Variable Lens Array Spacer Placement for Liquid Crystal Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image display apparatuses using variable lens arrays with liquid crystal GRIN lenses, the presence of spacers between substrates disrupts the orientation of liquid crystal molecules, leading to deteriorated lens performance and image quality due to their thickness being significant compared to pixel width.
Innovation Solution
The use of wall-shaped or columnar spacers is implemented at specific positions, such as center or boundary portions of lens lines, where the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules remains unchanged, maintaining a consistent optical relationship with the spacers even when refractive power is altered, thereby reducing the impact on lens performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spherical spacers are used to hold space between substrates in variable lens array, then the lens line structure is formed, but the orientation of liquid crystal molecules around the spacers becomes chaotic, deteriorating lens performance and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different spacer types at different locations: wall-shaped spacers are placed at center portions of lens lines where molecular orientation is critical, while columnar spacers are used at boundary portions. This localized differentiation maintains molecular orientation consistency in key areas while still providing necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wall-shaped spacers as intermediary structures between the substrates at specific locations. These spacers act as mediators that maintain the required spacing while preserving liquid crystal molecule orientation, preventing the chaotic orientation that would occur with spherical spacers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid crystal layer is made thicker to form lens lines, then the refractive power can be varied, but the image quality deteriorates due to spacer-induced molecular orientation chaos
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by strategically placing wall-shaped spacers only at center portions of lens lines where molecular orientation is most sensitive, while using columnar spacers at boundary portions. This localized approach maintains the thickness required for lens line formation and refractive power variation while minimizing disruption to molecular orientation and image quality.
3Device complexity
If spacers are used to maintain space between substrates, then the variable lens array structure is established, but the optical performance deteriorates due to disrupted liquid crystal molecule orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different spacer configurations at different locations within the lens array. Wall-shaped spacers are positioned at center portions of lens lines where optical performance is critical, while columnar spacers are used at boundary portions. This differentiated approach maintains the necessary structural complexity for variable lens array functionality while preserving optical performance through localized molecular orientation control.
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 configuration minimizes the deterioration in image quality by maintaining consistent lens performance across varying refractive power settings, ensuring clear stereoscopic and normal image display.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer which is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, in which a value of a refractive power of each lens line thereof is changed by a voltage which is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
wall-shaped or columnar spacers are provided in a place, in which an orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is unchanged when the value of the refractive power of each lens line thereof is changed
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus includes: an image display section that displays a two-dimensional image; and a variable lens array that includes a first substrate having a first electrode, a second substrate having a second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer which is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The value of the refractive power of each lens line thereof is changed by a voltage which is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. The variable lens array is disposed to be opposed to the image display section. Wall-shaped or columnar spacers are provided in a place, in which an orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is unchanged when the value of the refractive power of each lens line thereof is changed, between the first substrate and the second substrate of the variable lens array.