Vehicle sparse LED array

Abstract

A vehicle display including a sparse array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a system, and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The vehicle display includes at least one tile disposed in a vehicle to provide display of internal and external information. Each tile has: a transparent flexible substrate; the sparse array of the LEDs is arranged on the transparent flexible substrate; a rigid substrate adhered to the transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer in which the sparse array of LEDs is encapsulated; and a driver disposed on an edge of the tile and configured to drive the LED. The LEDs are sufficiently sparse to enable information to be displayed through the window while still enabling a viewer to see through the window.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 352,517 filed on June 15, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 420,872 filed on October 31, 2022, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to sparse light emitting diode (LED) arrays, systems, and applications. Background Art

[0004] LEDs provide an efficient and relatively small light source compared to traditional light sources. The use of LEDs has evolved from systems that provide pure illumination to more complex systems that use illumination. As a result, efforts are underway to improve the technology that uses LED arrays, as well as to find additional uses for LED arrays. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an example of a light source is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 It shows that it can include Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a light source visualization system.

[0007] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Figures showing side views of a light source in various stages of assembly.

[0008] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a sparse array of LEDs is shown according to some examples.

[0009] Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of another sparse array of LEDs is shown according to some examples.

[0010] Figure 6 A top view of an example of a panel according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0011] Figure 7 Examples of vehicle systems according to some examples are shown.

[0012] Figure 8A-8B An example of a sparse array arrangement of vehicles according to some examples is shown.

[0013] Fig. 9A Another example of a sparse array arrangement of vehicles according to some examples is shown.

[0014] Fig. 9B Another example of an arrangement according to some examples is shown.

[0015] Fig. 9C Another example of a sparse array arrangement of vehicles according to some examples is shown.

[0016] Fig.9D Another example of a sparse array arrangement of vehicles according to some examples is shown.

[0017] Fig.10 Another example of a sparse array arrangement of vehicles according to some examples is shown.

[0018] Fig.11 Another example of a vehicle array arrangement according to some examples is shown.

[0019] Fig.12 Another example of a vehicle array arrangement according to some examples is shown.

[0020] Fig.13A Examples of optimized light emission for external viewers according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are shown.

[0021] Fig. 13B Examples of optimized light emission for an interior viewer (as shown, a vehicle operator) are shown in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0022] Fig.14 An example of a general device in accordance with some embodiments is shown.

[0023] Figure 15A-15G An example of process operations for fabricating a sparse array is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] Fig.16 Shown according to Figure 15A-15G The process operations shown in FIG. 1 are examples of methods for manufacturing sparse arrays.

[0025] Fig.17 An example of a single display tile is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 18A-18B An example of multiple display tiles is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] Fig.19 An example of a vehicle is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0028] Throughout the several views, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] For the purposes of this document, the term "micro-LED" is intended to be synonymous with an LED in a sparse array of LEDs. Efforts are currently underway to improve micro-LED display technology. For example, displays such as direct-view displays and projection displays can use micro-LEDs to improve efficiency and increase brightness.

[0030] In a direct-view micro-LED display, the LEDs may occupy a relatively small share of the display area. Because most of the display area is unaffected by the LEDs, the LEDs may not substantially change the optical properties of the surface on which they are assembled. For example, in the presence of LEDs mounted on a black surface, the black surface may remain black. Similarly, in the presence of LEDs mounted on a reflective surface, the reflective surface may remain reflective. Other examples and optical surface properties may also be used.

[0031] In some examples, the microLEDs can be assembled onto a transparent flexible substrate. The transparent flexible substrate can then be laminated to a substrate having desired optical properties (such as reflectivity, etc.). Using a transparent flexible substrate in this manner can allow the microLEDs to be applied to curved or irregularly shaped substrates, which may be incompatible with microLED assembly techniques using rigid flat substrates (such as wafers). Note that the terms "substantially transparent" and "transparent" are used interchangeably herein to refer to materials (such as metal oxides or very thin metals) through which light from the microLEDs passes without being substantially (more than a few percent) absorbed or reflected.

[0032] In some examples, the flexible substrate can be laminated to the substrate with the LED side facing down using a transparent adhesive having a thickness sufficient to encapsulate the micro-LEDs. For these and other examples, the transparent substrate and adhesive can also serve as a barrier that can protect the micro-LEDs from environmental influences. Because the transparent substrate can provide protection for the micro-LEDs, the transparent substrate can reduce or eliminate the need to use an additional transparent cover or protective layer to provide protection for the micro-LEDs.

[0033] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an example of a light source 100 is shown. The light source 100 can include a sparse array of LEDs 102 (e.g., "micro-LEDs") disposed on a transparent flexible substrate 104 and a rigid substrate 106 adhered to the transparent flexible substrate 104 with an adhesive layer 108 such that the sparse array of LEDs 102 is located between the rigid substrate 106 and the transparent flexible substrate 104. The sparse array of LEDs 102 can be encapsulated in an adhesive 110 of the adhesive layer 108.

[0034] The transparent flexible substrate 104 can be a polymer sheet having a relatively high transmittance, or equivalently, a relatively low loss, due to absorption and scattering in, for example, the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (such as between wavelengths of about 400 nm and about 700 nm). Suitable materials for the transparent flexible substrate 104 can include transparent polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. The transparent flexible substrate 104 can have a thickness between about 20 μm and about 200 μm, although thicknesses outside this thickness range can also be used.

[0035] A sparse array of LEDs 102 may be disposed on a transparent flexible substrate 104. For purposes of this document, the term "sparse" is intended to mean that the light generating surface area of ​​the array is less than or significantly less than the total surface area of ​​the array. For example, the fill factor (e.g., the ratio of the light generating surface area to the total surface area) of the array may be less than or equal to a specified threshold, such as 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or another suitable threshold. As a specific example, the LEDs 102 may be arranged in a rectangular array, where the center-to-center spacing along one dimension is represented by the spacing x. Each LED 102 may have a light generating area sized along one dimension by a dimension s. The ratio of s divided by x may be less than or equal to 0.1. In an orthogonal dimension or in a substantially orthogonal direction, a similar ratio applies, where the linear dimension of the light generating area is less than or equal to one-tenth of the linear center-to-center spacing of the LEDs 102. Combining the two linear dimensions, the surface area of ​​the light generating area of ​​the LEDs 102 is less than or equal to 1% of the surface area of ​​the array. In some examples, the light generating area of ​​each LED can be less than 200 μm on a side. In some examples, the light generating area of ​​each LED can be less than 50 μm on a side. Electrical traces can be deposited on transparent flexible substrate 104 to power LEDs 102 (e.g., deliver current to and from LEDs 102). In some examples, the electrical traces can be metal traces that are narrow enough to be invisible under typical viewing conditions. In some examples, the electrical traces can be formed of one or more transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0036] In some examples, a sparse array of LEDs 102 may include two or more LEDs 102 that emit light at the same or similar wavelength (or color). In some examples, a sparse array of LEDs 102 may include LEDs 102 that all emit light at the same wavelength. For example, a device such as a display may include a sparse array of LEDs 102 that all emit red light, a sparse array of LEDs 102 that all emit green light, and a sparse array of LEDs 102 that all emit blue light. In some examples, a sparse array of LEDs 102 may include two or more LEDs 102 that emit light at different wavelengths. For example, a device such as a display may include a sparse array of LEDs 102, some of which emit red light, some of which emit green light, and some of which may emit blue light. The red, green, and blue LEDs 102 may be arranged in repeating clusters, where each cluster forms a color pixel of the device. In some examples, the sparse array of LEDs 102 can include at least one LED that emits light at a visible wavelength (e.g., between about 400 nm and about 700 nm). In some examples, the sparse array of LEDs 102 can include at least one LED that emits light at an infrared wavelength (e.g., greater than about 700 nm). Such infrared wavelengths can be used for biometric sensing or other sensing techniques.

[0037] Because the sparse array of LEDs 102 (including the light emitting areas of the LEDs 102, corresponding electrical traces, and any corresponding circuitry) can have a relatively small fill factor, a majority of the surface area of ​​the sparse array of LEDs 102 can be transparent. For example, light incident on the sparse array of LEDs 102 (or incident from or on the transparent flexible substrate 104) mostly passes through the sparse array of LEDs 102, with only a relatively small portion being blocked by the light emitting areas and electrical traces of the sparse array of LEDs 102.

[0038] As a result, a sparse array of LEDs 102 can generate light on a surface and / or optical element (such as on a rigid substrate 106 described below) with additional functionality. For example, the surface and / or optical element can include a reflector with a specified reflectivity value. As another example, the surface and / or optical element can include a spectral filter with a specified reflectivity, transmittance, or absorptivity at one or more specified wavelengths. Other suitable functionality can also be used.

[0039] The rigid substrate 106 may be adhered to the transparent flexible substrate 104. In some examples, the rigid substrate 106 may be transparent. Suitable applications for the transparent rigid substrate 106 may include vehicle windshields, building windows, head-up displays, augmented reality headsets, etc. Suitable transparent materials for the transparent rigid substrate 106 may include glass, laminated glass, polycarbonate, or engineered plastics such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0040] In some examples, the rigid substrate 106 can be reflective. In some examples, the rigid surface can be specularly reflective (e.g., can have a relatively smooth reflective surface that causes relatively little scattering or diffusion when reflected). Suitable applications for the reflective rigid substrate 106 can include mirrors, such as vehicle rearview mirrors or sideview mirrors that can display information (e.g., vehicle displays). Specifically, the specular reflective surface of the rigid substrate 106 can perform the function of reflecting light from the rear of the vehicle, and the sparse array of LEDs 102 can display information superimposed on the reflected light.

[0041] In some examples, rigid substrate 106 may be protective and / or decorative, such as a housing material for a mobile device such as a smartphone. Rigid substrate 106 may include other suitable optical properties, and also perform other suitable functions.

[0042] The rigid substrate 106 can be flat (e.g., substantially flat) or curved. The curved substrate can be used in a vehicle windshield, an augmented reality headset, a wearable device, or other suitable device. In some examples, the rigid substrate 106 is formed as a single unitary body. In other examples, the rigid substrate 106 can include multiple rigid substrate elements. For example, multiple rigid substrate elements can be used to create a folding display in a smartphone or other mobile device. As described below, a custom tool can support such a curved substrate during a lamination process.

[0043] The adhesive can adhere the rigid substrate 106 to the transparent flexible substrate 104. In some examples, the adhesive can be formed into an adhesive layer 108 so that the sparse array of LEDs 102 is located between the rigid substrate 106 and the transparent flexible substrate 104. Other suitable configurations can also be used. Suitable materials for the adhesive of the adhesive layer 108 can include silicone, epoxy silicone, acrylic film, epoxy film, etc.

[0044] In some examples, the adhesive of the adhesive layer 108 may be formed of a material having a refractive index that may match or substantially match the refractive index of the transparent flexible substrate 104 and / or the rigid substrate 106, or may be formed of a material having a refractive index that may be between the refractive indexes of the transparent flexible substrate 104 and the rigid substrate 106. Selecting the refractive index in this manner may reduce or eliminate reflections at the interface between the adhesive layer 108 and the transparent flexible substrate 104 and / or at the interface between the adhesive layer 108 and the rigid substrate 106. For example, the adhesive of the adhesive layer 108 may be formed of a material having a refractive index between about 1.4 and about 1.7. Using a refractive index in the range of about 1.4 to about 1.7 may reduce unwanted reflections between the adhesive layer 108 and the transparent flexible substrate 104 and unwanted reflections between the adhesive layer 108 and the rigid substrate 106. An optional thin film anti-reflective coating may also be used to help reduce or eliminate unwanted reflections at one or more interfaces between adjacent different materials or between a material and air.

[0045] In some examples, bonding layer 108 can fully encapsulate the sparse array of LEDs 102. By fully encapsulating the sparse array of LEDs 102, bonding layer 108 can protect the sparse array of LEDs 102 from environmental impacts and can form a smooth, unbroken interface with rigid substrate 106. To fully encapsulate the sparse array of LEDs 102, the adhesive of bonding layer 108 can have a sufficiently low resin viscosity so that the adhesive flows around LEDs 102 when deposited. In addition, to fully encapsulate the sparse array of LEDs 102, bonding layer 108 can be thick enough to fully cover the topography of the sparse array of LEDs 102.

[0046] Figure 2 It shows that it can include Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an example of a visualization system 10 of a light source 100. The visualization system 10 may include a wearable housing 12, such as a headset or goggles. The housing 12 may mechanically support and accommodate the elements detailed below. In some examples, one or more of the elements detailed below may be included in one or more additional housings that may be separated from the wearable housing 12 and may be coupled to the wearable housing 12 wirelessly and / or via a wired connection. For example, a separate housing may reduce the weight of the wearable goggles, such as by including batteries, radios, and other elements. The housing 12 may include one or more batteries 14 that may power any or all of the elements detailed below. The housing 12 may include circuitry that may be electrically coupled to an external power source, such as a wall outlet, to charge the battery 14. The housing 12 may include one or more radios 16 to wirelessly communicate with a server or network via a suitable protocol, such as WiFi.

[0047] The visualization system 10 may include one or more sensors 18, such as optical sensors, audio sensors, tactile sensors, thermal sensors, gyroscope sensors, time-of-flight sensors, triangulation-based sensors, and the like. In some examples, one or more of these sensors may sense the location, position, and / or orientation of the user. In some examples, one or more of the sensors 18 may generate a sensor signal in response to the sensed location, position, and / or orientation. The sensor signal may include sensor data corresponding to the sensed location, position, and / or orientation. For example, the sensor data may include a depth map of the surrounding environment. In some examples, such as for an augmented reality system, one or more of the sensors 18 may capture real-time video images of the surrounding environment near the user.

[0048] The visualization system 10 may include one or more video generation processors 20. The one or more video generation processors 20 may receive scene data representing a three-dimensional scene from a server and / or a storage medium, such as a set of position coordinates of an object in the scene or a depth map of the scene. The one or more video generation processors 20 may receive one or more sensor signals from one or more sensors 18. In response to the scene data representing the surrounding environment and at least one sensor signal representing the location and / or orientation of the user relative to the surrounding environment, the one or more video generation processors 20 may generate at least one video signal corresponding to a view of the scene. In some examples, the one or more video generation processors 20 may generate two video signals, one for each eye of the user, the two video signals representing views of the scene from the perspective of the left eye and the right eye of the user, respectively. In some examples, the one or more video generation processors 20 may generate more than two video signals and combine the video signals to provide one video signal for both eyes, two video signals for both eyes, or other combinations.

[0049] The visualization system 10 may include one or more light sources 22 (such as Figure 1 Light source 100). Suitable light sources 22 may include light emitting diodes, monolithic light emitting diodes, multiple light emitting diodes, light emitting diode arrays, light emitting diode arrays disposed on a common substrate, segmented light emitting diodes disposed on a single substrate and having individually addressable and controllable (and / or controllable in groups and / or molecular sets) light emitting diode elements, micro light emitting diode (micro-LED) arrays, etc. In some examples, one or more of light sources 22 may include a sparse array of LEDs disposed on a transparent flexible substrate, and a rigid substrate adhered to the transparent flexible substrate using an adhesive layer, such that the sparse array of LEDs is located between the rigid substrate and the transparent flexible substrate.

[0050] The light emitting diode may be a white light emitting diode. For example, the white light emitting diode may emit excitation light, such as blue light or violet light. The white light emitting diode may include one or more phosphors that may absorb some or all of the excitation light and, in response, may emit phosphor light (such as yellow light) having a wavelength greater than the wavelength of the excitation light.

[0051] One or more light sources 22 may include light generating elements having different colors or wavelengths. For example, the light source may include a red light emitting diode that may emit red light, a green light emitting diode that may emit green light, and a blue light emitting diode that may emit blue light. The red light, green light, and blue light are combined in a particular ratio to produce any suitable color that is visually perceptible in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0052] The visualization system 10 may include one or more modulators 24. The modulators 24 may be implemented in one of at least two configurations.

[0053] In a first configuration, the modulator 24 may include a circuit that can directly modulate the light source 22. For example, the light source 22 may include an array of light emitting diodes, and the modulator 24 may directly modulate the electrical power, voltage, and / or current directed to each light emitting diode in the array to form modulated light. The modulation may be performed in an analog manner and / or in a digital manner. In some examples, the light source 22 may include an array of red light emitting diodes, an array of green light emitting diodes, and an array of blue light emitting diodes, and the modulator 24 may directly modulate the red light emitting diodes, the green light emitting diodes, and the blue light emitting diodes to form modulated light to produce a specified image.

[0054] In a second configuration, the modulator 24 may include a modulation panel, such as a liquid crystal panel. The light source 22 may generate uniform illumination or near uniform illumination to illuminate the modulation panel. The modulation panel may include pixels. Each pixel may selectively attenuate a corresponding portion of the modulation panel area in response to an electrical modulation signal to form modulated light. In some examples, the modulator 24 may include a plurality of modulation panels that may modulate light of different colors. For example, the modulator 24 may include a red modulation panel that may attenuate red light from a red light source (such as a red light emitting diode), a green modulation panel that may attenuate green light from a green light source (such as a green light emitting diode), and a blue modulation panel that may attenuate blue light from a blue light source (such as a blue light emitting diode).

[0055] In some examples of the second configuration, the modulator 24 may receive uniform white light or nearly uniform white light from a white light source, such as a white light emitting diode. The modulation panel may include a wavelength selective filter on each pixel of the modulation panel. The panel pixels may be arranged in groups, such as three or four groups, where each group may form a pixel of a color image. For example, each group may include a panel pixel with a red filter, a panel pixel with a green filter, and a panel pixel with a blue filter. Other suitable configurations may also be used.

[0056] The visualization system 10 may include one or more modulation processors 26 that may receive a video signal (such as from one or more video generation processors 20) and in response may generate an electrical modulation signal. For configurations in which the modulator 24 directly modulates the light source 22, the electrical modulation signal may drive the light source 24. For configurations in which the modulator 24 includes a modulation panel, the electrical modulation signal may drive the modulation panel.

[0057] The visualization system 10 may include one or more beam combiners 28 (also referred to as beam splitters 28) that may combine light beams of different colors to form a single polychromatic light beam. For configurations in which the light source 22 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes of different colors, the visualization system 10 may include one or more wavelength-sensitive (e.g., dichroic) beam splitters 28 that may combine light of different colors to form a single polychromatic light beam.

[0058] The visualization system 10 can direct the modulated light toward the eyes of the viewer in one of at least two configurations. In the first configuration, the visualization system 10 can be used as a projector and can include suitable projection optics 30 that can project the modulated light onto one or more screens 32. The screen 32 can be positioned at a suitable distance from the user's eyes. The visualization system 10 can optionally include one or more lenses 34 that can position a virtual image of the screen 32 at a suitable distance from the eyes, such as a close-focus distance, such as 500mm, 750mm, or another suitable distance. In some examples, the visualization system 10 can include a single screen 32 so that the modulated light can be directed toward both eyes of the user. In some examples, the visualization system 10 can include two screens 32 so that the modulated light from each screen 32 can be directed toward the corresponding eye of the user. In some examples, the visualization system 10 can include more than two screens 32. In a second configuration, the visualization system 10 can direct the modulated light directly into one or both eyes of the viewer. For example, projection optics 30 may form an image on the retina of one eye of a user, or may form an image on each retina of both eyes of a user.

[0059] For some configurations of the augmented reality system, the visualization system 10 may include an at least partially transparent display so that the user can view the user's surroundings through the display. For such configurations, the augmented reality system may generate modulated light corresponding to an enhancement of the surroundings, rather than the surroundings themselves. For example, in the example of a retailer displaying chairs, the augmented reality system may direct modulated light corresponding to the chairs, rather than the rest of the room, toward the screen or toward the user's eyes.

[0060] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 1 and 2. Side views of light source 100 in various stages of assembly. Assembling light source 100 in this manner can help avoid air occlusions that can degrade the appearance and optical performance of the finished device. Other assembly techniques can also be used.

[0061] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, a sparse array of LEDs 102 has been arranged (e.g., mounted, grown, deposited, or otherwise formed) on a transparent flexible substrate 104. The transparent flexible substrate 104 has been removably mounted in or on a frame 302. A laminating tool 304 can advance the frame 302 toward an adhesive layer 306 that has been deposited on a support film 308. Alternatively, the laminating tool 304 can advance the adhesive layer 306 toward the frame 302, or advance the two toward each other. The sparse array of LEDs 102 will contact the adhesive layer 306 that has been deposited on the support film 308. The adhesive of the adhesive layer 306 can be in a solid form at room temperature. The adhesive has been applied to the support film 308 and has been covered by a cover film (not shown). A vacuum laminator having a temperature range that allows the adhesive to flow and conformally cover the topography of the LED array can laminate the adhesive layer 306 to the sparse array of LEDs 102 to encapsulate the sparse array of LEDs 102 in the adhesive layer 108. After lamination, the support film 308 may then be removed.

[0062] exist Figure 4 In the lamination tool 404 (optionally, with Figure 3106 , the sparse array of LEDs 102 is encapsulated in the adhesive layer 108. Alternatively, the lamination tool 404 may advance the rigid substrate 106 toward the transparent flexible substrate 104 and the adhesive layer 108, or both toward each other. The lamination tool may laminate the adhesive layer 108 onto the rigid substrate 106, wherein the sparse array of LEDs 102 is encapsulated in the adhesive layer 108. After the adhesive layer 108 has been laminated onto the rigid substrate 106, the entire layered structure may be subjected to temperature cycling (temperature ranges selected for the adhesive layer 108 used), exposure to UV light, or other suitable curing techniques to cure the adhesive.

[0063] In the above example, the transparent flexible substrate 104 has been laminated with the LED side facing the rigid substrate 106, so that the LED 102 is located between the two substrates and encapsulated by the adhesive. Alternatively, the transparent flexible substrate 104 can be laminated with the LED side facing away from the rigid substrate 106, so that the LED 102 is exposed, and the transparent flexible substrate 104 is located between the exposed LED 102 and the rigid substrate 106.

[0064] In some examples, additional components can be assembled onto the transparent flexible substrate, such as integrated circuits (ICs), micro ICs, or transistors for display backplanes. In addition, additional layers can be integrated into the device to form a capacitive or resistive touch screen.

[0065] In some embodiments, the LED includes a plurality of semiconductor layers grown on a substrate (e.g., a sapphire substrate) that will be fabricated into pixels. The substrate can be any substrate capable of growing an epitaxial layer thereon, such as sapphire. The substrate can have a pattern on which an epitaxial layer is grown. The pixel can be formed of gallium nitride (GaN), having an n-type semiconductor, a p-type semiconductor, and an active region between the n-type semiconductor and the p-type semiconductor adjacent to the substrate. The active region can be, for example, a multi-quantum well structure in which light emitted from the pixel is generated. After processing, in some embodiments, the substrate can be removed.

[0066] Prior to etching the epitaxial GaN layer, a die layer of a chip scale package (CSP) that allows for uniform current distribution and optical coupling may be deposited or otherwise formed. For example, uniform current injection in a p-type semiconductor may be obtained by depositing a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or tin oxide (SnO) on the p-type semiconductor.

[0067] Figure 5AA cross-sectional view of a sparse array of LEDs 500a according to some examples is shown. LED 500a can include an epitaxial stack 510 of n-type and p-type semiconductors (e.g., GaN, InGaN, AlInGaP, GaAs, InGaAs). The thickness of epitaxial stack 510 can range from about 3 μm to about 15 μm, typically about 5 μm, although a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other thickness ranges can be used upon reading and understanding the disclosed subject matter. The n-type semiconductor and p-type semiconductor of epitaxial stack 510 can be electrically contacted with traces 514 on substrate 516 via n-contacts 512a and p-contacts 512b, respectively. N-contacts 512a and p-contacts 512b (or interconnect materials) can be formed of metals or compounds, such as Au, Sn, AuSn, In, anisotropic conductive film (ACF) / ACInk, SnAgCu (SAC). The thickness of n-contact 512a and p-contact 512b may range, for example, from about 0.02 μm to about 5 μm, typically about 0.1 μm. Trace 514 may be formed of a TCO material. Trace 514 may range in thickness from about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm, typically about 1 μm. N-contact 512a and p-contact 512b may be patterned and formed of a metal such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and / or titanium (Ti), which may be deposited on epitaxial stack 510, for example. Substrate 516 may be a rigid or flexible substrate as described above, which may be formed, for example, of glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or transparent polyimide. The thickness of substrate 516 may range, for example, from about 50 μm to about 1000 μm, typically about 100 μm. Metal conductors 518 may make contact with traces 514 to route power and other signals to epitaxial stack 510. Metal conductors 518 may be formed of a metal or compound such as Au, Cu, Al, Ti, Ni, or Mo. The thickness of metal conductors 518 may range from about 0.5 μm to about 30 μm, typically about 1 μm.

[0068] In some embodiments, light conversion layer 520 containing phosphor particles may be disposed on or adjacent to epitaxial stack 510. For example, light conversion layer 520 may convert light emitted by epitaxial stack 510 into white light.

[0069] As shown, lens 530 and / or other optical elements can be disposed above epitaxial stack 510. Lens 530 and / or other optical elements can be bonded in a bonding layer. Although not shown, another substrate can be disposed on lens 530.

[0070] Figure 5B FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another sparse array of LEDs 500b according to some examples. As indicated, Figure 5B LED 500b and Figure 5A The difference between LED 500a and LED 500a is the presence of submount 522 (for convenience, the optional light conversion layer 520 and lens 530 are not included). Figure 5B ). The base 522 may be a rigid substrate formed, for example, of glass or silicon. The thickness of the base 522 may range, for example, from about 5 μm to about 100 μm, typically about 20 μm. The interconnect material may be the same on both sides of the base 522.

[0071] In some embodiments, the minimum xy dimension of the vertically singulated LEDs can be, for example, about 3 μm by about 3 μm, and the maximum xy dimension can be, for example, about 15 μm by about 15 μm. The minimum xy dimension of the lateral and flip-chip LEDs can be about 3 μm by about 6 μm, and the maximum xy dimension can be about 50 μm by about 75 μm. In this case, a 127 μm by 127 μm panel has 200 pixels per inch (PPI), has a 40×40 μm micro-IC, a 25×25 μm LED base, 2×10 μm by 127 μm traces to supply the micro-IC, 2×10 μm by <50 μm traces to supply the LEDs, and the total opaque or translucent area of ​​the tile is 5765 μm 2 , the total area of ​​each pixel in 200ppi is 16129μm 2 , and the fractional area is 35% covered and 65% transparent. Similarly, a 362μm×362μm panel with 70 pixels per inch (PPI) has a 40×40μm micro-IC, a 25×25μm LED base, 2×10μm×362μm traces to supply the micro-IC, and 2×10μm×<150μm traces to supply the LEDs, with a total opaque or translucent area of ​​the tile of 12465μm 2 , the total area of ​​each pixel at 70ppi is 131044μm 2 , and the fractional area is 10% covered and 90% transparent. Either of these can provide enough transparency for the panel to see through it.

[0072] Figure 6A top view of an example of a panel according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. Panel 600 includes a plurality of adjacent (contacting) tiles 602a, 602b. Each tile 602a, 602b includes an LED array 610. Each LED array 610 includes a plurality of LEDs 612 arranged in a sparse distribution, similar to the LEDs described above. Each LED 612 can emit light of the same color, or can emit different lights of different colors. For convenience, electrical connections between LEDs 612 and from LEDs 612 to other (external) components (such as drivers) are not shown. Multiple LEDs 612 of different colors can be arranged at each individual (pixel) position of LED 612.

[0073] As shown, the panel 600 can be formed of adjacent LED arrays 610 (tiles 602a, 602b). In some embodiments, each LED array 610 can have the same size and can have the same number of LEDs 612. The LEDs 612 within each LED array 610 can be separated by a uniform distance D in two orthogonal (xy) directions. Each LED 612 closest to the edge in each LED array 610 is arranged to be arranged at a uniform distance D / 2 half of the edge of the LED array 610.

[0074] Although LED 612 Figure 6 602a, 602b. The LED arrays 610 are shown as being arranged in a square LED array 610 (i.e., the number of LEDs 612 is the same in each orthogonal direction), but any shape of LED array (e.g., rectangular, triangular) can be used in the panel 600, as long as the LED arrays can be assembled together so as to contact another LED array on all sides and the spacing between the LEDs 612 remains constant. Drivers and other control circuits can be arranged at one electronic device edge 620 of each tile 602a, 602b or at the opposite edge. The electronic device edge 620 can be orthogonal to the common edge between the tiles 602a, 602b. The electronic device edge 620 can include multiple drivers, each of which is configured to drive one or more micro LEDs in each pixel.

[0075] Thus, the display formed by the panel 600 may be substantially edgeless. That is, at most three sides may be free of any visible power conductors or signal buses. Such a display may be formed by multiple tiles 602a, 602b having substantially the same characteristics and uniform distances between pixels (LEDs) to form a larger display.

[0076] Although not shown, in some embodiments, each panel or tile may include one or more control components. The control component may include one or more sensors to detect users near the panel or tile, and / or provide feedback to the processor. In addition, the panel or tile may include other sensors (such as touch sensors) to allow the panel or tile to be used as a user input device in addition to simply displaying information. In this case, the panel or tile may, for example, use a panel or tile on a side window containing a sparse LED array to display an alphanumeric board (the display may be activated based on a proximity sensor in the panel that detects the presence of a user), and detect a combination provided by the user for unlocking (one or more) specific doors. The panel or tile may also include one or more connectors to external digital signals, conductors and interfaces for powering the panel or tile, and other control circuits. For each nth pixel, an integrated circuit may be included that provides current to the LED of one or more pixels. In addition, in addition to conductors for power and digital signals, each pixel may include multiple LEDs of different colors (e.g., red, green, and blue LEDs) to enable a predetermined current to be transmitted to the LED.

[0077] Figure 7 An example of a vehicle system 700 according to some examples is shown. In some embodiments, other components may be present, while in other embodiments, not all components may be present. As indicated herein, although the term "one" is used herein, one or more associated elements may be used in different embodiments. For example, the term "processor" configured to perform a specific operation includes both a single processor configured to perform all operations and multiple processors that are individually configured to perform some or all operations (which may overlap) so that a combination of processors performs all operations.

[0078] The vehicle system 700 may include one or more light sources 710a, 710b. The first light source 710a may include one or more of a sparse LED array 712, as described herein. The first light source 710a may include a local driver 714, also as described herein. The first light source 710a may be disposed in various locations on or within the vehicle, as described in more detail herein. The second light source 710b may include one or more non-sparse LED arrays 716 (e.g., micro-LED arrays, mini-LED arrays, etc.). The second light source 710b may be disposed in various locations on or within the vehicle, among others, such as headlights, taillights, or locations for accent lighting or interior cabin lighting.

[0079] The LEDs in the first light source 710a and / or the second light source 710b may include micro-LEDs. The micro-LED array contains thousands to millions of tiny micro-LEDs that emit light and can be controlled individually or in groups of pixels (e.g., 5×5 pixel groups). The micro-LEDs are small (e.g., side length <0.07 mm) and can use inorganic semiconductor materials (such as those described above) to provide monochromatic or multi-color light, typically red, green, blue, or yellow. Other LEDs may have, for example, approximately 4 mm 2 , 250 microns by 250 microns or larger in size. MicroLEDs can be used similarly to thin film LEDs because they are approximately 5 μm thick, and because they have no inherent substrate, they can be placed directly on a backplane. This results in the overall thickness of the light source being significantly less than that of other LEDs, and allows the use of microLEDs in the structures described herein. The individual control provided by the microLEDs allows the drive electronics for the display to use an active matrix array of drive transistors or a full driver micro IC for individual intensity control. The use of micro ICs can be used to provide a considerable amount of fine control over the operation of each LED.

[0080] The controller 730 may include a processor 732, which may be used to control various functions of the vehicle system 700. As also shown, the controller 730 may include additional components, such as a driver 734, which is configured to, among other things, drive the second light source 710b controlled by the processor 732. In some embodiments, the driver 734 may also be configured to provide non-local driving of the sparse LED array 712 of the first light source 710a.

[0081] As described above, the LEDs in the sparse LED array 712 and the non-sparse LED array 716 can be formed of one or more inorganic materials (e.g., binary compounds such as gallium arsenide (GaAs), ternary compounds such as aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs), quaternary compounds such as indium gallium phosphide (InGaAsP), gallium nitride (GaN), or other suitable materials), typically III-V materials (defined by the columns of the periodic table) or II-VI materials. The LEDs in different arrays can emit light in the visible spectrum (about 400nm to about 800nm) and / or can emit light in the infrared spectrum (above about 800nm). At least some of the LEDs can be formed by combining n-type and p-type semiconductors on a rigid substrate (which can be textured), the rigid substrate being, for example, sapphire aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or silicon carbide (SiC), among others. In particular, during the manufacture of the LEDs, various layers are deposited and processed on the substrate. Prior to depositing the various layers, the surface of the substrate can be pre-treated to anneal, etch, polish, etc. the surface. The original substrate may be removed and replaced by a thin transparent rigid substrate (such as glass) or a flexible substrate (eg, plastic).

[0082] In general, epitaxial semiconductor deposition (e.g., by metal organic chemical vapor deposition) can be used to deposit one or more semiconductor layers, metal deposition (e.g., by sputtering), oxide growth, and other operations such as etching, stripping, and cleaning to manufacture various LED layers. The substrate can be removed from the LED structure after manufacturing and after being connected to contacts on the backplane via metal bonding (such as via wires or ball soldering). The backplane can be a printed circuit board or wafer (such as a CMOS IC wafer) containing an integrated circuit (IC), or made of a transparent material (such as glass, PET, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, or transparent polyimide). Semiconductor deposition operations can be used to create LEDs with active regions in which electron-hole recombination occurs and light from the LED is generated. The active region can be, for example, one or more quantum wells. Metal contacts can be used to provide drive current from an IC (such as a driver) of the backplane to n-type and p-type semiconductors, and the LED is disposed on the backplane. Methods of depositing materials, layers and films may include, for example, sputtering deposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and combinations thereof, among others.

[0083] In some embodiments, one or more other layers (such as a phosphor conversion layer containing phosphor particles) can be disposed on some or all of the LEDs or some or all of the LED arrays 712, 716 to convert at least a portion of the light from the LEDs to light of a different wavelength. For example, blue light from a GaN LED can be converted by a phosphor conversion layer into near infrared light or white light.

[0084] The light sources 710a, 710b may include at least one lens and / or other optical elements, such as a reflector. In different embodiments, a single lens may be disposed over one or more of the LED arrays 712, 716, multiple lenses may be disposed over one or more of the LED arrays 712, 716, wherein a single lens is disposed over one or more of the LED arrays 712, 716, or multiple lenses may be disposed over one or more of the LED arrays 712, 716, wherein a single lens is disposed over one or more of the LEDs in each of the LED arrays 712, 716. At least one lens and / or other optical element may direct light emitted by one or more of the LED arrays 712, 716 toward a target.

[0085] The processor 732 may also control a sensor 720 including a multi-pixel detector 722. The sensor 720 may sense light at one or more wavelengths emitted by the second LED array 716 and reflected by the target and / or radiation emitted by the target. The sensor 720 may be, for example, a radar or lidar sensor, or the processor 732 may be used to determine the presence of a specific object nearby (e.g., other vehicles, people, road signs). The sensor 720 may include an optical element (e.g., at least one sensor lens) to capture radiation. The multi-pixel detector 722 may include, for example, a photodiode or one or more other detectors capable of detecting light within the wavelength range(s) of interest.

[0086] The multi-pixel detector 722 may include multiple different arrays to sense visible light and / or infrared light. Similar to LEDs, the multi-pixel detector 722 may have one or more segments (which can sense the same wavelength / wavelength range or different wavelengths / wavelength ranges).

[0087] In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to providing a multi-pixel detector in the sensor 720, a multi-pixel detector may be provided in the second light source 710b. In some embodiments, the second light source 710b and the sensor 720 may be integrated into a single module, while in other embodiments, the second light source 710b and the sensor 720 may be separate modules disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) or other base. In other embodiments, the second light source 710b and the sensor 720 may be attached to different PCBs or bases.

[0088] The LEDs may be driven in an analog or digital manner, ie, using a direct current (DC) driver or pulse width modulation (PWM). As shown, drivers 714, 734 may be used to drive the LEDs in LED arrays 712, 716, respectively, as well as other components such as actuators.

[0089] A power source 740 (such as a vehicle battery) may be used to Figure 7 The components of the vehicle system 700 shown in FIG. 7 are powered.

[0090] The first light source 710a can be arranged to emit light in a sparse distribution so that the LEDs occupy a small surface density to enable visual observation of the information provided by the first light source 710a while allowing viewing through the underlying transparent (flexible) substrate of the area between the LEDs along a line of sight through the area between the LEDs. This can allow an observer on the emission side of the first light source 710a to view the information projected by the first light source 710a as well as the underlying scene. In other embodiments where the underlying substrate fully reflects visible light or specular reflection, the area between the LEDs may not be viewable.

[0091] The information projected by the first light source 710a can be static or moving, similar to information that can be formed by non-sparse electronic devices. The LEDs of the first light source 710a can be electrically connected using conductive traces on the substrate, which are configured to provide a drive current to the LEDs from the driver 714. The conductive traces may include one or more TCOs. The conductive traces can be relatively narrow even if formed from opaque metals, and spaced far enough apart to allow visual observation through the substrate without substantial interference. The conductive traces can be, for example, less than about 100 μm wide. The LEDs can be connected in series or in parallel to one or more edges containing control circuitry (and a power supply) via conductive traces along each row and column, and can be addressed individually or in groups of LEDs.

[0092] The first light source 710a may be mounted on or in any part of the vehicle, or attached to any part of the vehicle. Figure 8A-8B An example of a sparse array arrangement 800 of vehicles according to some examples is shown. For example, Fig. 8AAs shown in the sparse array arrangement 800 of a vehicle, the sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c can be arranged in one or more parts of the front window 810 of the vehicle or on one or more parts of the front window 810 of the vehicle. The sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c can be controlled by a processor in the vehicle, which can be used to control other systems of the vehicle, or can be a dedicated processor configured to control the display of the sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c. The sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c can have the same size and shape, or have different sizes and / or shapes.

[0093] like Figure 8B As shown in, sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c can display the same and / or different information 814a, 814b, 814c in different positions in or on the part of the front window 810. For example, sparse light sources 812a can display information 814a of vehicle speed, sparse light sources 812b can display information 814b of lanes used by vehicles, and sparse light sources 812c can display information 814a of time. The information can be textual and / or graphical, so that the content provided is alphanumeric, symbolic or image content. Different positions and / or information can be indicated by sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c with various colors as detected by various sensors of the vehicle, such as when the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit determined by the sensor, the speed monitor changes from green to red, or when the vehicle sensor detects a problem of staying in a specific lane (on the indicated side), the lane side flashes or changes color.

[0094] Figure 8B The positions and specific information shown in are exemplary only. In other embodiments, rather than an isolated portion of the front window 810 being provided with sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c, substantially the entire front window 810 may be provided with sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c. In some embodiments, the edge of the front window 810 may be used to route signals and power for controlling and driving the sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c via conductors (which may be transparent or visible).

[0095] The front window 810 may have a substantially flat or relatively gently curved portion compared to the edge of the front window 810, which may have a relatively large radius of curvature. Due to the small size of the individual LEDs in the sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c (and thus the localized small radius of curvature at the individual LEDs in the sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c), the light output of the sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c may not be significantly affected by changes in the radius of curvature.

[0096] Both the size and number of tiles used to provide sparse light sources 812a, 812b, 812c in different locations of the front window 810 may vary.

[0097] This variation in the size and number of tiles is similarly shown in Fig. 9A middle, Fig. 9A Another example of a sparse array arrangement 900 of vehicles according to some examples is shown. For example, Fig. 9A As shown in the vehicle sparse array arrangement 900, one or more sparse light sources 904a, 904b can be disposed on or within a side window 902 of the vehicle, and one or more sparse light sources 912 can be disposed on a side panel 910 of the vehicle (e.g., covered by a protective transparent layer).

[0098] In some embodiments, one of the sparse light sources 904b can be set at a window position, and the operator of the vehicle will have been able to watch the side mirror through this window position instead of providing a side mirror. The sparse light source 904b can be used to generate an image similar to the image provided by the side mirror. The image can be generated using cameras and other sensors instead of mirrors and / or generated in other positions of the vehicle (for example, rear cameras and / or side cameras), and processed by a processor to be displayed by the sparse light source 904b. This allows the side mirror to be replaced by an electronic device or other system, or if desired, it is completely removed, thereby allowing, among other things, a more aerodynamic vehicle design, reducing the possibility of damage to the vehicle (particularly the side mirror) and providing another position for the system electronics. Note that although the sparse light sources have been shown as rectangles, in some embodiments, they can be formed into other shapes and can be controlled individually.

[0099] Alternatively, the display replacing the side mirror may be provided at a different location, such as the dashboard of the vehicle. Fig. 9B It is shown in Fig. 9B Another example of an arrangement according to some examples is shown. Fig. 9B In the embodiment of the present invention, a display 920 including a sparse or non-sparse LED array can be mounted on a frame 924 of the vehicle, adjacent to a steering wheel 928 and between a side window 922a and a front window 922b. The image in the display 920 can be provided by a sensor 926 that replaces a side mirror. As described above, the sensor 926 can include a camera and other electronic devices. The image from the camera can be displayed on the display 920, which can be similar to the image seen through the side window 922a, as indicated by a viewpoint 922aa. In addition, other information can be provided on the display 920, such as under the control of a central control console in the vehicle.

[0100] Fig. 9CAnother example of a sparse array arrangement of vehicles according to some examples is shown. Fig. 9C The panel 930 in includes a plurality of tiles 932a, 932b of the same size. Each tile 932a, 932b may include a sparse LED array 932aa and a control area 932ab at one edge of the tile 932a, 932b.

[0101] Fig.9D Another example of a sparse array arrangement of vehicles according to some examples is shown. Fig. 9C The panel 940 in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of tiles 942a, 942b of different sizes. Each tile 942a, 942b may include a sparse LED array 942aa and a control area 942ab at one edge of the tile 942a, 942b. Note that although the tiles 942a, 942b may have different sizes, the distance between the LEDs of the sparse LED array 942aa may remain the same in each of the tiles 942a, 942b.

[0102] although Figure 8A-8B The information is shown to be provided to the interior cabin of the vehicle for viewing by the vehicle occupants, but the same or different information may be provided at an exterior location instead or in addition. Similarly, in addition to using sparse light sources 912 for multiple locations of exterior display, Fig. 9A Multiple locations in the vehicle can be used for interior and / or exterior displays using sparse light sources 904a, 904b. In some cases, sensors in the vehicle (e.g., which use infrared light) can be used to track viewing by vehicle occupants of specific information provided to the vehicle occupants. This sensor information can be used to adjust the information provided by specific sparse light sources.

[0103] Fig.10 Another example of a sparse array arrangement 1000 of vehicles according to some examples is shown. Fig.10In the sparse array arrangement 1000 in the vehicle, the window 1010 is held between the side walls of the panel 1020, and the side walls of the panel 1020 form at least a portion of the vehicle door. For example, the window 1010 can be a side window of a vehicle. As shown, the sparse light source 1014 can include a plurality of sparse light arrays 1012a, 1012b arranged back to back in a glass (or other material) pane forming the window 1010. Each of the sparse light arrays 1012a, 1012b can be arranged on an opaque substrate, thereby limiting the viewing of information projected to only one hemisphere. This can allow different information to be displayed to observers inside and outside the vehicle without limiting viewing in either direction through the window. A power connection 1022 (such as a cable or wiring that enables the sparse light source 1014 to be controlled by a processor described herein via traces 1016) can be arranged in a cavity formed by the panel 1020. One end of power connection 1022 may be retained within window 1010 to provide a secure electrical connection to trace 1016 .

[0104] Fig.11 Another example of a vehicle array arrangement 1100 is shown according to some examples. Fig.11 In the array arrangement 1100 in FIG. 1 , the window 1110 is held between the side walls of the panel 1120 in the vehicle cabin. The window 1110 may be a side window or a front window or a rear window of the vehicle. Fig.10 As shown in Fig.11 The sparse light source 1114 in the panel 1120 can include multiple sparse light arrays 1112a, 1112b arranged back to back. Each of the sparse light arrays 1112a, 1112b can be arranged on an opaque substrate, thereby limiting the viewing of information projected to only one hemisphere. This can allow different information to be displayed to observers inside and outside the vehicle without limiting viewing through the window in either direction. A power connection 1122 (such as a cable or wiring that enables the sparse light source 1114 to be controlled by a processor described herein via traces 1116) can be arranged in the cavity formed by the panel 1120. One end of the power connection 1122 can remain within the window 1110 to provide a stable electrical connection with the traces 1116.

[0105] However, with Fig.10 Unlike the arrangement shown in , the sparse light sources 1114 can be disposed on the innermost and / or outermost glass panes forming the window 1110 (rather than within the glass). A transparent protective layer 1118 such as PET can be provided to protect the sparse light sources 1114. In an embodiment, the sparse light sources 1114 are disposed on both the innermost and outermost glass panes and along the Fig.11 Arranged in a predetermined viewing direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1 , the single-sided sparse light source 1114 on the opaque substrate can be used in two positions.

[0106] In further embodiments, other light sources may be provided on the panel 1120 so as to be visible to vehicle occupants (interior) and / or viewers outside the vehicle (exterior). Since the panel 1120 is opaque, the light sources may not be sparse, but may instead be a non-sparse array manufactured in a similar manner to the sparse array and protected by a protective layer.

[0107] Fig.12 Another example of a vehicle array arrangement 1200 is shown according to some examples. Fig.12 In the array arrangement 1200 in FIG. 1 , one or more sparse light arrays 1208a can be disposed on or within a rear window 1208 in a manner similar to that provided above. The rear of the body of the vehicle 1202 can include tail housings 1204, in each of which a non-sparse light array 1204a is disposed to provide brake / hazard and other rear tail light applications. In addition, a body light array 1202a can be disposed in the rear of the body of the vehicle 1202, and / or a license plate light array 1206a can be within the license plate area 1206 of the vehicle. The body light array 1202a and / or the license plate light array 1206a can be or include sparse and / or non-sparse light arrays. Each of the one or more sparse light arrays 1208a, the body light array 1202a, and the license plate light array 1206a can provide the same or different information. For example, one or more sparse light arrays 1208a can indicate that the vehicle is used for commercial purposes (e.g., Uber, Lyft), the body light array 1202a can provide a warning that a following car is tailgating (based on sensor information in the vehicle, which includes, for example, the vehicle's speed and the distance between the vehicle and the following vehicle), and the license plate light array 1206a provides license plate information or an overlay (such as registration date information). Thus, other transmitting elements such as visible light LEDs or infrared LEDs or radar / lidar can be used to sense when a following vehicle is too close and display a message to the driver of the following vehicle to increase the distance between them without interfering with the driver's ability to see through the rear window. Other text messages or images can also be transmitted to nearby vehicles.

[0108] Other sparse or non-sparse arrays of lights may be provided around the vehicle (including, for example, on the wheel hub) for similar purposes (e.g., advertising, providing information to external and / or internal viewers). In this case, the light arrays may be controlled by the same processor, or several different processors may be used depending on the location and / or information to be provided by the light arrays. In some embodiments, the light arrays may be used to change the color of the vehicle at least in different locations (but not substantially throughout the vehicle) to provide a "skin" of one or more different colors. As with other displays using LED arrays, the information displayed may change periodically.

[0109] Figure 13A-13B An example of a vehicle 1300 according to some examples is shown. The vehicle 1300 can include a plurality of light sources 1310, including a sparse array in different locations around the vehicle 1300. Each light source 1310 can emit light in a direction substantially symmetrical about a normal direction 1312, which is orthogonal to the underlying portion of the vehicle 1300 on which each light source 1310 is disposed. For example, in some embodiments, the light from each light source 1310 can radiate in a Lambertian pattern. However, as shown, the propagation of light in the normal direction 1312 can result in reduced viewing capabilities because a significant portion of the light is directed toward a direction that is not viewable.

[0110] To this end, one or more optical elements in the sparse array of light sources 1310 may be used to adjust the emission angle to an optimized direction 1314 in which the (Lambertian) pattern of emitted light is centered about a primary non-normal viewing angle for a fixed viewing position. The angular difference between the normal direction 1312 and the optimized direction 1314, and thus the correction provided by the optical element, may depend on the portion of the vehicle 1300 to which the light source 1310 is attached (and thus from which the light source 1310 is emitted). In other embodiments, the light source 1310 may not be coplanar with the material in which the light source 1310 is embedded (i.e., the emitting surface of the light source 1310 may be disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the surface of the window in which the light source 1310 is embedded). Fig.13A shows examples of optimized light emission for external viewers according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; Fig. 13B An example of optimized or desired light emission for an interior viewer (as shown, a vehicle operator) according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.In some embodiments, light from light source 1310 can be emitted substantially parallel to a surface on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0111] That is, the Lambertian radiation pattern of the light source 1310 can distort the brightness at a predictable viewing angle that follows the cosine law, where the brightest display viewing angle is directly on the axis and the brightness decreases as the angle deviates from the axis. Therefore, when placed in a setting with a fixed display position and a relatively fixed viewer (driver, passenger), the display brightness for a specific viewer can be well understood. This may help to design the performance of such a display using the ability of microLEDs so that the radiation pattern is customized to be away from the Lambertian pattern, thereby producing a peak intensity that does not appear on the axis. The light source 1310 can be designed or shaped to provide peak off-axis intensity and can be used in a display, for example, on an angled surface such as a windshield or hatchback glass. Each individual microLED can also include an optical element to produce this effect, or the microLED can be specifically created for an optimized application-specific viewing angle. In some embodiments, a proximity sensor or camera can be used to allow the processor to determine the presence of a viewer (whether inside or outside) of the light source 1310, and the angle at which the peak intensity is to be adjusted to maximize the display to the viewer, and adjust the angle mechanically and / or optically accordingly.

[0112] In some cases, the distance and angle between the light source (LED) and the observer's eye may vary, resulting in differences in optical power to produce a sufficiently detectable signal. The same is true for various detectors, which may result in the use of higher sensitivity detectors and / or emitters. As described above, it would be desirable to provide a light source that can be placed in a position to provide a viewing angle that is generally observable by an individual of interest, or that can be mechanically or optically adjusted as desired.

[0113] In some embodiments, various sparse LED arrays may have (capacitive) touch sensors embedded therein. This may allow a user (e.g., a vehicle operator or passenger) to adjust the information provided on one or more panels. The information adjusted by the user may be provided to vehicle occupants (interior) and / or to individuals outside the vehicle (exterior).

[0114] Fig.14 An example of a general device 1400 according to some embodiments is shown. Device 1400 may be, for example, a vehicle-mounted embedded display. Various elements may be provided on the backplane described above, while other elements may be local or remote. As described herein, an example may include or may operate on a logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms.

[0115] Modules and components are tangible entities (e.g., hardware) that can perform specified operations and can be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In one example, circuits can be arranged as modules in a specified manner (e.g., internally or relative to external entities such as other circuits). In one example, all or part of one or more computer systems (e.g., independent, client or server computer systems) or one or more hardware processors can be configured by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, application parts, or applications) as modules for performing specified operations. In one example, the software can reside on a machine-readable medium. In one example, the software, when executed by the underlying hardware of the module, causes the hardware to perform the specified operation.

[0116] Thus, the term "module" (and "component") should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, i.e., a physically constructed, specially configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., temporarily) configured (e.g., programmed) entity that operates in a specified manner or performs part or all of any of the operations described herein. Considering an example where a module is temporarily configured, each module need not be instantiated at any one time. For example, where a module includes a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software, the general-purpose hardware processor can be configured into corresponding different modules at different times. The software can configure the hardware processor accordingly, for example, to constitute a particular module at one time and to constitute different modules at different times.

[0117] The electronic device 1400 may include a hardware processor (or equivalent processing circuit) 1402 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a GPU, a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a memory 1404 (which may include a main memory and a static memory), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interconnect (e.g., a bus) 1408. The memory 1404 may include any or all of removable storage and non-removable storage, volatile memory, or non-volatile memory. The electronic device 1400 may further include a display / light source 1410 (such as the above-mentioned LED or video display), an alphanumeric input device 1412 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 1414 (e.g., a mouse). In one example, the display / light source 1410, the input device 1412, and the UI navigation device 1414 may be a touch screen display. The electronic device 1400 may additionally include a storage device (e.g., a drive unit) 1416, a signal generating device 1418 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 1420, one or more cameras 1428, and one or more sensors 1430 (such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensors such as those described herein). The electronic device 1400 may further include an output controller, such as a serial connection (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB)), a parallel connection, or other wired or wireless connection (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.). Some elements (such as one or more sparse arrays providing a display / light source 1410) may be remote from other elements and may be controlled by the hardware processor 1402.

[0118] The storage device 1416 may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium 1422 (hereinafter referred to as a machine-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 1424 (e.g., software) that embody or are used by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 1424 may also reside completely or at least partially within the memory 1404 and / or within the hardware processor 1402 during execution of its instructions 1424 by the electronic device 1400. Although the machine-readable medium 1422 is shown as a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) configured to store one or more instructions 1424.

[0119] The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the electronic device 1400 and causing the electronic device 1400 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure; or any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media may include solid-state memory and optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media may include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as built-in hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; random access memory (RAM); and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0120] Instructions 1424 can further be transmitted or received via a network interface device 1420 using any of several wireless local area network (WLAN) transmission protocols or SPI or CAN bus using a transmission medium 1426 through a communication network. Example communication networks may include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), packet data networks (e.g., the Internet), mobile phone networks (e.g., cellular networks), plain old telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks. The communication over the network may include one or more different protocols, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi, the IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax, the IEEE 802.16.4 family of standards, the long-term evolution (LTE) family of standards, the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, next generation (NG) / sixth generation (6G) standards, and the like. In one example, the network interface device 1420 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet jacks, coaxial jacks, or telephone jacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the transmission medium 1426.

[0121] Note that the term "circuit" as used herein refers to, is part of, or includes a hardware component, such as an electronic circuit, a logic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and / or a memory (shared, dedicated, or group), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable device (FPD) (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a complex PLD (CPLD), a high capacity PLD (HCPLD), a structured ASIC, or a programmable SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc., which is configured to provide the described functions. In some embodiments, the circuit can execute one or more software or firmware programs to provide at least some of the described functions. The term "circuit" may also refer to a combination of one or more hardware elements and a program code for performing the functions of the program code (or a combination of a circuit used in an electrical or electronic system and a program code for performing the functions of the program code). In these embodiments, the combination of hardware elements and program code may be referred to as a specific type of circuit.

[0122] As used herein, the term "processor circuit" or "processor" therefore refers to, is part of, or includes a circuit that is capable of sequentially and automatically performing a series of arithmetic or logical operations or recording, storing, and / or transmitting digital data. The term "processor circuit" or "processor" may refer to one or more application processors, one or more baseband processors, a physical central processing unit (CPU), a single-core or multi-core processor, and / or any other device capable of executing or otherwise operating computer-executable instructions (such as program code, software modules, and / or functional processes).

[0123] The camera 1428 can sense at least one or more wavelengths of light emitted by the LED. The camera 1428 can include an optical element (e.g., at least one camera lens) that can collect reflected light from the illumination area and / or the illumination emitted by the illumination area. The camera lens can direct the reflected light onto a multi-pixel sensor (also referred to as a light sensor) to form an image on the multi-pixel sensor.

[0124] The processor 1402 can control and drive the LEDs via one or more drivers. For example, the processor 1402 can optionally control one or more LEDs in the LED array independently of one or more LEDs in the LED array to illuminate an area in a specified manner.

[0125] Additionally, sensor 1430 may be incorporated into camera 1428 and / or light source 1410. Sensor 1430 may sense visible light and / or infrared light, and in addition to receiving reflected light from the LEDs, may further sense ambient light and / or changes / flickering in ambient light. Similar to an LED array, a sensor may have one or more segments (which may be capable of sensing the same wavelength / range of wavelengths or different wavelengths / ranges of wavelengths).

[0126] Figure 15A-15G An example of a process 1500 for fabricating a sparse array is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Fig.16 Shown according to Figure 15A-15G The process operations shown in FIG. 16 are examples of a method 1600 for manufacturing a sparse array. The process Fig.15A Start with the transparent flexible sheet 1502. Fig.16 In operation 1602, the transparent flexible sheet 1502 can be attached to the carrier wafer 1504, such as Fig. 15B At operation 1604, metal traces 1506 may be deposited on transparent flexible sheet 1502, such as Fig. 15C At operation 1606, LED array 1508 may be assembled on metal trace 1506, such as Fig.15D At operation 1608, the transparent flexible sheet 1502 including the metal traces 1506 and the LED array 1508 can be released from the carrier wafer 1504, as shown in FIG. Fig.15E At operation 1610, adhesive layer 1510 may be laminated on transparent flexible sheet 1502 to cover metal traces 1506 and LED array 1508, as shown in FIG. Fig.15F At operation 1612, the transparent flexible sheet 1502 may be flipped over and laminated onto the printed circuit board 1512, as shown in FIG. Figure 15G as shown in .

[0127] In other embodiments, a backplane with traces can be formed on a transparent substrate. A sparse LED array (which may include microLEDs) can be transferred to a transparent substrate with a backplane. For example, a mass transfer process can be used to perform the transfer to provide a sparse LED array. For example, mass transfer can be used to deposit microLED (and microIC) masses on a transparent substrate by selecting a location with a stamp and tying or fixing the transferred material with an adhesive layer. In another example, the transfer can be performed using one or more printing nozzles arranged in parallel to provide a sparse LED array in a vacuum nozzle transfer process. The printing nozzle can be an ENJET tool suitable for the process. A laminated structure can then be formed in either case. In other embodiments, after the transfer, the ENJET tool can be used to repair or replace a specific microLED.

[0128] Alternatively, the traces may be formed on a transparent substrate.The LEDs may then be formed on the transparent substrate and a laminate structure formed as described above.

[0129] Fig.17 An example of a single display tile 1700 according to some embodiments is shown. The display tile 1700 may include a sparse LED array 1702, an electronics edge 1704, and a connector 1706 electrically coupled to the electronics edge 1704. The various components are described above. In an off mode, the single display tile 1700 is transparent. The single display tile 1700 may provide a display on a single side.

[0130] Figure 18A-18B An example of a plurality of display tiles 1800a, 1800b is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Fig.17 , Fig.18A and Fig.18B Each of the plurality of display tiles 1800a, 1800b in FIG. 1 may include a sparse LED array 1802, an electronics edge 1804, and a connector 1806 electrically coupled to the electronics edge 1804. Figure 18A-18B The rectangular tiles shown in Fig.18A In , the electronic device edges 1804 of the plurality of display tiles 1800a can be arranged along a single continuous edge forming the long edges of the plurality of display tiles 1800a (where the short edges are common between the rectangular tiles); Fig.18B In the off mode, the electronic device edges 1804 of the plurality of display tiles 1800b can be arranged along the opposite edges forming the short edges of the plurality of display tiles 1800b (where the long edges are common between the rectangular tiles). In the off mode, the plurality of display tiles 1800b are transparent. The plurality of display tiles 1800b can provide a display on a single side. In Fig.18A and Fig.18B In some embodiments, the tiles are of the same size; in other embodiments, the tiles may be of different sizes.

[0131] Fig.19 An example of a vehicle 1900 according to some embodiments is shown. The vehicle 1900 shows light sources 1902a, 1902b, 1902c, each of which includes a sparse array of LEDs disposed on a different panel of the vehicle 1900. As shown, the light sources 1902a, 1902b, 1902c can have different sizes and shapes and can substantially cover the entire panel, thereby allowing a variety of information or lighting to be provided above the panel as described above. The light sources 1902a, 1902b, 1902c can be protected using a protective coating as described above.

[0132] As described herein, information provided by various light sources can be projected from internal and external light sources to internal and external viewers, respectively. In other embodiments, a blocking layer is disposed between the light source and the desired viewer (e.g., an LED array and an outer surface of the light source containing the LED array). The blocking layer can be used in conjunction with the light source to convey information by controlling different portions of the blocking layer to block light from specific micro-LEDs or sets of micro-LEDs in the light source array from reaching the desired viewer. Alternatively, the blocking layer can be used to increase the contrast of components of the light source (e.g., outlining alphanumeric information in a dark penumbra).

[0133] In various embodiments described herein, a user can control the internal and external displays provided by the light sources herein. User control can be via user input on the display, on a different display and / or an external electronic device, such as by using an app on a smartphone or laptop.

[0134] The use of transparent displays enabled by micro-LEDs as described herein can be able to expand the capabilities of both user experience and vehicle operation by integrating with interior and exterior panels and window glass. In the case of window glass, transparent displays can also enhance the external user experience by providing signs, interactive menus, entry standards, public information, and many other situations. The internal user experience can also be enhanced by allowing rich augmented reality (AR) experiences in the windshield, replacing side mirrors with displays on side glass sheets, providing entertainment for passengers, and many other situations. In some embodiments, both internal and external display functions can utilize the same display, which is effectively able to produce images of similar quality on both sides thereof, thereby effectively creating a two-way display that can be extended to consumer environments, industrial environments, and commercial environments outside of motor vehicles.

[0135] Example

[0136] Example 1 is a vehicle display comprising: at least one tile configured to be disposed in a vehicle to provide a display of information, each of the at least one tile comprising: a transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the transparent flexible substrate; a transparent rigid substrate attached to the transparent flexible substrate; and at least one driver disposed on an edge of the tile and configured to drive the LEDs of the sparse array of LEDs.

[0137] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes wherein: the rigid substrate is adhered to the transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer, and the sparse array of LEDs is encapsulated in the adhesive layer; and the vehicle display further includes electrical traces configured to power the LEDs of the sparse array of LEDs.

[0138] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-2 includes, wherein the at least one tile comprises: a first tile configured to display first information in a first direction; and a second tile having a second emitting surface configured to display second information in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0139] In Example 4, the subject matter of Examples 1-3 includes a sensor configured to provide an image corresponding to information provided by a side window mirror, wherein at least one tile is configured to replace the visual information provided by the side window mirror with the image.

[0140] In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 1-4 includes, wherein: the at least one tile is configured to be disposed at or within a plurality of discrete locations of a vehicle window, and the at least one tile is configured to display vehicle information to an interior cabin of the vehicle.

[0141] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1-5 includes, wherein: the at least one tile includes a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile, the LEDs within each of the first tile and the second tile are separated by substantially uniform distances in substantially orthogonal directions, and the LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by substantially uniform distances.

[0142] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 includes, wherein the at least one driver includes: a first driver, which is arranged along an edge of the first tile substantially perpendicular to the common edge and is configured to drive the first tile; and a second driver, which is configured to drive the second tile, the second driver being adjacent to the first driver and arranged along an edge of the second tile substantially perpendicular to the common edge.

[0143] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1-7 includes, wherein the LED includes an optical element that adjusts an emission angle of the LED from a perpendicular angle to a predetermined non-perpendicular angle.

[0144] In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 1-8 includes a sensor and a processor configured to detect the presence of a viewer and an angle of peak intensity to maximize the display of information projected by at least one tile to the viewer and adjust the angle accordingly, at least one of mechanically and optically.

[0145] In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 1-9 includes, wherein at least one of the at least one tile includes a user input configured to adjust information provided by at least one of the at least one tile.

[0146] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 1-10 includes, wherein the information provided by the at least one tile is configured to be adjusted by remote user input on the mobile device.

[0147] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 1-11 includes, wherein the at least one tile further includes a barrier layer disposed between the sparse array of LEDs and an outer surface of the at least one tile, the barrier layer being configured to convey information by controlling different portions of the barrier layer to block light from specific LEDs from being emitted from the outer surface.

[0148] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 1-12 includes, wherein the at least one tile further includes a barrier layer disposed between the sparse array of LEDs and an outer surface of the at least one tile, the barrier layer being configured to increase the contrast of information conveyed by the at least one tile by outlining alphanumeric information projected from the sparse array of LEDs in a dark penumbra.

[0149] Example 14 is a vehicle display comprising: at least one tile configured to be disposed in a vehicle to provide a display of information, each of the at least one tile comprising: a transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of individually controllable micro light emitting diodes (micro LEDs) disposed on the transparent flexible substrate; and a transparent rigid substrate attached to the transparent flexible substrate.

[0150] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 includes, wherein the at least one tile comprises: a first tile configured to display first information in a first direction; and a second tile having a second emitting surface configured to display second information in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0151] In Example 16, the subject matter of Examples 14-15 includes a sensor configured to provide an image corresponding to information provided by a side window mirror, wherein at least one tile is configured to replace the visual information provided by the side window mirror with the image.

[0152] In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 14-16 includes, wherein: the at least one tile includes a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile, the micro-LEDs within each of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance in substantially orthogonal directions, and the micro-LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance.

[0153] In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 14-17 includes a sensor and a processor configured to detect the presence of a viewer and an angle of peak intensity to maximize the display of information projected by at least one tile to the viewer and adjust the angle accordingly, at least one of mechanically and optically.

[0154] In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 14-18 includes, wherein at least one of the following is performed: the at least one tile includes a user input configured to adjust information provided by the at least one tile, and the information provided by the at least one tile is configured to be adjusted by remote user input on a mobile device.

[0155] Example 20 is a vehicle display comprising: at least one tile configured to be disposed in a vehicle to provide a display of information, each of the at least one tile comprising: a transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of individually controllable micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs) disposed on the transparent flexible substrate; a transparent rigid substrate attached to the transparent flexible substrate; and at least one driver disposed on an edge of the tile and configured to drive the microLEDs of the sparse array of microLEDs, and at least one of the at least one tile comprises a user input configured to adjust the information provided by the at least one tile, or the information provided by the at least one tile is configured to be adjusted by remote user input on a mobile device.

[0156] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 includes, wherein: the at least one tile includes a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile, the micro-LEDs within each of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance in substantially orthogonal directions, and the micro-LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance.

[0157] Example 22 is a vehicle display comprising: at least one tile configured to be disposed in a vehicle to provide a display of information, each of the at least one tile comprising: a transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the transparent flexible substrate; a rigid substrate adhered to the transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer, the sparse array of LEDs being encapsulated in the adhesive layer; and at least one driver disposed on an edge of the tile and configured to drive the LEDs of the sparse array of LEDs.

[0158] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 includes, wherein: the rigid substrate is substantially transparent; and the vehicle display further includes electrical traces configured to power the LEDs of the sparse array of LEDs.

[0159] In Example 24, the subject matter of Examples 22-23 includes, wherein the at least one tile is configured to display information external to the vehicle.

[0160] In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 includes, wherein the at least one tile is disposed on or in a front window of the vehicle.

[0161] In Example 26, the subject matter of Examples 24-25 includes, wherein the at least one tile is disposed on or within a side window of the vehicle.

[0162] In Example 27, the subject matter of Examples 22-26 includes, wherein at least one tile comprises: a first tile configured to display first information on the exterior of the vehicle; and a second tile having a second emitting surface configured to display second information to an interior cabin of the vehicle.

[0163] In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 27 includes, wherein the first tile and the second tile are disposed within a side window of a vehicle.

[0164] In Example 29, the subject matter of Examples 27-28 includes, wherein: the first tile has a first emitting surface configured to display first information on the outside of the vehicle; the first tile has an opposite surface opposite to the first emitting surface; and the second tile is coupled to the opposite surface of the first tile and has a second emitting surface configured to display second information to an interior cabin of the vehicle.

[0165] In Example 30, the subject matter of Examples 22-29 includes, wherein: the at least one tile is disposed within a side window of the vehicle at a position corresponding to a side mirror viewed by a vehicle operator through the side window, and the at least one tile is configured to provide side window information to replace the visual information provided by the side mirror, the side window information being based on an image provided by a sensor in the vehicle.

[0166] In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 includes, wherein the sensor comprises a camera disposed in a side mirror position.

[0167] In Example 32, the subject matter of Examples 30-31 includes, wherein the sensor includes a camera disposed at or near the rear of the vehicle.

[0168] In Example 33, the subject matter of Examples 22-32 includes, wherein: the at least one tile is positioned adjacent to a side window of the vehicle, and the at least one tile is configured to provide side window information to replace the visual information provided by the side mirror, the side window information being based on an image provided by a sensor in the vehicle.

[0169] In Example 34, the subject matter of Example 33 includes, wherein the sensor comprises a camera disposed in a side mirror position.

[0170] In Example 35, the subject matter of Examples 33-34 includes, wherein the sensor includes a camera disposed at or near the rear of the vehicle.

[0171] In Example 36, the subject matter of Examples 22-35 includes, wherein: the at least one tile is disposed at or within a plurality of discrete locations on a front window of the vehicle, and the at least one tile is configured to display vehicle information to an interior cabin of the vehicle.

[0172] In Example 37, the subject matter of Examples 22-36 includes, wherein: the at least one tile includes a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile, the LEDs within each of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a uniform distance in substantially orthogonal directions, and the LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a uniform distance.

[0173] In Example 38, the subject matter of Example 37 includes, wherein the at least one driver includes: a first driver, which is arranged along an edge of the first tile substantially perpendicular to the common edge and is configured to drive the first tile; and a second driver, which is configured to drive the second tile, the second driver being adjacent to the first driver and arranged along an edge of the second tile substantially perpendicular to the common edge.

[0174] In Example 39, the subject matter of Examples 22-38 includes, wherein the at least one tile is disposed on at least one panel of the vehicle.

[0175] In Example 40, the subject matter of Examples 22-39 includes, wherein the LEDs are individually controllable micro-LEDs.

[0176] In Example 41, the subject matter of Examples 22-40 includes, wherein light emitted from the LED is substantially parallel to a surface on which the vehicle is disposed.

[0177] In Example 42, the subject matter of Examples 22-41 includes, wherein the LED includes an optical element that adjusts an emission angle of the LED from a perpendicular angle to an angle such that light emitted from the LED is substantially parallel to a surface on which the vehicle is disposed.

[0178] In Example 43, the subject matter of Examples 22-42 includes a sensor and a processor configured to detect the presence of a viewer and an angle of peak intensity to maximize the display of information projected by the at least one tile to the viewer, and to adjust the angle accordingly, at least one of mechanically and optically.

[0179] In Example 44, the subject matter of Example 43 includes, wherein the display of the information is configured to be projected outside the vehicle and to a viewer outside the vehicle.

[0180] In Example 45, the subject matter of Examples 43-44 includes, wherein the display of the information is configured to be projected onto a vehicle interior and a viewer within the vehicle.

[0181] In Example 46, the subject matter of Examples 22-45 includes, wherein at least one of the at least one tile comprises a user input configured to adjust information provided by at least one of the at least one tile.

[0182] In Example 47, the subject matter of Example 46 includes, wherein the user input is configured to adjust information displayed to the interior of the vehicle.

[0183] In Example 48, the subject matter of Examples 46-47 includes, wherein the user input is configured to adjust information displayed outside of the vehicle.

[0184] In Example 49, the subject matter of Examples 22-48 includes, wherein the information provided by the at least one tile is configured to be adjusted by remote user input on the mobile device.

[0185] In Example 50, the subject matter of Example 49 includes, wherein the user input is configured to adjust information displayed to the interior of the vehicle.

[0186] In Example 51, the subject matter of Examples 49-50 includes, wherein the user input is configured to adjust information displayed outside of the vehicle.

[0187] In Example 52, the subject matter of Examples 22-51 includes, wherein the at least one tile further includes a blocking layer disposed between the sparse array of LEDs and an outer surface of the at least one tile, the blocking layer being configured to convey information by controlling different portions of the blocking layer to block light from specific LEDs from being emitted from the outer surface.

[0188] In Example 53, the subject matter of Examples 22-52 includes, wherein the at least one tile further includes a blocking layer disposed between the sparse array of LEDs and an outer surface of the at least one tile, the blocking layer being configured to increase the contrast of information conveyed by the at least one tile by outlining alphanumeric information projected from the sparse array of LEDs in a dark penumbra.

[0189] Example 54 is at least one machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform operations to implement any of Examples 1-53.

[0190] Example 55 is a device including components implementing any of Examples 1-53.

[0191] Example 56 is a system implementing any of Examples 1-53.

[0192] Example 57 is a method of implementing any of Examples 1-53.

[0193] Although only certain features of the systems and methods have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will be made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes. The method operations may be performed substantially simultaneously or in different orders. In addition, the term "comprising" should be interpreted to mean "including at least the following components".

Claims

1. A vehicle display, comprising: At least one tile configured to be disposed in a vehicle to provide a display of information, each of the at least one tile comprising: A substantially transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the substantially transparent flexible substrate; a substantially transparent rigid substrate attached to the substantially transparent flexible substrate; and At least one driver is disposed on an edge of the tile and is configured to drive the LEDs of the sparse array of LEDs.

2. The vehicle display according to claim 1, wherein: The rigid substrate is adhered to the substantially transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer, the sparse array of LEDs being encapsulated in the adhesive layer; and The vehicle display also includes electrical traces configured to power the LEDs of the sparse array of LEDs.

3. The vehicle display of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tile comprises: a first tile configured to display first information in a first direction; and A second tile has a second emitting surface configured to display second information in a second direction opposite the first direction.

4. The vehicle display of claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured to provide an image corresponding to information provided by a side window mirror, wherein the at least one tile is configured to replace the visual information provided by the side window mirror with the image.

5. The vehicle display of claim 1, wherein: The at least one tile is configured to be disposed on or within a plurality of discrete locations of a vehicle window, and The at least one tile is configured to display vehicle information to an interior cabin of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle display of claim 1, wherein: The at least one tile includes a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile; the LEDs within each of the first tile and the second tile being separated by a substantially uniform distance in substantially orthogonal directions; and The LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance.

7. The vehicle display of claim 6, wherein the at least one driver comprises: a first driver disposed along an edge of the first tile substantially perpendicular to the common edge and configured to drive the first tile, and A second driver configured to drive the second tile, the second driver being adjacent to the first driver and disposed along an edge of the second tile substantially perpendicular to the common edge.

8. The vehicle display of claim 1, wherein the LED includes an optical element that adjusts an emission angle of the LED from a substantially perpendicular angle to a predetermined non-perpendicular angle.

9. The vehicle display of claim 1 further comprising a sensor and a processor configured to detect the presence of a viewer and an angle of peak intensity to increase the display of information projected by the at least one tile to the viewer, and to adjust the angle accordingly, at least one of mechanically and optically.

10. The vehicle display of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one tile includes a user input configured to adjust information provided by at least one of the at least one tile.

11. The vehicle display of claim 1 , wherein the information provided by the at least one tile is configured to be adjusted via remote user input on a mobile device.

12. The vehicle display of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tile further comprises a barrier layer disposed between the sparse array of LEDs and an outer surface of the at least one tile, the barrier layer being configured to convey information by controlling different portions of the barrier layer to block light from specific LEDs from being emitted from the outer surface.

13. The vehicle display of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tile further comprises a barrier layer disposed between the sparse array of LEDs and an outer surface of the at least one tile, the barrier layer being configured to increase the contrast of information conveyed by the at least one tile by outlining alphanumeric information projected from the sparse array of LEDs in a dark penumbra.

14. A vehicle display, comprising: At least one tile configured to be disposed in a vehicle to provide a display of information, each of the at least one tile comprising: A substantially transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of individually controllable micro light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) disposed on the substantially transparent flexible substrate; and A substantially transparent rigid substrate is attached to the substantially transparent flexible substrate.

15. The vehicle display of claim 14, wherein the at least one tile comprises: a first tile configured to display first information in a first direction; and A second tile has a second emitting surface configured to display second information in a second direction opposite the first direction.

16. The vehicle display of claim 14, further comprising a sensor configured to provide an image corresponding to information provided by a side window mirror, wherein the at least one tile is configured to replace the visual information provided by the side window mirror with the image.

17. The vehicle display of claim 14, wherein: The at least one tile includes a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile; The micro-LEDs within each of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance in substantially orthogonal directions; and Micro LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance.

18. The vehicle display of claim 14, further comprising a sensor and a processor configured to detect the presence of a viewer and an angle of peak intensity to increase the display of information projected by the at least one tile to the viewer, and to adjust the angle accordingly, at least one of mechanically and optically.

19. The vehicle display of claim 14, wherein at least one of the following is performed: The at least one tile includes a user input configured to adjust information provided by the at least one tile, and The information provided by the at least one tile is configured to be adjusted by remote user input on the mobile device.

20. A vehicle display, comprising: At least one tile configured to be disposed in a vehicle to provide a display of information, each of the at least one tile comprising: A flexible, substantially transparent substrate, a sparse array of individually controllable micro light emitting diodes (micro LEDs) disposed on the substantially transparent flexible substrate, a substantially transparent rigid substrate attached to the substantially transparent flexible substrate, and at least one driver disposed on an edge of the tile and configured to drive the micro-LEDs of the sparse array of micro-LEDs; and At least one of the at least one tile includes a user input configured to adjust information provided by the at least one tile, or the information provided by the at least one tile is configured to be adjusted by a remote user input on a mobile device.

21. The vehicle display of claim 20, wherein: The at least one tile includes a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile, The micro-LEDs within each of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance in substantially orthogonal directions, and Micro LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by a substantially uniform distance.

Images