Sony Ericsson patents "DISPLAY WITH VARIABLE REFLECTIVITY "
Abstract
A device may include a light source and a display. The display may include a switchable device configured to be in a transmissive state based on a first condition and be in a reflective state based on a second condition.
Description
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TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]The invention relates generally to displays and, more particularly, to displays with variable reflectivity.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002]Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) may be designed to be reflective, transmissive or transflective. In a transmissive LCD, light from a light source located on the backside of the LCD is used to illuminate the LCD. The transmissive LCD works well in low or normal ambient lighting conditions, but works poorly when the ambient lighting is high.
[0003]In a reflective LCD, ambient lighting may be used to illuminate the display. For example, a reflector located on the backside of the LCD reflects ambient light passing through the LCD to illuminate the LCD. A reflective LCD, however, does not work well in low ambient light conditions.
[0004]A transflective liquid crystal display (LCD) operates in two modes. A first mode is a transmissive mode which is ideal for low or normal ambient light conditions. In the transmissive mode, light from, for example, a white light source, located on the backside of the LCD is directed via a light guide through the various LCD layers. A second mode is a reflective mode which is ideal for high ambient light conditions. In the reflective mode, ambient light entering the front side of the LCD traverses one or more LCD layers and then is reflected back by a reflecting film positioned between the LCD and the light guide on the LCD's backside.
[0005]A major drawback with this arrangement is that the reflective film reduces the back light intensity. That is, the reflective film reduces the intensity of the light from the light source directed via the light guide that acts to backlight the LCD during low ambient light conditions. Therefore, high reflectivity associated with the reflective film implies low transmittance and vice versa.
[0006]In order to compensate for the transmittance loss due to the reflective film, increased backlight intensity may be applied. As a result, higher power consumption occurs as compared to when no reflective film is used. This higher power consumption causes power related problems in devices where battery power may be used to provide the lighting, such as shorter times between battery re-chargings.
SUMMARY
[0007]According to one aspect, a mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device comprises a transmitter configured to transmit signals, a receiver configured to receive signals and at least one light source. The mobile communication device also includes a light guide and a variable reflecting component disposed over at least a portion of the light guide. The variable reflecting component is configured to operate in a transmissive mode based on a first condition and operate in a reflective mode based on a second condition.
[0008]Additionally, the mobile communication device may comprise a sensor configured to detect ambient light. The mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to identify the first condition based on the ambient light being less than a predetermined level, and identify the second condition based on the ambient light being greater than the predetermined level.
[0009]Additionally, the variable reflecting component may comprise at least one film and the mobile communication device may further comprise a power supply configured to supply power to the at least one film when the second condition exists.
[0010]Additionally, the power supply may be configured to terminate power to the at least one film or not supply power to the at least one film when the first condition exists.
[0011]Additionally, the mobile communication device may comprise a liquid crystal display disposed over the variable reflecting component and configured to be illuminated by light from the at least one light source directed via the light guide when the ambient light is less than the predetermined level, and be illuminated by ambient light when the ambient light is greater than the predetermined level.
[0012]Additionally, the variable reflecting component may comprise at least one film, the at least one film comprising a transition metal.
[0013]Additionally, the variable reflecting component may comprise a polymer network liquid crystal display.
[0014]Additionally, the mobile communication device may comprise a power supply configured to: supply power to the polymer network liquid crystal display based on at least one of an ambient light level being less than a predetermined level or a setting on the mobile communication device, and terminate power to the polymer network liquid crystal display based on at least one of the ambient light level being greater than the predetermined level or the setting on the mobile communication device.
[0015]Additionally, the first condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being less than a first level and the second condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being greater than the first level.
[0016]Additionally, the first and second conditions may be associated with ambient light levels and the variable reflecting device may be configured to automatically switch between the transmissive mode and the reflective mode based on the ambient light levels.
[0017]Additionally, the mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to control the transmissive mode and reflective mode of the variable reflecting component based on ambient light conditions or input provided by a user of the mobile communication device.
[0018]Additionally, the mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to provide power to the at least one light source when the first condition exits and not provide power or turn off the at least one light source when the second condition exists.
[0019]Additionally, the mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to automatically switch the variable reflecting component between the transmissive mode and the reflective mode based on ambient light conditions.
[0020]According to another aspect, a method may be provided in a device comprising a display and a variable reflector. The method comprises sensing external light levels and automatically switching the variable reflector from a transmissive state to a reflective state based on a first sensed external light level.
[0021]Additionally, the method may comprise automatically switching the variable reflector from the reflective state to the transmissive state based on a second sensed external light level, wherein the second sensed external light level is less than the first sensed external light level.
[0022]Additionally, the automatically switching the variable reflector from a transmissive state to a reflective state may comprise: providing power to the variable reflector.
[0023]Additionally, the automatically switching the variable reflector from the reflective state to the transmissive state may comprise terminating power to the variable reflector.
[0024]Additionally, the method may comprise turning off a light source when the variable reflector is in the reflective state.
[0025]According to still another aspect, a device comprises transmitting means for transmitting radio frequency signals; receiving means for receiving radio frequency signals; display means and lighting means for illuminating the display means. The device also comprises reflector means located above the lighting means and means for varying a reflective quality of the reflector means based on ambient light levels associated with the device or input by a user of the device.
[0026]Additionally, the means for varying a reflective quality may comprise means for selectively providing power to the reflector means based on the ambient light levels.
[0027]According to yet another aspect, a device is provided. The device comprises at least one light source and a display. The display comprises a switchable device configured to be in a transmissive state based on a first condition and be in a reflective state based on a second condition.
[0028]Additionally, the device may further comprise a sensor configured to measure ambient light and logic configured to switch the switchable device to the transmissive state based on the ambient light being less than a predetermined level, and switch the switchable device to the reflective state based on the ambient light being greater than the predetermined level.
[0029]Additionally, the switchable device may comprise at least one film, the device further comprising a power supply configured to supply power to the at least one film when the switchable device is in the reflective state.
[0030]Additionally, the switchable device may comprise a polymer network liquid crystal display, the device further comprising a power supply configured to supply power to the polymer network liquid crystal display when the switchable device is in the reflective state.
[0031]Additionally, the display may be configured to be illuminated by light from the at least one light source directed when ambient light is less than a predetermined level, and be illuminated by ambient light when the ambient light is greater than the predetermined level.
[0032]Additionally, the first condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being less than a first level and the second condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being greater than the first level.
[0033]Additionally, the device may further comprise logic configured to turn off the at least one light when the second condition exists.
[0034]In another aspect, a device comprises at least one light source, at least one variable reflecting element disposed over the light source and an input mechanism. The device her comprises logic configured to provide power to the at least one variable reflecting element based on a mode associated with the device to selectively highlight or darken at least a portion of the input mechanism.
[0035]Additionally, the input mechanism may comprise at least one of a keyboard or keypad and the logic may be configured to cause the at least one variable reflecting element to be in a transmissive state or a reflective state based on the mode in which the device is operating.
[0036]Other features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description. The embodiments shown and described provide illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
A device may include a light source and a display. The display may include a switchable device configured to be in a transmissive state based on a first condition and be in a reflective state based on a second condition.
Description
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]The invention relates generally to displays and, more particularly, to displays with variable reflectivity.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002]Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) may be designed to be reflective, transmissive or transflective. In a transmissive LCD, light from a light source located on the backside of the LCD is used to illuminate the LCD. The transmissive LCD works well in low or normal ambient lighting conditions, but works poorly when the ambient lighting is high.
[0003]In a reflective LCD, ambient lighting may be used to illuminate the display. For example, a reflector located on the backside of the LCD reflects ambient light passing through the LCD to illuminate the LCD. A reflective LCD, however, does not work well in low ambient light conditions.
[0004]A transflective liquid crystal display (LCD) operates in two modes. A first mode is a transmissive mode which is ideal for low or normal ambient light conditions. In the transmissive mode, light from, for example, a white light source, located on the backside of the LCD is directed via a light guide through the various LCD layers. A second mode is a reflective mode which is ideal for high ambient light conditions. In the reflective mode, ambient light entering the front side of the LCD traverses one or more LCD layers and then is reflected back by a reflecting film positioned between the LCD and the light guide on the LCD's backside.
[0005]A major drawback with this arrangement is that the reflective film reduces the back light intensity. That is, the reflective film reduces the intensity of the light from the light source directed via the light guide that acts to backlight the LCD during low ambient light conditions. Therefore, high reflectivity associated with the reflective film implies low transmittance and vice versa.
[0006]In order to compensate for the transmittance loss due to the reflective film, increased backlight intensity may be applied. As a result, higher power consumption occurs as compared to when no reflective film is used. This higher power consumption causes power related problems in devices where battery power may be used to provide the lighting, such as shorter times between battery re-chargings.
SUMMARY
[0007]According to one aspect, a mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device comprises a transmitter configured to transmit signals, a receiver configured to receive signals and at least one light source. The mobile communication device also includes a light guide and a variable reflecting component disposed over at least a portion of the light guide. The variable reflecting component is configured to operate in a transmissive mode based on a first condition and operate in a reflective mode based on a second condition.
[0008]Additionally, the mobile communication device may comprise a sensor configured to detect ambient light. The mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to identify the first condition based on the ambient light being less than a predetermined level, and identify the second condition based on the ambient light being greater than the predetermined level.
[0009]Additionally, the variable reflecting component may comprise at least one film and the mobile communication device may further comprise a power supply configured to supply power to the at least one film when the second condition exists.
[0010]Additionally, the power supply may be configured to terminate power to the at least one film or not supply power to the at least one film when the first condition exists.
[0011]Additionally, the mobile communication device may comprise a liquid crystal display disposed over the variable reflecting component and configured to be illuminated by light from the at least one light source directed via the light guide when the ambient light is less than the predetermined level, and be illuminated by ambient light when the ambient light is greater than the predetermined level.
[0012]Additionally, the variable reflecting component may comprise at least one film, the at least one film comprising a transition metal.
[0013]Additionally, the variable reflecting component may comprise a polymer network liquid crystal display.
[0014]Additionally, the mobile communication device may comprise a power supply configured to: supply power to the polymer network liquid crystal display based on at least one of an ambient light level being less than a predetermined level or a setting on the mobile communication device, and terminate power to the polymer network liquid crystal display based on at least one of the ambient light level being greater than the predetermined level or the setting on the mobile communication device.
[0015]Additionally, the first condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being less than a first level and the second condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being greater than the first level.
[0016]Additionally, the first and second conditions may be associated with ambient light levels and the variable reflecting device may be configured to automatically switch between the transmissive mode and the reflective mode based on the ambient light levels.
[0017]Additionally, the mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to control the transmissive mode and reflective mode of the variable reflecting component based on ambient light conditions or input provided by a user of the mobile communication device.
[0018]Additionally, the mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to provide power to the at least one light source when the first condition exits and not provide power or turn off the at least one light source when the second condition exists.
[0019]Additionally, the mobile communication device may further comprise logic configured to automatically switch the variable reflecting component between the transmissive mode and the reflective mode based on ambient light conditions.
[0020]According to another aspect, a method may be provided in a device comprising a display and a variable reflector. The method comprises sensing external light levels and automatically switching the variable reflector from a transmissive state to a reflective state based on a first sensed external light level.
[0021]Additionally, the method may comprise automatically switching the variable reflector from the reflective state to the transmissive state based on a second sensed external light level, wherein the second sensed external light level is less than the first sensed external light level.
[0022]Additionally, the automatically switching the variable reflector from a transmissive state to a reflective state may comprise: providing power to the variable reflector.
[0023]Additionally, the automatically switching the variable reflector from the reflective state to the transmissive state may comprise terminating power to the variable reflector.
[0024]Additionally, the method may comprise turning off a light source when the variable reflector is in the reflective state.
[0025]According to still another aspect, a device comprises transmitting means for transmitting radio frequency signals; receiving means for receiving radio frequency signals; display means and lighting means for illuminating the display means. The device also comprises reflector means located above the lighting means and means for varying a reflective quality of the reflector means based on ambient light levels associated with the device or input by a user of the device.
[0026]Additionally, the means for varying a reflective quality may comprise means for selectively providing power to the reflector means based on the ambient light levels.
[0027]According to yet another aspect, a device is provided. The device comprises at least one light source and a display. The display comprises a switchable device configured to be in a transmissive state based on a first condition and be in a reflective state based on a second condition.
[0028]Additionally, the device may further comprise a sensor configured to measure ambient light and logic configured to switch the switchable device to the transmissive state based on the ambient light being less than a predetermined level, and switch the switchable device to the reflective state based on the ambient light being greater than the predetermined level.
[0029]Additionally, the switchable device may comprise at least one film, the device further comprising a power supply configured to supply power to the at least one film when the switchable device is in the reflective state.
[0030]Additionally, the switchable device may comprise a polymer network liquid crystal display, the device further comprising a power supply configured to supply power to the polymer network liquid crystal display when the switchable device is in the reflective state.
[0031]Additionally, the display may be configured to be illuminated by light from the at least one light source directed when ambient light is less than a predetermined level, and be illuminated by ambient light when the ambient light is greater than the predetermined level.
[0032]Additionally, the first condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being less than a first level and the second condition may correspond to ambient light conditions being greater than the first level.
[0033]Additionally, the device may further comprise logic configured to turn off the at least one light when the second condition exists.
[0034]In another aspect, a device comprises at least one light source, at least one variable reflecting element disposed over the light source and an input mechanism. The device her comprises logic configured to provide power to the at least one variable reflecting element based on a mode associated with the device to selectively highlight or darken at least a portion of the input mechanism.
[0035]Additionally, the input mechanism may comprise at least one of a keyboard or keypad and the logic may be configured to cause the at least one variable reflecting element to be in a transmissive state or a reflective state based on the mode in which the device is operating.
[0036]Other features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description. The embodiments shown and described provide illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
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