HK1216798B - Display system - Google Patents

Description

Display system

The application is a divisional application of PCT application with the international application number of PCT/US2011/064783 and the invention name of quantum dots for a display panel, which is submitted at 14/12/2011, and the national phase date of the PCT application entering China is 17/6/2013, and the national application number is 201180060740.9.

Cross reference to related applications

The present application relates to and claims: co-pending provisional U.S. patent application No.61/424,199 filed by Ajit Ninan on 17.12.2010 entitled "quantum dot modulation for displays" and assigned to the assignee of the present invention (attorney docket No. 60175-; co-pending provisional U.S. patent application No.61/448,599 filed by Ajit Ninan on 3/2 2011, entitled "N modulation for wide color gamut and high brightness," and assigned to the assignee of the present invention (attorney docket No. 60175-.

The present application relates to and claims: co-pending provisional U.S. patent application No.61/486,160 filed by Ajit Ninan on 2011, 5/13, entitled "technique for quantum dots" and assigned to the assignee of the present invention (reference No. d 11041usp1; attorney docket No. 60175-; co-pending provisional U.S. patent application No.61/486,166, entitled "techniques for quantum dot illumination", filed 2011, 5/13, by Ajit Ninan and assigned to the assignee of the present invention (reference No. d11042usp 1; attorney docket No. 60175-.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to display technology and, in particular, to quantum dot display technology.

Background

The display system may include light valves (e.g., an LCD) and color filters (e.g., red, green, and blue delivered in an RGB system) that adjust the brightness level and color value of the pixel when illuminated by a light source such as a Blue Light Unit (BLU). Typically, a light source such as a fluorescent lamp or a Light Emitting Diode (LED) illuminates a pixel on a display panel. The light illuminating the pixel is attenuated by the RGB color filters and the liquid crystal material.

Designing display systems with wide color gamut and high brightness has been seen as a difficult endeavor by many display manufacturers. Furthermore, the cost of manufacturing suitable display systems is often high because of the large number of relatively expensive optical, audio, electronic and mechanical components involved and the complexity of integrating all of them in a single system.

Because typical display systems include many passive filtering components, a large portion (e.g., over 95%) of the light generated by the light sources in the display system is not only inefficiently wasted, but is also converted into harmful heat, which degrades the performance and lifetime of the display system.

The instrumentalities described in this section are instrumentalities that can be executed, and are not necessarily instrumentalities that have been previously conceived and executed. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section. Similarly, a problem identified with respect to one or more instrumentalities should not be assumed to have been identified in any prior art based upon this section unless otherwise indicated.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention comprises the following scheme: a display system, comprising: a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array; and a light source illuminating the pixels, wherein the light source is configured to emit three or more independent light beams having different wavelength ranges from each other, and wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels comprises three or more different types/colors of light conversion materials, the three or more different types/colors of light conversion materials in each pixel being configured to be respectively excited by the light beams having the different wavelength ranges to emit light to render at least a portion of an image frame.

In the present invention, the light conversion material includes quantum dots, and each of the plurality of pixels is formed of a mixture of three or more different types/colors of quantum dots.

In the present invention, the light conversion material includes quantum dots, and each of the plurality of pixels includes three or more sub-pixels respectively formed of three or more different types/colors of quantum dots.

Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

1A, 1D, and 1E illustrate different example configurations of a display system according to some possible embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates, in a top view, an example image rendering surface comprising a plurality of pixels, according to some possible embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary display system in which a light source emits light in three or more different wavelength ranges, each wavelength range separately exciting a different one of three or more types/colors of light converting material, according to some possible embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate, in side view, different example configurations of an image rendering surface comprising a plurality of pixels, according to some possible embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates, in a side view, an example configuration in which multiple pixels are sandwiched between two support layers, according to some possible embodiments of the invention;

fig. 3A and 3B illustrate, in side view, example configurations in which a plurality of pixels are covered by a plurality of color filters, according to some possible embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example configuration of display logic in a display system, according to some possible embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example processing flow in accordance with a possible embodiment; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an example hardware platform on which a computer or computing device described herein may be implemented, according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Example possible embodiments related to Quantum Dot (QD) -based display technologies are described herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are not described in exhaustive detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring, or obfuscating the present invention.

Example embodiments are described herein according to the following outline:

1. general overview

2. Brief description of the construction

3. Image rendering surface

4. Color filter

5. Independently modulated light beams

6.3D display

7. Light source control logic

8. Example Process flows

9. Implementation mechanisms-hardware overview

10. Equivalents, extensions, substitutions and miscellaneous

1. General overview

This summary provides a basic description of some aspects of possible embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that this summary is not an extensive or exhaustive overview of possible embodiment aspects. Moreover, it should be noted that this summary is not intended to be construed as identifying any particularly important aspect or element of a possible embodiment, nor as specifically depicting any scope of a possible embodiment, nor as generally depicting the invention. This summary merely provides some concepts related to the example possible embodiments in a condensed and simplified format and should be understood as merely a conceptual prelude to a more detailed description of the example possible embodiments that follow.

Under the techniques described herein, a light conversion material such as quantum dots, quantum wells, or the like, which emits second light when irradiated with first light, may be directly used to form a display panel.

In some embodiments, the second light renders the image without light modulation by a pixel-by-pixel light modulation (or light valve) layer (e.g., an LCD display panel). Under the techniques described herein, a display system may be formed without a light valve layer, such as an LCD layer, and may be produced without expensive manufacturing processes that would otherwise be required to create complex pixel or sub-pixel structures that use light modulating materials, such as liquid crystal materials, to perform pixel-by-pixel light modulation.

The display panels described herein can be readily formed on a variety of support materials. Under the techniques described herein, the image rendering surface may be formed at any location where the light conversion material may be deposited/disposed. For example, the image rendering surface may be coupled to, integrated with, adjacent to, etc. a mechanical structure disposed using the light conversion material. In some possible embodiments, the image rendering surface may be mechanically coupled with a structure containing a light conversion material. In other possible embodiments, the image rendering surface may not be mechanically coupled to such structures; for example, in some embodiments, the light conversion material may be disposed separately from the image rendering surface. In some embodiments, there may be intervening optical structures/components between the image rendering surface and the light conversion material. In some other embodiments, there may be no such intervening optical structures/components; for example, both the image rendering surface and the light conversion material may be present in the same optical structure/component. In one example, the light conversion material may be applied to a support surface provided by glass, plastic, canvas, paper, optical grade material, translucent support material, or the like, to create an image rendering surface at or near the support surface. In another example, light conversion materials may be embedded within an optically transparent material, such as glass, plastic, or the like, to create an image rendering surface at or near the optically transparent material. The display panels described herein may be deployed or used in many different locations. For example, such display panels can be easily built or erected in stadiums, concerts, large rooms, small offices, homes, parks, automobiles, outdoor or indoor locations, and the like.

It should be noted that the light conversion materials described herein may be excited or illuminated with coherent light, for example, from a laser source. In some embodiments, image rendering is accomplished using incoherent light emitted from a light conversion material. Image rendering using incoherent light may provide a display system with a good wide viewing angle, compared to an image formed by coherent light such as laser light.

In some embodiments, different color types of light conversion materials may be used to form the display panels described herein. For example, a coated or deposited film with quantum dots of different color types interleaved in an un-mixed pattern or in a mixed state/form may be attached to the display panel. Each pixel may include 2, 3, or more types of quantum dots, each type configured to produce a different color of light. Different types of quantum dots may be responsive to different types (e.g., wavelengths) of input light. A light source, such as a laser, may illuminate the quantum dots with a different type (wavelength) of first light, so that a different color of second light is emitted. The illumination intensity of different types of first light may vary for different pixels or sub-pixels based on the image data. For example, if the pixel is to express red, the intensity of the first light of the type used to excite the red quantum dots may be set to a non-zero value, while the intensities of the other types of first light used to excite the blue and green quantum dots may be set to 0. The first light may be swept across all pixels in the display panel to form an image directly rendered by the quantum dots without any light modulating/light valve layer (e.g., LCD layer). The light source emitting the first light may be arranged at any position, including a front, a rear, a side, or another position with respect to the display panel. For example, the light source may be located at an upper front position with respect to the display panel.

In some embodiments, a light conversion material responsive to a particular wavelength of the first light (excitation light) may be used in the display systems described herein. For example, input narrow-band quantum dots of different color types, each sensitive to different input light frequencies/wavelengths, can be used to directly form a display panel. The input narrow-band red quantum dots may be sensitive to a first range of light wavelengths. The input narrow-band green quantum dots may be sensitive to a second light wavelength range. The input narrow-band blue quantum dots may be sensitive to a third range of light wavelengths. The first, second and third light wavelength ranges may be substantially or imperceptibly non-overlapping. Imperceptibly non-overlapping as used herein in the context of input narrow-band quantum dots may indicate an overlap of wavelengths in a first (e.g., input) light that does not create a visual artifact in a second light generated based on the first light that is perceptible to a viewer. A light source emitting a first light in these three light wavelength ranges may be used to illuminate/excite the input narrow-band quantum dots to produce a second light of a different color. The illumination intensity of the first light in these embodiments may vary for different pixels based on image data comprising an image to be rendered by the display system. The first light may be swept across the display panel to directly form an image by inputting narrow-band quantum dots. The light source may be disposed anywhere, including in front, back, side, or another location with respect to the display panel.

In some embodiments, output narrow-band quantum dots may be used to create a three-dimensional (3D) display system. The left and right perspective image frames may be viewed through a pair of passive glasses without having to synchronize the glasses with the 3D display system. Each pixel may include a first set of red, green, and blue quantum dots and a second set of red, green, and blue quantum dots. Each set of quantum dots can independently support rendering an image. The first set of quantum dots may be sensitive only to a first set of wavelength ranges in the first light emitted by the light source, and the second set of quantum dots may be sensitive only to a second set of wavelength ranges in the first light emitted by the light source. The wavelengths of light produced by the first set of quantum dots may be substantially or imperceptibly non-overlapping with the wavelengths of light produced by the second set of quantum dots. Imperceptibly non-overlapping as used herein in the context of outputting narrow-band quantum dots may indicate an overlap of wavelengths in the second (e.g., output) light that does not create a visual artifact in the second light that is perceptible to a viewer. The intensity of the first light in the independent wavelengths and/or the independent wavelength ranges can be independently controlled to modulate the first light incident on the pixels based on the image data.

The right image frame may be rendered by second light generated by a first set of quantum dots illuminated with the first light in a first set of wavelength ranges, while the left image frame may be rendered by second light generated by a second set of quantum dots illuminated with the first light in the first set of wavelength ranges. The quantum dots may be patterned, partially mixed, or fully mixed. The right viewing angle of the viewer's 3D glasses, as described above, may be transmissive to light wavelengths in the second light produced by the first set of quantum dots, but translucent to light wavelengths in the second light produced by the second set of quantum dots. In contrast, the left viewing angle of the viewer's 3D glasses may be transmissive for light wavelengths in the second light produced by the second set of quantum dots, but translucent for light wavelengths in the second light produced by the first set of quantum dots.

In some embodiments, the right and left image frames may be rendered in a frame sequential manner.

In some embodiments, a method comprises: a display system as described herein is provided. In some possible embodiments, the mechanisms described herein form part of a display system, including but not limited to handheld devices, gaming devices, televisions, laptop computers, netbook computers, cellular radiotelephones, electronic book readers, point-of-sale terminals, desktop computers, computer workstations, computer kiosks, PDAs, and various other types of terminals and display units.

Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

2. Brief description of the construction

FIG. 1A illustrates an example display system 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Display system 100 includes a light source 102 and a plurality of pixels, e.g., 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, etc. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a geometrical shape in a two-dimensional array. Examples of geometric shapes that pixels may form include, but are not limited to, rectangles, triangles, ovals, polygons, and the like.

In some embodiments, a pixel (e.g., 104-1) described herein may include three or more sub-pixels (e.g., 106-1, 106-2, and 106-3). The sub-pixels (106-1, 106-2, and 106-3) in the pixel (104-1) may be arranged at a single point or a single smear or in a linear or non-linear pattern.

In some embodiments, the light source 102 emits a light beam (e.g., 108) that illuminates a plurality of pixels. The light beam 108 may be visible light (e.g., blue light) or may be invisible light (e.g., ultraviolet light). The light beam 108 may also be, but is not limited to, coherent light that maintains a small effective illumination area on the image rendering surface (e.g., 112) on which the plurality of pixels are located. As used herein, an active irradiation area may indicate an area where the intensity of light (e.g., from beam 108) is greater than a particular intensity threshold, while the intensity of light leaking outside the active irradiation area is less than the threshold.

The pixels (e.g., 104-1) described herein may include a portion of a light conversion material. Examples of light conversion materials described herein may be, but are not limited to, quantum dots, quantum wells, or another material that receives energy from irradiation and converts that energy to light. For illustrative purposes only, quantum dots are used as an example of the light conversion material. For simplicity, light from the light source 102 is denoted as first light, and light generated by the light conversion material upon irradiation of the first light is denoted as second light. When the pixel (104-1) is illuminated by the first light from the light source 102, the quantum dots in the pixel (104-1) are excited and, in turn, produce a second light. The second light emitted by the quantum dots in the pixel (104-1) may be proportional to the intensity of the first light incident on the pixel (104-1).

Each of the sub-pixels (106-1, 106-2, and 106-3) may be configured to deliver a particular color of three or more primary colors. For example, subpixel 106-1 may include a first type of quantum dot that emits red second light when stimulated by the first light (red quantum dot), subpixel 106-2 may include a second type of quantum dot that emits green second light when stimulated by the first light (green quantum dot), and subpixel 106-3 may include a third type of quantum dot that emits blue second light when stimulated by the first light (blue quantum dot). In some possible embodiments, more types of sub-pixels may be further configured in addition to the three primary colors. For example, a sub-pixel configured to emit saturated purple color may additionally be part of a pixel as described herein.

In some embodiments, the first light from the light source 102 sequentially scans a plurality of pixels. The scanning of the plurality of pixels may be performed in a pattern in the rendered image. The pattern may be linear or non-linear. In one particular embodiment, the scanning may be performed by: the linear pattern is first scanned along one (e.g., 110-1) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2) and moved to scan the next linear pattern along the other (e.g., 110-2) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2).

The intensity of the first light illuminating one pixel may be different from the intensity of the first light illuminating another pixel. Under the techniques described herein, the intensity of the first light from the light source 102 is determined based on image data received by the display system (100) based on a smallest independent display unit in the display system (100). The smallest individual display element described herein may be a pixel or a sub-pixel within a pixel.

For example, in embodiments where the pixels are the smallest independent display units, the image data may indicate that a first pixel is used to express a first brightness level and a second pixel is used to express a second, different brightness level. Thus, when the light beam 108 is illuminating the first pixel, the intensity of the first light may be set to a first value corresponding to a first brightness level; on the other hand, when the light beam 108 is illuminating a second different pixel, the intensity of the first light may be set to a first value corresponding to a second brightness level.

Similarly, in embodiments where the sub-pixels are the smallest independent display units, the image data may indicate that a first sub-pixel (106-1) in the pixel (104-1) is used to express a first color value (100 for red), and a second sub-pixel (106-2) in the pixel (also 104-1) is used to express a second color value (which may or may not be red, e.g., 50 for green). Thus, when the light beam 108 is illuminating the first sub-pixel (106-1), the intensity of the first light may be set to a first value corresponding to a first color value (100 for red); on the other hand, when the light beam 108 is illuminating the second sub-pixel (106-2), the intensity of the first light may be set to a second value corresponding to the second color value.

In some embodiments, the light source 102 may include an electro-optical-mechanical system including one or more motors, mirrors, lenses, optical masks, collimators, or other electronic, optical, or mechanical elements that cooperate to transmit the first light to the light-converting material at or near the image rendering surface (112).

The display system 100 may be a color display system. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including: using a pattern of light-converting cells (e.g., with colored quantum dots), each cell emitting light of a particular color; using a mixture of different colors/types of quantum dots for the pixel, each color/type of quantum dots emitting a particular color in response to illumination by the first light in a particular wavelength range; a mixture of quantum dots is used that emit white light using a color filter based on only the dye, only the quantum dots, part of the dye, part of the quantum dots, etc.

3. Image rendering surface

Fig. 1B illustrates, in a top view, an example image rendering surface (e.g., 112) comprising a plurality of pixels (e.g., 104) according to some possible embodiments of the invention. The plurality of pixels described herein may include a light conversion material and may be arranged in a geometric pattern such as the illustrated rectangle. Another geometric pattern, such as an ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral, etc., or combinations thereof, may also be used to arrange pixels on the image rendering surface described herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates, in side view, an example image rendering surface (e.g., 112) including a plurality of pixels (including, for example, 104-1 and 104-2) according to some possible embodiments of the invention. An image rendering surface as used herein may indicate a physical or virtual surface on which an image rendered by a light conversion material may be perceived by a viewer; the image rendering surface may be flat, curved, etc. The term is used in a similar sense as how the term "virtual" herein is used in the phrase "virtual axis of symmetry for a symmetric object"; a virtual axis of symmetry may or may not be physically delineated on the symmetric object, but nonetheless may be perceived by the viewer. In some embodiments, the image rendering surface (112) is a top surface of an optical layer (e.g., 214). The optical layer (e.g., 214) may be, but is not limited to, a layer of optical material that houses a light conversion material. Examples of optical layers described herein include, but are not limited to, films, sheets, substrate layers, and the like. The thickness of the optical layer (214) may range from nanometers, tens of nanometers, etc., to millimeters, centimeters, or more. One or more surfaces of the optical layer (214) may be laminated or not laminated depending on the display application. A pixel (e.g., 104-1) as described herein may include a portion (e.g., 216-1) of a light conversion material, such as a quantum dot.

FIG. 2B illustrates, in a side view, another example image rendering surface (e.g., 112) that includes a plurality of pixels (including, for example, 104-1 and 104-2) according to some possible embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a plurality of discrete, discontinuous three-dimensional shapes (e.g., 220-1) may be arranged in an array on a support layer (218). The light conversion material such as quantum dots may be arranged using each of the three-dimensional shapes. The pixel (e.g., 104-1) in FIG. 2B may indicate the top surface of such a three-dimensional shape (e.g., 220-1). In these embodiments, the image rendering surface (112) may be formed by expanding the top surface of the three-dimensional shape. As used herein, a support layer (e.g., 218) described herein may be, but is not limited to, any support layer to which the shape of the light conversion material may be disposed. Examples of support layers described herein include, but are not limited to, hard or soft support materials composed of paper, canvas, textiles, plastic, sheet metal, or other materials. The physical properties of the support layer (218), such as thickness, weight, stiffness, elasticity, etc., may vary depending on the display application. Additionally and/or alternatively, the pixels (214) may or may not be stacked depending on the display application. Additionally and/or alternatively, the pixels (214) may or may not be impregnated in a filler material (e.g., transparent resin, glass, etc.) depending on the display application.

Fig. 2C illustrates, in a side view, an example configuration of a plurality of pixels (which include, e.g., 104-1 and 104-2) sandwiched between two support layers (or substrates 218 and 222), according to some possible embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, light conversion materials such as quantum dots may be arranged in an array between support layers (218 and 222). The image rendering surface (e.g., 112) in fig. 2C may indicate the bottom surface of the top support layer (e.g., 222). The two support layers may be composed of the same material or may be composed of different materials. The physical properties of the support layers described herein, such as thickness, weight, stiffness, elasticity, etc., may vary depending on the display application. Additionally and/or alternatively, the pixels (214) may or may not be intrusive in a fill material (e.g., transparent resin, glass, etc.) depending on the display application.

4. Color filter

In some embodiments, the second light from the light conversion material, such as quantum dots, directly renders a color image without the use of color filters. For example, a cell structure comprising different colored quantum dots may be used as a pixel or sub-pixel to express different primary colors. In these embodiments, quantum dots of different colors/types may be accommodated in different sub-pixels that do not mix or overlap. The color pixel value expressed by the second light from the pixel or sub-pixel may be set by modulating the intensity of the first light when it illuminates the pixel or sub-pixel, respectively.

In some embodiments, color filters may be used to deliver color. FIG. 3A illustrates, in a side view, an example configuration in which a plurality of pixels (including, for example, 104-1 and 104-2) are covered by a plurality of color filters (including, for example, 302-1 and 302-2), according to some possible embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, color filters may be printed or otherwise deposited over pixels or sub-pixels. The color filters may be aligned with the pixels or sub-pixels in a particular pattern. In some embodiments, the color filter may be part of an optical layer (e.g., 302) as shown in fig. 3A. The optical layer (302) may be a substrate layer, film, sheet, or the like. The color filter may include only quantum dots, only color dyes, or a portion of the quantum dots partially color dyes. The pixels or sub-pixels in this configuration may comprise a mixture of quantum dots that emit white light. The white light may be configured as D65 at rec.709, D50 at P3, or a standard-based or non-standard-based white point.

Fig. 3B illustrates, in a side view, another example configuration in which a plurality of pixels (including, e.g., 104-1 and 104-2) are covered in a substrate (e.g., 222) by a plurality of color filters (including, e.g., 302-1 and 302-2), according to some possible embodiments of the invention. As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the image rendering surface (112) may indicate a surface formed by extending the surface of the color filter in these example configurations.

For purposes of illustration, pixels have been used in the example configurations described in fig. 2A-2C, 3A, and 3B. It should be noted that for the purposes of the present invention, sub-pixels may also be used in the example configuration instead of pixels.

5. Independently modulated light beams

Fig. 1C illustrates an example display system (e.g., 100) in which a light source (e.g., 102) emits light in three or more different wavelength ranges, each wavelength range independently exciting a different one of three or more types/colors of light conversion materials (e.g., quantum dots), according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The term "wavelength range" as used herein may indicate a narrower wavelength distribution as in the case of coherent laser light. Three or more types/colors of quantum dots may be arranged in a plurality of pixels such as 104-4, 104-5, 104-6, etc. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a geometrical shape in a two-dimensional array. Examples of geometric shapes that pixels may form include, but are not limited to, rectangles, triangles, ovals, polygons, and the like.

In some embodiments, a pixel described herein may include a portion in each of three or more types/colors of quantum dots. The different types/colors of quantum dots may be arranged in an unmixed pattern, or may be arranged as a mixture as shown in fig. 1C. In the illustrated embodiment, where different types of quantum dots are mixed, the display system (100) can have a spatial resolution that is 2, 3, or more times higher than would otherwise be the case.

In some embodiments, light source 102 emits three or more different wavelength ranges of light in three or more separate light beams (e.g., 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) that illuminate a plurality of pixels. Any of the light beams (108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) may independently be visible light (e.g., blue light) or may be invisible light (e.g., ultraviolet light). Any of the light beams (108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) may also be, but are not limited to, coherent light that maintains a small effective illumination area on an image rendering surface (e.g., 112) on which the plurality of pixels are located.

Examples of light conversion materials described herein may be, but are not limited to, quantum dots, quantum wells, or another material that receives energy from irradiation and converts that energy into light. For illustrative purposes only, quantum dots are used as an example of the light conversion material.

When a pixel (e.g., 104-4) with mixed quantum dots is illuminated by a first light from beam 108-1, the quantum dots of a first color/type in the pixel (104-4) are excited and, in turn, produce a second light of the first color. The second light of the first color emitted by the pixel (104-4) may be proportional to the intensity of the light beam 108-1 incident on the pixel (104-4). Similarly, when a pixel (e.g., 104-4) is illuminated by a first light from beam 108-2, quantum dots of a second color/type in the pixel (104-4) are excited and, in turn, produce a second light of the second color. The second light of the second color emitted by the pixel (104-4) may be proportional to the intensity of the light beam 108-2 incident on the pixel (104-4). When the pixel (e.g., 104-4) is illuminated by the first light from the light beam 108-3, quantum dots of a third color/type in the pixel (104-4) are excited and, in turn, produce second light of a third color. The second light of the third color emitted by the pixel (104-4) may be proportional to the intensity of the light beam 108-3 incident on the pixel (104-4).

In some embodiments, each of the beams (108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) sequentially scans a plurality of pixels. The scanning of the plurality of pixels may be performed in a pattern in the rendered image. The pattern may be linear or non-linear. In one particular embodiment, the scanning may be performed by: the linear pattern is first scanned along one (e.g., 110-1) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2) and moved to scan the next linear pattern along the other (e.g., 110-2) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2). The different beams may perform scanning in a synchronized (same start time, same sweep rate), in a delayed synchronized (e.g., different start times, but same sweep rate) manner, or in an unsynchronized (independent, uncorrelated timing with possibly different start times and different sweep rates) manner.

The intensity of the beam (e.g., 108-1) illuminating one pixel (e.g., 104-4) may be different from the intensity of the beam (108-1 in this example) illuminating another pixel (e.g., 104-5).

For example, when light beam 108-1 is illuminating a pixel (104-4), the intensity of light beam 108-1 may be set to a value corresponding to a pixel value of a first color in pixel (104-4) determined based on image data of an image to be rendered; on the other hand, when light beam 108-1 is illuminating pixel (104-5), the intensity of light beam 108-1 may be set to a different value corresponding to a different pixel value of the first color in pixel (104-5) determined based on the image data.

6.3D display

FIG. 1D illustrates an example display system (e.g., 100) according to one embodiment of this disclosure. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of pixels (e.g., 104-7, 104-8, and 104-9) at the image rendering surface (112) includes two sets of light conversion material. The first set of light-converting materials includes three or more types/colors of first light-converting materials (e.g., quantum dots) that emit second light in three or more different first colors (e.g., R1, G1, B1, etc.). The second set of light-converting materials includes three or more types/colors of second light-converting materials (e.g., quantum dots) that emit second light in three or more different second colors (e.g., R2, G2, B2, etc.).

A plurality of pixels (e.g., 104-7, 104-8, and 104-9) may be arranged in a geometric shape in a two-dimensional array. Examples of geometric shapes that pixels may form include, but are not limited to, rectangles, triangles, ovals, polygons, and the like.

In some embodiments, a pixel (e.g., 104-7) described herein may include two sets of three or more sub-pixels. The first set of sub-pixels may include sub-pixels 106-4, 106-5, and 106-6. The second group of sub-pixels may include sub-pixels 106-7, 106-8, and 106-9. The first set of sub-pixels corresponds to the first set of light-converting material and the second set of sub-pixels corresponds to the second set of light-converting material. The sub-pixels (e.g., 106-4, 106-5, 106-6, 106-7, 106-8, and 106-9) in a pixel (e.g., 104-7) may be arranged as a single point or a single stain or in a linear or non-linear pattern.

Each of the first set of sub-pixels (106-4, 106-5, and 106-6) may be configured to deliver a particular color of three or more different first colors. For example, subpixel 106-4 may emit red light of type I when stimulated by the first light from light beam 108 (R1), subpixel 106-5 may emit green light of type I when stimulated by the first light (G1), and subpixel 106-6 may emit blue light of type I when stimulated by the first light (B1). Further, sub-pixel 106-7 may emit red light of type II when excited by the first light from light beam 108 (R2), sub-pixel 106-8 may emit green light of type II when excited by the first light (G2), and sub-pixel 106-9 may emit blue light of type II when excited by the first light (B2). In some possible embodiments, more types of sub-pixels than three primary colors may be configured. For example, a sub-pixel configured to emit saturated purple color may additionally be part of a pixel as described herein.

In embodiments where the subpixels are the smallest independent display units, the image data may indicate that a first subpixel (106-4) in the pixel (104-1) is used to express a first color value (100 for R1), and a second subpixel (106-5) in the pixel (which may also be 104-1) expresses a second color value (which may or may not be red, e.g., 50 for G1). Thus, when the light beam 108 is illuminating the first sub-pixel (106-4), the intensity of the first light may be set to a first value corresponding to a first color value (100 for R1); on the other hand, when the light beam 108 is illuminating the second sub-pixel (106-5), the intensity of the first light may be set to a second value corresponding to a second color value (50 for G1).

In some embodiments, the first light from the light source 102 sequentially scans a plurality of pixels. The scanning of the plurality of pixels may be performed in a pattern in the rendered image. The pattern may be linear or non-linear. In one particular embodiment, the scanning may be performed by: the linear pattern is first scanned along one (e.g., 110-1) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2) and moved to scan the next linear pattern along the other (e.g., 110-2) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2). In some embodiments, all of the first set of sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels may be scanned by the first light before all of the second set of sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels in a field-sequential or frame-sequential manner. In some embodiments, the second light from all of the first set of sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels may directly render the first image, and the second light from all of the second set of sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels may directly render the second image. In a 3D display application, one of the first or second images may be a left image and the other may be a right image. The left and right images together form a 3D image. As used herein, "direct rendering" means that the second light is stimulated by the first light to directly render an image in a 2D or 3D display application without pixel-by-pixel light modulation by a light valve layer (e.g., an LCD layer). Under the techniques described herein, light modulation of a rendered image is performed using first light illuminated on a light conversion material. Display systems under the technology described herein may be free of light valve layers.

In some embodiments, the three or more first colors (R1, G1, and B1) delivered by the first set of subpixels may independently support the full complement of colors in color space, while the three or more second colors (R2, G2, and B2) delivered by the second set of subpixels may independently support the full complement of colors in color space.

In some embodiments, the light wavelengths of the three or more first colors (R1, G1, and B1) of light do not overlap or have little overlap with the light wavelengths of the three or more second colors (R2, G2, and B2) of light.

In some possible embodiments, the viewer may wear a pair of glasses, the left viewing angle of which is configured to be transmissive for a first set of two sets of three or more colors but translucent for the other or second set of the two sets of three or more colors, and the right viewing angle is configured to be transmissive for the second set of two sets of three or more colors but translucent for the first set of two sets of three or more colors. Under the techniques described herein, synchronization between a viewer's glasses and an image rendering system, such as a display system, is not required in 3D display applications.

FIG. 1E illustrates another example display system (e.g., 100) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of pixels (e.g., 104-10, 104-11, and 104-12) at an image rendering surface (112) includes two sets of light conversion material. The first set of light conversion materials includes three or more types/colors of first light conversion materials (e.g., quantum dots) that emit second light in three or more different first colors (e.g., RGB1, etc.). The second set of light-converting materials includes three or more types/colors of second light-converting materials (e.g., quantum dots) that emit second light in three or more different second colors (e.g., RGB2, etc.).

The plurality of pixels (e.g., 104-10, 104-11, and 104-12) may be arranged in a geometric shape in a two-dimensional array. Examples of geometric shapes that pixels may form include, but are not limited to, rectangles, triangles, ovals, polygons, and the like.

In some embodiments, a pixel (e.g., 104-10) as described herein may include at least two sub-pixels. The first sub-pixel (106-10 in this example) may comprise a first set of light conversion material and the second sub-pixel may comprise a second set of light conversion material. The sub-pixels (e.g., 106-10 and 106-11) in a pixel (e.g., 104-10) may be arranged as a single point or a single smear or in a linear or non-linear pattern.

In some embodiments, light source 102 emits three or more different wavelength ranges of light in three or more separate light beams (e.g., 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) that illuminate a plurality of pixels. Any of the light beams (108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) may independently be visible light (e.g., blue light) or may be invisible light (e.g., ultraviolet light). Any of the light beams (108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) may also be, but are not limited to, coherent light that maintains a small effective illumination area on an image rendering surface (e.g., 112) on which the plurality of pixels are located.

When a first sub-pixel (e.g., 106-10) in the pixel (104-10 in this example) having mixed quantum dots is illuminated by a first light from the light beam 108-1, the first color/type quantum dots in the first sub-pixel (106-10) are activated and, in turn, produce a second light of the first color in three or more first colors (RGB 1). The second light of the first color emitted by the first sub-pixel (106-10) may be proportional to the intensity of the light beam 108-1 incident on the first sub-pixel (106-10). Similarly, when the first sub-pixel (106-10) is illuminated by the first light from the light beam 108-2, the quantum dots of the second color/type in the first sub-pixel (106-10) are excited and, in turn, produce second light of the second color in the three or more first colors (RGB 1). The second light of the second color of the three or more first colors (RGB1) emitted by the first sub-pixel (106-10) may be proportional to the intensity of the light beam 108-2 incident on the first sub-pixel (106-10). And so on for a third color among the three or more first colors (RGB1), and so on.

In a similar manner, when a second sub-pixel (e.g., 106-11) having mixed quantum dots in the pixel (104-10 in this example) is illuminated by the first light from the light beam 108-1, the first different color/type of quantum dots in the second sub-pixel (106-11) are activated and, in turn, produce second light of the first different color in three or more second colors (RGB 2). The second light of the first different color emitted by the second sub-pixel (106-11) may be proportional to the intensity of the light beam 108-1 incident on the second sub-pixel (106-11). Similarly, when a second sub-pixel (e.g., 106-11) is illuminated by the first light from light beam 108-2, quantum dots of a second different color/type in the second sub-pixel (106-11) are excited and, in turn, second light of a second different color in three or more second colors (RGB2) is generated. The second light of a second different color in the three or more second colors (RGB2) emitted by the second sub-pixel (106-11) may be proportional to the intensity of the light beam 108-2 incident on the second sub-pixel (106-11). And so on for a third color among the three or more second colors (RGB2), and so on.

In some embodiments, each of the beams (108-1, 108-2, and 108-3) sequentially scans a sub-pixel in the plurality of pixels. The scanning of the plurality of pixels may be performed in a pattern in the rendered image. The pattern may be linear or non-linear. In one particular embodiment, the scanning may be performed by: the linear pattern is first scanned along one (e.g., 110-1) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2) and moved to scan the next linear pattern along the other (e.g., 110-2) of the two sweep directions (e.g., 110-1 and 110-2). The different beams may perform scanning in a synchronized (same start time, same sweep rate), in a delayed synchronized (e.g., different start times, but same sweep rate) manner, or in an unsynchronized (independent, uncorrelated timing with possibly different start times and different sweep rates) manner.

In some embodiments, all of the first sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels may be scanned by the first light before all of the second sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels in a field-sequential or frame-sequential manner. In some embodiments, the second light from all of the first sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels may directly render the first image, and the second light from all of the second sub-pixels in all of the plurality of pixels may directly render the second image. In a 3D display application, one of the first or second images may be a left image and the other may be a right image. The left and right images together form a 3D image. As used herein, "direct rendering" means that the second light is stimulated by the first light to directly render an image in a 2D or 3D display application without pixel-by-pixel light modulation by a light valve layer (e.g., an LCD layer). Under the techniques described herein, light modulation of a rendered image is performed using first light illuminated on a light conversion material. Display systems under the technology described herein may be free of light valve layers.

The intensity of the beam (e.g., 108-1) illuminating one first sub-pixel (e.g., 106-10) in a pixel (104-10 in this example) may be different from the intensity of the beam (108-1 in this example) illuminating another sub-pixel in another pixel.

In some embodiments, three or more first colors (RGB1) delivered by a first subpixel may independently support the full complement of colors in color space, while three or more second colors (RGB2) delivered by a second subpixel may independently support the full complement of colors in color space.

In some embodiments, the light wavelengths of the three or more first colors (RGB1) of light do not overlap or have little overlap with the light wavelengths of the three or more second colors (RGB2) of light.

In some possible embodiments, the viewer may wear a pair of glasses, the left viewing angle of which is configured to be transmissive for a first set of two sets of three or more colors but translucent for the other or second set of the two sets of three or more colors, and the right viewing angle is configured to be transmissive for the second set of two sets of three or more colors but translucent for the first set of two sets of three or more colors. Under the techniques described herein, synchronization between a viewer's glasses and an image rendering system, such as a display system, is not required in 3D display applications.

For illustrative purposes, it has been described that the light source may comprise one or three beams of the first light. Embodiments include light sources that emit different numbers of beams of first light. For example, 2, 4, 5, 6, etc. beams of the first light having the same or different wavelength ranges may be used to excite the light-converting material to produce second light that directly renders an image specified in the received or stored image data.

For illustrative purposes, the use of a light source to sweep across an image rendering surface comprised of a light conversion layer has been described. Embodiments include a plurality of light sources, some of which may be used to sweep a portion of an image rendering surface, and others of which may be used to sweep a different portion of the image rendering surface. In addition, fixed and movable optical components, such as mirrors, optical masks, lenses, beam splitters, and the like, may be used to divide or combine the light beams, moving the light beams through different locations of the image rendering surface. Under the techniques described herein, the intensity of a beam of first light is modulated based on received or stored image data containing an image to be rendered while the beam of first light moves through different pixels or sub-pixels on an image rendering surface. Further, the beam of first light described herein may be continuous or intermittent. For example, en route to illuminating the image rendering surface, the beam of first light may be moved through an optical mask that includes an aperture through which the beam of first light may illuminate a particular pixel or sub-pixel with a particular intensity corresponding to the image data.

7. Light source control logic

FIG. 4 illustrates an example configuration of display logic (402) in a display system (e.g., 100) according to some possible embodiments of the invention. In some possible embodiments, the display logic 402 may additionally and/or alternatively include light source control logic (404), the light source control logic (404) configured to control one or more components in the light source (102) in the display system 100. The display logic 402 may be operatively coupled with an image data source 406 (e.g., a set-top box, a networked server or storage medium, etc.) and configured to receive image data from the image data source 406. The image data may be provided by image data source 406 in a variety of ways including broadcast over the air or ethernet, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), wireless network interface, device (e.g., set-top box, server, storage medium, etc.), and the like. Image frames received from internal or external sources may be used by display logic 402 to drive light sources (102) in display system 100. For example, display logic 402 may be configured to control light source (102) to move to a particular pixel or sub-pixel guide (e.g., 110 of fig. 1B) and illuminate that pixel or sub-pixel with a particular intensity. The display logic 402 may use the image frames to derive individual or aggregate pixel values in various frames at various resolutions on the image rendering surface as described herein.

8. Example Process flows

FIG. 5 illustrates an example processing flow in accordance with one possible embodiment of the present invention. In some possible embodiments, one or more computing devices or components in a display system (e.g., 100) including light source control logic (e.g., 404) and a light source (e.g., 102) may perform the process flow. Display systems under the techniques described herein may be free of a light valve layer on which the light transmittance is modulated on a pixel-by-pixel basis. In block 510, the display system (100) receives image data for one or more image frames.

In block 520, the display system (100) controls a light source to emit first light to illuminate a light conversion material configured to illuminate an image rendering surface based on the image data.

In block 510, the display system (100) emits second light using the light conversion material to render at least a portion of the one or more image frames on the image rendering surface. Here, the second light emitted by the light-converting material is excited by the first light.

In some embodiments, the light conversion material is one of one or more light conversion materials arranged in a two-dimensional array to form a plurality of pixels.

In some embodiments, the pixel may be the most basic display unit structure in a display system (which may be, but is not limited to, a monochrome display system and a color display system with color filters). In other embodiments, the pixel may further include three or more sub-pixels (as a basic display unit structure), each configured to deliver one of three or more different colors.

In some embodiments, the light source is a laser that emits a coherent laser beam as the first light. In some embodiments, the first light is swept across a portion of the image rendering surface in at least one sweep direction. In some embodiments, the intensity of the first light is modulated based on at least a portion of the image data as the first light is swept across the portion of the image rendering surface. In some embodiments, the light source is located in front of, behind, and/or at a top position, a bottom position, or another position relative to the image rendering surface.

In some embodiments, the light conversion materials described herein comprise quantum dots. The quantum dots may include three or more different types of quantum dots, each type configured to emit a different one of three or more different colors. In some embodiments, the different types of quantum dots are not mixed. For example, each type of quantum dot in the three or more different types of quantum dots is located in a separate region from other regions in which other types of quantum dots in the three or more different types of quantum dots are located. In some other embodiments, some or all of the different types of quantum dots are mixed. For example, two or more types of quantum dots among the three or more different types of quantum dots are located in a mixed state in a common region.

In some embodiments, the first light includes two or more mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges. Each of the mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges may correspond to one of two or more different colors. In some embodiments, the first light in a first one of the mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges illuminates the second different type of quantum dots simultaneously with the first light in a second one of the mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges illuminating the second different type of quantum dots. In some embodiments, "mutually non-overlapping" may also indicate only a minimum or imperceptibly overlapping wavelength between two mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges. In some embodiments, the wavelength ranges are continuous, while in other embodiments, the wavelength ranges may be discrete or may otherwise include discontinuities.

In some embodiments, the light conversion material includes three or more different types of quantum dots. Three or more different types of quantum dots may be illuminated at three or more mutually non-overlapping durations. For example, a beam emitting the first light may sweep through three different sub-pixels in a pixel, one by one, with three different non-overlapping durations.

In some embodiments, the light conversion material includes two or more unique sets of quantum dots. Correspondingly, the first light may comprise light in two or more distinct sets of wavelengths. The quantum dots of the first unique set of the two or more unique sets of quantum dots may be responsive only to light in the wavelengths of the first unique set of the two or more unique sets of wavelengths. A second different unique set of quantum dots among the two or more unique sets of quantum dots may be responsive only to light in a second different unique set of wavelengths among the two or more unique sets of wavelengths. In some embodiments, a first unique set of quantum dots may be configured to render a left image frame, while a second different unique set of quantum dots may be configured to render a right image frame. In some embodiments, the left image frame and the right image frame form a three-dimensional (3D) image. In some embodiments, the left image frame and the right image frame may be rendered one after the other in frame order by time.

In some embodiments, a left image block of the stereoscopic image is rendered using second light emitted by a first set of quantum dots, while a right image block of the stereoscopic image is rendered using second light emitted by a second, different set of quantum dots. In some embodiments, at least one of the left image block or the right image block is one of an h.264 macroblock or an h.264 sub-macroblock.

9. Implementation mechanisms-hardware overview

According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein are implemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. The special purpose computing device may be hardwired to perform the techniques, or may include digital electronics such as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) permanently programmed to perform the techniques, or may include one or more general purpose hardware processors programmed to perform the techniques pursuant to program instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or a combination. Such special purpose computing devices may also incorporate custom hardwired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs that use custom programming to implement the techniques. The special purpose computing device can be a desktop computer system, portable computer system, handheld device, networked device, or any other device that contains hardwired and/or program logic for implementing the techniques.

For example, FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 600 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. The computer system 600 includes: a bus 602 or other communication mechanism for communicating information; and a hardware processor 604 coupled with bus 602 for processing information. Hardware processor 604 may be, for example, a general purpose microprocessor.

Computer system 600 also includes a main memory 606, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 602 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 604. Main memory 606 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 604. Such instructions, when stored in a non-transitory storage medium accessible to processor 604, render computer system 600 into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

Computer system 600 further includes a Read Only Memory (ROM)608 or other static storage device coupled to bus 602 for storing static information and instructions for processor 604. A storage device 610, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 602 to store information and instructions.

Computer system 600 may be coupled via bus 602 to a display 612, such as a liquid crystal display, for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 614, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 602 for communicating information and command selections to processor 604. Another type of user input device is cursor control 616, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 604 and for controlling cursor movement on display 612. The input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), which allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

Computer system 600 may implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and/or program logic that, in combination with the computer system, causes computer system 600 to function as a special purpose machine or programs computer system 600 to function as a special purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein are performed by computer system 600 in response to processor 604 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 606. Such instructions may be read into main memory 606 from another storage medium, such as storage device 610. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 606 causes processor 604 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

The term "storage medium" as used herein refers to any non-transitory medium that stores data and/or instructions that cause a machine to function in a particular manner. Such storage media may include non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 610. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 606. Common forms of storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a flash EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in combination with transmission media. Transmission media participate in the transfer of information between storage media. For example, transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 602. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 604 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solid state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 600 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on bus 602. Bus 602 carries data to main memory 606, from which processor 604 retrieves and executes instructions. The instructions received by main memory 606 may optionally be stored on storage device 610 either before or after execution by processor 604.

Computer system 600 also includes a communication interface 618 coupled to bus 602. Communication interface 618 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 620 that is connected to a local network 622. For example, communication interface 618 may be an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 618 may be a Local Area Network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 618 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 620 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 620 may provide a connection through local network 622 to a host computer 624 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 626. ISP 626 in turn provides data communication services through the world of packet data communication networks now commonly referred to as the "internet" 628. Local network 622 and internet 628 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link 620 and through communication interface 618, which carry the digital data to and from computer system 600, are exemplary forms of transmission media.

Computer system 600 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through one or more networks, network link 620 and communication interface 618. In the Internet example, a server 630 might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet 628, ISP 626, local network 622 and communication interface 618.

The received code may be executed by processor 604 as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 610, or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

10. Equivalents, extensions, substitutions and miscellaneous

In the foregoing specification, possible embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. Thus, what is intended to be the invention and is intended by the applicants as the sole and exclusive indicator of what is the invention, is the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Any definitions expressly set forth herein for terms contained in such claims shall govern the meaning of such terms as used in the claims. Hence, any limitation, element, property, feature, advantage or characteristic not explicitly described in a claim shall limit the scope of such claim in any way. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Supplementary notes:

1. a method, comprising:

receiving image data for one or more image frames;

controlling a light source to emit first light to illuminate a light conversion material configured to illuminate an image rendering surface based on the image data;

emitting second light with the light conversion material to render at least a portion of the one or more image frames on the image rendering surface;

wherein the second light is excited by the first light.

2. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the light conversion material is one of one or more light conversion materials arranged in a two-dimensional array to form a plurality of pixels.

3. The method according to supplementary note 2, wherein each pixel in the plurality of pixels includes three or more sub-pixels each configured to deliver one of three or more different colors.

4. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the light source is a laser that emits a coherent laser beam as the first light.

5. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the first light is swept across a portion of the image rendering area in at least one sweep direction.

6. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein an intensity of the first light is modulated based on at least a part of the image data when the first light is swept across the part of the image rendering area.

7. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the light source is located at least one of in front, behind, above, and below with respect to the image rendering surface.

8. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the light conversion material includes quantum dots.

9. The method of supplementary note 8, wherein the quantum dots comprise three or more different types of quantum dots, each type configured to emit a different one of three or more different colors.

10. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the first light includes two or more mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges, wherein each of the mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges corresponds to one of two or more different colors, and wherein the first light in a first mutually non-overlapping wavelength range of the mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges illuminates a first different type of quantum dots at a same time as the first light in a second different mutually non-overlapping wavelength range of the mutually non-overlapping wavelength ranges illuminates a second type of quantum dots.

11. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the light conversion material includes three or more different types of quantum dots, and wherein the three or more different types of quantum dots are irradiated for three or more mutually non-overlapping durations.

12. The method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the second light emitted by a first set of quantum dots is used to render a left image block of a stereoscopic image, and the second light emitted by a second, different set of quantum dots is used to render a right image block of the stereoscopic image.

13. A display system, comprising:

a light conversion material arranged with an image rendering surface and configured to emit second light to render at least a portion of one or more image frames on the image rendering surface;

a light source for emitting first light to illuminate the light conversion material and to excite the light conversion material to emit the second light;

wherein the display system is configured to receive image data of the one or more image frames and to control the light source to emit the first light to illuminate the light conversion material arranged with the image rendering surface based on the image data.

14. The display system according to supplementary note 13, wherein the light conversion material is one of one or more light conversion materials arranged in a two-dimensional array to form a plurality of pixels.

15. The display system according to supplementary note 14, wherein each pixel in the plurality of pixels includes three or more sub-pixels each configured to deliver one of three or more different colors.

16. The display system according to supplementary note 13, wherein the light source is a laser that emits a coherent laser beam as the first light.

17. The display system of supplementary note 13, wherein the light source is configured to sweep the first light across a portion of the image rendering area in at least one sweep direction.

18. The display system of supplementary note 13, wherein an intensity of the first light is modulated based on at least a portion of the image data as the first light is swept across the portion of the image rendering area.

19. The display system according to supplementary note 13, wherein the light source is located in front of, behind, or at a top position, a bottom position, or another position with respect to the image rendering surface.

20. The display system according to supplementary note 13, wherein the light conversion material includes quantum dots.

21. An apparatus comprising a processor and configured to perform the method recited in any of the accompanying notes 1-12.

22. A computer readable storage medium comprising software instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause performance of the method recited in any of the accompanying notes 1-12.

23. A computing device comprising one or more processors and one or more storage media for storing a set of instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause performance of the method recited in any of the accompanying notes 1-12.

Claims (2)

1. A display system, comprising:

a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array; and

a light source illuminating the pixels,

wherein the light source is configured to emit three or more independent light beams having different wavelength ranges from each other, an

Wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels comprises three or more different types/colors of light conversion materials, the three or more different types/colors of light conversion materials in each pixel configured to be separately stimulated by light beams having different wavelength ranges to emit light to render at least a portion of an image frame;

wherein the light conversion material comprises quantum dots, and each pixel of the plurality of pixels is formed from a mixture of three or more different types/colors of quantum dots.

2. The display system of claim 1, wherein the light conversion material comprises quantum dots, and each pixel of the plurality of pixels comprises three or more sub-pixels each formed of three or more different types/colors of quantum dots.