U.S. patent application number 10/721588 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for backlight system architecture for mobile display system.
Invention is credited to Adler, Glenn Jay.
Application Number | 20040104885 10/721588 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25538516 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040104885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adler, Glenn Jay |
June 3, 2004 |
Backlight system architecture for mobile display system
Abstract
The present invention provides a mobile display system with an
improved backlight system. In one embodiment of the invention, the
mobile display system comprises a mobile unit including a flat
panel display, and a first backlight circuit for providing light to
the display. The first backlight circuit includes a plurality of
lights sources disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a single
power supply for powering a pre-selected one of the light sources.
The system also comprises a base station capable of being powered
by an external power source. The base station includes a second
backlight circuit that comprises at least one power supply for
powering the plurality of light sources in the mobile unit when the
mobile unit is attached to the base station. This invention keeps
the weight and power consumption of the mobile unit low, but allows
long battery life at the compromise of display surface light
intensity while mobile and provides high brightness characteristics
when docked.
Inventors: |
Adler, Glenn Jay; (Redwood
City, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & STANDARDS
1109 MCKAY DRIVE, M/S-41SJ
SAN JOSE
CA
95131
US
|
Family ID: |
25538516 |
Appl. No.: |
10/721588 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10721588 |
Nov 24, 2003 |
|
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09992601 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 3/3406 20130101;
G06F 1/3218 20130101; G09G 2330/02 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101;
H04M 1/04 20130101; G06F 2200/1612 20130101; G02F 1/133626
20210101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; H04M 1/22 20130101; G06F 1/1632
20130101; G09G 2330/021 20130101; G02F 1/133612 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/102 |
International
Class: |
G09G 003/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A backlight system for use with a mobile display system that
includes a mobile unit capable of being powered by a battery and a
base station capable of being powered by an external power source,
the backlight system comprising: a first circuit in the mobile
unit, the first circuit including a plurality of light sources
disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a first power supply for
powering a pre-selected one of the light sources when operating in
a mobile mode of operation; and a second circuit in the base
station, the second circuit including at least a second power
supply separate from the mobile unit for powering a plurality of
the light sources in the mobile unit when the mobile unit is
attached to the base station.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second circuit further
comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the plurality
of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to
the base station.
3. A mobile display system comprising a mobile unit, the mobile
unit including: a flat panel display; and a first backlight circuit
for providing light to the display, the first backlight circuit
including a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the
mobile unit, and a single power supply connected to a pre-selected
one of the light sources for powering only the pre-selected light
source, the mobile unit being dockable in a base station having a
second power supply associated therewith, the docking of the mobile
unit in the base station connecting the second power supply to a
plurality of the light sources for powering a plurality of the
light sources.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a base station capable
of being powered by an external power source, the base station
including a second backlight circuit that comprises at least a
second power supply for powering the plurality of light sources in
the mobile unit when the unit is attached to the base station.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the base station further includes
a detection mechanism for detecting whether the mobile unit is
attached to the base station so as to allow the external power
source to power the light sources within the mobile unit.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second backlight circuit
further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the
plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is
attached to the base station.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the mobile unit and the
base station includes at least one electrical connector; wherein
the electrical connectors of the mobile unit and the base station
are connected to each other when the mobile unit is attached to the
base station.
8. A backlight system for use with a mobile display system that
includes a mobile unit capable of being powered by a battery and a
base station capable of being powered by an external power source,
the backlight system comprising: a first circuit in the mobile
unit, the first circuit including a plurality of light sources
disposed near edges of the mobile unit and a single power supply
for powering a pre-selected one of the light sources; and a second
circuit in the base station, the second circuit including at least
one power supply for powering the plurality of the light sources in
the mobile unit when the mobile unit is attached to the base
station; and wherein the second circuit further comprises a
plurality of power supplies for powering the plurality of light
sources respectively when the mobile unit is attached to the base
station.
9. A mobile display system comprising a mobile unit, the mobile
unit including: a flat panel display; and a first backlight circuit
for providing light to the display, the first backlight circuit
including a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the
mobile unit, and a single power supply connected to a pre-selected
one of the light sources for powering only the pre-selected light
source; and further comprising a base station capable of being
powered by an external power source, the base station including a
second backlight circuit that comprises at least one power supply
for powering the plurality of light sources in the mobile unit when
the unit is attached to the base station; and wherein the base
station further includes a detection mechanism for detecting
whether the mobile unit is attached to the base station so as to
allow the external power source to power the light sources within
the mobile unit.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second backlight circuit
further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering the
plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is
attached to the base station.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the mobile unit and the
base station includes at least one electrical connector; wherein
the electrical connectors of the mobile unit and the base station
are connected to each other when the mobile unit is attached to the
base station.
12. An AC powered base station configured to removably attach to a
battery powered mobile, the base station combining with a mobile
unit to form an illumination system, the illumination system
comprising: a first circuit in the mobile unit, the first circuit
including one or more light sources for illuminating a display of
the mobile unit, the first circuit being battery powered when
unattached to the base station; and a second AC powered circuit in
the base station, including at least one means for illuminating the
mobile unit's display when the mobile unit is attached to the base
unit.
13. The base station of claim 12 wherein the means for illuminating
the mobile unit's display is configured to increase the
illumination of the display relative to a battery-powered
illumination mode for the mobile unit when it is not attached to
the base unit.
14. The base station of claim 13 wherein the means for increasing
the illumination of the mobile unit's display comprises at least
one power supply for connecting to the first circuit and powering
the one or more light sources in the mobile unit.
15. The base station of claim 14, wherein the second circuit
further comprises a plurality of power supplies for powering a
plurality of light sources respectively when the mobile unit is
attached to the base station.
16. The base station of claim 14 further comprising a detection
mechanism for detecting whether the mobile unit is attached to the
base station so as to allow the external power source to power the
light sources within the mobile unit.
17. The base station of claim 16 wherein the display is a flat
panel display and the plurality of lights sources are disposed near
edges of the mobile unit.
18. The base station of claim 12 wherein the base unit includes at
least one light source, the light source being coupleable to the
mobile unit to transmit light to the display when the mobile unit
is attached to the base station through a selected surface on the
base station, the surface comprising a light transmissive
material.
19. The base station of claim 18 wherein the light is transmitted
into a backlight structure of the mobile unit.
20. The base station of claim 18 wherein the base unit is
configured so that attaching the mobile unit to the base station
switches on power to at least one light source in the base station
that transmits light to the mobile unit's display.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This invention is a continuation of and claims the benefit
of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/992,601 entitled
BACKLIGHT SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MOBILE DISPLAY SYSTEM filed on
Nov. 13, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to backlight systems, and
more particularly to backlight systems for mobile display
systems.
[0003] Mobile devices, such as mobile and handheld PCs, portable
TVs and other mobile Internet appliances, have been widely used in
our daily lives. Due to their size and mobility, these devices are
particularly convenient to people who travel frequently or need to
have access to information at any time or in any location, from the
Internet or in a stored database for example. When the AC power is
available, mobile devices are typically used in conjunction with a
docking station on a desktop or elsewhere in an attached or docked
mode. The docking station provides network connections as well as
connections to peripheral devices, such as a printer. Because their
flexibility of being able to be used in either docked mode or
mobile (or undocked) mode, there are requirements for high
brightness (with similar luminance as stationary monitors) when the
mobile devices are docked and powered by mains power, and for
optimization of battery life when they are operated in the mobile
mode.
[0004] A conventional solution for notebook PCs for example, is to
use a dimmable power supply. In this case, the backlight power is
regulated based on the condition of the re-charger being attached
to the notebook PC. When the notebook PC is used in the mobile
mode, the optimization of battery life can be achieved by reduction
of power in the backlight. This consequently results in reduction
of luminance to 60-80 candela/m.sup.2. If the notebook PC is
plugged into an AC power outlet on the wall, the maximum power of
the backlight is increased by increasing the current of the
internal lamp or the current duty cycle, relative to its maximum
value in the battery operated mode. However, even with the increase
of the current the brightness achieved is only in the range of
80-100 candela/m.sup.2, which is far less bright as compared to
that of flat panel monitors powered mains power, which has the
luminous intensity of 250 plus candela/m.sup.2.
[0005] Thus, most mobile electronic products today are not able to
achieve high brightness, unless both weight and thickness are
sacrificed.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a mobile device that
maintains mobile characteristics of low weight, thinness and long
battery life, while providing functionality, e.g., high brightness,
of a mains powered desktop product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a mobile display system with
an improved backlight system. According to a first embodiment of
the invention, the mobile display system comprises a mobile unit
including a flat panel display, and a first backlight circuit for
providing light to the display. The first backlight circuit
includes a plurality of lights sources disposed near edges of the
mobile unit and a single power supply for powering a pre-selected
one of the light sources. The system also comprises a base station
capable of being powered by an external power source. The base
station includes a second backlight circuit that comprises at least
one power supply for powering the plurality of light sources in the
mobile unit when the mobile unit is attached to the base station.
This embodiment allows the use of a single power supply in the
mobile unit, keeping weight and power consumption low, but allowing
long battery life at the compromise of display surface light
intensity.
[0008] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the
mobile display system comprises a mobile unit including a flat
panel display, and a first backlight circuit for providing light to
the display. The flat panel display has selected surfaces made in
materials capable of coupling external light. The first backlight
circuit includes a single light source disposed near a pre-selected
edge of the mobile unit and a single power supply for powering the
light source. The system also comprises a base station capable of
being powered by an external power source. The base station
includes a second backlight circuit that comprises a plurality of
light sources disposed near edges of the base station and at least
one power supply for powering the plurality of light sources. The
base station has selected surfaces made of materials capable of
coupling light out of the plurality of light sources and into the
display when the mobile unit is attached to the base station. This
embodiment allows the use of a single power supply and a single
light source in the mobile unit, keeping weight and power
consumption low, but allowing long battery life at the compromise
of display surface light intensity.
[0009] Other objects and attainments together with a fuller
understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated
by referring to the following description and claims taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention is explained in further detail, and by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a mobile display
system according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2A shows a mobile display system according to a first
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2B shows a backlight system for the first embodiment of
the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3A shows a mobile display system according to a second
embodiment of the invention; and
[0015] FIG. 3B shows a backlight system for the second embodiment
of the invention.
[0016] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals
indicate similar or corresponding features or functions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a mobile display
system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. Display
system 10 comprises a battery powered mobile unit 12 and a mains
powered base station 16, which includes an electrical cord 17 for
plugging into an AC power outlet or other external power source.
Mobile unit 12 has four edges 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d and includes a
flat panel display 14. Mobile unit 12 may be either a stand-alone
mobile device, e.g., a mobile PC, or a flat panel monitor, e.g., a
LCD display, for use with a mobile device. Base station 16 is
configured to have a surface 15, a slanted surface 18 and two
guiding rails 19a and 19b. Guiding rails 19a and 19b have inner
surfaces 29a and 29b, respectively, facing to each other. Mobile
unit 12 can be attached to base station 16 along slanted surface 18
and guiding rails 19a and 19b onto surface 15.
[0018] FIG. 2A shows a mobile display system 20 according to a
first embodiment of the invention. Display system 20 has the same
basic configuration as that of system 10 in FIG. 1 and includes a
mobile unit 22 and a base station 26. As shown in FIG. 2A, mobile
unit 22 also includes electrical connectors 32a, 32b and 32c. Base
station 26 also includes electrical connectors 34a, 34b and 34c and
a detection mechanism, e.g., switch 36.
[0019] FIG. 2B shows a backlight system 40 for the first embodiment
of the invention. Backlight system 40 comprises a backlight circuit
41a in mobile unit 22 and a backlight circuit 41b in base station
26. As shown in FIG. 2B, backlight circuit 41a comprises a
plurality of light sources, e.g., lamps 42a, 42b, 42c and 42d
respectively located near edges of 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d of mobile
unit 22. Although there are only four lamps illustrated, additional
lamps may be used and placed along any of edges 28a, 28b and 28d.
These lamps may be fluorescent lamps, LEDs or other types of light
sources. Backlight circuit 41 a also includes a built-in power
supply 48c powered by a battery (not shown). Backlight circuit 41b
includes a plurality of power supplies 48a, 48b, and 48d. In mobile
mode, lamp 42c is used and powered by built-in power supply 48c. In
docked mode, in addition to lamp 42c, lamps 42a, 42b and 42d are
also used and powered by power supplies 48a, 48b and 48d,
respectively, which are connected to an AC power outlet.
[0020] In backlight circuit 41b in base station 26, a plurality of
backlight power supplies 48a, 48b and 48d are placed close to
surface 15 (shown in FIG. 2A) for electrically connecting to
connectors 32a, 32b and 32c on mobile unit 22, via connectors 34a,
34b and 34c respectively.
[0021] Once mobile unit 22 is attached to base station 26 in docked
mode, connectors 32a and 32b are in contact with and connected to
connectors 34a and 34b, respectively. In this mode, switch 36 is
engaged, signaling base station 26 to power its internal power
supplies 48a, 48b and 48d so as to power the lamps inside mobile
unit 22, thereby increasing the light output at the viewable
surface of display 14. In this embodiment, switch 36 is designed so
that no high voltage from the internal power supplies of base
station 26 is generated unless mobile unit 22 is fully attached to
base station 26. This embodiment allows the use of a single power
supply in the mobile unit, keeping weight and power consumption
low, but allowing long battery life at the compromise of display
surface light intensity.
[0022] FIG. 3A shows a mobile display system 50 according to a
second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment again has the
same basic configuration as that of system 10 in FIG. 1 and
includes a mobile unit 52 and a base station 56. Base station 56
also includes a detection mechanism, e.g., switch 57.
[0023] FIG. 3B shows a backlight system 60 for the second
embodiment of the invention. Backlight system 60 comprises a first
backlight circuit 61a in mobile unit 52 and a second backlight
circuit 61b in base station 56. Circuit 61a includes a single light
source, e.g., lamp 64c, located near edge 28c of mobile unit 52,
and a single built-in power supply 68c powered by a battery (not
shown). Circuit 61b includes a plurality of additional light
sources, e.g., lamps 64a, 64b, and 64d, located close to surfaces
15, 29a and 29b, respectively and a plurality of additional power
supplies 68a, 68b and 68d. In mobile mode, lamp 28c is used and
powered by built-in power supply 68c. In docked mode, in addition
to lamp 64c, lamps 64a, 64b and 64d are used and powered by power
supplies 68a, 68b and 68d, respectively, which are connected to an
AC power outlet. All of these lamps may be fluorescent lamps, LEDs
or other types of light sources.
[0024] In this second embodiment, surfaces 28a, 28b and 28d of
mobile unit 52 may be constructed of, for instance, transparent or
translucent material, capable of coupling light from outside of
mobile unit 52 into the backlight structure of the unit.
Alternatively, the complete encasing plastics of mobile unit 52 may
be made of such transparent or translucent material. Surfaces 15,
29a and 29b of base station 56 may also be constructed of materials
capable of coupling light from the lamps 64a, 64b, and 64d, out of
base station 56, into mobile unit 52. When mobile unit 52 is
attached to base station 56 in docked mode, switch 57 is activated
and lamps in base station 56 are powered. This causes light to be
optically coupled into mobile unit 52 through surface pairs 28a/15,
28b/29b, and 28d/29a, thereby increasing light output at the
viewable surface of display 14.
[0025] This embodiment allows the use of a single power supply and
a single light source in the mobile unit, keeping weight and power
consumption low, but allowing long battery life at the compromise
of display surface light intensity.
[0026] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
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