Single Lens Light Emitting Device for Eyewear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light emitting devices for eyewear face challenges in adjusting the emission direction of light without reducing light utilization efficiency, particularly in achieving high luminance and precise image display with microlens positioning.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device with a substrate, a matrix-arranged light emitting region, and a sealing portion that includes a single lens covering the light emitting region, allowing for adjustable emission direction and enhanced light utilization efficiency through the use of organic or inorganic materials like silicon oxide or silicon nitride for the lens, and optional features such as a color filter and microlens configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a microlens array is formed on the light emitting region to improve light extraction efficiency, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but the emission direction cannot be properly adjusted without reducing utilization efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight utilization efficiencyVSAvoidemission direction adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the light control function into two segments: a microlens array for light extraction efficiency and a separate emission direction adjustment layer for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The emission direction adjustment layer acts as an intermediary between the light emitting region and the external environment. It receives light from the microlens array and redirects it in the desired direction, mediating between the light source and the display requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the pixel size is reduced to several micrometers to ten micrometers for eyewear display, then display resolution is improved, but luminance becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidluminance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the light extraction function of the microlens array with the directional control function of the emission direction adjustment layer into a single integrated structure. This combination allows small pixel sizes for high resolution while maintaining high luminance through efficient light management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the optical parameters by introducing layers with specific refractive indices and thicknesses. The emission direction adjustment layer has a refractive index higher than the surrounding medium, and its thickness is controlled to be 1/4 wavelength or less, optimizing both luminance and resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If microlens positioning is shifted for every light emitting element to adjust emission direction, then emission direction control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission direction controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The emission direction adjustment layer serves multiple functions: it controls emission direction, maintains structural uniformity across the display, and simplifies manufacturing. This universal layer replaces the need for individual microlens positioning adjustments, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining directional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

The solution enables effective adjustment of light emission direction and improves light utilization efficiency, enhancing the display quality and luminance of light emitting devices, particularly in eyewear applications, by using a single lens formed through etching or nanoimprint processing.

Implementation Method 1

a single lens covering the light emitting region is formed in the sealing portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20230063966A1Light emitting device, method for manufacturing light emitting device, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.03.02 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US20230063966A1 patent drawing
  • US20230063966A1 patent drawing
  • US20230063966A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light emitting device includes: a substrate; a light emitting region including light emitting elements arranged in a matrix on the substrate; and a sealing portion located on the light emitting region. A single lens covering the light emitting region is formed in the sealing portion. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a light emitting device includes: a step of forming a light emitting region including light emitting elements arranged in a matrix on a substrate; and a step of performing sealing by forming a single lens covering the light emitting region.