Micro-Reflector Brightness Enhancement for Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display panels, particularly electrophoretic display panels, suffer from reduced brightness due to light loss caused by total internal reflection and absorption into inactive display cell walls, as well as scattering of light at angles greater than the critical angle, which is not effectively redirected to the viewer.
Innovation Solution
A brightness enhancement structure comprising micro-reflectors is fabricated on the viewing surface of display panels, deflecting light to reduce losses by redirecting scattered light at angles less than the critical angle, thereby enhancing brightness. This is achieved through embossing and depositing a reflective metal layer on micro-structures, and forming display cells using photolithography with the micro-reflectors as a photomask, or using a metal mesh for micro-reflector fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light strikes the top viewing surface at angles greater than the critical angle, then light is reflected back onto the display panel, but most of it is lost to the viewer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of converting harm into benefit by using the micro-reflector structure to redirect light that would otherwise be lost. The micro-reflectors intercept light striking the top surface at angles greater than the critical angle and redirect it toward the viewer, transforming this previously harmful light loss into a beneficial brightness enhancement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing micro-reflectors that alter the angle of light incidence. By changing the effective angle at which light strikes the display surface through the micro-reflector geometry, the patent enables light that would normally be totally internally reflected to instead be redirected toward the viewer's position.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination light reaches the wall of the display cells, then light is transmitted or absorbed into inactive parts, but this reduces the effective brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light reaching inactive display cell walls into a beneficial outcome. The micro-reflector structure redirects illumination light away from the cell walls and toward the active viewing surface, transforming what would be light absorption/loss into enhanced brightness through the reflective mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-reflectors serve as an intermediary element between the illumination light and the display surface. This intermediary structure mediates the light path, redirecting illumination that would otherwise be lost to the cell walls and channeling it through the transparent top surface toward the viewer's position.
3Illumination intensity
If a brightness enhancement structure is added to the display panel, then brightness is enhanced by up to twice the original level, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the brightness enhancement function into discrete micro-reflector elements distributed across the display surface. Each micro-reflector is a small, independent unit that collectively provides the brightness enhancement effect, allowing the complex function to be achieved through simple repeated units rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by positioning micro-reflectors specifically at the top viewing surface where they are most effective for redirecting light toward the viewer. The micro-reflector structure is localized to this critical region rather than being distributed throughout the entire display, optimizing brightness enhancement while minimizing overall structural complexity.
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 micro-reflector structure enhances brightness by up to twice the original level by redirecting light that would otherwise be lost, improving the overall display panel's illumination efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The micro-reflectors have a reflective surface for reflecting scattered light to enhance brightness
Implementation Method 2
light scattered by the display panel in reflection which strikes the surface of the transparent material on top of the display panel at an angle greater than the critical angle is reflected back onto the display panel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a brightness enhancement structure comprising micro-reflectors. The process comprises forming an array of micro-structures by embossing; and depositing a metal layer over the surface of the micro-structures. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a display device comprising micro-reflectors. The present invention further relates to a display device comprising micro-reflectors and color filters.