Optical Modulation Device With Asymmetric Electrode Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modulation devices for stereoscopic image display face challenges in efficiently controlling light paths for both horizontal and vertical viewing modes, leading to misalignment and texture issues that affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical modulation device comprising first and second plates with a liquid crystal layer and electrodes, where the electrodes are insulated and aligned to apply specific voltages for in-plane alignment of liquid crystal molecules, allowing for efficient phase modulation of light to achieve clear 3D images in both horizontal and vertical viewing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical modulation devices use traditional electrode alignment methods, then the device structure is simple, but misalignment and texture issues occur that affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by setting the second electrode's extending direction at a specific angle (5°-45°) relative to the vertical axis of the second alignment direction, rather than using conventional perpendicular or parallel alignment. This asymmetric configuration prevents texture issues and misalignment while maintaining manageable device complexity through precise angular specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the alignment parameter by controlling the angle θP between the second electrode's extending direction and the vertical axis of the second alignment direction within 5°-45°. It also controls the azimuthal angle difference θUL between first and second aligners within -4° to +4°. These parameter changes resolve alignment precision issues without requiring complex device structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical modulation device uses separate first and second electrodes for horizontal and vertical viewing modes, then viewing mode control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by configuring the first and second electrodes such that they can serve dual purposes: the first electrode primarily controls horizontal viewing mode while the second electrode primarily controls vertical viewing mode. By applying voltages to different electrode combinations, a single optical modulation device可以实现 both horizontal and vertical viewing modes, eliminating the need for separate devices for each mode.
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid crystal molecules are not properly aligned in-plane, then the alignment process is simple, but image quality deteriorates due to texture and misalignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the liquid crystal molecules through specifically configured aligners before voltage application. The first aligner sets the initial alignment direction, and the second aligner (with controlled azimuthal angle difference within -4° to +4°) pre-conditions the liquid crystal molecules for the subsequent voltage-induced in-plane rotation, ensuring high alignment precision without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetry in the aligner configuration where the second electrode's extending direction is at a specific angle (5°-45°) to the vertical axis of the second alignment direction, creating an asymmetric electric field that guides the liquid crystal molecules into the desired in-plane alignment, thereby achieving high alignment precision through controlled asymmetric field distribution.
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 enables effective light path control, reducing texture and misalignment issues, allowing for high-quality 3D image display in both viewing modes by adjusting the in-plane rotation angle of liquid crystal molecules, thus enhancing image clarity and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The path of light may be controlled using diffraction of the light due to phase-modulation of the light in the optical modulation device
Implementation Method 2
When an electric field is generated in the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules may be tilted to be substantially parallel with a surface of the first plate or the second plate to form an in-plane alignment, and long axes of the liquid crystal molecules may be rotated in-plane
Implementation Method 3
The path of light may be controlled using diffraction of the light due to phase-modulation of the light in the optical modulation device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical modulation device is provided. The optical modulation device includes first and second plates facing each other, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second plates, and first and second electrodes. The liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The first plate includes a first aligner. The second plate includes a second aligner. A first alignment direction of the first aligner and a second alignment direction of the second aligner are substantially parallel to each other. The first and second electrodes extend to cross each other. The first and second electrodes are insulated from each other. The second electrode extends to cross the second alignment direction. An angle θP formed between a vertical axis of the second alignment direction and an extending direction of the second electrode is a value between 5° and 45°.