SBIR-STTR Award

This proposes research and development of "smart" backlighting for active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs) employed in combat aircraft. "Smart" backlighting means advanced technology that enhances performance and significantly improves mission effectiveness. Effectively controlled light emitting diodes (LEDs) synchronize backlighting illumination with display imagery, producing clear pictures with high contrast. The proposed device fits in back of LCDs, and consists of a front plane (the LED array), and a back place (the controlling electronics) integrated with the data stream illuminating the display. In the LED front plane, electricity is directly converted into visible light. In the back plane, the high switching speed of electronics tightly control front plane pixels. Other performance metrics are also measurably improved, including lower power requirements and heat produced, better than in currently available commercial products. The proposed device is environmentally rugged, tolerant of operational vibration, and resisting electromagnetic interference from cockpit instruments. The result is highly dependable performance. Product brightness can be manually adjusted so that it is night vision compatible. LED technology has a long history of use in many commonplace consumer products with high reliability, and the proven technology is poised to economically respond to the many performance challenges of this important application.

Keywords:
Lcd Flat Panel Displays, Backlighting, Light Emitting Diode Arrays, High Contrast, Combatant Craft Avionics, Computer Graphics, Real-Time Imagery, Night Vision Compatible

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) employ active matrix technology that produces superior definition and clarity. However, LCDs are not emissive. They do not generate their own light, but employ backlighting so the image can be seen clearly. This project employs light emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting. Furthermore, the backlighting produced is “smart” in that the brightness produced by the LEDs is precisely modulated by electronic control. The project’s device consists of two parts: the front plane containing the photonics, the LEDs that illuminate the LCD; and the back plane containing the electronics, the circuitry that controls the front plane. The picture signal that creates the LCD imagery is also read by the backplane electronics, enabling it to control the backlighting so the brightness is synchronously compatible with the imagery being displayed. In the LED front plane, electricity is efficiently converted into visible light. In the back plane, the high switching speed of electronics tightly control front plane pixels. “Smart” backlighting means advanced technology that enhances performance and significantly improves image sharpness. Clear pictures with high contrast are produced. The proposed device fits snugly in back of the LCDs. Power requirements are lower than currently available products, and less heat is produced.

Keywords:
Lcd Flat Panel Displays, Backlighting, Light Emitting Diode Arrays, High Contrast, Brightness, Combatant Craft Avionics, Real-Time Imagery, Night Visi