Integrated Off-Axis Micro-Lens Arrays for Display Privacy and Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display technologies face issues with large viewing angles that waste light, compromise privacy, and cause light interference between pixels, leading to reduced efficiency and sharpness.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an off-axis micro-lens array in display panels to control light direction, reduce divergence, and focus light on a single point, using manufacturing methods like self-assembly and high-temperature reflow to fabricate micro-lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large viewing angle is used in display panels, then multiple audiences can see the screen from various angles, but light is wasted and privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing off-axis micro-lenses at specific locations above individual light-emitting pixels. Each micro-lens is positioned offset from the pixel center to redirect light locally, creating directional control without affecting the entire display panel uniformly. This localized approach enables privacy control and reduces light waste while maintaining overall display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing micro-lenses with specific geometries (radius, height, refractive index) that modify light propagation characteristics. By adjusting these lens parameters and their offset positions, the system controls viewing angles and light direction, transforming omnidirectional emission into directed beams that reduce waste and enhance privacy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large viewing angle is used in display panels, then multiple audiences can see the screen from various angles, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The off-axis micro-lenses create localized light redirection zones above each pixel, establishing directional viewing corridors that limit visibility to specific angles. This local optical control prevents bystanders from viewing the display content while maintaining adequate viewing angles for intended users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of micro-lenses relative to the light-emitting pixels, with lenses offset from the pixel center. This asymmetric configuration creates non-uniform light distribution patterns that direct light toward specific viewing zones while blocking other directions, thereby protecting privacy without completely eliminating viewing capability.
3Reliability
If conventional illumination optics are used to provide collimated light, then the projection system can function, but the system becomes bulky and additional optical loss is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emission and collimation functions by integrating off-axis micro-lenses directly onto the display panel structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate illumination optics, reducing system bulk and complexity while maintaining the ability to produce directed light for projection applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional bulk optical systems to a planar integrated structure by placing micro-lenses in the same plane as the light-emitting pixels. This dimensional integration collapses the traditional multi-component optical path into a compact two-dimensional arrangement, significantly reducing system volume and complexity.
4Reliability
If conventional illumination optics are used to provide collimated light, then the projection system can function, but additional optical loss is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the light emission and collimation functions into a single integrated structure, the patent eliminates multiple optical interfaces and components that would otherwise cause reflection, absorption, and scattering losses. The direct coupling between pixels and micro-lenses maximizes light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the collimation function from the complex illumination optics and implements it directly at the pixel level through integrated micro-lenses. This extraction removes unnecessary optical components and intermediate light paths, thereby reducing cumulative optical losses while maintaining projection functionality.
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
This solution reduces power waste, increases brightness, and enhances user privacy by controlling the viewing angle, improving image sharpness and contrast in display panels.
Implementation Method 1
an array of micro-lenses aligned to the pixel light sources and positioned to reduce the divergence of light produced by the pixel light sources
Implementation Method 2
focus light on a single point
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting structure array system with a micro-lens array structure includes a first light emitting mesa, which includes a light emitting layer, a bottom bonding layer, a top electrode layer, and an insulation layer. The bottom bonding layer is at a bottom of the light emitting layer and bonded with the semiconductor substrate. The top electrode layer covers the first light emitting mesa and electrically connected with a reflective cup surrounding the first light emitting mesa. The reflective cup is electrically connected with a semiconductor substrate. The insulation layer covers a side wall of the light emitting layer. The light emitting structure array system with a micro-lens array structure further includes a first micro-lens formed above the light emitting mesa. A central axis of the first micro-lens is coaxially aligned with a central axis of the first light emitting mesa.