Stereoscopic Optical Device Single Liquid Crystal Layer Phase Retardation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stereoscopic optical devices require two phase retardation films, leading to thicker and more costly devices with complex manufacturing processes due to the need for patterned masks, which negatively impact optical properties.

Innovation Solution

A stereoscopic optical device with a single liquid crystal layer featuring regions with different pre-tilt effects for liquid crystal molecules, where the fast and slow axes are aligned identically across regions, allowing for patterned phase retardation without the need for patterned masks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two phase retardation films are used to achieve stereoscopic effect, then the stereoscopic optical effect is achieved, but the device thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestereoscopic optical effectVSAvoiddevice thickness and manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate phase retardation films (quarter wavelength film and patterned half wavelength film) into a single liquid crystal layer that provides both quarter wavelength and half wavelength phase retardation effects in different regions. This merging eliminates the need for multiple films and masks, reducing device thickness and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the stereoscopic optical effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions: it provides both quarter wavelength phase retardation (in regions with first pre-tilt angle) and half wavelength phase retardation (in regions with second pre-tilt angle), replacing the need for separate quarter wavelength film and patterned phase retardation film. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If patterned masks are used to define patterns of phase retardation film, then the patterned phase retardation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases and process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatterned phase retardationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different pre-tilt angles (first pre-tilt angle and second pre-tilt angle) to different regions of the liquid crystal layer through a non-patterned alignment film. This local differentiation of pre-tilt angles creates the desired patterned phase retardation effect without requiring patterned masks, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and process complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pre-tilt angle parameter of liquid crystal molecules in different regions to achieve different phase retardation effects. By controlling the pre-tilt angle (first pre-tilt angle for quarter wavelength, second pre-tilt angle for half wavelength) through the alignment film's molecular orientation, the patent achieves patterned phase retardation without mechanical masking, simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and enhances optical properties by achieving the desired stereoscopic effect with a single phase retardation layer, improving the overall performance and efficiency of the device.

Implementation Method 1

The alignment film (34) includes a first region (341) and a second region (342). The first region (341) of the alignment film (34) has a first pre-tilt effect and the second region (342) of the alignment film (34) has a second pre-tilt effect, which is different from the first pre-tilt effect.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular alignment:

Implementation Method 2

The first liquid crystal molecules (361) correspond to the first region (341) of the alignment film (34) and have a first pre-tilt angle, and the second liquid crystal molecules (362) correspond to the second region (342) of the alignment film (34) and have a second pre-tilt angle, which is different from the first pre-tilt angle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPre-tilt effect:

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase retardation:

Data Source

PatentUS8717509B2Stereoscopic optical device and method of making the same

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A stereoscopic optical device includes a substrate, an alignment film and a liquid crystal layer. The alignment film includes at least one first region and at least one second region. The liquid crystal layer, disposed on the alignment film, includes first liquid crystal molecules and second liquid crystal molecules. The first liquid crystal molecules correspond to the first region of the alignment film and have a first pre-tilt angle, the second liquid crystal molecules correspond to the second region of the alignment film and have a second pre-tilt angle. The fast axis of the first liquid crystal molecules and the fast axis of the second crystal molecules substantially face the same direction, and the slow axis of the first liquid crystal molecules and the slow axis of the second liquid crystal molecules substantially face in the same direction.