Switchable 3D LCD Using Active Retardation Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices face challenges in achieving high resolution and luminance while switching between 2D and 3D display modes, as they require twice the number of pixels for 3D mode, increasing size and cost, and suffer from reduced luminance due to blocked light by barrier layers.
Innovation Solution
An LCD design with an active retardation panel and a liquid crystal display panel, where the retardation pixels and display pixels are arranged in a matrix, allowing simultaneous left and right eye viewing with controlled electrical fields to adjust retardation, eliminating the need for a barrier layer and maintaining frame rate and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a barrier layer is added to enable 3D display, then 3D viewing capability is improved, but luminance is reduced due to light blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the barrier layer from the display structure entirely. Instead of using a barrier layer to separate left and right eye images, the invention uses two independent liquid crystal layers with different orientations (first layer with vertical alignment, second layer with horizontal alignment) to achieve 3D display without any light-blocking components, thereby maintaining high luminance while enabling 3D viewing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane barrier layer approach to a multi-layer liquid crystal structure with different orientation dimensions. By stacking two liquid crystal layers with perpendicular alignment directions (vertical vs. horizontal), the system creates separate optical paths for left and right eyes through dimensional differentiation rather than spatial blocking
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is doubled for 3D mode, then resolution is improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each pixel serve multiple functions by implementing two liquid crystal layers (first with vertical alignment, second with horizontal alignment) at each pixel location. This multi-functional design allows the same pixel structure to display images for both left and right eyes simultaneously, achieving 3D resolution without doubling the overall device size or pixel count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests one liquid crystal layer within another, placing the second liquid crystal layer (with horizontal alignment) inside or adjacent to the first liquid crystal layer (with vertical alignment). This nested structure allows both layers to occupy the same spatial footprint, enabling 3D display capability without increasing device area or requiring separate pixel structures for each eye
3Adaptability or versatility
If a barrier layer is added for 3D display, then 3D viewing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the barrier layer component entirely from the manufacturing process. By using two liquid crystal layers with different orientations instead of a barrier layer, the invention removes the need to manufacture, assemble, and align barrier layer structures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining 3D viewing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of how 3D separation is achieved - instead of using physical barrier structures, the invention uses optical parameter differentiation through liquid crystal molecular orientation (vertical vs. horizontal alignment). This parameter change allows 3D display to be achieved through electrical and optical control rather than physical structuring, simplifying manufacturing
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 solution enables LCDs to display 3D images at the same frame rate and resolution as 2D images, without increasing manufacturing costs or reducing luminance, by using all pixels for image display and eliminating the need for a barrier layer that blocks light.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the active liquid crystal layer may be individually controlled to provide retardation of the light such that intensity of the light passing through each pixel may be reduced
Implementation Method 2
a first liquid crystal (LC) layer defining a plurality of first pixels... and a second LC layer defining a plurality of second pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An LCD device operably switchable between 2D and 3D display modes includes an active retardation panel having a plurality of retardation pixels arranged in at least M*N retardation pixel matrix with a first liquid crystal (LC) layer, and an LCD panel positioned having a plurality of display pixels arranged in at least M*N display pixel matrix with a second LC layer. Each retardation pixel has a first retardation A(i, j), and each display pixel has a second retardation B(i, j). The active retardation panel and LCD panel are arranged such that the retardation pixel matrix is positioned corresponding to the display pixel matrix, and an image displayed from each display pixel and passed through corresponding retardation pixel is simultaneously viewable by left and right eyes of a viewer and satisfies with:L(i,j)=f[A(i+1,j)+B(i,j)], and R(i,j)=f[A(i,j)+B(i,j)].L(i, j) and R(i, j) are respectively left-eye and right-eye viewed gray levels of the image.