Electronic device

Abstract

The present disclosure may provide an electronic device that is thinner than a conventional device and does not require a lens for vision correction, the electronic device comprising: a display panel for displaying an image; the pinhole array is provided with a plurality of pinholes; and a lens array having a plurality of optical elements corresponding to the plurality of pinholes for magnifying an image passing through each pinhole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to such an electronic device as a wearable display used in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), etc. Background Technology

[0002] Virtual reality (VR) refers to a specific environment, situation, or technology itself that resembles reality created by artificial technology using computers, but is not real.

[0003] Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that synthesizes virtual objects or information in a real environment and makes them look like objects that exist in the original environment.

[0004] Mixed reality (MR) refers to the creation of new environments or information by combining the virtual and real worlds. Specifically, it is called mixed reality when it refers to something that allows real-time interaction between real and virtual elements.

[0005] In this context, the created virtual environment and situations stimulate the user's five senses, allowing them to freely enter and leave the boundary between reality and imagination by enabling them to experience spaces and times similar to real things. Furthermore, users can not only simply immerse themselves in the environment, but also interact with things realized within it, such as manipulating or issuing commands using real devices.

[0006] Recently, research has been actively conducted on devices (apparatus) used in this type of technology.

[0007] Wearable displays that generate images in the air generally fall into two categories: helmet-mounted displays and glasses-type wearable displays. Helmet-mounted displays have a structure in which the optical lens system has increased volume to generate a large image through an expanded field of view (FOV), and are mounted on the user's head, hence the name head-mounted display (HMD). Therefore, helmet-mounted displays are used in specialized fields requiring limited space and minimal movement, such as military training (cyber flight training) and online gaming.

[0008] On the other hand, glasses-type wearable displays have a viewing structure that is worn on the nose and ears like glasses, and are lightweight and compact in size so that they are easy to use even in mobile environments.

[0009] like Figure 1As shown, the wearable display 10 can be configured as a direct-view structure, wherein the panel and lens are mounted in front of the user's eyes (or pupils) E. That is, the wearable display 10 with a direct-view structure may include a display panel 100, a virtual image generation lens (or lens group) 200, and a vision correction lens 250.

[0010] The display panel 100 can generate images that are visible to the user of the wearable display 10.

[0011] The virtual image generation lens 200 magnifies the generated image, allowing the user to perceive the generated image as a virtual image. The virtual image can appear to be approximately 1m to 3m away from the user.

[0012] The vision correction lens 250 corrects the user's refractive errors (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, etc.) so that images can be viewed clearly.

[0013] In order for the virtual image generation lens 200 to generate a virtual image, a predetermined separation distance is required between the virtual image generation lens 200 and the display panel 100. The separation distance can be similar to the focal length of a lens. The separation distance can have a significant impact on the thickness (in the Z direction) of the wearable display 10. That is, a larger separation distance may mean that the thickness of the wearable display 10 will inevitably increase.

[0014] To reduce the separation distance while maintaining the optical path length between the virtual image generating lens 200 and the display panel 100, a pancake lens (or lens group) can be considered to be positioned between the virtual image generating lens 200 and the display panel 100. Even with a pancake lens, the separation distance can only be reduced to about half or one-third, limiting the reduction in the thickness of the wearable display 10. Furthermore, a pancake lens inevitably reduces light efficiency. Additionally, using a pancake lens may increase the manufacturing cost of the wearable display 10.

[0015] In one example, the vision correction lens 250 itself could be a factor that increases the thickness of the wearable display 10. Additionally, because vision may differ for each user, there is the inconvenience of having to purchase vision correction lenses suitable for each individual. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] This disclosure is made to address the aforementioned problems and various related issues, and the technical objective of this disclosure is to provide an electronic device, such as a wearable display that is thinner than existing devices and does not require vision correction lenses.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] To achieve the technical objectives described above, according to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising: a display panel displaying an image; a pinhole array including a plurality of pinholes; and a lens array including a plurality of optical elements, the plurality of optical elements respectively corresponding to the plurality of pinholes and used to magnify the image passing through each pinhole.

[0020] Multiple pinholes and multiple optical elements can correspond to each other in a 1:1, N:1, or 1:N ratio.

[0021] Each of the plurality of optical elements may be configured as a general-purpose lens, a Fresnel lens, and a diffractive element.

[0022] The electronic device may also include an optical path correction lens for correcting the optical path of the image toward the user's eye in the horizontal direction.

[0023] The optical path correction lens can be configured as one of a general-purpose lens, a Fresnel lens, and a diffraction element.

[0024] An optical path correction lens can be placed between a lens array and a pinhole array.

[0025] The pinhole array can be positioned between the lens array and the optical path correction lens.

[0026] The lens array can be positioned between the pinhole array and the optical path correction lens.

[0027] The pinhole array and the lens array, one surface of which faces the pinhole array, can be formed as a curved surface.

[0028] The opposing surfaces of the lens array can be formed as planes.

[0029] The lens array and the optical path correction lens can be integrated to form an optical path correction lens array.

[0030] The optical path correction lens array may include a lens body and a plurality of optical elements protruding from one surface of the lens body, and each of the plurality of protruding optical elements may be inserted into each of the plurality of pinholes.

[0031] The opposing surfaces of the lens body can form curved surfaces.

[0032] The lens array may include a pancake lens layer configured to allow light beams of the image to be reflected in the pancake lens layer in a reciprocating manner and transmitted through the pancake lens layer using polarization principles.

[0033] Of the two surfaces of the lens array, the pancake lens layer can be disposed on one surface facing the display panel.

[0034] Each of the plurality of pinholes may have a circular or polygonal planar shape.

[0035] The separation distance between adjacent pinholes can be increased from the center of the pinhole array toward the periphery.

[0036] The plurality of pinholes may be distributed in one of the following patterns: lattice pattern, rhombus pattern, and circular pattern.

[0037] The diameter of each of the plurality of pinholes can be equal to or greater than 400 μm.

[0038] The separation distance between the pinhole array and the display panel can be less than 40mm.

[0039] Beneficial effects

[0040] The effects of the electronic device according to this disclosure will be described below.

[0041] According to at least one of the aspects of this disclosure, an electronic device with a smaller thickness than existing products can be realized.

[0042] According to at least one of several aspects of this disclosure, an electronic device that provides a wider field of view (FOV) than existing products can be realized.

[0043] In addition, according to at least one of several aspects of this disclosure, an electronic device capable of enabling a wearable display that allows a user to clearly view an image without a vision correction lens can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 An example of a wearable display with a direct-view structure is shown.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 3 A plan view of a pinhole array of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0047] Figure 4 A pinhole array of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figures 5 to 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to a relevant aspect of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 The pinhole array and lens array of electronic devices.

[0050] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Variations of pinhole arrays and lens arrays in [the text].

[0051] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 12 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 13 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0055] Figures 14 to 19 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to a relevant aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or equivalent parts, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Generally, suffixes such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer to elements or components. Such suffixes are used herein only for ease of description and are not intended to give any particular meaning or function. In this disclosure, for the sake of brevity, content well known to those skilled in the art is generally omitted. The drawings are provided to aid in the easy understanding of various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited to the drawings. Therefore, this disclosure should be construed as extending to any changes, equivalents, and substitutions other than those specifically set forth in the drawings.

[0057] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used in this document to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0058] It should be understood that when a component is described as being "connected" to another component, the component can be directly connected to the other component, or there may be an intermediate component. Conversely, when a component is described as being "directly connected" to another component, there is no intermediate component.

[0059] A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it carries a meaning that is explicitly different from that in the context.

[0060] Terms such as “comprising” or “having” are used herein and should be understood to indicate the presence of certain components, functions or steps disclosed in the specification, and should also be understood to mean that more or fewer components, functions or steps may be used in the same manner.

[0061] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 2 The description includes a direct-view electronic device with a pinhole array. Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device 10 may include a display panel 100 and a pinhole array 300. A user of the electronic device 10 can view images output from the display panel 100 through the pinhole array 300.

[0063] In addition to the components described above, the electronic device 10 may also include other components. Examples of other components may include a user input unit for receiving user input, a storage device for storing software for driving, etc., a communication unit for communicating with external devices, a controller for controlling various electronic components disposed in the electronic device 10, etc. However, since these other components are not the main focus of this disclosure, their detailed description will be omitted. This also applies to the electronic device 10 described below.

[0064] The display panel 100 can generate images visible to the user of the wearable display 10. The display panel 100 may include liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) elements, liquid crystal display (LCD) elements, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) elements, and digital micromirror devices (DMDs), and may also include next-generation display elements such as micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs), quantum dot (QD) LEDs, etc.

[0065] The pinhole array 300, as an optical array, can be understood as an array of multiple pinholes 315 for light transmission defined in a predetermined pattern in a light-blocking layer.

[0066] Images generated by the display panel 100 can be viewed through each pinhole of the pinhole array 300. Users can view images based on the pinhole effect. The term "pinhole" originates from an opening similar to a hole made of a pin used for observing objects, and the pinhole effect refers to the phenomenon that light that has passed through the small hole is more clearly visible due to the greater depth of field (DOF).

[0067] Further reference Figure 3 Describe the pinhole array. Figure 3 A plan view of a pinhole array of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0068] like Figure 3As shown, the pinhole array 300 may include a light-blocking layer and a plurality of pinholes defined in the light-blocking layer to transmit light based on a predetermined pattern.

[0069] The light source of the pinhole array 300 can have a wavelength band within the visible light range, and the range can extend from laser sources with narrow wavelength bandwidths to natural light sources with wide wavelength bandwidths. Besides air (transmittance n=1), the medium through which light passes through the pinhole can be a transmissive material, such as glass or plastic.

[0070] exist Figure 3 As shown in (3-1), (3-2), and (3-3), multiple pinholes are uniformly distributed in the pinhole array 300. Each pinhole can be as follows: Figure 3 The circle shown in (3-1) can be as follows: Figure 3 The rectangle shown in (3-2) can be, or it can be, as shown in Figure 3 The hexagon shown in (3-3) is an example. The planar shape of each pinhole is not limited to the shape described above, and can be other shapes, such as a pentagon.

[0071] exist Figure 3 As shown in (3-1), (3-2), and (3-3), multiple pinholes are distributed based on a lattice pattern. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 3 As shown in (3-4), multiple pinholes can be distributed in various patterns, such as diamond patterns or zigzag patterns.

[0072] In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown in (3-5), multiple pinholes can be distributed such that they are most concentrated at the center of the pinhole array 300 and less concentrated towards the periphery of the pinhole array 300. The multiple pinholes can be distributed in a circular pattern in the radial direction. The separation distance between adjacent pinholes can increase from the center of the pinhole array 300 towards its periphery. As mentioned above, even when multiple pinholes are distributed in this way, the planar shape of each pinhole can be circular or polygonal. In this case, the pinhole array 300 can provide the user with a wider field of view.

[0073] As the aperture of each pinhole in the pinhole array 300 decreases, the pinhole effect can be further increased. However, as the aperture of each pinhole in the pinhole array 300 decreases, noise may be introduced into the image viewed through the pinhole array 300. This will be further referenced. Figure 4 Describe it. Figure 4 A pinhole array of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0074] like Figure 4As shown in (4-1), when an image output from the display panel 100 passes through the pinhole 310, noise N may be generated depending on the characteristics of the pinhole 310.

[0075] The planar shape of the pinhole 310 (e.g., a circular shape, etc.) needs to be geometrically perfect, such as Figure 4 As shown in (4-2). The aperture of pinhole 310 is represented by D.

[0076] However, when actually manufacturing the pinhole array 300, the planar shape of the pinhole 310 may not be geometrically perfect, such as... Figure 4 As shown in (4-3). That is, the edge of the pinhole 310 may have a small irregular shape 310A, and noise N may be caused by the resulting diffraction. In addition, unintended impurities 315B may be present in the opening of the pinhole 310, and noise N may be caused by the resulting diffraction. This is especially true when the aperture of each pinhole is small. Therefore, it is preferable that the aperture of each pinhole is equal to or greater than 400 μm.

[0077] In one example, to maintain the pinhole effect, the separation distance between the display panel 100 and the pinhole array 300 needs to be equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, relative to the aperture of each pinhole. That is, the separation distance needs to be at least 100 times the aperture of each pinhole. This will be further referenced. Figure 5 Describe it. Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown in (5-1), when the separation distance between the display panel 100 and the pinhole array (or pinholes) 300 is large enough (e.g., 100 times or more the aperture of each pinhole), the light output from the display panel 100 and reaching the user's eye (or retina) E is essentially focused to a single point. That is, the virtual image 150 visible to the user can become clear.

[0079] However, as Figure 5 As shown in (5-2), when the separation distance between the display panel 100 and the pinhole array (or pinholes) 300 is insufficient (e.g., less than 100 times the aperture of each pinhole), the area of ​​light output from the display panel 100 and reaching and focusing on the user's eye (or retina) E may increase. That is, blurring may occur in the virtual image 150 visible to the user.

[0080] In summary, the depth of field of light passing through pinhole 310 increases inversely with the aperture D of pinhole 310. However, as the aperture D of pinhole 310 decreases, the noise N becomes clearer and more noticeable.

[0081] Therefore, when the aperture D of pinhole 310 increases, the noise N can be reduced, but the depth of field of pinhole 310 can be reduced, and thus the effect of pinhole 310 can be reduced. Therefore, to make the image output from display panel 100 clearly visible, the spacing between pinhole array 300 and display panel 100 should be widened. When the aperture of each pinhole is equal to or greater than 400 μm, the distance between display panel 100 and pinhole array 300 can be equal to or greater than 40 mm. A larger distance between display panel 100 and pinhole array 300 can mean an increase in the thickness of electronic device 10.

[0082] Further references will be made below. Figure 6 An electronic device is described that is capable of reducing the spacing between the pinhole array 300 and the display panel 100, while including pinholes 310 having an aperture size sufficient to reduce the noise level caused by the pinholes as described above to a predetermined level or lower. Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the electronic device 10 may include a display panel 100, a pinhole array 300, and a lens array 400. A user of the electronic device 10 can view images output from the display panel 100 through the pinhole array 300 and the lens array 400.

[0084] The display panel 100 is used to generate images that can be viewed by the user of the wearable display 10, as described above, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted.

[0085] The pinhole array 300 is used for the pinhole effect, as described above, so its detailed description will be omitted.

[0086] Lens array 400 may include multiple lenses (e.g., microlenses) distributed to correspond to the optical paths passing through multiple pinholes of pinhole array 300. Lens array 400 magnifies the image passing through each pinhole, such that the image is clearly visible to the user even when the distance between pinhole array 300 and display panel 100 is smaller than the distance without lens array 400. Each of the multiple lenses can be understood as an optical element.

[0087] Further reference Figure 7 Describes the image viewed by the user through the electronic device 10 configured as described above. Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0088] Each lens of the lens array 400 can push the image output through the display panel 100 further away, so that the image can be viewed clearly even when the separation distance between the display panel 100 and the pinhole array 300 is small. The focal length of each lens can be smaller than the separation distance between the display panel 100 and the pinhole array 300.

[0089] When the aperture of each pinhole is equal to or greater than 400μm, the distance between the display panel 100 and the pinhole array 300 can be less than 40mm due to the lens array.

[0090] Further reference Figure 8 Describe the arrangement relationship between the multiple pinholes of the pinhole array 300 and the multiple lenses of the lens array 400. Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 The pinhole array and lens array of electronic devices.

[0091] Multiple lenses can be arranged in a lens array 400 such that each lens 410 of the lens array 400 corresponds to each pinhole 310 of the pinhole array 300 in a 1:1 ratio. The aperture D1 of each lens can be larger than the aperture D2 of each pinhole 310. Each lens 410 can be arranged in the lens array 400 such that its center corresponds to the path of the light beam passing through each pinhole 310.

[0092] Each lens 410 of the lens array 400 does not necessarily correspond to each pinhole 310 of the pinhole array 300 in a 1:1 ratio. This will be further referenced. Figure 9 Describe it. Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Variations of pinhole arrays and lens arrays in [the text].

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown in (9-1), multiple lenses can be arranged in a lens array 400 such that N (N>1) pinholes 310 correspond to one lens 410.

[0094] Alternatively, such as Figure 9 As shown in (9-2), multiple lenses can be arranged in a lens array 400 such that N (N>1) lenses 410 correspond to one pinhole 310.

[0095] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The relationship between the pinhole array 300 (especially multiple pinholes 310) and the lens array 400 (especially multiple lenses 410) described herein can also be applied to the electronic device 10 described below.

[0096] A general-purpose lens (e.g., a general-purpose convex lens) can be used as each lens 410 of the lens array 400. However, to reduce the thickness of the electronic device 10, lenses other than general-purpose lenses can be used. This will be further referenced. Figure 10 Describe it. Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown in (10-1), instead of using a general-purpose lens as lens array 400 for lens 410, a Fresnel lens can be used as lens array 401 for lens 410.

[0098] Alternatively, such as Figure 10 As shown in (10-2), instead of using a general-purpose lens as lens 410, a lens array 402 in which diffractive elements (such as differential optical elements (DOE), holographic optical elements (HOE), or superlenses) used as lenses can be used as lens array 402. In this case, the eye motion frame (EMB) can be widened.

[0099] Fresnel lenses and diffractive elements can be understood as various optical components.

[0100] The relationship between a Fresnel lens or diffraction element and a pinhole can be as described above. The use of a Fresnel lens or diffraction element instead of a general-purpose lens can also be applied to the electronic device 10 described below.

[0101] When setting reference Figures 6 to 8 When describing the pinhole array 300 and lens array 400, the lens array 400 may need to be wider than the pinhole array 300. This can act as a factor in increasing the planar area of ​​the electronic device 10 (i.e., the planar area based on the X and Y directions). This will refer to Figure 11 To describe in more detail. Figure 11 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0102] like Figure 11 As shown, multiple lenses 410 can each correspond to multiple pinholes 310. That is, each lens 410 can be aligned with each pinhole 310 in a radial direction from the user's eye E toward the display panel 100. This is to provide the user with a wide field of view. The light beam passing through each lens 410 can reach the user's eye E via each pinhole 310.

[0103] Therefore, based on the radiation direction, the first spacing d1 between adjacent lenses 410 can be greater than the second spacing d2 between adjacent pinholes 310, and the size of the display panel 100 may also need to be increased proportionally to the first difference Δ1 between the first spacing d1 and the second spacing d2. This can act as a factor in increasing the planar area of ​​the electronic device 10 (i.e., the planar area based on the X and Y directions).

[0104] Further reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 This describes the method used to solve the problem. Figure 12 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure, and Figure 13 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0105] like Figure 12 As shown, the electronic device 10 may include a display panel 100, a pinhole array 300, a lens array 400, and an optical path correction lens 500.

[0106] Since the display panel 100, pinhole array 300, and lens array 400 are the same as described above, their detailed descriptions will be omitted. Further reference will be made. Figure 13 Description of optical path correction lens 500.

[0107] like Figure 13 As shown, the optical path correction lens 500 can be used to correct the optical path from each pinhole 310 to each lens 410 in the radial direction to a horizontal optical path. Even when each lens 410 is aligned with each pinhole 310 in the horizontal direction from the user's eye E toward the display panel 100, the electronic device 10 can provide the user with a wide field of view. The light beam that has passed through each lens 410 can reach the user's eye E via the optical path correction lens 500 and each pinhole 310.

[0108] Therefore, based on the radiation direction, the third spacing d3 between adjacent lenses 410 can be substantially equal to or greater than the fourth spacing d4 between adjacent pinholes 310, up to a minimum. Furthermore, the second difference Δ2 between the third spacing d3 and the fourth spacing d4 can be substantially zero or at least less than the first difference Δ1. Thus, there is no need to increase the planar area of ​​the display panel 100 (i.e., the planar area based on the X and Y directions) to provide a wide field of view for the user, which helps to reduce the overall size of the electronic device 10.

[0109] exist Figure 12The document describes the lens array 400, the optical path correction lens 500, and the pinhole array 300 as arranged sequentially in the direction from the display panel 100 to the user's eye E (i.e., the Z direction). However, they do not necessarily have to be arranged in this order. Further reference will be made later. Figure 14 Describe it. Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0110] like Figure 14 As shown in (14-1), the pinhole array 300 can be disposed between the lens array 400 and the optical path correction lens 500. For example, the lens array 400, the pinhole array 300, and the optical path correction lens 500 can be arranged sequentially in the direction from the display panel 100 to the user's eye E (i.e., the Z direction). Alternatively, although not shown, the optical path correction lens 500, the pinhole array 300, and the lens array 400 can be arranged sequentially in the direction from the display panel 100 to the user's eye E (i.e., the Z direction).

[0111] Or, such as Figure 14 As shown in (14-2), the pinhole array 300 can be disposed between the display panel and the lens array 400. For example, the pinhole array 300, the lens array 400, and the optical path correction lens 500 can be arranged sequentially in the direction from the display panel 100 to the user's eye E (i.e., the Z direction). Alternatively, although not shown, the pinhole array 300, the optical path correction lens 500, and the lens array 400 can be arranged sequentially in the direction from the display panel 100 to the user's eye E.

[0112] In one example, the optical path correction lens 500 could be a Fresnel lens, rather than a general-purpose lens. This will refer to... Figure 15 Describe it. Figure 15 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0113] like Figure 15 As shown in (15-1), instead of the optical path correction lens 500 which is a general lens, the optical path correction lens 501 which is a Fresnel lens can be used.

[0114] In this case, such as Figure 15 As shown in (15-2), instead of lens array 400 in which a general-purpose lens is used as lens 410, lens array 401 in which a Fresnel lens is used as lens 410 can be used.

[0115] Alternatively, such as Figure 15As shown in (15-3), instead of a general-purpose lens used as lens 410, a lens array 402 using a diffractive element (e.g., a differential optical element (DOE), a holographic optical element (HOE), or a superlens) used as a lens can be used as lens 410.

[0116] Furthermore, the optical path correction lens 500 can be a diffraction element instead of a general-purpose lens. This will refer to... Figure 16 Describe it. Figure 16 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0117] like Figure 16 As shown in (16-1), instead of the optical path correction lens 500 which is a general-purpose lens, an optical path correction lens 502 can be used, which is a diffractive element such as a differential optical element (DOE), a holographic optical element (HOE), or a superlens used as a lens.

[0118] In this case, such as Figure 16 As shown in (16-2), instead of using a general-purpose lens as lens array 400 for lens 410, a Fresnel lens can be used as lens array 401 for lens 410.

[0119] Alternatively, such as Figure 16 As shown in (16-3), instead of a general-purpose lens used as lens 410, a lens array 402 can be used as lens 410, which is a diffractive element (e.g., a differential optical element (DOE), a holographic optical element (HOE), or a superlens) used as a lens.

[0120] The optical path correction lens 500, which can be used as a general-purpose lens, Fresnel lens, or diffraction element, can be understood as an optical element.

[0121] exist Figure 15 and Figure 16 In this context, the arrangement of lens arrays 400, 401, and 402, optical path correction lenses 501 and 502, and pinhole array 300 can be changed, as shown in the reference above. Figure 14 As stated above.

[0122] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 17 The description describes an electronic device that can reduce the planar area of ​​the display panel 100 while providing a wide field of view to the user without the need for an optical path correction lens 500. Figure 17 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0123] like Figure 17 As shown, the electronic device 10 may include a display panel 100, a pinhole array 300, and a lens array 400.

[0124] like Figure 17 As shown in (17-1), when viewing the side cross-section of the electronic device 10, the two lateral edges of the cross-section of the pinhole array 300 can be formed as curves curving in the direction of the user's eye E. That is, the pinhole array 300 can be formed as a curved surface.

[0125] Furthermore, when viewing a side section of the electronic device 10, the first lateral section edge 400-1 of the lens array 400 adjacent to the pinhole array 300 can generally be formed as a curve with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the pinhole array 300, and the second lateral section edge 400-2 of the lens array 400 adjacent to the display panel 100 can be formed as a straight line. Therefore, the first surface of the lens array 400 facing the pinhole array 300 can be formed as a curved surface conforming to the pinhole array 300, and the second surface of the lens array 400 facing the display panel 100 can be formed as a flat surface or a curved surface conforming to the light output surface of the display panel 100.

[0126] In one example, the first transverse section edge 400-1 and the second transverse section edge 400-2 of the lens array 400 can both be formed as curves.

[0127] In other words, such as Figure 17 As shown in (17-2), when viewing the side cross-section of the electronic device 10, the two lateral edges of the cross-section of the pinhole array 300 can be formed as curves curving in the direction of the user's eye E. That is, the pinhole array 300 can be formed as a curved surface.

[0128] Furthermore, when viewing a side section of the electronic device 10, the first lateral section edge 400-1 of the lens array 400 adjacent to the pinhole array 300 can typically be formed as a curve with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the pinhole array 300, and the second lateral section edge 400-2 of the lens array 400 adjacent to the display panel 100 can also be formed as a curve with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the pinhole array 300. Therefore, both the first surface of the lens array 400 facing the pinhole array 300 and the second surface of the lens array 400 facing the display panel 100 can be formed as curved surfaces conforming to the pinhole array 300.

[0129] Furthermore, when viewing a side cross-section of the electronic device 10, one or both lateral cross-section edges 100-1 and 100-2 of the display panel 100 can be formed as one or more curves having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the pinhole array 300. That is, the display panel 100 can be formed as a curved surface.

[0130] By utilizing this curvature configuration, the electronic device 10 can reduce the planar area of ​​the display panel 100 while providing a wide field of view to the user without the optical path correction lens 500.

[0131] In one example, the lens array 400 and the optical path correction lens 500 can be integrally formed. This will be further referenced. Figure 18 Describe it. Figure 18 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0132] refer to Figure 18 In (18-1), the electronic device 10 may include a display panel 100, a pinhole array 300, and an optical path correction lens array 600.

[0133] Since the display panel 100 and the pinhole array 300 are the same as described above, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0134] like Figure 18 As shown in (18-2), the optical path correction lens array 600 may include lenses having the same characteristics as those in the image. Figure 12 The optical path correction lens 500 shown has a lens body 610 with the same or similar shape, and a plurality of (protruding) lenses 620 protruding from the lens body 610. The lens body 610 can be used as the optical path correction lens 500 described above, and the plurality of protruding lenses 620 can be used as a plurality of lenses in the lens array 400 described above.

[0135] It can be understood that the optical path correction lens array 600 is formed by integrally forming the lens array 400 and the optical path correction lens 500.

[0136] The lens body 610 may include a first surface 610-1 facing the user's eye and a second surface 610-2 facing the display panel 100. The first surface 610-1 may have a first curvature for use as the aforementioned optical path correction lenses 500, 501, and 502. The second surface 610-2 may be formed as a planar or curved surface that is in close contact with the pinhole array 300.

[0137] Multiple protruding lenses 620 can be formed to protrude from the second surface 610-2 toward the display panel 100.

[0138] The distal surface of each protruding lens 620 may have a second curvature for use as each lens 410 in the lens array 400.

[0139] The pinhole array 300 and the optical path correction lens array 600 can be connected to each other, such that the second surface 610-2 is in close contact with the pinhole array 300, and each protruding lens 620 is located in each pinhole of the pinhole array 300. Each protruding lens 620 can be inserted into each pinhole.

[0140] The electronic device 10, which includes the pinhole array 300 and the optical path correction lens array 600 as described above, can be more advantageous in terms of its thickness.

[0141] It should be understood that Fresnel discontinuous curvature or diffractive elements can be used in place of at least one of the first and second curvatures.

[0142] Figure 18 The diagram shows each protruding lens and each pinhole corresponding to each other in a 1:1 ratio. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the protruding lens and pinhole may correspond to each other in a 1:N or N:1 ratio.

[0143] In one example, a lens array including a pancake lens layer for further reducing the thickness of the electronic device 10 can be used. This will be further referenced. Figure 19 Describe it. Figure 19 This is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0144] like Figure 19 As shown in (19-1), the electronic device 10 may include a display panel 100, a lens array 403 including a pancake lens layer, and a pinhole array 300. Although not shown, the electronic device 10 may also include optical path correction lenses 500, 501, and 502. Of the two surfaces of the lens array 403, the pancake lens layer may be formed on one surface facing the display panel.

[0145] Since the display panel 100 and the pinhole array 300 are the same as described above, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0146] like Figure 19 As shown in (19-2), the lens array 403 can be composed of a combination of lens arrays 400, 401 and 402 of various shapes described above, wherein a pancake lens layer 420 is deposited on a surface of the lens array 403 facing the display panel 100.

[0147] The pancake lens layer 420 is used to extend the optical path of the beam by allowing the light beam incident on it to be reflected in the pancake lens layer 420 in a reciprocating manner, and then using the principle of polarization to transmit the light beam through the pancake lens layer 420.

[0148] As the optical path of the beam extends, the thickness of the electronic device 10 can be reduced by the same amount.

[0149] The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects, but rather as illustrative. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are included within its scope.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A display panel configured to display an image; A pinhole array, the pinhole array comprising a plurality of pinholes; as well as A lens array comprising a plurality of optical elements, each optical element corresponding to a plurality of pinholes and used to magnify the image passing through each pinhole.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of pinholes and the plurality of optical elements correspond to each other in a ratio of 1:1, N:1, or 1:N.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of optical elements is configured as one of a general-purpose lens, a Fresnel lens, and a diffractive element.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an optical path correction lens for correcting the optical path of the image toward the user's eye in the horizontal direction.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The optical path correction lens is equipped with one of a general-purpose lens, a Fresnel lens, and a diffraction element.

6. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The optical path correction lens is disposed between the lens array and the pinhole array.

7. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The pinhole array is disposed between the lens array and the optical path correction lens.

8. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The lens array is disposed between the pinhole array and the optical path correction lens.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The pinhole array and the lens array have a curved surface facing the pinhole array.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The opposing surfaces of the lens array are formed as planes.

11. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The lens array and the optical path correction lens are integrated to form an optical path correction lens array.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The optical path correction lens array includes a lens body and a plurality of optical elements protruding from one surface of the lens body. Each of the plurality of protruding optical elements is inserted into each of the plurality of pinholes.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The opposing surfaces of the lens body form curved surfaces.

14. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The lens array includes a pancake lens layer configured to allow light beams of the image to be reflected in the pancake lens layer in a reciprocating manner and transmitted through the pancake lens layer using polarization principles.

15. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, Of the two surfaces of the lens array, the pancake lens layer is disposed on one surface facing the display panel.

16. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of pinholes has a circular or polygonal planar shape.

17. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein, The separation distance between adjacent pinholes increases from the center of the pinhole array toward the periphery.

18. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of pinholes are distributed in one of the following patterns: lattice pattern, rhombus pattern, and circular pattern.

19. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The diameter of each of the plurality of pinholes is equal to or greater than 400 μm.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein, The separation distance between the pinhole array and the display panel is less than 40mm.

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