High-contrast transparent display with automatic shading

Abstract

The display device includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer, and a spacer arranged between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer to define a first region and a second region. A first plurality of electrodes are arranged on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the first region. A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are connected to the first plurality of electrodes in the first region. A second plurality of electrodes are arranged on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region. A third plurality of electrodes are arranged on an inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region. Particles are arranged in the second region between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not have originally constituted prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly to a transparent display device with autoshading. Background Art

[0003] A display device may include an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on a transparent layer such as glass. Transparent spaces are located between the pixels of the LED array. As the spacing between the LEDs in the LED array increases, the transparency level of the display device increases. Smaller-scale display technologies such as micro-LEDs can be used and provide opportunities to manufacture increasingly transparent display devices.

[0004] The display device can be used with varying levels of ambient light. For example, higher levels of ambient light (such as direct sunlight) on the front or back side of the display device tend to reduce the contrast of the display device. The lower contrast of the display device under these light conditions makes displayed content, such as images or graphics, more difficult to see. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The display device includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer, and a spacer arranged between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer to define a first region and a second region. A first plurality of electrodes are arranged on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the first region. A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are connected to the first plurality of electrodes in the first region. A second plurality of electrodes are arranged on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region. A third plurality of electrodes are arranged on an inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region. Particles are arranged in the second region between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes.

[0006] In other features, the display controller is configured to selectively cause alignment of particles between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes to increase transparency of the display device in the second region. The display controller is configured to selectively cause misalignment of particles between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes and increase opacity of the display device in the second region.

[0007] In other features, the plurality of LEDs include micro-LEDs. The first transparent layer includes glass. The first transparent layer includes a transparent film. The second transparent layer includes glass. The second transparent layer includes a transparent film. The first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, and the third plurality of electrodes include a conductive coating.

[0008] In other features, the display device forms part of a windshield of a vehicle. The display device forms part of a window of the vehicle. The display device is viewed from an interior of the vehicle. The display controller is configured to render the second region opaque in response to an ambient light level greater than a predetermined light threshold.

[0009] In other features, the display device is viewed from outside the vehicle. The display controller is configured to render the second region opaque in response to a light level within the vehicle being greater than a predetermined value. The first plurality of electrodes is configured to individually supply power to each of the plurality of LEDs.

[0010] In other features, a fourth plurality of electrodes is arranged on the inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region. A fifth plurality of electrodes is arranged on the inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region. The fourth and fifth pluralities of electrodes are not connected to the third and fourth pluralities of electrodes.

[0011] In other features, the plurality of LEDs are arranged in a first set of rows, and the second and third pluralities of electrodes define a second set of rows, the rows of the second set of rows being arranged between the rows of the first set of rows. The plurality of LEDs and pairs of the second and third pluralities of electrodes alternate in row and column directions.

[0012] A method for manufacturing a display device includes: forming a first plurality of electrodes in a first region on an inner surface of a first transparent layer; forming a second plurality of electrodes in a second region on the inner surface of the first transparent layer; forming a third plurality of electrodes in the second region on the inner surface of the second transparent layer; attaching an LED on the first plurality of electrodes; forming a spacer on at least one of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer between the first region and the second region; arranging the first transparent layer parallel to the second transparent layer, wherein the second plurality of electrodes on the first transparent layer are aligned with the third plurality of electrodes on the second transparent layer; and injecting particles into the second region.

[0013] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions:

[0014] Technical Solution 1. A display device comprising:

[0015] First transparent layer;

[0016] Second transparent layer;

[0017] a spacer disposed between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer to define a first area and a second area;

[0018] a first plurality of electrodes arranged on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the first region;

[0019] a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the first plurality of electrodes in the first region;

[0020] a second plurality of electrodes disposed on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region;

[0021] a third plurality of electrodes disposed on an inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region; and

[0022] Particles are disposed in the second region between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes.

[0023] Technical Solution 2. The display device according to Technical Solution 1 further includes a display controller configured to selectively cause particles between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes to align to increase the transparency of the display device in the second area.

[0024] Technical Solution 3. The display device according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the display controller is configured to selectively cause particles between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes to be misaligned and increase the opacity of the display device in the second area.

[0025] Technical Solution 4. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs include micro LEDs.

[0026] Technical Solution 5. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first transparent layer comprises glass.

[0027] Technical Solution 6. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first transparent layer includes a transparent film.

[0028] Technical Solution 7. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the second transparent layer comprises glass.

[0029] Technical Solution 8. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the second transparent layer includes a transparent film.

[0030] Technical Solution 9. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, and the third plurality of electrodes include a conductive coating.

[0031] Technical Solution 10. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the display device forms a part of a windshield of a vehicle.

[0032] Technical Solution 11. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the display device forms a part of a window of a vehicle.

[0033] Technical Solution 12. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the display device is observed from the interior of a vehicle.

[0034] Technical Solution 13. The display device according to Technical Solution 12, further comprising a display controller configured to render the second area opaque in response to an ambient light level being greater than a predetermined light threshold.

[0035] Technical Solution 14. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the display device is observed from the outside of a vehicle.

[0036] Technical Solution 15. The display device according to Technical Solution 14 further includes a display controller configured to render the second area opaque in response to a light level within the vehicle being greater than a predetermined value.

[0037] Technical Solution 16. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first plurality of electrodes are configured to supply power individually to each of the plurality of LEDs.

[0038] Technical Solution 17. The display device according to Technical Solution 1 further comprises:

[0039] a fourth plurality of electrodes disposed on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region; and

[0040] a fifth plurality of electrodes arranged on an inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region,

[0041] Wherein the fourth plurality of electrodes and the fifth plurality of electrodes are not connected to the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes.

[0042] Technical Solution 18. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are arranged in a first group of rows, and the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes define a second group of rows arranged between rows in the first group of rows.

[0043] Technical Solution 19. The display device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs and the pairs of the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes alternate in both the row direction and the column direction.

[0044] Technical Solution 20. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising:

[0045] forming a first plurality of electrodes in a first region of an inner surface of the first transparent layer;

[0046] forming a second plurality of electrodes in a second region of the inner surface of the first transparent layer;

[0047] forming a third plurality of electrodes in a second region of the inner surface of the second transparent layer;

[0048] attaching an LED to the first plurality of electrodes;

[0049] forming a spacer on at least one of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer between the first region and the second region;

[0050] disposing the first transparent layer parallel to the second transparent layer, wherein the second plurality of electrodes on the first transparent layer are aligned with the third plurality of electrodes on the second transparent layer; and

[0051] Particles are injected into the second region.

[0052] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of a transparent display device according to the present disclosure is shown, the transparent display device including an array of LEDs having defined selectively transparent spaces between pixels;

[0055] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of an example of a control system configured to control the display device of FIG. 1 based on sensor data according to the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a transparent display device having suspended particles aligned to increase transparency in spaces between pixels according to the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a transparent display device having suspended particles according to the present disclosure, the suspended particles being misaligned in spaces between pixels for increasing opacity;

[0058] Figure 5 is a plan view of an example of a spacer pattern according to the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method for manufacturing a display device according to the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example of a method for operating a display device viewed from within a vehicle according to the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an example of a method for operating a display device viewed from outside a vehicle according to the present disclosure; and

[0062] Figure 9 A window having automatic shading and including a portion containing a transparent display device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The present disclosure relates to a transparent display device with high contrast. Although the foregoing description relates to a transparent display device with automatic shading for vehicles, the transparent display device described herein can be used in any other applications, such as residential, commercial buildings, computer games, etc.

[0065] By arranging selectively transparent spaces between the pixels of a display device and controlling their transparency or opacity, a display device can be made transparent. Smaller scale display technologies such as micro-light emitting diodes (LEDs) have more opportunities to manufacture displays with higher transparency. However, the higher transparency of a display device reduces contrast due to unwanted illumination from the surroundings. For example, when a display is exposed to high ambient light conditions such as sunlight, readability deteriorates.

[0066] Automatic shading devices can be used to change the transmittance from transparent to opaque by applying a voltage to the embedded electrodes or not applying a voltage to the embedded electrodes. Examples of automatic shading technology include suspended particle devices and / or electrochromic devices. The outer transparent layer of glass or film is separated by a spacer. A transparent conductive coating or transparent conductive layer is arranged on the inward-facing surface of the outer transparent layer. The suspended particles are located between the conductive coating or conductive layer. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the particles align with the applied field and the corresponding portion is transparent. When a voltage is not applied to the electrodes, the particles return to their original orientation and the corresponding portion is opaque.

[0067] In some examples, the suspended particles include crystals approximately 0.3 to 0.5 micrometers (μm) in length, though other particle types may also be used. When an electric field is applied to the conductive coating or layer in the film, the crystals act as induced dipoles. When the electric field is applied, the crystals align and allow light to pass through. When the electric field is removed, the crystals have a natural tendency to misalign due to Brownian motion. Misaligned crystals cause the glass to appear monochromatic.

[0068] A display device according to the present disclosure provides improved contrast compared to other transparent display devices. When the display device is on and certain conditions exist, the voltage applied to the transparent electrode surrounding the suspended particles is disconnected. The suspended particles are in a misaligned state, which blocks ambient light and improves the contrast of the display device. When the display device is off and certain conditions exist, the switch that provides voltage to the transparent electrode is turned on. The suspended particles are aligned and transparent. In other examples, the selectively transparent material can be transparent when the electrode is disconnected and opaque when the electrode is connected.

[0069] Automatic shading activation can be controlled based on the occurrence of one or more events. For example, automatic shading can be transparent when the measured ambient light sensed by the ambient light sensor is less than a predetermined threshold, and can be opaque when the ambient light is greater than the predetermined threshold. In other examples, automatic shading can be activated or deactivated in response to the presence or absence of occupants inside the vehicle. Automatic shading can be activated or deactivated when the vehicle is started or in motion. For example, automatic shading is deactivated when the ambient light or interior light is too dim or when no one is inside the vehicle for interior-facing display applications.

[0070] Now refer to Figure 1A The transparent display device 100 according to the present disclosure includes data lines 108, scan lines 110, and an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 112-11, ..., and 112-NM, where N and M are integers (collectively referred to as LEDs 112), where N and M are integers. A display controller 150 communicates with the data lines 108 and the scan lines 110. Electrodes 130 and 132 connect the data lines 108 and the scan lines 110 to the LEDs 112 and SPD electrodes 116-1, 116-2, ..., 116-N (collectively referred to as SPD electrodes 116) between the rows of LEDs 112. The display controller 150 executes a display application that selectively provides power to the LEDs 112 and / or the SPD electrodes 116, as will be further described below.

[0071] The color of each LED 112 can be displayed in an on / off mode or with varying intensity between fully on and fully off. In the example shown, the LEDs 112 in each row vary in color (e.g., red, green, and blue, and then repeat) to form a pixel. In some examples, the transparent display device 100 forms part of a windshield, rear glass, side windows, dashboard, infotainment display, rearview mirror, or other window or display.

[0072] Although an N×M rectangular array is shown, non-uniform layouts may be used with other shapes. Selectively transparent spaces corresponding to the SPD electrodes 116 are arranged between the LEDs 112. The selectively transparent spaces can be configured to be transparent to opaque depending on the voltage applied to the SPD electrodes, as will be further described below. As will be further described below, the selectively transparent spaces and the LEDs 112 are arranged in the same plane between the transparent layers, as will be described below. Figure 3-Figure 4 Further described in .

[0073] Now refer to Figure 1B , another display 160 is shown. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the LEDs are arranged in rows of a first group. The upper SPD electrode and the lower SPD electrode define a row of a second group arranged between each of the rows of the first group. Figure 1B In the embodiment of the present invention, LEDs and pairs of SPD electrodes alternate in the row and / or column directions. Display 160 includes an array of LEDs 162-11, 162-12, ..., and 162-NM (collectively referred to as LEDs 162) and an array of SPD electrodes 166-11, 166-12, ..., and 166-NM (collectively referred to as SPD electrodes 166). In each row and / or column, LEDs 162 alternate with SPD electrodes 166. In some examples, adjacent rows are aligned with each other or offset from each other to produce an alternating pattern in each row and column.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 2 , shows an example of a control system 140 configured to control a transparent display device 100. The display controller 150 is configured to run a display application 152, which controls the LEDs 112 and the SPD electrodes 116 of the transparent display device 100. The display application 152 also controls the power supplied to the SPD electrodes 116. In some examples, the display application 152 selectively controls a switch to apply a voltage to the SPD electrodes 116, which determines whether the selectively transparent space 104 is transparent or opaque based on sensed data such as ambient light conditions or other information.

[0075] The vehicle controller 160 can be configured to send sensor data or control data (based on the sensor data) directly (or indirectly via a vehicle data bus) to the display controller 150. In some examples, the ambient light sensor 164 senses ambient light conditions, and the vehicle controller 160 outputs the sensed ambient light measurements to the display controller 150. Alternatively, the vehicle controller 160 monitors the ambient light and sends a command specifying an opacity level to the display controller 150. In other examples, other vehicle sensors 168 output sensed values ​​to the vehicle controller 160 and / or the display controller 150.

[0076] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , transparent display device 200 includes suspended particles arranged in spaces between LEDs or pixels (including multiple LEDs). In some examples, transparent display device 200 includes a display side 206 and an opposite side 208. Transparent display device 200 includes a selectively transparent region 210 and an LED / pixel region 212. In some examples, LED / pixel region 212 is arranged in an array and separated by transparent regions at regular intervals, although non-uniform intervals or other pixel arrangements can be used.

[0077] Transparent display device 200 includes transparent layers 214 and 216 spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a direction transverse to the viewing direction of transparent display device 200. In some examples, transparent layers 214 and 216 are made of glass, transparent film, or other transparent materials. In some examples, transparent region 210 is separated by spacers 222 located between selectively transparent region 210 and LED / pixel region 212.

[0078] In selectively transparent region 210, transparent conductive coatings or layers 220 and 224 are arranged in a pattern on the inner facing surfaces of transparent layers 214 and 216. Suspended particles 228 are located between conductive coatings or layers 220 and 224. Display controller 150 selectively applies a voltage across conductive coatings or layers 220 and 224 to change the transparency level of selectively transparent region 210.

[0079] When a voltage potential is applied across the transparent conductive coating or layer 220 and 224, the suspended particles align with the applied field and the selectively transparent region 210 will be transparent, as shown. Figure 3 When the voltage potential is removed, the suspended particles 228 return to a disordered state, and the selectively transparent region 210 will be obscured by the suspended particles 228, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in .

[0080] LED / pixel regions 212 are located between selectively transparent regions 210. Each of LED / pixel regions 212 includes one or more electrodes 272 and one or more LEDs 274. By way of example only, each of LED / pixel regions 212 can have three light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as red, green, and blue LEDs.

[0081] Now refer to Figure 5 An example of a spacer pattern 290 is shown in dashed lines and includes a first portion 292 extending to one side of the transparent display device 100, a finger 294 extending between the LEDs 112 and aligned with the SPD electrode 116, and a second portion 296 connecting the first portion to the finger 294. In some examples, the electrodes are configured so that a specified voltage can be applied to each LED / pixel on the transparent display device to form an image, graphic, etc. The electrodes are also configured so that a specified voltage can be applied to each selectively transparent region to adjust the display transparency. The spacers 222 allow suspended particles to be injected into the specified regions. While a single inlet is shown (e.g., along the edge of the display and extending into the first portion 290), multiple inlets may be used. As described above, while a specific arrangement of LEDs, SPD electrodes, and spacer patterns is shown, other arrangements are contemplated. Furthermore, while the spacer pattern defines a first region (where the LEDs are located) and a single second region where the SPD electrodes are positioned, two or more first regions and / or second regions may be used in a single display.

[0082] Now refer to Figure 6 , shows a method 300 for manufacturing a display device. At 310, electrodes are formed on the inner surfaces of the first and second transparent layers. The electrodes can be formed using any suitable process, including photolithography, silk screening, printing, or other processes. At 314, LEDs are arranged at selected locations on the electrodes of the first transparent layer. In some examples, the LEDs are picked up, placed onto, and bonded to the electrodes of the first transparent layer. In other examples, other methods are used.

[0083] At 318, a second transparent layer is aligned with and disposed on the first transparent layer. At 322, the second transparent layer is disposed on the spacer and over the first transparent layer. The first and second transparent layers are sealed at 326. At 330, particles are injected into the transparent region between the LED / pixel regions.

[0084] Now refer to Figure 7, a method 350 for operating a display device for viewing from the interior of a vehicle is shown. At 354, the method determines whether the display is on. If 354 is false, the selectively transparent region can be set to transparent or opaque based on other conditions. If 354 is true and the display is on, the method measures the ambient light level outside the vehicle. If the measured ambient light level is not greater than the threshold value TH1 determined at 358, the selectively transparent region can be set to transparent or opaque based on the needs of the specific application. In other words, the selectively transparent region can be controlled based on other factors (independent of the display) until the display is turned on.

[0085] If the measured ambient light level is greater than the threshold TH1 as determined at 358, the selectively transparent region is set to opaque to increase the contrast of the display at 362. In some examples, the threshold TH1 is used as a threshold to distinguish between daytime levels and nighttime levels.

[0086] Now refer to Figure 8 , a method 370 for operating a display device viewed from outside a vehicle is shown. At 374, the method determines whether the display is on. If 374 is false, the selectively transparent region of the display device can be set to transparent or opaque as needed for the particular application. If 374 is true and the display is on, the method determines whether the interior light level is greater than a predetermined light level. The predetermined light level can be inferred based on the on / off setting of the interior lights and / or the light level measured by one or more light sensors. If the interior light level is greater than the predetermined light level determined by 358, the selectively transparent region is set to opaque 380. If the interior light level is less than the predetermined light level determined by 358, then at 382, ​​the selectively transparent region is set to transparent or opaque as needed for the particular application.

[0087] Now refer to Figure 9 , a mixed shading mode can be used. For example, window 400 includes a first portion 410 with automatic shading instead of a display. Window 400 includes a second portion 420, which includes a display device 422 as described above. In some examples, first portion 410 can be selectively transparent, while shading is performed in the transparent areas of display device 422. In other examples, first portion 410 can be selectively opaque, while the transparent areas of display device 422 are transparent. In any of these examples, display device 422 can output an image or not. When these areas are to be controlled separately, the SPD electrodes of these areas are not connected together and are powered or not powered separately.

[0088] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, description and appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that, without changing the principle of the present disclosure, one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously). In addition, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any one of the other embodiments and / or combined with the features of any one of the other embodiments, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the embodiments described are not mutually exclusive, and the permutation of one or more embodiments to each other remains within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] Various terms are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when a relationship between a first and a second element is described in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship with no other intervening elements between the first and second elements, but can also be an indirect relationship with one or more intervening elements between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0090] In the accompanying drawings, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by the arrow head, generally represents the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest to the diagram. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information, but the information transferred from element A to element B is relevant to the diagram, an arrow may be directed from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transferred from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request for the information or an acknowledgment of receipt of the information to element A.

[0091] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" or the term "controller" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0092] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuit may include a wired or wireless interface connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functionality of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed across multiple modules connected via the interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow for load balancing. In a further example, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may perform some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0093] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuitry" encompasses a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuitry" encompasses a processor circuit that, in conjunction with additional processor circuits, executes some or all code from one or more modules. References to multi-processor circuits encompass multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuitry" encompasses a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuitry" encompasses a memory circuit that, in conjunction with additional memory, stores some or all code from one or more modules.

[0094] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); thus, the term "computer-readable medium" may be considered to be both tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tape or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0095] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by a special-purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions implemented in a computer program. The above-mentioned functional blocks, flow chart components and other elements serve as software specifications, which can be converted into a computer program by routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0096] The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include or rely on stored data. The computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0097] A computer program may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated by a compiler from source code, (iv) source code executed by an interpreter, (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time compiler, etc. By way of example only, the source code may be written using syntax from languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th Revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: First transparent layer; Second transparent layer; a spacer disposed between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer to define a first area and a second area; a first plurality of electrodes arranged on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the first region; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the first plurality of electrodes in the first region; a second plurality of electrodes disposed on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region; a third plurality of electrodes disposed on an inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region; as well as Particles are disposed in the second region between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes. 2 . The display device of claim 1 , further comprising a display controller configured to selectively cause alignment of particles between the second and third pluralities of electrodes to increase transparency of the display device in the second region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The display controller is configured to selectively cause particles between the second and third pluralities of electrodes to become misaligned and increase opacity of the display device in the second region. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of LEDs comprise micro LEDs. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first transparent layer comprises glass. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first transparent layer comprises a transparent film. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the second transparent layer comprises glass. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the second transparent layer comprises a transparent film. 9 . The display device of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, and the third plurality of electrodes comprise a conductive coating.

10. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device forms part of a windshield of a vehicle. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the display device forms part of a window of a vehicle.

12. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device is viewed from an interior of a vehicle. 13 . The display device of claim 12 , further comprising a display controller configured to render the second region opaque in response to an ambient light level being greater than a predetermined light threshold.

14. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device is viewed from outside a vehicle. 15 . The display device of claim 14 , further comprising a display controller configured to render the second region opaque in response to a light level within the vehicle being greater than a predetermined value.

16. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of electrodes are configured to supply power individually to each of the plurality of LEDs.

17. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth plurality of electrodes disposed on an inner surface of the first transparent layer in the second region; as well as a fifth plurality of electrodes arranged on an inner surface of the second transparent layer in the second region, Wherein the fourth plurality of electrodes and the fifth plurality of electrodes are not connected to the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes.

18. The display device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are arranged in a first group of rows, and the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes define a second group of rows arranged between rows in the first group of rows.

19. The display device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs and pairs of the second and third pluralities of electrodes alternate in both row and column directions.

20. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising: forming a first plurality of electrodes in a first region of an inner surface of the first transparent layer; forming a second plurality of electrodes in a second region of the inner surface of the first transparent layer; forming a third plurality of electrodes in a second region of the inner surface of the second transparent layer; attaching an LED to the first plurality of electrodes; forming a spacer on at least one of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer between the first region and the second region; disposing the first transparent layer parallel to the second transparent layer, wherein the second plurality of electrodes on the first transparent layer are aligned with the third plurality of electrodes on the second transparent layer; as well as Particles are injected into the second region.

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