Display Device Switching 2D and 3D Modes via Polarization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D display devices cannot switch between 2D and 3D display modes, limiting their functionality and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A display device comprising a first and second polarizing plate with perpendicular polarization directions, a liquid crystal layer, a polarization control layer that adjusts optical path difference, and a third polarizing plate with unpolarized regions, allowing the device to switch between 2D and 3D modes by controlling the optical path difference and polarization direction of light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a solid-state grating baffle plate is deposited in the collecting process and displaying process to achieve naked-eye 3D display, then 3D display effect is achieved, but the device cannot display 2D images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay mode adaptabilityVSAvoidoptical path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a liquid crystal layer that can dynamically change its optical properties based on applied voltage. In 3D mode, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented to create birefringence for elemental image separation. In 2D mode, voltage is applied to align molecules uniformly, making the layer optically homogeneous. This dynamic switching capability allows the same device structure to support both 3D and 2D display modes without requiring separate physical paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (birefringence, optical path difference) controlled by voltage to switch between display modes. By adjusting the voltage across the liquid crystal layer, the optical path difference changes, which alters how light interacts with the polarizing plates and liquid crystal layer. This parameter control enables seamless transition between 3D elemental image display and 2D full-image display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a solid-state grating baffle plate is used for naked-eye 3D display, then left and right eye images can be reconstructed, but the device structure becomes complex and cannot watch 2D images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay function versatilityVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional display device where the same optical components serve dual purposes. The liquid crystal layer acts as both the display medium for 2D images and the switching mechanism for 3D mode. The polarizing plates and liquid crystal layer work together to enable both full-image transmission (2D mode) and elemental image separation (3D mode). This universal design eliminates the need for separate optical paths or additional switching components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid crystal layer serves as an intermediary between the backlight and the polarizing plates, mediating the optical path based on the desired display mode. When voltage is applied, it mediates to allow full light transmission for 2D mode. When no voltage is applied, it mediates to create the optical path difference needed for 3D elemental image separation. This intermediary layer controls the interaction between light and the polarizing structure without requiring additional mechanical moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the polarization control layer controls optical path difference for 3D display switching, then mode switching is achieved, but the optical path control requires precise adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay mode switching capabilityVSAvoidoptical path difference precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electrically controlled liquid crystal system. Instead of physically moving components or adjusting optical paths mechanically, voltage control of the liquid crystal molecules achieves precise optical path difference adjustment. This substitution of electrical control for mechanical adjustment simplifies the system while maintaining or improving precision, as electrical signals can be controlled with high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 seamless switching between 2D and 3D display modes, enhancing user convenience and expanding the device's functionality to display both types of images.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid crystal layer deposited between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate and configured to display images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical path difference control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

the polarization direction of the first polarizing plate and the polarization direction of the second polarizing plate perpendicular to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

a polarization control layer laminated onto the second polarizing plate and configured to control the optical path difference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical path difference control:

Implementation Method 4

the third polarizing plate comprises unpolarized regions arranged in an array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrating effect: Diffraction Grating

Data Source

PatentUS9432660B2Display device
Publication Date: 2016.08.30 TCL CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US9432660B2 patent drawing
  • US9432660B2 patent drawing
  • US9432660B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display device, which comprises a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate; the polarization direction of the first polarizing plate and the polarization direction of the second polarizing plate perpendicular to each other; a liquid crystal layer deposited between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate and configured to display images; a polarization control layer laminated onto the second polarizing plate and configured to control the optical path difference; and a third polarizing plate laminated onto the polarization control layer; the third polarizing plate comprises unpolarized regions arranged in an array. By applying voltage to the polarization control layer, the polarization direction of the light is also changed; in this way, the third polarizing plate can act as a grating or a common light-transmitting plate, and the switch between 2D display mode and 3D display mode can be achieved.