초록 ▼

The present invention provides a substantially planar illuminating device, a visual display having an internal light source and a method of manufacture therefor. The illuminating device includes a transparent substrate having a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces and an entry point for acc

The present invention provides a substantially planar illuminating device, a visual display having an internal light source and a method of manufacture therefor. The illuminating device includes a transparent substrate having a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces and an entry point for accepting light from the light source wherein the substrate functions as a guide for the light. The device also includes a plurality of microelements located on one of the pair of surfaces. The microelements have a substantially planar surface with an average roughness less than one micron and a side wall abnormal to the planar surface. In advantageous embodiments, the side wall is curved. The planar surface is configured to re-direct a substantial amount of light received in the substrate from an external light source out of the substrate. The side wall is configured to re-direct light from the internal light source out of the substrate.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A substantially planar illuminating device having an internal light source, comprising:a transparent substrate having a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces and an entry point for accepting light from said internal light source, said substrate functioning as a gu

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A substantially planar illuminating device having an internal light source, comprising:a transparent substrate having a pair of substantially parallel major surfaces and an entry point for accepting light from said internal light source, said substrate functioning as a guide for light from said internal light source; anda plurality of microelements located on one of said pair of surfaces, each of said microelements having a continuous, substantially planar surface with a perimeter and an average roughness less than one micron and a side wall that intersects said planar surface at said perimeter and at an angle that is abnormal to said planar surface, said planar surface configured to re-direct a substantial amount of light received in said substrate from an external light source out of said substrate and said side wall configured to re-direct light from said internal light source out of said substrate.