George N Scheib

US Patent:

54772397, Dec 19, 1995

Filed:

Nov 12, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/151486

Inventors:

John Busch - Austin TX
George Scheib - Austin TX

Assignee:

Dell USA, L.P. - Austin TX

International Classification:

G02F 113

US Classification:

345102

Abstract:

A system is disclosed for providing a supplemental front lighting system for a liquid crystal display. Retractable light sources are provided adjacent to the LCD. The light sources may be placed in a closed position for compactness when storing the system or when ambient lighting is adequate. The light sources may be placed in an open position when supplemental lighting of the LCD is desired. A grazing incidence reflecting film having a micro replicated surface is applied to the front surface of the LCD to increase light transmission and to collimate and direct light toward the LCD. Multifaceted microstructures arranged in longitudinal columns on the front surface of the film reduce reflection of light at glancing angles, thereby providing for improved and even lighting across the entire LCD.