Liquid Crystal Element with Modulation Element for Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image display devices with diffusion-control liquid crystal panels face challenges in efficiently managing light polarization and distribution, leading to suboptimal light utilization and display quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid crystal element with a first and second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a modulation element that can switch between different lens formation states and shapes, allowing for controlled light polarization and distribution by applying voltages to the control electrodes, thereby optimizing light transmission and modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a diffusion-control liquid crystal panel is used to form lenses by applying voltage, then light directivity can be controlled, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates due to polarization loss
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal panel is divided into multiple independently controllable regions or pixels, where each region can form lenses selectively. This segmentation allows only the necessary portions of light to be modulated, reducing overall polarization loss while maintaining directivity control where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the liquid crystal panel by applying specific voltage patterns that optimize the balance between lens formation and light transmission. By adjusting voltage magnitude and duration, the system achieves better light utilization efficiency while maintaining the required light directivity control.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple small liquid crystal micro-lenses are formed by applying voltage, then light directivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can form lenses for light directivity control, maintain uniform transmission when voltage is not applied, and potentially adjust focus dynamically. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving improved light directivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of the liquid crystal layer, where the lens formation and light modulation characteristics can be adjusted in real-time by changing voltage application patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing physical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage is applied to switch between lens formation states, then light modulation capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal panel utilizes periodic voltage application patterns to achieve light modulation. By applying voltage in controlled periodic cycles rather than continuously, the system maintains the required adaptability and light modulation capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous voltage application.
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 enhances light utilization efficiency, improves display quality by ensuring uniform polarization, and increases the number of gradation levels that can be expressed, particularly in low-gradation regions, while minimizing light incident on the display panel as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of small liquid crystal micro-lenses are formed by applying a voltage to a liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
diffusing linearly polarized light, oscillating in a predetermined direction, of light having directivity in a specific direction
Implementation Method 3
a modulation element which is opposed to the liquid crystal element, the modulation element comprising a modulation portion which modulates incident light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an optical device includes a liquid crystal element including a first substrate including a plurality of first control electrodes, a second substrate which is opposed to the first substrate and comprises a second control electrode, and a first liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a modulation element opposed to the liquid crystal element, the modulation element including a modulation portion which modulates incident light, and a non-modulation portion which is adjacent to the modulation portion.