Light field display having rotating light source units
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/060973
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-15
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images
Figure EP2026060973_22102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 26054-03_WO April 15, 2026
[0002] LIGHT FIELD DISPLAY WITH ROTATING LIGHT SOURCE UNITS
[0003] Description
[0004] The present disclosure relates to a light field display or a display device generating a light field with rotating light sources, in particular a 3D light field display.
[0005] background
[0006] In the prior art, light-field displays are known for displaying or emitting a light field in which, for example, the light emitted from individual positions or pixels of the light-field display exhibits an angular dependence with respect to color and / or intensity.
[0007] Thus, such light field displays can, for example, project or display different images depending on the viewing angle, so that different images can be displayed for different positions or different viewers depending on their positioning. These types of light field displays can be used, for example, for presentation displays, scoreboard displays, and also for advertising displays for poster or promotional purposes.
[0008] Furthermore, such light field displays are particularly interesting for displaying or emitting 3D images, since different images can be displayed or emitted for individual viewers' respective left and right eyes, so that viewers perceive the displayed or emitted images in three dimensions without needing additional aids such as 3D glasses.
[0009] Various technologies for realizing such light field displays are discussed in the prior art, with one technical concept proposing the realization of a light field display using two-dimensional panel arrangements of MEMS micro-scanners. MEMS stands for Micro-Electro-Mechanical System.
[0010] For example, US patent 2011 / 0001804 A1 discloses a generic device for generating 3D images using an array of ID or 2D microscanners. Furthermore, German patent DE 102021 108 339 A1 describes a generic light field display comprising a plurality of 2D MEMS microscanners.
[0011] P10466DE26054-03_WO - 2 - April 15, 2026
[0012] Based on the foregoing prior art, it is an object of the present disclosure to propose a light field display and / or a light field generating display device which is improved compared to the prior art, in particular preferably with regard to simplified, more efficient and / or more cost-effective manufacturing and / or with regard to a simpler, more compact, lighter and / or more cost-effective design.
[0013] Summary
[0014] The present disclosure relates to a light field display and / or a display device generating a light field. To solve the aforementioned problem, a display device for generating a light field according to claim 1 is proposed. Dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.
[0015] In particular, according to one advantageous aspect, a display device for generating a light field is proposed, comprising: several elongated light source units, each extending parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction, wherein each light source unit, or at least a rotating part of the light source unit, is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation extending in the respective longitudinal direction. Preferably, each light source unit comprises at least one longitudinally extending row of light sources, each configured to generate light beams that are directed or directional in the longitudinal direction transversely to the axis of rotation.
[0016] In particular, compared to light field displays with elements oscillating around the longitudinal axis, the rotating or at least partially rotating design of the light source units offers several advantages, especially regarding simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing, more efficient control, and reduced maintenance requirements.
[0017] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, each light source unit may preferably comprise at least one elongated retaining element, in particular preferably a rod-shaped profile element, which preferably extends in the longitudinal direction.
[0018] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, each light source unit may comprise at least one elongated printed circuit board and / or an elongated conductor strip, in particular a strip-shaped printed circuit board and / or strip-shaped conductor strip, which preferably extends in the vertical longitudinal direction, wherein the printed circuit board and / or the conductor strip preferably carries the at least one longitudinally extending row of light sources.
[0019] P10466DE26054-03_WO - 3 - April 15, 2026
[0020] In some designs, the printed circuit board can comprise several longitudinally pluggable or connectable circuit board segments.
[0021] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, each light source unit for each longitudinally extending row of light sources may comprise one or more longitudinally extending aperture elements. In some embodiments, the aperture element may comprise several longitudinally pluggable or connectable aperture element segments.
[0022] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, each light source unit for each longitudinally extending row of light sources can comprise one or more longitudinally extending lens elements, in particular one or more cylindrical lenses or half-cylinder lenses. In some embodiments, the lens element can comprise several longitudinally pluggable or connectable lens element segments.
[0023] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, the light source units can be arranged in at least one row when viewed longitudinally, in particular in a straight row (e.g. for a flat display) or a curved row (e.g. for a curved display).
[0024] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, each light source unit can comprise several longitudinally extending rows of light sources, wherein the multiple rows of light sources are preferably arranged relative to each other at a constant angular distance of 360° / N when viewed longitudinally, where N > 2 indicates the number of rows of light sources per light source unit.
[0025] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, each light source unit can comprise several lens elements extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the several lens elements (105) are preferably arranged relative to each other at a constant angular distance of 360° / N when viewed in the longitudinal direction, where N > 2 indicates the number of lens elements per light source unit.
[0026] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, the display device may comprise a frame that supports the light source units, wherein each light source unit, or at least the rotating part of the respective light source unit, is preferably rotatably mounted on a first section of the frame and on a section of the frame longitudinally opposite the first section via respective rotary bearings.
[0027] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, at least one rotary bearing may include an interface for power transmission and / or data signal transmission to the respective light source units in rotating operation, wherein the interface in particular
[0028] P10466DE26054-03_WO - 4 - April 15, 2026
[0029] It may include sliding contacts and / or an inductive interface for power transmission and / or data signal transmission.
[0030] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, the display device may include a main control unit for controlling at least one drive for driving the rotation of the light source units or the respective rotatable part of the light source units about the respective axis of rotation or longitudinal axis and / or the transmission of data signals to the light source units.
[0031] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, each light source unit may include at least one control unit, in particular a microcontroller, for controlling the at least one series of light sources.
[0032] In some preferred exemplary embodiments, at least one, several or all light source units can each be rotated as a whole about the longitudinal axis.
[0033] In some further preferred exemplary embodiments, at least one, several or all light source units may comprise an inner stationary part and an outer part rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
[0034] In some further preferred exemplary embodiments, the stationary part of the light source unit may comprise at least one longitudinally extending row of light sources and optionally an internal elongated retaining element and / or an elongated printed circuit board (103).
[0035] In some further preferred exemplary embodiments, the rotating part of the light source unit may comprise at least one lens element and optionally one or more external retaining elements and / or at least one aperture element.
[0036] In some further preferred exemplary embodiments, at least one light source unit can have two opposing vertical rows of light sources and two retaining elements for them. Each row of light sources is configured, viewed longitudinally, to generate light rays directed transversely to the axis of rotation of the light source unit such that the light rays of a first row of light sources are directed radially opposite to the light rays of the other, second row of light sources. The two retaining elements are located on opposite sides in the radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the respective light source unit and are flattened transversely to an optical axis of the radially opposite light rays, and the respective light source unit thus has a reduced width in the direction transverse to the optical axis of the radially opposite light rays.
[0037] P10466DE26054-03_WO -5- April 15, 2026
[0038] In particular, the reduced width of at least one of the light source units can be smaller than the width of the light source unit in the direction of the radially opposite light rays.
[0039] In particular, the number M of light source units with the flattened mounting elements and thus reduced width can be greater than two, and the M light source units can be arranged in a linear arrangement, wherein the M light source units are configured such that they are alternately rotated 90° to each other about their respective axes of rotation and rotate alternately in different directions during operation of the display device.
[0040] In particular, the light source units can be arranged in a double-row arrangement with flattened mounting elements and thus reduced width, wherein
[0041] (i) each row of the arrangement comprises a plurality of light source units in a linear arrangement, in particular parallel to the other row,
[0042] (ii) the two rows are offset from each other such that, according to a front view directed towards the display device, in the front row of light source units there is a distance between the respective adjacent light source units in the front row which is smaller than the maximum rotating diameter of the respective light source units of the front row, and
[0043] (iii) in the other, rear row of light source units according to the front view, one or more of the light source units there are arranged between adjacent light source units of the front row.
[0044] In some further preferred exemplary embodiments, at least two of the light source units are arranged as a linear array of adjacent light source units. Here, the horizontal distances between the adjacent light source units are smaller than the maximum diameter of the orbit of the outer ends, viewed in the radial direction, of the light sources or light source structures of the adjacent light source units. Furthermore, the outer ends of the light sources or light source structures of each light source unit project into the space between two light sources or light source structures of an adjacent light source unit, and the adjacent light source units are configured to rotate alternately in opposite directions, analogous to a non-contact gearing motion.
[0045] P10466DE26054-03_WO - 6 - April 15, 2026
[0046] In particular, at least one of the light source assemblies can comprise a light source and furthermore at least one aperture and / or a lens for this light source (101) in order to focus and / or direct a light beam generated by this light source in the radial direction of the light source unit (100). The outer end of the respective light source assembly corresponds to the outer end of the aperture or lens as viewed in the radial direction.
[0047] In some further preferred exemplary embodiments, at least one light source unit has a number N, with N > 2, of light sources arranged around the axis of rotation of the light source unit such that the light rays produced by them are directed radially inwards and cross over in an inner cavity of the light source unit before exiting the light source unit radially outwards.
[0048] In particular, the at least one light source unit can have, in particular focusing, lens elements which are arranged in such a way that the light rays, after crossing, meet a respective lens element and are thereby directed radially outwards, in particular also focused.
[0049] Further aspects and embodiments as well as advantages and more specific exemplary implementation possibilities of the exemplary aspects and features described above can be found in the following descriptions and explanations of the attached figures, which are in no way to be considered restrictive.
[0050] Brief description of the characters
[0051] Fig. 1 shows an illustration of an exemplary presentation room with a light field display, for example for a concert performance or a similar event;
[0052] Fig. 2 shows a representation of another exemplary screening room with a light field display, for example for a film screening or a similar event;
[0053] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary, functional, schematic representation of a light field display, by way of example comprising M x N MEMS microscanners as a background example for the following embodiments;
[0054] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary schematic representation of a front view of a light field display according to some embodiments;
[0055] P10466DE26054-03_WQ -7- 15 April 2026 Fig. 5 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display at different times;
[0056] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units of a light field display;
[0057] Fig. 7A shows an exemplary schematic top view of a circular arrangement of rotating light source units of a light field display;
[0058] Fig. 7B shows an exemplary schematic top view of another circular arrangement of rotating light source units of a light field display;
[0059] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some embodiments;
[0060] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 8;
[0061] Fig. 10 shows an exemplary schematic longitudinal sectional view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some embodiments;
[0062] Fig. 11 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0063] Fig. 12 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0064] Fig. 13 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0065] Fig. 14 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0066] Fig. 15 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0067] Fig. 16 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 15;
[0068] Fig. 17 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0069] Fig. 18 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 17;
[0070] P10466DE26054-03_WQ - 8 - April 15, 2026
[0071] Fig. 19 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear, double-row arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 17;
[0072] Fig. 20 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0073] Fig. 21 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 20;
[0074] Fig. 22 shows an exemplary schematic top view of another linear arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 20;
[0075] Fig. 23 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0076] Fig. 24 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 23;
[0077] Fig. 25 shows an exemplary schematic top view of another linear arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 23;
[0078] Fig. 26 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments;
[0079] Fig. 27 shows an exemplary schematic, functional representation of a light field display according to some embodiments;
[0080] Fig. 28 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a partially rotating light source unit of a light field display according to some further embodiments; and Fig. 29 shows exemplary schematic top views of a partially rotating light source unit of a light field display according to Fig. 28 at different times.
[0081] Detailed Description of the Figures and Preferred Embodiments In the following, some examples or embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical or similar elements in the figures may be designated with the same reference numerals, but sometimes they may be designated with different reference numerals.
[0082] It should be emphasized that the subject matter of the present disclosure in no way relates to the embodiments and their features described below.
[0083] P10466DE26054-03_WO - 9 - 15 April 2026
[0084] are limited or restricted, but continue to include modifications of the embodiments, in particular those which are included by modifications of the features of the described examples or by combination of one or more of the features of the described examples within the scope of protection of the independent claims.
[0085] Fig. 1 shows an illustration of an exemplary presentation room 1 with a light field display 10, for example for a concert performance or a similar event. The presentation room 1 features, by way of example, a stage 2 and an auditorium 3 that rises in steps with increasing distance from the stage 2 (for example, without seating, i.e., with standing room).
[0086] The light field display 10 is shown in Fig. 1 as an example, arranged behind the stage 2 as seen from the audience area 3. Thus, using the exemplary light field display 10, for example, 3D background images or virtual 3D objects in the foreground can be generated by light field projection at events with spectators in front of a stage, without the need to distribute any aids, such as 3D glasses, to the spectators.
[0087] Such light field displays 10 can be used, for example, at musical concerts, other audiovisual art performances, theatre and / or musical performances, for panel discussions, for conferences or congresses, for product launches, or at similar events.
[0088] Based on the aforementioned use in corresponding demonstration rooms, it can typically be assumed that it is desirable to design such light field displays to be quite large, for example, with display sizes where the display height can range from approximately 1 to 20 meters, e.g., from approximately 5 to 15 meters, e.g., from approximately 8 to 12 meters or larger, and / or where the display width can range from approximately 1 to 20 meters, e.g., from approximately 5 to 15 meters, e.g., from approximately 8 to 12 meters or larger. These above specifications regarding the dimensions of a light field display apply analogously to the following exemplary embodiments.
[0089] Fig. 2 shows a representation of another exemplary screening room 2, here for example a seated cinema auditorium, with a light field display 10, for example for a film screening or a similar event. For example, the screening room 1, for example a cinema auditorium, has a seated auditorium 3 with several rows of seats.
[0090] The light field display 10 is shown in Fig. 2 as an example arranged in front of the audience area 3 on a wall of the projection room 1, for example a cinema. Thus, using the exemplary light field display 10, film screenings can be held for an audience in which a film or moving images are broadcast or displayed in 3D or with 3D effects, without requiring any additional equipment.
[0091] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 10 - 15, 2026
[0092] It is necessary to distribute any aids, such as 3D glasses, to the spectators by creating the 3D effects through light field projection.
[0093] These light field displays (10) can be used, for example, at musical concerts, other audiovisual art performances, theater and / or musical productions, panel discussions, conferences and congresses, product launches, or similar events. Smaller versions of these light field displays are also available for home theater use. They can also be installed on building facades (interior / exterior), for example, for advertising purposes, such as dynamic advertising displays.
[0094] In other examples, such a presentation room 1 can also be configured with a flat auditorium or with elevated seating along the sides, depending on requirements. In further examples, such a presentation room 1 can be fully or partially furnished with chairs. Furthermore, larger presentation rooms 1 (e.g., concert halls or stadiums) can also accommodate multiple light field displays, for example, arranged side by side.
[0095] Typically, due to the aforementioned use in suitable presentation spaces, such as a cinema, it can be assumed that it is desirable to design corresponding light field displays with a considerable surface area, for example, with display sizes where the display height can range from approximately 1 to 20 meters (or more), e.g., from approximately 5 to 15 meters, e.g., from approximately 8 to 12 meters or larger, and / or where the display width can range from approximately 1 to 30 meters (or more), e.g., from approximately 5 to 25 meters, e.g., from approximately 8 to 18 meters or larger. In particular, it can be useful and / or advantageous for stage and film presentations to use corresponding light field displays with typical aspect ratios (e.g., 5:1, 5:2, 5:3).to provide light field displays with aspect ratios for image, film, and / or video playback, preferably one of the following common aspect ratios: 1:1, 1.33:1, 4:3, 1.36:1, 1.43:1, 1.44:1, 14:9, 16:10, 16:9, 1.85:1, 1.90:1, 2.00:1, 21:9, 2.35:1, 2.37:1, 2.40:1, 2.66:1, or others. For other applications, such as use at large events or on building facades, even larger light field displays are possible, for example, with display widths and / or heights up to 100 meters or even up to 300 meters. The above specifications regarding the dimensions of a light field display apply analogously to the following exemplary embodiments.
[0096] In further embodiments, it is possible to provide light field displays for scoreboards and / or advertising spaces. For use on scoreboards and / or advertising spaces, light field displays can be provided that, analogous to demonstration purposes, can project different images in different horizontal directions (pixel movement around the vertical axis). Light field displays for scoreboards are also available.
[0097] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 11 - 15, 2026
[0098] and / or advertising space can be provided that can project different images in different vertical directions (pixel movement around the horizontal axis).
[0099] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary, functional, schematic representation of a light field display 10, comprising by way of example M x N MEMS microscanners S according to a background example. The individual MEMS microscanners S are shown schematically as MEMS micromirrors in Fig. 3 for illustrative purposes only.
[0100] According to the exemplary illustration in Fig. 3, the MEMS microscanners S can be configured as 1D microscanners, which have a movable element, such as a movable micromirror (e.g., a movable element with a mirror or reflective layer), which is held oscillatibly about an exemplary vertically oriented axis. Thus, the 1D microscanners S in Fig. 3 are each configured such that a respective movable element with a mirror can be driven by an oscillating or vibrating motion about a respective vertically oriented axis.
[0101] The number of MEMS microscanners S arranged in rows and columns (e.g., M MEMS microscanners per row and / or N MEMS microscanners per column) can be selected in some preferred embodiments according to a desired (image) resolution.
[0102] For example, each MEMS microscanner S can deflect one or more light beams directed or focused onto the respective micromirrors (e.g., collimated or focused, converging, diverging, and / or parallelized light beams and / or laser beams) by means of the respective micromirror by means of an oscillating movement. The light beams from the respective MEMS microscanners S can be shaped into the desired beam form by suitable optics, in particular, for example, by significant beam broadening in the vertical direction (e.g., a vertically stretched light fan). Figure 3 merely illustrates by way of example that the respective light beams are vertically broadened or stretched, e.g., by anamorphic lens or optical systems that, for example, have one or more horizontally oriented cylindrical lenses.
[0103] Figure 3 shows, by way of example, a two-dimensional arrangement (arranged in rows and columns) of 1D MEMS microscanners S, in which the movable elements of the 1D MEMS microscanners S are oscillatable about exactly one axis. In some further embodiments, it is also possible to provide the respective MEMS devices or MEMS microscanners with two axes (2D MEMS microscanners), in which the movable element is oscillatable about two axes, for example, about a first vertically oriented axis and about a second horizontally oriented axis.
[0104] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 12 - 15, 2026
[0105] When using 2D micromirrors for light field displays, relatively high oscillation frequencies are required during operation. This is because the 2D micromirrors are typically controlled to oscillate along both axes to move the light beam of the display's pixel, provided by the 2D micromirror, according to a Lissajous pattern. The refresh rates (typically intended for displays in the range of approximately 50 Hz to 200 Hz) are significantly lower than the respective oscillation frequencies along the two axes. Using 1D microscanners in a light field display has the advantage that the 1D microscanners control the light beam to oscillate only around a vertical axis (with the light beams or light fans of the display's pixels moving back and forth along a horizontally oriented scan line). Therefore, the refresh rate is typically twice the oscillation frequency of the 1D micromirror.In contrast to displays, relatively high refresh rates of up to 200 Hz can be achieved with MEMS microscanners using relatively low vibration frequencies of up to 100 Hz. This allows the MEMS microscanners to be designed with a relatively flexible spring structure and a relatively rigid moving element, particularly to enable high scan angles.
[0106] The MEMS devices or MEMS micro-scanners can be configured to drive the moving element energy-efficiently at a resonant frequency (so-called resonant operation), where the resonant frequency is preferably selected according to a desired refresh rate, e.g., half the desired refresh rate. The use of 1D micro-scanners in a light field display can be particularly advantageous for large-area light field displays (e.g., according to Figures 1 and 2) where the image height and / or width is desirable from approximately 1 to 2 meters up to 20 meters or more, since sufficiently high image resolutions can be achieved with these light field displays even with pixel dimensions of approximately 1 to 10 mm or more.
[0107] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary schematic representation of a front view of a light field display 10 (display device) according to several embodiments. By way of example, the light field display 10 comprises a frame R to which several, for example, vertically oriented elongated light source units 100 are attached, held side by side in a horizontal direction on the frame R. The X-direction here describes, by way of example, the horizontal direction of the light field display 10, and the Y-direction here describes, by way of example, the vertical direction of the light field display 10.
[0108] As an example, the respective elongated light source units 100 are held at their respective ends, top and bottom, by the frame R and are each rotatably mounted about a respective vertical axis A. The respective light source units 100 extend elongatedly in the Y direction vertically from
[0109] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 13 - 15, 2026
[0110] from the underside of the frame R to the top side of the frame R, in particular in a rod-like form. The exemplary light source units 100 are rotatably mounted on the frame R and arranged to rotate about their respective vertical longitudinal axis A.
[0111] By way of example, several light sources 101 are arranged on each rotatable light source unit 100, which are preferably each configured to emit light transversely to the respective longitudinal axis A of the light source unit 100. The light sources 101 are preferably configured to generate light beams oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis A, and preferably at least in plan view (i.e., viewed in the Y direction) radially to the longitudinal axis A, which, when the light source unit 100 rotates, rotate about the longitudinal axis A analogous to a lighthouse (see also Fig. 5).
[0112] For example, the light sources 101 of a light source unit 100 are arranged in at least one vertically extending row on at least one side of the respective light source unit 100. The at least one row of light sources 101 of a light source unit 100 thus extends on one side of the light source unit 100 in the Y-direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the respective light source unit 100.
[0113] Figure 4 illustrates that the number M of light source units 100 and the number N of light sources 101 per light source unit 100 determine the image resolution M x N of the light field display 10, where, by way of example, each light source 101 represents one pixel of the light field display 10. For a full HD image resolution (i.e., 1280 x 720), M = 1280 light source units 100 could be provided, with N = 720 light sources 101 per vertical row of the respective light source unit 100.
[0114] The respective light sources 101 can each be configured to display different colors, for example, by arranging them alternately as red, blue, and green light sources in a horizontal and / or vertical direction to display an RGB image. In further embodiments, the respective light sources 101 can also be individually configured to emit light of different wavelengths, e.g., red, blue, and green light from a single light source to display an RGB image.
[0115] In some preferred embodiments, the light sources 101 can comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In further preferred embodiments, the light sources 101 can alternatively or additionally comprise one or more lasers or laser diodes or semiconductor lasers, in particular edge emitters and / or surface emitters, for example so-called PIC lasers (PIC for "Photonic Integrated Circuit").
[0116] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 14 - 15, 2026
[0117] Furthermore, the light sources 101 can alternatively or additionally include miniLEDs, microLEDs, pLEDs, OLEDs, miniOLEDs, microOLEDs and / or pOLEDs.
[0118] By way of example, the light source units 100 in Fig. 4 are held such that they rotate about the respective vertical axes A, wherein in further embodiments light field displays, e.g. for display boards and / or advertising areas, can also be provided which can project different images in different vertical directions, wherein the light source units 100 4 can be held such that they rotate about respective horizontal axes (i.e. by holding the longitudinal direction of the respective light source unit 100 horizontally on the frame R).
[0119] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 at different times. For example, the light source unit 100 rotates at a constant angular velocity about its own longitudinal axis A (here a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing), and the light source 101 emits, in top view, a radial light beam L which rotates with the rotating light source unit 100 and propagates by the same angle after each time interval AT.
[0120] As an example, Fig. 5 shows a top view of a vertically extending row of light sources 101 on only one side, so that a light beam L is emitted only in one radial direction. Consequently, in such an exemplary embodiment, the refresh rate of the light field display 10 (in the direction of a stationary observer) is inversely proportional to the rotation period of the rotational movement of the light source unit 100 about the longitudinal axis A. A refresh rate of 25 frames per second would thus require a rotational speed of 25 revolutions per second (1500 revolutions per minute). A refresh rate of 50 frames per second would require a rotational speed of 50 revolutions per second (3000 revolutions per minute), and a refresh rate of 100 frames per second would require a rotational speed of 100 revolutions per second (6000 revolutions per minute).The required rotational speed can advantageously be reduced again by providing two or more sides of the respective light source unit 100 with respective vertical rows of light sources 101 (see e.g. Figs. 11 to 14).
[0121] Furthermore, it can be provided that a new image (for a different observer in the direction of the light beam L) is displayed after each time interval AT. By way of example, in each of the rotation positions according to Fig. 5, a different image from images Bl to B5 (in the direction of different observers) is shown. In preferred embodiments, it is advantageous that a new image can be displayed after an angular rotation of essentially 5° or less, preferably after an angular rotation of essentially 3° or less. Thus
[0122] P10466DE26054-03_WQ - 15 - 15 April 2026
[0123] For example, a desired viewing angle of up to 150° can ensure that 30 or more different (direction-dependent) views or images can be displayed across that angle. With one view per 3° or less, it can be ensured that 50 or more different (direction-dependent) views or images can be displayed across the desired viewing angle. At a rotation speed of 25 revolutions per second, this would result in the direction-independent frame rate of the respective light source 101 being essentially 1800 Hz or more.At a rotational speed of 50 revolutions per second, the direction-independent frame rate of the respective light source 101 would thus be essentially 3600 Hz or more, and at a rotational speed of 100 revolutions per second, the direction-independent frame rate of the respective light source 101 would thus be essentially 7200 Hz or more. This applies analogously to subsequent embodiments.
[0124] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M of a light field display. By way of example, the light source units 100-1 to 100-M are arranged linearly in a straight line in the X direction, so that a flat or planar light field display can be provided.
[0125] Fig. 7A shows an exemplary schematic top view of a circular arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M of a light field display. By way of example, the light source units 100-1 to 100-M are arranged in the X-direction along a curved, exemplary circular line in the top view, so that a concavely curved light field display can be provided.
[0126] Fig. 7B shows an exemplary schematic top view of another circular arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M of a light field display. By way of example, the light source units 100-1 to 100-M are arranged in the X-direction along a curved, exemplary circular line in the top view, so that a convexly curved light field display can be provided.
[0127] For example, it is possible to provide outward illumination from a curved or circular arrangement (in top view), thus creating a convexly curved light field display. It is also possible, for instance, to provide a fully enclosed convex light field display, such as for an advertising surface on the back of a poster column.
[0128] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit 100 of an exemplary light field display 10 according to some embodiments. By way of example, the light source unit 100 comprises an elongated or
[0129] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 16 - 15, 2026
[0130] rod-shaped holding element 110, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the drawing plane (in the Y direction), with the central cross indicating the position of the rotation axis.
[0131] As an example, the retaining element 110 has an inner, hollow retaining section in which a printed circuit board 103 is arranged. As shown in Fig. 10, the printed circuit board 103 extends with the elongated retaining element 110 in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing (in the Y direction). Another printed circuit board 102, which carries the light source 101, for example an LED, is arranged on the printed circuit board 103. In further embodiments, the light source 101, for example an LED, can also be provided directly on the printed circuit board 103.
[0132] Furthermore, an optional aperture element 104 is shown on the side of the light source 101 facing away from the circuit board 103, and an optional lens element 105 is also shown, by way of example, on the side of the light source 101 facing away from the circuit board 103, or on the side of the aperture element 104 facing away from the light source 101. In preferred embodiments, at least one aperture and / or one lens is provided for each light source 101 in order to focus and / or direct the generated light beam L in the radial direction of the light source unit 100. By way of example, the light source 101 is configured to generate a light beam L in the direction of the radial optical axis A, which can be directed via the optional aperture of the aperture element 104 and focused, e.g., collimated, via the lens 105.
[0133] Fig. 9 shows, analogously, an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M according to the exemplary embodiment from Fig.
[0134] 8. It is shown that for higher image resolutions in the X direction of the light field display, it is necessary to provide the light source units 100-1 to 100-M with the smallest possible diameter, since the horizontal distance (pitch distance) of the light source units 100-1 to 100-M, which determines the horizontal resolution, is limited downwards by the diameter of the light source units 100-1 to 100-M.
[0135] Fig. 10 shows an exemplary schematic longitudinal sectional view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display according to some embodiments, in particular according to Fig. 8.
[0136] As an example, the retaining element 110 is shown to extend in a rod-like shape in the horizontal direction Y (longitudinal direction of the light source unit 100). It is also shown, by way of example, that the printed circuit board 103 extends parallel to the rod-shaped retaining element 110 in the horizontal direction Y. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 103 can be designed as a single elongated strip, and in other embodiments, the printed circuit board 103 can also comprise several connected printed circuit board segments.
[0137] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 17 - 15, 2026
[0138] As an example, several circuit boards 102 are arranged in the horizontal direction Y on the circuit board 103, each carrying, for example, three light sources 101-1, 101-2 and 101-3, such as one red light source, one green light source and one blue light source (RGB).
[0139] As an example, the lens element 103 is designed as a cylindrical lens or half-cylinder lens, which also extends parallel to the rod-shaped retaining element 110 in the horizontal direction Y. Thus, a common lens can be provided for the multiple light sources. Alternatively or additionally, individual lenses can also be provided for the respective light sources 101.
[0140] Figure 10 shows, by way of example, that the retaining element 110, as well as, by way of example, the circuit board 103 and the lens element 105 or the aperture element 104, are each designed as one-piece elongated elements. In further embodiments, the retaining element 110, the circuit board 103, the aperture element 104 and / or the lens element 105 can be formed from several connectable or, preferably, longitudinally connectable or pluggable sub-elements or pluggable pluggable modules. This applies analogously in further embodiments that follow.
[0141] Figure 10 shows an example of an elongated circuit board 103 extending longitudinally, which provides the electrical contact and signal connection for the light sources 101. In further embodiments, an elongated conductor strip can be arranged on the holding element 110 instead of the circuit board 103, providing the electrical contact and signal connection for the light sources 101. This applies analogously in further embodiments that follow.
[0142] Fig. 11 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display according to some further embodiments. By way of example, vertical rows of light sources 101 are arranged on two radially opposite sides of the light source unit 100, so that a radially directed light beam LI can be emitted on one side of the light source unit 100 and another radially opposite directed light beam L2 can be emitted on a radially opposite side of the light source unit 100.
[0143] This advantageously allows the refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display to be doubled compared to the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5, while maintaining the same rotational speed of the light source unit 100, or the same refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display to be achieved at half the rotational speed of the light source unit 100.
[0144] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 18 - 15, 2026
[0145] For a frame rate of 25 frames per second, a rotational speed of 12.5 revolutions per second (750 revolutions per minute) would be required. For a frame rate of 50 frames per second, a rotational speed of 25 revolutions per second (1500 revolutions per minute) would be required, and for a frame rate of 100 frames per second, a rotational speed of 50 revolutions per second (3000 revolutions per minute) would be required.
[0146] Fig. 12 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to some further embodiments, in which vertical rows of light sources 101 are provided on three sides, in particular with a constant angular spacing of 120°. Thus, radially directed light rays LI to L3 can be emitted on three sides of the light source unit 100.
[0147] This advantageously allows the refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display to be tripled compared to the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5, while maintaining the same rotational speed of the light source unit 100, or the same refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display to be achieved at one third of the rotational speed of the light source unit 100.
[0148] For a frame rate of 25 frames per second, a rotational speed of 8.33 revolutions per second (500 revolutions per minute) would be required. For a frame rate of 50 frames per second, a rotational speed of 16.67 revolutions per second (1000 revolutions per minute) would be required, and for a frame rate of 100 frames per second, a rotational speed of 33.33 revolutions per second (2000 revolutions per minute) would be required.
[0149] Fig. 13 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to some further embodiments, in which vertical rows of light sources 101 are provided on four sides, in particular with a constant angular spacing of 90°. Thus, radially directed light rays LI to L4 can be emitted on four sides of the light source unit 100.
[0150] This advantageously allows the refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display to be quadrupled compared to the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5, while maintaining a constant rotational speed of the light source unit 100.
[0151] P10466DE26054-03_WQ - April 19 - 15, 2026
[0152] can be achieved, or the same refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display can be achieved at a quarter of the rotation speed of the light source unit 100.
[0153] For a frame rate of 25 frames per second, a rotational speed of 6.25 revolutions per second (375 revolutions per minute) would be required. For a frame rate of 50 frames per second, a rotational speed of 12.5 revolutions per second (750 revolutions per minute) would be required, and for a frame rate of 100 frames per second, a rotational speed of 25 revolutions per second (1500 revolutions per minute) would be required.
[0154] Fig. 14 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to some further embodiments, in which vertical rows of light sources 101 are provided on six sides, in particular with a constant angular spacing of 60°. Thus, radially directed light rays LI to L6 can be emitted on six sides of the light source unit 100.
[0155] This advantageously allows the refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display to be increased sixfold compared to the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5, while maintaining the same rotational speed of the light source unit 100, or the same refresh rate (in a specific viewing direction) of the light field display to be achieved at one-sixth of the rotational speed of the light source unit 100.
[0156] For a frame rate of 25 frames per second, a rotational speed of 4.17 revolutions per second (250 revolutions per minute) would be required. For a frame rate of 50 frames per second, a rotational speed of 8.33 revolutions per second (500 revolutions per minute) would be required, and for a frame rate of 100 frames per second, a rotational speed of 16.67 revolutions per second (1000 revolutions per minute) would be required.
[0157] In further embodiments, five or more than six vertical rows of light sources 101 per light source unit 100 can also be provided, in particular preferably distributed with a constant angular spacing around the longitudinal axis.
[0158] Fig. 15 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to some further embodiments,
[0159] P10466DE26054-03_WO - April 20 - 15, 2026
[0160] in particular in an exemplary more detailed embodiment according to Fig. 11 with two opposing vertical rows of light sources 101 per light source unit 100.
[0161] For example, the light source unit 100 comprises two elongated or rod-shaped holding elements 110, which are preferably connected to each other at least at their ends and are rotatable about the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the drawing plane (in the Y direction), with the central cross indicating the position of the axis of rotation.
[0162] As an example, an inner, hollow retaining section is formed between the retaining elements 110, in which a printed circuit board 103 is arranged. The printed circuit board 103 extends along with the elongated retaining elements 110 in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing (in the Y direction). On the printed circuit board 103, further printed circuit boards 102 are arranged, for example, on the front and back sides, each carrying a light source 101, for example, LEDs. In further embodiments, the light sources 101, for example, LEDs, can also be provided directly on the printed circuit board 103.
[0163] In further embodiments, separate printed circuit boards 103 can also be provided for the radially opposite sides. However, for a more compact design, it is advantageous to provide a common printed circuit board 103 analogous to Fig. 15, which can be printed with components, conductor tracks and contacts on the front and back sides and can also have vias between the sides.
[0164] Furthermore, on each of the two radially opposite sides of the light source 101, an optional aperture element 104 is shown on the side facing away from the circuit board 103, and, by way of example, an optional lens element 105 is also arranged on the side of the light source 101 facing away from the circuit board 103, and on the side of the aperture element 104 facing away from the light source 101. In preferred embodiments, at least one aperture and / or one lens is provided for each light source 101 to focus and / or direct the generated light beam LI or L2 in the radial direction of the light source unit 100. By way of example, the light sources 101 are configured to generate the radially opposite light beams LI and L2 in the direction of the radial optical axis A, which can each be directed via the optional aperture of the aperture element 104 and focused, e.g., collimated, via the respective lens 105.
[0165] In some embodiments according to Fig. 15, the lens elements 105 can also be designed as elongated cylindrical lenses or half-cylinder lenses, analogous to Figs. 8 and 10. Alternatively or additionally, individual lenses can be provided for the respective light sources 101. This applies analogously to the following embodiments.
[0166] P10466DE26054-03_WQ - 21 - 15 April 2026
[0167] Fig. 16 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M according to Fig. 15. Analogous to Fig. 9, for higher image resolutions in the X direction of the light field display, it is necessary to provide the light source units 100-1 to 100-M with the smallest possible diameter, since the horizontal distance (pitch distance) of the light source units 100-1 to 100-M, which determines the horizontal resolution, is limited downwards by the diameter of the light source units 100-1 to 100-M.
[0168] Fig. 17 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to several further embodiments. The light source unit 100 is designed analogously to Fig. 15, except that, in contrast to Fig. 15, the retaining elements 110 on opposite sides are flattened in the radial direction transverse to the optical axis of the radially opposite light rays LI and L2, and the light source unit 100 thus has a reduced width in the direction transverse to the optical axis of the radially opposite light rays LI and L2, which is in particular smaller than the width of the light source unit 100 in the direction of the radially opposite light rays LI and L2. As shown by way of example in Figs. 18 and 19, this allows a reduction in the horizontal distance between the adjacent light source units 100 and thus advantageously an increase in the horizontal image resolution.
[0169] Fig. 18 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M according to Fig. 17. For illustrative purposes, the light source units 100-1 to 100-M are shown alternately rotated by 90° relative to each other in the top view and rotating alternately in different directions, i.e., alternately clockwise and counterclockwise. This allows for a smaller horizontal distance between adjacent light source units 100 and thus advantageously increases the horizontal image resolution compared to Fig. 16.
[0170] Fig. 19 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear, double-row arrangement of rotating light source units according to Fig. 17. By way of example, the light source units 100-1 to 100-M are arranged in two offset rows when viewed from above. In a front row of light source units 100-1 to 100-M, a gap (smaller than the maximum rotating diameter of the respective light source units 100-1 to 100-M) is provided between the respective adjacent light source units 100-1 to 100-M. In the rear row of light source units 100-1 to 100-M, each light source unit is arranged between adjacent light source units 100-1 to 100-M of the front row when viewed from the front. This allows for a smaller horizontal spacing between adjacent light source units 100 of different rows when viewed from the front, and thus advantageously increases the horizontal image resolution compared to Fig. 17.16.
[0171] P10466DE26054-03_WQ - 22 - 15 April 2026
[0172] Fig. 20 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to some further embodiments.
[0173] By way of example, the light source unit 100 comprises an elongated or rod-shaped mounting element 110, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the drawing plane (in the Y direction), with the central cross indicating the position of the axis of rotation. By way of example, the mounting element 110 has three inner, hollow mounting sections, each containing a light source assembly 120. The light source assemblies 120 are arranged by way of example at equal angular intervals about the longitudinal axis, i.e., at angular intervals of 120° (analogous to Fig. 12).
[0174] As an example, each light source assembly 120 comprises a printed circuit board 103. As shown in Fig. 10, the respective printed circuit board 103 extends with the elongated retaining element 110 in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing (in the Y direction). An additional printed circuit board 102, which carries a light source 101, for example an LED, is arranged on the respective printed circuit board 103. In further embodiments, the light source 101, for example an LED, can also be provided directly on the printed circuit board 103.
[0175] Furthermore, for each light source assembly 120, an optional aperture element 104 is shown on the side of the light source 101 facing away from the circuit board 103, and, by way of example, an optional lens element 105 is also arranged for each light source assembly 120 on the side of the light source 101 facing away from the circuit board 103, or on the side of the aperture element 104 facing away from the light source 101. In preferred embodiments, at least one aperture and / or one lens is provided for each light source assembly 120 for each light source 101 in order to focus and / or direct the respective generated light beam LI, L2, or L3 in the radial direction of the light source assembly 100. For example, the respective light source 101 is configured to generate a respective light beam LI, L2 or L3 in the direction of the radial optical axis A, which can be directed via the optional aperture of the aperture element 104 and focused via the lens 105, e.g.can be collimated.
[0176] In exemplary embodiments according to Fig. 20, the diameter of the holding element 110 is smaller than the diameter of the orbit of the outer ends of the lens elements (dashed circle in Fig. 20). This advantageously allows a reduction in the horizontal distance between the adjacent light source units 100 and thus advantageously an increase in the horizontal image resolution; see Fig. 22.
[0177] Fig. 21 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M according to Fig. 20 analogous to Fig. 9.
[0178] P10466DE26054-03_WQ - 23 - 15 April 2026
[0179] Fig. 22 shows an exemplary schematic top view of another linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M according to Fig. 20. By way of example, the horizontal distances of the adjacent light source units are smaller than the diameter of the orbit of the outer ends of the lens elements (dashed circles in Fig. 22), wherein a lens element of one light source unit projects into the space between two lens elements of the adjacent light source unit, and the light source units rotate alternately in opposite directions (analogous to a gearing motion, but without contact).
[0180] Fig. 23 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to some further embodiments.
[0181] By way of example, the light source unit 100 comprises an elongated or rod-shaped mounting element 110, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the drawing plane (in the Y direction), with the central cross indicating the position of the axis of rotation. By way of example, the mounting element 110 has four inner, hollow mounting sections, each containing a respective light source assembly 120 for generating the respective light beams LI to L4. The light source assemblies 120 are arranged by way of example at equal angular intervals about the longitudinal axis, i.e., at angular intervals of 90° (analogous to Fig. 13). By way of example, the respective light source assemblies 120 are provided analogously to Fig. 20.
[0182] In exemplary embodiments according to Fig. 22, the diameter of the holding element 110 is smaller than the diameter of the orbit of the outer ends of the lens elements (dashed circles in Fig. 23). This advantageously allows a reduction in the horizontal distance between the adjacent light source units 100 and thus advantageously an increase in the horizontal image resolution; see Fig. 25.
[0183] Fig. 24 shows an exemplary schematic top view of a linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M according to Fig. 23 analogous to Fig. 9.
[0184] Fig. 25 shows an exemplary schematic top view of another linear arrangement of rotating light source units 100-1 to 100-M according to Fig. 23. By way of example, the horizontal distances of the adjacent light source units are smaller than the diameter of the orbit of the outer ends of the lens elements (dashed circle in Fig. 22), with adjacent light source units being rotated by 45° relative to each other, with one lens element of a light source unit projecting into the space between two lens elements of the adjacent light source unit, and the light source unit being alternately
[0185] P10466DE26054-03_WQ - April 24 - 15, 2026
[0186] rotate in opposite directions (analogous to gear movement, but without contact).
[0187] Fig. 26 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display 10 according to some further embodiments.
[0188] The intention here is to provide an even more compact design (especially to increase the horizontal image resolution by reducing the horizontal distance between adjacent light source units) by providing several light sources 101 on different sides, which, however, cross the light rays on the optical beam path to the respective lens 105.
[0189] By way of example, the light source unit 100 comprises three light sources 101 at a constant angular interval of 120° around the longitudinal axis of the light source unit 100, which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and is rotatable around the longitudinal axis indicated by the cross. Each light source 101 is arranged analogously to the preceding examples on circuit boards 103 (and 102) held by respective retaining elements 110, and an aperture element 104 is optionally provided for each light source unit 100. In contrast to the preceding embodiments, however, the light sources 101 are arranged such that the light rays are directed radially inwards and intersect in the inner cavity of the light source unit 100 before striking focusing lens elements 105 and then being directed radially outwards or focused.
[0190] The lens elements 104 are exemplified as strip-shaped lens elements extending longitudinally (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing), in particular with convexly curved, especially circularly curved, outer surfaces. The lens elements 104 are each held between two retaining elements 110, and each retaining element 110 is exemplified as being arranged between two lens elements 104.
[0191] Fig. 27 shows an exemplary schematic, functional representation of a light field display 10 according to several embodiments. Analogous to Fig. 4, the light field display 10 comprises several rotatable or rotating light source units 100, which are arranged vertically, in particular analogous to Fig. 4, and are mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation.
[0192] In particular, the respective light source units 100 are each mounted on rotary bearings 200 at opposite ends. For example, separate axially arranged drives 300 are provided for each light source unit 100 to drive the rotation of the respective light source unit 100 about the vertical longitudinal axis. This can preferably be implemented using electromagnetic drives, especially direct drives. In further embodiments, it is also possible to drive the rotary motion of several or all light source units 100 with a coupled drive.
[0193] P10466DE26054-03_WO-25 - April 15, 2026
[0194] For example, each light source unit 100 comprises at least one printed circuit board 103 (e.g. analogous to Figs. 8, 10, 15 and 17) or, as shown by way of example in Fig. 27, several printed circuit boards 103 (e.g. analogous to Figs. 20, 23 and 26), each carrying at least one vertical row of several light sources 101.
[0195] For example, the light field display 10 includes a main control unit 400 for controlling the rotational movement of the light source units 100 and the image signals for all light sources 101 of the light field display 10.
[0196] For example, each circuit board 103 includes its own control unit 120, such as a microcontroller, for controlling the light sources 101 of the respective light source unit 100 based on one or more data signals from the main control unit 400, which can be transmitted, for example, via sliding contacts 130. In addition to data signal transmission, such sliding contacts can also be used to supply electrical power to the respective light source units 100. Alternatively or additionally, inductive interfaces can also be provided for power supply and / or data signal transmission.
[0197] In the preceding embodiments, light field displays with light source units 100 rotating about the respective longitudinal direction were described as examples. In further embodiments, it is also possible to provide only partially rotating light source units 100, comprising a part rotating about the longitudinal direction and a stationary or non-rotating part. For example, the light sources 101 can be mounted stationary on an inner stationary part of the respective light source units 100, so that fixed electrical and signal connections can be provided and sliding contacts or inductive interfaces can be dispensed with.
[0198] For example, such light source units 100 can comprise optical units rotating around the stationary light sources 101. One such embodiment is described below with two optical elements 105 (analogous to Fig. 15), but it can also be provided with only one optical element 105, analogous to Fig. 8, or with more than two optical elements, e.g., analogous to Figs. 12 to 14 and 20 or 23.
[0199] Fig. 28 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a partially rotating light source unit 100 of a light field display according to some further embodiments.
[0200] For example, the light source unit 100 comprises a stationary part. The stationary part of the light source unit 100 includes, for example, a circuit board 103 (or a conductor strip) carrying the light sources 101 on an inner retaining element 111 extending longitudinally, which can, for example, be held stationary on the frame R of the light field display.
[0201] P10466DE26054-03_WO-26 - April 15, 2026
[0202] For example, the light source unit 100 comprises a rotating part. The rotating part of the light source unit 100 includes, for example, two lens elements 105 opposite each other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the light source unit 100, with associated aperture elements 104, the lens elements 105 with the associated aperture elements 104 being held, for example, by two outer retaining elements 112. The stationary part with the circuit board 103 and the light sources 101 is arranged in the inner cavity of the rotating part of the light source unit 100.
[0203] By way of example, the rotating part of the light source unit 100 is rotatably mounted on the frame R of the light field display at longitudinally opposite ends about the longitudinal axis and rotates in operation about the longitudinal axis and thus about the inner stationary part of the light source unit 100, the rotation being illustrated by way of example in Fig. 29.
[0204] Fig. 29 shows exemplary schematic top views of a partially rotating light source unit of a light field display according to Fig. 28 at various times. The refresh rates can be found in Fig. 11.
[0205] The above descriptions illustrate embodiments that, starting from the prior art, enable improved light field displays and / or light field generating display devices, which, compared to the prior art, are improved in particular with regard to simplified, more efficient and / or more cost-effective manufacturing and / or with regard to a simpler, more compact, lighter and / or more cost-effective design.
[0206] It should be noted that only examples and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as technical advantages, have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying figures. However, the present disclosure is in no way limited or restricted to the embodiments and their features or combinations described above, but also includes modifications of these embodiments, in particular those resulting from modifications of the features of the described examples or from combinations or partial combinations of one or more of the features of the described examples within the scope of protection of the independent claims.
[0207] P10466DE
Claims
26054-03_WO - TI - April 15, 2026 Patent claims 1. Display device for generating a light field, comprising: several elongated light source units (100), each extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction (Y), wherein each light source unit (100) or at least a rotating part of the light source unit (100) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (A) extending in the respective longitudinal direction (Y), and wherein each light source unit (100) comprises at least one longitudinally extending series of light sources (101) which are each configured to produce light rays (L) directed transversely to the axis of rotation (A) when viewed longitudinally.
2. Display device according to claim 1, wherein Each light source unit (100) comprises at least one elongated retaining element (110; 111), in particular a rod-shaped profile element, which extends in the longitudinal direction (Y).
3. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein Each light source unit (100) comprises at least one elongated printed circuit board (103) and / or an elongated conductor strip, in particular a strip-shaped printed circuit board (103) and / or a strip-shaped conductor strip, which extends in the vertical longitudinal direction (Y), wherein the printed circuit board (103) and / or the conductor strip carries the at least one row of light sources (101) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y).
4. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein Each light source unit (100) for each longitudinally extending (Y) row of light sources (101) comprises one or more longitudinally extending (Y) aperture elements (104).
5. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein Each light source unit (100) for each longitudinally extending (Y) row of light sources (101) comprises one or more longitudinally extending (Y) lens elements (105), in particular one or more cylindrical lenses or half-cylinder lenses.
6. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein P10466DE26054-03_WO-28 - April 15, 2026 the light source units (100) are arranged in at least one row when viewed longitudinally, in particular in a straight row or a curved row.
7. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein Each light source unit (100) comprises several rows of light sources (101) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein the several rows of light sources (101) are arranged relative to each other in the longitudinal direction at a constant angular distance of 360° / N, where N > 2 indicates the number of rows of light sources (101) per light source unit (100).
8. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein Each light source unit (100) comprises several lens elements (105) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein the several lens elements (105) are arranged relative to each other at a constant angular distance of 360° / N when viewed in the longitudinal direction, where N > 2 indicates the number of lens elements (105) per light source unit (100).
9. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a frame (R) which supports the light source units (100), wherein each light source unit (100) or at least the rotating part of the respective light source unit (100) is rotatably mounted on a first section of the frame (R) and on a section of the frame (R) opposite the first section in the longitudinal direction via respective rotary bearings (200).
10. Display device according to claim 9, wherein at least one rotary bearing (200) comprises an interface for energy transmission and / or data signal transmission to the respective light source units (100) in rotating operation, wherein the interface in particular comprises sliding contacts and / or an inductive interface for energy transmission and / or data signal transmission.
11. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a main control unit (400) for controlling at least one drive (300) for driving the rotation of the light source units (100) or the respective rotatable part of the light source units (100) about the respective axis of rotation (A) and / or the data signal transmission to the light source units (100). P10466DE26054-03_WO-29 - April 15, 2026 12. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein Each light source unit (100) comprises at least one control unit (120), in particular a micro-controller, for controlling the at least one series of light sources (101).
13. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light source unit (100) is rotatable as a whole about the longitudinal axis.
14. Display device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light source unit (100) comprises an inner stationary part and an outer part rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
15. Display device according to claim 14, wherein the stationary part of the light source unit (100) comprises at least one row of light sources (101) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) and optionally an internal elongated retaining element (111) and / or an elongated circuit board (103), and / or the rotating part of the light source unit (100) comprises at least one lens element (105) and optionally one or more external retaining elements (112) and / or at least one aperture element (104).
16. Display device according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2 or claim 15, wherein: at least one light source unit (100) has two opposing vertical rows of light sources (101) and two holding elements (110) for them; the rows of light sources are each set up to generate light rays (L) directed transversely to the axis of rotation (A) when viewed in the longitudinal direction, such that the light rays (LI) of a first row of light sources are directed radially opposite to the light rays (L2) of the second row of light sources; the two retaining elements (110) are located on opposite sides in the radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the respective light source unit (100) and are flattened transversely to an optical axis of the radially oppositely directed light rays (LI, L2) and the respective light source unit (100) thus has a reduced width in the direction transverse to the optical axis of the radially opposite light rays (LI, L2). P10466DE26054-03_WO -30- April 15, 2026 17. Display device according to claim 16, wherein in at least one of the light source units (100) the reduced width is smaller than the width of the light source unit (100) in the direction of the radially opposite light rays (L1,L2).
18. Display device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: the number M of light source units (100) with the flattened mounting elements and thus reduced width is greater than two, and the M light source units (100) are arranged in a linear arrangement; and The M light source units (100) are configured such that they are alternately rotated 90° to each other about their respective axes of rotation and rotate alternately in different directions during operation of the display device.
19. Display device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: the light source units (100) with flattened retaining elements and thus reduced width are arranged in a double-row arrangement; Each row of the arrangement has a plurality of light source units in a linear arrangement, in particular parallel to the other row; and the two rows are offset from each other such that, according to a front view directed towards the display device, in the front row of light source units (100) a distance is provided between the respective adjacent light source units (100) in the front row which is smaller than the maximum rotating diameter of the respective light source units (100) of the front row, and in the other, according to the front view rear row of light source units (100) one or more of the light source units there are arranged between adjacent light source units of the front row.
20. Display device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: at least two of the light source units are arranged as a linear arrangement of adjacent light source units (100); wherein the horizontal distances between the adjacent light source units are smaller than the maximum diameter of the orbit of the outer ends, viewed in the radial direction, of the light sources or light source assemblies of the adjacent light source units; and the respective outer ends of the light sources or light source structures of a respective light source unit protrude into the space between two light sources or light source structures of an adjacent light source unit and the respective P10466DE26054-03_WO-31 - April 15, 2026 Adjacent light source units are configured to rotate alternately in opposite directions, analogous to a contactless gearing motion.
21. Display device according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the light source assemblies (120) comprises a light source (101) and furthermore at least one aperture and / or a lens for this light source (101) in order to focus and / or direct a light beam generated by this light source in the radial direction of the light source unit (100); and the outer end of the respective light source setup corresponds to the outer end of the aperture or lens as seen in the radial direction.
22. Display device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light source unit (100) has a number N, with N > 2, light sources (101) arranged around the axis of rotation of the light source unit (100) such that the light rays generated by them are directed radially inwards and cross over each other in an inner cavity of the light source unit (100) before exiting the light source unit radially outwards.
23. Display device according to claim 22, wherein the at least one light source unit has, in particular focusing, lens elements which are arranged such that the light rays, after crossing, meet a respective lens element and are thereby directed radially outwards, in particular also focused. P10466DE