Electrowetting Prism Aperture Ratio via Simplified Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D image display apparatuses with limited aperture ratio and increased volume due to complex electrode and wiring structures, which hinder the provision of natural motion parallax and high resolution multi-view 3D images.
Innovation Solution
An electrowetting prism device with a simplified electrode and wiring structure, featuring a 2D diamond lattice arrangement of prism cells with bent electrodes and zigzag wires, and a dielectric film with a multi-layer structure, allowing for increased aperture ratio and efficient light refraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a conventional electrowetting prism device with multiple electrodes and wiring is used, then the device can control light refraction, but the aperture ratio is limited due to complex electrode and wiring structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple electrodes into a single transparent electrode layer, and combines multiple wiring lines into a single transparent wiring line. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining the electrical control functionality, thereby increasing the aperture ratio by removing obstructive structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transparent electrode layer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the first and second electrodes, and the single transparent wiring line functions as both the first and second wiring lines. This multi-functionality approach reduces structural complexity while preserving the device's light refraction control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of projection optical systems is increased to provide more viewpoints, then the number of viewpoints increases, but the volume of the entire system enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid crystal layer that can dynamically change its refractive index and orientation in response to electrical signals from the transparent electrode. This dynamic control allows a single projection optical system to redirect light to multiple different viewpoints sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple fixed projection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal molecules change their optical parameters (refractive index, orientation angle) based on applied voltage, enabling the same optical system to serve multiple viewpoints by adjusting its optical properties rather than requiring multiple physical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more viewpoints are provided to achieve natural motion parallax, then motion parallax improves, but the resolution of each individual viewpoint is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display into multiple vertical zones corresponding to different viewpoints, with each zone controlled by specific regions of the transparent electrode and liquid crystal layer. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light control for each viewpoint while maintaining high resolution through precise electrical addressing of each zone.
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
Enhances the aperture ratio, reduces light loss, and enables a super multi-view 3D image display with improved luminance and reduced power consumption, while maintaining high resolution and natural motion parallax.
Implementation Method 1
An electrowetting prism device is an apparatus which allows light to be refracted in a particular direction by electrically controlling the direction of inclination of the interface between nonpolar liquid-like oil and polarized liquid-like water
Implementation Method 2
an electrowetting prism device which has increased an aperture ratio by simplifying an electrode and wiring structure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an electrowetting prism device which has increased an aperture ratio by simplifying an electrode and wiring structure, and a 3D image display apparatus capable of providing a super multi-view 3D image using the electrowetting prism device. The electrowetting prism device includes lower and upper transparent substrates disposed against each other, a vertical wall mounted on the lower transparent substrate so as to form a diamond-shaped space, a first electrode arranged along two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall, a second electrode arranged along the other remaining two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall to be disposed against the first electrode, and a non-polarized liquid and a polarized liquid arranged within a space surrounded by the vertical wall.