Gradient-Index Liquid Crystal Lens for Dynamic Viewpoint Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic image display devices using liquid-crystal lenses face challenges in tracking the observer's viewpoint effectively, leading to a restricted stereoscopic perceptive region and loss of stereoscopic effect when the observer moves, due to limited lens shift capability and high cost associated with servo mechanisms and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic image display device employing a gradient-refractive-index liquid-crystal lens with a liquid-crystal lens drive circuit that adjusts the refractive-index profile dynamically based on the observer's viewpoint position, using a matrix of unit pixels with stripe-shaped transparent electrodes and a counter transparent electrode to form a refractive-index profile equivalent to a reticular lens, allowing for smooth alignment and reduced mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed barrier or lenticular lens is joined to a display panel, then the stereoscopic image can be displayed, but the stereoscopic perceptive region is restricted to a narrow area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid crystal lens that can dynamically change its focal length and position by applying different voltages to electrode groups. This allows the stereoscopic perceptive region to be adjusted and tracked according to the observer's viewpoint, transforming the fixed optical system into a dynamic one that adapts to different viewing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameters of the liquid crystal material by applying voltages to create a gradient-refractive-index profile. This allows the lens to adjust its optical properties continuously, enabling the stereoscopic perceptive region to be widened and repositioned based on observer movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of viewpoints is increased to widen the stereoscopic perceptive region, then the perceptive region is widened, but the resolution of each image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by using time-division multiplexing to display different viewpoint images at different times while the liquid crystal lens directs them to appropriate eyes. This allows multiple viewpoints to be displayed without requiring simultaneous spatial separation, thereby maintaining high resolution for each image while still providing a wide perceptive region
3Adaptability or versatility
If a head-detecting device and servo mechanism are used to track the observer's viewpoint, then the stereoscopic perceptive region can follow the observer's viewpoint, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical servo mechanism with an electrically controlled liquid crystal lens system. Instead of physically moving lenses or barriers using motors and actuators, the system uses voltage-controlled changes in the liquid crystal's refractive index to adjust the optical path, thereby achieving viewpoint tracking without complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses head-detecting device output to dynamically change the voltage parameters applied to the liquid crystal lens electrode groups. This allows the refractive index profile and lens position to be adjusted in real-time based on observer position, achieving viewpoint tracking through electrical parameter changes rather than mechanical movement
4Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid-crystal lens method is used to switch between 2D and 3D display modes, then the display mode can be switched, but the lens properties must be turned on/off which may affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the liquid crystal lens's ability to dynamically adjust its refractive index profile by changing voltage parameters. By smoothly transitioning the gradient index distribution rather than abruptly switching lens properties on/off, the system can switch between 2D and 3D modes while maintaining optimal image quality throughout the transition
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 enables the stereoscopic image display device to maintain an optimal stereoscopic perceptive region and prevent loss of stereoscopic effect even when the observer moves, while reducing the device's size and manufacturing complexity, and lowering the cost by eliminating the need for mechanical servo mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a gradient-refractive-index liquid-crystal lens based on an electro-optic effect
Implementation Method 2
make liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer work as a plurality of lenses forming a predetermined refractive-index profile for each of the electrode groups
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic image display device includes an image display unit including plural unit pixels each including pixels for left and right viewing fields; a gradient-refractive-index liquid-crystal lens; and a liquid-crystal lens drive circuit. The liquid-crystal lens includes a liquid-crystal cell, plural electrode groups each including plural stripe-shaped transparent electrodes corresponding to a column of the unit pixels, and a counter transparent electrode having a constant potential. The liquid-crystal lens drive circuit is configured to apply voltages to the transparent electrodes with forming a common voltage pattern for each of the electrode groups so as to make liquid crystal of the liquid-crystal cell work as plural lenses forming a predetermined refractive-index profile for each of the electrode groups, and is configured to shift the voltage pattern according to information of a viewpoint position of an observer so as to shift the refractive-index profile of each of the lenses.