Sub-region wide and narrow view angle switchable display panel, display device and driving method

Abstract

The application discloses a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions, a display device and a driving method. The display panel comprises a light modulation box and a display box which are arranged in layers. The light modulation box comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a first liquid crystal layer. The first substrate is provided with a common viewing angle electrode, and the second substrate is provided with a first viewing angle control electrode and a plurality of second viewing angle control electrodes which are insulated from each other. The first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode are arranged on different layers and insulated from each other, so that different voltage signals can be applied to the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode to offset the problem of different electric field strengths caused by different layers. The first viewing angle control electrode only corresponds to the gap between the plurality of second viewing angle control electrodes, thereby reducing the influence of different reflection rates of ambient light caused by different layers, avoiding the problem of white light or bright lines at the junction of different regions, and improving the display effect of the picture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display panel, display device, and driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of LCD technology, the viewing angle of monitors has expanded from approximately 112° to over 160°. While enjoying the visual experience brought by a wider viewing angle, people also desire to effectively protect trade secrets and personal privacy to avoid business losses or embarrassment caused by the leakage of screen information. Therefore, in addition to the need for a wide viewing angle, many situations also require display devices to have the function of switching between wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0003] In existing technologies, a dimming box (EQ) and a display panel are used to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles. The display panel is used for normal image display, while the dimming box controls the viewing angle switching. The dimming box includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates. Viewing angle control electrodes on the first and second substrates apply a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal molecules, causing the liquid crystals to deflect vertically, thus achieving a narrow viewing angle mode. By controlling the voltage on the viewing angle control electrodes, switching between wide and narrow viewing angles can be achieved.

[0004] However, as consumers' demands for display quality gradually increase, so too does their demand for wide-viewing-angle switching display technology. Existing technology has led to the development of display panels with segmented wide-viewing-angle switching capabilities, allowing different areas to independently switch between wide and narrow viewing angles to meet the needs of various scenarios. However, existing segmented wide-viewing-angle switching display panels, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, corresponding to different regions, are located on the same layer. To prevent short circuits between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, a gap 123 is provided between them, typically around 10 μm in size. In the full-surface narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the gap 123 cannot deflect properly, causing the transmittance at the gap 123 to differ from the transmittance at the viewing angle control electrode (e.g., ...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the image, this results in white or bright lines at the junctions of different areas, and the uneven display is quite obvious, affecting the display quality.

[0005] In existing technologies, some designs place the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on different layers and separate them with an insulating layer. This eliminates the gap 123 in the horizontal projection of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, avoiding the phenomenon of whitening or bright lines at the junction of different wide and narrow viewing angle regions. However, since the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 are located on different layers, their reflectivity to ambient light also differs. This results in different reflectivity to ambient light in different wide and narrow viewing angle regions when using the full-screen wide viewing angle mode or the full-screen narrow viewing angle mode, leading to noticeable uneven display and affecting the display quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a display panel, display device and driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas, so as to solve the problem of obvious uneven display in the prior art.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] The present invention provides a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas, including a dimming box for controlling the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles and a display box for controlling the display of the image, wherein the dimming box and the display box are stacked on top of each other.

[0009] The dimming box includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A common viewing angle electrode is provided on the side of the first substrate facing the first liquid crystal layer. A first viewing angle control electrode cooperating with the common viewing angle electrode and a plurality of mutually insulated second viewing angle control electrodes are provided on the side of the second substrate facing the first liquid crystal layer. The plurality of second viewing angle control electrodes are located on the same layer and there is a gap between two adjacent second viewing angle control electrodes. The first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode are located on different layers and are mutually insulated. The first viewing angle control electrode corresponds to the gap.

[0010] Furthermore, the first viewing angle control electrode is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode that is away from the first liquid crystal layer. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the pressure difference between the first viewing angle control electrode and the common viewing angle electrode is greater than the pressure difference between the second viewing angle control electrode and the common viewing angle electrode.

[0011] Alternatively, the first viewing angle control electrode may be located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode closer to the first liquid crystal layer. In narrow viewing angle mode, the pressure difference between the first viewing angle control electrode and the common viewing angle electrode is less than the pressure difference between the second viewing angle control electrode and the common viewing angle electrode.

[0012] Furthermore, a plurality of second view control electrodes are arranged along the row direction, and the first view control electrode is strip-shaped and extends along the column direction; or a plurality of second view control electrodes are arranged along the column direction, and the first view control electrode is strip-shaped and extends along the row direction.

[0013] Furthermore, multiple second-view control electrodes are arranged in an array, while the first-view control electrodes have a mesh structure.

[0014] Furthermore, the first viewing angle control electrode includes a plurality of mutually insulated longitudinal electrode strips and a plurality of mutually insulated transverse electrode strips, wherein the longitudinal electrode strips located on the left / right side and the transverse electrode strips located on the upper / lower side of the same second viewing angle control electrode are electrically connected.

[0015] Furthermore, the width of the first viewing angle control electrode is greater than the width of the gap, and the projection of the first viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate and the projection of the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate partially overlap.

[0016] Alternatively, the width of the first viewing angle control electrode is equal to the width of the gap, and the edges between the projection of the first viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate and the projection of the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate are aligned with each other.

[0017] This application also provides a display device with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles for different regions, including the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles for different regions as described above.

[0018] This application also provides a driving method for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. The driving method is applied to the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions as described above. The driving method includes:

[0019] In the full-view wide-angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode, a second electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode, and a third electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode. The voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal and the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal are both less than a first preset value or both are greater than a second preset value.

[0020] In the full-view narrow angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common angle electrode, a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first angle control electrode, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second angle control electrode. The voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal, and the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal are both greater than a third preset value and less than a fourth preset value.

[0021] In the narrow field-of-view mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common field-of-view electrode, a second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal is applied to the first field-of-view control electrode, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second field-of-view control electrode of the corresponding region.

[0022] Wherein, the third preset value is greater than the first preset value, and the fourth preset value is less than the second preset value.

[0023] Furthermore, the first viewing angle control electrode is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode away from the first liquid crystal layer. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal.

[0024] Alternatively, the first viewing angle control electrode may be located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode closer to the first liquid crystal layer. In narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal.

[0025] Furthermore, in the narrow-view mode, the fourth electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode between two adjacent narrow-view regions, the second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode between adjacent narrow-view regions and wide-view regions, and the second electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode between two adjacent wide-view regions.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By placing the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on different layers and isolating them from each other, different voltage signals can be applied to the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode to cancel out the problem of different electric field strengths caused by different layers. In the whole-screen wide viewing angle mode or the whole-screen narrow viewing angle mode, the problem of uneven display in the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode is avoided. Multiple second viewing angle control electrodes are located on the same layer, and the first viewing angle control electrode only corresponds to the gap between the multiple second viewing angle control electrodes. Therefore, the influence of different ambient light reflectivity caused by different layers can be reduced, and the problem of whitening or bright lines at the junction of different areas can also be avoided, thus improving the display effect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate in the prior art;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in existing technologies;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-view wide-angle mode of the existing technology;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-area narrow-view mode in existing technology;

[0031] Figure 5 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in the full-area wide viewing angle mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in the full-area wide viewing angle mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in the whole-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in the region in the narrow viewing angle mode of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-width viewing angle mode of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 This is one of the simulation diagrams of transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 This is the second simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in the full-area wide viewing angle mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in the full-area wide viewing angle mode in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17 This is a simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-width viewing angle mode of Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 18 This is one of the simulation diagrams of the transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 19 This is the second simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, details the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the display panel, display device, and driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions proposed by the present invention:

[0047] [Example 1]

[0048] Figure 5 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in the full-area wide viewing angle mode of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in the first embodiment of the present invention in the full-area wide viewing angle mode. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in the whole-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in the region in the narrow viewing angle mode of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-width viewing angle mode of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 11 This is one of the simulation diagrams of transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 12 This is the second simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0049] like Figures 5 to 9As shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles for different regions includes a dimming box 10 for controlling the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles and a display box 20 for controlling the display of the image. The dimming box 10 and the display box 20 are stacked on top of each other. In this embodiment, the dimming box 10 is located above the display box 20, that is, the dimming box 10 is located on the light-emitting side of the display box 20. Of course, the dimming box 10 can also be located below the display box 20, that is, the dimming box 10 is located on the light-incident side of the display box 20.

[0050] The dimming box 10 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12 disposed opposite to the first substrate 11, and a first liquid crystal layer 13 disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The first substrate 11 has a common viewing angle electrode 111 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. The second substrate 12 has a first viewing angle control electrode 121 cooperating with the common viewing angle electrode 111 and a plurality of mutually insulated second viewing angle control electrodes 122 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. The plurality of second viewing angle control electrodes 122 are located in the same layer, and there is a gap 123 between adjacent second viewing angle control electrodes 122. The first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 are located in different layers and are mutually insulated, with the first viewing angle control electrode 121 corresponding to the gap 123. By controlling the voltage difference between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, the deflection of liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 is controlled, thereby achieving the control of wide and narrow viewing angle switching in different regions.

[0051] The first liquid crystal layer 13 preferably uses positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. In the initial state, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are aligned parallel to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The alignment directions of the positive liquid crystal molecules closer to the first substrate 11 and the positive liquid crystal molecules closer to the second substrate 12 are parallel or antiparallel, thereby enabling the dimming box 10 to initially present a full-screen wide-viewing-angle display, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Preferably, the first liquid crystal layer 13 may have a pretilt angle of 0-7° during initial alignment to increase the response speed when switching between wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first substrate 11 is located on the side of the dimming box 10 away from the display box 20, and the second substrate 12 is located on the side of the dimming box 10 close to the display box 20. That is, the first substrate 11 is located on the upper side of the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the second substrate 12 is located on the lower side of the first liquid crystal layer 13.

[0053] Furthermore, the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 away from the first liquid crystal layer 13. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 is greater than the voltage difference between the second viewing angle control electrode 122 and the common viewing angle electrode 111, so as to offset the difference in electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 caused by the different layers of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. In the full-screen wide viewing angle mode or the full-screen narrow viewing angle mode, the problem of uneven display in the area of ​​the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 is avoided. The magnitude of the pressure difference between the first view control electrode 121 and the common view electrode 111 compared to the pressure difference between the second view control electrode 122 and the common view electrode 111 needs to be set according to the actual situation. It is only necessary to ensure that the vertical electric field strength between the first view control electrode 121 and the common view electrode 111 is equal to or approximately equal to the vertical electric field strength between the second view control electrode 122 and the common view electrode 111 in the whole-screen wide view mode or the whole-screen narrow view mode.

[0054] In this design, the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 are separated from each other by an insulating layer (PV), thereby reducing the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. Alternatively, the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 can also be separated from each other by a planarization layer (OC), but the planarization layer is thicker, which would increase the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, increase the difference in reflectivity between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, and affect the image display.

[0055] like Figure 9 As shown, multiple second-view control electrodes 122 are arranged along the row direction, and the first-view control electrode 121 is strip-shaped and extends along the column direction. In this embodiment, there are two second-view control electrodes 122, namely a first electrode 122a and a second electrode 122b, which are arranged in the left-right direction. The number of first-view control electrodes 121 and gaps 123 is the same, and each is one. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of second-view control electrodes 122 may be three, four, etc., and the specific number can be set according to the actual number of wide and narrow viewpoint partitions required.

[0056] In one embodiment, the plurality of second view control electrodes 122 may also be arranged along the column direction, the first view control electrode 121 is strip-shaped and extends along the row direction, and the specific arrangement direction of the second view control electrodes 122 can be set according to the wide and narrow view partitioning structure required in practice.

[0057] In this embodiment, the width of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is greater than the width of the gap 123, and the projections of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 on the second substrate 12 and the projections of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on the second substrate 12 partially overlap. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the width 'a' of the gap 123 is 7-12 μm. To ensure that the multiple second-view control electrodes 122 are mutually insulated and short-circuited, the smaller the width 'a' of the gap 123, the better. A smaller width 'a' of the gap 123 results in a smaller reflective area for the first-view control electrode 121, reducing the impact of different reflectivities of ambient light caused by different layers. The width 'b' of the overlapping area between the projections of the first-view control electrode 121 and the second-view control electrode 122 on the second substrate 12 is 3-5 μm, thus avoiding whitening or bright lines at the junctions of different areas and improving the display effect.

[0058] Furthermore, signals from the first view control electrode 121 and multiple second view control electrodes 122 can be routed through different signal lines in the non-display area at the edge, thereby allowing each of the first view control electrode 121 and each of the second view control electrodes 122 to receive its own view control signal.

[0059] In this embodiment, the display box 20 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). Of course, in other embodiments, the display box 20 can also be a self-emissive display (e.g., an OLED display or a Micro LED display), but the dimming box 10 must be positioned above the display box 20.

[0060] The display cell 20 includes a color filter substrate 21, an array substrate 22 disposed opposite to the color filter substrate 21, and a second liquid crystal layer 23 disposed between the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22. The second liquid crystal layer 23 preferably uses positive liquid crystal molecules, i.e., liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. Initially, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 23 are aligned parallel to the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22, with the alignment direction of the positive liquid crystal molecules closer to the color filter substrate 21 being parallel or antiparallel to the alignment direction of the positive liquid crystal molecules closer to the array substrate 22. Of course, in other embodiments, the second liquid crystal layer 23 may also use negative liquid crystal molecules, and the negative liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 23 may be aligned perpendicular to the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22, i.e., similar to the alignment method of the VA display mode.

[0061] Furthermore, a first polarizer 31 is provided on the side of the dimming box 10 away from the display box 20, a second polarizer 32 is provided between the dimming box 10 and the display box 20, and a third polarizer 33 is provided on the side of the display box 20 away from the dimming box 10. The light transmission axis of the first polarizer 31 is parallel to the light transmission axis of the second polarizer 32, and the light transmission axis of the third polarizer 33 is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the second polarizer 32.

[0062] Preferably, a compensation film 34 is provided between the dimming box 10 and the display box 20. The compensation film 34 can be a viewing angle compensation film to improve the effect of wide and narrow viewing angles; the compensation film 34 can be a brightness compensation film to improve the brightness of the screen display.

[0063] In this embodiment, the dimming box 10 and the display box 20 are preferably bonded together with a sealing adhesive, which is applied to the non-display areas at the edges of the dimming box 10 and the display box 20. Alternatively, the dimming box 10 and the display box 20 can be bonded together with OCA adhesive, which is applied across the entire surface between them. However, using OCA adhesive can easily result in interference fringes.

[0064] The color filter substrate 21 has color resist layers 212 arranged in an array and black matrix 211 separating the color resist layers 212. The color resist layers 212 include color resist materials of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colors, and correspondingly form sub-pixels of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colors.

[0065] The array substrate 22 has multiple pixel units defined by multiple scan lines (not shown) and multiple data lines (not shown) that are mutually insulated and intersecting on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23. Each pixel unit has a pixel electrode 222 and a thin-film transistor (not shown). The pixel electrode 222 is electrically connected to the data line of the adjacent thin-film transistor through the thin-film transistor. The thin-film transistor includes a gate, an active layer, a drain, and a source. The gate and the scan lines are located on the same layer and are electrically connected. The gate and the active layer are isolated by an insulating layer. The source is electrically connected to the data line, and the drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 222 through a contact hole.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a common electrode 221 is further provided on the side of the array substrate 22 facing the second liquid crystal layer 23. The common electrode 221 and the pixel electrode 222 are located on different layers and are insulated from each other by an insulating layer. The common electrode 221 can be located above or below the pixel electrode 222. Figure 5The diagram shows the common electrode 221 located below the pixel electrode 222. Preferably, the common electrode 221 is a planar electrode disposed across the entire surface, and the pixel electrode 222 is a block electrode disposed within each pixel unit or a slit electrode with multiple electrode strips, to form a fringe field switching (FFS) mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221 may be located on the same layer, but they are insulated from each other. Both the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221 may include multiple electrode strips, and the electrode strips of the pixel electrode 222 and the electrode strips of the common electrode 221 are arranged alternately to form an in-plane switching (IPS) mode; or, in other embodiments, the array substrate 22 has a pixel electrode 222 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, and the color filter substrate 21 has a common electrode 221 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23 to form a TN mode or a VA mode.

[0067] Furthermore, a prism layer 223 is also provided on the side of the array substrate 22 facing the second liquid crystal layer 23. The prism layer 223 has a light-scattering effect, thereby increasing the wide viewing angle effect. Of course, the prism layer 223 can also be provided on the first substrate 11. The light-scattering effect of the prism layer 223 disperses the reflection effect of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on ambient light, so as to reduce the impact of the difference in ambient light reflectivity caused by the different layers of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on the displayed image.

[0068] The first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the color filter substrate 21, and the array substrate 22 can be made of materials such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The common viewing angle electrode 111, the first viewing angle control electrode 121, the second viewing angle control electrode 122, the common electrode 221, and the pixel electrode 222 can be made of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0069] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, this embodiment also provides a display device, including the aforementioned display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles for different regions and a backlight module 40. The backlight module 40 is located below the display panel and is used to provide a backlight for the display panel. Of course, if the display box 20 uses a self-emissive display, the display device does not need to be equipped with an additional backlight.

[0070] The backlight module 40 includes a backlight source 41 and a privacy layer 43, which reduces the range of light emission angles. A brightness enhancement film 42 is also provided between the backlight source 41 and the privacy layer 43, increasing the brightness of the backlight module 40. The privacy layer 43 acts like a miniature venetian blind, blocking light with a large incident angle while allowing light with a smaller incident angle to pass through, thus reducing the range of light angles passing through the privacy layer 43. The privacy layer 43 includes multiple parallel light-blocking walls and light-transmitting holes located between adjacent light-blocking walls. Light-absorbing material is provided on both sides of the light-blocking walls. Alternatively, the backlight source 41 can be a light-collecting backlight, eliminating the need for a privacy layer 43; however, light-collecting backlights are more expensive than conventional backlights.

[0071] The backlight module 40 can be an edge-lit backlight module, a direct-lit backlight module, or a backlight module with zone-controlled brightness (e.g., a mini LED backlight module). Preferably, the backlight module 40 uses a mini LED backlight module, which can adjust the backlight brightness in different zones. In the narrow viewing angle mode, the brightness of the mini LEDs in the corresponding narrow viewing angle zone is dimmed, and the light collection in the narrow viewing angle zone is more obvious under a wide viewing angle, which can enhance the narrow viewing angle effect.

[0072] This embodiment also provides a driving method for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. This driving method is used to drive the aforementioned display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. The driving method includes:

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, in the full-view wide-angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a second electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a third electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The voltage difference between the second and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the third and first electrical signals, are both less than a first preset value (e.g., less than 0.5V). A perpendicular electric field is essentially not formed between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, or between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 do not deflect significantly and remain in their initial flat state. Figure 5 At this time, the dimming box 10 presents a wide viewing angle display covering the entire surface.

[0074] Furthermore, in the full-view wide-angle mode, as one implementation method, a DC voltage of 0V is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, that is, the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal are all DC voltages of 0V.

[0075] Or, such as Figure 6As shown, in the full-view wide-angle mode, the voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal, as well as the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal, can both be greater than the second preset value (e.g., greater than 7.0V). The second preset value is significantly greater than the first preset value, resulting in a strong vertical electric field between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. Figure 6 In E2 and E3 of the above, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are significantly deflected and perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. At this time, the dimming cell 10 also displays a full-viewing-angle display. Because the projections of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 onto the second substrate 12 partially overlap in the full-viewing-angle mode, all liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are driven by the vertical electric field and deflected. This avoids the phenomenon of whitening or bright lines appearing at the junctions of different areas, improving the wide-viewing-angle display effect. The effect is referenced... Figure 10 .

[0076] Furthermore, since the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 away from the first liquid crystal layer 13, in order to avoid the influence of the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, in the full-screen wide viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal, so that the vertical electric field strength between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 ( Figure 6 E2) is equal to the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. Figure 6 E3 in the image is used to offset the difference in electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 caused by the different layers of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, so as to avoid the problem of uneven display in the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 in the full-screen wide viewing angle mode.

[0077] Furthermore, in the full-view wide-angle mode, as one implementation, a 0V DC voltage is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 7.5V AC voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 7.4V AC voltage is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. This cancels out the difference in electric field strength between the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 caused by their different layer levels, thus avoiding uneven display in the areas of the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121 and 122. Of course, in other embodiments, a 7.5V AC voltage can also be applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 0V DC voltage to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 0.1V AC voltage to the second viewing angle control electrode 122, with the first and third electrical signals having the same polarity and period.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, in the full-view narrow angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common angle electrode 111, a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first angle control electrode 121, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second angle control electrode 122. The voltage difference between the fourth and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the fifth and first electrical signals, are both greater than a third preset value (e.g., greater than 2.0V) and less than a fourth preset value (e.g., greater than 6.0V), where the third preset value is greater than the first preset value, and the fourth preset value is less than the second preset value. A strong vertical electric field is formed between the common angle electrode 111 and the first angle control electrode 121, and between the common angle electrode 111 and the second angle control electrode 122. Figure 7 In E4 and E5 of the image, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 undergo significant deflection and tilt, resulting in decreased brightness at wide viewing angles. At this time, the dimming cell 10 displays a narrow viewing angle across the entire surface. Because the projections of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 onto the second substrate 12 partially overlap in the narrow viewing angle mode, all liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are driven by the vertical electric field and deflected. This avoids whitening or bright lines at the junctions of different areas, improving the narrow viewing angle display effect. (The effect is referenced in the original text.) Figure 11 and Figure 12 .

[0079] Furthermore, since the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 away from the first liquid crystal layer 13, in order to avoid the influence of the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, in the full-screen narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal, so that the vertical electric field strength between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 ( Figure 7E4 in the equation is equal to the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. Figure 7 E5 in the middle), to offset the different electric field strengths formed between the first view control electrode 121 and the second view control electrode 122 due to the different layers, and to avoid the problem of uneven display in the areas of the first view control electrode 121 and the second view control electrode 122 in the whole-screen narrow view mode.

[0080] Furthermore, in the full-screen narrow viewing angle mode, as one implementation, a 0V DC voltage is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 5.5V AC voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 5.4V AC voltage is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. This cancels out the difference in electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 due to their different layer levels, thus avoiding uneven display in the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The effect is as follows: Figure 11 As shown. Of course, in other embodiments, a 5.5V AC voltage can also be applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 0V DC voltage can be applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 0.1V AC voltage can be applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The first and third electrical signals have the same polarity and period, and their effect is as follows. Figure 12 As shown.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, in the narrow viewing angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a second electrical signal or a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122 of the corresponding area. That is, the second viewing angle control electrode 122 of the area where the display panel needs to display the narrow viewing angle is applied with the fifth electrical signal, while the first viewing angle control electrode 121 located between the adjacent narrow viewing angle area and the wide viewing angle area can apply either the second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal.

[0082] In this embodiment, there are two second-view control electrodes 122, namely a first electrode 122a and a second electrode 122b. Taking the area corresponding to the first electrode 122a as a narrow viewing angle and the area corresponding to the second electrode 122b as a wide viewing angle as an example, the first-view control electrode 121 applies a fourth electrical signal, the first electrode 122a applies a fifth electrical signal, and the second electrode 122b applies a third electrical signal. The voltage difference between the fourth and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the fifth and first electrical signals, are both greater than a third preset value (e.g., greater than 2.0V) and less than a fourth preset value (e.g., greater than 6.0V). A strong vertical electric field is formed between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the first electrode 122a. Figure 8 In the first liquid crystal layer 13, corresponding to the regions of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode 122a (E4 and E5), the positive liquid crystal molecules undergo significant deflection and tilt, resulting in a darker brightness at wide viewing angles. At this time, the regions corresponding to the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode 122a exhibit a narrow viewing angle display. However, the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than a first preset value (e.g., less than 0.5V), so a vertical electric field is not formed between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. Consequently, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 corresponding to the region of the second electrode 122b do not undergo significant deflection and remain in their initial flat position. Figure 8 In this case, the area corresponding to the second electrode 122b displays a wide viewing angle. Alternatively, if the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the second preset value (e.g., greater than 7.0V), a strong vertical electric field will be formed between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the second electrode 122b. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 corresponding to the area of ​​the second electrode 122b will be greatly deflected and perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. In this case, the area corresponding to the second electrode 122b displays a wide viewing angle.

[0083] Of course, the first view control electrode 121 applies a second electrical signal, and the voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than a first preset value (e.g., less than 0.5V) or greater than a second preset value (e.g., greater than 7.0V).

[0084] [Example 2]

[0085] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown, the display panel, display device, and driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 5 to 9The display panel, display device and driving method of the switchable wide and narrow viewing angle in the segmented area are basically the same. The difference is that in this embodiment, multiple second viewing angle control electrodes 122 are arranged in an array and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is a grid structure.

[0086] Furthermore, the first viewing angle control electrode 121 includes multiple mutually insulated vertical electrode strips 121a and multiple mutually insulated horizontal electrode strips 121b. The vertical electrode strips 121a on the left / right side and the horizontal electrode strips 121b on the upper / lower side of the same second viewing angle control electrode 122 are electrically connected. In this embodiment, the vertical electrode strips 121a on the right side and the horizontal electrode strips 121b on the lower side of the same second viewing angle control electrode 122 are electrically connected to form an inverted "L" shape structure. By dividing the first viewing angle control electrode 121 into multiple parts, only the second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal needs to be applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121 in the corresponding area, avoiding the application of electrical signals to the entire first viewing angle control electrode 121, which would affect the display of wide and narrow viewing angles. Of course, in other embodiments, the longitudinal electrode strip 121a on the left side and the transverse electrode strip 121b on the lower side of the same second view control electrode 122 may be electrically connected; or the longitudinal electrode strip 121a on the right side and the transverse electrode strip 121b on the upper side of the same second view control electrode 122 may be electrically connected; or the longitudinal electrode strip 121a on the left side and the transverse electrode strip 121b on the upper side of the same second view control electrode 122 may be electrically connected.

[0087] like Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, there are six second-view control electrodes 122, namely, a first electrode 122a, a second electrode 112b, a third electrode 122c, a fourth electrode 122d, a fifth electrode 122e, and a sixth electrode 122f. The six second-view control electrodes 122 are arranged in two rows and three columns. Specifically, the second-view control electrodes 122 near the edge of the non-display area do not have first-view control electrodes 121, that is, there is no vertical electrode strip 121a to the left of the leftmost first electrode 122a and fourth electrode 122d; there is no vertical electrode strip 121a to the right of the rightmost third electrode 122c and sixth electrode 122f; there is no horizontal electrode strip 121b above the topmost first electrode 122a, second electrode 112b, and third electrode 122c; and there is no horizontal electrode strip 121b at the bottommost fourth electrode 122d, fifth electrode 122e, and sixth electrode 122f.

[0088] This embodiment also provides a display device, including the aforementioned display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas and a backlight module 40. The backlight module 40 is located below the display panel and is used to provide a backlight for the display panel. Of course, if the display box 20 uses a self-emissive display, the display device does not need to be equipped with an additional backlight. The backlight module 40 in this embodiment is basically the same as the backlight module 40 in Embodiment 1.

[0089] This embodiment also provides a driving method for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. This driving method is used to drive the aforementioned display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. The driving method includes:

[0090] In the full-view wide-angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a second electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a third electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The voltage difference between the second and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the third and first electrical signals, are both less than a first preset value (e.g., less than 0.5V). A vertical electric field is essentially not formed between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, or between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 do not deflect and remain in their initial flat state. At this time, the dimming box 10 presents a full-view wide-angle display.

[0091] Furthermore, in the full-view wide-angle mode, as one implementation method, a DC voltage of 0V is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, that is, the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal are all DC voltages of 0V.

[0092] Alternatively, in the full-view wide-angle mode, the voltage difference between the second and first electrical signals, and between the third and first electrical signals, can both be greater than a second preset value (e.g., greater than 7.0V). Since the second preset value is significantly greater than the first preset value, a strong vertical electric field is formed between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are significantly deflected and become perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. In this case, the dimming box 10 also displays a full-view wide-angle image. Because the projections of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 onto the second substrate 12 partially overlap in the full-view wide-angle mode, all liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are driven by the vertical electric field and deflected, avoiding whitening or bright lines at the junctions of different areas and improving the wide-angle image display effect.

[0093] Furthermore, since the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 away from the first liquid crystal layer 13, in order to avoid the influence of the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, in the full-screen wide viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal. This makes the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 equal to the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, so as to cancel the difference in electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 due to the different layers. In the full-screen wide viewing angle mode, the problem of uneven display in the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 is avoided.

[0094] Furthermore, in the full-view wide-angle mode, as one implementation, a 0V DC voltage is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 7.5V AC voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 7.4V AC voltage is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. This cancels out the difference in electric field strength between the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 caused by their different layer levels, thus avoiding uneven display in the areas of the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121 and 122. Of course, in other embodiments, a 7.5V AC voltage can also be applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 0V DC voltage to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 0.1V AC voltage to the second viewing angle control electrode 122, with the first and third electrical signals having the same polarity and period.

[0095] In the full-view narrow viewing angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The voltage difference between the fourth and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the fifth and first electrical signals, are both greater than a third preset value (e.g., greater than 2.0V) and less than a fourth preset value (e.g., greater than 6.0V), wherein the third preset value is greater than the first preset value, and the fourth preset value is less than the second preset value. A strong vertical electric field is formed between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are significantly deflected and tilted, resulting in a darker brightness at wide viewing angles. At this time, the dimming box 10 presents a full-view narrow viewing angle display. Because the projections of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on the second substrate 12 partially overlap in the full-view narrow viewing angle mode, all liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 will be deflected by the vertical electric field, thus avoiding the phenomenon of whitening or bright lines at the junction of different areas and improving the display effect of narrow viewing angle images.

[0096] Furthermore, since the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 away from the first liquid crystal layer 13, in order to avoid the influence of the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, in the whole-screen narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal, so that the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is equal to the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, so as to cancel the difference in electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 due to the different layers, and avoid the problem of uneven display in the area of ​​the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 in the whole-screen narrow viewing angle mode.

[0097] Furthermore, in the full-screen narrow viewing angle mode, as one implementation, a 0V DC voltage is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 5.5V AC voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 5.4V AC voltage is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. This cancels out the difference in electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 due to their different layer levels, thus avoiding uneven display in the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The effect is as follows: Figure 11As shown. Of course, in other embodiments, the common viewing angle electrode 111 may also be applied with an AC voltage of 5.5V, the first viewing angle control electrode 121 may be applied with a DC voltage of 0V, the second viewing angle control electrode 122 may be applied with an AC voltage of 0.1V, and the first electrical signal and the third electrical signal may have the same polarity and period.

[0098] It can be understood that in both the full-view wide-angle mode and the full-view narrow-angle mode, all the second-view control electrodes 122 apply the same voltage signal, that is, the first electrode 122a, the second electrode 112b, the third electrode 122c, the fourth electrode 122d, the fifth electrode 122e, and the sixth electrode 122f all apply the same voltage signal.

[0099] In the narrow viewing angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a second electrical signal or a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122 of the corresponding area. That is, the second viewing angle control electrode 122 of the area where the display panel needs to display the narrow viewing angle is applied with the fifth electrical signal, while the first viewing angle control electrode 121 located between the adjacent narrow viewing angle area and the wide viewing angle area can apply either the second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal.

[0100] In this embodiment, there are six second-view control electrodes 122, namely the first electrode 122a, the second electrode 112b, the third electrode 122c, the fourth electrode 122d, the fifth electrode 122e, and the sixth electrode 122f. The six second-view control electrodes 122 are arranged in two rows and three columns.

[0101] In the narrow-view mode, a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode 121 between two adjacent narrow-view regions, a second or fourth electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode 121 between adjacent narrow-view and wide-view regions, and a second electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode 121 between two adjacent wide-view regions. For example, when the regions corresponding to the first electrode 122a and the second electrode 112b are narrow-view, the fourth electrical signal (i.e., the narrow-view signal) is applied to the longitudinal electrode strip 121a on the right side and the transverse electrode strip 121b on the lower side of the first electrode 122a and the second electrode 112b, while other regions (the regions corresponding to the third electrode 122c, the fourth electrode 122d, the fifth electrode 122e, and the sixth electrode 122f) are wide-view, and the second electrical signal (i.e., the wide-view signal) is applied to the longitudinal electrode strip 121a and the transverse electrode strip 121b in the other regions. By dividing the first viewing angle control electrode 121 into multiple parts, only the second or fourth electrical signal needs to be applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121 in the corresponding area, thus avoiding the application of electrical signals to the entire first viewing angle control electrode 121, which would affect the display of wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0102] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] [Example 3]

[0104] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on the second substrate in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas in Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in the full-screen wide viewing angle mode. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the display panel, display device, and driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 5 to 9 The display panel, display device, and driving method for the switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in the segmented area are basically the same. The difference is that, in this embodiment, the width of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is equal to the width of the gap 123, and the edges between the projection of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 on the second substrate 12 and the projection of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on the second substrate 12 are aligned with each other. That is, the width of the gap 123 and the width of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 are both a, and a is 7-12um.

[0105] By making the width of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 equal to the width of the gap 123, there is no overlapping area between the projection of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 on the second substrate 12 and the projection of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on the second substrate 12, so as to reduce the parasitic capacitance between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 and increase the effect of wide and narrow viewing angle switching.

[0106] This embodiment also provides a display device and a driving method, which are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 5 to 9 The display devices and driving methods that allow for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions are basically the same.

[0107] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0108] [Example 4]

[0109] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in the fourth embodiment of the present invention in the full-area wide viewing angle mode. Figure 17 This is a simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-width viewing angle mode of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 18 This is one of the simulation diagrams of the transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 19 This is the second simulation diagram of the transmittance in the full-area narrow viewing angle mode of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. For example... Figures 16 to 19 As shown, the display panel, display device, and driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 5 to 12 The display panel, display device and driving method of the switchable wide and narrow viewing angle in the segmented area are basically the same, except that in this embodiment, the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 close to the first liquid crystal layer 13.

[0110] In narrow viewing angle modes (full-area narrow viewing angle mode and area narrow viewing angle mode), the voltage difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 is less than the voltage difference between the second viewing angle control electrode 122 and the common viewing angle electrode 111. This is to compensate for the difference in electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 due to their different layer levels. In full-area wide viewing angle mode or full-area narrow viewing angle mode, this avoids uneven display in the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The exact difference in voltage between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 compared to the second viewing angle control electrode 122 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 needs to be set according to the actual situation. It is sufficient to ensure that the electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 are the same in both full-area wide viewing angle mode and full-area narrow viewing angle mode.

[0111] This embodiment also provides a display device, including the aforementioned display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas and a backlight module 40. The backlight module 40 is located below the display panel and is used to provide a backlight for the display panel. Of course, if the display box 20 uses a self-emissive display, the display device does not need to be equipped with an additional backlight. The backlight module 40 in this embodiment is basically the same as the backlight module 40 in Embodiment 1.

[0112] This embodiment also provides a driving method for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. This driving method is used to drive the aforementioned display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions. The driving method includes:

[0113] In the full-view wide-angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a second electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a third electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The voltage difference between the second and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the third and first electrical signals, are both less than a first preset value (e.g., less than 0.5V). A perpendicular electric field is essentially not formed between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, or between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 do not deflect significantly and remain in their initial flat state. Figure 5 At this time, the dimming box 10 presents a wide viewing angle display covering the entire surface.

[0114] Furthermore, in the full-view wide-angle mode, as one implementation method, a DC voltage of 0V is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, that is, the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal are all DC voltages of 0V.

[0115] Alternatively, in the full-view wide-angle mode, the voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal, as well as the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal, can both be greater than the second preset value (e.g., greater than 7.0V). Where the second preset value is much greater than the first preset value, a strong vertical electric field will be formed between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. Figure 6 In the E2 and E3 modes, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are significantly deflected and perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. At this time, the dimming cell 10 will also present a full-view wide-angle display. Since the projections of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on the second substrate 12 partially overlap in the full-view wide-angle mode, all liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 will be driven by the vertical electric field and deflected, avoiding the phenomenon of whitening or bright lines at the junction of different areas and improving the wide-view wide-angle display effect.

[0116] Furthermore, since the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 closer to the first liquid crystal layer 13, in order to avoid the influence of the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, in the full-screen wide viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal. This makes the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 equal to the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, so as to cancel the difference in electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 due to the different layers. In the full-screen wide viewing angle mode, the problem of uneven display in the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 is avoided.

[0117] Furthermore, in the full-view wide-angle mode, as one implementation, a 0V DC voltage is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 7.4V AC voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 7.5V AC voltage is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. This cancels out the difference in electric field strength between the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 caused by their different layer levels, thus avoiding uneven display in the areas of the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121 and 122. Of course, in other embodiments, a 7.5V AC voltage can also be applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 0.1V DC voltage to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 0V AC voltage to the second viewing angle control electrode 122, with the first and second electrical signals having the same polarity and period.

[0118] In the full-view narrow viewing angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The voltage difference between the fourth and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the fifth and first electrical signals, are both greater than a third preset value (e.g., greater than 2.0V) and less than a fourth preset value (e.g., greater than 6.0V), wherein the third preset value is greater than the first preset value, and the fourth preset value is less than the second preset value. A strong vertical electric field is formed between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are significantly deflected and tilted, resulting in a darker brightness at wide viewing angles. At this time, the dimming box 10 presents a full-view narrow viewing angle display. Because the projections of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 on the second substrate 12 partially overlap in the full-view narrow viewing angle mode, all liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 will be deflected by the vertical electric field, thus avoiding the phenomenon of whitening or bright lines at the junction of different areas and improving the display effect of narrow viewing angle images.

[0119] Furthermore, since the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode 122 away from the first liquid crystal layer 13, in order to avoid the influence of the height difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, in the whole-screen narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal, so that the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121 is equal to the vertical electric field strength between the common viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122, so as to cancel the difference in electric field strength between the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 due to the different layers, and avoid the problem of uneven display in the area of ​​the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122 in the whole-screen narrow viewing angle mode.

[0120] Furthermore, in the full-screen narrow viewing angle mode, as one implementation, a 0V DC voltage is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 5.4V AC voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 5.5V AC voltage is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122. This cancels out the difference in electric field strength between the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121 and the common viewing angle electrode 111 caused by the different layers of the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121, thus avoiding the problem of uneven display in the areas of the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 121. Of course, in other embodiments, a 5.5V AC voltage can also be applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a 0.1V DC voltage can be applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a 0V AC voltage can be applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122, with the first and second electrical signals having the same polarity and period.

[0121] In the narrow viewing angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common viewing angle electrode 111, a second electrical signal or a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 122 of the corresponding area. That is, the second viewing angle control electrode 122 of the area where the display panel needs to display the narrow viewing angle is applied with the fifth electrical signal, while the first viewing angle control electrode 121 located between the adjacent narrow viewing angle area and the wide viewing angle area can apply either the second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal.

[0122] In this embodiment, there are two second viewing angle control electrodes 122, namely a first electrode 122a and a second electrode 122b. Taking the area corresponding to the first electrode 122a as the narrow viewing angle and the area corresponding to the second electrode 122b as the wide viewing angle as an example, a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121, a fifth electrical signal is applied to the first electrode 122a, and a third electrical signal is applied to the second electrode 122b. The voltage difference between the fourth and first electrical signals, and the voltage difference between the fifth and first electrical signals, are both greater than a third preset value (e.g., greater than 2.0V) and less than a fourth preset value (e.g., greater than 6.0V). A strong vertical electric field is formed between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the first electrode 122a. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 corresponding to the areas of the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode 122a are significantly deflected and tilted. The brightness dims at a wide viewing angle. At this time, the area corresponding to the first viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode 122a presents a narrow viewing angle display. When the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than the first preset value (e.g., less than 0.5V), a perpendicular electric field is not formed between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 corresponding to the region of the second electrode 122b do not deflect and remain in their initial flat position. In this case, the region corresponding to the second electrode 122b displays a wide viewing angle. Alternatively, when the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the second preset value (e.g., greater than 7.0V), a strong perpendicular electric field is formed between the shared viewing angle electrode 111 and the second electrode 122b. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 corresponding to the region of the second electrode 122b are significantly deflected and perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. In this case, the region corresponding to the second electrode 122b displays a wide viewing angle.

[0123] Of course, the first view control electrode 121 applies a second electrical signal, and the voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than a first preset value (e.g., less than 0.5V) or greater than a second preset value (e.g., greater than 7.0V).

[0124] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0125] The display device is equipped with a viewing angle switching button, which allows the user to request a viewing angle switch. The viewing angle switching button can be a physical button or implemented via software control or an application (APP). When the user needs to switch between a wide and narrow viewing angle, they can send a viewing angle switching request to the display device by operating the viewing angle switching button. Ultimately, the driver chip controls the application of different electrical signals to the common viewing angle electrode 111, the first viewing angle control electrode 121, and the second viewing angle control electrode 122. This allows the display device to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles. When switching to a wide viewing angle, the driving method corresponding to the wide-angle mode is used; when switching to a narrow viewing angle, the driving method corresponding to the narrow-angle mode is used. Therefore, the display device of this embodiment has strong operational flexibility and convenience, achieving a multi-functional display device that integrates entertainment video and privacy protection.

[0126] In this document, the directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined according to the position of the structures in the accompanying drawings and the relative positions of the structures, and are only used for clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application. It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are only used for distinction in name and are not used to limit the number or order.

[0127] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, which are equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions, characterized in that, It includes a dimming box (10) for controlling the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles and a display box (20) for controlling the display of the screen, wherein the dimming box (10) and the display box (20) are stacked on top of each other; The dimming box (10) includes a first substrate (11), a second substrate (12) disposed opposite to the first substrate (11), and a first liquid crystal layer (13) disposed between the first substrate (11) and the second substrate (12). The first substrate (11) has a common viewing angle electrode (111) on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). The second substrate (12) has a first viewing angle control electrode (121) cooperating with the common viewing angle electrode (111) and a plurality of mutually insulated second viewing angle control electrodes (122) on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). The plurality of second viewing angle control electrodes (122) are located on the same layer and there is a gap (123) between two adjacent second viewing angle control electrodes (122). The first viewing angle control electrode (121) and the second viewing angle control electrode (122) are located on different layers and are mutually insulated. The first viewing angle control electrode (121) corresponds to the gap (123). The first viewing angle control electrode (121) is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode (122) away from the first liquid crystal layer (13). In the narrow viewing angle mode, the pressure difference between the first viewing angle control electrode (121) and the common viewing angle electrode (111) is greater than the pressure difference between the second viewing angle control electrode (122) and the common viewing angle electrode (111); or the first viewing angle control electrode (121) is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode (122) close to the first liquid crystal layer (13). In the narrow viewing angle mode, the pressure difference between the first viewing angle control electrode (121) and the common viewing angle electrode (111) is less than the pressure difference between the second viewing angle control electrode (122) and the common viewing angle electrode (111).

2. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple second-view control electrodes (122) are arranged along the row direction, and the first-view control electrode (121) is strip-shaped and extends along the column direction; or multiple second-view control electrodes (122) are arranged along the column direction, and the first-view control electrode (121) is strip-shaped and extends along the row direction.

3. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple second-view control electrodes (122) are arranged in an array, and the first-view control electrode (121) has a mesh structure.

4. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first viewing angle control electrode (121) includes a plurality of mutually insulated longitudinal electrode strips (121a) and a plurality of mutually insulated transverse electrode strips (121b). The longitudinal electrode strips (121a) located on the left / right side and the transverse electrode strips (121b) located on the upper / lower side of the same second viewing angle control electrode (122) are electrically connected.

5. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the first viewing angle control electrode (121) is greater than the width of the gap (123), and the projection of the first viewing angle control electrode (121) on the second substrate (12) partially overlaps with the projection of the second viewing angle control electrode (122) on the second substrate (12). Alternatively, the width of the first viewing angle control electrode (121) is equal to the width of the gap (123), and the edges between the projection of the first viewing angle control electrode (121) on the second substrate (12) and the projection of the second viewing angle control electrode (122) on the second substrate (12) are aligned with each other.

6. A display device with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions, characterized in that, Includes a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in any one of claims 1-5.

7. A driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions, characterized in that, The driving method is applied to the display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in any one of claims 1-5, and the driving method includes: In the full-view wide-angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common view electrode (111), a second electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode (121), and a third electrical signal is applied to the second view control electrode (122). The voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal and the voltage difference between the third electrical signal and the first electrical signal are both less than a first preset value or both are greater than a second preset value. In the full-view narrow angle mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common angle electrode (111), a fourth electrical signal is applied to the first angle control electrode (121), and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second angle control electrode (122). The voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal and the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal are both greater than a third preset value and less than a fourth preset value. In the narrow-view mode, a first electrical signal is applied to the common view electrode (111), a second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode (121), and a fifth electrical signal is applied to the second view control electrode (122) of the corresponding region. Wherein, the third preset value is greater than the first preset value, and the fourth preset value is less than the second preset value.

8. The driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first viewing angle control electrode (121) is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode (122) away from the first liquid crystal layer (13). In the narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal is greater than the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal. Alternatively, the first viewing angle control electrode (121) is located on the side of the second viewing angle control electrode (122) close to the first liquid crystal layer (13). In the narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage difference between the fourth electrical signal and the first electrical signal is less than the voltage difference between the fifth electrical signal and the first electrical signal.

9. The driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles in different regions according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the narrow-view mode, the fourth electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode (121) between two adjacent narrow-view regions, the second electrical signal or the fourth electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode (121) between adjacent narrow-view regions and wide-view regions, and the second electrical signal is applied to the first view control electrode (121) between two adjacent wide-view regions.

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