20120147293 | REDUNDANT BACKLIGHT FOR LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS - A redundant LED backlight and method for controlling the same. At least two plurality of LEDs are used to create a backlight where any individual set of LEDs may be driven at power level P to provide the desired overall luminance for the backlight. If two plurality of LEDs are used, then the LEDs may be driven simultaneously at one-half P during normal operations until a failure has been detected in one of the plurality of LEDs. In alternate embodiments, four plurality of LEDs may be used and driven simultaneously at one-fourth P during normal operations until a failure has been detected in one of the plurality of LEDs. The LEDs may be in edge-lit, direct-lit, or any combination of these two orientations. Upon failures, only one plurality of LEDs may be used to provide operation of the LED backlight and any associated LCD device. | 06-14-2012 |