2D-3D Switchable Display Using Flat Liquid Crystal Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 2D-3D switchable display devices face issues with high power consumption and manufacturing complexity due to the use of liquid crystal layers with spherical shapes and special manufacturing techniques, which also result in low reliability and reduced light efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A 2D-3D switchable display device utilizing a flat or micro lens array combined with a liquid crystal lens, where the liquid crystal lens has a refractive power that can offset or reinforce the refractive power of the lens array, allowing for easy switching between 2D and 3D modes with reduced power consumption and improved manufacturing feasibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal layer with spherical shape is used to achieve 2D-3D switching, then the switching function is realized, but the liquid crystal layer thickness increases requiring higher driving voltage and consuming more power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the reverse principle by using a FLAT liquid crystal layer instead of a spherical one. The flat layer maintains the necessary optical anisotropy for 2D-3D switching while avoiding the thickness increase that would require higher driving voltages and consume more power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the liquid crystal layer from spherical to flat, which fundamentally alters the optical path and refractive index distribution. This parameter change enables 2D-3D switching functionality while maintaining optimal thickness for low power consumption and standard driving voltages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal layer with spherical shape is used, then 2D-3D switching is achieved, but continuous control becomes difficult and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the spherical liquid crystal layer with a flat one, the patent eliminates the geometric constraints that prevent continuous control. The flat layer allows for more uniform electric field distribution and better responsiveness to control signals, enabling reliable continuous adjustment between 2D and 3D modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If special manufacturing techniques are used to form the lenticular means, then the 2D-3D display function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and mass production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex lenticular lens manufacturing by using a flat liquid crystal layer. This simplifies the manufacturing process to standard liquid crystal display fabrication techniques, enabling easy mass production while maintaining the 2D-3D display function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex lenticular lens component from the system, relying instead on the optical properties of the flat liquid crystal layer to achieve 2D-3D switching. This extraction eliminates the need for special manufacturing techniques and simplifies the overall device structure for mass production.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a parallax barrier type display is used, then stereoscopic image is achieved, but light efficiency decreases due to light blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical light-blocking barrier system with an optical system using a flat liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer modulates light transmission through changes in refractive index and orientation, achieving stereoscopic separation without physically blocking light paths, thus maintaining high light efficiency.
5Loss of energy
If a lenticular type display is used, then light efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the lenticular lens structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the lenticular lens structure from the device, achieving the same light efficiency benefits through a flat liquid crystal layer that directs light to left and right eyes based on its optical properties. This extraction eliminates the complex lens structure while maintaining light efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display medium and the optical directing element that replaces the lenticular lens. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lenticular lens components, reducing device complexity while maintaining light efficiency.
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 solution achieves high light efficiency, low power consumption, and ease of mass production while maintaining high-quality 3D image rendering, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal lens 300 controlled so as to have a refractive power offsetting or reinforcing a refractive power of the lens array 200
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal lens 300 controlled so as to have a refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a highly efficient 2D-3D switchable display device. The image display device includes a display unit forming an image, and a switching visual field separation unit switching the image formed by the display unit into a 2D image or a 3D image, and comprising a lens array for separating a visual field and a liquid crystal lens controlled so as to have a refractive power offsetting or reinforcing a refractive power of the lens array.