Stereoscopic display module and system with optically isolated light emitter

Abstract

This invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which light emitters are optically isolated from each other by high-opacity fillers, causing most of the emitted light to pass through polarizers. Ideally, this arrangement ensures that all light from the light emitters is either absorbed by the high-opacity filler material or passes upward through an optional diffuser, polarizer, and then through a low-opacity coating to protect the polarizer. In practice, at least 45% of the light leaving the apparatus passes through the polarizer, more preferably at least 75% or even at least 90% of the light leaving the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

[0003] Early attempts to recreate a realistic 3D visual experience used a device similar to corrective glasses, consisting of lenses of different colors. A monitor or projector projected two views onto a screen, each color-coded to complement one or more of the glasses lenses. Using color to isolate viewing channels often caused headaches for viewers.

[0004] Recent 3D design focuses on creating 3D viewing experiences within traditional cinema environments using devices centered around displays on lenticular screens constructed from fabric. However, limited advancements in stereoscopic viewing have occurred outside of cinema environments, including on billboards and other public media / advertising delivery equipment. Generally, there will be a greater desire to utilize a wider range of devices, billboards, LED cinema screens, stadium mega-screens, and / or other large-scale display equipment to deliver 3D viewing experiences. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods in which light emitters are optically isolated from each other by high-opacity fillers, causing most of the emitted light to pass through polarizers.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, an individual pixel perceived by the viewer is associated with a group of light emitters. Alternatively, as used herein, each group of light emitters may be a single emitter, multiple emitters, or a light emitter package. The light emitter is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED). 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, a high-opacity filler extends from the substrate at least to the bottom of these polarizers, and preferably to the top of these polarizers. Ideally, this arrangement allows a high percentage of the light from the light emitter assembly to be absorbed by the high-opacity filler material, or to pass upwards through optional diffusers, polarizers, and then through a low-opacity coating used to protect the polarizers. In practice, at least 45% of the light leaving the device passes through the polarizers, more preferably at least 75%, and most preferably at least 90%.

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

[0009] The light emitter array, along with its corresponding polarizer, high-opacity filler, and low-opacity coating, is preferably matrixed in a checkerboard or other desired arrangement within the module. The module can contain any suitable number of light emitters, including, for example, 64, 100, or even 1000 or more groups. Hundreds or even thousands of modules can be arranged in a display.

[0010] The various resources, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter of this invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, together with the accompanying drawings, in which similar numbers denote similar parts. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

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

[0015] Figure 5AThis is a top perspective view of a module including six groups of light emitters arranged in a checkerboard pattern, before adding high-opacity fill material.

[0016] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The top perspective view of the module, where high-opacity fill material has been applied to the top of these polarizers.

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

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

[0019] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 2-6 A top perspective view of a portion of a stereoscopic display system comprising at least 100 display modules. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following discussion provides numerous exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of this invention. While each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the subject matter of this invention is considered to encompass 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 this invention is also considered to encompass other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0021] This design overcomes the problems of previous designs by providing a module comprising multiple light emitter / polarizer assemblies joined 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. Envisioned light emitters include RGBY, RGBW (white), RGB plus infrared, digital RGB, surface mount device (SMD) LED packages, and quantum dot LEDs.

[0023] Figure 1This is a prior art vertical cross-section of a module 100 including a first set of light emitters 110A and a second set of light emitters 110B mounted on a substrate 105. Each set of light emitters 110A and 110B includes a red LED 112, a yellow LED 113, and a blue LED 114. A data / power line 140 provides data and power to the LEDs 112, 113, and 114. Above the first set of light emitters 110A are an adhesive 120 and a polarizer 130A. Above the second set of light emitters 110A are the adhesive 120 and the second polarizer 130B. Whether linearly or circularly, the first polarizer 130A polarizes light differently from the second polarizer 130B.

[0024] These data and power connections are familiar to those in the general technical field and can be embedded within the substrate. Data and power connections can use the same or different connections.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a vertical cross-section of a module 200 comprising a first set of light emitter packages 210A and a second set of light emitter packages 210B mounted on a substrate 205. Each set of light emitter packages 210A and 210B includes a red LED 212, a yellow LED 213, and a blue LED 214. A data / power line 240 provides data and power to LEDs 212, 213, and 214. Above the first set of light emitters 210A are an adhesive 220, an optional diffuser 270, and a polarizer 230A. Above the second set of light emitters 210A are the adhesive 220 and the second polarizer 230B. Whether linearly or circularly, the first polarizer 230A polarizes light differently from the second polarizer 230B.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a prior art vertical cross-section of a module 300 comprising a first set of different-colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 310A and a second set of different-colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 310B mounted on a substrate 305. Each set of light emitters 310A, 310B includes a red LED 312, a yellow LED 313, and a blue LED 314. A data / power line 340 provides data and power to LEDs 312, 313, and 314. Above the first set of light emitters 310A are an adhesive 320, an optional diffuser 370, and a polarizer 330A. Above the second set of light emitters 310A are the adhesive 320 and the second polarizer 330B. Whether linearly or cyclically polarized, the first polarizer 330A polarizes the light differently from the second polarizer 330B. High-opacity filler 360 is positioned up to the top of polarizers 330A and 330B, and low-opacity coating 370 covers polarizers 330A and 330B and high-opacity filler 360.

[0027] Figure 4 This 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 the LEDs 410A and 410B can emit multiple colors individually or in combination. Data / power lines 440 provide data and power to LEDs 412, 413, and 414. Above the first set of light emitters 410A are an adhesive 420, an optional diffuser 470, and a polarizer 430A. Above the second set of light emitters 410A are the adhesive 420 and the second polarizer 430B. Whether linearly or circularly, the first polarizer 430A polarizes light differently from the second polarizer 430B.

[0028] Figure 5A This is a top perspective view of module 500 before the addition of a high-opacity filler material. Module 500 includes nine components 510 comprising multiple sets of light emitters 512 arranged in a checkerboard pattern and associated polarizers 514. These nine components are positioned on top of substrate 505.

[0029] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The top perspective view of module 500, in which high-opacity fill material 520 has been arranged on top of polarizer 514.

[0030] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B The top perspective view of module 500, in which a low-opacity coating 530 has been placed on top of a high-opacity filler 520 and a polarizer 514.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of module 600, in which an even number of components 610 of multiple sets 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 It is based on Figure 2-6 A top view of a portion of a stereoscopic display system 700 comprising at least 100 display modules 710.

[0033] exist Figure 2-7In each figure, high-opacity fillers 250, 350, and 450 extend between adjacent light emitter groups and at least to the bottom of the corresponding polarizers (e.g., 230A, 230B, 330A, 330B, 420A, and 430B). More preferably, the high-opacity fillers 250, 350, and 450 extend at least to the top of the polarizer. The opacity of the high-opacity fillers 250, 350, and 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 fillers 250, 350, and 450 are preferably silicone or other resins and are preferably made opaque by incorporating graphene or acrylic pigments.

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

[0035] Optional diffusers 270, 370, and 470 can enhance the 3D effect in at least two ways. First, without a diffuser, light from the light emitter may tend to "blow" across the polarizer, resulting in a ghosting effect that may detract from the viewing experience. Second, the addition of a diffuser spreads the light, thereby producing a reduced lumen per square millimeter value that enhances the polarization effect. In various anticipated embodiments, the diffuser may be placed above the polarizer to reduce glare and increase the effective viewing angle.

[0036] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in addition to those already described, further modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concept described herein. Therefore, the subject matter of the invention is not limited except within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, in 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 referring to an element, component, or step in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the mentioned element, component, or step may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly mentioned. Where a claim in the specification refers 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: a substrate; a matrix of at least a first set of light emitters and a second set of light emitters spaced apart extending above the substrate; a first polarizer and a second polarizer disposed above the first set of light emitters and the second set of light emitters, respectively; a high opacity filler extending between the first set of light emitters and the second set of light emitters and disposed at least up to a height of a bottom of each of the first polarizer and the second polarizer; a low opacity coating disposed above the first polarizer and the second polarizer; a first diffuser and a second diffuser disposed below the first polarizer and the second polarizer, respectively; and wherein the high opacity filler is disposed around the first set of light emitters, the first diffuser, and the first polarizer such that at least 45% of an intensity of a total amount of light between 400 and 750 nanometers that exits the matrix from the first set of light emitters passes through the first polarizer. Each of the first set of light emitters and the second set of light emitters emits at least three different colors.

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

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

4. The display module of claim 1, wherein, Each of the first set of light emitters and the second set of light emitters includes a red light emitting diode (LED), an LED, a green LED, and a blue LED.

5. The display module of claim 1, wherein, Each of the first set of light emitters and the second set of light emitters is respectively distanced from the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

6. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first polarizer and the second polarizer polarize light in different directions.

7. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first polarizer and the second polarizer polarize light in different circular polarization directions, respectively.

8. The display module of claim 7, wherein, The first polarizer and the second polarizer polarize light in left and right directions, respectively.

9. The display module of claim 7, wherein, The first polarizer is one of a total even number of left direction polarizers.

10. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first polarizer is one of a total odd number of left direction polarizers.

11. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first polarizer is one of a plurality of left direction polarizers and the second polarizer is one of a plurality of right direction polarizers, the plurality of left direction polarizers and the plurality of right direction polarizers arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

12. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first polarizer is one of a plurality of left direction polarizers and the second polarizer is one of a plurality of right direction polarizers, the plurality of left direction polarizers and the plurality of right direction polarizers arranged in alternating rows.

13. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first polarizer and the second polarizer are included within a polarizing film.

14. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The high opacity filler includes a resin.

15. The display module of claim 1, wherein, For a total light intensity of less than 20 lumens, the light that the high opacity filler opaquely transmits is less than 80% of the light transmitted by the low opacity coating of light between 400 and 750 nanometers.

16. The display module of claim 1, wherein, ​ 17. The display module of claim 1, wherein, For a total light intensity of less than 20 lumens, the light opaquely transmitted by the high opacity filler is less than 50% of the light transmitted by the low opacity coating for light between 400 and 750 nanometers.

18. The display module of claim 1, wherein, For a total light intensity of less than 20 lumens, the light opaquely transmitted by the high opacity filler is less than 20% of the light transmitted by the low opacity coating for light between 400 and 750 nanometers.

19. The display module of claim 1, wherein, Each of the first and second groups of light emitters are contained within a surface mount device LED package.

20. The display module of claim 1, further comprising: a third polarizer and a fourth polarizer disposed above the third and fourth groups of light emitters; the high opacity filler extends between the third and fourth groups of light emitters and has a height at least up to a bottom of each of the third and fourth polarizers; and the low opacity coating is disposed above the third and fourth polarizers.

21. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The matrix includes at least 100 groups of light emitters.

22. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The matrix includes at least 1000 groups of light emitters.

23. The display module of claim 1, physically coupled with at least 99 other display modules according to claim 1.

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