MEMS-Driven Micro-LED Optical Package for Light Field Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field display technologies face challenges in scaling to large public applications due to inefficiencies in managing light field display across arbitrary surfaces, leading to issues with extinction ratio, ghosting, and high power consumption, particularly in systems using LEDs where only a small percentage of sub-pixels are active at any given time.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution employs optical multiplexing using a moving array of LEDs, where each light field sub-pixel is only visible from a desired angle, reducing the number of LEDs required and optimizing their distribution based on content, thereby increasing refresh rate and color possibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large array of LEDs is used to cover the entire display area, then the display area is increased, but the active area of each sub-pixel becomes very small and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable LED array that can dynamically reposition itself to different locations within the display area. This allows a smaller number of high-power LEDs to cover the entire display area over time, rather than requiring many low-power LEDs to simultaneously cover the full area. The movable array transitions between positions to ensure complete coverage while maintaining reasonable power consumption levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED array operates by periodically moving to different positions and activating LEDs in a sequential manner. Each LED or subset of LEDs is activated for a specific duration at each position, then the array moves to the next position. This periodic activation pattern allows the system to cover the entire display area over time using fewer LEDs, reducing overall power consumption compared to having all LEDs active simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If masks are used to control light output for each viewer, then viewing angle control is improved, but visual artifacts and ghosting increase due to incomplete extinction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static optical masking approach with a dynamic mechanical positioning system. Instead of using masks to block light from reaching unwanted viewing angles, the system physically moves the LED array to precise positions where light naturally directs toward the intended viewer. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for masks and their associated problems with incomplete light blocking, visual artifacts, and ghosting effects.
3Quantity of substance
If the LED array is moved to different positions, then the number of active LEDs is reduced, but the complexity of the positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the movable LED array structure. The same mechanical platform that holds and positions the LEDs also serves as the actuation mechanism for movement. The control system that manages LED activation patterns also coordinates the positioning movements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate, complex positioning subsystems and simplifies the overall device architecture while still achieving the goal of using fewer LEDs.
4Quantity of substance
If a smaller number of LEDs are used with optical multiplexing, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the refresh rate and color possibilities need to be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous display output by implementing overlapping refresh cycles. While the LED array is physically moving from one position to another, the control system continuously updates the LED activation patterns. Multiple LEDs are activated in sequence across different positions, ensuring that the display maintains its refresh rate. The movement and activation are synchronized so that the human eye perceives continuous, smooth image updates without interruption from the physical movement of the 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 approach enhances the scalability and efficiency of light field displays, allowing for more flexible and cost-effective large-scale implementations while maintaining high image quality and reducing visual artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-LED array that emits light in specific directions
Implementation Method 2
A movable light field display system combines a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device, a micro-LED array
Data Source
AI summary
An optical light package includes an optical output lens, an optical filter located thereunder and between the output lens and LEDS, a tray of LEDs arrayed on a stage mounted on a linear comb based MEMS device that is distributed in such a way that the stage is movable, and a driver that controls movement of the stage.