Display module, electronic device, and control method of electronic device

Abstract

A display module according to the present disclosure is configured such that: when light emitted from a light emitter is adjusted to a first polarization through a polarization controller, a geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, and the light incident on a lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as a convex lens is refracted by the lenticular lens and is output in a first direction for providing a three-dimensional image; and when light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to a second polarization through the polarization controller, the geometric phase lens operates as a concave lens, and the light incident on the lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as a concave lens passes through the lenticular lens and is output in a second direction for providing a two-dimensional image.

Description

Display module, electronic device and method of controlling the electronic device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display module, an electronic device, and a method for controlling the electronic device, and more particularly, to a display module that provides both a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image, an electronic device including the display module, and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Technologies for providing 3D images are evolving, and in particular, recent advancements in 2D / 3D switching displays that can provide both 2D and 3D images without auxiliary equipment such as 3D glasses are accelerating.

[0003] As a related conventional technology, there exists a technology that forms a lens by utilizing the anisotropy of liquid crystal molecules with different refractive indices depending on the polarization of light, and implements 2D / 3D switching by adjusting the polarization of light emitted through a display panel.

[0004] When providing a 3D image according to conventional technology, the focal length of the lens must be short in order for the 3D image to have a wide field of view, and the focal length of the lens becomes shorter as the difference between the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules and the refractive index of the surrounding medium increases.

[0005] However, in the case of liquid crystal molecules, the difference between the refractive index for vertically polarized light and the refractive index for horizontally polarized light is only about 0.2, and the refractive index of the surrounding medium is required to be equal to the smaller refractive index between the refractive index for vertically polarized light and the refractive index for horizontally polarized light of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0006] Therefore, according to the conventional technology, there is a limitation in that it is difficult to make the difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal molecules and the surrounding medium large, which leads to the problem of not being able to provide a three-dimensional image with a wide viewing angle.

[0007] A 2D / 3D switching display module capable of providing a 3D image with a wide viewing angle, an electronic device including the display module, and a control method thereof are provided.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments for achieving the above-described object, a display module includes a light emitter that emits light corresponding to image data through a plurality of pixels, a polarization adjuster that adjusts the polarization of light incident from the light emitter to a first polarization or a second polarization different from the first polarization based on a request for providing an image in three dimensions or two dimensions, a geometric phase lens that operates as a convex lens or a concave lens based on the polarization of the light incident from the polarization adjuster, and a lenticular lens that outputs the light incident from the geometric phase lens in a preset direction, and when the light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to the first polarization through the polarization adjuster, the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, and the light incident from the geometric phase lens operating as the convex lens to the lenticular lens is refracted by the lenticular lens and output in a first direction for providing a three-dimensional image, and the light emitted from the light emitter is output in the first direction for providing a three-dimensional image. When adjusted to the second polarization through the polarization adjuster, the geometric phase lens operates as a concave lens, and light incident on the lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as the concave lens is output in a second direction to transmit the lenticular lens and provide a two-dimensional image, and the second direction may be a different direction from the first direction.

[0009] Here, the polarization adjuster can adjust the polarization of the light incident from the light emitter to the first polarization if the request is a request to provide the image in three dimensions, and can adjust the polarization of the light incident from the light emitter to the second polarization if the request is a request to provide the image in two dimensions.

[0010] Here, the polarization adjuster may be placed between the light emitter and the geometric phase lens.

[0011] Meanwhile, the lenticular lens may be a lens array including a plurality of sub-lenses arranged at preset intervals.

[0012] Meanwhile, the polarization controller may include a linear polarizer that linearly converts the polarization of the light emitted through each of the plurality of pixels, and an active quarter-wave plate that adjusts the light incident through the linear polarizer to the right-hand circular polarization or the left-hand circular polarization.

[0013] Meanwhile, the first focal length of the geometric phase lens and the second focal length of the lenticular lens are the same, and when the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, the third focal length of light passing through both the geometric phase lens and the lenticular lens may be half of the first focal length and the second focal length.

[0014] Meanwhile, the first direction may be a direction for mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of the plurality of pixels to one of the plurality of viewpoints for providing the three-dimensional image.

[0015] Here, each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and the plurality of sub-pixels includes a first sub-pixel emitting red light, a second sub-pixel emitting green light, and a third sub-pixel emitting blue light, and the first direction may be a direction for mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of the plurality of sub-pixels to one of a plurality of viewpoints that compensate for chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens while providing a three-dimensional image.

[0016] Meanwhile, the display module further includes a GRIN (Gradient-Index) lens having different refractive indices depending on the position within the lens, and the different refractive indices depending on the position within the lens can be set to compensate for chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens.

[0017] Meanwhile, the geometric phase lens is formed using a meta atom, and the meta atom can be provided to the geometric phase lens based on a phase profile capable of compensating for optical aberration of the lenticular lens.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments for achieving the above-described object, an electronic device includes a display module, a memory storing at least one instruction, and a processor executing the at least one instruction, wherein the display module includes a polarization adjuster for adjusting polarization of light incident from the light emitter to a first polarization or a second polarization different from the first polarization based on a request for providing an image in three dimensions or two dimensions, a geometric phase lens operating as a convex lens or a concave lens based on the polarization of the light incident from the polarization adjuster, and a lenticular lens for outputting light incident from the geometric phase lens in a preset direction, wherein when light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to the first polarization through the polarization adjuster, the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, and light incident from the geometric phase lens operating as the convex lens to the lenticular lens is refracted by the lenticular lens to form a three-dimensional image. When light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to the second polarization through the polarization adjuster and output in a first direction for providing, the geometric phase lens operates as a concave lens, and light incident on the lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as the concave lens is output in a second direction for transmitting through the lenticular lens to provide a two-dimensional image, and the second direction may be a different direction from the first direction.

[0019] Here, if the request is a request to provide the image in three dimensions, the processor controls the light emitter to emit light corresponding to the three-dimensional image, and controls the polarization adjuster to adjust the polarization of light incident from the light emitter to the polarization adjuster to the first polarization, and if the request is a request to provide the image in two dimensions, the processor controls the light emitter to emit light corresponding to the two-dimensional image, and controls the polarization adjuster to adjust the polarization of light incident from the light emitter to the polarization adjuster to the second polarization.

[0020] Meanwhile, the polarization adjuster may be placed between the light emitter and the geometric phase lens.

[0021] Meanwhile, the lenticular lens may be a lens array including a plurality of sub-lenses arranged at preset intervals.

[0022] Meanwhile, the first focal length of the geometric phase lens and the second focal length of the lenticular lens are the same, and when the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, the third focal length of light passing through both the geometric phase lens and the lenticular lens may be half of the first focal length and the second focal length.

[0023] Other aspects, features and advantages of one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a display module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a portion of a display module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a display module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure provides a three-dimensional image;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of a plurality of pixels when providing a three-dimensional image according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a display module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure provides a two-dimensional image;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating chromatic aberration that may occur by a geometric phase lens according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and a sub-pixel according to the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining one or more embodiments for resolving the viewpoint separation phenomenon due to chromatic aberration of a geometric phase lens according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a method for manufacturing a geometric phase lens using liquid crystal according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a method for manufacturing a geometric phase lens using meta atoms according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating one or more embodiments in which a display module includes a GRIN lens;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating one or more embodiments in which a polarization adjustment unit is positioned on top of a geometric phase lens and a lenticular lens;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a process for providing a two-dimensional image when a polarization adjustment unit is placed on top of a geometric phase lens and a lenticular lens according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a process for providing a three-dimensional image when a polarization adjustment unit is placed on top of a geometric phase lens and a lenticular lens according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0038] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified in various ways and may have multiple embodiments. Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0040] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concepts of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to further faithfully and completely convey the technical concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0042] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] In this disclosure, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0044] In this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” can all refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0045] The expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0046] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that said component may be directly coupled to said other component, or may be coupled via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0047] On the other hand, when it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it can be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between said component and said other component.

[0048] The expression "configured to" as used in the present disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware.

[0049] Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of" performing A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0050] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, a plurality of 'modules' or 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented as a specific hardware.

[0051] The various elements and areas in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacings drawn in the attached drawings.

[0052] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a display module (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an enlarged portion of a display module (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion (10) of Fig. 1, with components separated from each other for clarity. The following description will be made with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 together.

[0055] The 'display module (100)' according to the present disclosure refers to a device (or configuration) capable of displaying an image, and may be replaced with terms such as 'display panel'. In particular, the display module (100) is a device capable of providing both a three-dimensional image and a two-dimensional image without auxiliary equipment such as 3D glasses, and may be referred to as a 2D / 3D switching (or switchable) display or a 2D / 3D image compatible display.

[0056] The display module (100) may refer to the entire display capable of displaying an image, or may refer to a portion of the entire display. That is, a plurality of display modules (100) may be combined with each other to form a single display.

[0057] The 'electronic device (1000)' to which the display module (100) according to the present disclosure is applied refers to a device that can include the display module (100). For example, the electronic device (1000) can be implemented as a TV, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a smartwatch, a VR (virtual reality) device, an AR (augmented reality) device, etc., but there is no particular limitation on the type of the electronic device (1000).

[0058] Below, the display module (100) is first described, and then an electronic device (1000) including the display module (100) is described.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display module (100) may include a light emitting unit (110) (or light emitter), a polarization adjusting unit (120) (or polarization adjusting unit), a geometric phase lens (130), and a lenticular lens (140).

[0060] The light emitting unit (110) can emit light corresponding to image data. Here, the term 'emission' can be replaced with the term 'radiate', etc. The light emitting unit (110) can include a plurality of pixels (111) and light sources corresponding to the plurality of pixels (111). In addition, in a broad sense, the light emitting unit (110) can include a circuit and electrodes for controlling the operation of the light source. For example, the light source of the light emitting unit (110) can be implemented with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), but is not limited thereto. The term 'light emitting unit (110)' can be replaced with terms such as 'image display unit', 'display panel', or 'light output unit'.

[0061] When a request to provide an image is received, the light emitting unit (110) can emit light corresponding to the image data through a plurality of pixels (111). Here, the 'request to provide an image' may be received based on a user input, may be received from an external device, or may be received based on the occurrence of an event defined as requiring image provision.

[0062] For example, a request to provide an image may be received based on a user's touch input for selecting an image to be played back, a control signal received from a remote control device, etc. In addition, a request to provide an image may be received based on an event occurring in the electronic device (1000), such as powering on the electronic device (1000) including the display module (100), unlocking the electronic device (1000), etc.

[0063] The term 'receive' in a request to provide an image can be replaced with terms such as 'acquire, obtain', 'identify', 'recognize', and 'detect' in a request to provide an image.

[0064] As described below, a request to provide an image may be a request to provide an image in three dimensions or a request to provide an image in two dimensions.

[0065] The polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of incident light. In the present disclosure, the term 'adjust' can be replaced with terms such as transform, change, alter, or modulate. The polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of incident light to a first polarization or a second polarization different from the first polarization based on a request to provide an image in three dimensions or two dimensions. That is, the polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of incident light to right circularly polarized (RCP) or left circularly polarized (LCP).

[0066] In the present disclosure, 'first polarization' is used as a term to refer to one of right-handed circular polarization and left-handed circular polarization, and 'second polarization' is used as a term to refer to the other one of right-handed circular polarization and left-handed circular polarization that is different from the first polarization. In addition, 'right-handed circular polarization' refers to polarization that rotates clockwise with respect to the direction of propagation of light, and 'left-handed circular polarization' refers to polarization that rotates counterclockwise with respect to the direction of propagation of light. In other words, the first polarization may be right-handed circular polarization and the second polarization may be left-handed circular polarization, or conversely, the first polarization may be left-handed circular polarization and the second polarization may be right-handed circular polarization, and this may be changed according to the settings of the developer or user.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, if the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in three dimensions, the polarization adjustment unit (120) may adjust the polarization of the light incident from the light emitting unit (110) to a first polarization. On the other hand, if the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in two dimensions, the polarization of the light incident from the light emitting unit (110) may be adjusted to a second polarization.

[0068] For example, the polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of incident light to right-handed polarization when the display module (100) provides a three-dimensional image, and to left-handed polarization when the display module (100) provides a two-dimensional image. Conversely, the polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of incident light to left-handed polarization when the display module (100) provides a three-dimensional image, and to right-handed polarization when the display module (100) provides a two-dimensional image.

[0069] When the display module (100) provides a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image (which may be referred to as '3D mode' and '2D mode', respectively), the polarization adjustment unit (120) adjusts the polarization of light to a certain polarization can be changed according to the settings of the developer or user.

[0070] The polarization control unit (120) may include a linear polarizer (122) and an active quarter-wave plate (active QWP) (121). The linear polarizer (122) can adjust (convert, change, or modulate) the light into linear polarization by selectively allowing or blocking the direction of propagation of light vibrating in a specific direction. In particular, in the present disclosure, the linear polarizer (122) can linearly adjust the polarization of light emitted through each of a plurality of pixels (111).

[0071] The dynamic quarter wave plate (121) can adjust (convert, change, or modulate) the direction of propagation and polarization state of light. The dynamic quarter wave plate (121) can dynamically adjust the polarization of incident light at quarter wavelength (1 / 4 wavelength) intervals based on an external input such as an external voltage or an electrical signal. In particular, in the present disclosure, the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) can convert incident light through a linear polarizer (122) into right-handed circular polarization or left-handed circular polarization. The term 'dynamic quarter wave plate (121)' may be referred to as the term 'dynamic quarter wave plate'.

[0072] The polarization adjustment unit (120) may be positioned between the light emitting unit (110) and the geometric phase lens (130), as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the polarization adjustment unit (120) may also be positioned above the lenticular lens (140). Various embodiments according to the position of the polarization adjustment unit (120) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0073] A geometric phase lens (130) refers to a lens that can refract light by adjusting the phase of incident light. In particular, the geometric phase lens (130) can exhibit different optical characteristics depending on the polarization of the light. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the geometric phase lens (130) is implemented in a flat shape, unlike a general convex lens or concave lens, and thus may be referred to as a 'phase plate'. In addition, in addition to the geometric phase lens (130), any lens that can operate as a convex lens or concave lens depending on the polarization of incident light may be used as a substitute for the geometric phase lens (130), and the geometric phase lens (130) may be simply referred to as a 'first lens'.

[0074] The geometric phase lens (130) may include a surface having a specific pattern or structure. When light passes through the geometric phase lens (130), the phase of the light may change due to diffraction according to the specific pattern or structure, and the wave characteristics of the light may change accordingly. In addition, when light passing through the geometric phase lens (130) interacts with another material or passes through another lens (e.g., a lenticular lens (140)), a specific optical effect may appear. This optical effect may be utilized to focus the light in a specific direction or control the phase structure of the light to perform a desired operation in an optical system.

[0075] In the present disclosure, the geometric phase lens (130) can operate as a convex lens or a concave lens depending on the polarization of the incident light. That is, the geometric phase lens (130) can perform the function of a convex lens or a concave lens depending on whether the polarization of the incident light is left-circular polarization or right-circular polarization. If the polarization of the light incident from the polarization adjustment unit (120) is the first polarization among the right-circular polarization and the left-circular polarization, the geometric phase lens (130) can operate as either a convex lens or a concave lens. On the other hand, if the polarization of the light incident from the polarization adjustment unit (120) is the second polarization different from the first polarization among the right-circular polarization and the left-circular polarization, the geometric phase lens (130) can operate as a lens different from the case of the first polarization among the convex lens or the concave lens.

[0076] As described above, the first polarization may be right-handed and the second polarization may be left-handed, or conversely, the first polarization may be left-handed and the second polarization may be right-handed. In addition, when the incident light is of the first polarization, which lens among the convex lens and the concave lens the geometric phase lens (130) operates as, and when the incident light is of the second polarization, which lens among the convex lens and the concave lens the geometric phase lens (130) operates as, may be changed according to the settings of the developer or the user. In other words, when the incident light is right-circularly polarized, the geometric phase lens (130) may operate as a convex lens, and when the incident light is left-circularly polarized, the geometric phase lens (130) may operate as a concave lens. When the incident light is right-circularly polarized, the geometric phase lens (130) may operate as a concave lens, and when the incident light is left-circularly polarized, the geometric phase lens (130) may operate as a convex lens.

[0077] A convex lens is a lens with a surface that curves outward from its center. Light passing through the center of a convex lens can be refracted by the surface and focused at the lens's focus. A concave lens is a lens with a surface that curves inward from its center. Light passing through the center of a concave lens can be refracted by the surface and spread out. Convex lenses can be used to magnify images, and concave lenses can be used to reduce images.

[0078] The size, spacing, shape, etc. of the pattern or structure of the geometric phase lens (130) can be parameters that control the phase change of light. A method of forming a pattern or structure in the geometric phase lens (130) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0079] A lenticular lens (140) refers to a lens that can provide a three-dimensional effect through an arrangement of multiple sub-lenses (or micro-lenses). In particular, the lenticular lens (140) can output light incident from a geometric phase lens (130) in a preset direction. That is, light incident from the geometric phase lens (130) can be refracted in a preset direction inside the lenticular lens (140) or can pass through the inside of the lenticular lens (140) and be emitted outside the lenticular lens (140).

[0080] The lenticular lens (140) may have a convex lens shape as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. In addition, the lenticular lens (140) may include a plurality of sub-lenses, and the plurality of sub-lenses may be arranged on the substrate at regular intervals. Accordingly, the lenticular lens (140) may be referred to as a 'lenticular lens (140) array'. In addition, any lens capable of providing a three-dimensional effect other than the lenticular lens (140) may be used as a substitute for the lenticular lens (140), and the lenticular lens (140) may be simply referred to as a 'second lens'.

[0081] In FIG. 1, three sub-lenses, namely, a first sub-lens (140-1), a second sub-lens (140-2), and a third sub-lens (140-3), among a plurality of sub-lenses included in a lenticular lens (140) are illustrated. However, for convenience of explanation, only three sub-lenses are illustrated, and there is no particular limitation on the number of sub-lenses. In addition, the illustration of only one sub-lens in other drawings is also merely for convenience of illustration.

[0082] In the above, each component of the display module (100) has been described. Below, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the process of the display module (100) providing a three-dimensional image and the process of providing a two-dimensional image will be described in detail.

[0083] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a display module (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure provides a three-dimensional image, FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a method for mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of a plurality of pixels (111) when providing a three-dimensional image, and FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a display module (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure provides a two-dimensional image.

[0084] The arrows in FIGS. 3 to 5 represent 'rays' indicating the path of light propagation. In the description of the present disclosure, the term 'light' may be used in a broad sense to include light rays.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when light emitted from a light emitting unit (110) is adjusted to a first polarization through a polarization adjusting unit (120), the geometric phase lens (130) can operate as a convex lens. Then, light incident on a lenticular lens (140) from a geometric phase lens (130) operating as a convex lens can be refracted by the lenticular lens (140) and output in a first direction to provide a three-dimensional image.

[0086] When a request for providing a three-dimensional image is received, the light emitting unit (110) can emit light corresponding to the image data through a plurality of pixels (111). In addition, the request for providing a three-dimensional image can be transmitted to the polarization adjustment unit (120) together with the light emitting unit (110). That is, information (or a signal) regarding whether the request for providing an image is a request for providing a three-dimensional image or a request for providing a two-dimensional image can be transmitted in synchronization to both the light emitting unit (110) and the polarization adjustment unit (120).

[0087] When a request for providing a 3D image is received and light emitted through a plurality of pixels (111) is incident on a polarization adjustment unit (120), the polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of the incident light to a polarization preset to correspond to a 3D image among right-handed polarization and left-handed polarization.

[0088] For example, when a request for providing a 3D image is received and light emitted through a plurality of pixels (111) is incident on the polarization adjustment unit (120), the polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of the incident light to right circular polarization (RCP in FIG. 3). In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, it is assumed that the polarization corresponding to the 3D image is set to right circular polarization (RCP) and the polarization corresponding to the 2D image is set to left circular polarization (LCP), but the opposite may also be set.

[0089] When the light adjusted to right-circular polarization through the polarization adjustment unit (120) is incident on the geometric phase lens (130), the polarization of the light is adjusted to left-circular polarization, and the geometric phase lens (130) can operate as a convex lens. Then, when the light emitted through the geometric phase lens (130) operating as a convex lens is incident on the lenticular lens (140), the lenticular lens (140) can refract the paths of the light incident through the geometric phase lens (130) in the first direction, respectively, so that the display module (100) provides a three-dimensional image.

[0090] Here, the 'first direction' may be a direction for mapping the direction of each light emitted through each of the plurality of pixels (111) to one of the plurality of views for providing a three-dimensional image. A method for mapping the direction of each light emitted through each of the plurality of pixels (111) will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0091] In FIG. 4, similarly to FIG. 1, three sub-lenses, namely, a first sub-lens (140-1), a second sub-lens (140-2), and a third sub-lens (140-3), among a plurality of sub-lenses included in a lenticular lens (140) are illustrated. In addition, in FIG. 4, a plurality of pixels (111) corresponding to each of the three sub-lenses are indicated as V1, V2, V3, and VN according to their relative positions. That is, the V1 pixel, the V2 pixel, the V3 pixel, and the VN pixel corresponding to the first sub-lens (140-1) correspond to the V1 pixel, the V2 pixel, the V3 pixel, and the VN pixel corresponding to the second sub-lens (140-2), and also correspond to the V1 pixel, the V2 pixel, the V3 pixel, and the VN pixel corresponding to the third sub-lens (140-3). For convenience of explanation, pixels between the V3 pixel and the VN pixel are omitted, and there is no special limitation on the number of pixels corresponding to each sub-lens.

[0092] For example, light emitted through the V1 pixel corresponding to the first sub-lens (140-1) may be refracted while passing through the first sub-lens (140-1) as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4, and may be output in the direction of the viewpoint indicated as the first sub-image view in FIG. 4. In addition, light emitted through the V1 pixel corresponding to the second sub-lens (140-2) and light emitted through the V1 pixel corresponding to the third sub-lens (140-3) may also be output in the direction corresponding to the first sub-image view.

[0093] Similarly, light emitted through the V2 pixel corresponding to the first sub-lens (140-1), the V2 pixel corresponding to the second sub-lens (140-2), and the V2 pixel corresponding to the third sub-lens (140-3) can be output in a direction corresponding to the second sub-image view, light emitted through the V3 pixel corresponding to the first sub-lens (140-1), the V3 pixel corresponding to the second sub-lens (140-2), and the V3 pixel corresponding to the third lens can be output in a direction corresponding to the third sub-image view, and light emitted through the VN pixel corresponding to the first sub-lens (140-1), the VN pixel corresponding to the second sub-lens (140-2), and the VN pixel corresponding to the third sub-lens (140-3) can be output in a direction corresponding to the Nth sub-image view.

[0094] Each of the first sub-image view, the second sub-image view, the third sub-image view, and the Nth sub-image view can represent different images. In other words, when light having different directional components is emitted according to the relative positions of each pixel through the lenticular lens (140), different images can be provided according to each viewpoint, like the sub-image views of Fig. 1, thereby providing a 3D effect. The term 'sub-image view' refers to each different image shown according to the user's viewpoint, and can be replaced with terms such as 'image slice'.

[0095] When the light emitted through the geometric phase lens (130) operating as a convex lens is incident on the lenticular lens (140), the optical power of the geometric phase lens (130) operating as a convex lens and the lenticular lens (140) can be added. In the present disclosure, the term 'optical power' refers to a physical measure indicating the refractive ability of an optical lens or an optical system. The greater the optical power, the stronger the refractive ability of the optical lens or the optical system, and the focal length is inversely proportional to the optical power. Here, the 'focal length' means the distance to the center of the lens when an image is focused on one point on the optical axis of the lens, and the shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view.

[0096] When the optical powers of the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) operating as convex lenses are added, if the first focal length of the geometric phase lens (130) and the second focal length of the lenticular lens (140) are the same, the third focal length of the light passing through both the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) can be half of the first focal length and the second focal length. In other words, when the geometric phase lens (130) operates as a convex lens, the focal length of the light passing through both the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) can be reduced compared to the focal lengths of each of the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140).

[0097] Ultimately, when the geometric phase lens (130) operates as a convex lens, the focal length of the optical system including the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) is reduced, so that a 3D image with a wider field of view can be provided compared to a case where a 3D image is provided using only the lenticular lens (140).

[0098] In the above, the case where the geometric phase lens (130) operates as a convex lens has been described, but the case where the geometric phase lens (130) operates as a concave lens will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when light emitted from the light emitting unit (110) is adjusted to a second polarization through the polarization adjusting unit (120), the geometric phase lens (130) can operate as a concave lens. In addition, light incident on the lenticular lens (140) from the geometric phase lens (130) operating as a concave lens can be transmitted through the lenticular lens (140) and output in a second direction to provide a two-dimensional image.

[0099] When a request for providing a two-dimensional image is received, the light emitting unit (110) can emit light corresponding to the image data through a plurality of pixels (111). In addition, when the light emitted through the plurality of pixels (111) is incident on the polarization adjusting unit (120) after a request for providing a three-dimensional image is received, the polarization adjusting unit (120) can adjust the polarization of the incident light to left-circular polarization (LCP of FIG. 5).

[0100] When the light adjusted to left-circular polarization through the polarization adjustment unit (120) is incident on the geometric phase lens (130), the polarization of the light is adjusted to right-circular polarization, and the geometric phase lens (130) can operate as a concave lens. Then, when the light emitted through the geometric phase lens (130) operating as a concave lens is incident on the lenticular lens (140), the lenticular lens (140) can transmit the light incident through the geometric phase lens (130) so that the display module (100) provides a two-dimensional image. Here, 'transmitting' the light incident from the geometric phase lens (130) can mean outputting the light incident through the geometric phase lens (130) without refracting it. Here, the direction in which light incident from the geometric phase lens (130) passes through the lenticular lens (140) and is output may be referred to as a 'second direction' to distinguish it from the 'first direction'. In other words, the second direction for providing a two-dimensional image may be a different direction from the first direction for providing a three-dimensional image.

[0101] Ultimately, when the geometric phase lens (130) also operates as a concave lens, the optical power of the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) is canceled out, and accordingly, the light incident on the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) is output without refraction, thereby providing a two-dimensional image.

[0102] According to the embodiments described above, the display module (100) can implement a 2D / 3D switching display by combining a lenticular lens (140) for implementing a 3D image and a geometric phase lens (130) having different optical characteristics depending on the polarization of light.

[0103] In particular, since the display module (100) includes an optical system in which a lenticular lens (140) and a geometric phase lens (130) are combined, it has a shorter focal length compared to a case in which a 3D image is provided using only the lenticular lens (140), and thus, a 3D image having a significantly wide viewing angle can be provided. In addition, since the geometric phase lens (130) can be implemented as a very thin flat lens, it is easy to combine with the lenticular lens (140), and it may not cause a significant change in the overall form factor.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining chromatic aberration that may occur by a geometric phase lens (130) and a sub-pixel according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining one or more embodiments for resolving the viewpoint separation phenomenon due to chromatic aberration of a geometric phase lens (130).

[0105] In the above, it is explained on the premise that light corresponding to image data is emitted through a plurality of pixels (111) included in the light emitting unit (110), but each of the plurality of pixels (111) may include a plurality of sub-pixels, and when each of the plurality of pixels (111) includes a plurality of sub-pixels, the light emitting unit (110) may emit light corresponding to image data through each of the plurality of sub-pixels. Each of the plurality of sub-pixels may correspond to a plurality of LEDs, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the plurality of sub-pixels may include a first sub-pixel (V1R, V2R, V3R, 쪋 VNR) that emits red light, a second sub-pixel (V1G, V2G, V3G, 쪋 VNG) that emits green light, and a third sub-pixel (V1B, V2B, V3B, 쪋 VNB) that emits blue light, and a set of the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel may each constitute a plurality of pixels (111). The first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel may be replaced with terms such as R sub-pixel, G sub-pixel, and B sub-pixel, respectively.

[0107] As described above, the geometric phase lens (130) is a lens that can refract light by adjusting the phase of incident light. When light passes through the geometric phase lens (130), the phase of the light changes due to diffraction according to a specific pattern or structure, and accordingly, the wave characteristics of the light can change. As such, the geometric phase lens (130) is a device manufactured based on diffractive optics, so it tends to have severe chromatic aberration.

[0108] When light passes through a geometric phase lens (130), light with different wavelengths undergoes different phase shifts, resulting in different propagation directions for each wavelength, which may result in chromatic aberration. In addition, chromatic aberration may result in a viewpoint separation phenomenon when providing a three-dimensional image.

[0109] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, sub-pixels V1R, V1G, and V1B are sub-pixels constituting one pixel, but light emitted through each of the sub-pixels V1R, V1G, and V1B can be output at different viewpoints as it passes through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, sub-pixels V2R, V2G, and V2B are sub-pixels constituting one pixel, but light emitted through each of the sub-pixels V2R, V2G, and V2B can be output at different viewpoints as it passes through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140). In Fig. 6, the path of light output through sub-pixel V1R, sub-pixel V1G, sub-pixel V1B, sub-pixel V1R, sub-pixel V1G, and sub-pixel V1B is indicated by arrows, and the same symbols as the sub-pixels are attached.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when light emitted through each sub-pixel is output in different directions as it passes through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140), a viewpoint separation phenomenon as illustrated in FIG. 7 may occur. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, light passing through the first sub-lens (140-1) included in the lenticular lens (140) and light passing through the second sub-lens (140-2) may be output in directions corresponding to the first sub-image view (V1), the second sub-image view (V2), the third sub-image view (V3), and the fourth sub-image view (V4).

[0111] However, when each of the plurality of pixels (111) includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel, as indicated by different circles in each sub-image view of FIG. 7, light emitted through each sub-pixel within each sub-image view may be output at different viewpoints. That is, when the light emitted through each of the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel included in one pixel is all output in a direction corresponding to the same sub-image view, a viewpoint separation phenomenon may occur within the sub-image view.

[0112] For example, in FIG. 7, three different circles in the first sub-image view (V1) represent the results of light emitted through the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel included in one pixel being output in different viewpoint directions, and three different circles in each of the second sub-image view (V2), the third sub-image view (V3), and the fourth sub-image view (V4) also represent the results of light emitted through the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel included in one pixel being output in different viewpoint directions.

[0113] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments for resolving the viewpoint separation phenomenon described above will be described. In the description of FIG. 4 above, a method for mapping the direction of light 'for each pixel' to provide a 3D image was described, but according to one or more embodiments described below, the direction of light for providing a 3D image can be mapped 'for each subpixel' to compensate (correct or modify) the chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) while providing a 3D image.

[0114] By mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of the plurality of sub-pixels to one of the plurality of viewpoints for providing a three-dimensional image, the chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) can be compensated for. In other words, when the paths of the lights incident through the geometric phase lens (130) by the lenticular lens (140) are each refracted in a preset direction (or a first direction), the 'preset direction' may be a direction for mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of the plurality of sub-pixels to one of the plurality of viewpoints for compensating for the chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) while providing a three-dimensional image.

[0115] For example, it can be seen that the lights emitted through the sub-pixels (respectively R, G, and B pixels) corresponding to the three circles included in area 710 of FIG. 7 are mapped to the same or adjacent time points, and similarly, the lights emitted through the sub-pixels (respectively R, G, and B pixels) corresponding to the three circles included in area 720 of FIG. 7 are also mapped to the same or adjacent time points. In this way, as shown in FIG. 7, assuming that the direction of light for providing a three-dimensional image is mapped for each pixel unit without considering the sub-pixel, the direction of light for providing a three-dimensional image for each sub-pixel unit can be set by identifying a set of sub-pixels that are mapped to the same or adjacent time points.

[0116] FIGS. 6 and 7 are merely examples, and it is to be understood that which sub-pixel will be mapped at which point in time may be determined differently depending on the characteristics of the components included in the display module (100).

[0117] According to one or more embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, by mapping the direction of light for providing a three-dimensional image in units of each sub-pixel included in each of a plurality of pixels (111), the chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) can be compensated for, and accordingly, the phenomenon of color-specific viewpoint separation can be resolved when outputting a three-dimensional image.

[0118] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a method for manufacturing a geometric phase lens (130) using a liquid crystal, and FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for manufacturing a geometric phase lens (130) using a meta-atom.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 8, a geometric phase lens (130) can be manufactured based on a liquid crystal using a polarizing interferometer.

[0120] Light emitted through a light source may be incident on a polarizing beam splitter (810). When light is incident on the polarizing beam splitter (810), the polarizing beam splitter (810) can separate the path of the light by reflecting light of a specific polarization and transmitting light of a different polarization. The path of the light passing through the polarizing beam splitter (810) can be changed through a reflector (820). In addition, one of the lights separated through the polarizing beam splitter (810) may pass through a lens (830) having a target focal length (i.e., the focal length of the geometric phase lens (130)) and be incident on a polarizing interferometer (840), and the other of the separated lights may be incident on the polarizing interferometer (840) without passing through the lens.

[0121] When light is incident on a polarizing interferometer (840) and passes through a dynamic quarter wave plate (121) (850), an interference pattern formed according to the phase difference of the light can be formed on a substrate (860). Here, the substrate (860) includes a medium capable of forming an interference pattern, and can be configured so that an area where the interference pattern is formed in response to light can be opened. Then, when a liquid crystal is deposited on the substrate (860), a geometric phase lens (130) having an interference pattern can be formed.

[0122] According to the manufacturing method described with reference to FIG. 8, a geometric phase lens (130) can be manufactured relatively more easily and at a lower cost than the manufacturing method of FIG. 9 described later.

[0123] Referring to Fig. 9, a geometric phase lens (130) can also be manufactured using meta-atoms. The upper drawing (910) of Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a region of the geometric phase lens (130) illustrated at the bottom, showing that a plurality of meta-atoms are formed.

[0124] A meta-atom is a microscopic unit of matter with unique optical, electrical, or magnetic properties. The properties of a meta-atom can be determined by the geometric pattern of its structure, the arrangement and combination of materials, and the optical properties of the material. In particular, combining meta-atoms with specific patterns and structures can create a variety of optical devices.

[0125] A meta-atom-based geometric phase lens (130) can be formed by calculating the structure and distribution of meta-atoms corresponding to the characteristics of the geometric phase lens (130) to be implemented, and then patterning using lithography or nanofabrication.

[0126] According to the manufacturing method described with reference to FIG. 9, unlike the manufacturing method of FIG. 8 in which the aberration of the lens also exists in the geometric phase lens (130), the geometric phase lens (130) can be manufactured by freely implementing a phase profile.

[0127] In particular, the lenticular lens (140) has optical aberrations due to refraction. When manufacturing a geometric phase lens (130) using meta-atoms, a phase profile capable of compensating for the optical aberrations of the lenticular lens (140) can be added to manufacture the geometric phase lens (130). In other words, when manufacturing a geometric phase lens (130) using meta-atoms, the optical characteristics of the geometric phase lens (130) can be utilized to perform an additional function of compensating for the optical aberrations of the lenticular lens (140).

[0128] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating one or more embodiments in which a display module (100) includes a GRIN lens (1010).

[0129] As described above, the geometric phase lens (130) has a large chromatic aberration because it is an element manufactured based on diffractive optics. In addition, the chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) shows an opposite tendency to that of a general refractive lens including a GRIN (Gradient-Index) lens. Therefore, it is difficult to compensate for the chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) using a general refractive lens, but the chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) can be compensated for by utilizing the aberration characteristics of the GRIN lens (1010).

[0130] A GRIN lens (1010) refers to a lens having a characteristic of spatially varying refractive index. The GRIN lens (1010) has a distribution in which the refractive index gradually changes along the central axis, and thus can change the path of incident light depending on the location. For example, the GRIN lens (1010) can refract light at a larger angle at a location with a high refractive index, and can refract light at a smaller angle at a location with a low refractive index. In addition to the GRIN lens (1010), any lens capable of spatially varying the refractive index of the lens can be applied to the present disclosure.

[0131] According to one or more embodiments, the display module (100) according to the present disclosure may further include a GRIN lens (1010) in addition to the light emitting unit (110), the polarization adjusting unit (120), the geometric phase lens (130), and the lenticular lens (140). In addition, the GRIN lens (1010) may have different refractive indices depending on the position within the lens. Here, the different refractive indices depending on the position within the lens may be set to compensate for chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130).

[0132] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a GRIN lens (1010) and a lenticular lens (140) manufactured to compensate for chromatic aberration of a geometric phase lens (130) may be arranged in a laminated structure on a display module (100). In FIG. 10, a case in which the GRIN lens (1010) is arranged between the lenticular lens (140) and the geometric phase lens (130) is illustrated, but there is no particular limitation on the position at which the GRIN lens (1010) is arranged. In addition, the lenticular lens (140), i.e., the sub-lenses included in the lenticular array, may be formed based on the GRIN lens (1010).

[0133] According to one or more embodiments described above with reference to FIG. 10, even without using the sub-pixel unit mapping method described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, it is possible to resolve the viewpoint separation phenomenon due to chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130) by using the GRIN lens (1010).

[0134] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining one or more embodiments in which a polarization adjustment unit (120) is arranged on top of a geometric phase lens (130) and a lenticular lens (140), FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a process for providing a two-dimensional image when a polarization adjustment unit (120) is arranged on top of a geometric phase lens (130) and a lenticular lens (140), and FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a process for providing a three-dimensional image when a polarization adjustment unit (120) is arranged on top of a geometric phase lens (130) and a lenticular lens (140).

[0135] In the above, various embodiments in which the polarization adjustment unit (120) is positioned between the light emitting unit (110) and the geometric phase lens (130) have been described, but according to one or more embodiments, the polarization adjustment unit (120) may be positioned above the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140).

[0136] As shown in FIG. 11, the display module (100) may sequentially include a light emitting unit (110), a geometric phase lens (130) on the upper portion of the light emitting unit (110), a lenticular lens (140) on the upper portion of the geometric phase lens (130), a dynamic quarter wave plate (121) of a polarization adjusting unit (120) on the upper portion of the lenticular lens (140), and a linear polarizer (122) on the upper portion of the dynamic quarter wave plate.

[0137] When the polarization adjustment unit (120) is placed on top of the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140), the display module (100) can provide a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image by controlling the activation state (or operating state) of the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) of the polarization adjustment unit (120).

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the polarization adjustment unit (120) is placed above the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140), the light emitted through the light emission unit (110) is incident on the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) without passing through the polarization adjustment unit (120).

[0139] That is, since the polarization of the light incident on the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) is not adjusted to either right-handed polarization or left-handed polarization, the light incident on the polarization adjustment unit (120) through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) may include light refracted in a predetermined direction for a three-dimensional image (indicated by a dotted arrow in FIGS. 12 and 13) and light transmitted in a straight direction for a two-dimensional image (indicated by a solid arrow in FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0140] In the following, for the convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the polarization of the lights emitted from the light emitting unit (110) for a 3D image is right-handed circularly polarized, and the polarization of the lights emitted from the light emitting unit (110) for a 2D image is left-handed circularly polarized. In other words, it is assumed that the polarization of the lights (dotted arrows) refracted in a preset direction for a 3D image is right-handed circularly polarized, and the polarization of the lights (solid arrows) transmitted in a straight direction for a 2D image is left-handed circularly polarized. However, it is also possible that the polarization of the lights emitted from the light emitting unit (110) for a 3D image is left-handed circularly polarized, and the polarization of the lights emitted from the light emitting unit (110) for a 2D image is right-handed circularly polarized.

[0141] When a request for providing a two-dimensional image is received, the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) can be activated. Accordingly, the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) can adjust the polarization of the lights emitted through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) to opposite polarization. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the polarization of the lights transmitted in a linear direction (solid arrows) for a two-dimensional image can be adjusted from left-hand circular polarization to right-hand circular polarization, and the polarization of the lights refracted in a preset direction (dotted arrows) for a three-dimensional image can be adjusted from right-hand circular polarization to left-hand circular polarization.

[0142] When a request for providing a three-dimensional image is received, the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) may not be activated. Accordingly, the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) may not adjust the polarization of the lights emitted through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the polarization of the lights transmitted in a straight direction for a two-dimensional image (solid arrow) and the polarization of the lights refracted in a preset direction for a three-dimensional image (dotted arrow) may be maintained without being adjusted.

[0143] When light passing through the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) is incident on the linear polarizer (122), the linear polarizer (122) can selectively transmit only light of a specific polarization. The linear polarizer (122) can selectively transmit only light of right-handed or left-handed polarization. However, the following description is based on the assumption that it is set to selectively transmit only light of right-handed polarization.

[0144] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, in order to provide a two-dimensional image, the linear polarizer (122) can selectively transmit only the light that is emitted in a linear direction through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) and then adjusted to right-circular polarization through the dynamic quarter wave plate (121). Accordingly, the display module (100) can provide a two-dimensional image.

[0145] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, in order to provide a three-dimensional image, a linear polarizer (122) can selectively transmit only light that has maintained polarization through a dynamic quarter wave plate (121) after being refracted in a preset direction through a geometric phase lens (130) and a lenticular lens (140). Accordingly, the display module (100) can provide a three-dimensional image.

[0146] According to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, the display module (100) can implement a 2D / 3D switching display by combining a lenticular lens (140) for implementing a 3D image and a geometric phase lens (130) having different optical characteristics depending on the polarization of light, and controlling the activation state of the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) of the polarization adjustment unit (120).

[0147] In particular, when the polarization adjustment unit (120) is placed on top of the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the process difficulty of placing the polarization adjustment unit (120) on top of the lenticular lens (140) having the shape of a convex lens may be high, and a support unit for supporting the polarization adjustment unit (120) may be required.

[0148] However, when the polarization adjustment unit (120) is placed between the light emitting unit (110) and the geometric phase lens (130), it is difficult to realize 100% efficiency of the geometric phase lens (130), so noise may occur in the light that passes through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) after passing through the polarization adjustment unit (120). On the other hand, when the polarization adjustment unit (120) is placed above the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, noise may not occur because the light passes through the polarization adjustment unit (120) after passing through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140).

[0149] In the above, embodiments based on various positional relationships between the polarization adjustment unit (120), the geometric phase lens (130), and the lenticular lens (140) according to the present disclosure have been described. However, in addition to the embodiments described above, various positional relationships may be applied between the polarization adjustment unit (120) (linear polarizer (122) and dynamic quarter wave plate (121)), the geometric phase lens (130), and the lenticular lens (140) within the scope that can achieve the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0150] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0151] As illustrated in FIG. 14, an electronic device (1000) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display module (100), a memory (200), and a processor (300). However, the configurations illustrated in FIG. 15 are merely exemplary, and in implementing the present disclosure, in addition to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15, new configurations such as a communication unit, an input unit, or an output unit may be added, or some configurations may be omitted.

[0152] The display module (100) refers to a configuration capable of displaying an image, and in particular, refers to a 2D / 3D switching display module (100) capable of providing both a 2D image and a 3D image. Since the display module (100) has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 , a duplicate description of the same content will be omitted. That is, the various embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 can also be applied to the display module (100) included in the electronic device (1000).

[0153] The memory (200) may store at least one instruction regarding the electronic device (1000). In addition, the memory (200) may store an operating system (O / S) for driving the electronic device (1000). In addition, the memory (200) may store various software programs or applications for operating the electronic device (1000) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the memory (200) may include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0154] The memory (200) may store various software modules for operating the electronic device (1000) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the processor (300) may control the operation of the electronic device (1000) by executing the various software modules stored in the memory (200). That is, the memory (200) is accessed by the processor (300), and data reading / recording / modifying / deleting / updating, etc., may be performed by the processor (300).

[0155] In the present disclosure, the term memory (200) may be used to mean a memory (200), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown) in a processor (300), or a memory card (not shown) (e.g., a micro SD card, a memory stick) mounted on an electronic device (1000).

[0156] In particular, the memory (200) may store various information / data, such as information on which polarization of light will be emitted through the light emitting unit (110) when providing a 3D image and when providing a 2D image, information on which polarization the polarization of light will be adjusted to by the polarization adjusting unit (120), mapping information on the direction of light for each pixel for providing a 3D image, mapping information on the direction of light for each subpixel for correcting chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens (130), and information for controlling the activation state of the dynamic quarter wave plate (121).

[0157] In addition, various information necessary within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (200), and the information stored in the memory (200) may be updated as received from an external device or input by a user.

[0158] The processor (300) controls the overall operation of the electronic device (1000). Specifically, the processor (300) is connected to the configuration of the electronic device (1000) including the display module (100) and the memory (200), and can control the overall operation of the electronic device (1000) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (200) as described above.

[0159] The processor (300) may be implemented in various ways. For example, the processor (300) may be implemented as at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), and a digital signal processor (DSP). In the present disclosure, the term "processor (300)" may be used to mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), and a microprocessor unit (MPU).

[0160] The processor (300) may include at least one timing controller (TCON) that controls the operation of the light emitting unit (110) and a panel driver that controls the operation of the display panel.

[0161] The timing controller can control the panel driver to control the light emitting unit (110). The timing controller can adjust the image data stored in the memory (200) to a signal required by the panel driver and transmit the adjusted signal to the panel driver, thereby allowing the panel driver to control the operation of the light emitting unit (110).

[0162] The panel driver can control the driving of the light emitting unit (110) based on a signal received from the timing control. For example, the panel driver can include a plurality of driver integrated circuits (ICs) and a plurality of pixel driving circuits. In addition, the plurality of driver ICs can control the light emission of a plurality of light emitting elements of the light emitting unit (110) connected to each of the plurality of pixel driving circuits by driving the plurality of pixel driving circuits.

[0163] In particular, the processor (300) can control the display module (100) to provide a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image. In the case of providing a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image, the processor (300) can implement a two-dimensional / three-dimensional switching display by controlling the light emitting unit (110) and the polarization adjusting unit (120) in different ways.

[0164] The processor (300) may receive a request to provide an image. As described above, the 'request to provide an image' may be received based on user input, may be received from an external device, or may be received based on the occurrence of an event defined as requiring image provision.

[0165] For example, a request to provide an image may be received based on a user's touch input for selecting an image to be played back, a control signal received from a remote control device, etc. In addition, a request to provide an image may be received based on an event occurring in the electronic device (1000), such as powering on the electronic device (1000) including the display module (100), unlocking the electronic device (1000), etc.

[0166] When a request to provide an image is received, the processor (300) can identify (or determine) whether the request to provide the image is a request to provide the image in three dimensions or a request to provide the image in two dimensions. That is, the processor (300) can analyze whether the request to provide the image is a request to provide the image in three dimensions or a request to provide the image in two dimensions, and can distinguish the type of the request to provide the image based on the analysis result. In addition, the processor (300) can obtain information on whether the request to provide the image is a request to provide the image in three dimensions or a request to provide the image in two dimensions.

[0167] Meanwhile, information (or a control signal corresponding thereto) regarding whether a request to provide an image is a request to provide a three-dimensional image or a request to provide a two-dimensional image can be transmitted in synchronization to the light emitting unit (110) and the polarization adjusting unit (120).

[0168] If the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in three dimensions, the processor (300) can control the light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to the three-dimensional image. If the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in three dimensions, the processor (300) can transmit a control signal to the light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to the three-dimensional image. When the control signal is received from the processor (300), the light emitting unit (110) can emit light corresponding to the three-dimensional image based on the three-dimensional image data stored in the memory (200) in response to the request for providing an image. Here, unlike the 'two-dimensional image data' described below, the 'three-dimensional image data' may further include position and color information in a three-dimensional space according to depth coordinates as well as color information for each pixel according to horizontal / vertical coordinates on a plane.

[0169] In addition, the processor (300) can transmit a control signal to the polarization adjustment unit (120) to adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjustment unit (120) to a first polarization corresponding to a three-dimensional image. When the control signal is received from the processor (300), the polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjustment unit (120) to a first polarization corresponding to a three-dimensional image. Accordingly, the processor (300) can provide a three-dimensional image through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140).

[0170] If the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in two dimensions, the processor (300) can control the light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to the two-dimensional image. If the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in two dimensions, the processor (300) can transmit a control signal to the light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to the two-dimensional image. When the control signal is received from the processor (300), the light emitting unit (110) can emit light corresponding to the two-dimensional image based on two-dimensional image data corresponding to the request for providing an image and stored in the memory (200).

[0171] In addition, the processor (300) can transmit a control signal to the polarization adjustment unit (120) to adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjustment unit (120) to a second polarization corresponding to a two-dimensional image. When the control signal is received from the processor (300), the polarization adjustment unit (120) can adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjustment unit (120) to a second polarization corresponding to a two-dimensional image. Accordingly, the processor (300) can provide a two-dimensional image through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140).

[0172] When the polarization adjustment unit (120) is placed above the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140), the processor (300) can provide a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image by controlling the activation state of the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) of the polarization adjustment unit (120).

[0173] Specifically, when a request for providing a two-dimensional image is received, the processor (300) can control the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) to be activated. Accordingly, the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) can adjust the polarization of the light emitted through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) to the opposite polarization, and as a result, the light emitted in a straight direction for a two-dimensional image can be selectively output through the linear polarizer (122).

[0174] When a request for providing a three-dimensional image is received, the processor (300) can control the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) not to be activated. Accordingly, the dynamic quarter wave plate (121) may not adjust the polarization of the light emitted through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140), and as a result, the light refracted in a predetermined direction for a three-dimensional image can be selectively output through the linear polarizer (122).

[0175] In addition, at least some of the various embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 may be implemented under the control of the processor (300).

[0176] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0177] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the electronic device (1000) may receive a request to provide an image (S1510). When a request to provide an image is received, the electronic device (1000) may identify whether the request to provide an image is a request to provide a three-dimensional image or a request to provide a two-dimensional image (S1520).

[0178] If the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in three dimensions (S1520-Y), the electronic device (1000) can control the light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to the three-dimensional image (S1530). In addition, the electronic device (1000) can control the polarization adjusting unit (120) to adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjusting unit (120) to a first polarization corresponding to the three-dimensional image (S1540). Accordingly, the electronic device (1000) can provide a three-dimensional image through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) (S1550).

[0179] Information (or a signal) as to whether a request to provide an image is a request to provide a three-dimensional image or a request to provide a two-dimensional image can be transmitted in synchronization to both the light emitting unit (110) and the polarization adjusting unit (120).

[0180] If the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in two dimensions (S1520-N), the electronic device (1000) can control the light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to the two-dimensional image (S1560). In addition, the electronic device (1000) can control the polarization adjusting unit (120) to adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjusting unit (120) to a second polarization corresponding to the two-dimensional image (S1570). Accordingly, the electronic device (1000) can provide a two-dimensional image through the geometric phase lens (130) and the lenticular lens (140) (S1580).

[0181] The method for controlling the electronic device (1000) according to the above-described embodiment may be implemented as a program and provided to the electronic device (1000). In particular, the program including the method for controlling the electronic device (1000) may be stored and provided in a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0182] In a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method for controlling an electronic device (1000), the method for controlling an electronic device (1000) may include the steps of: receiving a request for providing an image; identifying whether the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in three dimensions; if the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in three dimensions, controlling a light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to a three-dimensional image and adjusting polarization of light incident on a polarization adjusting unit (120) to a first polarization corresponding to the three-dimensional image; if the request for providing an image is a request for providing an image in two dimensions, controlling the light emitting unit (110) to emit light corresponding to a two-dimensional image and controlling a polarization adjusting unit (120) to adjust polarization of light incident on the polarization adjusting unit (120) to a second polarization corresponding to the two-dimensional image.

[0183] In the above, a control method of an electronic device (1000) and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the control method of the electronic device (1000) have been briefly described, but this is only to omit redundant description, and various embodiments of the electronic device (1000) can also be applied to a control method of an electronic device (1000) and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the control method of the electronic device (1000).

[0184] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory (200) of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0186] Each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the respective components prior to integration.

[0187] According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0188] The terms "part" or "module" as used herein include a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "part" or "module" may be an integrally formed component, a minimum unit performing one or more functions, or a portion thereof. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0189] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device may include an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (1000)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored in the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions.

[0190] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter.

[0191] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the display module, A light emitter that emits light corresponding to image data through multiple pixels; A polarization adjuster for adjusting the polarization of light incident from the light emitter to a first polarization or a second polarization different from the first polarization, based on a request to provide an image in three dimensions or two dimensions; A geometric phase lens that operates as a convex lens or a concave lens based on the polarization of light incident from the polarization controller; and A lenticular lens that outputs light incident from the geometric phase lens in a preset direction; When light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to the first polarization through the polarization adjuster, the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, and light incident on the lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as the convex lens is refracted by the lenticular lens and output in a first direction to provide a three-dimensional image. When light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to the second polarization through the polarization adjuster, the geometric phase lens operates as a concave lens, and light incident on the lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as the concave lens is transmitted through the lenticular lens and output in a second direction to provide a two-dimensional image. A display module in which the second direction is a different direction from the first direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above polarization regulator, If the above request is a request to provide the image in three dimensions, the polarization of the light incident from the light emitter is adjusted to the first polarization, A display module that adjusts the polarization of light incident from the light emitter to the second polarization if the request is a request to provide the image in two dimensions.

3. In paragraph 2, A display module wherein the polarization adjuster is positioned between the light emitter and the geometric phase lens.

4. In paragraph 1, A display module in which the above lenticular lens is a lens array including a plurality of sub-lenses arranged at preset intervals.

5. In paragraph 1, The above polarization regulator, A display module including a linear polarizer that linearly converts polarization of the light emitted through each of the plurality of pixels, and an active quarter-wave plate that adjusts the light incident through the linear polarizer to right-hand circular polarization or left-hand circular polarization.

6. In paragraph 1, The first focal length of the geometric phase lens and the second focal length of the lenticular lens are equal, A display module wherein, when the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, the third focal length of light passing through both the geometric phase lens and the lenticular lens is half of the first focal length and the second focal length.

7. In paragraph 1, A display module in which the first direction is a direction for mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of the plurality of pixels to one of the plurality of viewpoints for providing the three-dimensional image.

8. In paragraph 7, Each of the above plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels, The above plurality of sub-pixels include a first sub-pixel emitting red light, a second sub-pixel emitting green light, and a third sub-pixel emitting blue light, A display module in which the first direction is a direction for mapping the direction of each of the lights emitted through each of the plurality of sub-pixels to one of the plurality of viewpoints that compensates for chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens while providing a three-dimensional image.

9. In paragraph 1, The above display module further includes a GRIN (Gradient-Index) lens having different refractive indices depending on the position within the lens; A display module in which different refractive indices depending on the position within the lens are set to compensate for chromatic aberration of the geometric phase lens.

10. In paragraph 1, The above geometric phase lens is formed using meta atoms, The above meta-atom is a display module provided to the geometric phase lens based on a phase profile capable of compensating for optical aberration of the lenticular lens.

11. In electronic devices, display module; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor executing at least one instruction; The above display module, A polarization adjuster for adjusting the polarization of light incident from the light emitter to a first polarization or a second polarization different from the first polarization, based on a request to provide an image in three dimensions or two dimensions; A geometric phase lens that operates as a convex lens or a concave lens based on the polarization of light incident from the polarization controller; and A lenticular lens that outputs light incident from the geometric phase lens in a preset direction; When light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to the first polarization through the polarization adjuster, the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, and light incident on the lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as the convex lens is refracted by the lenticular lens and output in a first direction to provide a three-dimensional image. When light emitted from the light emitter is adjusted to the second polarization through the polarization adjuster, the geometric phase lens operates as a concave lens, and light incident on the lenticular lens from the geometric phase lens operating as the concave lens is transmitted through the lenticular lens and output in a second direction to provide a two-dimensional image. An electronic device wherein the second direction is a different direction from the first direction.

12. In paragraph 13, The above processor, If the above request is a request to provide the image in three dimensions, the light emitter is controlled to emit light corresponding to the three-dimensional image, and the polarization adjuster is controlled to adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjuster from the light emitter to the first polarization. An electronic device for controlling the light emitter to emit light corresponding to the two-dimensional image, if the request is a request to provide the image in two dimensions, and for controlling the polarization adjuster to adjust the polarization of light incident on the polarization adjuster from the light emitter to the second polarization.

13. In paragraph 11, The polarization controller is an electronic device positioned between the light emitter and the geometric phase lens.

14. In paragraph 11, An electronic device wherein the lenticular lens is a lens array including a plurality of sub-lenses arranged at preset intervals.

15. In paragraph 11, The first focal length of the geometric phase lens and the second focal length of the lenticular lens are equal, An electronic device wherein, when the geometric phase lens operates as a convex lens, the third focal length of light passing through both the geometric phase lens and the lenticular lens is half of the first focal length and the second focal length.

Images