Architecture for light emitting elements in light field displays

Abstract

The present disclosure describes various aspects of an architecture for light emitting elements in a light field display. In one aspect, a light field display may include a plurality of image elements (e.g., super ray pixels), each of which has a corresponding light steering optical element and includes an array of light emitting elements (e.g., sub ray pixels) monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. The light steering optical element may include at least one microlens, at least one grating, or a combination of both. The array of light emitting elements includes light emitting elements that produce at least three different colors of light. Groups of separate light emitting elements may be configured, and the directional resolution of the light field display may be based on the number of groups. The light field display may also include an electronic device configured to drive the light emitting elements in each image element individually.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 662,474, filed on April 25, 2018, entitled “ARCHITECTURE FOR LIGHT EMITTING ELEMENTS IN A LIGHT FIELDDISPLAY,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 391,850, filed on April 23, 2019, entitled “ARCHITECTURE FOR LIGHT EMITTING ELEMENTS IN A LIGHT FIELDDISPLAY,” the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to displays and, more particularly, to an architecture for light emitting elements in a light field display. Background Art

[0004] With the emergence of various video applications and services, there is increasing interest in the use of displays that can provide images in three full dimensions (3D). There are different types of displays that are capable of doing so, including volumetric displays, holographic displays, panoramic imaging displays, and compressed light field displays, to name a few. Existing display technologies may have several limitations, including restrictions on the views provided to the viewer, the complexity of the equipment required to provide the various views, or the costs associated with manufacturing the display.

[0005] However, light fields or light field displays present some of the better options because they can be flat displays that are configured to provide multiple views at different locations to enable the viewer to perceive depth or 3D. Light field displays can require a large number of light emitting elements, and their resolution can be two to three orders of magnitude greater than that of traditional displays. Therefore, there are challenges in both the number of light emitting elements and the way they are organized that need to be considered to achieve the ultra-high density required to provide the best possible experience to the viewer. Summary of the invention

[0006] A simplified summary of one or more aspects is presented below to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not a detailed overview of all anticipated aspects, and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0007] As used in the present disclosure, the term sub-raxel may refer to light-emitting elements that produce monochromatic light as well as light-emitting elements that produce red light, green light, and blue light, the term raxel may refer to a group or allocation of sub-raxels (e.g., adjacent or nearby sub-raxels), and the term super-raxel or picture element may refer to an array or arrangement of light-emitting elements that are organized, grouped, or otherwise allocated to different raxels.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a light field display may include a plurality of image elements (e.g., super ray pixels), each of which has a corresponding light steering optical element and includes an array of light emitting elements (e.g., sub-ray pixels) monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. The image elements may also be referred to as light field image elements. The light steering optical element may include at least one microlens, at least one grating, or a combination of both. The array of light emitting elements includes light emitting elements that produce at least three different colors of light. Groups of separate light emitting elements (e.g., ray pixels) may be configured to form image elements (e.g., super ray pixels), and the directional resolution of the light field display may be based on the number of groups. The light field display also includes an electronic device configured to drive the light emitting elements in each image element individually. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings depict only some embodiments and therefore should not be considered limiting in scope.

[0010] Figure 1A Examples of image elements for a light field display are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1B Another example of an image element for a light field display according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 An example of a light emitting element in an image element according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 3 An example of a light field display having multiple image elements in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 4 Another example of a light field display having multiple image elements according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 5 Examples of light field displays and cameras having multiple image elements and light detecting elements are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 6A An example of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a light field display is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6B Another example of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a light field display is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 7A Examples of configurations of light field displays according to aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0019] Figure 7B Another example of a configuration of a light field display according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Fig. 8A An example of an array of light emitting elements in an image element according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 8B Examples of picture elements having sub-picture elements according to aspects of the present invention are described.

[0022] Fig. 9A Examples of image elements with color converters according to aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0023] Fig. 9B Examples of sub-image elements with color converters according to aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0024] Fig. 9C Another example of a sub-image element with a color converter according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations, and is intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts, the detailed description includes specific details. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known components are illustrated in block diagram form to avoid obscuring these concepts.

[0026] Figure 1A A schematic diagram 100a is shown depicting an example of an image element for a light field display (eg, also referred to as a multi-view display). A light field display (see, e.g., Figure 3-5 The light field display 310 in FIG. 3 may include a plurality of image elements (see, e.g. Figure 3-5In some embodiments, multiple image elements may be monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. That is, multiple image elements may be manufactured, constructed and / or formed by one or more layers of the same or different materials disposed, formed and / or grown on a single continuous semiconductor substrate. Additional details regarding materials and other aspects related to the semiconductor substrate are provided below. In the present disclosure, the term "image element" and the term "super-light pixel" may be used interchangeably to describe similar structural units in light field displays. In some instances, an "image element" may be referred to as a pixel, but it is different from a pixel used in a conventional display.

[0027] A single image element may include many light emitting elements 125. As described above, an image element differs from a pixel in a conventional display in that a pixel generally identifies a discrete element that emits light (e.g., in a non-directional manner, Lambertian emission), whereas an image element includes a plurality of light emitting elements 125 that are themselves organized and configured to produce or generate light outputs that may be directional in nature, wherein these light outputs (e.g., light elements) contribute to the formation of a plurality of different light field views to be provided by the light field display to viewers at different locations or positions remote from the light field display. In an example, each particular location or position remote from the light field display may be associated with a light field view provided by the light field display. Additional aspects regarding the arrangement and characteristics of the light emitting elements 125 in an image element will be described in more detail below, further identifying the differences between an image element in a light field display and a pixel in a conventional display.

[0028] like Figure 1A As shown, the image element can have a corresponding light-turning optical element 115. The light-turning optical element 115 can be configured to turn or guide different light elements 105 generated (e.g., emitted) by the light-emitting element 125. In one aspect, different light elements 105 can correspond to light outputs in different directions generated by one or more light-emitting elements 125. In this regard, the directional resolution of the image element or light field display can correspond to the number of light output directions supported. In addition, the light field view provided by the light field display is generated by the contribution of various light outputs, and the various light outputs are received by viewers at a specific place or position away from the light field display. The light-turning optical element 115 can be regarded as a part of the image element, that is, the light-turning optical element 115 is an integral component of the image element. The light-turning optical element 115 can be aligned and physically coupled or joined to the light-emitting element 125 of its corresponding image element. In some embodiments, there may be one or more layers or materials (e.g., optically transparent layers or materials) disposed between the light-turning optical element 115 and the light-emitting element 125 of its corresponding image element.

[0029] In one example, if Figure 1A As shown, the light-steering optical element 115 can be a microlens or a small lens, which can be configured to turn or guide the light element 105 (e.g., different light field views) in an appropriate direction. The light-steering optical element 115 may include a single optical structure (e.g., a single microlens or a small lens), or may be constructed or formed to include multiple optical structures. For example, the light-steering optical element 115 may have at least one microlens, at least one grating, or a combination of the two. In another example, the light-steering optical element 115 may have a multilayer optical component (e.g., a microlens and / or a grating), the combination of which produces an appropriate light-steering effect. For example, the light-steering optical element 115 may have a first microlens and a second microlens stacked on the first microlens, wherein the first microlens is associated with the first layer and the second microlens is associated with the second layer. Different examples may use a grating or a combination of gratings and microlenses in one or two layers. The construction of the light-steering optical element 115, and therefore the placement and characteristics of any microlenses and / or gratings constructed or formed therein, are intended to produce appropriate steering or guidance of the light element 105.

[0030] Different types of devices may be used for the light emitting element 125. In one example, the light emitting element 125 may be a light emitting diode (LED) made of one or more semiconductor materials. The LED may be an inorganic LED. To achieve the high density required for light field displays, the LED may be, for example, a micro-LED (also referred to as a micro-LED, m-LED, or μLED), which may provide better performance (including brightness and energy efficiency) than other display technologies such as liquid crystal display (LCD) technology or organic LED (OLED) technology. The terms "light emitting element," "light emitter," or "emitter" may be used interchangeably in the present disclosure and may also be used to refer to a micro-LED. In addition, any of these terms may be used interchangeably with the term "sub-light pixel" to describe similar structural units in a light field display.

[0031] The light-emitting elements 125 of the image element can be monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. That is, the light-emitting elements 125 can be manufactured, constructed and / or formed by one or more layers of the same or different materials arranged, formed and / or grown on a single continuous semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate may include one or more of GaN, GaAs, Al2O3, Si, SiC, Ga2O3, their alloys or derivatives. For them, the light-emitting elements 125 monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate can be at least partially made of one or more of AlN, GaN, InN, AlAs, GaAs, InAs, AlP, GaP, InP, their alloys or derivatives. In some embodiments, each of the light-emitting elements 125 may include a quantum well active region made of one or more of the materials described above.

[0032] The light emitting element 125 may include different types of light emitting elements or devices to provide light of different colors, which in turn enables the light field display to enable the viewer to visually obtain a specific color gamut or range. In an example, the light emitting element 125 may include a first type of light emitting element that produces green (G) light, a second type of light emitting element that produces red (R) light, and a third type of light emitting element that produces blue (B) light. In another example, the light emitting element 125 may optionally include a fourth type of light emitting element that produces white (W) light. In another example, a single light emitting element 125 may be configured to produce light of different colors. In addition, the light generated by the light emitting element 125 in the display makes the entire color range (i.e., the color gamut of the display) available on the display. The color gamut of the display is a function of the wavelength and line width of each of the constituent color sources (e.g., red source, green source, blue source).

[0033] In one embodiment, different types of colors of light can be achieved by changing the composition of one or more materials (e.g., semiconductor materials) in the light emitting element or by using different structures (e.g., quantum dots of different sizes) as part of or in combination with the light emitting element. For example, when the light emitting element 125 of the image element is an LED, the first set of LEDs in the image can be at least partially made of InGaN having a first composition of indium (In), the second set of LEDs can be at least partially made of InGaN having a second composition of In, the second composition of In being different from the first composition of In, and the third set of LEDs can be at least partially made of InGaN having a third composition of In, the third composition of In being different from the first and second compositions of In.

[0034] In another embodiment, different types of color light can be achieved by applying different color converters (e.g., color down converters) to light emitting elements that produce light of the same or similar color. In one embodiment, some or all of the light emitting elements 125 may include a corresponding color conversion medium (e.g., a color conversion material or a combination of materials). For example, each of the light emitting elements 125 in the image element is configured to produce blue light. A first set of light emitting elements 125 simply provides blue light, a second set of light emitting elements 125 is also configured to down-convert the blue light (e.g., using one conversion medium) to produce and provide green light, and a third set of light emitting elements 125 is also configured to down-convert the blue light (e.g., using another conversion medium) to now produce and provide red light.

[0035] The light emitting elements 125 of the image elements themselves may be organized in an array, grid, or other type or ordered arrangement, just as the image elements may be organized using different arrangements in a light field display.

[0036] In addition, for each image element, there may also be one or more drivers 135 for driving or operating the light emitting elements 125. The driver 135 may be an electronic circuit or device that is part of the backplane 130 and is electrically coupled to the light emitting elements 125. The driver 135 may be configured to provide appropriate signals, voltages, and / or currents to drive or operate the light emitting elements 125 (e.g., to select a light emitting element, control settings, control brightness). In some embodiments, there may be a one-to-one correspondence in which one driver 135 may be used to drive or operate a corresponding light emitting element 125. In other embodiments, there may be a one-to-many correspondence in which one driver 135 may be used to drive or operate multiple light emitting elements 125. For example, the driver 135 may be in the form of a unit cell that is configured to drive a single light emitting element 125 or multiple light emitting elements 125.

[0037] In addition to the backplane 130 including the driver 135, the light field display may also include a flat panel 120 having a light emitting element 125. In addition, the light field display may also include a flat panel 110 having a light redirecting optical element 115. In one embodiment, two or more of the flat panel 110, the flat panel 120 and the backplane 130 may be integrated or joined together to form a stacked or three-dimensional (3D) structure. Additional layers, panels or structures (not shown) may also be part of the stack or 3D structure to facilitate or configure connectivity, interoperability, adhesion and / or distance between the panels. As used in this disclosure, the term "panel" and the term "layer" may be used interchangeably.

[0038] Figure 1BA schematic diagram 100b is shown illustrating another example of an image element for a light field display. In this example, the image element can not only provide or emit light elements 105 (such as Figure 1B 104 and 105), and can also be configured to receive light elements 107 via light redirecting optical element 115. Light elements 107 can correspond to directional light inputs that facilitate various views received by an image element or light field display, just as light elements 105 can correspond to directional light outputs that facilitate various views provided to a viewer by an image element or light field display.

[0039] exist Figure 1B In the example of FIG. 1 , the flat panel 120a having the light emitting element 125 may also include one or more light detecting elements 127 to receive or capture light associated with the light element 107. The one or more light detecting elements 127 may be positioned in the flat panel 120a to be adjacently surrounded by the light emitting element 125, or alternatively, the one or more light detecting elements 127 may be positioned in the flat panel 120a to be separate from the light emitting element 125. The terms “light detecting element”, “light detector”, “light sensor” or “sensor” may be used interchangeably in the present disclosure.

[0040] In some embodiments, the light detecting element 127 can be monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate as the light emitting element 125. Thus, the light detecting element 127 can be made of the same type of material from which the light emitting element 125 can be made as described above. Alternatively, the light detecting element 127 can be made of a material and / or structure different from the material and / or structure used to make the light emitting element 125 (e.g., silicon complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a variation thereof).

[0041] In addition, the panel 130a with the driver 135 may also include one or more detectors 137, which are electrically coupled to the light detection element 127 and are configured to provide appropriate signals, voltages and / or currents to operate the light detection element 127 (e.g., to select the light detection element, control settings) and to generate signals (e.g., analog or digital signals) representing light received or captured by the light detection element 127.

[0042] Figure 1BThe construction of the light redirecting optical element 115 in the illuminating device and thus the placement and characteristics of any microlenses and / or gratings constructed therein are intended to produce the correct steering or directing of the light ray elements 105 away from the image elements to provide the various contributions required for the viewer to perceive the light field view, and also produce the correct steering or directing of the light ray elements 107 toward the appropriate light detecting elements 127. In some embodiments, the light detecting elements 127 can be separate or additional light redirecting optical elements rather than the light redirecting optical elements 115 used in conjunction with the light emitting elements 125. In this case, the light redirecting optical elements for the light detecting elements 127 can be included in the flat panel 110 with the light redirecting optical elements 115.

[0043] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B The different image element structures described in the foregoing enable control, placement and directionality of light elements generated by the light emitting element 125 of the image element. In addition, Figure 1B The image element structure in enables control, placement and directionality of light elements received by the image element.

[0044] exist Figure 2 , schematic 200 shows an example of a pattern or mosaic of light emitting elements 125 in an image element. In this example, a portion of an array or grid of light emitting elements 125 that is part of an image element is enlarged to show one of the different patterns or mosaics that can be used for various types of light emitting elements 125. This example shows three (3) different types of light emitting elements 125, a first type of light emitting element 125a that produces one color of light, a second type of light emitting element 125b that produces another color of light, and a third type of light emitting element 125c that produces yet another color of light. These light colors can be, for example, red light, green light, and blue light. In some embodiments, the pattern can include light emitting elements that produce red light that are twice as large as light emitting elements that produce green light or blue light. In other embodiments, the pattern can include light emitting elements that produce red light that are twice the size of light emitting elements that produce green light or blue light. In other embodiments, the pattern can include, for example, a fourth type of light emitting element 125 that produces a fourth color of light (such as, white light). Typically, the area of ​​a light-emitting element of one color can be varied relative to the area of ​​light-emitting elements of other colors (multiple) to meet specific color gamut and / or power efficiency requirements. Figure 2 The patterns and colors described are provided by way of illustration and not limitation. A variety of patterns and / or colors (e.g., to achieve a specified color gamut in a display) may be used for the light emitting elements 125 of an image pixel. In another aspect, additional light emitting elements (of any color) may be used in a particular pattern to provide redundancy.

[0045] Figure 2 The schematic diagram 200 in FIG. 1 also illustrates that various types of light emitting elements 125 (e.g., light emitting elements 125a, 125b, and 125c) are monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. For example, when different types of light emitting elements 125 are based on different materials (or different variations or compositions of the same material), each of these different materials needs to be compatible with the semiconductor substrate so that the different types of light emitting elements 125 can be monolithically integrated with the semiconductor substrate. This allows for ultra-high density arrays of light emitting elements 125 (e.g., arrays of RGB light emitting elements) required for light field displays.

[0046] Figure 3 Instructions in Figure 3 A light field display 310 is shown having a plurality of image elements or meta-ray image elements 320. Light field display 310 may be used for different types of applications, and its size may vary accordingly. For example, light field display 310 may have different sizes when used as a display for a watch, near-eye application, phone, tablet, laptop, monitor, television, and billboard, to name a few. Accordingly, and depending on the application, image elements 320 in light field display 310 may be organized into arrays, grids, or other types of ordered arrangements of different sizes. Figure 3 In the example shown, the image elements 320 may be organized or arranged as an N×M array, where N is the number of rows of image elements in the array and M is the number of columns of image elements in the array. An enlarged portion of such an array is shown to the right of the light field display 310. For small displays, examples of array sizes may include N≥10 and M≥10 and N≥100 and M≥100, where each image element 320 in the array has its own array or grid of light emitting elements 125. For larger displays, examples of array sizes may include N≥500 and M≥500, N≥1000 and M≥1000, N≥5000 and M≥5000, and N≥10000 and M≥10000, where each image element 320 in the array has its own array or grid of light emitting elements 125.

[0047] In a more specific example, for a 4K light field display in which pixels in a conventional display are replaced by image elements 320, the N×M array of image elements 320 may be a 2160×3840 array, which includes approximately 8.3 million image elements 320. Depending on the number of light emitting elements 125 in each of the image elements 320, the 4K light field display may have a resolution that is one or two orders of magnitude greater than the resolution of a corresponding conventional display. When the image element or super-ray image element 320 includes different LEDs that generate red (R) light, green (G) light, and blue (B) light as the light emitting elements 125, the 4K light field display may be said to be made of monolithically integrated RGB LED super-ray pixels.

[0048] Each image element 320 in the light field display 310, including its corresponding light redirecting optical element 115 (e.g., panoramic imaging lens), can represent a minimum image element size limited by the display resolution. In this regard, the array or grid of light emitting elements 125 of the image element 320 can be smaller than the corresponding light redirecting optical element 115 for that image element. However, in practice, the size of the array or grid of light emitting elements 125 of the image element 320 is likely to be similar to the size of the corresponding light redirecting optical element 115 (e.g., the diameter of the microlens or lenslet), which in turn is similar or the same as the spacing 330 between the image elements 320.

[0049] An enlarged view of the array of light emitting elements 125 for image elements 320 is shown on the right side of schematic diagram 300. The array of light emitting elements 125 may be a P×Q array, where P is the number of rows of light emitting elements 125 in the array and Q is the number of columns of light emitting elements 125 in the array. Examples of array sizes may include P≥5 and Q≥5, P≥8 and Q≥8, P≥9 and Q≥9, P≥10 and Q≥10, P≥12 and Q≥12, P≥20 and Q≥20, and P≥25 and Q≥25. In an example, the P×Q array is a 9×9 array including 81 light emitting elements or sub-ray pixels 125. The array of light emitting elements 125 for image elements 320 need not be limited to square or rectangular shapes, and may also be based on hexagonal shapes or other shapes.

[0050] For each image element 320, the light emitting elements 125 in the array may include groups of separate and discrete light emitting elements 125 (see, e.g. Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Fig. 8A610) of light-emitting elements in a light field display that are allocated or grouped (e.g., logically grouped) based on spatial and angular proximity and configured to produce different light outputs (e.g., directional light outputs) that contribute to the light field view provided by the light field display 310 to the viewer. The grouping of sub-light pixels or light-emitting elements into light pixels need not be unique. For example, during assembly or manufacturing, there may be a mapping of sub-light pixels to specific light pixels that best optimizes the display experience. Once deployed, similar remapping may be performed by the display to take into account, for example, aging of various parts or elements of the display (including aging of light-emitting elements of different colors and / or variations in aging of light-steering optical elements). In the present disclosure, the term "group of light-emitting elements" and the term "ray pixel (raxel)" may be used interchangeably to describe similar structural units in a light field display. The light field view produced by the contributions of various groups of light-emitting elements or light pixels may be perceived by the viewer as a continuous or discontinuous view.

[0051] Each of the groups of light emitting elements 125 in the array of light emitting elements 125 includes a light emitting element that generates at least three different colors of light (e.g., red light, green light, blue light, and possibly white light). In one example, each of these groups or light pixels includes at least one light emitting element 125 that generates red light, one light emitting element 125 that generates green light, and one light emitting element 125 that generates blue light. In another example, each of these groups or light pixels includes two light emitting elements 125 that generate red light, one light emitting element 125 that generates green light, and one light emitting element 125 that generates blue light. In yet another example, each of these groups or light pixels includes one light emitting element 125 that generates red light, one light emitting element 125 that generates green light, one light emitting element 125 that generates blue light, and one light emitting element 125 that generates white light.

[0052] Due to the various applications described above (e.g., light field displays of different sizes), the dimensions or sizes of some of the structural units described in conjunction with light field display 310 can vary significantly. For example, the dimensions of the array or grid of light emitting elements 125 in image element 320 (e.g., the diameter, width, or span of the array or grid) can range between about 10 microns and about 1000 microns. That is, the dimensions associated with image element or super ray image element 320 can be within this range. The term "about" as used in this disclosure means a nominal value or a variation within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% from a nominal value.

[0053] In another example, the size of each group of light emitting elements 125 in image element 320 (e.g., the diameter, width, or span of the group) can range between about 1 micron and about 10 microns. That is, the size associated with a group of light emitting elements 125 (e.g., light pixel 610) can be within this range.

[0054] In another example, the size of a group of light emitting elements 125 in image element 320 may be larger than 10 microns because the size of the light emitting elements 125 in the group may be as large as 10 microns.

[0055] In yet another example, the size of each light emitting element 125 (e.g., the diameter, width, or span of the light emitting element or sub-light pixel) can range between about 0.4 microns and about 4 microns. Similarly, the size of each light emitting element 125 (e.g., the diameter, width, or span of the light emitting element or sub-light pixel) can be less than about 1 micron. In addition, in some embodiments, the size of each light emitting element 125 can be as large as 10 microns. That is, the size associated with the light emitting element or sub-light pixel 125 can be within the range described above.

[0056] In yet another example, the size of the light redirecting optical element 115 (eg, diameter, width, or span of a microlens or lenslet) can range between approximately 10 microns and approximately 1000 microns, which is similar to the range of sizes of image elements or super ray pixels.

[0057] exist Figure 4 , schematic 400 shows another example of a light field display 310, illustrating a magnified view of a portion of an array of image elements 320 with corresponding light redirecting optical elements 115. Pitch 330 may represent the spacing or distance between image elements 320, and may be approximately the size of the light redirecting optical element 115 (e.g., the size of a microlens or lenslet).

[0058] In this example, Figure 4 The light field display 310 in can be a 4K light field display having a 2160×3840 array of image elements or a super-light image element 320. In this case, for a viewer distance of approximately 1.5 meters or approximately 5 feet, the size of the light redirecting optical element 115 can be approximately 0.5 mm. Such a size can be consistent with a human acuity of approximately 1 arc minute / image element. In this example, the viewer's field of view (FOV) can be approximately 64 degrees, which can be smaller than the viewing angle provided by the image element (e.g., viewing angle > FOV). In addition, the multiple views provided by the 4K light field display in this example can have a width of 4 mm, which is consistent with the diameter of the human pupil. This can translate into a light redirecting optical element 115 that is approximately 0.5 mm wide for a viewer having, for example, 31 2The output light generated by the image element 320 of each light emitting element 125 is diverted. Accordingly, in this example, the 4K light field display can provide continuous parallax with the light field phase or horizontal parallax with the light field phase.

[0059] Figure 5 Schematic 500 in FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative configuration of a light field display that is also capable of operating as a camera by performing light field capture using an adjacent light detection element or sensor 127. In this example, the light field display and camera 310a includes an N×M array of image elements 320, a portion of which is shown enlarged on the right side of schematic 500. The light detection element 127 can be, for example, a silicon-based image sensor that is assembled with an integral optical element similar to that used by the image element 320 (e.g., the light redirecting optical element 115). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, light detection elements 127 may be placed near or adjacent to image elements 320 in a one-to-one correspondence (eg, one capture element for each display element). In other embodiments, the number of light detection elements 127 may be less than the number of image elements 320.

[0060] In an example, each light detecting element 127 may include multiple sub-sensors for capturing light in the same manner because each image element 320 (e.g., a super light pixel) may include multiple light emitting elements 125 (e.g., multiple sub-light pixels) or multiple groups of light emitting elements 125 (e.g., multiple light pixels).

[0061] As above combined Figure 1B As described above, the light detecting element 127 can be integrated in the same flat panel 120a as the light emitting element 125. However, some or all of the features of the light detecting element 127 can be implemented in the back panel 130a, because the back panel 130a may also be silicon-based (e.g., a silicon-based substrate). In this case, at least some of the features of the light detecting element 127 can be integrated with the detector 137 in the back panel 130a to more effectively enable the circuits or electronic devices in the detector 137 to operate the light detecting element 127.

[0062] Fig. 6ASchematic 600a in FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a light field display (e.g., light field display 310) to illustrate some of the structural units described in the present disclosure. For example, schematic 600a illustrates three adjacent image elements or super-ray image elements 320a, each of which has a corresponding light-diverting optical element 115. In this example, light-diverting optical element 115 can be considered separate from image element 320a, but in other instances light-diverting optical element 115 can be considered part of the image element.

[0063] like Fig. 6A As shown, each image element 320a includes a plurality of light emitting elements 125 (e.g., a plurality of sub-light pixels), wherein a plurality of light emitting elements 125 (e.g., a plurality of sub-light pixels) of different types may be grouped together into groups 610 (e.g., light pixels) associated with a particular light view to be provided by the light field display. A group or light pixel may generate various components (see Figure 6B ), which contribute to a particular light element 105 as shown by the rightmost group or light pixels in the middle image element 320a. It should be understood that light elements 105 produced by different groups or light pixels in different image elements may contribute to the view perceived by a viewer remote from the light field display.

[0064] exist Fig. 6A The additional structural unit described in the above may be the concept of a sub-image element 620, which represents a grouping of light emitting elements 125 of the same type (eg, generating light of the same color) of the image element 320a. Figure 8B , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C Additional details regarding sub-image element 620 are described.

[0065] Figure 6BSchematic 600b in FIG. 6 shows another cross-sectional view of a portion of a light field display (e.g., light field display 310) to illustrate the varying spatial directionality of light elements generated by three adjacent image elements or super-ray image elements 320a, each having a corresponding light redirecting optical element 115. In this example, the group of light emitting elements 125 in the leftmost image element 320a generates a light element 105a (e.g., a light output), where the light element 105a is a combination of light element components 630 (e.g., light output sub-components) generated or produced by the group of light emitting elements 125. For example, when the group of light emitting elements 125 includes three light emitting elements 125, each of these light emitting elements may generate or produce a component of the light element 105a (e.g., a light component of a different color). The light element 105a has a specific, specified spatial directionality, which may be defined based on multiple angles (e.g., based on two or three angles).

[0066] Similarly, the group of light emitting elements 125 in middle image element 320a produces light element 105b (e.g., light output), where light element 105b is a combination of light element components 630 generated or produced by the group of light emitting elements 125. Light element 105b has a specific, specified spatial directionality that is different from one of light elements 105a, which may also be defined based on multiple angles. The same applies to light element 105c produced by the group of light emitting elements 125 in rightmost image element 320a.

[0067] The following figures describe different configurations for a light field display (e.g., light field display 310). Fig. 7A , schematic 700a illustrates a first configuration or method for a light field display. In such a configuration, an array of image elements, which may be referred to as an array of light pixels, different light field views (e.g., view A, view B) may be provided by combining light elements 105 emitted by various image elements 320b in the light field display 310. In this example, the light redirecting optical element 115 may be considered to be part of the image element 320b. For each image element 320b, there is an array or grid 710 of groups of light emitting elements 125 (e.g., an array or grid of light pixels), wherein each of these groups produces a light output having at least one component (see Figure 6B) that are provided by light field display 310 as contributions to constructing or forming a view perceived by a viewer at a particular location or position from light field display 310. For example, in each of image elements 320b, there is at least one group or ray pixel in array 710 that contributes to view A, and there is at least another group or ray pixel in array 710 that contributes to view B. In some examples, the same group or ray pixel may contribute to both view A and view B, depending on the location or position of the viewer relative to light field display 310.

[0068] exist Fig. 7A In aspects of the light field display 310 , for each image element 320 b , there can be a spatial (eg, lateral) offset between the position of the light redirecting optical element 115 and the position of the array 710 based on where the image element 320 b is placed in the light field display 310 .

[0069] exist Figure 7B , schematic 700b shows a second configuration or method for a light field display that also supports light capture. The light field display and camera 310a in this configuration are substantially similar to Fig. 7A However, in the light field display and camera 310a, there is a camera lens 725 that is used to turn or direct the light element 107 to the group of light emitting elements 125 and the appropriate light detecting element (e.g., sensor 127) in the array 710a of light detecting elements.

[0070] Fig. 8A A schematic diagram 800a is shown depicting various details of one embodiment of an image element 320. For example, the image element 320 (e.g., a super-light ray pixel) has a corresponding light-diverting optical element 115 (shown in phantom) and includes an array or grid 810 of light-emitting elements 125 (e.g., sub-light ray pixels) that are monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. The light-diverting optical element 115 can have the same or similar dimensions as the array 810, or can be slightly larger than the array 810 as shown. It should be understood that some of the dimensions illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure have been exaggerated for illustrative purposes and need not be considered an accurate representation of actual or relative dimensions.

[0071] Light emitting elements 125 in array 810 include different types of light emitting elements for producing different colors of light, and are arranged or configured (e.g., via hardware and / or software) into separate groups 610 (e.g., separate light pixels), where each group produces a different light output (e.g., directional light output) that contributes to a viewer's perception of one or more light fields. That is, each group 610 is configured to contribute to one or more of the views to be provided to a viewer (or multiple viewers) by a light field display that includes image element 320.

[0072] like Fig. 8A As shown, array 810 has a geometric arrangement that allows two or more image elements to be placed adjacently or closely. The geometric arrangement can be a hexagonal shape (e.g. Fig. 8A As shown), one of a square shape or a rectangular shape.

[0073] Although not shown, Fig. 8A The image element 320 in the embodiment may have a corresponding electronic device (e.g., Figure 1A The electronic device includes a plurality of driver circuits configured to drive the light emitting element 125 in the image element 320. Fig. 8A In the example in, the electronic device may include a plurality of unit cells configured to control the operation of light emitting elements of a separate group and / or as part of a group.

[0074] Figure 8B Schematic diagram 800b is shown describing various details of another embodiment of image element 320. For example, Figure 8B The image element 320 (e.g., a super-light pixel) in the embodiment of the present invention includes multiple sub-image elements 620 that are monolithically integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. Each sub-image element 620 has a corresponding light-diverting optical element 115 (shown in dashed lines) and includes an array or grid 810a of light-emitting elements 125 (e.g., sub-light pixels) that produce light of the same color. The light-diverting optical element 115 can have the same or similar dimensions as the array 810a, or can be slightly larger than the array 810a as shown. For the image element 320, the light-diverting optical element 115 of one of the sub-image elements 620 is configured to minimize chromatic aberration of light produced by the light-emitting element 125 in the sub-image element 620 by optimizing the structure of the light-diverting optical element for a specified color wavelength. By minimizing chromatic aberration, it is possible to improve the clarity of the light field view and compensate for different degrees of magnification away from the center of the pixel. In addition, the light-diverting optical element 115 is aligned and bonded to the array 810a of the corresponding sub-image element 620.

[0075] The light emitting elements 125 of the sub-image elements 620 are arranged or configured into separate groups 610 (e.g., light pixels). Each group 610 may provide contributions (e.g., light elements) to a view perceived by a viewer located at a particular position or location separate from the light field display. In one example, each group 610 may include collocated light emitting elements 125 from each sub-image element in each sub-image element 620 (e.g., the same position in each sub-image element). In another example, each group 610 may include non-collocated light emitting elements 125 from each sub-image element in each sub-image element 620 (e.g., different positions in each sub-image element). In yet another example, each group 610 may include a combination of collocated light emitting elements 125 and non-collocated light emitting elements 125 from each image element in each sub-image element 620.

[0076] like Figure 8B As shown, array 810a has a geometric arrangement that allows adjacent placement of two or more sub-image elements. The geometric arrangement can be a hexagonal shape (e.g. Figure 8B As shown), one of a square shape or a rectangular shape.

[0077] Although not shown, Figure 8B The image element 320 in the embodiment may have a corresponding electronic device (e.g., Figure 1A In the backplane 130 in the image element 230, the electronic device includes a plurality of driver circuits configured to drive the light emitting elements 125 in the image element 230. In some examples, one or more common driver circuits may be used for each of the sub-image elements 620. Figure 8B In an example, the electronic device may include a plurality of unit cells configured to control operation of individual sub-image elements and / or light emitting elements that are part of a sub-image element.

[0078] Fig. 9A The schematic diagram 900a in FIG. Fig. 8A 3. An example of an image element 320 in which the light emitting elements 125 generate light of different colors by means of a corresponding individual optical converter or color conversion medium for each of the light emitting elements 125.

[0079] In one example, there may be a first converter device (e.g., optical converter 910a) that converts light generated by a first set of light-emitting elements 125 into blue light, a second converter device (e.g., optical converter 910b) that converts light generated by a second set of light-emitting elements 125 into green light, and a third converter device (e.g., optical converter 910c) that converts light generated by a third set of light-emitting elements 125 into red light.

[0080] In another example, the first set of light emitting elements 125 may generate blue light and thus the first converter device (eg, optical converter 910a) is not required (eg, the first converter device is optional).

[0081] Fig. 9B The schematic diagram 900b in FIG. Figure 8B An example of an image element 320 in which the light-emitting elements 125 in each of the sub-image elements 620 generate light of the same color by means of a corresponding, separate optical converter or color conversion medium for each of the light-emitting elements 125.

[0082] In one example, there may be a first converter device (e.g., optical converter 910a) that converts light generated by light emitting element 125 of a first sub-image element in sub-image elements 620 into blue light, a second converter device (e.g., optical converter 910b) that converts light generated by light emitting element 125 of a second sub-image element in sub-image elements 620 into green light, and a third converter device (e.g., optical converter 910c) that converts light generated by light emitting element 125 of a third sub-image element in sub-image elements 620 into red light.

[0083] In another example, the light emitting element 125 of a first sub-image element in the sub-image elements 620 may generate blue light and thus the first converter device (eg, optical converter 910a) is not required (eg, the first converter device is optional).

[0084] Fig. 9C The schematic diagram 900 shows Figure 8B Another example of an image element 320 in which the light emitting element 125 in each of the sub-image elements 620 generates light of the same color by means of a corresponding, individual optical converter or color conversion medium for each of the light emitting elements 125.

[0085] In one example, there may be a single first converter device (e.g., optical converter 910a) that converts light generated by all light-emitting elements 125 of a first sub-image element in sub-image element 620 into blue light, a single second converter device (e.g., optical converter 910b) that converts light generated by all light-emitting elements 125 of a second sub-image element in sub-image element 620 into green light, and a single third converter device (e.g., optical converter 910c) that converts light generated by all light-emitting elements 125 of a third sub-image element in sub-image element 620 into red light.

[0086] In another example, the light emitting element 125 of a first one of the sub-image elements 620 may generate blue light, and thus a single first converter device (eg, optical converter 910a) is not required (eg, the first converter is optional).

[0087] for Figure 9A-9C , each of the first converter device, the second converter device, and the third converter device may include a composition having a phosphor to produce a color conversion. For example, different compositions of phosphors may be used to produce various color conversions. Alternatively or additionally, each of the first converter device, the second converter device, and the third converter device includes quantum dots. The quantum dots for the first converter device may have a first size, the quantum dots for the second converter device may have a second size, and the quantum dots for the third converter device may have a third size, wherein the size of the quantum dots affects or controls the wavelength of light to produce the color conversion.

[0088] Although the present disclosure is provided according to the illustrated embodiments, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that there may be variations of the embodiments, and those variations will be within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A light field display, comprising: a plurality of image elements, each image element having a corresponding light redirecting optical element and comprising an array of inorganic light emitting elements monolithically integrated on a common semiconductor substrate; as well as a backplane including circuitry electrically connected to the plurality of picture elements and configured to individually drive each of the inorganic light emitting elements in each of the plurality of picture elements, wherein the array of inorganic light emitting elements comprises a first set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that generate light emission at a first wavelength, a second set of LEDs that generate light emission at a second wavelength, and a third set of LEDs that generate light emission at a third wavelength, wherein the first set of LEDs is at least partially made of indium gallium nitride InGaN having a first composition of indium In, wherein the second set of LEDs is at least partially made of InGaN having a second composition of In that is different from the first composition of In, and Wherein the third set of LEDs is at least partially made of InGaN having a third composition of In, the third composition of In being different from the first composition of In and the second composition of In. 2 . The light field display of claim 1 , wherein the light turning optical element is aligned and bonded to the array of inorganic light emitting elements of respective ones of the plurality of image elements.

3. The light field display of claim 1, wherein the light turning optical element comprises at least one of a microlens and at least one grating, or a combination of both. 4 . The light field display of claim 1 , wherein the array of inorganic light emitting elements in each image element comprises light emitting elements configured to provide a specified color gamut. 5 . The light field display of claim 1 , wherein the first LED set generates blue light, the second LED set generates green light, and the third LED set generates red light.

6. The light field display of claim 1, wherein the same semiconductor substrate comprises at least one of GaN, GaAs, Al2O3, Si, SiC, Ga2O3, alloys thereof, and derivatives thereof.

7. The light field display of claim 1, wherein each of the inorganic light emitting elements in the array of inorganic light emitting elements comprises at least one of AlN, GaN, InN, AlAs, GaAs, InAs, AlP, GaP, InP, alloys thereof, and derivatives thereof.

8. The light field display of claim 1, wherein the array of inorganic light emitting elements in each of the plurality of image elements has a geometric arrangement that allows adjacent placement of two or more of the plurality of image elements.

9. The light field display of claim 8, wherein the geometric arrangement is one of a hexagonal shape, a square shape, and a rectangular shape.

10. The light field display of claim 1, wherein each inorganic light emitting element in the array of inorganic light emitting elements has a size between about 0.4 microns and about 4 microns.

11. The light field display of claim 1 , wherein: The plurality of image elements are arranged in a grid-like pattern, and The spacing between adjacent image elements corresponds to the spacing between light redirecting optical elements in adjacent image elements of the plurality of image elements.

12. The light field display of claim 1, wherein for each of the plurality of image elements, the offset between the position of the light redirecting optical element and the position of the array of inorganic light emitting elements is based on the position of that one of the plurality of image elements in the light field display.

13. The light field display of claim 1, wherein the first set of LEDs, the second set of LEDs, and the third set of LEDs are all fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate.

14. A light field display comprising: multiple image elements; as well as a backplane electrically connected to the plurality of image elements, wherein each of the plurality of image elements comprises a light redirecting optical element and an array of inorganic light emitting elements monolithically integrated on a single semiconductor substrate, the single semiconductor substrate being separated from the backplane, The array of inorganic light-emitting elements comprises: (i) a first set of light emitting diodes LED, which are configured to generate light emission at a first wavelength and are at least partially made of InGaN having a first composition of indium In, (ii) a second set of LEDs configured to produce light emission at a second wavelength and at least partially made of InGaN having a second composition of In that is different from the first composition of In, and (iii) a third set of LEDs configured to produce light emission at a third wavelength and at least partially made of InGaN having a third composition of In that is different from the first and second compositions of In, and Wherein the backplane includes circuitry configured to individually drive each of the inorganic light emitting elements in the array of inorganic light emitting elements.

15. The light field display of claim 14, wherein the first wavelength is within a wavelength range of blue light, the second wavelength is within a wavelength range of green light, and the third wavelength is within a wavelength range of red light.

16. The light field display according to claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of image elements comprises a plurality of sub-image elements, and Wherein each of the plurality of sub-image elements comprises at least one LED from each of the first LED set, the second LED set and the third LED set.

17. The light field display according to claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of image elements comprises a plurality of sub-image elements, and Wherein each of the plurality of sub-image elements comprises a plurality of LEDs from only one of the first LED set, the second LED set and the third LED set.

18. A method for forming a light field display, comprising: forming a plurality of image elements monolithically integrated on a semiconductor substrate; providing a backplane including a plurality of circuits thereon; electrically connecting the plurality of circuits to the plurality of image elements; providing a plurality of optical steering elements; as well as optically connecting at least one of the plurality of optical redirecting elements to at least one of the plurality of image elements, Wherein forming the plurality of image elements comprises: A first set of inorganic light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to generate light emission at a first wavelength is formed on the semiconductor substrate by: for each inorganic LED in the first set of inorganic LEDs, a first quantum well structure including indium gallium nitride (InGaN) having a first composition of indium (In) is formed; additionally forming a second set of inorganic LEDs configured to generate light emission at a second wavelength on the semiconductor substrate by: for each inorganic LED in the second set of inorganic LEDs, forming a second quantum well structure including InGaN having a second composition of In, the second composition of In being different from the first composition of In; additionally forming a third inorganic LED combination configured to generate light emission at a third wavelength on the semiconductor substrate by: for each inorganic LED in the third set of inorganic LEDs, forming a third quantum well structure including InGaN having a third composition of In, the third composition of In being different from the second composition of In and the first composition of In, wherein electrically connecting the plurality of circuits to the plurality of picture elements comprises configuring the plurality of circuits to individually drive each LED in the first inorganic LED set, the second inorganic LED set, and the third inorganic LED set, and Wherein optically connecting at least one of the plurality of optical steering elements with at least one of the plurality of image elements includes aligning at least one of the optical steering elements with respect to at least one of the plurality of image elements for steering light from the first inorganic LED set, the second inorganic LED set and the third inorganic LED set to a specific direction.

Images