Microlens-Directed Light-Emitting Elements for Integrated Image Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a projection display device that integrates a light source emitting light and a spatial modulator forming an image, and existing technologies do not utilize self-luminous light-emitting elements effectively.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting element with a light-emitting section comprising multiple light-emitting regions and microlens members or a light-guiding section controlling light direction, integrated into a display device or surface-emitting device to form images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a light source and spatial modulator are integrated into a self-luminous light-emitting element, then device complexity is reduced, but light extraction efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidlight extraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The light-emitting element is divided into multiple light-emitting regions with different emission characteristics. Each region can be independently controlled to emit light in specific directions, allowing the device to maintain simplicity while improving light extraction efficiency through spatial distribution of emission functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the light-emitting element are designed with different optical properties. The light-emitting regions have varying emission patterns and characteristics tailored to specific functional requirements, enabling optimized light extraction from each local area while maintaining overall device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If microlens members are added to control light direction, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microlens members are integrated directly into the light-emitting element structure, merging the light control function with the light emission function. This combination allows directional light extraction without adding separate external optical components, thereby improving light extraction efficiency while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microlens members serve multiple functions: they control light direction, enhance light extraction efficiency, and are structurally integrated as part of the light-emitting element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing improved performance with controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light-emitting regions are used, then image formation capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formationVSAvoidlight-emitting regions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light-emitting element is segmented into multiple discrete light-emitting regions that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables image formation capabilities while the regions are designed with standardized dimensions and spacing to facilitate manufacturing processes and reduce precision requirements compared to fully custom designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting regions are designed with specific geometric parameters and emission characteristics that can be adjusted to balance image formation quality with manufacturing feasibility. By optimizing parameters such as region size, spacing, and emission patterns, the device achieves versatile image formation while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient image formation using self-luminous light-emitting elements, enhancing light extraction efficiency and reducing power consumption by simplifying the projection display device structure.

Implementation Method 1

one or a plurality of microlens members controlling a traveling direction of light emitted from each of the light-emitting regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12445580B2Light-emitting element, display device and surface-emitting device

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Alight-emitting element of the present disclosure includes a light-emitting section including a plurality of light-emitting regions, and one or a plurality of microlens members controlling a traveling direction of light emitted from each of the light-emitting regions. Alternatively, the light-emitting element of the present disclosure includes a light-emitting section including one light-emitting region, and a plurality of microlens members controlling a traveling direction of light emitted from the one light-emitting region. Alternatively, the light-emitting element of the present disclosure includes a light-emitting section including a plurality of light-emitting regions, and one or a plurality of microlens members controlling a traveling direction of each light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting regions.