Liquid Crystal Display Device With Segmented Electrodes For 3D Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display devices with liquid crystal lenses face challenges in achieving clear 3D display, particularly when using polarized sunglasses, and struggle to selectively switch between vertical and horizontal display modes due to issues with liquid crystal molecule alignment and the resulting disruption of the lens effect.
Innovation Solution
The liquid crystal display device incorporates a liquid crystal lens formed by interposing liquid crystals between substrates with strategically arranged electrodes, where the initial alignment of liquid crystal molecules on one substrate is set at a specific angle relative to the other, allowing for clear 3D visualization without polarized sunglasses and enabling mode selection between vertical and horizontal displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal molecules are aligned at 90 degrees between upper and lower substrates to enable mode switching, then vertical and horizontal display modes can be selected, but the lens effect is disrupted and 3D image clarity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode patterns are segmented into multiple regions (first electrode pattern and second electrode pattern) with different orientations. The first electrode pattern has stripes extending in a first direction, while the second electrode pattern has stripes extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This segmentation allows independent control of different display modes without disrupting the overall lens effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid crystal layer are assigned different initial alignment directions tailored to specific functions. The region with liquid crystal molecules aligned in the first direction optimizes for one display mode, while the region with molecules aligned in the perpendicular direction optimizes for mode switching. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between maintaining lens effect stability and enabling versatile display mode selection.
2Illumination intensity
If liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to polarization axis for optimal light control, then polarization efficiency is improved, but 3D visualization with polarized sunglasses becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules is intentionally set asymmetrically at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the polarization axis of the liquid crystal display panel, rather than being perfectly parallel. This asymmetric alignment creates a polarization state that is optimized for viewing through polarized sunglasses, allowing both high polarization efficiency and comfortable 3D visualization.
3Reliability
If electrode patterns are arranged in stripes for liquid crystal lens formation, then lens effect is achieved, but switching between display modes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate electrode pattern designs into a single integrated structure. Both the first electrode pattern (for lens effect) and the second electrode pattern (for mode switching) are formed on the same substrate, with their respective stripe patterns overlapping or adjacent to each other. This merging allows the liquid crystal display device to achieve both the lens effect and mode switching capability simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
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 allows for stable 3D image visualization regardless of polarized sunglasses and facilitates seamless switching between display modes, maintaining the lens effect and image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
the lens is formed through alignment of the liquid crystal molecules along the electric field generated by applying a voltage to both the upper and lower substrate electrode patterns
Implementation Method 2
A liquid crystal lens 10 has the same structure as the liquid crystal display element, which interposes the liquid crystal between two substrates which form electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
In a liquid crystal display device, a first substrate adjacent to a liquid crystal display panel is subjected to rubbing in a first direction that is the same as a polarization axis direction of light emitted from the liquid crystal display panel, and a second substrate that interposes a liquid crystal layer with the first substrate is subjected to rubbing in a second direction at a right angle with the first direction. The second direction is made the same as the polarization axis direction of polarized sunglasses to allow visual recognition of the image using the polarized sunglasses. Electrode patterns formed by alternately providing narrow and wide electrodes are arranged on the upper and lower substrates in a direction at a right angle with each other so that the rubbing directions on the upper and lower substrates form a right angle to ensure stable 3D display.