Electronic Devices

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electronic device, comprising: a display unit; a first dimming unit; and a second dimming unit, wherein the display unit, the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit at least partially overlap, and at least one of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) type liquid crystal unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a privacy electronic device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, privacy display devices have been developed for various purposes, such as automotive displays, laptop displays, personal computer screens, ATM displays, etc. The demand for privacy display devices depends on the product. In addition, some privacy display devices need to have a switching function between a wide viewing angle mode (i.e., public mode) and a narrow viewing angle mode (i.e., private mode).

[0003] However, currently used privacy display devices have certain disadvantages. For example, the brightness of the display device is not low enough at a wide viewing angle, and other people near the user may feel irritated.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel privacy electronic device to improve the shortcomings of the currently used privacy display devices. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an electronic device, characterized in that it includes: a display unit; a first dimming unit; and a second dimming unit; wherein the display unit, the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit at least partially overlap, and at least one of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) type liquid crystal unit.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides another electronic device, characterized in that it includes: a first dimming unit; and a second dimming unit, including a plurality of pixels, wherein at least one of the pixels includes a display area and a viewing angle change area, and the operation mode of the display area is different from the operation mode of the viewing angle change area.

[0007] Other novel features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A for Figure 1 The cross-sectional diagram of the display unit and the second dimming unit of the electronic device in the wide viewing angle mode is shown.

[0010] Figure 2B for Figure 1 The cross-sectional diagram of the display unit and the second dimming unit of the electronic device in the narrow viewing angle mode is shown.

[0011] Figure 3is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4A for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a top view of a pixel of an electronic device.

[0013] Figure 4B for Figure 3 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of a second dimming unit of an electronic device in a wide viewing angle mode.

[0014] Figure 4C for Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a second dimming unit of an electronic device in a narrow viewing angle mode.

[0015] Figure 5 In one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 The pixel circuit diagram of the second dimming unit is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 In another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 The pixel circuit diagram of the second dimming unit is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 The pixel circuit diagram of the second dimming unit is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] In the figure,

[0025] 11 Display unit

[0026] 12. First dimming unit

[0027] 12a First-person perspective change area

[0028] 12b First Virtual Zone

[0029] 13. Second dimming unit

[0030] 13' Second dimming unit

[0031] 13a Second perspective change area

[0032] 13b Second virtual zone

[0033] 14 Backlight module

[0034] 15. First polarizer

[0035] 16 Second polarizer

[0036] 17 Third polarizer

[0037] 18 Voltage Source

[0038] 111 First Substrate

[0039] 112 common electrode

[0040] 113 Insulation layer

[0041] 114 pixel electrodes

[0042] 115 first display medium layer

[0043] 116 Second substrate

[0044] 131 Third substrate

[0045] 132 first electrode

[0046] 133 second display medium layer

[0047] 134 Second electrode

[0048] 135 Fourth substrate

[0049] 141 Collimated backlight module

[0050] 142 Active Diffuser

[0051] 143 Grid Film

[0052] 144 Transparent backlight module

[0053] 144' Transparent Backlight Module

[0054] CL1, CL2 capacitors

[0055] CS1 storage capacitor

[0056] D1 First data line

[0057] D2 Second data line

[0058] P Pixel

[0059] R1 Display Area

[0060] R2 Perspective Change Zone

[0061] S1 First scan line

[0062] S2 Second scan line

[0063] TFT1 First transistor

[0064] TFT2 The second transistor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following description provides different embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments are used to illustrate the technical content of the present disclosure, but are not used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. A feature described in one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments through appropriate modification, replacement, combination, or separation.

[0066] It should be noted that, herein, unless otherwise specified, when a component is described as including a component, it means that the component may include one or more components, and does not mean that the component has only one component.

[0067] In addition, in this document, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish multiple components with the same name, and do not indicate the existence of a hierarchy, level, execution order, or process order between them. A "first" component and a "second" component may appear together in the same component, or appear in different components. The presence of a component with a larger ordinal number does not necessarily indicate the presence of another component with a smaller ordinal number.

[0068] In this document, unless otherwise specified, the so-called feature A "or" or "and / or" feature B means that feature A exists alone, feature B exists alone, or features A and B exist at the same time. Feature A "and" feature B means that feature A and feature B exist at the same time. The terms "include", "comprising", "having", and "containing" mean including but not limited to these.

[0069] In addition, in this document, the terms "upper", "above", "lower", "below", "front", "back" or "middle", as well as the terms "above", "below" or "between", are used to describe the relative positions between multiple components, and the relative positions may be interpreted to include their translation, rotation, or mirroring.

[0070] Furthermore, terms such as "above", "over", or "on" mentioned in the specification and claims may refer to direct contact with another component or indirect contact with another component. Similarly, terms such as "below" or "beneath" mentioned in the specification and claims may refer to direct contact with another component or indirect contact with another component.

[0071] Furthermore, terms such as “connected” in the specification and claims may refer to being directly connected to another component or being indirectly connected but electrically connected to another component.

[0072] Furthermore, when a value is within the range from a first value to a second value, the value may be the first value, the second value, or another value between the first value and the second value.

[0073] In addition, in this document, unless otherwise specified, a numerical value may be interpreted as covering a range within ±20% of the numerical value, in particular, a range within ±10%, ±5%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1% or ±0.5% of the numerical value. The numerical values ​​given in this specification are approximate values, that is, in the absence of a specific description of "about", the meaning of "about" may still be implied.

[0074] In this document, unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that, unless otherwise defined in the embodiments of the present disclosure, these terms (such as terms defined in commonly used dictionaries) should have the same meaning as known in the art, the prior art of the present disclosure, or the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner.

[0075] Herein, the term "narrow viewing angle mode" refers to a privacy mode, for example, an image displayed on an electronic device can be seen within a viewing angle range of 25 degrees, and the range of ±10 degrees or ±5 degrees of 25 degrees is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. The term "wide viewing angle mode" refers to a public mode, for example, an image displayed on an electronic device can be seen within a viewing angle range close to 90 degrees (e.g., 80 degrees). The term "low contrast ratio (CR)" represents a contrast ratio ranging from 0.2 to 5. The term "dark state" represents that the brightness of the electronic device is 2% of the maximum brightness of the grayscale.

[0076] The term "viewing angle" may be defined as follows. Define a direction perpendicular to the surface of a side of the electronic device that is close to the user (i.e., the display side). Define a first virtual line that is substantially parallel to the direction and is a line connecting the user's eye and the center of the display side of the electronic device (or a point close to the center within an allowable deviation range; or a point on the center line of the display side, where the center line may be substantially parallel to one side edge of the display side). When the user moves (for example, along a moving direction parallel to the display side), define a second virtual line that is a line connecting the center of the display side of the electronic device (or a point close to the center within an allowable deviation range) and the position of the user's eye, at which point the user can still see the image displayed by the electronic device. The angle between the first virtual line and the second virtual line is defined as the viewing angle.

[0077] The electronic device of the present disclosure may include a display device, an antenna device, a sensing device, a touch device, a curved electronic device or a non-rectangular electronic device (free shape display), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device of the present disclosure may be a bendable or flexible display device. The display device may, for example, include a tiled display device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device of the present disclosure may be a combination of the above devices, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the shape of the electronic device of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and may be a rectangular, circular, polygonal, a shape with curved edges or other suitable shapes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device of the present disclosure may include a drive system, a control system, a light source system, a shelf system or other peripheral systems to support a display device or a tiled display device. The electronic device of the present disclosure will be described below using a display device as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] Figure 1 The electronic device of this embodiment includes: a display unit 11; a first dimming unit 12; and a second dimming unit 13, wherein the display unit 11, the first dimming unit 12 and the second dimming unit 13 at least partially overlap.

[0079] Here, the display unit 11 is used to display an image. In one embodiment, the display unit 11 may be a liquid crystal unit, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In more detail, the display unit 11 may include two substrates, a liquid crystal, a plurality of pixels and a color filter, wherein the liquid crystal, the plurality of pixels and the color filter are arranged between the two substrates. The driving mode of the liquid crystal of the display unit 11 is not particularly limited. For example, the driving mode of the liquid crystal may be an in-plane switching (IPS) type, a fringe field switching (FFS) type, a vertical alignment (VA) type, a twisted nematic (TN) type, an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) type or an optically compensated birefringence (OCB) type, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the display unit 11 may be a self-luminous display unit, including a plurality of pixels that can produce different colors. For example, multiple pixels may include organic light emitting diodes (OLED), inorganic light emitting diodes (ILED), sub-millimeter light emitting diodes (mini-LEDs), micro light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs), quantum dots (QDs), quantum dot diodes (QLED / QDLED), electrophoresis, fluorescence, phosphor, other suitable materials, or combinations of the foregoing materials, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0080] In addition, at least one of the first dimming unit 12 and the second dimming unit 13 is an ECB liquid crystal unit. In some embodiments, the first dimming unit 12 can be an ECB liquid crystal unit, a TN liquid crystal unit, a VA liquid crystal unit or a VA-ECB hybrid liquid crystal unit.

[0081] Furthermore, the second dimming unit 13 can be an ECB type liquid crystal unit.

[0082] The electronic device of the present embodiment includes: a first polarizer 15 and a second polarizer 16, wherein the display unit 11 and the second dimming unit 13 are arranged between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16, and the second dimming unit 13 is arranged on the display unit 11. Therefore, the relative positions of the first polarizer 15, the second polarizer 16, the second dimming unit 13 and the display unit 11 can have a low CR (contrast) function. In some embodiments, the number and position of the polarizers can be adjusted as needed. In addition, if necessary, the electronic device of the present disclosure can also include other optical films such as prism sheets, diffusors, and bright enhancement films.

[0083] The electronic device of the present disclosure further includes: a third polarizer 17, wherein the first dimming unit 12 is disposed between the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17. Here, the relative positions of the first polarizer 15, the second polarizer 16, the third polarizer 17, the display unit 11, the first dimming unit 12 and the second dimming unit 13 are as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device can have both low contrast function and dark state function in narrow viewing angle mode. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, two different polarizers can be used as the second polarizer, one is arranged on and adjacent to the second dimming unit 13, and the other is arranged under and adjacent to the first dimming unit 12. In this embodiment, the relative positions of the above-mentioned one polarizer, the second dimming unit 13, the display unit 11 and the first polarizer 15 can have a low contrast function in narrow viewing angle mode. The relative positions of the above-mentioned other polarizer, the first dimming unit 12 and the third polarizer 17 can have a dark state function in narrow viewing angle mode, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0084] For the dark state function, in the wide viewing angle mode, no liquid crystal retardation occurs at all viewing angles, so the image displayed by the display unit 11 can be seen from all viewing angles. In the narrow viewing angle mode, there is no or almost no liquid crystal retardation at the on-axis or user viewing angle (e.g., within 25 degrees), but there is significant liquid crystal retardation at the off-axis or viewing angle outside the user viewing angle (e.g., more than 25 degrees). Therefore, the image displayed by the display unit 11 can be seen from the user viewing angle, but cannot be seen from viewing angles outside the user viewing angle.

[0085] In the electronic device of the present embodiment, the first polarizer 15, the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17 can be any retardation film, such as A-plate, C-plate, O-film, discotic LC film, or a combination thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the first polarizer 15, the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17 can be the same or different from each other.

[0086] As described above, the electronic device of the present embodiment combines a low CR function and a dark state function. When the electronic device is in a narrow viewing angle mode, the image displayed by the display unit 11 is visible within the user's viewing angle (e.g., within 25 degrees); however, the image displayed by the display unit 11 is invisible at a narrow viewing angle (e.g., within a range of 25 to 40 degrees) due to the low CR, and is also invisible at a wide viewing angle (e.g., within a range of 40 to 80 degrees) due to the low CR and being sufficiently dark. In particular, the brightness of the electronic device at a wide viewing angle is lower, so when the electronic device is in a narrow viewing angle mode, it will not interfere with people near the user. Due to design or process errors of the electronic device, the range of ±5 degrees or ±10 degrees of the viewing angle described herein is still included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] The electronic device of this embodiment has both a dark state function and a low CR function, so when the electronic device is in a narrow viewing angle mode, the brightness at viewing angles outside the user's viewing angle is sufficiently low. Therefore, people near the user cannot see the image displayed on the electronic device, or due to insufficient darkness, people will not be disturbed by the electronic device.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, in the electronic device of this embodiment, the second dimming unit 13 is arranged on the display unit 11, the first dimming unit 12 is arranged on the second dimming unit 13, the second dimming unit 13 and the display unit 11 are arranged between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16, and the first dimming unit 12 is arranged between the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17.

[0089] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second dimming unit 13 and the display unit 11 may be disposed between the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17, and the second dimming unit 13 is disposed on the display unit 11. The first dimming unit 12 is disposed between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16. Therefore, the second dimming unit 13 and the display unit 11 are disposed on the first dimming unit 12. Thus, the relative positions of the second polarizer 16, the display unit 11, the second dimming unit 13 and the third polarizer 17 may have a low CR function. The relative positions of the first polarizer 15, the second polarizer 16, the third polarizer 17, the display unit 11, the first dimming unit 12 and the second dimming unit 13 described in this embodiment may have a low contrast function and a dark state function at the same time in a narrow viewing angle mode. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0090] Furthermore, the electronic device of this embodiment may further selectively include a backlight module 14, which is disposed under the display unit 11, the first dimming unit 12, and the second dimming unit 13. In some embodiments, the backlight module 14 may be a direct-lit backlight module or an edge-lit backlight module, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0091] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are Figure 1 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display unit and the second dimming unit in the wide viewing angle mode and in the narrow viewing angle mode is shown. Here, for example, the liquid crystal driving mode of the display unit 11 can be IPS type. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure can use any liquid crystal driving mode. In addition, the second dimming unit 13 can use ECB type.

[0092] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the display unit 11 includes: a first substrate 111; a second substrate 116, which is opposite to the first substrate 111; a common electrode 112, which is disposed on the first substrate 111; an insulating layer 113, which is disposed on the common electrode 112; a pixel electrode 114, which is disposed on the insulating layer 113; and a first display medium layer 115, which is disposed between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 116. Here, a plurality of transistors (not disclosed in the figure) electrically connected to the pixel electrode 114 are disposed on the first substrate 111. The common electrode 112 may be a planar electrode, and the pixel electrode 114 may be a patterned electrode, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Even if not disclosed in the figure, in some embodiments, the display unit 11 may selectively include a color filter layer and a black matrix layer, which are formed on the first substrate 111 or the second substrate 116, respectively. In addition, the first display medium layer 115 may be a liquid crystal layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0093] The second dimming unit 13 includes: a third substrate 131; a fourth substrate 135, which is opposite to the third substrate 131; a first electrode 132, which is disposed on the third substrate 131; a second electrode 134, which is disposed on the fourth substrate 135; and a second display medium layer 133, which is disposed between the third substrate 131 and the fourth substrate 135. The first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134 can be planar electrodes, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second display medium layer 133 can be a liquid crystal layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, an alignment layer can be disposed between the second display medium layer 133 and the second electrode 134; and another alignment layer can be disposed between the second display medium layer 133 and the first electrode 132.

[0094] like Figure 2A As shown, when the electronic device is in the wide viewing angle mode, there is no voltage difference between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. For example, in one embodiment, no voltage is applied to the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. In another embodiment, the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134 are applied with the same voltage. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 2B As shown, when the electronic device is in a narrow viewing angle mode, there is a voltage difference between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. In one embodiment, no voltage is applied to the first electrode 132 and a predetermined voltage is applied to the second electrode 134. In another embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrode 132 and no voltage is applied to the second electrode 134. In yet another embodiment, different voltages are applied to the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Here, the voltage difference causes the liquid crystal molecules in the display medium layer 133 to rotate, and the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules does not affect the brightness of the second dimming unit 13 at the user's viewing angle (e.g., within 25 degrees), but will cause the brightness at a narrow viewing angle (e.g., within a range of 25 degrees to 40 degrees) and a wide viewing angle (e.g., within a range of 40 degrees to 80 degrees) to increase. Therefore, the purpose of low CR at narrow viewing angles and wide viewing angles is achieved.

[0095] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4A for Figure 3 The electronic device of this embodiment includes: a first dimming unit 12; and a second dimming unit 13', including a plurality of pixels P, wherein at least one of the plurality of pixels P includes a display area R1 and a viewing angle change area R2, and the operation mode of the display area R1 is different from the operation mode of the viewing angle change area R2. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The electronic devices shown differ in that Figure 1 The electronic device includes a display unit 11 and a second dimming unit 13, but Figure 3 The electronic device includes a second dimming unit 13' having a pixel P. Therefore, the second dimming unit 13' of the present embodiment can be regarded as a display unit having a dimming function.

[0096] The electronic device of this embodiment further includes a first polarizer 15 and a second polarizer 16 , wherein the second dimming unit 13 ′ is disposed between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16 .

[0097] The electronic device of this embodiment further includes a third polarizer 17 , wherein the first dimming unit 12 is disposed between the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17 .

[0098] Furthermore, the electronic device of this embodiment may further selectively include a backlight module 14 disposed below the first dimming unit 12 and the second dimming unit 13'. In some embodiments, the backlight module 14 may be a direct-lit backlight module or an edge-lit backlight module, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0099] The first polarizer 15 , the second polarizer 16 , the third polarizer 17 and the backlight module 14 are similar to those described above and are not described in detail herein.

[0100] like Figure 4A As shown, the liquid crystal molecules in the display area R1 can be driven by the IPS type, and the liquid crystal molecules in the viewing angle change area R2 can be driven by the ECB type. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display area R1 can use a self-luminous display medium. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 4B and Figure 4C They are Figure 3 The cross-sectional views of the second dimming unit 13 ′ in the wide viewing angle mode and in the narrow viewing angle mode are shown.

[0101] like FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C As shown, the second dimming unit 13' includes: a first substrate 111; a second substrate 116, opposite to the first substrate 111; a common electrode 112, disposed on the first substrate 111; an insulating layer 113, disposed on the common electrode 112; a pixel electrode 114, disposed on the insulating layer 113; and a first display medium layer 115, disposed between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 116. Here, the pixel electrode 114 is disposed in the display area R1 of the pixel P, rather than in the viewing angle change area R2 of the pixel P. Here, a plurality of transistors (not disclosed in the figure) electrically connected to the pixel electrode 114 are disposed on the first substrate 111. The common electrode 112 is a planar electrode, and the pixel electrode 114 is a patterned electrode. Even if not disclosed in the figure, in some embodiments, the display unit 11 may selectively include a color filter layer and a black matrix layer, which are formed on the first substrate 111 or the second substrate 116, respectively. In addition, the first display medium layer 115 may be a liquid crystal layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the shape or design of the pixel electrode 114 may be adjusted according to actual needs, and is not limited to Figure 4A .

[0102] The second dimming unit 13' further includes: a first electrode 132 disposed on the insulating layer 113, wherein the pixel electrode 114 and the first electrode 132 may be formed of the same layer; and a second electrode 134 disposed on the second substrate 116, wherein the first display medium layer 115 is disposed between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. Here, the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134 are disposed in the viewing angle change region R2 of the pixel P, rather than in the display region R1 of the pixel P. The first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134 may be planar electrodes, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] In addition, an alignment layer is disposed between the pixel electrode 114 and the first display medium layer 115, and between the first electrode 132 and the first display medium layer 115. Another alignment layer is disposed between the second electrode 134 and the first display medium layer 115. The rubbing direction of the alignment layer on the pixel electrode 114 and the first electrode 132 is the same. The rubbing direction of the alignment layer on the pixel electrode 114 and the first electrode 132 is different from (e.g., opposite to) the rubbing direction of the alignment layer on the second electrode 134.

[0104] like Figure 4B As shown, when the electronic device is in the wide viewing angle mode, there is no voltage difference between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. For example, no voltage is applied to the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, the viewing angle change area R2 is dark at all viewing angles, and the image displayed in the display area R1 can be seen by anyone at any viewing angle. Figure 4C As shown, when the electronic device is in the narrow viewing angle mode, there is a voltage difference between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. For example, the second electrode 134 is not applied with a voltage and the first electrode 132 is applied with a predetermined voltage, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Here, the voltage difference causes the liquid crystal molecules in the first display medium layer 115 to rotate, and the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules does not affect the brightness of the viewing angle conversion area R2 of the second dimming unit 13' at the user's viewing angle (for example, within 25 degrees), but will cause the brightness of the viewing angle conversion area R2 at a narrow viewing angle (for example, in the range of 25 degrees to 40 degrees) and a wide viewing angle (for example, in the range of 40 degrees to 80 degrees) to increase. Therefore, due to the low CR, the image displayed in the display area R1 can be seen by the user at the user's viewing angle, but cannot be seen by people at narrow viewing angles and wide viewing angles.

[0105] Here, the relative positions of the first polarizer 15, the second polarizer 16, the third polarizer 17, the first dimming unit 12 and the second dimming unit 13' are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device can have both low contrast function and dark state function in the narrow viewing angle mode.

[0106] Figure 5 In one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 The pixel circuit diagram of the second dimming unit is shown in FIG. Figure 4B and Figure 5 As shown, the voltage source 18 is electrically connected to the first electrode 132 or the second electrode 134 in the viewing angle change region R2. In the wide viewing angle mode, the voltage source 18 does not provide a voltage to the first electrode 132 or the second electrode 134. Therefore, in the wide viewing angle mode, the viewing angle change region R2 is dark at all viewing angles. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage source 18 provides a predetermined voltage to the first electrode 132 or the second electrode 134. Therefore, in the narrow viewing angle mode, the viewing angle change region R2 is in a bright state, and the purpose of low CR can be achieved. Here, in the narrow viewing angle mode, the CR of the second dimming unit 13' can be calculated by the following formula (I), where R1 represents the display area R1 and R2 represents the viewing angle change region R2:

[0107] CR = (R1 brightness in bright state + R2 brightness in bright state) / (R1 brightness in dark state + R2 brightness in bright state) (I).

[0108] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, at least one TFT is disposed in the display region R1, wherein the control end of the TFT is electrically connected to the first scan line S1, the first end of the TFT is electrically connected to the first data line D1, and the second end of the TFT is electrically connected to the capacitor CL1 of the first display medium layer 115 located in the display region R1. The first end of the storage capacitor CS1 is electrically connected to the first end of the capacitor CL1, and the second end of the storage capacitor CS1 and the second end of the capacitor CL2 are grounded. Furthermore, in the viewing angle conversion region R2, one end of the capacitor CL2 of the first display medium layer 115 (or the capacitor between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134) is electrically connected to the voltage source 18, and the other end of the capacitor CL2 is grounded.

[0109] Figure 6 In one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 The pixel circuit diagram of the second dimming unit is shown in FIG. Figure 4B and Figure 6 As shown, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the display area R1 is controlled by the first transistor TFT1, and the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the viewing angle change area R2 is controlled by the second transistor TFT2. Figure 3 ) further includes a first scan line S1, a first data line D1, a second scan line S2 and a second data line D2, a first transistor TFT1 is electrically connected to the first scan line S1 and the first data line D1, and a second transistor TFT2 is electrically connected to the second scan line S2 and the second data line D2. Therefore, the brightness of the display area R1 and the viewing angle change area R2 are controlled by the first transistor TFT1 and the second transistor TFT2, respectively. Figure 4B and Figure 6 As shown, the capacitor CL1 of the first display medium layer 115 is electrically connected to the first transistor TFT1 , and the capacitor CL2 of the first display medium layer 115 (or the capacitor between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134 ) is electrically connected to the second transistor TFT2 .

[0110] In the wide viewing angle mode, no voltage is provided to the first electrode 132 and / or the second electrode 134. Therefore, in the wide viewing angle mode, the viewing angle change area R2 is dark at all viewing angles. In the narrow viewing angle mode, a predetermined voltage is provided to the first electrode 132 or the second electrode 134, so that a voltage difference can be formed between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134, and the viewing angle change area R2 is in a bright state. Therefore, the purpose of low CR in the narrow viewing angle mode can be achieved, and the CR can be close to 0.2 to 5. Here, in the narrow viewing angle mode, the CR of the second dimming unit 13' can be calculated by the following formula (II), where R1 represents the display area R1 and R2 represents the viewing angle change area R2:

[0111] CR = (R1 brightness in bright state + R2 brightness in dark state) / (R1 brightness in dark state + R2 brightness in bright state) (II).

[0112] Figure 7 In one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 The pixel circuit diagram of the second dimming unit is shown. Figure 7 The circuit diagram shown is Figure 6 are similar to those shown, except for the following differences. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the second transistor TFT2 is electrically connected to the second scan line S2 and the second data line D2. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the second dimming unit 13' (such as Figure 3 ) further includes a first scan line S1, a first data line D1 and a second scan line S2, a first transistor TFT1 is electrically connected to the first scan line S1 and the first data line D1, and a second transistor TFT2 is electrically connected to the second scan line S2 and the first data line D1. Figure 4B and Figure 7 As shown, the capacitor CL1 of the first display medium layer 115 is electrically connected to the first transistor TFT1 , and the capacitor CL2 of the first display medium layer 115 (or the capacitor between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134 ) is electrically connected to the second transistor TFT2 .

[0113] Furthermore, if Figure 4B and Figure 7 As shown, the voltage source 18 is also electrically connected to one end of the capacitor CL2 (eg, the first electrode 132 or the second electrode 134) in the viewing angle changing region R2. Therefore, the brightness of the viewing angle changing region R2 is controlled by the second transistor TFT2 and the voltage source 18.

[0114] like Figure 4B and Figure 7 As shown, in the wide viewing angle mode, the voltage is not provided to the first electrode 132 and / or the second electrode 134, and the voltage source 18 does not provide a voltage, so there is no voltage difference between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134. Therefore, in the wide viewing angle mode, the viewing angle change region R2 is dark at all viewing angles. In the narrow viewing angle mode, when the display area R1 is in a dark state, the voltage is not provided to the first electrode 132 and / or the second electrode 134, and the voltage source 18 provides a predetermined voltage, so there is a voltage difference between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134, and the viewing angle change region R2 is in a bright state. In the narrow viewing angle mode, when the display area R1 is in a bright state, the voltage source 18 provides a predetermined voltage, and the same predetermined voltage is provided to the first electrode 132 and / or the second electrode 134, so there is no voltage difference between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134, and the viewing angle change region R2 is in a dark state. Therefore, the purpose of low CR in the narrow viewing angle mode can be achieved, and the CR can be close to 0.2 to 5. Here, in the narrow viewing angle mode, the CR of the second dimming unit 13' can be calculated by the following formula (III), where R1 represents the display area R1, and R2 represents the viewing angle change area R2:

[0115] CR = (R1 bright state brightness + R2 dark state brightness) / (R1 dark state brightness + R2 bright state brightness) (III).

[0116] At Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiment, the voltage provided to the second transistor TFT2 and / or the voltage provided by the voltage source 18 are not particularly limited and can be adjusted according to the brightness of the display area R1. For example, the voltage provided to the second transistor TFT2 and / or the voltage provided by the voltage source 18 can be adjusted so that the brightness of the display area R1 in the bright state is similar to or the same as the brightness of the viewing angle conversion area R2 in the bright state. Therefore, the purpose of low CR or CR close to 0.2 to 5 can be achieved.

[0117] like Figure 3 As shown, in the electronic device of this embodiment, the first dimming unit 12 is disposed on the second dimming unit 13', the second dimming unit 13' is disposed between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16, and the first dimming unit 12 is disposed between the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second dimming unit 13' may be disposed between the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17, and the first dimming unit 12 may be disposed between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16; therefore, the second dimming unit 13' may be disposed on the first dimming unit 12. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0118] like Figure 2A , 2B, 4B and 4C, the first substrate 111, the second substrate 116, the third substrate 131 and the fourth substrate 135 can be a non-flexible substrate, a flexible substrate, a film or a combination thereof, and their materials can include quartz, glass, silicon wafer, sapphire, polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other plastic or polymer materials, or a combination thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the first substrate 111, the second substrate 116, the third substrate 131 or the fourth substrate 135 is a film, it can be a water barrier film or an encapsulating water barrier film formed by a laminated inorganic-organic-inorganic (IOI) insulating layer. In some embodiments, the materials of the first substrate 111, the second substrate 116, the third substrate 131 and the fourth substrate 135 can be the same or different, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0119] The materials of the common electrode 112, the pixel electrode 114, the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 134 may respectively include transparent conductive metal oxides, such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide), AZO (aluminum zinc oxide) or a combination thereof; but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0120] The insulating layer 113 may include an organic material or an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, a resin, a polymer, a photoresist, or a combination thereof; but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0121] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The electronic devices shown are similar except for the following differences.

[0122] like Figure 8As shown, the second dimming unit 13 and the display unit 11 are arranged between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16, the first dimming unit 12 is arranged between the second polarizer 16 and the third polarizer 17, the second dimming unit 13 is arranged on the display unit 11, and the first dimming unit 12 can be arranged under the display unit 11. In addition, the first dimming unit 12 includes a first viewing angle change area 12a and a first virtual area 12b, and the second dimming unit 13 includes a second viewing angle change area 13a and a second virtual area 13b. The first viewing angle change area 12a corresponds to the second viewing angle change area 13a, and in particular, the second viewing angle change area 13a overlaps with the first viewing angle change area 12a. The first virtual area 12b corresponds to the second virtual area 13b, and in particular, the second virtual area 13b overlaps with the first virtual area 12b.

[0123] Here, regardless of whether the area where the first viewing angle change zone 12a and the second viewing angle change zone 13a are located is in a narrow viewing angle mode or a wide viewing angle mode, the area having the first virtual area 12b and the second virtual area 13b is in a wide viewing angle mode. Here, the first virtual area 12b of the first dimming unit 12 or the second virtual area 13b of the second dimming unit 13 may be provided with an electrode or not, respectively. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first virtual area 12b of the first dimming unit 12 and the second virtual area 13b of the second dimming unit 13 are provided with electrodes to maintain the transmittance of the area having the first virtual area 12b and the second virtual area 13b, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0124] Not even shown in Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first dimming unit 12 and the second dimming unit 13 may also include the first viewing angle change area 12a and the first virtual area 12b, the second viewing angle change area 13a and the second virtual area 13b.

[0125] Fig. 9 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device of this embodiment includes: a display unit 11; a first dimming unit 12; and a second dimming unit 13, wherein the display unit 11, the first dimming unit 12, and the second dimming unit 13 at least partially overlap. The electronic device of this embodiment also includes: a first polarizer 15 and a second polarizer 16, wherein the display unit 11 and the second dimming unit 13 are disposed between the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16.

[0126] like Fig. 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the first dimming unit 12 includes a collimated backlight module 141 and an active diffuser 142 , and is disposed on the collimated backlight module 141 , and the display unit 11 is disposed on the active diffuser 142 .

[0127] In this embodiment, the collimated backlight module 141 may be a direct-type backlight module or an edge-type backlight module. The collimated backlight module 141 may include a prism sheet or a louver film so that the light emitted by the collimated backlight module 141 has a narrow light dispersion. The beam angle of the collimated light may be, for example, within ±40 degrees, ±30 degrees, or ±20 degrees with respect to the normal direction of the display unit 11, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0128] In addition, the active diffuser 142 used herein refers to a diffuser whose haze can be adjusted. Examples of the active diffuser 142 may include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film or a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) film. In the wide viewing angle mode, the active diffuser 142 is adjusted to have a high haze, and the active diffuser 142 is in a diffused state. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the active diffuser 142 is adjusted to have a low haze (e.g., close to 0%), and the active diffuser 142 is in a transparent state.

[0129] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 The electronic device shown is similar except for the first dimming unit 12. In this embodiment, the first dimming unit 12 includes: a non-collimated backlight module 14; a grille film 143 disposed on the non-collimated backlight module 14; and an active diffuser 142 disposed on the grille film 143, wherein the display unit 11 is disposed on the active diffuser 142. The active diffuser 142 used here is similar to the above.

[0130] The non-collimated backlight module 14 may be a direct-type backlight module or an edge-type backlight module. The difference between the non-collimated backlight module 14 and the collimated backlight module 141 is that the collimated backlight module 141 has a narrow light dispersion, while the non-collimated backlight module 14 has a wide light dispersion. The beam angle of the light emitted by the non-collimated backlight module 14 may be, for example, within ±90 degrees, ±80 degrees, or ±70 degrees of the normal direction of the display unit 11, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. By using the grating film 143, the light emitted by the non-collimated backlight module 14 may be converted into collimated light.

[0131] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9The electronic device shown is similar to the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 , except for the first dimming unit 12. In this embodiment, the first dimming unit 12 includes a collimated backlight module 141 and a transparent backlight module 144, which is disposed on the collimated backlight module 141, and the display unit 11 is disposed on the transparent backlight module 144. Here, the transparent backlight module 144 has a wide light dispersion, and the beam angle of the light emitted by the transparent backlight module 144 can be within ±90 degrees, ±80 degrees, or ±70 degrees with respect to the normal direction of the display unit 11, for example.

[0132] The structure of the transparent backlight module 144 may be similar to that of the non-collimated backlight module. For example, the transparent backlight module 144 may include a light guide plate, and a plurality of holes or bubbles are formed in or embedded in the light guide plate. Since the refractive index of the holes or bubbles is different from the refractive index of the light guide plate material, the light incident on the light guide plate may be refracted, reflected or scattered, so that a wide viewing angle can be achieved. Here, the shape or size of the holes or bubbles is not particularly limited and can be adjusted as needed.

[0133] like Fig.11 As shown, in the wide viewing angle mode, the collimated backlight module 141 is in the off state, and the transparent backlight module 144 is in the on state. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the collimated backlight module 141 is in the on state, and the transparent backlight module 144 is in the off state.

[0134] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 The electronic device shown is similar except for the first dimming unit 12. In this embodiment, the first dimming unit 12 includes: a non-collimated backlight module 14; a grille film 143, which is disposed on the non-collimated backlight module 14; and a transparent backlight module 144, which is disposed on the grille film 143, wherein the display unit 11 is disposed on the transparent backlight module 144. Here, the transparent backlight module 144 has a wide light dispersion. The non-collimated backlight module 14, the grille film 143 and the transparent backlight module 144 with a wide light dispersion are similar to the above, and will not be repeated here.

[0135] like Fig.12 As shown, in the wide viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module 14 is in the off state, and the transparent backlight module 144 is in the on state. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module 14 is in the on state, and the transparent backlight module 144 is in the off state.

[0136] Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11The electronic device shown is similar except for the first dimming unit 12. In this embodiment, the first dimming unit 12 includes: a non-collimated backlight module 14; and a transparent backlight module 144', which is disposed on the non-collimated backlight module 14, wherein the display unit 11 is disposed on the transparent backlight module 144'. Here, the transparent backlight module 144' has a narrow light dispersion, and the beam angle of the light emitted by the transparent backlight module 144 can be within ±40 degrees, ±30 degrees or ±20 degrees with respect to the normal direction of the display unit 11, for example.

[0137] like Fig.13 As shown, in the wide viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module 14 is in the on state, and the transparent backlight module 144' is in the off state. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module 14 is in the off state, and the transparent backlight module 144 is in the on state.

[0138] At Figures 9 to 13 In the electronic device shown, the display unit 11, the second dimming unit 13, the first polarizer 15 and the second polarizer 16 are similar to those described above and are not described in detail herein. Figures 9 to 13 The display unit 11 and the second dimming unit 13 of the electronic device shown can be replaced with the second dimming unit 13 ′ described above.

[0139] In addition, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, Figures 9 to 13 The first dimming unit 12 of the electronic device shown in the figure may include a first viewing angle change area and a first virtual area (not disclosed in the figure), and the second dimming unit 13 includes a second viewing angle change area 13a and a second virtual area 13b (with Figure 8 13a). The first viewing angle change area corresponds to the second viewing angle change area 13a, and in particular, the second viewing angle change area 13a overlaps with the first viewing angle change area. The first virtual area corresponds to the second virtual area 13b, and in particular, the second virtual area 13b overlaps with the first virtual area. Here, no matter whether the area where the first viewing angle change area and the second viewing angle change area 13a are located is in the narrow viewing angle mode or the wide viewing angle mode, the area having the first virtual area and the second virtual area 13b is in the wide viewing angle mode.

[0140] In the present disclosure, the features of different embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to form another embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0141] Although the present disclosure has been described through the embodiments, it should be understood that many other possible modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure and what is claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: a display unit; a first dimming unit, comprising a non-collimated backlight module, a transparent backlight module and a grille film, wherein the transparent backlight module is disposed on the non-collimated backlight module, the grille film is disposed between the non-collimated backlight module and the transparent backlight module, and the display unit is disposed on the transparent backlight module and the grille film; and a second dimming unit; The display unit, the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit at least partially overlap, and the second dimming unit is an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) type liquid crystal unit; Wherein in the wide viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module is in a closed state, and the transparent backlight module is in an open state; In the narrow viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module is in an on state, and the transparent backlight module is in a off state.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first polarizer and a second polarizer, wherein the display unit and the second dimming unit are arranged between the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second dimming unit is disposed on the display unit.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A third polarizer is also included, wherein the first dimming unit is arranged between the second polarizer and the third polarizer.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent backlight module includes a light guide plate, and a plurality of holes or bubbles are formed in or embedded in the light guide plate.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first dimming unit includes an active diffusion sheet disposed on the grille film, wherein the display unit is disposed on the active diffusion sheet.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first dimming unit includes a first viewing angle change area and a first virtual area, and the second dimming unit includes a second viewing angle change area and a second virtual area, wherein the first viewing angle change area corresponds to the second viewing angle change area, and the first virtual area corresponds to the second virtual area.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A first dimming unit, comprising: a non-collimated backlight module; a transparent backlight module, wherein the transparent backlight module is disposed on the non-collimated backlight module; and a grille film disposed between the non-collimated backlight module and the transparent backlight module; and a second dimming unit, comprising a plurality of pixels; At least one of the pixels includes a display area and a viewing angle change area, and an operation mode of the display area is different from an operation mode of the viewing angle change area; Wherein in the wide viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module is in a closed state, and the transparent backlight module is in an open state; In the narrow viewing angle mode, the non-collimated backlight module is in an on state, and the transparent backlight module is in a off state.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The display area operates in IPS mode.

10. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The view change area operates in ECB mode.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the display area is controlled by a first transistor, and the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the viewing angle change area is controlled by a second transistor.

12. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The electronic device further includes a first polarizer and a second polarizer, wherein the second light modulating unit is disposed between the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that: A third polarizer is also included, wherein the first dimming unit is arranged between the second polarizer and the third polarizer.

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