Optical Analysis for the 3D Display with a Lenticular Lens Array

초록

In this study, we suggested three-dimensional simulation method for the 3D display with a slanted lenticular lens array. First, we calculated the lens parameters such as lens pitch and the focal lengths using design conditions of the display panel [1]. The mathematical expression of the slated lenticular lens used in the simulation was obtained by rotating the cylinder equation with respected to the vertical axis of the display panel by the slanted angle[2]. The refracting points and the transmitted light rays at the lenticular surface are then obtained by the Snell's law of refraction in order to carry out the finite ray tracing for the light from the pixel of the display panel. In order to verify the validity of our simulation method, we compared the simulation results with those of the conventional method for a 2 view 3D high definition liquid crystal display with a slanted lenticular lens at 4.5inches[3]. The figure shows the simulation results for the intensity distribution of the light on the plane of observation at an optimal viewing distance. As shown in the figure, the peak-to-peak distance between the two views is calculated to be an inter-ocular distance of 65mm in horizontal direction at an optimal viewing distance of 30cm. The results agree well with those obtained by the conventional method. It is also observed that the shape of the viewing zone, determined from the intensity distribution on the plane of observation, is tilted due to the slanted structure of lenticular array. The results reveal that the present simulation method has a potentiality to predict the optical characteristics of the lenticular 3D display. In addition, it is expected that the present method can be used for the optimal design of the 3D display with the lenticular lens array regardless of the type of the display panel.