Liquid Crystal Grating for Adjustable 3D Display Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal gratings for autostereoscopic 3D displays are unable to adjust slit positions, limiting the viewer's ability to view 3D images in both landscape and portrait orientations.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal grating with bar-like electrodes on opposing substrates that cross each other, allowing for the formation of different gratings under varying voltage signals, enabling adjustable slit positions to accommodate both orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed grating structure is used, then the 3D display can be achieved in one orientation, but the viewer cannot view 3D images in both landscape and portrait orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing orientation adaptabilityVSAvoidgrating structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed grating structure into a dynamic, adjustable structure. The liquid crystal grating can change its slit positions and orientations in response to different driving signals, enabling the system to adapt between landscape and portrait viewing orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the grating to reconfigure itself rather than requiring multiple fixed gratings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the electrical parameters (voltage signals) applied to the liquid crystal material to change the physical parameters (slit positions and orientations) of the grating. By varying the driving signals, the grating can switch between different configurations suitable for landscape and portrait modes, thus achieving multi-orientation adaptability without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If bar-like electrodes are arranged in crossing patterns, then adjustable slit positions can be achieved, but the electrode arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslit position adjustabilityVSAvoidelectrode arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the electrode arrangement to perform multiple functions. The crossing bar-like electrodes can generate different grating patterns and slit positions depending on which electrodes are activated and how they are driven. This multi-functional electrode structure eliminates the need for separate electrode sets for different orientations, achieving slit position adjustability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses segmentation by dividing the electrode system into multiple independent bar-like electrodes that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows selective activation of electrode groups to create different grating configurations, providing flexible slit position adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall electrode structure compared to fully customized patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the viewer to seamlessly switch between landscape and portrait orientations for 3D image viewing by forming distinct grating structures with the same display panel, enhancing user flexibility and display functionality.

Implementation Method 1

Liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 4 are deflected due to a voltage difference between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5, so as to form a specific arrangement mode for the liquid crystal molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal deflection: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

light beams from the display panel can pass through the liquid crystal grating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

the liquid crystal molecules at a region corresponding to the first electrode 3 are deflected to be in an upright state where the light beams from the display panel cannot pass therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS9678352B2Liquid crystal grating and display device
Publication Date: 2017.06.13 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US9678352B2 patent drawing
  • US9678352B2 patent drawing
  • US9678352B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The liquid crystal grating includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer arranged therebetween. The liquid crystal grating further includes: a plurality of first electrodes having a first extension direction and arranged parallel to each other and on the first substrate; and a plurality of second electrodes having a second extension direction and arranged parallel to each other and on the second substrate. The first electrodes and the second electrodes cross each other and are configured to enable, under control of a first driving signal, the liquid crystal layer to form a first grating for the 3D display together with the display panel in a first direction, and to enable, under control of a second driving signal, the liquid crystal layer to form a second grating for the 3D display together with the display panel in a second direction.