Backlight Unit for Flexible 3D Display Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D display technologies, such as parallax barrier and lenticular methods, are limited in that they can only display 3D images in fixed orientations, either landscape or portrait mode, due to the fixed emission direction of light, which restricts the viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A backlight unit with multiple cells that can independently direct light in two or more emission directions, utilizing light sources, reflection portions, pin holes, and adjustable prism and shutter arrays to control light emission, allowing for flexible orientation and mode switching between 3D and 2D displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D display methods (parallax barrier or lenticular) are used, then 3D images can be displayed, but the display orientation is fixed and cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight unit is divided into multiple independently controllable cells, each capable of directing light in different emission directions. This segmentation allows selective activation of cells to achieve different display orientations (landscape/portrait) and modes (3D/2D) without requiring complex mechanical adjustments of the entire display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic light emission control where each cell can independently adjust its light emission direction and intensity based on control signals. This dynamic control enables seamless switching between different display orientations and modes, transforming a static display system into an adaptable one that responds to user needs in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed emission direction backlight is used, then device structure is simple, but 3D images can only be displayed in fixed orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight unit is designed with multi-functionality, where each cell can serve multiple purposes: displaying 3D images in landscape mode, 3D images in portrait mode, 2D images, or combinations thereof. This universal design allows a single backlight system to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized display configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions (cells) of the backlight unit can have different light emission characteristics simultaneously. Some cells can be configured for horizontal emission while others are configured for vertical emission, allowing flexible composition of display content in different orientations and modes based on local requirements of each cell.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources per cell are used with independent control, then light emission direction can be precisely adjusted, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight unit is divided into multiple cells, each containing multiple light sources that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each cell can be assembled and tested independently, then integrated into the complete backlight unit, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the complexity of individual cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control signals that provide feedback mechanisms for adjusting light emission directions. By using controllable light sources (such as LEDs) that can be individually addressed and adjusted based on control signals, the system achieves precise emission direction control while maintaining ease of manufacture through electronic control rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
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 the display of 3D images in various orientations without reducing image resolution, allowing for seamless conversion between 3D and 2D modes by adjusting light emission directions based on user orientation and eye tracking, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of cells includes a plurality of reflection portions, and each of the plurality of light sources may be arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of reflection portions
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of cells further may include a pin hole, wherein the pin hole is disposed in a position above the plurality of light sources. The pin hole may affect an emission direction of light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources
Implementation Method 3
The backlight unit may include at least one light guide plate (LGP), and a light source emitting light into a surface of the light guide plate (LGP). The light guide plate (LGP) may be formed in a wedge shape. Each of the plurality of cells may include a prism array disposed above the light guide plate (LGP)
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight unit of a three-dimensional (3D) display has a plurality of cells and a 3D image is formed by adjusting directions of light emitted from the cells. The backlight unit includes an emission unit that adjusts an emission direction of light from a cell with respect to other cells. The backlight unit divides view areas to provide left-eye and right-eye images, thereby generating a 3D image.