Epson Technology
C2FINETM
The realization of a high quality image through inorganic alignment layer and vertical alignment technology
C2FINETM is based on inorganic alignment layer and vertical alignment technology.
By using this technology it is possible to achieve lustrous, high contrast, high quality images.
| High Contrast | High contrast is achieved through vertical alignment technology. |
|---|---|
| Pure Black | A deep and pure black color is achieved with vertical alignment technology + Normally Black mode |
| Silky Image | A smooth image was attained by developing inorganic alignment layers. |
| Contrast | Blackness | Alignment uneveness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2 FINE | very good Several times higher |
very good Normally Black |
very good Rubbing-less process |
| Conventional technology |
good | good Normally White |
good Rubbing process |
Inorganic Alignment Technology
Alignment process:
Physical processing performed to align liquid crystal elements in the same direction.
alignment layer production process
When an organic alignment layer is mechanically treated (rubbed with a rubbing roll as shown in the figure), it becomes structured in a way that aligns the liquid crystals in a given orientation.
Inorganic alignment layer production process
In contrast to the organic alignment layer process, the inorganic alignment technology uses inorganic material to create the surface onto which the liquid crystal molecules align.
The layer thickness is controlled at the molecular level, and the alignment structure is generated with a contact-less process, thus there is no problem of unevenness.
What's vertical alignment?
TN mode: Nomally white mode
TN=Twisted Nematic
The Nematic liquid crystal molecules injected between two glass plates are aligned so that they twist by an angle of 90-degrees between the glass plates without an applied voltage (OFF stage).
In this stage, light is transmitted thus a "white" image is shown. When a voltage is applied (ON), the liquid crystal molecules are set upright in a vertical direction, thus light is blocked and a "black" image is shown. This is called the normally white mode.
In this case, a certain degree of light leakage occurs since not all liquid crystal molecules turn into the same (upright) direction, causing a lower contrast with lighter blacks.
VA mode: Normally Black mode
VA=Vertical Alignment
Vertical Alignment technology means that without a voltage applied, liquid crystal elements stand upright (vertical) and block the light to display a "black" image. When a voltage is applied (ON), the liquid crystal molecules align horizontally and light istransmitted to display a "white" image.
This is called the Normally Black mode.
Since all liquid crystal molecules turn in the same direction when no voltage is applied, there is less light leakage and thus the black level is better, resulting in a higher contrast.
Comparison of images
Bright 3D Drive
Hybrid driving technology by means of driving the LCD panel faster.
One of the primary formats for displaying 3D images is called "frame-sequential 3D." This format requires the viewer to wear special glasses, the lenses of which serve as active shutters that alternately block and transmit light. Frame-sequential 3D systems display on a screen a series of rapidly alternating frames, each successive frame carrying an image meant for either the right or left eye. The active shutter glasses are synchronized with the images so that only the right shutter is open when the frame for the right eye is displayed, and only the left shutter is open when the frame for the left eye is displayed. The rapid alternation of the frames causes the viewer to perceive the images in 3D.
The problem with the frame-sequential format is that, in the case of an ordinary LCD panel, both shutters have to be closed for a certain period of time to prevent the wearer from seeing the left and right images briefly overlapped. If both shutters are closed for a relatively long period of time, the brightness of the image will appear far lower than that of a comparable 2D image.
This prompted Epson to develop Bright 3D Drive, a technology that doubles the LCD refresh rate from 240 Hz to 480 Hz. The faster refresh rate allows users to enjoy images that are at least 1.5X brighter*1 than those created on panels refreshed at 240 Hz.
*1 Principles of 3D image projection at a 480 Hz refresh rate
Planarization Technology
Bumps on the internal surface of the glass substrate destroy the orientation of liquid crystal elements and have an adverse effect on the display. Every effort has been made to flatten the surface, and this was finally achieved by introducing a brand new technology which involves polishing the surface in the D4 Series and higher. Through this, disruption of the orientation of liquid crystal elements around the glass substrate can be controlled.
Hybrid Drive Technology
Driving the LCD panel by means of internal and external driver ICs.
Most external LCD driver and controller ICs are mounted on the flexible tape.
Improved Writing Characteristics
The high drive capability and stable writing characteristic of each pixel generates smooth images.
Low Power Consumption
Low power consumption for LCD panel driving (1/10 compared to our conventional 1080p LCD panel)
Reduction of Circuit Board Size
No need to mount several LCD control ICs onto the board Reduced circuit board size -> Projector can be smaller.
Phase Expansion Driving
As LCD panels' resolution becomes higher, video signals are input faster in each pixel. However, the voltage applied to each pixel is not adequate. Phase expansion driving is a system to ensure the input time equals the number of phases deployed, by inputting video signals into multiple pixels simultaneously. It ensures a margin for the input time and stable viewing on high-resolution panels.
