Shared Pixel Drive Circuits for Compact Field-Sequential MicroLED Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AR headsets and displays, such as LCoS and microLED displays, are bulky and inefficient due to high power consumption and large size, making them unsuitable for comfortable, long-term use in mobile systems like AR and VR devices.
Innovation Solution
A field-sequential driving method is employed to drive sub-pixels in a hybrid manner, sharing a single pixel drive circuit for multiple subpixels, reducing the need for separate drive circuitry and optimizing power and size, particularly in microLED displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If TFTs are used to drive LED displays, then the display can be manufactured at lower cost, but power consumption increases significantly and current driving capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transistor type from TFT to silicon-based transistors, altering the electrical parameters to achieve lower resistance and reduced power consumption while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard silicon fabrication processes
2Area of stationary object
If TFTs are shrunk to reduce display size, then the display area decreases, but the transistors require larger geometries than silicon wafer transistors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transistor fabrication approach by using silicon-based transistors that can be manufactured with smaller geometries compared to TFTs, enabling display miniaturization without compromising transistor performance
3Illumination intensity
If multiple panels are used for each color in LED displays, then color accuracy improves, but the subsystem size triples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple color LEDs (red, green, blue) into a single integrated pixel structure, allowing all colors to be driven by one pixel circuit rather than requiring separate panels, thereby reducing the overall subsystem size while maintaining color accuracy
4Volume of stationary object
If LCoS displays operate in color sequential manner reusing the same pixel, then device size is reduced, but the operation mode becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements field-sequential color operation where the same pixel is periodically activated for different colors (red, green, blue) in successive time slots, enabling size reduction through temporal multiplexing while managing complexity through systematic timing control
5Area of stationary object
If a single pixel drive circuit is shared among multiple subpixels, then device area is reduced, but the driving method becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses time-sequential activation where a single pixel circuit drives multiple subpixels at different time intervals, reducing area by eliminating redundant circuits while managing complexity through periodic switching control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic sharing of the pixel circuit among multiple subpixels, where the circuit is dynamically allocated to different subpixels based on timing requirements, enabling area reduction while maintaining full color capability
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 approach results in a compact, efficient display system with reduced power consumption and size, suitable for applications like AR and VR systems, without the need for external illumination sources.
Implementation Method 1
light-emitting diode (LED) displays, including microLED displays
Implementation Method 2
driving a master pixel, by driving the sub-pixels in a field-sequential manner
Data Source
AI summary
A system of the present invention reduces the size and/or increases the efficiency of a display system or device that integrates or includes a display, for example, an LED display such as a microLED display and OLED display or an LCoS display into such system or device. Embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, a display wherein the at least two pixels are four pixels comprising two green pixels, one blue pixel, and one red pixel, and wherein a pixel logic circuit maintains the red pixel in an on state while driving the two green pixels and the blue pixel in accordance with a field sequential color (FSC) pixel drive process or method.