Patent attributes
The present application describes a backlight device for providing enhanced peripheral illumination of light modulators in display systems. In one embodiment, a display system includes a light modulator, a light diffusing plate, and a backlight device. The backlight device includes light sources that are distributed over an area that is at least equal to or greater than an image display area of the light modulator. In another embodiment, an edge-lit type backlight device is described. The edge-lit type backlight device includes a light guide plate for directing light towards the light modulator. The edge-lit type backlight device further includes light sources that are distributed along a side edge of the light guide plate. The light sources are distributed along a length that is at least equal to or greater than a corresponding length of an image display area of the light modulator.