Analysis of the performance of a flat panel display system convertible between 2D and autostereoscopic 3D modes

One recently reported approach to flat panel autostereoscopic 3D displays under investigation at Sharp Laboratories of Europe Ltd. (SLE) uses a high precision patterned optical half wave retarder combined with a re-configurable output polariser to “develop” a parallax barrier structure attached to an LCD display panel. Such a barrier is invisible without the polariser and thus a 2D/3D configurable display can be formed. A discussion of cross talk and white level variation in the 3D mode will be made with reference to Fresnel diffraction in the display. A model will be presented and justified in the light of the panel geometry. This model will be compared with measured cross talk, window structure and white level variation in such a 2D/3D configurable system. The implications that the shape of the transmitting profile has on 3D-display cross talk will be discussed.