Opaque Via Optical Structure for Sharp Imaging at Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In optical image acquisition, a large distance between an object and the optical sensing unit results in a blurry image, and interference between light rays prevents the attainment of a sharp image.

Innovation Solution

An optical structure comprising a transparent first medium layer and an opaque layer with vias, where the opaque layer is arranged to allow light rays to pass through each via to a corresponding light ray receiving area, minimizing interference by controlling the maximum angle between light rays and utilizing total reflection principles to prevent light rays from projecting to incorrect receiving areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large distance is maintained between the object and optical sensing unit, then the field of view is increased, but the obtained optical image becomes blurry and interference between light rays occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage sharpness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical structure segments the light ray path by dividing the field into multiple regions separated by the opaque layer with vias. Each via acts as an independent light channel that guides light from specific object areas to corresponding sensing unit areas, preventing light ray interference while maintaining a large field of view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical structure with opaque layer and vias serves as an intermediary element between the object and optical sensing unit. It mediates the light transmission by allowing only specific light rays to pass through the vias while blocking others, thus preventing interference and maintaining image sharpness at large distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the distance between object and optical sensing unit is reduced, then image sharpness is improved, but the module thickness increases and field of view is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sharpnessVSAvoidmodule thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical structure utilizes the lateral dimension (plane) rather than the vertical dimension (thickness) to achieve light ray separation and guidance. The opaque layer with vias creates a two-dimensional pattern of light channels that guide light rays horizontally, allowing the system to maintain thin profile while achieving sharp images at large distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the opaque layer with vias is introduced to guide light rays, then image sharpness and light ray separation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sharpnessVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential function of light ray guidance by using a simple opaque layer with vias structure. Instead of implementing complex optical systems with multiple lenses and mirrors, it extracts and implements only the necessary light channeling function through the via pattern, thereby achieving image sharpness with minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical structure controls light ray behavior by changing geometric parameters of the via pattern (size, spacing, arrangement) rather than using complex optical components. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise light ray guidance and interference prevention through simple geometric optics principles.

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

This configuration ensures that light rays are individually detected without interference, resulting in a sharp optical image and reducing the module thickness, improving image quality and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing total reflection principles to prevent light rays from projecting to incorrect receiving areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

n1 is a refractive index of the first medium layer, n2 is a refractive index of the second medium layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11341766B2Optical structure, display substrate and display device
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US11341766B2 patent drawing
  • US11341766B2 patent drawing
  • US11341766B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical structure, a display substrate and a display device are provided. The optical structure includes a first medium layer being transparent and an opaque layer which is arranged on the first medium layer and includes a plurality of vias. The optical structure is configured to allow light rays passing through each of the plurality of via to project to a corresponding light ray receiving area respectively.