Optical System With Crossed Polarizers for Reflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle display devices using TN liquid crystal elements struggle with image reflection on reflective surfaces and limited control over polarization states, which affects visibility and display quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a display device, an optical element, and an optical shutter with intersecting linear polarizers, where the optical element maintains or rotates the polarization axis of light based on its driving state, allowing selective viewing of images with different polarization states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a TN liquid crystal element is used to rotate the polarization axis of light, then the polarization axis can be changed to prevent reflection on surfaces like windshields, but image reflection on reflective surfaces still occurs and control over polarization states is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple functional components: a display device, an optical element (first TN liquid crystal element), and an optical shutter (second TN liquid crystal element with crossed polarizers). Each component performs a specific function in controlling the polarization state of light, allowing independent optimization and control that collectively solves the reflection problem while providing versatile polarization control.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element dynamically changes the polarization axis of light based on its driving state (rotating by 90° when not driven, maintaining polarization when driven). The optical shutter dynamically switches between transparent and light-blocking states by controlling the polarization state. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different viewing conditions and eliminate reflections on reflective surfaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the polarization axis is rotated by the TN liquid crystal element, then reflection prevention is achieved, but visibility and display quality are affected due to limited polarization control
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element acts as an intermediary between the display device and the optical shutter, dynamically adjusting the polarization axis of light to enable the optical shutter to selectively transmit or block light. This intermediary control allows precise management of light transmission, preventing reflections while maintaining high visibility and display quality by ensuring sufficient light reaches the viewer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an optical shutter with crossed polarizers is added to control polarization states, then selective viewing of different polarization states is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical shutter serves multiple functions: it acts as an optical element for polarization control, a shutter for light blocking, and a viewing control mechanism for selective polarization states. The display device also functions as both the light source and a polarization control element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing device complexity while achieving versatile polarization control.
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 system enables selective acquisition and viewing of images formed by light with different polarization states, enhancing visibility and reducing reflections on surfaces like windshields by controlling polarization axes dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element is configured to maintain a polarization axis of the light in a driving state and rotate the polarization axis of the light by 90° in a non-driving state
Implementation Method 2
The optical shutter has a pair of linear polarizers with transmission axes intersecting each other
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical system including a display device, an optical element, and an optical shutter. The optical element is located over the display device and is configured to transmit light from the display device. The optical shutter is located over the optical element. The optical element is further configured to maintain a polarization axis of the light in a driving state and rotate the polarization axis of the light by 90° in a non-driving state. The optical shutter has a pair of linear polarizers with transmission axes intersecting each other.