10 patents in this list

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Modular micro-LED displays are redefining how we approach screen technology, offering adaptability with high brightness and energy efficiency. As industries demand more from display systems, the ability to configure and customize these displays becomes crucial. Modular designs allow for tailored solutions, meeting diverse needs in sectors from consumer electronics to advanced industrial applications.

Challenges in this field are significant and multifaceted. Achieving uniform color and brightness across displays, while managing heat and ensuring efficient assembly, are complex tasks. These issues are compounded by the need for precise alignment and integration of micro-LEDs, which can be prone to defects and inefficiencies.

This review explores recent advancements in micro-LED technology, highlighting methods such as epitaxial layer slicing and alignment-free bonding. Readers will discover how these approaches improve assembly efficiency and display performance. Additionally, techniques like quantum dot converters and redistribution layers are discussed, offering insights into color management and yield improvement.

1. Modular LED Display Panels with Uniform Dimensions and Variable Pixel Pitches for Customizable Resolution Assemblies

Ultravision Technologies, LLC, 2022

Modular LED display panels with different pixel pitches that can be combined to create custom resolution displays without needing multiple sizes. The panels have the same size and shape but different pixel pitches. This allows interconnecting and tiling the panels with different resolutions to form larger displays without needing custom-sized panels for each resolution.

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2. Selective MicroLED Tile Placement for Pixel Uniformity Based on Parameter Sorting

Corning Incorporated, 2022

Optimizing pixel uniformity in microLED displays by selectively placing tiles based on a predetermined parameter. The parameter could be microLED brightness or color accuracy. The method involves sorting tiles based on their parameter values, then assembling the display using sorted tiles. Adjacent tiles are paired with one having a higher parameter value than the other. This helps mitigate pixel non-uniformities.

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3. Spliced Micro LED Display Panel with Stacked Micro LED Modules Featuring Internal Circuits, Conductive Vias, and Light-Blocking Layers

PlayNitride Display Co., Ltd., 2022

Spliced micro LED display panel with improved yield and reduced size compared to individual micro LED transfer. The panel is made by connecting multiple micro LED modules to circuit boards. The modules are stacked and bonded together with smaller gaps between adjacent modules on adjacent boards. This reduces transfer time and improves yield versus transferring individual micro LEDs. The modules have features like internal circuits, conductive vias, and light-blocking layers to enable stacking and bonding.

4. MicroLED Display Assembly with Shape-Matched Wells and Vertical Electrode Platforms for Self-Alignment

eLux, Inc., 2022

Fluidic assembly of high-resolution microLED displays using a specific LED shape and trap structure to enable self-alignment during assembly. The microLEDs have vertical electrodes and a unique shape. The display substrate has wells with matching shapes and platforms for the microLED electrodes. When suspended microLEDs flow over the substrate, they self-align in the wells due to the shape match. This allows precise positioning of millions of microLEDs using fluidic assembly for high-resolution displays.

5. MicroLED Display with Bridging Module Architecture for Seam Reduction

SEOUL VIOSYS CO., LTD., 2021

MicroLED display with reduced visible seams between modules. The display uses tile-shaped microLED modules that can be more easily handled and assembled than individual microLEDs. The modules are arranged on a display substrate with some modules bridging the gaps between others. The bridging modules have wider top plates that extend beyond the center bodies, allowing their LEDs to cover the gaps between adjacent modules. This reduces the visible seams between modules compared to the normal modules.

6. Micro LED Display with Inclined Side Surfaces for Seam Reduction Between Modules

SEOUL VIOSYS CO., LTD., 2021

Micro LED display with reduced seams between modules to improve image quality. The micro LED modules have inclined side surfaces that match each other when adjacent. This allows modules to be tiled together with minimal seams visible between them. The inclined sides reduce the linear defects that would be seen if the sides were perpendicular. This is because the inclined sides create a zigzag pattern that breaks up the defect lines. The angled sides can be achieved by etching or molding the module substrate at an angle relative to the LED surface.

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7. Spliced Display Unit with Offset Electronics and Display Elements for Non-Overlapping Vertical Stacking

Au Optronics Corporation, 2020

Spliced display unit and panel design to improve resolution and display quality. The spliced unit has two parts, one with the electronics and the other with the display elements. The bottom of the electronics part is higher than the bottom of the display part. This allows the electronics and displays to be stacked without overlap. The spliced panel is made by arranging these units on a driver board with the electronics parts facing outwards. This provides vertical stacking of electronics and displays without overlap, increasing packing density and resolution.

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8. Variable Pixel Density Tile Display Devices with Edge-Optimized Pixel Arrangement

INNOLUX CORPORATION, 2020

Tile display devices with reduced visual seams between tiles for high resolution displays. The tiles have different unit densities of pixels or LEDs in adjacent sections. This allows closer spacing of pixels near the edge to match the overall resolution, while loosening the spacing farther in to reduce visual artifacts from the tile boundaries.

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9. Tiled Micro-LED Display System with Through-Via Interconnected Arrays

GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC., 2018

Using multiple small micro-LED arrays to form a display instead of one large array. Through-vias connect the pixels of the micro-LED arrays to an interposer, allowing them to be tiled together. This enables higher yield and utilization compared to manufacturing a single large LED array.

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10. Interlocking Light Sheet Tiles with Integrated LED Arrays and Metal Bus Bar Connections

Nthdegree Technologies Worldwide Inc., 2015

Forming large area LED lamps using interlocking light sheet tiles to eliminate the need for separately supporting and connecting multiple light panels. The light sheets are made by printing arrays of microscopic LED dies on a substrate with conductor layers. The LED dies emit light from the top surface when turned on. Metal bus bars connect the LED anodes and cathodes to leads. The tiles can be interlocked to form large area lamps without dark gaps or alignment issues since the tiles electrically connect together.

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Since the extensive application of micro-LED displays depends on solving technological issues, scientists are working hard to find answers. Three main issues that are being addressed are heat control, LED protection, and exact placement. Advancements in micro-LED modular assembly methods, such as alignment-free bonding and epitaxial layer slicing, have the potential to enhance flexibility and performance.