Embedded Light Sources in Silicon Backplane Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED array scanning systems for display technologies are too large and complex for wearable devices, resulting in slow refresh rates, blurred image quality, limited color depth, and size/weight barriers due to large optical systems and inefficient light emission.
Innovation Solution
An imaging structure with embedded light sources, featuring a silicon backplane with individually controllable inorganic LEDs or lasers, micro lens optics for light concentration, and a fault-tolerant array design for improved illumination and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional LED array scanning systems are used for display technologies, then light can be emitted and displayed, but the system becomes too large and complex for wearable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source (LED array) directly with the scanning function by integrating the emitter array with the MEMS mirror or LC scanner on a single substrate. This integration eliminates separate optical components and reduces the overall system volume and complexity, making it suitable for wearable display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the LED emitter array is positioned in close proximity to and integrated with the scanning mechanism (MEMS mirror or LC scanner). The light emission occurs directly at the scanning element location, nesting the light source function within the scanning system architecture.
2Productivity
If conventional LED array scanning systems are used, then light emission is achieved, but refresh rate becomes slow and image quality becomes blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous light emission from the LED array during the scanning process, rather than requiring sequential emitter activation. The LED array continuously emits light while the MEMS mirror or LC scanner directs different portions of the light field to different scan lines, maintaining high refresh rates and preventing image blur through continuous illumination.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional LED array scanning systems are used, then display function is achieved, but color depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED array into multiple independent emitter elements that can be individually controlled for color output. Each emitter or group of emitters can produce different wavelengths, and by selectively activating specific emitters or combining outputs from multiple emitters, the system achieves enhanced color depth without requiring complex mechanical filters or additional optical components.
4Loss of energy
If conventional LED array scanning systems are used, then light can be emitted across a surface, but light efficiency varies due to production and material variances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the actual light output from each LED emitter is measured and used to adjust the drive current or pulse width modulation parameters for that specific emitter. This per-emitter feedback compensation corrects for variations in light efficiency caused by production tolerances, material differences, and bonding variances, ensuring uniform overall light output across the entire array.
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 solution enables reduced power consumption by up to one-sixth, smaller size, and improved image quality with reduced stray light, while allowing for efficient direct emission and projection in wearable display devices.
Implementation Method 1
The embedded light sources are formed in inorganic material as LEDs or lasers for direct light emission
Implementation Method 2
Micro lens optics can be positioned over the conductive material layer to direct the light that is emitted from the embedded light sources
Implementation Method 3
the micro lens optics may be implemented as parabolic optics to concentrate the light that is emitted from the embedded light sources
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of an imaging structure with embedded light sources, an imaging structure includes a silicon backplane with a driver pad array. The embedded light sources are formed on the driver pad array in an emitter material layer, and the embedded light sources can be individually controlled at the driver pad array to generate and emit light. A conductive material layer over the embedded light sources forms a p-n junction between the emitter material layer and the conductive material layer. Micro lens optics can be positioned over the conductive material layer to direct the light that is emitted from the embedded light sources. Further, the micro lens optics may be implemented as parabolic optics to concentrate the light that is emitted from the embedded light sources.