Stereoscopic display module and system with optically isolated light emitters

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods are provided in which light emitters are optically isolated from each other by a high opacity filler, resulting in a majority of the emitted light passing through a polarizer. Ideally, this arrangement is such that all light from the light emitter is either absorbed by the high opacity filler material, or upward through optional diffusers, polarizers, and then through a low opacity coating for protecting the polarizers. Indeed, at least 45% of the light exiting the device passes through the polarizer, more preferably at least 75% or even at least 90% of the light exiting the device passes through the polarizer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic display modules and systems. Background Art

[0002] In the physical world viewing experience, each eye presents a slightly different image to the brain. Stereoscopic display systems attempt to recreate this visual experience using polarizers that present a different view to each eye of the viewer.

[0003] Earlier attempts to recreate the real-world visual 3D experience used a device similar to corrective glasses that included lenses of different colors. A monitor or projector projected two views onto a screen, with each view color-coded to complement one eyeglass lens or the other. Using color to isolate viewing channels often gave viewers headaches.

[0004] Recent 3D designs have focused on creating a 3D viewing experience within a traditional movie theater environment using devices centered around displays on lenticular screens constructed from fabric. However, limited stereoscopic viewing advances have occurred outside of the movie theater environment, including on billboards and other public media / advertising delivery devices. In general, it would be desirable to provide a 3D viewing experience using a wider range of devices, billboards, LED movie theater screens, stadium jumbotrons, and / or other large display devices. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides devices, systems and methods in which light emitters are optically isolated from each other by high opacity fillers, resulting in most of the emitted light passing through the polarizer.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, individual pixels perceived by a viewer are associated with groups of light emitters. As used herein, alternatively, each group of light emitters may be only a single emitter, multiple emitters, or a light emitter package. The light emitters are preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs). In the case where a group of light emitters has only a single emitter, the emitter is advantageously configured to selectively emit multiple colors. In the case where a group of light emitters has multiple emitters, each of the emitters preferably emits a different color. In a light emitter package, the LED or other light emitter is contained within a walled structure.

[0007] To provide the desired optical isolation, the high opacity filler extends from the substrate to at least the bottom of the polarizers, and preferably to the top of the polarizers. Ideally, the arrangement is such that a high percentage of the light from the light emitter group is absorbed by the high opacity filler material, or passes upward through the optional diffuser, polarizer, and then through the low opacity coating used to protect the polarizer. In practice, at least 45% of the light leaving the device passes through the polarizers, more preferably at least 75% of the light leaving the device, and most preferably at least 90% passes through the polarizers.

[0008] All types of polarizers are contemplated, including linear (left and right) polarizers and circular (left and right) polarizers.

[0009] The groups of light emitters, along with their corresponding polarizers, high opacity fillers, and low opacity coatings, are preferably matrixed in a module in a checkerboard or other desired arrangement. A module may contain any suitable number of groups of light emitters, including, for example, 64 groups, 100 groups, or even 1000 groups or more of light emitters. Hundreds or even thousands of modules may be arranged in a display.

[0010] Various resources, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a prior art vertical cross-section of a module comprising a first group of light emitters and a second group of light emitters mounted on a substrate.

[0012] Figure 2 is a vertical cross-section of a module including first and second groups of light emitter packages mounted on a substrate, the groups of light emitter packages being optically separated by a high opacity filler extending to the top of the polarizer.

[0013] Figure 3 is a vertical cross-section of a module including a first set of differently colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a second set of differently colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a substrate, the LEDs being optically separated by a high opacity filler extending to the top of a polarizer.

[0014] Figure 4 is a vertical cross-section of a module comprising a first single light emitting diode (LED) and a second single light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a substrate, the first single light emitting diode (LED) and the second single light emitting diode being optically separated by a high opacity filler extending to the top of the polarizer.

[0015] Figure 5Ais a top perspective view of a module comprising six groups of light emitters arranged in a checkerboard pattern before a high opacity fill material is added.

[0016] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A top perspective view of the module where high opacity fill material has been placed on top of the polarizers.

[0017] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B A top perspective view of the module where a low opacity coating has been placed on top of the high opacity filler and polarizer.

[0018] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a module in which an even number of left and right polarizers are arranged in separate rows.

[0019] Figure 7 is based on Figure 2-6 A top perspective view of a portion of a stereoscopic display system of any of the foregoing, the stereoscopic display system comprising at least 100 display modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following discussion provides many exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the subject matter of the present invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the subject matter of the present invention is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0021] The present design can be used to overcome the problems of previous designs by providing a module comprising multiple light emitter / polarizer assemblies bonded together by one or more high opacity fillers. Multiple instances of the module can be easily combined into a stereoscopic display system.

[0022] It should be understood that any type of encapsulated LED package or unencapsulated light emitter can be used in the current design. Contemplated light emitters include RGBY, RGBW (white), RGB plus infrared, digital RGB, surface mount device LED packages (SMD), and quantum dot LEDs.

[0023] Figure 11 is a prior art vertical cross section of a module 100 including a first group of light emitters 110A and a second group of light emitters 110B mounted on a substrate 105. Each group of light emitters 110A, 110B includes a red LED 112, a yellow LED 113, and a blue LED 114. Data / power lines 140 provide data and power to LEDs 112, 113, and 114. Above the first group of light emitters 110A is an adhesive 120 and a polarizer 130A. Above the second group of light emitters 110A is an adhesive 120 and a second polarizer 130B. The first polarizer 130A polarizes light differently than the second polarizer 130B, whether linearly or circularly.

[0024] These data and power connections are well known to those of ordinary skill and may be embedded within the substrate. Data and power may use the same or different connections.

[0025] Figure 2 2 is a vertical cross section of a module 200 including a first group of light emitter packages 210A and a second group of light emitter packages 210B mounted on a substrate 205. Each group of light emitter packages 210A, 210B includes a red LED 212, a yellow LED 213, and a blue LED 214. Data / power lines 240 provide data and power to LEDs 212, 213, and 214. Above the first group of light emitters 210A is an adhesive 220, an optional diffuser 270, and a polarizer 230A. Above the second group of light emitters 210A is an adhesive 220 and a second polarizer 230B. The first polarizer 230A polarizes light differently than the second polarizer 230B, whether linearly or circularly.

[0026] Figure 3 300 is a prior art vertical cross section of a module 300 including a first group of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 310A and a second group of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 310B of different colors mounted on a substrate 305. Each group of light emitters 310A, 310B includes a red LED 312, a yellow LED 313, and a blue LED 314. Data / power lines 340 provide data and power to LEDs 312, 313, and 314. Above the first group of light emitters 310A is an adhesive 320, an optional diffuser 370, and a polarizer 330A. Above the second group of light emitters 310A is an adhesive 320 and a second polarizer 330B. The first polarizer 330A polarizes light differently from the second polarizer 330B, whether linearly polarized or circularly polarized. The high-opacity filler 360 is disposed up to the top of the polarizers 330A, 330B, and the low-opacity coating 370 covers the polarizers 330A, 330B and the high-opacity filler 360 .

[0027] Figure 4 4 is a prior art vertical cross section of a module 400 including a first single light emitting diode (LED) 410A and a second single light emitting diode (LED) 410B mounted on a substrate 405. Each of LED 410A and LED 410B can emit multiple colors alone or in combination. Data / power lines 440 provide data and power 440 to LED 412, LED 413, LED 414. Above the first group of light emitters 410A is an adhesive 420, an optional diffuser 470, and a polarizer 430A. Above the second group of light emitters 410A is an adhesive 420 and a second polarizer 430B. Whether linearly or circularly, the first polarizer 430A polarizes light differently from the second polarizer 430B.

[0028] Figure 5A 5 is a top perspective view of a module 500 including nine components 510 of groups of light emitters 512 and associated polarizers 514 arranged in a checkerboard pattern before adding a high opacity fill material. The nine components are disposed on top of a substrate 505.

[0029] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A 500 , where a high opacity fill material 520 has been placed on top of the polarizer 514 .

[0030] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B 500 where a low opacity coating 530 has been placed on top of a high opacity filler 520 and polarizer 514.

[0031] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the module 600 in which an even number of components 610 of multiple groups of light emitters 612 and associated polarizers 612 are arranged such that alternating left polarizers 612 and right polarizers 612 are arranged in rows.

[0032] Figure 7 is based on Figure 2-6 A top view of a portion of a stereoscopic display system 700 including at least 100 display modules 710 of any one of the embodiments.

[0033] exist Figure 2-7In each of the figures in FIG, the high opacity filler 250, 350, 450 extends between adjacent light emitter groups and extends at least to the bottom of the corresponding polarizer (e.g., 230A, 230B, 330A, 330B, 420A, and 430B). More preferably, the high opacity filler 250, 350, 450 extends at least to the top of the polarizer. The opacity of the high opacity filler 250, 350, 450 is such that at least 45% of the light leaving the device passes through the polarizer, more preferably at least 75% or even at least 90% of the light leaving the device passes through the polarizer. The high opacity filler 250, 350, 450 is preferably silicone or other resin, and is preferably made opaque by including graphene or acrylic pigments.

[0034] The low-opacity coating 260, 360, 460 is preferably substantially transparent to at least visible light. Suitable materials for the low-opacity coating include two-part or UV curable resins.

[0035] The optional diffuser 270, 370, 470 can enhance the three-dimensional effect in at least two ways. First, without a diffuser, light from the light emitter may tend to "blow through" the polarizer, resulting in a ghosting effect that may detract from the viewing experience. Second, the addition of the diffuser spreads out the light, resulting in a reduced lumen per square millimeter value that enhances the polarization effect. In various contemplated embodiments, a diffuser may be placed above the polarizer to reduce glare and increase the effective viewing angle.

[0036] It should be clear to those skilled in the art that, in addition to those already described, more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention is not limited except within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, when interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as representing elements, parts or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the mentioned elements, parts or steps may exist, or be utilized, or be combined with other elements, parts or steps not explicitly mentioned. When the specification claims refer to at least one thing specified from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, rather than A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A display module, comprising: substrate; a matrix of at least a first group of light emitters and a second group of light emitters spaced apart extending above the substrate; A first polarizer and a second polarizer, disposed above the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters, respectively; a high opacity filler extending between the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters and disposed at a height at least as high as a bottom of each of the first polarizer and the second polarizer; as well as A low-opacity coating is disposed over the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

2. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters emits at least three different colors.

3. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first and second groups of light emitters includes a single light emitting element addressable to produce a wavelength range between 400 nanometers and 750 nanometers.

4. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first and second groups of light emitters includes a plurality of light emitting elements collectively addressable to produce a wavelength range between 400 nanometers and 750 nanometers.

5. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters includes a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. 6 . The display module of claim 1 , further comprising a first diffuser and a second diffuser disposed below the first polarizer and the second polarizer, respectively.

7. The display module according to claim 6, wherein: The high opacity filler is disposed around the first group of light emitters, the first diffuser, and the first polarizer such that an intensity of at least 45% of a total amount of light between 400 and 750 nanometers that exits the matrix from the first group of light emitters passes through the first polarizer.

8. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters is remote from the first polarizer and the second polarizer, respectively.

9. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarizer and the second polarizer polarize light in different directions.

10. The display module according to claim 9, wherein: The first polarizer and the second polarizer polarize light in left and right circular polarization directions, respectively.

11. The display module according to claim 9, wherein: The first polarizer and the second polarizer polarize light in a left linear polarization direction and a right linear polarization direction, respectively.

12. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarizer is one of a total even number of left-direction polarizers.

13. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarizer is one of a total odd number of left-direction polarizers.

14. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarizer is one of a plurality of left-direction polarizers, the second polarizer is one of a plurality of right-direction polarizers, and the left polarizers and the right polarizers are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

15. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarizer is one of a plurality of left-direction polarizers, the second polarizer is one of a plurality of right-direction polarizers, and the left polarizers and the right polarizers are arranged in alternating rows.

16. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarizer and the third polarizer are included in a polarizing film.

17. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The high opacity filler includes a resin.

18. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The high opacity filler opaquely transmits less than 80% of the total light transmitted by the low opacity coating at light between 400 and 750 nanometers.

19. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The high opacity filler opaquely transmits less than 50% of the total light transmitted by the low opacity coating at light between 400 and 750 nanometers.

20. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The high opacity filler opaquely transmits less than 20% of the total light transmitted by the low opacity coating at light between 400 and 750 nanometers.

21. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters is contained within a surface mount device (SMD) LED package.

22. The display module according to claim 1, further comprising: a third polarizer and a fourth polarizer disposed above the third group of light emitters and the fourth group of light emitters; The high opacity filler extends between the third group of light emitters and the fourth group of light emitters and has a height at least as high as the bottom of each of the third polarizer and the fourth polarizer; as well as The low-opacity coating is disposed over the third polarizer and the fourth polarizer.

23. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The matrix includes at least 100 groups of light emitters.

24. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The matrix includes at least 1000 groups of light emitters.

25. The display module of claim 1, physically coupled to at least 99 other instances of the display module of claim 1.

26. A stereoscopic display system comprising at least 64 instances of a display module, each of the display modules comprising: substrate; a matrix of at least a first group of light emitters and a second group of light emitters spaced apart extending above the substrate; A first polarizer and a second polarizer, disposed above the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters, respectively; a high opacity filler extending between the first group of light emitters and the second group of light emitters and disposed at a height at least as high as a bottom of each of the first polarizer and the second polarizer; as well as A low-opacity coating is disposed over the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

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