Sparse LED array system

Abstract

A display including a sparse array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), including associated systems and methods of manufacture, is disclosed. The display includes at least one panel disposed in or on a transparent material to provide display on one or both sides of the material. 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 transparent material while still enabling a viewer to see through the transparent material.

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 according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter 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 Various embodiments according to the disclosed subject matter are shown. Figure 1 Figures showing side views of a light source in various stages of assembly.

[0008] Figure 5A Cross-sectional views of examples of sparse arrays of LEDs according to some examples are shown.

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

[0010] Figure 6 A top view of an example panel is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0011] Figure 7 An example of a panel having a single tile is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0012] Figure 8A-B An example of a panel having multiple display tiles in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0013] Fig. 9 An example of a system according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0014] Fig.10 An example of an apparatus using a sparse array arrangement of LEDs in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0015] Fig.11 One example of a panel application according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0016] Fig.12 Another example of a panel application according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0017] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Examples of sparse LED array arrangements according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are shown.

[0018] Fig.14 Another example of a sparse LED array arrangement according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0019] Fig.15 Another example of a sparse LED array arrangement according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0020] Fig.16 An example of a general device in accordance with some embodiments is shown.

[0021] Figures 17A-17G An example of process operations for fabricating a sparse array is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] Fig.18 Shown according to Figure 17A-17G The process operations shown in FIG. 1 are examples of methods for manufacturing sparse arrays.

[0023] 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

[0024] For the purposes of this document, the term "micro-LED" is intended to be synonymous with an LED in a sparse array of LEDs as defined herein. 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The transparent flexible substrate 104 may be a polymer sheet having a relatively high transmittance, or equivalently, a relatively low loss, due to absorption and scattering in the visible 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 may include transparent polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. The transparent flexible substrate 104 may have a thickness between about 20 μm and about 200 μm, although thicknesses outside this thickness range may also be used.

[0030] 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 the orthogonal dimension, 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 may 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 the transparent flexible substrate 104 to power the LEDs 102 (e.g., deliver current to and from the 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).

[0031] In some examples, a sparse array of LEDs 102 may include two or more LEDs 102 that emit light at the same 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 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).

[0035] 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 side mirrors that can display information. 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The visualization system 10 may include one or more modulators 24. The modulators 24 may be implemented in one of at least two configurations.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] exist Figure 4 In the lamination tool 404 (optionally, with Figure 3106 ) can advance the transparent flexible substrate 104 and the adhesive layer 108 toward the rigid substrate 106, wherein the sparse array of LEDs 102 is encapsulated in the adhesive layer 108. Alternatively, the lamination tool 404 can advance the rigid substrate 106 toward the transparent flexible substrate 104 and the adhesive layer 108, or toward each other. The lamination tool can 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 to the rigid substrate 106, the entire layered structure can be subjected to temperature cycling, exposure to ultraviolet light, or other suitable curing techniques to cure the adhesive.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Figure 5AA cross-sectional view of a sparse array of LEDs 500a according to some examples is shown. LED 500a may 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 may range from about 3 μm to about 15 μm, typically about 5 μm. The n-type semiconductor and p-type semiconductor of epitaxial stack 510 may be electrically contacted with traces 514 on substrate 516 via n-contact 512a and p-contact 512b, respectively. The n-contact 512a and p-contact 512b (or interconnect material) may be formed of a metal or compound, such as Au, Sn, AuSn, In, anisotropic conductive film (ACF) / ACInk, self-aligned contact (SAC). The thickness of n-contact 512a and p-contact 512b may range from about 0.02 μm to about 5 μm, typically about 0.1 μm. The trace 514 may be formed of a TCO material. The thickness of the trace 514 may range from about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm, typically about 1 μm. The n-contact 512a and the 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 the epitaxial stack 510, for example. The substrate 516 may be a rigid or flexible substrate as described above, formed of, for example, glass, PET, or transparent polyimide. The thickness of the substrate 516 may range from about 50 μm to about 1000 μm, typically about 100 μm. The metal conductor 518 may make contact with the trace 514 to route power and other signals to the epitaxial stack 510. The metal conductor 518 may be formed of a metal or compound such as Au, Cu, Al, Ti, Ni, or Mo. The thickness of metal conductor 518 may range from about 0.5 μm to about 30 μm, typically about 1 μm.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 5AThe difference between the LED 500a and the LED 500a is the presence of a 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 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.

[0066] In some embodiments, the minimum xy dimension of the vertically singulated LEDs can be about 3 μm by about 3 μm, and the maximum xy dimension can be 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. Any of these can provide sufficient transparency for the panel to be seen through the panel. That is, in a sparse display, the distance between the LEDs of the sparse array of LEDs allows for display of at least one of alphanumeric information and image information while providing visibility through the transparent material.

[0067] Figure 6A top view of an example 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 and / or tile and 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.

[0072] Figure 7 An example of a panel with a single tile is shown according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Panel 700 may include a single tile with a sparse LED array 702, an electronics edge 704, and a connector 706 electrically coupled to the electronics edge 704. The various components are described above. In the off mode, panel 700 is transparent. As described herein, panel 700 can provide a display on a single side or on opposite sides.

[0073] Figure 8A-B An example of a panel having multiple display tiles according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. Figure 7 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Each tile of the panels 800a, 800b in FIG. 8 may include a sparse LED array 802, an electronics edge 804, and a connector 806 electrically coupled to the electronics edge 804. Figure 8A-B The rectangular tiles shown in Fig. 8A In , the electronic device edge 804 of the panel 800a can be arranged along a single continuous edge of the long edge of each tile forming the panel 800a (where the short edges are common between the rectangular tiles); Figure 8B In the closed mode, the electronic device edge 804 of the panel 800b can be arranged along the opposite edge of the short edge of each tile forming the panel 800b (where the long edge is common between the rectangular tiles). In the closed mode, the panel 800b is transparent. The panel 800b can provide a display on a single side or on opposite sides. Fig. 8Aand Figure 8B In one embodiment, the tiles are the same size; in other embodiments, the tiles can be different sizes as long as the distance between pixels (which contain multiple LEDs of different colors) is the same.

[0074] Fig. 9 An example system according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter 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.

[0075] The system 900 may include one or more light sources 910a, 910b. The first light source 910a may include one or more of a sparse LED array 912, as described herein. The first light source 910a may include a local driver 914, also as described herein. The first light source 910a may be disposed in various locations on or within the device, as described in more detail herein. The second light source 910b may be present and may include one or more non-sparse LED arrays 916 (e.g., micro-LED arrays, mini-LED arrays, etc.). The second light source 910b may be disposed in various other locations on or within the device containing the system 900.

[0076] The LEDs in the first light source 910a and / or the second light source 910b may include micro-LEDs. A micro-LED array includes 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). 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 polychromatic 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.

[0077] The controller 930 may include a processor 932, which may be used to control various functions of the system 900. As also shown, the controller 930 may include additional components, such as a driver 934, which is configured to, among other things, drive the second light source 910b controlled by the processor 932. In some embodiments, the driver 934 may also be configured to provide non-local driving of the sparse LED array 912 of the first light source 910a.

[0078] As described above, the LEDs in the sparse LED array 912 and the non-sparse LED array 916 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 912, 916 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.

[0081] The light sources 910a, 910b 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 912, 916, multiple lenses may be disposed over one or more of the LED arrays 912, 916, wherein a single lens is disposed over one or more of the LED arrays 912, 916, or multiple lenses may be disposed over one or more of the LED arrays 912, 916, wherein a single lens is disposed over one or more of the LEDs in each of the LED arrays 912, 916. At least one lens and / or other optical element may direct light emitted by one or more of the LED arrays 912, 916 toward a target.

[0082] The processor 932 may also control a sensor 920 including a multi-pixel detector 922. The sensor 920 may sense light at one or more wavelengths emitted by the second LED array 916 and reflected by the target and / or radiation emitted by the target. The sensor 920 may be, for example, a radar or lidar sensor, or the processor 932 may be used to determine the presence of a specific object nearby (e.g., other vehicles, people, road signs). The sensor 920 may include an optical element (e.g., at least one sensor lens) to capture radiation. The multi-pixel detector 922 may include, for example, a photodiode or one or more other detectors capable of detecting light within the wavelength range(s) of interest.

[0083] The multi-pixel detector 922 may include multiple different arrays to sense visible light and / or infrared light. Similar to the LED 916, the multi-pixel detector 922 may have one or more segments (which can sense the same wavelength / wavelength range or different wavelengths / wavelength ranges).

[0084] In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to providing a multi-pixel detector in the sensor 920, a multi-pixel detector may be provided in the second light source 910b. In some embodiments, the second light source 910b and the sensor 920 may be integrated into a single module, while in other embodiments, the second light source 910b and the sensor 920 may be separate modules disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) or other base. In other embodiments, the second light source 910b and the sensor 920 may be attached to different PCBs or bases.

[0085] The LEDs in each of the LED arrays 912, 916 can be driven in an analog or digital manner, i.e., using a direct current (DC) driver or pulse width modulation (PWM). As shown, drivers 914, 934 can be used to drive the LEDs in the LED arrays 912, 916, respectively, as well as other components (such as actuators).

[0086] A power source 940 (such as a battery) may be used to Fig. 9 The components of the system 900 shown in FIG. 9 are powered.

[0087] The first light source 910a 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 910a 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 910a to view the information projected by the first light source 910a as well as the underlying scene. In other embodiments where the underlying substrate fully reflects visible light or specularly reflects, the area between the LEDs may not be viewable.

[0088] The information projected by the first light source 910a can be static or moving, similar to the information that can be formed by a non-sparse light source. The LEDs of the first light source 910a can be electrically connected using conductive traces on the substrate, which are configured to provide a drive current to the LEDs from the driver 914. As described above, the conductive traces can be transparent and include one or more layers of TCO. The conductive traces can be relatively narrow even if formed of opaque metal 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 a control circuit (and a power supply) via conductive traces along each row and column, and can be addressed individually or in groups of LEDs. The driver 914 and other control devices in the first light source 910a for each pixel can also be referred to as a micro IC.

[0089] The first light source 910a may be mounted on, in, or attached to any portion of the device, or installed within any commercial environment, as described in more detail below.

[0090] Fig.10 An example device using a sparse array arrangement according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. For example, the device can be a vending machine 1000 containing a product 1004, such as food or other goods that can be seen through a transparent front surface (which is, for example, formed of glass, plexiglass, or another transparent material). The vending machine 1000 can have a plurality of panels 1002a, 1002b with a sparse LED array. As described above, each panel 1002a, 1002b can have one or more tiles. Each panel 1002a, 1002b (or tile) can be set at a surface location associated with a different product 1004. The panels 1002a, 1002b can be set on a transparent material forming a surface (e.g., front or side) of the vending machine 1000 or in a transparent material forming a surface (e.g., front or side) of the vending machine 1000. The panels 1002a , 1002b may be controlled by a processor within a control center 1006 of the vending machine 1000 .

[0091] The use of panels 1002a, 1002b containing sparse LED arrays allows an observer to see the product 1004 while providing information that may be helpful in making a purchase. Such information may include, but is not limited to, the identity of the product, the number of products available, the cost of the product, among other things. This information can simplify the mechanisms within the vending machine 1000 and the user's interaction with the vending machine 1000, for example, by providing such information without requiring the user to manually count objects or further interact with the vending machine 1000 to determine the cost of the product. Due to the transparency of the sparse LED array, information can be presented over a large area while not obstructing the viewing of the product 1004.

[0092] The information provided by the panels 1002a, 1002b may be text and / or graphics, so that the content provided is alphanumeric, symbolic or image content. The information may be displayed continuously or may be displayed only under certain conditions. These conditions may be based on timing (e.g., 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.) or sensor input. For example, one or more sensors 1008a, 1008b may be disposed at different locations within the vending machine 1000. Sensors 1008a, 1008b may be proximity sensors that detect the presence of individuals within a predetermined distance (such as about one meter or a fraction of a meter) from the front of the vending machine 1000. In addition or instead, sensors 1008a, 1008b may track the eye movement and viewing direction of individuals viewing the product 1004, and in response to detecting that the individual has viewed the product for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 3 seconds or more), the processor in the control center 1006 may activate the appropriate panel. Eye movement may be tracked using techniques similar to those used for augmented reality / virtual reality headsets.

[0093] The sensors 1008a, 1008b may emit visible light or infrared light. The emitted light may be reflected, the reflections may be captured, and the processor determines proximity and / or eye position. Alternatively, the sensors 1008a, 1008b may include a camera that may capture an image that may then be analyzed by the processor to determine proximity and / or eye position.

[0094] In other embodiments, sensors 1008a, 1008b may be provided in addition or in lieu thereof in each panel 1002a, 1002b. Similarly, a touch sensor (touch-sensitive input) or another display for user input (e.g., a projected alphanumeric board) may be provided in or adjacent to each panel 1002a, 1002b, wherein the panels 1002a, 1002b are capable of detecting user interaction with input for selecting an associated product 1004 (payment may still be made using the control center 1006). The processor of the control panel 1002a, 1002b may adjust the information provided by the panels 1002a, 1002b based on the user input received by the touch sensor. In some embodiments, proximity sensors may be provided in some locations within the vending machine 1000, and eye position detection sensors may be provided in other locations within the vending machine 1000. Eye position detection sensors or positioning sensors may include infrared emitters or conventional cameras in the vending machine 1000 that are used by the processor to detect the position and / or eye position of the individual. The processor may then use this information to reposition the image depending on the detected viewer position, to adjust the emission angle using adjustment of optical elements in the panels 1002a, 1002b, or to mechanically adjust the position of the panels 1002a, 1002b.

[0095] In general, each pixel in each panel 1002a, 1002b can emit light in directions that are substantially symmetrical about a normal direction that is orthogonal to the underlying portion of the pixel on which it is disposed. For example, in some embodiments, light from each pixel can be radiated in a Lambertian pattern. However, the propagation of light in the normal direction may result in reduced viewing ability for individuals that are not within the main lobe of the Lambertian pattern because a significant portion of the light is directed toward a non-viewable direction. To this end, in some embodiments, one or more optical elements in the sparse LED array can be used to adjust the emission angle to an optimized direction in which the (Lambertian) pattern of the emitted light is centered at a main non-perpendicular viewing angle based on a viewing position detected for the individual position and possible eye tracking information.

[0096] Other information may be provided, for example, to direct the user to a nearby machine containing the particular product the user is interested in when it is determined that the particular product in the vending machine 1000 is sold out. The vending machine 1000 may thus communicate with the nearby machines to determine the products contained in the nearby machines.

[0097] Instead of or in addition to providing information related to the product 1004, the panels 1002a, 1002b can be used to display or project other information. For example, one or more of the panels 1002a, 1002b can display advertisements or other visual information. One or more of the panels 1002a, 1002b can be selected by the processor to be close to (e.g., adjacent to) the product 1004 that the user is interacting with.

[0098] A similar system may be provided for display cases in commercial stores. Similar to the above, the panel may be provided on or within the transparent material forming the front of the display case (except for the use of sensors). For example, the panel may be used at various locations on a cooler containing beverages to provide information similar to that described above. In addition, if the system detects that a particular product is out of stock, the system may notify the store and / or supplier that a restocking of the product will be performed by SMS or other wireless communication and / or by using the panel to display the out of stock information (using alternating driving of the LEDs, such as flashing or in a unique color).

[0099] Similar technology can be used in electrical appliances. Fig.11 An example panel application according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. The appliance shown may be an oven 1100. The oven 1100 may have a front face 1102 of a transparent area, one or more panels 1104 may be disposed on or within the front face 1102 of the transparent area; and a handle 1106 for opening and closing the oven 1100. The panel 1104 may have an input area 1104a with an alphanumeric touch-sensitive sensor, and one or more other areas configured to display information about the current oven operation. Additional information may include the current time (5:53 p.m. as shown), the remaining time of a timer set by the user using the input area 1104a (12 minutes as shown), the current oven temperature (375°F as shown), and information about the food being cooked (12 minutes as shown). Other oven operation information may also be displayed on the panel 1104, such as a warning that an oven cleaning is about to be performed. As described above, the oven 1100 may have a wireless connection to alert the user to useful information (e.g., timer information) via text or other electronic communications. This can be set via user input into input area 1104a or via remote input (e.g., via a mobile device). As described above, using a sparse LED array in panel 1104 can allow information to be provided to the user by panel 1104 while maintaining the user's ability to see areas inside oven 1100 through transparent areas.

[0100] In other embodiments, similar uses can be applied to any appliance in which a transparent area exists. For example, a microwave or toaster, a washer and dryer, and even a refrigerator or dishwasher can have one or more panels set on the transparent area and provide information closely related to the appliance. In addition, the appliance can have a wireless connection to alert the user via text or other electronic communication of useful information, such as the end time of a specific cycle / timer, or a problem with the appliance.

[0101] Fig.12 Another example panel application according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , a building 1200 may have one or more panels 1204a, 1204b located on or within one or more transparent areas of a wall 1202 and / or door 1206 of the building 1200. To avoid potential malicious damage, the panels 1204a, 1204b may be located on the interior walls 1202 and / or doors 1206 of the building 1200 so that building staff (if any) may control access to the panels 1204a, 1204b. As described above, each panel 1204a, 1204b may be disposed on or within a transparent area. Figure 10-11 Unlike the examples provided in Fig.12 At least some of the panels 1204a, 1204b may be double-sided and thus be capable of providing information projected from opposite sides of the transparent region. Such double-sided displays are described in more detail below. Fig.12 The panels 1204a, 1204b may emit light only toward the side of the transparent area where the panels 1204a, 1204b are located.

[0102] As described above, using a sparse array of LEDs in some or all of the panels 1204a, 1204b may allow the panels 1204a, 1204b to provide information to a user while maintaining the user's ability to see through a transparent area to an area on the other side of the transparent area.

[0103] Fig.12The panels 1204a, 1204b in the building 1200 can have any size. Thus, for example, a building 1200 having multiple areas formed by glass (e.g., walls 1202 and / or doors 1206) can have a wide area in which panels 1204a, 1204b are provided, thereby allowing a variety of different information to be provided to both internal and external individuals. For example, one or more panels 1204a on the wall 1202 can indicate to an external viewer (outside the building 1200) the company and occupancy time within the building 1200; one or more panels 1204b on the door 1206 can indicate to an external viewer that the building 1200 is open, among other information. Similarly, the panels 1204a, 1204b can provide different information to internal viewers (inside the building 1200), such as information related to weather (e.g., temperature, humidity) or traffic conditions. Other information can be provided, such as advertisements for goods or services, such as advertisements available within the building 1200.

[0104] Similar to other embodiments, the proximity and / or touch sensor 1208 may be incorporated into Fig.12 In panels 1204a, 1204b, or with Fig.12 Panels 1204a, 1204b in FIG. 1204a and 1204b cooperate with each other (e.g., with Fig.12 Individuals can use touch sensors to affect the operation of building 1200, such as changing displayed information, alerting permanent occupants of building 1200 to the individual's presence, and / or entering building 1200 (e.g., using a password to unlock door 1206), etc. As described above, timers and / or proximity sensors can be used to conserve power for building 1200, and user input sensors can be provided to allow a user to determine, for example, information about a company, floor, time, etc. within building 1200.

[0105] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Examples of sparse LED array arrangements according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are shown. As described herein, a double-sided panel 1300a, 1300b can include a panel 1314 that includes a plurality of sparse LED arrays 1312a, 1312b arranged back to back. Individual (or sets of pixels) in the sparse LED arrays 1312a, 1312b. Each of the sparse LED arrays 1312a, 1312b can be disposed on an opaque substrate, thereby limiting viewing of information projected to only one hemisphere. Connections 1318, such as cables or wiring, can provide power and enable control by a processor of the panel 1314 via traces 1316, which are connected to the electronics of the panel 1314 that control the sparse LED arrays 1312a, 1312b. As Fig.13A As shown in , panel 1314 can be disposed within a cavity formed by transparent material 1310. One end of power connection 1318 can be retained within transparent material 1310 to provide a secure electrical connection to trace 1316. Fig. 13B As shown in , the panel 1314 may instead be disposed on the transparent material 1310 and protected by a protective layer 1320 (such as PET). Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The use of a double-sided sparse LED array arrangement as described in can allow different information to be displayed to an observer on opposite sides of the transparent material 1310 without restricting viewing through the transparent material 1310 in either direction. Fig.12 As shown in , observers inside and outside the building 1200 can be simultaneously provided with different information, while the different information is invisible to observers on the opposite side of the transparent area and simultaneously cannot be seen through the transparent area.

[0106] Fig.14 Another example of a sparse LED array arrangement in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. Room 1400 may be, for example, a skybox or other area in an arena hosting a sporting or other event. Room 1400 may have one or more windows 1402, each of which may include one or more panels 1404. Panels 1404 may be single-sided or double-sided (e.g., to provide advertisements to viewers outside room 1400 and other information to viewers within room 1400). For example, one or more of panels 1404 may be activated to replay the action on the field (such as Fig.14 ), may have specific features (e.g., the arc of the football) highlighted, as well as information about statistics such as yardage (shown as a 12-yard gain) and pass recipients. Such a display can provide a controllable replay of the game on an overlay of the actual field. In addition, panel 1404 can be activated during the game to highlight the action of the game or provide similar information as above during the game. The camera in window 1402 can be used to capture images of the live action, which can be processed by one or more processors and then adjusted by the processor to control the display of panel 1404. As described above, panel 1404 can include some or all of the touch-sensitive sensors that span the entire display field.

[0107] Similar embodiments may be used for any event in an arena or outdoor venue. For example, one or more areas of a hockey rink may have a similar panel embedded in the plexiglass surrounding the ice to allow for replays of passes, goals, or blocked shots. As previously described, since individual pixels or sets of pixels of panel 1404 may be individually controllable, some of the information provided by the panel may be completely different from the replay (e.g., providing advertisements).

[0108] Similar embodiments may be used within or on a window of a private residence (e.g., a house or apartment) or commercial residence (e.g., a hotel room). The display may provide alphanumeric information (such as temperature, weather, family / personal schedule), or provide an image such as from a camera (e.g., home security, doorbell, bird feeder, shed, etc.).

[0109] Other embodiments including panels may include fences with transparent areas. Fig.15 Another example of a sparse LED array arrangement according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. Fig.15 An example enclosure is shown, such as a bus station shelter 1500 having one or more transparent sides 1502, in which one or more panels 1504 may be incorporated. Information may be displayed on one or more of the panels 1504, such as a bus schedule of buses arriving and departing from the bus station shelter 1500, the time of the next bus for each bus, and other travel, weather, and / or related travel related information. Such travel related information may include, for example, information about places of interest, bus routes to places of interest, the number of stops to places of interest, and the estimated time of arrival to places of interest. In some embodiments, the panels 1504 may be incorporated into the roof of the shelter 1500 (in the case of transparency). For safety reasons, a shelter such as the bus station shelter 1500 may be completely transparent or substantially completely transparent. As described above, proximity and / or touch sensors may be incorporated into the panels 1504, or may operate in conjunction with the panels 1504 (e.g., adjacent to the panels 1504). Additionally, a timer and / or proximity sensor may be used to conserve power for the bus stop shelter 1500 .

[0110] Similar features may be incorporated into other types of shelters, for example for vehicular services such as taxis or private vehicles.

[0111] In the various embodiments presented, the use of sparse LED arrays (in some cases using micro-LEDs) allows various types of alphanumeric information and image information to be displayed while allowing visibility through the transparent material in which the sparse LED array is incorporated or on which it is incorporated. Such arrays can be used in any embodiment where such functionality is desired, and are therefore not limited to the examples provided herein. The combination of various types of sensors and detectors can allow user input and sensing to provide even more extensive functionality, such as using panels in museum (or commercial) display cases in which artwork is housed, for example to provide information about the artwork, and possibly allow interaction with the information while still allowing the observer to view the artwork. Similar embodiments can be used in applications such as zoo enclosures (or commercial animal displays) to: provide text and images related to animals behind glass (or otherwise within the enclosure) (such as animal history, habitat), which can be preset or based on user input; and provide directions to other animals.

[0112] Fig.16 An example of a general device 1600 according to some embodiments is shown. Device 1600 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] The electronic device 1600 may include a hardware processor (or equivalent processing circuit) 1602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a GPU, a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a memory 1604 (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) 1608. The memory 1604 may include any or all of removable and non-removable storage, volatile memory, or non-volatile memory. The electronic device 1600 may further include a display / light source 1610 (such as the above-mentioned LED or video display), an alphanumeric input device 1612 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 1614 (e.g., a mouse). In one example, the display / light source 1610, the input device 1612, and the UI navigation device 1614 may be a touch screen display. The electronic device 1600 may additionally include a storage device (e.g., a drive unit) 1616, a signal generating device 1618 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 1620, one or more cameras 1628, and one or more sensors 1630 (such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensors such as those described herein). The electronic device 1600 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 1610) may be remote from other elements and may be controlled by the hardware processor 1602.

[0116] The storage device 1616 may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium 1622 (hereinafter referred to as a machine-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 1624 (e.g., software) that embody or are used by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 1624 may also reside completely or at least partially within the memory 1604 and / or within the hardware processor 1602 during execution of its instructions 1624 by the electronic device 1600. Although the machine-readable medium 1622 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 1624.

[0117] The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the electronic device 1600 and causing the electronic device 1600 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.

[0118] Instructions 1624 can further be transmitted or received by any of several wireless local area network (WLAN) transmission protocols or SPI or CAN bus via network interface device 1620 using transmission medium 1626 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, etc. In one example, the network interface device 1620 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 1626.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] The camera 1628 can sense at least one or more wavelengths of light emitted by the LED. The camera 1628 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.

[0122] The processor 1602 can control and drive the LEDs via one or more drivers. For example, the processor 1602 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.

[0123] Additionally, sensor 1630 may be incorporated into camera 1628 and / or light source 1610. Sensor 1630 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).

[0124] Figure 17A-17G An example of a process 1700 for fabricating a sparse array is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Fig.18 Shown according to Figures 17A-17G The process operations shown in FIG. 18 are examples of a method 1800 for manufacturing a sparse array. The process Fig.17A Start with the transparent flexible sheet 1702. Fig.18 In operation 1802, the transparent flexible sheet 1702 can be attached to the carrier wafer 1704, such as Fig. 17B At operation 1804, metal traces 1706 may be deposited on transparent flexible sheet 1702, such as Fig. 17C At operation 1806, LED array 1708 may be assembled on metal trace 1706, such as Fig.17DAt operation 1808, the transparent flexible sheet 1702 including the metal traces 1706 and the LED array 1708 can be released from the carrier wafer 1704, as shown in FIG. Fig.17E At operation 1810, adhesive layer 1710 may be laminated on transparent flexible sheet 1702 to cover metal traces 1706 and LED array 1708, as shown in FIG. Fig.17F At operation 1812, the transparent flexible sheet 1702 may be flipped over and laminated onto a printed circuit board 1712, as shown in FIG. Figure 17G as shown in .

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Thus, the various embodiments described herein may be used in a wide variety of commercial, residential, and industrial environments where a transparent display may be desired. In such environments, the transparent display may be incorporated in or disposed on a transparent material, such as glass or plexiglass. The display may provide predetermined information, which may be determined by a processor and / or may be manipulated by a user through user input incorporated in or near the transparent display.

[0128] Example

[0129] Example 1 is a sparse display system comprising: a plurality of tiles configured to display information, the plurality of tiles being disposed at at least one location within or on a transparent material, each tile comprising: a transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) disposed on the transparent flexible substrate, the distance between the micro-LEDs in the sparse array being configured to allow display of at least one of alphanumeric information and image information while providing visibility through the transparent material; and a rigid substrate adhered to the transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer in which the sparse array of micro-LEDs is encapsulated; and at least one processor configured to control the display of the plurality of tiles via at least one type of electrical communication coupled to the tiles.

[0130] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein a surface of a vending machine includes the transparent material, and the information is related to a product within the vending machine.

[0131] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 includes, wherein at least one tile of the plurality of tiles is disposed at a surface location associated with a different product, and the information provided by the at least one tile is related to an associated product associated with the at least one tile.

[0132] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 includes, wherein: the at least one tile includes a touch sensor, the touch sensor being configured to receive user input for selecting a product associated with the at least one tile; and the processor being configured to adjust the information based on the user input received by the touch sensor.

[0133] In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 1-4 includes, wherein a window of the appliance includes the transparent material, and the information is related to operation of the appliance.

[0134] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 includes, wherein: at least one of the plurality of tiles includes a touch sensor, the touch sensor being configured to receive user input related to operation of the appliance; and the processor being configured to adjust the information based on the user input received by the touch sensor.

[0135] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1-6 includes, wherein at least one of a window and a door of a building includes the transparent material, and the information is related to the operation of the building.

[0136] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 includes, wherein: at least one of the plurality of tiles includes a touch sensor, the touch sensor being configured to receive user input related to operation of the building; and the processor being configured to adjust the information based on the user input received by the touch sensor.

[0137] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 includes, wherein the operation of the building is selected from a group of operations, the group of operations comprising: changing displayed information, alerting permanent resident individuals of the building of the presence, and entering the building by unlocking a door using a password.

[0138] In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 1-9 includes, wherein a window of the venue includes the transparent material, and the information is related to an event ongoing at the venue.

[0139] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 includes where the ongoing event is a sporting event and the information includes, in addition to at least one of additional alphanumeric information about the game and images highlighting action during the game, a game replay of the sporting event overlaid on a field on which the game is occurring.

[0140] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 1-11 includes, wherein the window of the bus shelter includes the transparent material, and the information includes travel-related information associated with the bus shelter.

[0141] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 includes, wherein the shelter is a bus shelter, and the information includes at least one type of information selected from a group of information, the group of information including a bus schedule, the next arrival time of each bus that will use the bus shelter, a bus route to a place of interest, the number of stops to the place of interest, and an estimated arrival time to the place of interest.

[0142] In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 includes, wherein at least one tile of the plurality of tiles comprises a double-sided display configured to provide different information to opposite sides of the transparent material.

[0143] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 includes, wherein the information further includes an advertisement.

[0144] In Example 16, the subject matter of Examples 1-15 includes, wherein a window of a display case includes the transparent material, and the information is related to an object within the display case.

[0145] In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 1-16 includes, wherein a window of an animal enclosure includes the transparent material, and the information is related to an animal within the enclosure.

[0146] Example 18 is a sparse display system comprising: a plurality of tiles configured to display information, the plurality of tiles being disposed at least one of within or on a transparent material, each tile comprising: a transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs) disposed on the transparent flexible substrate, the distance between the microLEDs in the sparse array being configured to allow display of at least one of alphanumeric information and image information while providing visibility through the transparent material; a transparent rigid substrate adhered to the transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer in which the sparse array of microLEDs is encapsulated; and at least one driver on an edge of the tile configured to drive the microLEDs of the tile; at least one processor configured to control the display of the plurality of tiles via at least one electrical connection coupled to the at least one driver; and a touch sensor associated with at least one tile, the touch sensor being configured to receive user input, the processor being configured to adjust the information based on the user input received by the touch sensor.

[0147] In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 includes, wherein the plurality of tiles includes at least one tile having a plurality of sparse arrays configured to emit to opposite sides of the transparent material to provide different information to opposite sides of the transparent material.

[0148] In Example 20, the subject matter of Examples 18-19 includes, wherein: the transparent material is an outdoor display, and the plurality of tiles includes at least one tile having a plurality of sparse arrays, the plurality of sparse arrays being configured to emit to opposite sides of the transparent material to provide different information to opposite sides of the transparent material.

[0149] In Example 21, the subject matter of Examples 18-20 includes, wherein: the transparent material is an indoor display, and the sparse array in each of the plurality of tiles is configured to emit to a single side of the transparent material.

[0150] Example 22 is a sparse display system comprising: a plurality of tiles configured to display information, the plurality of tiles being arranged at least one of within or on a transparent material, each tile comprising: a transparent flexible substrate; a sparse array of micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs) arranged on the transparent flexible substrate, the distance between the microLEDs in the sparse array being configured to allow display of at least one of alphanumeric information and image information while providing visibility through the transparent material; and a transparent rigid substrate adhered to the transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer in which the sparse array of microLEDs is encapsulated; a remote user input configured to adjust information provided by at least one of the plurality of tiles; and at least one processor configured to control the display of the plurality of tiles based on a signal from the remote user input.

[0151] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 includes, wherein: the plurality of tiles include 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 substantially uniform distances in substantially orthogonal directions, and the micro-LEDs at a common edge of the first tile and the second tile are separated by substantially uniform distances.

[0152] Example 24 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 1-23.

[0153] Example 25 is a device including components implementing any of Examples 1-23.

[0154] Example 26 is a system implementing any of Examples 1-23.

[0155] Example 27 is a method of implementing any of Examples 1-23.

[0156] Although only certain features of the system and method 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.

Claims

1. A sparse display system, comprising: A plurality of tiles configured to display information, the plurality of tiles being disposed at at least one location within or on a substantially transparent material, each tile comprising: A flexible, substantially transparent substrate, a sparse array of light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) disposed on the substantially transparent flexible substrate, the distances between the micro-LEDs in the sparse array being configured to allow for display of at least one of alphanumeric information and image information while providing visibility through the substantially transparent material, and a rigid substrate adhered to the substantially transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer, A sparse array of micro-LEDs is encapsulated in the bonding layer; and At least one processor is configured to control display of the plurality of tiles via at least one type of electrical communication coupled to the tiles.

2. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein a surface of a vending machine comprises the substantially transparent material, and wherein the information is related to a product within the vending machine.

3. The sparse display system of claim 2, wherein at least one tile of the plurality of tiles is disposed at a surface location associated with a different product, and the information provided by the at least one tile is related to an associated product associated with the at least one tile.

4. The sparse display system according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one tile includes a touch sensor configured to receive user input for selecting a product associated with the at least one tile, and The processor is configured to adjust the information based on user input received by the touch sensor.

5. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein a window of the appliance comprises a substantially transparent material, and wherein the information is related to the operation of the appliance.

6. The sparse display system according to claim 5, wherein: at least one tile of the plurality of tiles comprises a touch sensor configured to receive user input related to operation of the appliance; as well as The processor is configured to adjust the information based on user input received by the touch sensor.

7. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein at least one of a window and a door of a building comprises the substantially transparent material, and the information is related to the operation of the building.

8. The sparse display system according to claim 7, wherein: at least one tile of the plurality of tiles comprises a touch sensor configured to receive user input related to operation of the building; as well as The processor is configured to adjust the information based on user input received by the touch sensor.

9. The sparse display system of claim 8, wherein the operation of the building is selected from a group of operations, the group of operations comprising: The displayed information is changed to alert the permanent occupants of the building of the individual's presence and to gain access to the building by unlocking the door using a code.

10. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein a window of a venue comprises the substantially transparent material, and the information relates to an event ongoing at the venue.

11. A sparse display system according to claim 10, wherein the ongoing event is a sporting event and the information includes, in addition to at least one of additional alphanumeric information about the game and images used to highlight action during the game, a game replay of the sporting event overlaid on the field on which the game is occurring.

12. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein a window of a bus shelter comprises the substantially transparent material, and wherein the information comprises travel-related information associated with the bus shelter.

13. The sparse display system of claim 12, wherein the shelter is a bus shelter and the information includes at least one type of information selected from a group of information including a bus schedule, the next arrival time of each bus that will use the bus shelter, a bus route to a place of interest, a number of stops to the place of interest, and an estimated arrival time to the place of interest.

14. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein at least one tile of the plurality of tiles comprises a double-sided display configured to provide different information to opposite sides of the substantially transparent material.

15. The sparse display system of claim 14, wherein the information further comprises an advertisement.

16. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein a window of a display case comprises the substantially transparent material, and wherein the information is associated with an object within the display case.

17. The sparse display system of claim 1, wherein a window of an animal enclosure comprises the substantially transparent material, and wherein the information relates to an animal within the enclosure.

18. A sparse display system, comprising: A plurality of tiles configured to display information, the plurality of tiles being disposed at least one of within or on a substantially transparent material, each tile comprising: A flexible, substantially transparent substrate, a sparse array of micro light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) disposed on the substantially transparent flexible substrate, the distances between the micro-LEDs in the sparse array being configured to allow for display of at least one of alphanumeric information and image information, while providing visibility through the substantially transparent material, a substantially transparent rigid substrate adhered to a substantially transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer in which a sparse array of micro-LEDs is encapsulated, and at least one driver on an edge of the tile configured to drive the micro LEDs of the tile; at least one processor configured to control display of the plurality of tiles via at least one electrical connection coupled to the at least one driver; and A touch sensor is associated with at least one tile, the touch sensor being configured to receive user input, the processor being configured to adjust the information based on the user input received by the touch sensor.

19. The sparse display system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of tiles comprises at least one tile having a plurality of sparse arrays configured to emit to opposite sides of the substantially transparent material to provide different information to opposite sides of the substantially transparent material.

20. The sparse display system of claim 18, wherein: The substantially transparent material is an outdoor display, and The plurality of tiles includes at least one tile having a plurality of sparse arrays configured to emit to opposite sides of the substantially transparent material to provide different information to opposite sides of the substantially transparent material.

21. The sparse display system of claim 18, wherein: The substantially transparent material is an indoor display, and The sparse array in each tile of the plurality of tiles is configured to emit toward a single side of the substantially transparent material.

22. A sparse display system, comprising: A plurality of tiles configured to display information, the plurality of tiles being disposed at least one of within or on a substantially transparent material, each tile comprising: A flexible, substantially transparent substrate, a sparse array of micro light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) disposed on the substantially transparent flexible substrate, the distances between the micro-LEDs in the sparse array being configured to allow for display of at least one of alphanumeric information and image information, while providing visibility through the substantially transparent material, and a substantially transparent rigid substrate adhered to the substantially transparent flexible substrate via an adhesive layer in which a sparse array of micro-LEDs is encapsulated; a remote user input configured to adjust information provided by at least one tile of the plurality of tiles; and At least one processor is configured to control display of the plurality of tiles based on a signal from a remote user input.

23. The sparse display system of claim 22, wherein: The plurality of tiles include 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.

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