LED Display Via Layout for Uniform Light and Local Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with displays face challenges in achieving desired optical performance and power efficiency due to bulky components and uneven light distribution, leading to dark spots and inefficient power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of light-emitting diodes with a common cathode formed in a grid or around the periphery, featuring multiple smaller vias and independently adjustable light sources to prevent dark spots and optimize power usage, allowing for local dimming and enhanced dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single large via is used in each light-emitting diode, then the structure is simpler, but dark spots appear in the light-emitting diode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large via into multiple smaller vias within each light-emitting diode structure. This segmentation allows light to be emitted more uniformly across the entire LED area, preventing dark spots that would occur with a single centralized via. The multiple vias distribute the light emission points throughout the LED footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different via configurations in different regions of the light-emitting diode array. Each LED may have a customized via pattern (e.g., 2x2, 3x3, or other arrangements) optimized for its specific location and function, allowing local optimization of light emission characteristics while maintaining overall system performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional display components are used, then the display can be manufactured with conventional processes, but the components are bulky and do not exhibit desired levels of optical performance and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the light-emitting diode structure itself. The LEDs serve as both the light source and the display elements, eliminating the need for separate backlight units, diffusers, and other bulky optical components. This integration dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining manufacturability through established semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the display system by using electroluminescent diodes that can be independently controlled at the pixel level. This allows for ultra-low power operation compared to traditional LCDs that require continuous backlight illumination, while still using conventional semiconductor manufacturing techniques.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional display components are used, then the display can be manufactured with conventional processes, but the components are bulky and do not exhibit desired levels of optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical systems (traditional LCD panels with backlights, mirrors, and lenses) with electroluminescent diode structures that generate light directly through electrical excitation. This substitution enables superior optical performance with uniform light emission, high brightness, and efficient light extraction while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes.
4Illumination intensity
If light-emitting diodes with multiple vias are used, then dark spots are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the via structure into multiple smaller vias arranged in systematic patterns (such as grid arrangements) within each light-emitting diode. This segmentation approach achieves uniform light emission across the LED area while maintaining a regular, predictable structure that does not significantly complicate the manufacturing process compared to a single via design.
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 improves optical performance by reducing dark spots and enhancing dynamic range, while conserving power by allowing independent control of light intensity and duration across different regions of the display.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination engine may include an array of light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
Each light-emitting diode in the array of light-emitting diodes may include a plurality of vias
Implementation Method 3
The common cathode may include a conductive layer formed from a reflective material
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have one or more displays that produce images for a user. The display may include an array of light-emitting diodes. Each light-emitting diode in the array of light-emitting diodes may include a plurality of vias. The vias may be arranged in an array of rows and columns. The light-emitting diodes in the array may share a common cathode. The common cathode may include a conductive layer formed from a reflective material. The conductive layer may be formed in a grid that defines a plurality of openings for the light-emitting diodes or may be formed around the periphery of the array. The array may include light-emitting diodes of two different colors in a head-to-tail arrangement, connected in series, or that share a common cathode. The array may include light-emitting diodes of three different colors that are vertically stacked.