3D Display Assembly with Liquid Crystal Lens Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D display devices face issues with visual fatigue and limited viewing space due to the conflict between convergence and focal length, as they require multiple viewpoints to be formed in the pupil without overlapping pixel views, restricting the viewing space.
Innovation Solution
A display assembly with a plurality of lens arrays and a liquid crystal layer, where the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule is controlled to match or differ from the diffraction lens grating, allowing for adjustable viewing space and resolution by switching lens arrays on and off based on eye position, using a controller and eye tracking module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple viewpoints are formed in the pupil to prevent conflict between convergence and focal length, then visual fatigue is reduced, but the viewing space becomes very small because the two eyes are required not to view a same pixel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lens arrays switchable between different states (on/off) based on eye position detection. The lens arrays can dynamically adjust which viewpoints are active, allowing the system to expand the viewing space while maintaining the multi-viewpoint requirement for visual comfort. This is achieved through controllers that receive eye position information and selectively activate specific lens arrays to guide light from different pixel islands to the user's pupils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of refractive index by using liquid crystal materials in the lens arrays. By applying voltages to the transparent electrodes, the refractive index of the liquid crystal can be adjusted, enabling the lens arrays to switch between different optical states. This parameter change allows dynamic control of light paths to expand viewing space while maintaining proper viewpoint separation for visual comfort.
2Area of stationary object
If lens arrays with liquid crystal layers are used to control light paths, then viewing space can be expanded dynamically, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the lens arrays to perform multiple functions: they act as both optical elements for viewpoint control and as switchable components for viewing space expansion. The same lens array structure is used for both guiding light paths and dynamically adjusting viewing parameters based on eye position, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and thereby managing complexity while achieving expanded viewing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary component - the liquid crystal layer with controllable refractive index - to mediate between the fixed display module and the variable viewing requirements. This intermediary allows dynamic adjustment of light paths without requiring complex mechanical movements or multiple separate optical systems, thereby expanding viewing space while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
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 solution expands the viewing space and maintains high resolution by dynamically adjusting the refractive indices and lens array states, reducing visual fatigue and enhancing the 3D display experience.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage is applied to each of the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode in such a manner that a refractive index of a liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal layer is equal to or not equal to a refractive index of the diffraction lens grating
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction lens grating arranged between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. The diffraction lens grating includes a plurality of diffraction lens grating units corresponding to the plurality of pixel islands respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A display assembly includes: a display module including a plurality of pixel islands; and a plurality of lens arrays laminated at a light-exiting side of the display module. Each lens array includes a substrate, a cover plate, a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, and a liquid crystal layer and a diffraction lens grating arranged between the first and second transparent electrodes. The diffraction lens grating includes a plurality of diffraction lens grating units corresponding to the plurality of pixel islands. A voltage is applied to each of the first and the second transparent electrodes in such a manner that a refractive index of a liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal layer is equal to or not equal to a refractive index of the diffraction lens grating.