Self-lit Display Panel with Photonic Integrated Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual display technologies for near-eye displays, such as those used in virtual and augmented reality, face challenges with resolution, power consumption, and form factor, particularly in achieving compact and efficient configurations due to the need for multiple light engines for full-color displays and the complexity of driver and graphics processing in scanning technologies.
Innovation Solution
A self-lit display panel is developed with a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) layer on a substrate, incorporating an array of waveguides and out-couplers to guide and direct illuminating light, combined with an electronic circuitry layer and pixelated electrodes, allowing for efficient light management and zonal illumination, which reduces size and weight while enhancing contrast and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light engines are used for full-color displays, then display quality and color accuracy are improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light engines into a single integrated light source that emits multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The light source includes red, green, and blue light-emitting elements integrated within a single housing structure, eliminating the need for separate light engines for each color. This integration reduces the overall device weight and size while maintaining full-color display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source is designed to perform multiple functions by emitting different wavelengths of light through different light guides. The same light source structure provides red, green, and blue illumination to respective display regions, making the light source universal for full-color display purposes without requiring separate specialized light sources for each color.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scanning technologies are used for display, then display functionality is achieved, but driver and graphics processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple independent display regions, each capable of being independently controlled and illuminated. This segmentation allows different regions to display different content simultaneously without requiring complex scanning mechanisms. Each region has its own light guide and light-emitting elements, enabling parallel operation and simplifying the driver and graphics processing requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If compact configuration is achieved, then form factor is improved, but light management and illumination efficiency become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Light guides are introduced as intermediary components that efficiently transmit light from the compact light sources to the respective display regions. The light guides are designed with optimized optical paths and coupling mechanisms that maintain high illumination efficiency despite the compact configuration. This intermediary system simplifies light management by providing dedicated optical pathways for each color and region.
4Use of energy by moving object
If light is directed effectively through the display, then perceived contrast and wall plug efficiency are improved, but optical alignment and light routing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical pathways and light routing are designed and optimized during the manufacturing process rather than requiring complex alignment procedures after assembly. The light guides are pre-positioned and pre-aligned with the light sources and display regions during fabrication, ensuring optimal light direction and contrast. This preliminary optimization of optical pathways simplifies the overall system while maintaining high wall plug efficiency.
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 enables a compact, efficient, and high-resolution display with reduced weight and power consumption, achieving improved perceived contrast and wall plug efficiency by directing chief rays of light effectively and providing transparent or translucent displays suitable for augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
an array of waveguides for guiding illuminating light
Implementation Method 2
an array of out-couplers coupled to the array of waveguides for out-coupling portions of the illuminating light
Data Source
AI summary
A self-lit display panel includes a photonic integrated circuit payer including an array of waveguides and an array of out-couplers for out-coupling portions of the illuminating light through pixels of the panel. The self-lit display panel may include a transparent electronic circuitry layer backlit by the photonic integrated circuit layer; the two layers may be on a same substrate or on opposed substrates defining a cell filled with an electro-active material. The configuration allows for chief ray engineering, zonal illuminating, and separate illumination with red, green, and blue illuminating light.