Light Source Device for Autostereoscopic 3D Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current autostereoscopic 3D display technologies face challenges in providing uniform and controlled 3D light distribution for multiple viewers, leading to limitations in resolution and viewer experience, especially when multiple individuals are present.

Innovation Solution

A light source device with a controller that activates and deactivates multiple light sources in a light guide plate (LGP) to form directional light distributions, using optical patterns and films to control light output, allowing for point-in-time 3D image generation for multiple viewers with high uniformity and resolution maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are used in the light guide plate to provide 3D light distribution for multiple viewers, then the capability to serve multiple viewers is improved, but the uniformity of light distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to serve multiple viewersVSAvoiduniformity of light distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate is divided into multiple independent light source regions, each with its own controllable light source. This segmentation allows independent control of light emission from different areas, enabling the system to direct light toward different viewer positions while maintaining uniformity within each segmented region through localized optical patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the light guide plate are equipped with different optical patterns and light source configurations tailored to their specific viewing directions. Each local region is optimized for its particular function, with optical patterns designed to redirect light appropriately for viewers in that specific direction, thereby maintaining high uniformity for each viewer while serving multiple viewers overall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If light sources are selectively activated and deactivated to form directional light distributions, then the precision of 3D image positioning is improved, but the complexity of control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of 3D image positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple light sources and optical patterns in specific spatial arrangements before operation. The controller is pre-programmed with the spatial relationships and activation sequences needed for different viewing scenarios. This preliminary setup allows the system to achieve precise 3D image positioning through simple selective activation rather than complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically activates or deactivates specific light sources based on the detected viewer positions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high precision for the current viewing configuration without requiring a permanently complex control structure, as only the necessary light sources are activated for each situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If optical patterns with varying densities are used in different areas of the LGP, then the control over light distribution direction is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol over light distribution directionVSAvoidprecision of optical pattern arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical patterns in different areas of the light guide plate have different densities and configurations, with parameters such as pattern spacing, size, and orientation varied according to the required light distribution for each region. This parameter variation enables precise control over light direction for different viewing angles while allowing manufacturing within standard tolerances, as the patterns remain geometrically simple despite parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables effective autostereoscopic 3D display for multiple viewers by ensuring high uniformity (>80%) and maintaining resolution, even when multiple individuals are present, through controlled light source activation and directional light distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide plate (LGP) configured to guide light incident from at least one of the first light source and the second light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical film configured to form the distribution of directional light by controlling a progress path of light output from the LGP

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3147703B1Light source device, display apparatus including the same, display method using the same
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3147703B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3147703B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3147703B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A light source device may include a first light source, a second light source, a light guide plate (LGP) configured to guide a light incident from at least one of the first light source and the second light source, an optical film configured to form a distribution of directional light by controlling a progress path of a light output from the LGP, and a controller configured to control activation of at least one of the first light source and the second light source in order to control the distribution of directional light.