Stereoscopic Image Conversion Panel Lens Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic image conversion panels with hemispheric concave lenses are thick and require a large number of liquid crystal molecules, making them bulky and difficult to manufacture efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic image conversion panel design featuring a main lens and sub-lenses with a concave part-elliptical and concave saw-like shape respectively, reducing thickness and the number of liquid crystal molecules needed, while using a lens liquid crystal layer with anisotropic refractive index to refract polarized light and generate stereoscopic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If hemispheric concave lenses are used in the stereoscopic image conversion panel, then the light refraction function is achieved, but the panel thickness becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single hemispheric lens into multiple segments: a flat lower surface, a curved middle portion, and a removed upper hemispheric part. This segmentation allows the lens to maintain refraction functionality while reducing overall thickness to a predetermined value, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving proper light refraction and minimizing panel thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional hemispheric shape to a more flattened, multi-dimensional structure with specific curvature radii in different directions (R1, R2, R3). By controlling curvature in multiple dimensions rather than using a simple hemisphere, the lens achieves adequate refraction with reduced thickness
2Reliability
If hemispheric concave lenses are used, then the stereoscopic image conversion function is achieved, but the number of liquid crystal molecules required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lens structure and optimizing the shape of individual lens elements, the patent reduces the total volume requiring liquid crystal filling. The modified lens geometry with controlled curvature radii minimizes the receiving space while maintaining adequate light refraction for stereoscopic conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lens (curvature radii R1, R2, R3, and thickness) to optimize the balance between refraction function and liquid crystal volume. By adjusting these parameters, the lens achieves sufficient optical performance with reduced liquid crystal requirements
3Shape
If hemispheric concave lenses with large receiving space are used, then light refraction is achieved, but the alignment of liquid crystal molecules becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens into controlled geometric portions with specific curvature radii, creating well-defined boundaries and uniform fields that facilitate liquid crystal alignment. The flattened structure with controlled curvature provides better alignment surfaces compared to a hemispheric shape
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the geometric parameters to create a flattened structure with specific curvature radii (R1, R2, R3), the patent creates more favorable conditions for liquid crystal alignment while maintaining adequate refraction function
4Reliability
If hemispheric concave lenses are used, then the stereoscopic conversion function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens structure into manufacturable portions with standard curvature radii, making it easier to produce using conventional lens manufacturing techniques. The flattened structure with controlled curvature is more amenable to mass production than hemispheric lenses
Solution Approach 2:
By standardizing the geometric parameters (curvature radii R1, R2, R3 and thickness), the patent creates a lens design that is easier to manufacture with conventional equipment while maintaining adequate optical performance for stereoscopic conversion
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 reduced thickness and number of liquid crystal molecules lead to a more compact and easier-to-manufacture panel, with improved alignment capabilities and increased response speed due to lower voltage requirements for electric field generation.
Implementation Method 1
The lens liquid crystal layer is configured to refract polarized light at an interface between the lens liquid crystal layer and the stereoscopic lens part, to generate a stereoscopic image based on a received flat image
Implementation Method 2
The lens liquid crystal layer is configured to refract polarized light at an interface between the lens liquid crystal layer and the stereoscopic lens part
Implementation Method 3
The lens liquid crystal layer is received by the main lens and the sub-lenses, is disposed between the first and second lens substrates, and includes liquid crystal molecules having an anisotropic refractive index
Data Source
AI summary
In a stereoscopic image conversion panel and a stereoscopic image display apparatus, the stereoscopic display panel includes a first lens substrate, a second lens substrate, a stereoscopic image lens part and a lens liquid crystal layer. The stereoscopic image lens part is disposed between the first and second substrates, and includes a main lens and sub-lenses with a concave shape. At least one sub-lens is disposed at opposite edge portions of the main lens. The lens liquid crystal layer is received by the main lens and the sub-lenses, is disposed between the first and second lens substrates, and includes liquid crystal molecules having an anisotropic refractive index. The lens liquid crystal layer refracts a polarized light at an interface between the lens liquid crystal layer and the stereoscopic lens part, to convert a flat image into a stereoscopic image. Therefore, the thickness of the stereoscopic image panel can be reduced.