Electrowetting Prism Array Display with Auxiliary Optical Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D displays using electrowetting prism arrays have limited beam steering, resulting in restricted viewing angles and minimum observation distances due to limited contact angles of the prisms, which restricts the ability to observe 2D/3D images in a broader region and requires higher driving voltages.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical element with higher refractive power, such as a convex lens, Fresnel lens, or holographic optical element, in front of or behind the electrowetting prism array to enhance the refractive power and control the direction of light, allowing for broader viewing angles and reduced minimum observation distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electrowetting prism array with limited contact angle is used, then the device structure is simple, but the beam steering capability and viewing angle are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electrowetting prism array with additional optical elements (lens or reflector) to create a composite optical system. The prism array handles basic beam steering while the lens/reflector enhances viewing angle and image quality, achieving greater adaptability without completely redesigning the system from scratch
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element (lens or reflector) serves multiple functions: it expands the viewing angle, corrects optical aberrations, and works with the electrowetting prism array to achieve both 2D and 3D image display. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while managing system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If the contact angle of the prism is limited to a predetermined range, then the manufacturing is easier, but the refractive power and viewing zone are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the limited viewing zone by adding a spatial dimension through external optical elements (lens or reflector). Instead of increasing the prism contact angle beyond manufacturing limits, the optical element extends the effective viewing zone by refracting or reflecting light at additional angles, effectively solving the problem in a different dimensional space
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the refractive power of the electrowetting prism array is limited, then the driving voltage is lower, but the minimum observation distance cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens or reflector as an intermediary optical element between the electrowetting prism array and the observer. This intermediary enhances the effective refractive power of the system, allowing the minimum observation distance to be reduced without increasing the driving voltage of the electrowetting prism array itself, as the optical element provides additional optical leverage
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
This configuration enables a wider viewing zone and shorter minimum observation distance for 3D image observation, while also allowing for easier control of the prism array to provide 3D images to a longer distance and facilitating conversion between 2D and 3D images, with reduced driving voltage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a prism array for controlling a traveling direction of the image in real time
Implementation Method 2
an optical element for increasing refractive power of a light emitted from the prism array
Data Source
AI summary
A display including an electrowetting prism array is provided. The display includes: a light source, a 2-dimensional (2D) display for providing an image using light from the light source, a prism array in which a refractive power of one or more prisms of the prism array is adjustable in real time, and an optical element which increases a refraction of light transmitted therethrough. In the display, the optical element may be disposed in front of or behind the prism array. The optical element may be a convex lens, a Fresnel lens, a holographic optical element (HOE), a diffraction optical element (DOE), or a second electrowetting prism array. The convex lens may be a variable focus lens.