Micro-optic Elements Enhance Under-Display Optical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in developing under-display optical sensors is the high opacity of display stacks due to opaque elements like conductive traces, which limits light transmission and causes significant signal-to-noise ratio reduction and dynamic range issues, making it difficult to position optical transmitters and receivers under displays without compromising display performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of micro-optic elements, such as micro-lenses or GRIN lenses, on the back surface of the display stack, aligned with translucent apertures, enhances light transmission and reception efficiency by collimating and focusing light through the display stack, reducing backlight-induced distortion and maximizing display real estate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If optical transmitters and receivers are positioned under the display, then display real estate is maximized and edge-to-edge displays are enabled, but light transmission is reduced due to opaque elements causing signal-to-noise ratio reduction and dynamic range issues
Solution Approach 1:
A microlens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical transmitter/receiver and the display stack. The microlens array focuses light through the translucent apertures in the display stack, enabling efficient light coupling despite the opaque conductive traces. This intermediary element allows the optical components to be positioned under the display while maintaining adequate light transmission and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display stack is designed with localized translucent apertures positioned at specific locations where optical transmission is needed. These apertures create regions of high light transmission efficiency surrounded by opaque conductive traces, allowing optical functionality at specific locations while maintaining overall display performance. The microlens array is similarly positioned to focus light through these specific aperture locations.
2Area of stationary object
If optical transmitters and receivers are positioned under the display, then edge-to-edge displays are enabled, but light transmission is reduced due to opaque conductive traces causing dynamic range issues
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array serves as an optical intermediary that concentrates and directs light through the translucent apertures in the display stack. By positioning the microlens array at an optimal distance from the display stack, the system achieves efficient light coupling and maximizes light transmission intensity through the opaque conductive traces, thereby improving dynamic range while maintaining edge-to-edge display coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array employs curved spherical lens elements to focus and concentrate light. The spherical geometry of the microlenses enables efficient light gathering and focusing through the translucent apertures, maximizing light transmission intensity despite the presence of opaque conductive traces in the display stack.
3Reliability
If opaque elements are used in the display stack, then display performance is maintained, but light transmission is blocked causing signal-to-noise ratio reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The display stack employs a patterned structure with localized translucent apertures positioned at specific locations where optical transmission is required. These apertures create channels of high light transmission efficiency that allow optical signals to pass through the otherwise opaque conductive traces. The microlens array is positioned to focus light through these specific aperture locations, minimizing overall light transmission loss while maintaining display performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array acts as an intermediary optical element that bridges the gap between the opaque conductive traces and the optical transmitter/receiver. By focusing light through the translucent apertures, the microlens array compensates for the light blocking effect of the opaque elements, reducing energy loss while preserving display performance.
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 solution enables efficient optical transmission and reception through displays, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of under-display optical sensors while minimizing the impact on display performance, allowing for edge-to-edge displays and improved proximity sensing and imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one micro-optic element may include a micro-optic element having a focal point located within the translucent aperture
Implementation Method 2
enhances light transmission and reception efficiency by collimating and focusing light through the display stack
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a display stack and an optical receiver. The display stack includes a set of opaque elements defining a translucent aperture. The translucent aperture extends through the display stack. The optical receiver is spaced apart from and behind a back surface of the display stack. At least one micro-optic element is formed on the back surface of the display stack, between the display stack and the optical receiver. The at least one micro-optic element includes a micro-optic element having a focal point located within the translucent aperture. The optical receiver is configured to receive light through the translucent aperture and the at least one micro-optic element.