Novel low-cost 2D/3D switchable autostereoscopic system for notebook computers and other portable devices

Jesse B. Eichenlaub

doi:10.1117/12.205850

30 March 1995 Novel low-cost 2D/3D switchable autostereoscopic system for notebook computers and other portable devices

Jesse B. Eichenlaub

Proceedings Volume 2409, Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems II; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.205850
Event: IS&T/SPIE's Symposium on Electronic Imaging: Science and Technology, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Mounting a lenticular lens in front of a flat panel display is a well known, inexpensive, and easy way to create an autostereoscopic system. Such a lens produces half resolution 3D images because half the pixels on the LCD are seen by the left eye and half by the right eye. This may be acceptable for graphics, but it makes full resolution text, as displayed by common software, nearly unreadable. Very fine alignment tolerances normally preclude the possibility of removing and replacing the lens in order to switch between 2D and 3D applications. Lenticular lens based displays are therefore limited to use as dedicated 3D devices. DTI has devised a technique which removes this limitation, allowing switching between full resolution 2D and half resolution 3D imaging modes. A second element, in the form of a concave lenticular lens array whose shape is exactly the negative of the first lens, is mounted on a hinge so that it can be swung down over the first lens array. When so positioned the two lenses cancel optically, allowing the user to see full resolution 2D for text or numerical applications. The two lenses, having complementary shapes, naturally tend to nestle together and snap into perfect alignment when pressed together--thus obviating any need for user operated alignment mechanisms. This system represents an ideal solution for laptop and notebook computer applications. It was devised to meet the stringent requirements of a laptop computer manufacturer including very compact size, very low cost, little impact on existing manufacturing or assembly procedures, and compatibility with existing full resolution 2D text- oriented software as well as 3D graphics. Similar requirements apply to high and electronic calculators, several models of which now use LCDs for the display of graphics.

Citation Download Citation

Jesse B. Eichenlaub "Novel low-cost 2D/3D switchable autostereoscopic system for notebook computers and other portable devices", Proc. SPIE 2409, Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems II, (30 March 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.205850

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