Lightweight, compact 2D/3D autostereoscopic LCD backlight for games, monitor, and notebook applications

DTI has demonstrated a backlight for LCDs that creates autostereoscopic 3D with no sacrifice in quality to conventional 2D images. The new backlight is comparable in size and cost to standard 2D backlights and can be manufactured using similar processes. Prototypes have been used in amusement games, LCD desk top monitors, and PC Notebooks. An acrylic light guide accepts light from a miniature fluorescent lamp. Linear structures on one side of the guide reflect light traveling through it toward the LCD. A lenticular lens images the light from the structures into a much larger number of thin light lines within the LCD glass. These lines are spaced in a precise relationship with the pixels of the LCD so that an observer sitting in front of the display sees all the light lines through the odd columns of pixels with the left eye and through the even columns of pixels with the right eye. An electronic shutter is placed between the light guide and the lenticular lens. In the off state the shutter will diffuse the light from the light lines for 2D mode viewing. In the clear state (power on), the light lines are visible for 3D mode viewing.