Switchable Autostereoscopic Display LC Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autostereoscopic display devices with switchable lenticular arrays suffer from undesirable image artefacts in the 2D mode, particularly when viewed from angles other than normal, due to residual lens action.
Innovation Solution
A switchable autostereoscopic display device with an electrically switchable LC layer that changes alignment between 2D and 3D modes, ensuring the polarization direction and LC alignment are within the same plane, eliminating the lens effect in the 2D mode by maintaining a 90-degree angle between polarization and optical axis independent of viewing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lenticular array is used to provide stereoscopic views, then a 3D image can be displayed, but the horizontal resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lenticular array is made electrically switchable, allowing it to dynamically change between providing stereoscopic views and providing a planar transparent sheet. This enables the display to adapt between 3D and 2D modes, resolving the contradiction by making the resolution loss temporary and controllable rather than permanent.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index of the lenticular elements is changed electrically to alter their optical properties. By switching the refractive index between two values, the lenticular elements can either direct light to create stereoscopic views or act as a planar transparent sheet, thus changing the parameter that causes the contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lenticular elements act as a planar transparent sheet in 2D mode, then high resolution is achieved, but lens action artefacts appear when viewed from non-normal angles
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index parameter of the lenticular elements is electrically controlled to switch between two specific values. One value creates the planar transparent sheet effect for high resolution, while the other value eliminates lens action artefacts when viewed from non-normal angles. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different viewing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
An electric field is introduced as an intermediary to control the optical properties of the lenticular elements. The electric field mediates between the conflicting requirements of high resolution and artefact-free viewing by adjusting the refractive index of the liquid crystal material in the lenticular elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the refractive index of lenticular elements is switched between two values, then switching between 2D and 3D modes is achieved, but lens action artefacts persist in 2D mode from non-normal viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index is changed between two specifically selected values that address both the switching capability and the artefact problem. The first refractive index value enables the planar transparent sheet mode for high resolution, while the second value is specifically chosen to eliminate lens action artefacts when viewed from non-normal angles, thus resolving the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or approximation of a perfect planar transparent sheet by using liquid crystal material with a specific refractive index that matches the surrounding medium. This copying approach allows the lenticular elements to simulate ideal planar behavior and eliminate artefacts while maintaining the ability to switch to 3D mode.
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 solution prevents image artefacts in the 2D mode by aligning the LC molecules within the plane of the display, allowing for seamless switching between 2D and 3D modes without compromising image quality, even when viewed from non-normal angles.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically switchable LC layer which defines a lens pattern or a lens replica pattern, wherein the LC alignment of the LC layer is electrically switchable
Implementation Method 2
The electrical potential alters the refractive index of the lenticular elements in relation to that of an adjacent optically transparent layer
Implementation Method 3
a lens arrangement for directing the output from different pixels to different spatial positions to enable a stereoscopic image to be viewed
Implementation Method 4
wherein the light output of the display panel is polarized in the second direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A switchable autostereoscopic display device comprises a display panel having an array of display pixels for producing a display, the display pixels being arranged in rows and columns, and a lens arrangement with an array of slanted elongate lenses for directing the output from different pixels to different spatial positions to enable a stereoscopic image to be viewed, the lens arrangement being in a plane parallel to the display panel. The lens arrangement comprises an electrically switchable LC layer which defines a lens pattern or a lens replica pattern, wherein the LC alignment of the LC layer is electrically switchable such that the lens arrangement is switchable between a 2D mode and a 3D mode. In the 2D mode, the LC alignment is in a first direction substantially within the plane of the lens arrangement, and in the 3D mode the LC alignment is in a second, perpendicular direction also substantially within the plane of the lens arrangement. The light output of the display panel is polarized in the second direction. This arrangement enables a perpendicular relationship between the output of the display panel and the LC alignment direction to be maintained for two perpendicular viewing planes.