Micro Lens Array for Display Panel Light Divergence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display panels in portable electronic devices suffer from light waste and high power consumption due to large viewing angles, which also raise privacy concerns in public use.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a micro lens array with pixel light sources to reduce light divergence and viewing angles, using techniques like high temperature reflow, grayscale mask photolithography, and dry etching pattern transfer for fabrication, with an optical spacer to maintain positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If display panels use large viewing angles to accommodate multiple audiences, then viewing angle coverage is improved, but light waste and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing micro lenses at specific locations (above pixel light sources) to selectively control light emission. Each micro lens locally modifies the light propagation characteristics, concentrating light in the vertical direction while maintaining the display's overall large viewing angle capability for different user scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the light emission pattern adjustable and context-dependent. The micro lens array dynamically concentrates light based on the need for privacy and power efficiency, while the display system can adapt to different viewing scenarios by leveraging the directional control provided by the micro lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If display panels use large viewing angles for public use, then accessibility is improved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The micro lens array applies local quality by creating localized light concentration zones directly above each pixel. This local optical modification ensures that light is primarily directed vertically toward the user's viewing position, reducing lateral light leakage that would otherwise expose content to bystanders in public settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro lens array serves as an intermediary optical element between the pixel light sources and the viewer. It mediates the light propagation by refracting and concentrating light rays in the vertical direction, thereby controlling the viewing cone and preventing content from being visible at oblique angles where privacy would be compromised.
3Device complexity
If micro lens array is integrated on the substrate with pixel light sources, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but fabrication process difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the micro lens array fabrication with the existing pixel light source manufacturing process by integrating both structures on the same substrate. This consolidation reduces the total number of manufacturing steps and alignment operations needed, as the micro lenses are formed in the same process sequence as the pixel structures rather than being added as a separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the reflow process temperature and material properties to simultaneously form both the pixel light sources and micro lens structures. By controlling the reflow temperature and duration, the process achieves the desired shapes and positions for both components, transforming a potentially complex multi-step process into a more manageable single reflow operation.
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
Reduces light waste, increases brightness, and enhances user privacy by concentrating light and limiting the viewing angle, while allowing for various device designs and manufacturing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The array of micro lenses are aligned to the pixel light sources and positioned to reduce the divergence of light produced by the pixel light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a display panel with integrated micro lens array. The display panel typically includes an array of pixel light sources (e.g., LEDs) electrically coupled to corresponding pixel driver circuits (e.g., FETs). The array of micro lenses are aligned to the pixel light sources and positioned to reduce the divergence of light produced by the pixel light sources. The display panel may also include an integrated optical spacer to maintain the positioning between the micro lenses and pixel driver circuits.