Diffractive Lenticular Lens Array for 2D-3D Display Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current naked eye 3D stereoscopic display technologies, such as directional backlight, parallax barrier, and lenticular lens array types, face issues like complexity, low transmittance, high cost, large volume, and optical aberration, which affect 2D and 3D image display switching.

Innovation Solution

A display switching device comprising a controller and a lens array with diffractive lenticular lenses, featuring a diffraction phase grating array and liquid crystal elements, where the controller applies a control voltage to switch between 2D and 3D display modes by altering the refractive index state of the liquid crystal, allowing for a simple structure and effective mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If lenticular lens array type is used, then transmittance is improved compared to parallax barrier type, but optical aberration increases and 2D-3D switching effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransmittanceVSAvoidoptical aberration

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing a diffraction phase grating array that modifies the phase distribution of light. By controlling the liquid crystal element's refractive index through voltage application, the system dynamically adjusts optical parameters to achieve both high transmittance and minimal aberration in different display modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple optical components into a composite structure: a diffraction phase grating array made of transparent resin, liquid crystal elements, and electrode layers. This composite design integrates the advantages of different materials to simultaneously achieve high transmittance and control optical aberration through coordinated operation of the grating and liquid crystal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If lenticular lens array type is used, then transmittance is improved, but device complexity increases affecting 2D-3D switching

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransmittanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the diffraction phase grating array and the liquid crystal element into a single integrated lens array structure. The grating array and liquid crystal are combined in one component assembly, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high transmittance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens array structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the diffraction element and the switching mechanism. The same structure achieves both 2D and 3D display modes by simply changing the liquid crystal's refractive index state through voltage control, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If parallax barrier type is used, then 3D display is achieved, but transmittance decreases below 50%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D display capabilityVSAvoidtransmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical barrier structure of parallax barrier type with a diffractive optical system. Instead of using physical barriers to separate light paths, the system uses a diffraction phase grating array combined with liquid crystal refractive index control to achieve 3D display, resulting in significantly higher transmittance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If directional backlight type is used, then 3D display is achieved, but device complexity increases and 3D effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D display capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential 3D display function from the complex directional backlight system and implements it through a simplified lens array structure. By removing unnecessary components and focusing on the core diffractive optical mechanism combined with liquid crystal control, the system achieves 3D display with reduced complexity and improved effect quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11402656B2Display switching device, display device and electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A display switching device, a display device and an electronic device are provided. The display switching device includes: a controller; and a lens array, including a plurality of diffractive lenticular lenses, wherein each of the diffractive lenticular lenses includes: a first substrate, including a diffraction phase grating array; a liquid crystal element, including liquid crystal being filled in the diffraction phase grating array; a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer configured to apply a voltage to the liquid crystal element, wherein the controller is configured to acquire a corresponding display mode and apply a control voltage corresponding to the display mode to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer according to the display mode to change a refractive index state of the liquid crystal element.