2D/3D Switchable Display Module Signal Multiplexing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 2D-3D switchable displays for mobile devices face challenges in cost and manufacturing complexity due to the need for double resolution and increased thickness, especially when implementing 2D-3D switchable functions, as they require double gate/data signal inputs and larger image inputs in 3D mode.

Innovation Solution

A 2D/3D switchable display module that uses a gate driver or data driver to provide the same signal to multiple gate lines or data lines simultaneously, allowing for efficient image display in both 2D and 3D modes without the need for double resolution or increased thickness, by utilizing a system-on-glass (SOG) circuit and thin film transistors (TFTs) for reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If double resolution is used to achieve 2D-3D switchable function, then 3D display capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to double gate driver input pins and double data signal input requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve2D-3D switchable functionVSAvoidgate driver input pins and signal processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same display panel and driver circuitry to operate in both 2D and 3D modes without requiring separate double-resolution circuits. The optical module (lenticular lens or parallax barrier) combined with the existing pixel structure allows a single set of gate and data lines to serve dual purposes: displaying standard 2D images and generating 3D stereoscopic images by controlling light direction to separate views for left and right eyes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the 2D and 3D display functions into a single integrated system. By combining the display panel with an optical module that can redirect light paths, the system achieves both 2D and 3D capabilities through unified hardware. The same pixel array and driver circuits handle both modes, eliminating the need for separate double-resolution signal paths and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed type lenticular lens or parallax barrier is used for 2D-3D switching, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but thickness of the display increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing procedureVSAvoiddisplay thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin-film optical elements (lenticular lens or parallax barrier) that can be integrated directly onto the display panel surface. These thin optical layers provide the necessary light redirection functionality for 3D display while adding minimal thickness to the overall display structure, avoiding the need for bulky mechanical switching components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If switchable lenticular lens or parallax barrier with invalid performance in 2D mode is used, then double resolution requirement is eliminated, but manufacturing procedure becomes harder and display thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing loadingVSAvoidmanufacturing procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing an optical module that works effectively in both 2D and 3D modes. The lenticular lens or parallax barrier is configured to provide minimal interference in 2D mode while enabling full 3D functionality when activated, eliminating the need for switchable components with invalid performance in one mode and simplifying manufacturing compared to complex switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables cost-effective and efficient switching between 2D and 3D modes without compromising image resolution, reducing manufacturing complexity and maintaining normal image size, thus addressing the limitations of existing 2D-3D switchable displays.

Implementation Method 1

The lenticular lens type display use lens to refract and separate light propagation path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9118908B2Two dimensional/three dimensional switchable module and a method of driving the same
Publication Date: 2015.08.25 INNOLUX CORP
  • US9118908B2 patent drawing
  • US9118908B2 patent drawing
  • US9118908B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A two dimensional/three dimensional (2D/3D) switchable display module comprising a display panel, an optical module, a gate driver and a data driver is disclosed. The display panel comprises a plurality of sub pixels electrically coupled to a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines. The optical module is disposed on the display panel for changing light path from the display panel. The gate driver provides a plurality of scan signals to the gate lines. The data driver provides a plurality of data signals to the data lines. The gate driver provides the same scan signal to more than one gate lines at a same time or the data driver provides the same data signal to more than one data lines at a same time for displaying images.