Integral 3D/2D partially convertible display using geometric phase lens array

Abstract

Abstract Conversion between three-dimensional (3D) and high-definition two-dimensional (2D) images is required to reproduce various video content. Conventional 3D/2D conversion methods based on integral 3D displays mainly aim to convert between 3D and 2D images on the entire display screen. Here, we propose a display method for partial conversion between 3D and 2D images using a geometric phase lens (GPL) array for the backlight control of a liquid crystal (LC) panel. In our method, the backlight is switched between a point light source (PLS) array and diffused light using a GPL array, diffusion plate, and polarization switching element. Integral 3D and high-definition 2D images are simultaneously reproduced on the same screen by displaying elemental images and 2D images on the LC panel according to the state of the backlight. Through numerical simulation experiments, we analyzed the resolution characteristics of 3D images and obtained the design policy of the PLS size and pixel size of the LC panel. Based on the analysis results, we prototyped a display system using a monochromatic LC panel with 8K resolution and evaluated the quality of backlight switching and resolution characteristics of 3D images. Further, we confirmed that 3D images with approximately 16,000 pixels and 2D images with 8K resolution are partially convertible.