Under-Display Illuminator Using Micro-Lenses for Laser Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge with including optical sources behind a display is that it limits the transmission of optical energy to the object being illuminated, hindering the quality of images acquired by the camera and feature recognition capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A display configuration featuring a micro-lens array layer aligned with transmission spaces in the display layer, combined with a laser light emitting layer, where each micro-lens is positioned to converge and project laser light through these spaces, enhancing the illumination and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical sources are placed behind the display, then the display structure is maintained and integrated, but the transmission of optical energy to the object is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display layer is segmented into multiple regions including transparent regions and pixel regions. The transparent regions are specifically designed to allow optical energy transmission, while pixel regions provide display functionality. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of display integration and optical energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
A micro-lens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical source and the object. The micro-lenses focus and direct the optical energy through the transparent regions of the display, enhancing transmission efficiency while maintaining the integrated display structure.
2Loss of energy
If a micro-lens array is added to converge laser light, then optical energy transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-lens array serves multiple functions: it converges laser light to improve transmission, maintains alignment with pixel regions, and integrates seamlessly with the existing display structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-lens array is positioned in a intermediate layer between the optical source and display, adding a new dimensional layer to the structure. This intermediate positioning allows optical energy convergence without interfering with the primary display function, resolving the complexity issue.
3Loss of energy
If laser diodes are aligned with transmission spaces, then optical energy transmission efficiency is maximized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent regions and micro-lens positions are pre-defined during the display manufacturing process. By establishing the geometric patterns of transparent regions and micro-lens array positions in advance, the alignment requirements are converted into standard manufacturing specifications that can be consistently achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for adjustable parameters such as the size and spacing of transparent regions, which can be optimized to balance transmission efficiency with manufacturing capabilities. By making these parameters configurable, the system can be adapted to different manufacturing precision levels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively increases the transmission of optical energy to the object, improving image quality and feature recognition by ensuring that laser light converges and passes through specific transmission spaces, thereby enhancing the ability of the camera to detect features.
Implementation Method 1
each micro-lens includes a surface that is curved, rounded, or convex facing away from the corresponding transmission space
Data Source
AI summary
A display includes a stack that includes, from top to bottom: a display layer including an array of spaced pixels and/or spaced subpixels and an array of spaced transmission spaces, wherein each transmission space is defined by a spacing between a subset of the spaced pixels and/or spaced subpixels; a micro-lens array (MLA) layer including an array of micro-lenses, wherein each micro-lens includes a curved surface in alignment with a corresponding one of the transmission spaces; and a laser light emitting (LLE) layer including an array laser diodes, wherein each laser diode is positioned in alignment with one micro-lens of the MLA layer and the corresponding one of the transmission spaces of the display layer and the curved surfaces of the micro-lenses face the LLE layer.