Liquid Crystal Polarizer Array Without Pixel-Level Resolution Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polarizer technologies require one-to-one correspondence with pixels, leading to image resolution loss and high production costs due to the need for customized polarization detectors.
Innovation Solution
A polarizer with multiple types of polarization units, each comprising laminated liquid crystal cells with differently oriented alignment films, allowing independent control of external voltage application to achieve polarized light in various directions without affecting image resolution and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polarizers are embedded between pixel array and micro lens array with one-to-one correspondence to pixels, then polarized light collection is achieved, but image resolution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a two-dimensional pixel-grid embedding to a three-dimensional configuration where the polarizer is positioned in front of the optical lens, separated from the pixel array. This dimensional shift eliminates the conflict between polarizer placement and pixel resolution, allowing both functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging system into functionally independent modules: the polarizer unit for polarization control and the pixel array for light detection. By separating these functions spatially, the polarizer no longer needs to be embedded within the pixel structure, thus preserving image resolution while maintaining polarization capability.
2Measurement precision
If customized polarization detectors are used to collect polarized light in different directions, then polarization detection accuracy is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal imaging sensor that can detect light without requiring specialized polarization-sensitive structures. Combined with the polarizer that directs polarized light, the standard sensor achieves polarization detection functionality, eliminating the need for expensive customized detectors while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarizer acts as an intermediary component that prepares light for detection by a standard sensor. Instead of making the detector complex to handle polarization directly, the polarizer mediates the light properties before detection, allowing inexpensive standard sensors to achieve precise polarization measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of polarization units with different alignment film orientations are used, then polarized light in multiple directions is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through independently controllable liquid crystal cells within each polarization unit. By applying voltages to switch between different alignment states, the system can dynamically adjust polarization directions without requiring physically complex multi-orientation structures, achieving versatility through electrical control rather than structural complexity.
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 polarizer enables polarized light in multiple directions with integrated light attenuation and transmission functions, enhancing application scenarios while maintaining image resolution and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
both the first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer include a dye molecule configured to absorb a light wave
Implementation Method 2
An orientation of the first alignment film and an orientation of the second alignment film form an inter-plane angle
Implementation Method 3
the first alignment film is configured to align the first liquid crystal layer, and the second alignment film is configured to align the second liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 4
both the first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer include a dye molecule configured to absorb a light wave
Data Source
AI summary
A polarizer, a polarizer array, a polarization-controllable method and apparatus, and an electronic device are disclosed. The polarizer includes multiple types of polarization units, each polarization unit includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell that are laminated, each liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal layer and an alignment film, and the alignment film is connected to an electrode layer configured to apply an external voltage to the liquid crystal layer. The first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell of each polarization unit may be separately controlled as “connected” or “disconnected”, and orientations of alignment films of first liquid crystal cells between all the multiple types of polarization units are different. In a same polarization unit, when one liquid crystal cell is in an on state, emergent light of the polarization unit is polarized light in one polarization direction.