Segmented Directional Backlight for Autostereoscopic Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spatially multiplexed autostereoscopic displays suffer from reduced spatial resolution, image flicker, and increased cross-talk due to non-uniform viewing windows and modest response times, which limit their performance in providing high-quality 2D and 3D content.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of segmented directional illumination systems using a plurality of directional illumination segments and illumination units, synchronized with left and right eye imagery, along with optical valves and stepped waveguides that direct light efficiently through a display panel to create independent viewing windows, enhancing brightness, uniformity, and viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spatially multiplexed autostereoscopic displays use a parallax component to direct light into different viewing windows, then multiple viewing angles are provided, but spatial resolution is reduced and viewing windows become non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple vertically scanned segments, with each segment independently illuminated and displayed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high spatial resolution within each segment while providing multiple viewing windows through temporal multiplexing, resolving the contradiction between viewing angle adaptability and spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The display employs periodic vertical scanning with sequential illumination of different segments at different time intervals. By periodically updating segments in a time-multiplexed manner, the system creates multiple autostereoscopic viewing windows without compromising the spatial resolution of individual segments, as each segment is fully rendered before the next begins
2Productivity
If scrolling stereoscopic displays update images line-by-line with modest response times, then continuous scrolling is provided, but image quality and flicker reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions that can be updated sequentially. By dividing the display into segments and illuminating them in a time-multiplexed fashion, the system achieves continuous scrolling effect while maintaining high image quality in each segment, as each segment is fully rendered before transition to the next
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the illumination and scanning of different segments based on timing signals, allowing seamless transitions between segments. This dynamic control enables continuous scrolling while maintaining image quality, as the system adapts the illumination timing to match the scrolling speed and segment boundaries
3Reliability
If pixel aperture shape is adjusted to reduce image flicker, then flicker is reduced, but display brightness is reduced and addressing electronics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic illumination of segmented regions synchronized with the vertical scanning rate. By illuminating complete segments periodically rather than continuously illuminating the entire display, the system reduces flicker while maintaining brightness, as each illuminated segment receives full backlight intensity during its active period
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the display and illuminating segments sequentially, the system eliminates the need to reduce pixel aperture size for flicker reduction. Each segment is fully illuminated during its active time, maintaining brightness while the periodic nature of segment illumination naturally reduces flicker perception
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
This approach improves spatial resolution, reduces flicker, and minimizes cross-talk, enabling high-efficiency, autostereoscopic displays with increased brightness and flexibility for 2D/3D switching, while maintaining a thin form factor and large viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
Light may propagate substantially without loss in one direction through the optical valve while counter-propagating light may be extracted by reflection off tilted facets
Implementation Method 2
counter-propagating light may be extracted by reflection off tilted facets
Data Source
AI summary
Backlit display systems, such as those employed with LED backlit displays, including those configured for autostereoscopic operation, may employ synchronization between the backlight and the presentation of sequential left and right eye images at a frame rate exceeding approximately 100 Hz. To successfully directionally illuminate isolated frames, the disclosed principles provide for segmenting the directional illumination and introducing a phase shifted, synchronized, pulsed drive scheme for the illumination segments. Accordingly, the principles disclosed herein are directed to segmented directional illumination systems and related techniques for segmented directional backlight illumination.