Partial Light Field Display Architecture with Dynamic 2D/3D Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face challenges in providing high-density light emitting elements and organizing them efficiently to achieve ultra-high-resolution 3D displays, particularly in light field displays, which require a large number of elements and complex equipment, leading to high costs and limited viewer experiences.

Innovation Solution

A light field display architecture that includes picture elements with separate groups of light emitting elements for 2D and 3D views, utilizing micro-LEDs monolithically integrated on a semiconductor substrate, and a light steering optical element to direct light outputs, enabling dynamic allocation and high directional resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If light field displays use a large number of light emitting elements to achieve ultra-high resolution, then display resolution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidnumber of light emitting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into multiple sub-displays arranged in a grid pattern, where each sub-display contains a reduced number of light emitting elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve ultra-high overall resolution through the combination of multiple sub-displays while keeping the complexity of individual sub-displays manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional array of light emitting elements to a three-dimensional arrangement by stacking multiple sub-displays in layers. This dimensional change enables ultra-high resolution by utilizing vertical space, thereby reducing the horizontal density requirements and simplifying manufacturing.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If light field displays organize light emitting elements in complex patterns to provide multiple views, then viewing experience is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple views capabilityVSAvoidelement organization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each sub-display is organized into a regular grid pattern of light emitting elements, which is much simpler to manufacture than complex organic patterns. The segmentation into uniform sub-displays maintains multiple view capabilities while enabling standardized manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The regular grid pattern of light emitting elements serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the sub-display, enables addressability of individual elements, and supports the generation of multiple views through coordinated control of adjacent sub-displays. This universal pattern simplifies manufacturing while maintaining versatility.

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

3Measurement precision

If light field displays increase the density of light emitting elements, then directional resolution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional resolutionVSAvoidelement placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into multiple sub-displays with moderate element density, achieving high overall directional resolution through the collective arrangement of sub-displays rather than requiring ultra-high density within each sub-display. This reduces the manufacturing precision requirements for individual elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The regular grid structure acts as an intermediary framework that translates moderate-density element placement into high directional resolution through its geometric arrangement. The grid pattern provides natural spacing and alignment references that simplify manufacturing while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for ultra-high-density light emitting elements, achieving resolutions one to two orders of magnitude greater than traditional displays, providing efficient and cost-effective 3D viewing experiences with continuous parallax and improved viewer engagement.

Implementation Method 1

a light steering optical element to direct light outputs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight steering: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing micro-LEDs monolithically integrated on a semiconductor substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

micro-LEDs monolithically integrated on a semiconductor substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3785071B1Partial light field display architecture
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3785071B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3785071B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3785071B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The disclosure describes various aspects of a partial light field display architecture. In an aspect, a light field display includes multiple picture elements (e.g., super-raxels), where each picture element includes a first portion having a first set of light emitting elements, where the first portion is configured to produce light outputs that contribute to at least one a two-dimensional (2D) view. Each picture element also includes a second portion including a second set of light emitting elements (e.g., sub-raxels) configured to produce light outputs (e.g., ray elements) that contribute to at least one three-dimensional (3D) view. The light field display also includes electronic means configured to drive the first set of light emitting elements and the second set of light emitting elements in each picture element. The light field display can also dynamically identify the first portion and the second portion and allocate light emitting elements accordingly.