Enhanced electroluminescent sign

Abstract

An enhanced electroluminescent sign containing a volumetric, anisotropic scattering element to control the angular spread of light from the sign and the spatial luminance uniformity of the sign. The anisotropic scattering element contains one or more regions of asymmetrically-shaped light scattering particles. The angular spread of light leaving a sign from a light emitting source can be efficiently controlled by using a thin, low cost, volumetric, anisotropic scattering elements to angularly and spatially distribute light, permitting the reduction in number of light sources, a reduction in power requirements, or a more tailored viewing angle.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to copending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 628,769, filed on Nov. 17, 2004, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention generally relates to electroluminescent signs or other devices capable of displaying images or indicia wherein light is emitted such that indicia can be visually recognized. The invention also relates to the components contained within the electroluminescent signs or devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Electroluminescent signs such as neon, traditional fluorescent backlit signs and channel lettering typically direct light into large angles in the horizontal and vertical directions. In many cases, the light does not need to be directed in to certain angular directions because the sign is not normally viewed from that direction. For example, most signs are typically viewed in the horizontal d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] What is needed is an enhanced electroluminescent sign that efficiently directs light into desired viewing angles that is low cost, has a reduced volume, and is efficient and uniform.

[0009] The present invention relates to enhanced electroluminescent signs, e.g., containing a volumetric, anisotropic scattering elements to control the angular spread of light from the sign. The light scattering element contains one or more regions of asymmetrically-shaped light scattering domains. The angular spread of light leaving a sign from a light emitting source can be efficiently controlled by using a thin, low cost, volumetric, anisotropic scattering elements to direct the light in the desired directions. This can permit the reduction in number of light sources, a reduction in power requirements, or a more tailored viewing angle. In one embodiment, the volume of the electroluminescent sign can also be reduced by eliminating the need the thicker prismatic films used for increased brightness. The speckle contrast of a sign can be reduced by using more than one anisotropic light scattering region. When the diffusing element is used in combination with a waveguide to extract light, the light is efficiently coupled out of the waveguide in a thin, planar surface. This diffusive element can be coupled to a reflecting element such that the resulting combination is a light reflecting element with a desired anisotropic light scattering profile that can be used to create an enhanced electroluminescent sign.

[0010] By using anisotropic light scattering elements, one can more precisely control the angular spread of light, creating a more optically efficient electroluminescent sign. Additionally, with the trend in industry to the use of point light sources such as LEDs, the problem of increased visible speckle contrast on the sign is an issue. More than one anisotropic scattering element in the path within the sign can reduce this effect. When used in combination with waveguide based signs, the anisotropic light scattering elements can optically couple light from the waveguide more efficiently that printed dots or symmetric diffusers. Thus, more light is directed in the forward direction and horizontal angles. This can reduce the costs, power requirements, speckle and volume while providing a designed angular viewing range.

[0011] When used with linear arrays of light sources, the anisotropic diffusing element increases the spatial luminance uniformity by spreading light into larger angles in the direction perpendicular to array while substantially maintaining the angular spread in the direction parallel to the array. The volume of the electroluminescent sign can also be reduced by eliminating the need for thicker prismatic films conventionally used for increased brightness. The speckle contrast and luminance uniformity of a sign can be reduced by using more than one light scattering region. When the anisotropic scattering element is used in combination with a waveguide to extract light, the light is efficiently coupled out of the waveguide in a thin, planar surface. This anisotropic scattering element can be coupled to a reflecting element such that the resulting combination is a light reflecting element with a desired anisotropic light scattering profile that can be used to create an enhanced electroluminescent sign.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, with the trend in industry to the use of point light sources such as LEDs, the problem of increased visible speckle contrast on the sign is an issue.

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