Apple has patented a set of methods for lighting a display using solar power. It seems that Apple is looking at ways of using existing light sources to make its displays visible.

Currently the best method is using internal reflectance, which is how e-ink is visible in sunlight. Apple's method involves channelling and reflecting the light to the edges or back of the display. According to the Patent: “electronic devices may not be used effectively in certain physical settings, such as, for example, where the external or ambient light is brighter than the illumination of the display screen."

As a result, a user may not be able to view the information on the display screen sufficiently. For example, a user may have difficulty viewing the information presented on a display screen of a laptop computer while outdoors on a sunny day.

Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide apparatus and methods for collecting external light to help illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. The patent is for either a reflector that shines light toward the back of the screen, another would have a “light harness” which gathers light in one area and releasing it in another. (I have one of those. I call it a mirror. sub.ed.)