Micro-Lens Display Structure for Brighter AR/VR Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices for augmented and virtual reality, such as head-mounted displays, face challenges in providing a bright, high-resolution image with low power consumption and reliable performance due to the perception of pixels and increased power requirements for light-emitting elements.
Innovation Solution
A display device design incorporating a light-emitting element, a coloring layer, a lens, and a resin layer with specific refractive indices and structures to enhance light convergence and reduce power consumption, while maintaining high image quality and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the display surface is placed close to the user to enable AR/VR functionality, then the device can provide immersive experience, but the user perceives pixels and granularity which diminishes the sense of immersion
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface is divided into multiple sub-pixels (red, green, blue) arranged in a specific pattern, with each sub-pixel having its own light-emitting element and lens. This segmentation allows for higher resolution while maintaining pixel invisibility at close viewing distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lens layer with varying refractive indices above the display surface, creating a three-dimensional optical structure. This additional dimension enables light manipulation that reduces pixel perception and enhances image quality without increasing pixel density alone
2Manufacturing precision
If the aperture ratio of the pixel is decreased to accommodate more pixels, then the display resolution is improved, but the image becomes dark and requires larger current which increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the lens material as a function of position, with the refractive index being higher near the light-emitting element and lower farther away. This gradient refractive index optimization improves light extraction efficiency and brightness without increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure combines multiple materials with different refractive indices (light-emitting element, lens material, resin layer) to create a composite optical system that maximizes light output efficiency, reducing the need for high current operation
3Illumination intensity
If a high refractive index lens material is used to improve light convergence, then the brightness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is designed with spatially varying refractive index properties, where different regions of the lens have different refractive indices optimized for their specific function. This local optimization achieves high light convergence efficiency without requiring uniformly complex high-index materials throughout the entire lens structure
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
The solution enables a bright, high-quality image with reduced power consumption and increased reliability by optimizing light convergence and pixel miniaturization, addressing the challenges of pixel perception and power efficiency in display devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens includes a first flat portion and a first convex portion... The refractive index of the resin layer is lower than the refractive index of the first lens
Implementation Method 2
The resin layer is in contact with the first convex portion... The refractive index of the resin layer is lower than the refractive index of the first lens
Data Source
AI summary
A display device that enables a user to see a bright image is provided. In the display device, a first substrate, a light-emitting element, an insulating layer, a coloring layer, a planarization layer, a plano-convex lens, a resin layer, and a second substrate are stacked in this order from the bottom. The plano-convex lens is curved outwards in the upper direction of the display device. A convex portion of the plano-convex lens is in contact with a resin layer, and the refractive index of the resin layer is lower than the refractive index of the plano-convex lens. Light emitted by the light-emitting element is converged in the forward direction by the plano-convex lens.