Multi-view Display Device Controlling Backlight Illumination Direction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-view display devices face issues with view repetition and reduced image resolution due to the limitations of existing imaging arrangements, such as parallax barriers and lenticular elements, which restrict viewer mobility and create ghost images at cone boundaries.

Innovation Solution

A multi-view display device with a controllable backlight and lens array that directs pixel illumination to avoid view repetitions, allowing for a single cone with multiple views and adjustable illumination to enhance viewer mobility and image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a parallax barrier or lenticular element is used to provide multiple views, then the 3D effect is improved, but the image resolution per view is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D effectVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a switchable imaging arrangement that can dynamically change between different operational modes (2D mode and multi-view 3D mode). This allows the system to adapt its light directing function based on the desired output, resolving the contradiction by making the resolution loss optional rather than permanent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel pixels are segmented into different groups that can be independently controlled. By selectively activating specific pixel groups and coordinating with the imaging arrangement, the system can distribute pixel output to multiple views while maintaining adequate resolution in each view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of views is increased to improve the 3D impression, then the viewing freedom is improved, but the image resolution per view is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing freedomVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active views and the configuration of the imaging arrangement based on viewing conditions. This allows the display to provide multiple views when needed while maintaining resolution quality, and switch to 2D mode when high resolution is the priority.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters including the activation state of pixel groups, the configuration of the imaging arrangement, and the timing of view generation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes both viewing freedom and image resolution according to current requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a conventional multi-view display with repeating viewing cones is used, then the 3D effect is provided, but ghost images appear at cone boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D effectVSAvoidghost images
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic repeating cone structure by implementing a switchable imaging arrangement that can direct light to create non-repeating views. This removes the source of ghost images at cone boundaries while preserving the beneficial 3D effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of view repetition into a benefit by using the pixel grouping and switching mechanism to create distinct, non-repeating views. The same structural elements that could cause ghost images are instead used to generate unique perspectives for each view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Ease of manufacture

If a parallax barrier is used to direct light to left and right eyes, then the stereo image is achieved, but the viewer must be at a fixed position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereo imageVSAvoidviewer mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system with a switchable imaging arrangement that can adjust its configuration based on viewer position. This allows the display to maintain effective light directing to the viewer's eyes even as the viewer moves, resolving the contradiction between achieving stereo effect and allowing mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides improved image resolution and reduced ghost images by eliminating view repetitions and allowing for a larger viewing range, enabling viewers to move freely without losing the 3D effect.

Implementation Method 1

An array of lenses is arranged in front of the display panel and the light of each pixel illuminates substantially one lens. This array of lenses can image the pixel plane of the display panel to substantially infinity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens: Lens

Implementation Method 2

all pixels are illuminated with a predetermined spread of light around one common direction such that during one illumination operation the views are generated in a partial field of view of the display device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2572233B1Multi-view display device
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2572233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2572233B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2572233B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A multi-view display device comprises a pixellated display panel and a backlight comprising an arrangement of light sources(30), wherein each light source, when turned on, illuminates an associated region of pixels of the display panel. A display controller is adapted to control the pixellated display panel and the arrangement of light sources such that a partial display output is provided comprising simultaneously a set of at least three 2D views with no repetition of individual 2D views. This arrangement provides an output with controlled illumination direction of the pixels so that view repetitions are avoided. The output can be a single cone of views, and the location from which the cone of views can be viewed depends on the relationship between the light sources of the backlight which are activated and the display panel.