LG Display has been granted a patent for a light source module that includes a printed circuit board, a light source, and two light guide layers. The first light guide layer accommodates the light source and has a higher refractive index than the second light guide layer, which is located on the outer surface of the first layer. The materials used for the two layers are also different. GlobalData’s report on LG Display gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on LG Display, Under-screen fingerprint recognition was a key innovation area identified from patents. LG Display's grant share as of September 2023 was 55%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A patent granted for a light source module with layered light guides
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11774665B2) describes a light source module that includes a printed circuit board, a light source, and two light guide layers. The first light guide layer is located on the printed circuit board and accommodates the light source, while the second light guide layer is positioned on the outer surface of the first light guide layer. Notably, the material of the first light guide layer is different from the material of the second light guide layer, and the refractive index of the first light guide layer is greater than that of the second light guide layer.
In one embodiment, the first light guide layer is made of silicon, while the second light guide layer consists of barium sulfate and resin. The composition ratio of barium sulfate to resin is specified as 1:4. Additionally, the thickness of the first light guide layer is greater than the thickness of the second light guide layer.
The light source in the module can be a side view type light emitting diode (LED) or a downward direction type LED. To enhance the efficiency of light distribution, a light reflective layer is placed on the printed circuit board, reflecting the light emitted by the light source. The patent also mentions that the light generated from the light source is irradiated at different angles from the first and second light guide layers, with the second light guide layer causing the light to be irradiated at a lower angle compared to the first light guide layer.
The patent further specifies the range of refractive indices for the first and second light guide layers, with the refractive index of the first light guide layer being 1.5 to 1.6 or less, and the refractive index of the second light guide layer being 1.4 to 1.5 or less. Additionally, the thickness of the first light guide layer is stated to be 2 mm to 4 mm or less, while the thickness of the second light guide layer is 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm or less. Based on the thickness of the first light guide layer, the thickness of the second light guide layer can range from 0.13 to 0.34 or less.
Overall, this patented light source module offers a unique design with distinct materials and thicknesses for the two light guide layers, allowing for efficient light distribution and control. The inclusion of a light reflective layer further enhances the module's performance.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
