Multiview Backlight Alignment Using Displayed Error Patterns

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for aligning components of multiview displays require high precision and are limited by the field of view of microscopes, unable to detect certain misalignments, and lack automation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for aligning a multiview backlight with a light valve array using an alignment pattern displayed on the light valve array, which allows for precise adjustment to minimize error measures without optical alignment marks, and can be automated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment methods are used for multiview displays, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inaccurate alignment of light sources with lens arrays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical alignment system that uses cameras to capture images of light sources and processes these images computationally to determine precise positions, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while achieving sub-pixel alignment accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies (images) of the physical light sources using cameras, then performs alignment operations on these digital representations rather than directly manipulating physical components, enabling precise measurement and adjustment through image processing algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If automated alignment systems with cameras are used, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system performs self-calibration by capturing images of known reference features (such as the lens array structure itself) and automatically computing correction factors, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or manual intervention while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the alignment system to perform multiple functions: capturing light source positions, detecting lens array features, computing alignment corrections, and guiding adjustment operations, all within a single integrated system that can adapt to different display configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment is achieved through multiple measurement points, then manufacturing precision improves, but measurement time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary capture of images from multiple positions and angles before final alignment computation, allowing the system to pre-process and store measurement data that will be used for calculating precise alignment corrections, thereby streamlining the overall alignment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system uses periodic scanning or sampling of light source positions at multiple discrete points, then interpolates between these periodic measurements to determine continuous alignment parameters, balancing measurement comprehensiveness with processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 precise and automated alignment of multiview display components, eliminating the need for optical alignment marks and improving alignment accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a camera is used to capture an image of the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3948411B1Multiview display alignment method and system
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 LEIA INC
  • EP3948411B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3948411B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP3948411B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method of aligning a multiview backlight with a light valve array of a multiview display employs an alignment pattern that includes unit cells spaced apart from one another and having view blocks corresponding to different views of the multiview display. The method of aligning includes establishing the alignment pattern on the light valve array, illuminating the light valve array using the multiview backlight to display the alignment pattern, and adjusting a relative position of the multiview backlight and the light valve array to minimize an error measure of the unit cells within the displayed alignment pattern. A multiview display backlight alignment system includes the multiview display and a positioning stage configured to adjust the relative position to minimize the error measure. An automated multiview display backlight alignment system further includes a feedback controller, the positioning stage being motorized.