GB2633771A

GB2633771A - Display system

Info

Publication number: GB2633771A
Application number: GB2314345.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gourlay James; Peden Derek; Jankauskas Marius
Original assignee: Design LED Products Ltd
Current assignee: Design LED Products Ltd
Priority date: 2023-09-19
Filing date: 2023-09-19
Publication date: 2025-03-26
Also published as: CN223486321U; DE202024104978U1; GB202314345D0

Abstract

Display system 1 comprises first volume 2, second volume 3 and an output surface 6. Output surface 6 comprises first display zone 6a and second display zone 6b located within first volume 2 and second volume 3 respectively. A first display device 4 is located within first volume 2 and a second display device 5 is located within second volume 3, wherein second display device 5 comprises an active region 7 bordered by a non-active region 8. A light-guide 11 extends at least partially across first volume 2 and second volume 3. Light-guide 11 couples light from first display device 4 to illuminate a portion of second volume 3 located between non-active region 8 and output surface 6. Optionally, light guide 11 may work via total internal reflection. Reflector 13 may redirect light towards second display zone 6b to increase illumination over non-active region 8. The presence of light-guide 11 within display system 1 may provide a more immersive experience for a viewer.

Description

1 Display System 3 The present invention relates to the field of display systems. In particular, the present 4 invention describes an apparatus and method of manufacture for a display system suitable for a range of applications, particularly, for use in automotive display systems.

7 Background to the Invention

9 A display system may comprise joining at least two distinct display devices. The distinct display devices used within such a display system may comprise a combination of high 11 resolution display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or organic light-emitting 12 diode (OLED) displays, along with low resolution display devices such as a light-emitting 13 diode (LED) display devices for backlighting.

The different types of display devices are typically employed to present visual information 16 to the user, enabling the representation of images, videos, and other visual content. In 17 automotive display systems, by joining multiple discrete display devices within a single 18 display system, more information can be provided to the viewer.

1 The different types of display devices that are used within a display system may employ a 2 range of different technologies. Some examples include non-emissive liquid crystal 3 displays (LCDs) which utilise liquid crystals plus a backlight, organic light-emitting diode 4 (OLED) displays using organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied and MicroLED displays which utilise miniature light-emitting diodes as individual 6 display pixels. Furthermore, and as discussed above, the display devices may also 7 include emissive light-emitting diode (LED) display devices, such as an LED light-tile for 8 backlighting.

High resolution display devices, e.g., LEDs or OLEDs, generally comprise a panel that has 11 an active region and a non-active region. The active region is the area of the display 12 device where the visual content is presented. The non-active region of the display device 13 typically comprises an opaque border which typically surrounds one or more edges of the 14 active region. The opaque border may serve as both a structural component, providing support for the display device, and as a housing for various components or structures 16 required for the display device. In particular, the opaque border region generally contains 17 the various electrical components or circuits that are required for controlling the individual 18 pixels within the active region.

As the electrical components of the display devices are typically sensitive to light, they 21 generally require some form of protection. Usually, the electrical connections and circuitry 22 are protected by an opaque black mask to ensure adequate protection of the electronics.

23 As a result, the opaque black mask also tends to be present within the view of the border 24 of the display device.

26 Due to the standard construction of the conventional display devices, typical display 27 systems in the art generally comprise an opaque border between each of the separate 28 display devices. As a result, such a display system is not fully immersive for a user, as 29 there is no seamless transition between discrete and adjacent display devices within a single system.

32 Examples of systems and methods known in the art include US Patent Number US 33 7,540,628 B2, International Patent Publication Number WO 2008/120879 A1, US Patent 34 Number US 9,377,652 B, Korean Patent Number KR 102135867 B1 and Chinese Patent Application Number CN 113281928 A. 2 There is generally a need for an apparatus and method to address the problems identified 3 above.

It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a display system that 6 obviates or mitigates one or more drawbacks or disadvantages of the prior art.

8 Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following

9 description.

11 Summary of Invention

13 According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a display system comprising: 14 a first volume and a second volume; an output surface comprising a first display zone located within the first volume and a 16 second display zone located within the second volume; 17 a first display device located within the first volume; 18 a second display device located within the second volume, the second display device 19 comprising an active region bordered by a non-active region; and a light-guide extending at least partially across the first and the second volumes; 21 wherein the light-guide couples light from the first display device to illuminate a portion of 22 the second volume located between the non-active region and the output surface.

24 The display system of the present invention advantageously allows for light to be directed from the first volume into the second volume. The second display device comprises a 26 non-active region which in isolation would provide an opaque border between the first and 27 second display zones at the output surface. However, the configuration of the light-guide 28 allows for a portion of the second volume located between the non-active region and the 29 second display zone of the output surface to be illuminated by light generated in the first volume. As a result, the light-guide provides a seamless transition between the first and 31 second volumes. The light-guide renders the portion of the second volume comprising the 32 non-active region of the second display device non-opaque. Therefore, the area of the 33 second display zone located within the portion of the second volume comprising the non- 34 active region is not observed as completely opaque by a viewer of the display system. As 1 a result, the above display system provides a more immersive display and immersive 2 experience for a user.

4 Most preferably the light-guide is located between the output surface and the first and second display devices.

7 Preferably an exterior cladding is arranged on the portion of the light-guide within the first 8 volume. The exterior cladding prevents light from been emitted from the light-guide 9 towards the output surface within the first display zone.

11 The non-active region may border one or more sides of the active region.

13 Preferably the display system further comprises a diffuser. Preferably the diffuser extends 14 at least partially across the first and second volumes. The diffuser may be located between the output surface and the light-guide. The diffuser provides improved uniformity 16 and viewing characteristics for light emitted by the display system.

18 Optionally the light-guide is integrated into the diffuser. By combining the functions of light 19 guiding and light diffusion into a single component the optical performance is improved.

21 Preferably the output surface comprises a coverlens, wherein the coverlens extends 22 across the first and second display zones. The coverlens provides a protective outer layer 23 which covers the front or viewing surface of the display system.

Preferably the coverlens is a two dimensional coverlens. Alternatively, the coverlens is a 26 three dimensional coverlens. Optionally the three dimensional coverlens extends around 27 the diffuser and the light-guide.

29 Extending the coverlens around the diffuser and the light-guide prevents the light-guide from illuminating the portion of the second volume located between the active region of the 31 second display device and the output surface.

33 Optionally the display system further comprises a reflector. Preferably the reflector is 34 located between the non-active region of the second display device and the light-guide.

1 The reflector allows for improved illumination over the non-active region of the second 2 display device by reflecting any incident light back towards the light-guide.

4 Preferably the light-guide is a two dimensional light-guide. Alternatively, the light-guide is a 2.5-dimensional or 3-dimensional light-guide. By changing the shape of the light-guide 6 improved illumination over the non-active region of the second display device can be 7 achieved.

9 Preferably the non-active region of the second display device comprises a black mask.

Preferably the black mask is optically opaque. An opaque black mask provides protection 11 for any light sensitive electronics present within the non-active region of the second display 12 device.

14 Preferably the first display device comprises a light emitting diode display device.

Preferably the light emitting diode display device is a light emitting diode panel. Preferably 16 the second display device comprises a liquid crystal display. Alternatively, the second 17 display device comprises an organic light-emitting diode display or MicroLED display.

19 Preferably the display system further comprises a third volume, wherein a third display device is located within the third volume and the output surface further comprises a third 21 display zone located within the third volume.

23 Optionally, the second volume is located between the first and third volumes. Optionally, 24 the non-active region of the second display device borders two sides of the active region.

26 A second light-guide extends at least partially across the second and the third volumes; 27 wherein the second light-guide couples light from the third display device to illuminate a 28 portion of the second volume located between the non-active region and the second 29 display zone.

31 Alternatively, the first volume is located between the second and third volumes.

32 Optionally, the third display device comprises an active region bordered by a non-active 33 region.

1 A second light-guide extends at least partially across the first and the third volumes; 2 wherein the second light-guide couples light from the first display device to illuminate a 3 portion of the third volume located between the non-active region of the third display 4 device and the third display zone.

6 By incorporating more light-guides into a larger display system, which has three display 7 devices, it is possible to create illumination above additional non-active regions within the 8 display device or display system, and hence create an overall immersive display for the 9 viewer.

11 According to a second aspect of the invention, there is method of manufacturing a display 12 system comprising: 13 -providing a first volume and a second volume; 14 -providing an output surface comprising a first display zone located within the first volume and a second display zone located within the second volume; 16 -locating a first display device within the first volume, 17 -locating a second display device within the volume, wherein the second display device 18 comprises an active region bordered by a non-active region; 19 -arranging a light-guide to extend at least partially across the first and the second volumes; and 21 -configuring the light-guide to couple light from the first display device to illuminate a 22 portion of the second volume located between the non-active region and the output 23 surface.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise features to 26 implement the preferred or optional features of the first aspects of the present invention or 27 vice versa.

29 According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a display system comprising: a first volume and a second volume, 31 the first volume comprising a liquid crystal module with an active region for displaying 32 images and a non-active region, 33 the second volume comprising a light emitting diode light tile for back lighting, 1 wherein said second volume comprises a light-guide superpositioned on said non-active 2 region and the light emitting diode light tile so that some light from the light emitting diode 3 light tile is guided to emit above said non-active region.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise features to 6 implement the preferred or optional features of the first or second aspects of the present 7 invention or vice versa.

9 Brief Description of Drawings

11 There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of aspects of 12 the present invention with reference to the drawings, of which: 14 Figure 1 presents a side view of a display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 17 Figure 2 presents a side view of display systems in accordance with alternative 18 embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 presents a side view of a display system in accordance with a further alternative 21 embodiment of the present invention; 23 Figure 4 presents a side view of a display system in accordance with a further alternative 24 embodiment of the present invention; 26 Figure 5 presents a side view of a display system in accordance with a further alternative 27 embodiment of the present invention; and 29 Figure 6 presents a side view of a display system in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.

32 In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and 33 drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, 34 and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of embodiments of the invention.

2 Detailed Description

4 An explanation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

7 Referring first to Figure 1, a side view of a display system, as generally depicted by 8 reference numeral 1, is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present 9 invention.

11 The display system 1 shown in Figure 1 can be seen to comprise a first volume 2 and a 12 second volume 3, as depicted by the zones highlighted by the dashed lines in Figure 1. A 13 first display device 4 is located within the first volume 2 and a second display device 5 is 14 located within the second volume 3. The light output or display content from both the first 4 and second 5 display devices are directed towards the output surface 6 of the display 16 system 1.

18 The output surface 6 of the display system 1 comprises a first display zone 6a located 19 within the first volume 2 and a second display zone 6b located within the second volume 3.

As such, the light output or display content from the first display device 4 is directed 21 towards the first display zone 6a of the output surface 6, while the light output or display 22 content from the second display device 5 is directed towards the second display zone 6b 23 of the output surface 6. As a result of this arrangement, the first volume 2 comprises the 24 first display device 4 and the first display zone 6a, while the second volume 3 comprises the second display device 5 and the second display zone 6b.

27 In Figure 1, the first display device 4 is a light emitting diode light panel and the second 28 display device 5 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. However, as will be appreciated by 29 a reader skilled in the art, any suitable display device could alternatively be used as either the first display device 4 or second display device 5. Examples of alternative types of 31 display devices include organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) and MicroLED devices.

33 The second display device 5 is shown to comprise an active region 7 and a non-active 34 region 8, wherein the active region 7 is bordered by the non-active region 8. The active 1 region 7 of the second display device 5 comprises an array of pixels which are responsible 2 for producing the visual content for the second display device 5.

4 In Figure 1, the non-active region 8 is shown to border only one side of the active region 7.

However, as will be appreciated by a reader skilled in the art, the non-active region 8 may 6 alternatively border two or more sides of the active region 7.

8 The non-active region 8 of the second display device 5 typically comprises light sensitive 9 components e.g., a network of electrical connections and control circuits, that are required for operating the active region 7 of the second display device 5. As such, the non-active 11 region 8 is generally coated by an opaque black mask to provide protection for these light 12 sensitive components. Due to the presence of the opaque black mask, no light is emitted 13 from the non-active region 8 of the second display device 5.

The display system 1 of Figure 1 is also shown to comprise a diffuser 9. The diffuser 9 is 16 positioned to extend from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3. The diffuser 9 acts 17 to scatter and distribute light more uniformly across the output surface 6 of the display 18 system 1. This aids in improving the visual quality and viewing experience for the viewer.

19 In Figure 1, the diffuser 9 can be seen to extend across the entire first volume 2, but only partially extends across the second volume 3. In particular, the diffuser 9 only extends 21 over the non-active region 8 of the second display device 5. As will be appreciated by the 22 skilled reader the diffuser could alternatively be provided in any other suitable location 23 within the display system 1.

In Figure 1, a coverlens 10 is used to form the output surface 6 of the display system 1.

26 The coverlens 10 spans across the entire display system 1 i.e., across both the first 6a 27 and second 6b display zones, and is the outermost layer of the display system 1. The 28 coverlens 10 provides protection for the display system 1. It is generally a transparent or 29 translucent sheet of material that covers and shields the underlying components, such as the first 4 and second 5 display devices. The coverlens 10 also directly affects how the 31 image appears to a viewer of the display system 1. Therefore, the coverlens 10 is 32 designed to minimise optical distortions and ensure that the image displayed at the output 33 surface 6 is of high optical clarity to provide a clear image to a viewer of the display system 34 1.

1 The display system 1 of Figure 1 further comprises a light-guide 11. The light-guide 11 2 extends from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3 and is located between the first 4 3 and second 5 display devices and the output surface 6. The light-guide 11 is designed to 4 guide light through total internal reflection or other guiding mechanisms.

6 In Figure 1, a cladding 12 is provided on the external surface of the light-guide 11. The 7 cladding 12 does not extend across the entire light-guide 11. Specifically, the cladding 12 8 is shown to only be present within the first volume 2 of the display system 1.

In general, the material used for the cladding 12 will have a lower refractive index than that 11 of the light-guide 11. In this way, light travelling within the light-guide 11 in the first volume 12 2 is prevented from escaping or leaking from the light-guide 11. The cladding 12 helps to 13 ensure that there is efficient light propagation within the light-guide 11 and prevents light 14 loss in undesired locations, such as the first volume 2.

16 The position of the light-guide 11 in Figure 1 allows for light emitted from the first display 17 device 4 within the first volume 2 to be coupled into the light-guide 11. The light-guide 11 18 can then guide the coupled light from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3.

The light-guide 11 may comprise a transparent material like optical fibre or glass. The 21 light-guide 11 is configured to couple light from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3 22 by employing light-guiding methods, such as total internal reflection (TIR) and refraction.

23 In general, light entering the light-guide 11 at one end strikes the interface between the 24 light-guides 11 core and cladding 12 at an angle greater than the critical angle. This causes the light to reflect, and hence travel through the light-guide 11 without escaping.

26 By controlling the light-guides 11 refractive index, geometry, and coatings, the light 27 propagation through the light-guide 11 can be optimised, ensuring minimal loss and 28 efficient light coupling from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3.

In Figure 1, the light-guide 11 is arranged or positioned to provide illumination within a 31 portion of the second volume 3. In particular, the light-guide 11 of Figure 1 illuminates the 32 portion of the second volume 3 located between the non-active region 8 of the second 33 display device 5 and the second display zone 6a of the output surface 6.

1 Note that the light-guide 11 of Figure 1 only overlaps with a portion of the first volume 2, 2 while the end of the light-guide 11 coincides with the end of the non-active region 8 within 3 the second volume 3. However, as will be appreciated by a reader skilled in the art, the 4 position of the light-guide 11 is not fixed to the location depicted in Figure 1, and the light-guide 11 could be relocated provided it still overlaps with both the first 2 and second 3 6 volumes.

8 For prior art display systems that do not include the above described light-guide 11, the 9 non-active region 8 of the second display device 5 results in an opaque border between the first display 4 device and the second display device 5. In particular, a viewer of the 11 system would observe a noticeable opaque border between the first 6a and second 6b 12 display zones of the output surface 6. However, by including the light-guide 11 within the 13 display system 1 of the present invention, the illumination provided within the second 14 volume 3 results in a viewer of the display system 1 no longer observing an opaque border between the first 6a and second 6b display zones. Instead, a more natural lighting 16 transition is provided between the first 6a and second 6b display zones. Therefore, the 17 above described display system 1 results in a display that is more immersive for the user

18 when compared with prior art systems.

The display system 1 of Figure 1 may further comprise a reflector 13 located between the 21 light-guide 11 and the non-active region 8 of the second display device 5. The reflector 13 22 can be used improve the optical performance of the display system 1. In particular, the 23 reflector 13 is used to reflect light that would otherwise be lost or dispersed within the 24 second volume 3, and redirects it towards the second display zone 6b of the output surface 6 of the display system 1. In this way, the amount of light providing illumination 26 over the non-active region 8 can be increased.

28 Alternative display systems 14 are presented in Figures 2 (a), (b) and (c).

The main difference between the display system 14 presented in Figure 2, and the display 31 system 1 described above in relation to Figure 1, is the shape of the light-guide 11.

33 In Figure 1, the light-guide 11 of the display system 1 is a standard two dimensional light- 34 guide 11. As such, the shape of the light-guide 11 provides confinement of the light wave 1 in two dimensions and is designed to distribute the light uniformly in a two-dimensional 2 plane.

4 In Figure 2 (a), the light-guide 11 of the display system 14a is a three dimensional shaped light-guide 11. The benefit of using such a three dimensional light-guide 11 is that it 6 results in improved optical performance and improved illumination over the non-active 7 region 8 of the second display device 5.

9 In Figures 2 (b) and (c) the light-guide 11 of the display systems 14b and 14c are 2.5-dimensional shaped light-guides 11. Similar to the light-guide 11 of Figure 2 (a), such a 11 shape can result in improved optical performance when compared to conventional, two- 12 dimensional shaped light-guides.

14 Such example light-guide 11 shapes in Figures 2 (a), (b) and (c) are considered to be thin optical lenses or wedges, with flat, sloping or curved surfaces depending on the targeted 16 viewing angles and the properties of the first 4 and second 5 display devices, and the non- 17 active region 8.

19 As will be appreciated by a reader skilled in the art, any suitable 2.5-dimensional or 3-dimensional shape may be used within the display system 14 as an alternative for those 21 depicted in Figure 2 (a), (b) and (c). The light-guides 11 of Figure 2 are positioned directly 22 beneath the diffuser 9, however as will be appreciated by the skilled person they may also 23 be located independently from the diffuser 9, as depicted by the display system 1 of Figure 24 1.

26 A further alternative display system 15 is illustrated in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the optical 27 light-guide 11 is integrated into the diffuser 9. It can be desirable to combine the functions 28 of light guiding and light diffusion into a single component in order to improve the optical 29 performance of the display system 15. The integration allows for efficient light transmission along a desired path while also achieving uniform and even light distribution 31 across a surface.

33 As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the integration of the light-guide 11 34 and the diffuser 9 can be achieved through careful design and manufacturing techniques.

Specific integration methods and materials depend on the required optical characteristics, 1 the size and shape of the light-guide 11, the optical properties of the diffuser 9, and the 2 overall efficiency of light transmission and diffusion.

4 As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 (a), (b) and (c) alternative light-guide shapes may be used for the integrated 6 light-guide 11. Furthermore, similar to the embodiment of Figure 1, the display system 15 7 may also include a reflector 13 located between the integrated light-guide 11 and the non- 8 active region 8 of the second display device 5 to further improve optical performance.

Figure 4 presents a display system 16 in accordance with a further alternative embodiment 11 of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment of Figure 3, the display system 16 12 comprises an diffuser 9 with an integrated light-guide 11.

14 However, in Figure 4 a three dimensional coverlens 10 is employed within the display system 16. The three dimensional coverlens 10 is shaped around the diffuser 9 and light- 16 guide 11. The advantage of shaping the cover lens around the diffuser 9 and light-guide 17 11 is that it can improve the optical performance of the display system 16 by providing a 18 more immersive and visually appealing user experience for a viewer of the display system 19 16.

21 It will be appreciated by a reader skilled in the art, that a similar technique of shaping the 22 three dimensional coverlens 10 around the diffuser 9 and light-guide 11 could also be 23 employed for the embodiments shown in Figure 1 and 2, i.e. for a separate (non- 24 integrated) light-guide 11 and diffuser 9.

26 Figure 5 presents a display system 17 in accordance with a further alternative embodiment 27 of the present invention. The display system 17 comprises a first 2, a second 3, and a 28 third 18 volume, which comprise a first 4, a second 5, and a third 19 display device, 29 respectively. Furthermore, the output surface 6 of the display system comprises a first 6a, second 6b and third 6c display zone located within the first 2, second 3 and third 18 31 volumes, respectively. Each of the first 2, the second 3 and the third 18 volumes are 32 represented by the zones enclosed by the dotted lines shown in Figure 5.

34 Conventional display devices, such as an LCD, have an opaque border around the perimeter of the display device, resulting in non-active regions on each side of the display 1 device. This is illustrated in Figure 5, where the second display device 5 has both a first 2 8a and second 8b non-active region.

4 As a result, a second light-guide 11 b is included within the display system 17 that extends from the third volume 18 into the second volume 3. The second light-guide 11 b is located 6 above the third 19 and second 5 display devices. As for the previous embodiments, the 7 first light-guide 11 a extends from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3 and is 8 located above the first 4 and second 5 display devices.

The position of the first light-guide 11 a allows for light emitted from the first display device 11 4 to be coupled into the first light-guide 11 a within the first volume 2. The light is guided 12 from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3. In particular, the first light-guide 11 a is 13 positioned to provide illumination over the first non-active region 8a of the second display 14 device 5.

16 The position of the second light-guide 11b allows for light emitted from the third display 17 device 19 within the third volume 18 to be coupled into the light-guide 11b. The light is 18 then guided from the third volume 18 into the second volume 3. In particular, the second 19 light-guide 11 b is positioned to provide illumination over the second non-active region 8b of the second display device 5.

22 Note that in Figure 5, there is two diffusers 9a and 9b. The first diffuser 9a extends across 23 the first 2 and second 3 volumes, whereas the second diffuser 9b extends across the 24 second 3 and third 18 volumes. Furthermore, the first 11 a and second 11 b light-guides are each shown to have an associated exterior cladding 12a and 12b.

27 As the light-guides 11a, llb provide illumination over the non-active regions 8a, 8b, a 28 viewer of the described display system 17 does not observe an opaque border at the 29 output surface 6 between the first 6a, second 6b and third 6c display zones. As such, the above described display system 17 results in a display that is more immersive for the user, 31 even when there is more than one non-active region 8.

33 Figure 6 presents a display system 20 in accordance with a further alternative embodiment 34 of the present invention. Similar to Figure 5, the display system 20 comprises a first, 2 second, 3 and third volume 18, which comprise a first, 4 second, 5 and third 19 display 1 device respectively. However, in Figure 6 the first volume 2 is located between the second 2 3 and third 18 volumes.

4 In Figure 6, the second 5 display device comprises an active region 7a and a non-active region 8a. In a similar manner, the third display device 19 also comprises an active region 6 7b and a non-active region 8b.

8 As for the previous embodiments, a first light-guide 11 a is present within the display 9 system 20 that extends from the first volume 2 into the second volume 3 and is located above the first 4 and second 5 display devices.

12 Additionally, the display system 20 also comprises a second light-guide 11b that is 13 positioned to extend from the first volume 2 into the third volume 18. The second light- 14 guide 11b is located above the first 4 and third 19 display devices.

16 The position of the first 11 a and second 11 b light-guides allows for some of the light 17 emitted from the first display device 4 to be coupled into both the first 11 a and second 11 b 18 light-guides. The coupled light from the first display device 4 is then guided from the first 19 volume 2 into the second volume 3 by the first light-guide 11 a and from the first volume 2 into the third volume 18 by the second light-guide 11 b.

22 The first light-guide 11 a is arranged to illuminate a portion of the second volume 3. In 23 particular, the first light-guide 11 a illuminates the portion of the second volume 3 located 24 between the between non-active region 8a of the second display device 5 and the second display zone 6b of the output surface 6.

27 The second light-guide 11 b is arranged to illuminate a portion of the third volume 18. In 28 particular, the second light-guide 11 b illuminates the portion of the third volume 18 located 29 between the between the non-active region 8b of the third display device 19 and the third display zone 6b of the output surface 6.

32 Note that in Figure 6, a single diffuser 9 extends across each of the first 2, second 3 and 33 third 18 display zones.

1 The assembly of the display system 20 again results in an immersive display for the viewer 2 of the display system 20. This is because the assembly results in the perimeter of the first 3 4 and third 19 display devices no longer appearing opaque to a viewer of the display 4 system 20. As such, the above described display system 17 results in a display that is more immersive for the user, even when there more than one display device comprising a 6 non-active region 8.

8 The embodiments of Figures 5 and 6 show display systems 17 and 20 with light-guides 9 11a, 11b, diffusers 9a, 9b and claddings 12a, 12b of the type presented in Figure 1.

However, as will be appreciated by the skilled reader, the display systems 17 and 20 of 11 Figures 5 and 6 could instead incorporate any of the display systems 14, 15 and 16 12 described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, or any combination thereof.

14 In summary, the present invention provides an alternative display system to those known in the art, with an improved lighting transition between the distinct display devices present 16 within the display system. In particular, the present invention provides a display system 17 that is assembled in a manner which results in illuminating the otherwise opaque perimeter 18 of conventional display devices, such as LCDs. Therefore, the disclosed display system 19 provides a more immersive display and immersive experience for a viewer.

21 A display system and a method for manufacturing is disclosed. The display system 22 comprises a first and a second volume, and an output surface comprising a first and a 23 second display zone located within the first and second volumes respectively. A first 24 display device is located within the first volume and a second display device located within the second volume, wherein the second display device comprises an active region 26 bordered by a non-active region. The display system further comprises a light-guide which 27 extends across the first and the second volume. The light-guide couples light from the first 28 display device to illuminate a portion of the second volume located between the non-active 29 region and the output surface. The presence of the light-guide within the display system provides a more immersive experience for a viewer of the display system.

32 Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms "comprise" 33 or "include", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", "includes" or "including" will 34 be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the 1 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, unless the context clearly 2 demands otherwise, the term "or" will be interpreted as being inclusive not exclusive.

4 Furthermore, reference to any prior art in the description should not be taken as an indication that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

7 The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration 8 and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise 9 form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others 11 skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various 12 modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further 13 modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of 14 the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 Claims 3 1. A display system comprising: 4 a first volume and a second volume; an output surface comprising a first display zone located within the first volume and 6 a second display zone located within the second volume; 7 a first display device located within the first volume; 8 a second display device located within the second volume, the second display 9 device comprising an active region bordered by a non-active region; and a light-guide extending at least partially across the first and the second volumes; 11 wherein the light-guide couples light from the first display device to illuminate a 12 portion of the second volume located between the non-active region and the output 13 surface.

2. A display system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-guide is located between 16 the output surface and the first and second display devices.18

3. A display system as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the light-guide comprises an 19 exterior cladding arranged on the portion of the light-guide within the first volume.21

4. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-active 22 region may border one or more sides of the active region.24

5. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the display system comprises a diffuser and or a coverlens.27

6. A display system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the light-guide is integrated within 28 the diffuser.

7. A display system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the coverlens is a three 31 dimensional coverlens, wherein the three dimensional coverlens extends around 32 the diffuser and or the light-guide.1

8. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the display 2 system comprises a reflector located between the non-active region and the light-3 guide.

9. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the light-guide 6 is a 2-dimensional light-guide, or a 3-dimensional light-guide or a 2.5-dimensional 7 light-guide.9

10. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the display system further comprises a third volume, wherein a third display device is located 11 within the third volume and the output surface further comprises a third display 12 zone located within the third volume.14

11. A display system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second volume is located between the first and the third volumes, and the non-active region of the second 16 display device borders at least two sides of the active region.18

12. A display system as claimed in claims 10 or 11, wherein a second light-guide 19 extends at least partially across the second and third volumes, wherein the second light-guide couples light from the third display device to illuminate a portion of the 21 second volume located between the non-active region and the output surface.23

13. A display system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first volume is located 24 between the second and third volumes and wherein the third display device comprises an active region bordered by a non-active region.27

14. A display system as claimed in claim 13, wherein a second light-guide extends at 28 least partially across the first and the third volumes; wherein the second light-guide 29 couples light from the first display device to illuminate a portion of the third volume located between the non-active region of the third display device and the output 31 surface.33

15. A method of manufacturing a display system, the method comprising: 34 -providing a first volume and a second volume; 1 -providing an output surface comprising a first display zone located within the first 2 volume and a second display zone located within the second volume; 3 -locating a first display device within the first volume, 4 -locating a second display device within the volume, wherein the second display device comprises an active region bordered by a non-active region; 6 -arranging a light-guide to extend at least partially across the first and the second 7 volumes; and 8 -configuring the light-guide to couple light from the first display device to illuminate 9 a portion of the second volume located between the non-active region and the output surface.