Microlens Array for Infinity Focus Display

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users, especially those over 40, face challenges in viewing digital displays without corrective lenses, as they struggle to focus on both near and far objects, leading to blurred images on digital devices like smartphones and tablets.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising an array of spatial filters and multiple arrays of microlenses, along with transparent elements, is used to direct radiation from the display to simulate an image at infinity, eliminating the need for reading glasses by forming a micro-binocular or micro-telescope system that maintains image resolution and clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an array of spatial filters is used to block side ambient radiation, then display visibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spatial filtering function is segmented into multiple discrete spatial filters arranged in an array, where each filter handles a specific angular range of ambient radiation. This segmentation allows the system to block side ambient radiation effectively while maintaining a structured, manageable complexity through modular filter elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a spatial dimension to the display system by introducing microlens arrays that redirect light at specific angles, and spatial filters that operate in the angular domain. This dimensional transformation allows ambient radiation blocking without directly obstructing the primary light path, resolving the contradiction between visibility improvement and complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If multiple arrays of microlenses are used to direct radiation and simulate infinity focus, then viewing comfort for long-sighted users is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The microlens system is divided into multiple discrete arrays, with each array containing numerous small microlenses. This segmentation allows the complex function of infinity focus simulation to be achieved through many simple, identical units, reducing the precision required for each individual microlens while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution changes the optical parameters of the display system by introducing microlenses with specific focal lengths that create a virtual image at infinity. This parameter transformation allows long-sighted users to view the display comfortably without corrective lenses, while the standardized microlens design simplifies manufacturing compared to custom optical elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If spatial filters with minimal thickness are used, then resolution loss is minimized, but the filters become more difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution preservationVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spatial filters are implemented as thin film structures with minimal thickness, allowing them to be manufactured using deposition or lamination processes. This thin-film approach preserves display resolution by minimizing light interaction path length, while the film format enables scalable manufacturing through roll-to-roll or batch processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables clear viewing of digital display content for individuals with impaired vision without the need for reading glasses, preserving image resolution and reducing ambient light reflections, thus enhancing display visibility and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

multiple arrays of microlenses that may be spaced apart from each other and may be configured to direct radiation generated by the display to propagate through the transparent elements without impinging on the array of spatial filters, while simulating infinity focus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an array of spatial filters that may be construed and arranged to block side ambient radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

Each single micro-binocular may be associated with a part of a pixel or a pixel and its surrounding. Each display pixel may be associated with a single microlenses of the first array of microlenses, with a single microlenses of the second array of microlenses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS10935775B2Method and apparatus that enhance the viewing experience of digital displays for long sighted users

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 PHONEOPTIKA LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and method for increasing display visibility.