Liquid Crystal Lens Element Orthogonal Electrodes for 3D Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal lens array elements struggle to achieve symmetric cylindrical-lens structures in both the X-direction and Y-direction, leading to poor separation of light for stereoscopic displays, resulting in increased 3D crosstalk and brightness differences between the left and right eyes, making high-quality stereoscopic image display challenging.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal lens element with an upper and lower substrate configuration, where the liquid crystal layer is oriented initially in the X-direction, and electrode structures on both substrates are arranged to generate electric potential gradients in orthogonal directions, allowing for the formation of symmetric refractive index distributions and equivalent cylindrical lens properties in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lens array element with electrodes extending in one direction is used, then the device can display stereoscopic images in one orientation, but it cannot achieve symmetric cylindrical-lens structures in both X and Y directions, leading to poor light separation and increased 3D crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into two independent electrode groups: first electrode group extending in the X-direction and second electrode group extending in the Y-direction. This segmentation allows each electrode group to independently control the refractive index distribution in its respective direction, enabling symmetric cylindrical-lens structures in both X and Y directions, which improves light separation quality and reduces 3D crosstalk
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid crystal layer are given different local qualities by applying electric potential gradients in specific directions. The first electrode group creates a refractive index distribution pattern in the X-direction, while the second electrode group creates a similar pattern in the Y-direction. This local control of optical properties enables the formation of symmetric cylindrical-lens structures with equivalent focal lengths in both directions, achieving high-quality stereoscopic display
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid crystal molecules are initially oriented in one direction, then the device can function in that orientation, but it cannot achieve equivalent cylindrical lens properties in both orthogonal directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal lens element is designed with multi-functionality to operate effectively in both portrait and landscape orientations. By incorporating two electrode groups extending in orthogonal directions (X and Y), the device can generate symmetric refractive index distributions regardless of orientation. The initial molecular orientation in one direction combined with the orthogonal electrode arrangement enables the system to achieve equivalent cylindrical lens properties in both directions, providing universal adaptability for different display orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional electrode structure to a two-dimensional electrode configuration. Instead of having electrodes extend in only one direction, the first electrode group extends in the X-direction while the second electrode group extends in the perpendicular Y-direction. This dimensional expansion creates refractive index distributions in both orthogonal directions, enabling the formation of symmetric cylindrical-lens structures with equivalent focal lengths, thus achieving precise lens symmetry in both portrait and landscape orientations
3Illumination intensity
If asymmetric cylindrical-lens structures are formed, then the device can be simpler to manufacture, but it results in brightness differences between left and right eyes and poor stereoscopic image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the principle of equipotentiality by creating symmetric refractive index distributions through two orthogonal electrode groups. The first electrode group establishes an electric potential gradient in the X-direction, while the second electrode group establishes a similar gradient in the Y-direction. This symmetric potential distribution results in equivalent cylindrical lens properties in both directions, ensuring uniform light deflection and brightness for both left and right eyes, thereby eliminating brightness differences and achieving high-quality stereoscopic display
Solution Approach 2:
The invention deliberately introduces asymmetry in the electrode arrangement to achieve symmetry in the optical output. By placing the first electrode group in the X-direction and the second electrode group in the perpendicular Y-direction with different orientations, the system compensates for the initial asymmetric molecular orientation. This controlled asymmetry in electrode placement creates symmetric refractive index distributions, resulting in equivalent cylindrical lens properties and uniform brightness distribution across the display
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 display unit to perform 2D, portrait stereoscopic, and landscape stereoscopic displays with maintained screen brightness, reducing 3D crosstalk and brightness differences, thereby achieving high-quality stereoscopic image display in both orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer 3 put between the upper substrate 1 and the lower substrate 2... An initial molecular orientation direction of the liquid crystal layer 3 agrees with the X-direction... generate an electric potential gradient in the X-direction... generate an electric potential gradient in the Y-direction
Implementation Method 2
The upper substrate 1 includes a repetition area in which a plurality of A-electrode structures 4 are arrayed in the X-direction so as to generate an electric potential gradient in the X-direction. The lower substrate 2 includes a repetition area in which a plurality of B-electrode structures 5 are arrayed in the Y-direction so as to generate an electric potential gradient in the Y-direction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a liquid crystal lens element, a display unit and a terminal. The liquid crystal lens element includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a liquid crystal layer, where directions in which each of the upper and lower substrates extends are defined as the x-direction and the y-direction. An initial molecular orientation direction of the liquid crystal layer agrees with the x-direction. The upper substrate includes a repetition area in which plural A-electrode structures are arrayed in the x-direction so as to generate an electric potential gradient in the x-direction. The lower substrate includes a repetition area in which plural B-electrode structures are arrayed in the y-direction so as to generate an electric potential gradient in the y-direction. One of an opening section and a central electrode elongated in the y-direction is formed in the middle of each A-electrode structure.