving light from a light source. The light bar includes material that supports propagation of the light along the length of the light bar. The turning microstructure is configured to turn at least a substantial portion of the light incident on the first side and to direct the portion of light out the second opposite side of the light bar. The protrusions on the contoured reflective surface and the indentations on the light bar can have complimentary shapes and/or aligned in certain embodiments.