Liquid Crystal Shutter with Retardation Layers for Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal shutter glasses used in stereoscopic systems face challenges in achieving high-speed responsiveness and display performance, particularly in maintaining a high contrast ratio and wide viewing angle, which affects the quality of the displayed images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid crystal shutter component comprising a specific configuration of polarizers, retardation layers, and a liquid crystal layer, where the liquid crystal layer transitions between different bend orientation states based on applied voltages, and the inclusion of additional retardation layers to enhance light transmittance and shielding states, thereby improving display performance and viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional liquid crystal shutter configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the contrast ratio and viewing angle are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal shutter is divided into multiple functional layers including first and second polarizers, multiple retardation layers (first, second, third retardation layers), and liquid crystal layer. Each layer performs a specific optical function to collectively improve contrast ratio and viewing angle through segmented functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite optical structure combining different optical materials with specific properties: polarizers for light polarization, retardation layers for phase control, and liquid crystal material for voltage-controlled orientation changes. This composite material approach enables simultaneous achievement of high contrast ratio and wide viewing angle.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional liquid crystal shutter configuration is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the display performance and viewing angle are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific optical parameters including the thickness and retardation values of each layer, the orientation angles of polarizers and retardation layers, and the liquid crystal layer thickness. By precisely controlling these parameters, high display performance is achieved while providing clear manufacturing specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical stack are designed with specific local properties: the first polarizer is positioned at a specific angle relative to the second polarizer, each retardation layer has specific fast/slow axis orientations, and the liquid crystal layer has controlled thickness. This local quality optimization ensures high display performance across the viewing area.
3Productivity
If the liquid crystal layer transitions between multiple bend orientation states, then the light transmittance and shielding states are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal layer is designed to dynamically transition between multiple bend orientation states (first bend state, second bend state, third bend state) in response to applied voltages. This dynamic reorientation capability enables enhanced light transmittance and shielding states, allowing the shutter to modulate light effectively across different operational modes.
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 configuration enhances the contrast ratio and viewing angle of the liquid crystal shutter glasses, ensuring better image quality and reducing eye fatigue by effectively switching between light transmission and shielding states, thus improving the overall display performance.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal orientation changes between a plurality of bend orientation states different from each other, which are created depending on voltages applied to the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
The projection axis to the plane of the slow axis of the second retardation layer is perpendicular to the first absorbing axis. The retardation in a direction along a plane of the second retardation layer is 20 nm or more and 120 nm or less
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal shutter component includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a liquid crystal layer, a first retardation layer, a second retardation layer, a third retardation layer and a fourth retardation layer. A liquid crystal orientation of the liquid crystal layer transitions between a plurality of bend orientation states. The retardation in the direction along the plane of the second retardation layer and the fourth retardation layer is 20 nm or more and 120 nm or less. The retardation along the first direction of the second retardation layer and the fourth retardation layer is 40 nm or more and 140 nm or less.