Emitter Array Pitch Mismatch for Display Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fabrication methods fail to achieve precise mechanical alignment between emitter arrays and displays in portable devices, such as smartphones and smart glasses, which is essential for efficient optical radiation transmission, due to the strict size and resolution requirements of these devices.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic device design where a second substrate with emitters is positioned parallel to a first substrate with display cells, with emitters aligned at a different pitch than the pixel circuit elements, allowing control circuitry to identify and selectively drive only those emitters aligned with gaps between the pixel circuit elements, eliminating the need for precise manufacturing alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional fabrication methods are used to align emitter arrays with display pixels, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the extremely tight tolerances required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with optical field-based alignment. Emitters are positioned at different pitches than display pixels, and optical radiation patterns are used to identify and activate only those emitters that align with pixel gaps, eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning during fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameter (pitch) of the emitter array relative to the display pixel array. By deliberately using different pitches and allowing misalignment, the system transforms the alignment problem from a mechanical precision challenge into an optical selection problem that can be solved through software control
2Illumination intensity
If all emitters are activated to ensure coverage, then illumination completeness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and activates only the specific subset of emitters that are properly aligned with pixel gaps. By identifying and activating only these relevant emitters rather than all emitters, the system achieves complete illumination coverage while minimizing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by activating only the necessary portion of emitters (those aligned with gaps) rather than all emitters. This selective activation approach provides sufficient illumination for the display while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from activating the entire emitter array
3Ease of manufacture
If emitters are positioned at the same pitch as display pixels, then alignment is simplified, but manufacturing alignment precision becomes critical and difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not trying to make emitters align with pixels at the same pitch. Instead, it positions emitters at different pitches and uses optical radiation patterns to identify which emitters do align with pixel gaps, turning the alignment challenge into a selectable feature rather than a manufacturing constraint
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 approach enables efficient optical radiation transmission by ensuring that only aligned emitters emit light through the gaps, saving display area and reducing power consumption while minimizing stray light reflection, thus overcoming the limitations of existing alignment methods.
Implementation Method 1
The array of VCSELs comprises a first matrix of VCSELs arranged in a first direction and a second matrix of VCSELs arranged in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The VCSELs each have an associated microlens, and the microlenses are configured to focus the optical radiation from each of the VCSELs to converge to a waist at the display
Implementation Method 3
A display is provided, including a first substrate, which is transparent to optical radiation at a given wavelength
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of sensors of the optical radiation configured to detect the optical radiation emitted by the emitters and reflected from the pixel circuit elements
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic device includes a display, including a first substrate, which is transparent to optical radiation at a given wavelength, and a first array of display cells including pixel circuit elements disposed on the first substrate at a first pitch, with gaps of a predefined size between the pixel circuit elements. An emitter array includes a second substrate, parallel and in proximity to the first substrate, and a second array of emitters, which are disposed on the second substrate at a second pitch that is different from the first pitch, and which are configured to emit optical radiation at the given wavelength toward the first substrate. Control circuitry is configured to identify the emitters that are aligned with the gaps between the pixel circuit elements and to selectively drive the identified emitters to emit the optical radiation through the gaps.