Matrix Light-Blocking Panel for 3D and 2D Display Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D display devices primarily focus on either 3D or 2D image display, lacking the capability to seamlessly switch between both modes, which limits their versatility and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A display device incorporating a matrix-arranged display panel with pixel regions and a light-blocking panel featuring optical shutter regions with liquid crystal elements, allowing for the selection of light transmission based on input signals, enabling the simultaneous display of 3D and 2D images by controlling the alignment of liquid crystals and using MEMS switches for optical shutter functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a display device uses a parallax barrier or lenticular lens to display 3D images, then binocular disparity is produced for 3D viewing, but the device cannot display 2D images or switch between 2D and 3D modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage display modeVSAvoidoptical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device divides the display region into multiple pixel regions (first, second, third, fourth pixel regions) with different optical configurations. Each region can independently display 2D or 3D images by controlling the corresponding optical shutters, allowing the device to display different image modes in different regions simultaneously or switch between modes as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs optical shutters (liquid crystal elements) that can dynamically change their light transmission state based on control signals. By switching the optical shutters between transparent and light-blocking states, the display device can dynamically transition between 2D and 3D display modes or display different modes in different regions, providing versatile image display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical shutters are added to enable 3D display functionality, then binocular disparity is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D display capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device implements optical shutters only in specific regions where 3D display is needed (first and second pixel regions), while other regions (third and fourth pixel regions) maintain simple 2D display without optical shutters. This partial implementation reduces the overall power consumption compared to equipping the entire display with 3D functionality, while still providing 3D display capability where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Volume of moving object

If the light-blocking panel is positioned close to the display panel for compact design, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing alignment precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidpanel alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates alignment marks on both the display panel and the light-blocking panel during the manufacturing process. These pre-formed alignment marks enable precise alignment between the two panels when they are assembled, ensuring that the optical shutters correctly correspond to their respective pixel regions even when the panels are positioned close together for compact device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device to produce binocular disparity for 3D images while allowing for 2D image display in other regions, enhancing user experience by providing flexibility in image mode switching without increasing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The optical shutter region includes a switch and a liquid crystal element whose light transmission is selected depending on a signal input through the switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal alignment control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

The pixel region includes a light-emitting element emitting white light by organic electroluminescence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrganic electroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 3

a color filter for transmitting light in a specific wavelength range included in the white light emitted from the light-emitting element and for changing the white light into light with a chromatic color

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS9167234B2Display device

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD

AI summary

A display device capable of displaying both a 3D image and a 2D image is provided. The display device includes a plurality of optical filter regions where light-blocking panels for producing binocular disparity are arranged in matrix. The light-blocking panel can select whether to transmit light emitted from a display panel in each of the plurality of optical filter regions. Thus, in the display device, some regions where binocular disparity is produced can be provided. Consequently, the display device can display both a 3D image and a 2D image.