Half Mirror with Polarization Rotation Layer for Stereoscopic Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic image display apparatuses face high manufacturing costs due to the need for different jigs for various module sizes and the challenge of aligning polarized lights correctly, leading to potential flickering and poor image quality from misaligned RGB colors.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic image display apparatus with a half mirror having a polarized light rotating layer and a half mirror layer, allowing for easier adjustment of polarization directions and alignment of RGB sub-pixels, reducing manufacturing costs and improving image quality by ensuring consistent color arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a 1/2 wavelength plate and linear polarization plate are attached to each image display device to achieve different polarization directions, then stereoscopic image quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requiring different jigs for various module sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a half mirror as an intermediary component that rotates the polarization direction of light from one image display device while transmitting light from the other device. This mediator approach eliminates the need to attach polarization plates to each display device, thereby avoiding the need for different jigs for various module sizes and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining proper polarization alignment for stereoscopic image quality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying each image display device with polarization plates, the patent uses a half mirror that optically copies or redirects the polarization state. The half mirror creates the necessary polarization difference through optical path manipulation rather than physical modification of each device, simplifying the manufacturing process
2Manufacturing precision
If linear polarization plates with different polarizing directions are manufactured for image display devices, then correct polarization alignment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases depending on quantity of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The half mirror serves multiple functions: it transmits light from one image display device, rotates polarization of light from the other device, and combines both optical paths to form the stereoscopic image. This universal component approach eliminates the need for specialized polarization plates in different quantities, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining proper polarization alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying the polarization parameter of each display device to using an optical component (half mirror) that dynamically alters the polarization state of transmitted light. This parameter change in the optical path rather than in the display devices themselves reduces manufacturing complexity and cost
3Ease of operation
If image display devices are arranged with upper positions opposed to each other, then control is facilitated, but RGB color arrangement becomes converse causing flickering and poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the optical path through the half mirror arrangement. By positioning the half mirror to extend from a corner of the housing and arranging image display devices at angular positions rather than directly opposed, the system achieves proper RGB color alignment while maintaining control convenience. The asymmetric optical path compensates for the converse RGB arrangement that would occur with symmetric opposed positioning
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 apparatus enables high-quality stereoscopic image observation with reduced manufacturing costs and minimized flickering, achieved through the use of a half mirror with a polarized light rotating layer and a half mirror layer that adjusts polarization directions and aligns RGB sub-pixels correctly.
Implementation Method 1
a polarized light rotating layer for rotating a direction of polarization of the light having undergone linear polarization
Implementation Method 2
having functions to transmit light of the first image displayed on the first image display device and to reflect light of the second image displayed on the second image display device
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic image display apparatus of this invention includes a half mirror having a ½ wavelength plate and a half mirror layer. Therefore, a direction of polarization of light incident on a surface of a transmission side of the half mirror can be rotated and emitted. This can be manufactured at lower manufacturing cost than a construction having the ½ wavelength plate on the front display plane of one of the two image display devices with linear polarization plates having the same polarizing direction, or preparing two image display devices with linear polarization plates having different polarizing directions. A high-quality stereoscopic image can be observed by adjusting the orders and positions of sub-pixel colors of the two image display devices at the time of composition and display through the half mirror.