Dynamic Parallax Barrier Electrooptic Device for High-Resolution Dual View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrooptic devices that display two images in different directions suffer from reduced resolution due to pixels being shielded by the parallax barrier at certain viewing angles, limiting the quality of the displayed images.
Innovation Solution
An electrooptic device with a polarizer, retardation film, and liquid crystal layer configuration where first and second pixels alternately arranged, and regions of the retardation film with specific slow axes, function as a dynamic parallax barrier, allowing both images to be viewed without reducing resolution by switching the liquid crystal layer's alignment state, thereby enabling high-quality two-screen display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a barrier mask substrate with parallax barrier is placed on the electrooptic device to display two images in different directions, then the display capability in multiple directions is improved, but the resolution is reduced because pixels are shielded by the parallax barrier at certain viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the parallax barrier movable rather than fixed. The liquid crystal layer switches between two alignment states to dynamically change the barrier pattern, allowing the same physical pixels to serve different functions at different times. This dynamic switching enables full utilization of all pixels for both images, resolving the resolution loss problem while maintaining multi-directional display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the alternating switching of the liquid crystal layer between two alignment states. By periodically reversing the barrier pattern at a frequency above the human visual threshold, the system creates the perception of stable dual-image display while actually utilizing all pixels for both images over time. This periodic reversal ensures that pixels shielded in one state are active in the other state, maintaining full resolution
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between display pixels and the parallax barrier is decreased to widen display directions, then the viewing angle range is improved, but the resolution is further reduced due to increased pixel shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to maintain wide viewing angles without sacrificing resolution. By rapidly alternating the barrier pattern, all pixels contribute to both left and right images over time, eliminating the need to reduce pixel density or increase barrier aperture size, which would be required to achieve wide viewing angles with a static barrier
3Device complexity
If a fixed parallax barrier is used to display two images, then the device structure is simplified, but the resolution is reduced and pixels do not contribute to both images
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions: it acts as the display medium for images, controls the parallax barrier pattern, and enables dynamic switching between different barrier configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixed barrier structures, maintaining simplicity while achieving full pixel utilization for both images
Solution Approach 2:
By making the barrier dynamic through liquid crystal switching, the system achieves what would otherwise require complex mechanical moving parts or multiple fixed barriers. The liquid crystal layer's ability to rapidly change alignment states provides a simple yet effective mechanism for creating a movable barrier that utilizes all pixels for both images
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 device achieves high-quality two-screen display without reducing resolution, as both images are contributed to by all pixels, even when the switching frequency of the liquid crystal layer's alignment state is low, and the relative angle between image views is maximized.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal device disposed on a display side of the retardation film and configured to switch between a first alignment state in which a phase difference is not provided to linearly polarized light having a polarization axis parallel or perpendicular to a transmission axis of the first polarizer and a second alignment state in which a phase difference of λ/2 is provided to the linearly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
The retardation film includes first regions having a slow axis parallel or perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizer and having a retardation of λ/2, and second regions having a slow axis at a relative angle of 45° to the transmission axis of the first polarizer and having a retardation of λ/2
Implementation Method 3
an electrooptic panel including a first polarizer and a plurality of pixel rows in which first and second pixels are alternately arranged, and configured to emit light through the first polarizer; a second polarizer disposed on a display side of the liquid crystal device and having a transmission axis parallel or perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizer
Data Source
AI summary
An electrooptic device simultaneously displays a first image and a second image in different directions. The electrooptic device includes a first polarizer and pixel rows in which first and second pixels are alternately arranged to emit light through the first polarizer. The electrooptic device includes a liquid crystal device that switches between a first alignment state in which a phase difference is not provided to linearly polarized light having a polarization axis parallel or perpendicular to a transmission axis of the first polarizer and a second alignment state with a phase difference of λ/2. The electrooptic device also includes a second polarizer disposed on a display side of the liquid crystal device and having a transmission axis parallel or perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizer. The first and second pixels display different images depending on the alignment state of the liquid crystal device.