Smart Display Backlighting

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.