Microlens Array Stray Light Confinement for Clearer 3D Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stray light from light source arrays passing through areas without microlenses in microlens arrays leads to blurred edges and reduced image quality in 3D or integral images, causing clarity and sharpness issues.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting array module with a microlens unit comprising a microlens, a stray light guiding layer, and a stray light reflecting layer, where light emitted at large viewing angles is reflected into the stray light guiding layer and undergoes total internal reflection, enhancing light utilization efficiency and preventing stray light from affecting image clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a microlens array is arranged in front of a light source array to display 3D or integral images, then the imaging function is achieved, but stray light occurs when light passes through areas without microlenses, leading to blurred edges and reduced image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging functionVSAvoidstray light

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A stray light guiding layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source array and the microlens array. This layer receives stray light that would otherwise pass through areas without microlenses and redirects it through total internal reflection, preventing the stray light from degrading image quality while maintaining the 3D imaging function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful stray light into a beneficial effect by using the stray light guiding layer to reflect and redirect the stray light back toward the microlens array. What was previously causing blurred edges and reduced image quality is now utilized to enhance light utilization efficiency and improve image clarity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If stray light is allowed to pass through the microlens array areas without microlenses, then the device structure remains simple, but image clarity and sharpness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidimage clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stray light guiding layer is selectively positioned only in areas where stray light problems occur (regions without microlenses), while maintaining the original microlens array structure in functional areas. This localized approach improves image clarity without unnecessarily complicating the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 module improves light utilization efficiency and enhances image clarity, sharpness, and color saturation by confining stray light within the microlens units, resulting in improved imaging quality and display performance.

Implementation Method 1

light emitted by the light-emitting elements corresponding to the microlens units and reflected into the stray light guiding layer by the stray light reflecting layer undergoes total internal reflection on a surface of the stray light guiding layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

reflected into the stray light guiding layer by the stray light reflecting layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250311496A1Light-emitting array module

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 IND TECH RES INST

AI summary

A light-emitting array module includes a light source array and microlens units disposed on the light source array. The light source array includes light-emitting elements arranged in an array. Each microlens unit includes a microlens, a stray light guiding layer, and a stray light reflecting layer. The stray light guiding layer is disposed at a side surface of the microlens. A refractive index of a medium or space at an outer side of the stray light guiding layer is less than a refractive index of the stray light guiding layer. The stray light reflecting layer is disposed at a side of the stray light guiding layer adjacent to the light source array. Light emitted by the light-emitting elements corresponding to the microlens units and reflected into the stray light guiding layer by the stray light reflecting layer undergoes total internal reflection on a surface of the stray light guiding layer.