Liquid Crystal Module Polarization Control for Stereoscopic Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems for stereoscopic displays, particularly those using polarizing glasses, face complexity and limited application due to cumbersome optical mechanisms for modulating polarized beams, making it difficult to design convenient polarizing glasses for easy stereoscopic image display.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system incorporating a liquid crystal module with a twisted nematic liquid crystal layer and transparent electrode structures, controlled by a power source and control unit, which allows for the impartial passage of images and modification of polarization angles by 90 degrees, enabling the display of images with different visual angles but the same polarization angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical mechanisms are used to modulate polarized beams for stereoscopic display, then polarization control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization controlVSAvoidoptical mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical mechanisms with a liquid crystal module that uses electrical fields to control polarization. The liquid crystal layer, when subjected to voltage, changes its molecular orientation to modulate the polarization angle of light, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical optical modulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and orientation of liquid crystal molecules through electrical field application. By controlling the voltage applied to the liquid crystal module, the polarization angle of transmitted light can be dynamically adjusted between different states (e.g., 0 degrees for left eye, 90 degrees for right eye).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex optical mechanisms are used for polarization modulation, then stereoscopic image display is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestereoscopic image displayVSAvoidconvenience of polarizing glasses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement of mechanical optical mechanisms with an electrically-controlled liquid crystal module simplifies the overall system, making polarizing glasses lighter, smaller, and easier to wear and operate. The electrical control can be integrated with the display device's existing control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If polarization modulation is implemented in prior art systems, then sequential projection of polarized beams is achieved, but adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequential projectionVSAvoidapplication to polarizing glasses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid crystal module serves multiple functions: it can modulate polarization angles for stereoscopic display, work with various display device types (LCD, projector, etc.), and be integrated into different form factors including portable polarizing glasses. This universal applicability greatly enhances adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies the image processing system, allowing for efficient and convenient stereoscopic image display by controlling the polarization angles of images, thereby facilitating the use of polarizing glasses for stereoscopic viewing without the complexity of prior art systems.

Implementation Method 1

the liquid crystal module comprising a twisted nematic liquid crystal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTwisted nematic liquid crystal effect: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

offsetting the polarization angles of the second set of images by 90 degrees after passing through the twisted nematic liquid crystal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization rotation: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

inputting an electric field to the two transparent electrode structures for passing the first set of images impartially through the twisted nematic liquid crystal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field control of liquid crystal: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS7995153B2Image processing system capable of changing a polarization angle of a polarized image and related method

Publication Date: 2011.08.09 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

An image processing system includes a display device, a liquid crystal module, and a control device. The display device is used for outputting a first set of images and a second set of images. The first set of images and the second set of images have different visual angles. The liquid crystal module is disposed at a side of the display device. The control device is electrically coupled to the display device and the liquid crystal module. The control device includes a power source and a control unit. The control unit is electrically coupled to the power source for controlling whether the power source should input an electric field to a twisted nematic liquid layer of the liquid crystal module or not.