Under-Display Illuminator with Micro-Lens Alignment for Light Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies face challenges in efficiently transmitting optical energy from optical sources placed behind the display to the object being illuminated, which limits the quality of image acquisition and feature recognition by cameras.
Innovation Solution
A display system comprising a display layer with an array of pixels and transmission spaces, a micro-lens array layer aligned with the transmission spaces, and a laser light emitting layer with laser diodes positioned to project laser light through the micro-lens array and transmission spaces to an object, allowing for improved light convergence and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an illumination source is placed behind the display to enhance object illumination, then the quality of image acquisition and feature recognition is improved, but the transmission of optical energy from the optical source to the object is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display layer is segmented into active pixel regions and transmission spaces, allowing light to pass through designated transmission spaces while pixels remain inactive during illumination mode. This segmentation enables optical energy to reach the object while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A micro-lens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the illumination source and the object. The micro-lenses focus and direct light through the transmission spaces, improving light transmission efficiency and enabling the illumination function without compromising display performance.
2Illumination intensity
If the display layer blocks light to maintain display functionality, then image quality is maintained, but optical energy transmission to the object is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into pixels that can be deactivated during illumination mode, creating transmission spaces that allow light to pass through. This segmentation enables the display to switch between display mode and illumination mode efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The display alternates between displaying images and allowing light transmission for illumination. During illumination mode, pixels are deactivated periodically to allow light passage, while during display mode, pixels are activated to show images, creating a periodic switching pattern.
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 described display system enhances the illumination of objects, improving the quality of images acquired by cameras and enabling more accurate feature recognition, thereby enhancing the functionality of smart devices.
Implementation Method 1
A micro-lens array (MLA) layer includes an array, grid or matrix of micro-lenses. The display layer and the MLA layer are positioned whereupon each micro-lens is positioned in alignment with a corresponding one of the transmission spaces of the display layer
Implementation Method 2
A laser light emitting (LLE) layer includes an array, grid or matrix of laser diodes. Each laser diode is positioned in alignment with one micro-lens of the MLA layer and the corresponding transmission space of the display layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display includes a stack that includes, from top to bottom: a display layer including an array of spaced pixels and/or spaced subpixels and an array of spaced transmission spaces, wherein each transmission space is defined by a spacing between a subset of the spaced pixels and/or spaced subpixels; a micro-lens array (MLA) layer including an array of micro-lenses, wherein each micro-lens includes a curved surface; and a laser light emitting (LLE) layer including an array of lasers, wherein the curved surfaces of the micro-lenses face the LLE layer.