Optical Steering Display Device to Realize Lens-less Integral 3D TV System

Efforts to improve picture quality of integral 3D system

We at STRL are developing a display system for integral 3D based on a lens-array scheme that consists of a large number of micro-optical lenses. In this scheme, a light beam from each pixel on the display panel is emitted toward the center of each micro-optical lens. A group of light beams from different directions constructs a 3D image (Figure 1 (a)). The viewing zone angle and resolution are the most important parameters when displaying high-resolution and high-quality stereoscopic video.

High quality 3D image can be obtained by expanding the capturing angles of the micro-optical lens, and reducing the gaps between lenses. For example, we can achieve higher-quality 3D images by using a high number density lens array that broadens the viewing zone angle and increases the resolution (Figure 1 (b)).

R&D on optical beam steering device

The capabilities of the lens array limit important characteristics that impact the autostereoscopic quality, such as the viewing field and resolution of the integral 3D display. The key to resolving this issue is the development of a new display scheme that does not use a lens array. Thus, STRL has been developing a new technology, an “optical beam steering display device,” capable of controlling the directions and shapes of the light beams from pixels at high speed (Figure 2).

It is believed that the realization of this device will enable wide-viewing-zone-angle and high-resolution integral 3D images, without the restrictions imposed by a lens array. Currently, advances are being made on its design and basic operation through simulations of an electro-optic material that shows a rapid change in its refractive index when an external voltage is applied.

Our R&D will continue with the goal of realizing a high-quality integral 3D television system.