Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Lens for Auto Stereo-Scopic 3D Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D display devices, such as auto stereo-scopic devices, face challenges in effectively splitting image signals for left and right eyes without the need for glasses, particularly in achieving the correct focal point distance and refractive index distribution for optimal 3D image display.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal lens with a cholesteric alignment region is developed, featuring a helical structure with a homeotropic or focal conic alignment, providing a periodical refractive index distribution that allows for the splitting of image signals by controlling the pitch and refractive indices, enabling the lens to function as a lenticular lens for auto stereo-scopic 3D devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lenticular lens-type device is used for auto stereo-scopic 3D display, then 3D images can be displayed without glasses, but the focal point distance and refractive index distribution are difficult to control precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the electric field-responsive properties of cholesteric liquid crystals to dynamically adjust the refractive index distribution. By changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal lens, the focal point distance can be precisely controlled without physically replacing or redesigning the lens structure, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining cholesteric liquid crystals with specific alignment layers and electrode structures. This composite structure enables precise control of refractive index distribution through the unique properties of cholesteric liquid crystals, achieving accurate focal point distance control while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure compared to traditional multi-element lenticular systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional lenticular lenses are used, then image signals can be split for left and right eyes, but the refractive index distribution cannot be precisely controlled for optimal 3D display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical fabrication process with an electrical control mechanism. Instead of precisely manufacturing fixed refractive index distributions through complex optical fabrication processes, the invention uses electric fields to control the orientation and refractive index of cholesteric liquid crystals, enabling precise refractive index distribution control through electrical parameters rather than mechanical manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the liquid crystal material properties through electrical control. By adjusting voltage, frequency, or other electrical parameters, the refractive index distribution can be precisely tuned without changing the physical manufacturing process, making the system both precise to control and relatively easy to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal lens with cholesteric alignment is used, then optical anisotropy can be controlled for 3D display, but the device complexity increases compared to traditional lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the liquid crystal lens to perform multiple functions: it can control optical anisotropy for 3D display, adjust focal point distance, and potentially switch between different viewing modes. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated liquid crystal lens structure with alignment layers and electrodes, reducing the need for multiple separate optical components and thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the optical properties of the lens可调 (adjustable) through electrical control. The cholesteric liquid crystal alignment can be dynamically changed by applying different voltages, allowing the lens to adapt its optical anisotropy and focal properties in real-time. This dynamic capability provides versatility while using a relatively simple active component (liquid crystal layer with electrodes) compared to multiple fixed optical elements.
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
The liquid crystal lens effectively splits image signals for left and right eyes, allowing for the display of 3D images without glasses by controlling the focal point distance and refractive index distribution, enhancing the viewing experience with improved optical anisotropy and isotropy based on polarization states.
Implementation Method 1
The cholesterically-aligned liquid crystal molecules form a helical structure by stacking the liquid crystal molecules in a layer and twisting directors of the liquid crystal molecule along a helical axis H
Implementation Method 2
The region may have periodical refractive index distribution with respect to linearly-polarized light perpendicular to the helical axis thereof
Implementation Method 3
An exemplary liquid crystal lens can exhibit optical anisotropy and optical isotropy according to a polarization state of incident light
Implementation Method 4
An exemplary liquid crystal lens can exhibit optical anisotropy and optical isotropy according to a polarization state of incident light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~3(b)
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided are a liquid crystal lens, an optical filter, and a display device. The exemplary liquid crystal lens may exhibit optical anisotropy and optical isotropy according to a polarization state of incident light. When the liquid crystal lens is applied to a display device capable of generating a 2D image and a 3D image, the 3D image may be seen without glasses in the state of the optical anisotropy, and the 2D image can be seen in the state of the optical isotropy.