3D Display Panel Alignment Using Invisible Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning panels in 3D digital displays require electrical connection and power to the TFT panel, making automation difficult and economically infeasible, especially when using off-the-shelf TFT panels without pre-applied alignment marks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using invisible light sources to illuminate TFT panel pixels and barrier panel exposure patterns, allowing for alignment without electrical connection, utilizing the pixels and pattern as alignment marks, and a positioning mechanism to adjust relative positions based on detected light patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If alignment marks are applied to both TFT panel and barrier panel, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment mark function from physical markings and relocates it to the TFT panel pixels themselves. The pixels' inherent light-emitting or light-reflecting properties are utilized as alignment markers, eliminating the need for separate alignment mark application processes on both panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The TFT panel pixels serve dual functions: their primary display function and their secondary function as alignment markers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated alignment marks, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If TFT panel is customized with alignment marks, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The TFT panel's own pixel structure provides the alignment marking function without requiring external customization. The pixels inherently emit or reflect light that can be detected for alignment purposes, making the panel self-sufficient for alignment operations.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visible light sources are used for illumination, then alignment detection is simplified, but visibility of alignment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from visible light to invisible light (infrared or ultraviolet) for illumination. This wavelength change allows the alignment process to proceed without visible light interference, enabling automated detection while maintaining process visibility control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces visible light-based optical alignment with invisible light-based alignment detected by sensors. This substitution enables automated alignment processes while eliminating visibility issues that would interfere with the alignment process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and automated alignment of TFT and barrier panels without customization or power to the TFT panel, simplifying the process and allowing for the use of any TFT panel with a barrier panel, facilitating efficient assembly of 3D displays.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one light source comprises at least one invisible light source which is operable to emit invisible light outside the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 2
detecting light from the at least one light source that is reflected by or transmitted through the 3D display
Implementation Method 3
detecting light from the at least one light source that is reflected by or transmitted through the 3D display
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for alignment of a thin-film transistor (TFT) panel and a barrier panel of a three-dimensional (3D) display. The apparatus comprises at least one light source for illuminating pixels in at least one region of the TFT panel and for illuminating at least one region of an exposure pattern of the barrier panel; a pattern recognition system for detecting light emitted from the at least one light source that is reflected by or transmitted through the 3D display, to generate alignment data relating to an alignment between the detected illuminated pixels of the TFT panel and the exposure pattern of the barrier panel; and a positioning mechanism for adjusting the relative position between the barrier panel and the TFT panel in relation to the alignment data. The at least one light source comprises at least one invisible light source which emits invisible light outside the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.