Display device with switchable viewing angle and driving method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a display device with switchable viewing angle and a driving method thereof. The display device comprises a backlight module and a display panel, and the display panel can be switched between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle. The backlight module comprises a backlight source and a first liquid crystal box, and the first liquid crystal box is used for controlling the astigmatic range of the backlight module. The first liquid crystal box comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a polymer liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. When the display device displays in the wide viewing angle, the display panel is switched to the wide viewing angle mode, and the astigmatic range of the backlight module is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display. When the display device displays in the narrow viewing angle, the display panel is switched to the narrow viewing angle mode, and the astigmatic range of the backlight module is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display. By arranging the first liquid crystal box in the backlight module, the astigmatic range of the backlight module can be adjusted arbitrarily, so that the display device has a large adjustable viewing angle range when displaying in the wide viewing angle and the narrow viewing angle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of display technology, in particular to a display device with switchable viewing angle and a driving method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous progress of liquid crystal display technology, the viewing angle of display has been widened from the original 120° to more than 160°. While people enjoy the visual experience brought by large viewing angle, they also hope to effectively protect commercial secrets and personal privacy to avoid business losses or embarrassment caused by screen information leakage. Therefore, in addition to the demand for wide viewing angle, the display device also needs to have the function of switching between wide and narrow viewing angles in many occasions.

[0003] Currently, the switching between wide and narrow viewing angles is mainly achieved by attaching a louver shielding film to the display screen. When privacy protection is needed, the screen can be shielded by the louver shielding film to reduce the viewing angle. However, this method requires an additional louver shielding film, which causes great inconvenience to the user. Moreover, a louver shielding film can only achieve one viewing angle. Once the louver shielding film is attached, the viewing angle is fixed in the narrow viewing angle mode, which makes it impossible to freely switch between wide and narrow viewing angles. In addition, the louver shielding film will cause a decrease in brightness, affecting the quality.

[0004] The prior art also has a double-box structure for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles by using a light-adjusting box and a display panel. The display panel is used for normal picture display, and the light-adjusting box is used for controlling the switching of the viewing angle. The light-adjusting box includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. The viewing angle control electrodes on the upper substrate and the lower substrate apply a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal molecules, causing the liquid crystal to deflect vertically to achieve 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. However, the ratio of left and right 45° brightness to center brightness of this wide and narrow viewing angle switchable display panel is about 1.1% when the viewing angle is wide, the side viewing effect is poor when the viewing angle is wide, and the adjustable viewing angle range of the wide and narrow viewing angles is small. SUMMARY

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a display device with switchable viewing angle and a driving method thereof to solve the problem of small adjustable viewing angle range of wide and narrow viewing angles in the prior art.

[0006] The purpose of the present application is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present application provides a display device with switchable viewing angle, comprising a backlight module and a display panel arranged on the light emitting side of the backlight module, the display panel can switch between wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0008] The backlight module comprises a backlight source and a first liquid crystal cell stacked on the light emitting side of the backlight source, the first liquid crystal cell is used for controlling the light dispersion range of the backlight module, the first liquid crystal cell comprises the first substrate, the second substrate oppositely arranged with the first substrate, and the polymer liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate is provided with the first electrode, and the second substrate is provided with the second electrode matched with the first electrode.

[0009] In the wide viewing angle display, the display panel is switched to the wide viewing angle mode, and the light dispersion range of the backlight module is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display.

[0010] In the narrow viewing angle display, the display panel is switched to the narrow viewing angle mode, and the light dispersion range of the backlight module is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display.

[0011] Further, the polymer liquid crystal layer is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, a polymer network liquid crystal or a polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal.

[0012] Further, the backlight module further comprises a diffusion sheet, the diffusion sheet is stacked between the backlight source and the first liquid crystal cell; or the diffusion sheet is stacked on the side of the first liquid crystal cell away from the backlight source.

[0013] Further, the display panel comprises a light adjusting cell and a display liquid crystal cell stacked with each other, the light adjusting cell is used for controlling the display panel to switch between the wide viewing angle and the narrow viewing angle.

[0014] The light adjusting cell comprises a third substrate, a fourth substrate oppositely arranged with the third substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, the third substrate is provided with a viewing angle auxiliary electrode, and the fourth substrate is provided with a viewing angle control electrode matched with the viewing angle auxiliary electrode.

[0015] The display liquid crystal cell comprises a color film substrate, an array substrate oppositely arranged with the color film substrate, and a second liquid crystal layer between the color film substrate and the array substrate.

[0016] Further, the third substrate is provided with a first prism structure, the first prism structure has a light dispersion effect; and / or, the fourth substrate is provided with a second prism structure, the second prism structure has a light dispersion effect.

[0017] Furthermore, the first liquid crystal layer uses positive liquid crystal molecules, which are aligned parallel to the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer on the side closer to the third substrate is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the fourth substrate; or, the first liquid crystal layer uses negative liquid crystal molecules, which are aligned tilted to the third substrate and the fourth substrate.

[0018] Further, the first liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules mixed together, wherein the liquid crystal molecules are positive liquid crystal molecules, and the liquid crystal molecules and the dye molecules are aligned parallel to the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer on the side closer to the third substrate is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the fourth substrate; or, the first liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules mixed together, wherein the liquid crystal molecules are negative liquid crystal molecules, and the liquid crystal molecules and the dye molecules are aligned tilted towards the third substrate and the fourth substrate.

[0019] Furthermore, the array substrate is provided with a common electrode and a pixel electrode, the common electrode and the pixel electrode are located on different layers and are insulated from each other; or, the array substrate is provided with a pixel electrode, and the color filter substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrode.

[0020] This application also provides a driving method for a display device, the driving method being used to drive the display device as described above, the driving method comprising:

[0021] When displaying with a wide viewing angle, control the display panel to switch to wide viewing angle mode and adjust the diffusion range of the backlight module to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display.

[0022] When displaying a narrow viewing angle, the display panel switches to narrow viewing angle mode and adjusts the scattering range of the backlight module to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display.

[0023] When displaying with a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle, the brightness of the backlight module is adjusted according to the scattering range of the backlight module so that the center brightness of the display device is maintained within a preset range.

[0024] Furthermore, the driving method also includes: monitoring ambient light intensity;

[0025] When the ambient light brightness is greater than or equal to the preset brightness, the display device is controlled to switch to wide viewing angle display; when the ambient light brightness is less than the preset brightness, the display device is controlled to switch to narrow viewing angle display.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: A first liquid crystal cell is provided in the backlight module. The first liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a polymer liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first electrode is provided on the first substrate, and a second electrode cooperating with the first electrode is provided on the second substrate. By controlling the pressure difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer can be adjusted, so that the scattering range of the backlight module can be arbitrarily adjusted. Combined with a display panel that can switch between wide viewing angle and narrow viewing angle, the display device can switch between wide viewing angle display and narrow viewing angle display. Moreover, it has a large adjustable viewing angle range when displaying wide viewing angle and narrow viewing angle. In addition, the solution of this application has no impact on the cell thickness of the display panel, and there is no need to increase the cell thickness of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of using a polymer network liquid crystal in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of using polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the prism structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at its maximum widest viewing angle;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at the middle wide viewing angle;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at the minimum widest viewing angle;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at its maximum narrow viewing angle;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when viewed from a narrow angle in the middle;

[0037] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at the minimum narrow viewing angle;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the control signal transmission of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention at a wide viewing angle;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a simulation diagram of the viewing angle and contrast of the display device under different doping ratios of dye molecules at a wide viewing angle in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in a narrow viewing angle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 16 This is a simulation diagram of the viewing angle and contrast of the display device with different doping ratios of dye molecules at a narrow viewing angle in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the planar structure of the display device in this invention;

[0044] Figure 18 This is the second schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in this invention;

[0045] Figure 19 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the display device in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, details the specific implementation, structure, features, and effects of the view-switching display device and its driving method proposed according to the present invention:

[0047] [Example 1]

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a display device with switchable viewing angles includes a backlight module 40 and a display panel disposed on the light-emitting side of the backlight module 40. The display panel is capable of switching between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle.

[0049] The backlight module 40 includes a backlight source 41 and a first liquid crystal cell 42 stacked on the light-emitting side of the backlight source 41. The first liquid crystal cell 42 is used to control the diffusion range of the backlight module 40. The backlight source 41 can be an edge-lit backlight or a collimated backlight. The first liquid crystal cell 42 includes a first substrate 421, a second substrate 422 disposed opposite to the first substrate 421, and a polymer liquid crystal layer 423 located between the first substrate 421 and the second substrate 422. A first electrode 421a is provided on the first substrate 421, and a second electrode 422a cooperating with the first electrode 421a is provided on the second substrate 422. By controlling the voltage on the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is controlled to switch between a hazy state and a transparent state, i.e., the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is controlled. Since the first liquid crystal cell 42 is made of a polymer liquid crystal layer 423 with a thickness of approximately 100 μm, the first liquid crystal cell 42 can also be called a polymer liquid crystal film, for assembly within the backlight module 40.

[0050] When displaying with a wide viewing angle, the display panel switches to wide viewing angle mode and adjusts the diffusion range of the backlight module 40 to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display; when displaying with a narrow viewing angle, the display panel switches to narrow viewing angle mode and adjusts the diffusion range of the backlight module 40 to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC). Figure 2 As shown in Figure a, the optical axes of the microdroplets composed of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal molecules are freely oriented, and their refractive index does not match that of the matrix. When light passes through the matrix, it is strongly scattered by the liquid crystal microdroplets, resulting in an opaque, milky-white, or translucent state. Figure 2As shown in b, applying an electric field can adjust the optical axis orientation of the liquid crystal droplets. When the refractive indices of the two electrodes match, a transparent state is achieved. Removing the electric field restores the liquid crystal droplets to their initial diffused state (foggy state), thus enabling display. Specifically, in scattering mode, the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a is less than a first preset value, causing the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal to appear foggy and have a diffused effect; in transmission mode, the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a is greater than a second preset value, causing the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal to appear transparent. Therefore, the switching between the foggy and transparent states of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is controlled by controlling the electrical signal applied to the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a. The smaller the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the closer the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is to the foggy state; conversely, the larger the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the closer the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is to the transparent state. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals have a light-scattering effect when in a foggy state, and do not change the light emission angle when in a transparent state. Therefore, by adjusting the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the fog level of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystals can be adjusted to control the light-scattering range of the backlight module 40.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of using a polymer network liquid crystal in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment, the polymeric liquid crystal layer 423 can also be a polymeric network liquid crystal (PNLC). A polymeric network liquid crystal mixes low-molecular-weight liquid crystals with a prepolymer, and under certain conditions, undergoes a polymerization reaction, resulting in liquid crystal molecules being contained within a network. For example... Figure 3 As shown in Figure a, due to orientation induction, the liquid crystal will align uniformly, and the polymer monomers, also possessing a liquid crystal phase, will also align uniformly under the guest-host effect. At this point, polymerization phase separation is performed, yielding a uniformly aligned polymer network liquid crystal. Under no voltage, the polymer network liquid crystal is in a transparent state. Figure 3As shown in b, when energized, the negative liquid crystals tend to align in parallel due to the electric field. At this time, the anchoring effect of the polymer network on the liquid crystal molecules prevents rotation, resulting in disordered liquid crystal alignment and scattering, producing a hazy state. Specifically, in scattering mode, the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a is greater than a third preset value, causing the polymer network liquid crystal to appear hazy and have a light-scattering effect; in transmission mode, the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a is less than a fourth preset value, causing the polymer network liquid crystal to appear transparent. Therefore, the switching between the hazy and transparent states of the polymer network liquid crystal is controlled by controlling the electrical signal applied to the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a. The greater the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the closer the polymer network liquid crystal is to the hazy state; conversely, the smaller the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the closer the polymer network liquid crystal is to the transparent state. The polymer network liquid crystal has a light-scattering effect when it is in a fog state, and it does not change the light emission angle when it is in a transparent state. Therefore, by adjusting the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the fog level of the polymer network liquid crystal can be adjusted to control the light-scattering range of the backlight module 40.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of using a polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 may also be a polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCT). Figure 4 As shown in Figure a, the cholesteric phase of the polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal is in the P state, i.e., the transparent state, when the charge is removed: (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown in b, when electricity is applied, the cholesteric phase changes to the FC state, i.e., the fog state, and scattering occurs. Specifically, in scattering mode, the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a is greater than a fifth preset value, causing the polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal to appear foggy and have a light-scattering effect; in transmission mode, the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a is less than a sixth preset value, causing the polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal to appear transparent. Therefore, by controlling the electrical signal applied to the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the switching between the foggy and transparent states of the polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal is controlled. The greater the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the closer the polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal is to the foggy state; conversely, the smaller the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the closer the polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal is to the transparent state. The polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal has a light-scattering effect in the hazy state, and does not change the light emission angle in the transparent state. Therefore, by adjusting the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the haze of the polymer network liquid crystal can be adjusted to control the light scattering range of the backlight module 40.

[0054] In this embodiment, the backlight module 40 further includes a diffuser sheet 43, which is stacked on the side of the first liquid crystal cell 42 away from the backlight source 41. The diffuser sheet 43 can disperse the light from the backlight source 41, making the light from the backlight source 41 more uniform. Of course, in other embodiments, the diffuser sheet 43 is stacked between the backlight source 41 and the first liquid crystal cell 42.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the display panel includes a dimming box 10 and a display liquid crystal cell 20 stacked on top of each other. The dimming box 10 controls the display panel to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles, while the display liquid crystal cell 20 controls the grayscale of the displayed image. That is, the display liquid crystal cell 20 can be a regular display panel that can control the light intensity of each sub-pixel, thereby controlling the grayscale of the displayed image. The dimming box 10 can be located on the side of the display liquid crystal cell 20 away from the backlight module 40, or it can be located on the side of the display liquid crystal cell 20 facing the backlight module 40.

[0056] The dimming box 10 includes a third substrate 11, a fourth substrate 12 disposed opposite to the third substrate 11, and a first liquid crystal layer 13 located between the third substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 12. The third substrate 11 is provided with a viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, and the fourth substrate 12 is provided with a viewing angle control electrode 121 that cooperates with the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111. By controlling the voltage on the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the dimming box 10 can be controlled to switch between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer 13 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in the initial state, positive liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the third substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 12. The alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 near the third substrate 11 is parallel to the alignment direction near the fourth substrate 12 (either forward parallel or reverse parallel), thus making the dimming cell 10 a wide viewing angle state in the initial state. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 can have a small initial pretilt angle with the third substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 12. The range of the initial pretilt angle can be less than or equal to 5 degrees, i.e., 0°≦0≦5°, to reduce the response time of the vertical deflection of the positive liquid crystal molecules, i.e., to reduce the response time of switching between wide and narrow viewing angles. Of course, in other embodiments, the first liquid crystal layer 13 can also use negative liquid crystal molecules, i.e., liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy. The negative liquid crystal molecules are tilted and aligned with the third substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 12, thus making the dimming cell 10 a narrow viewing angle state in the initial state.

[0058] Furthermore, a first prism structure 112 is provided on the third substrate 11, which has a light-scattering effect; and / or, a second prism structure 122 is provided on the fourth substrate 12, which also has a light-scattering effect. In this embodiment, the first prism structure 112 is provided on the third substrate 11, and the second prism structure 122 is provided on the fourth substrate 12. Both the first prism structure 112 and the second prism structure 122 have a light-scattering effect on the light source emitted by the backlight module 40, thereby increasing the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle. Of course, in other embodiments, only the first prism structure 112 may be provided on the third substrate 11; or only the second prism structure 122 may be provided on the fourth substrate 12.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the prism structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein, Figure 5 In the diagram, A is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the first prism. Figure 5 B in the diagram is a schematic representation of the principle structure of the second prism. (For example...) Figure 5 As shown, the first prism structure 112 includes a first refractive layer 112a and a second refractive layer 112b stacked on top of each other, with the first refractive layer 112a located on the side of the second refractive layer 112b away from the first liquid crystal layer 13. The second prism structure 122 includes a third refractive layer 122a and a fourth refractive layer 122b stacked on top of each other, with the fourth refractive layer 122b located on the side of the third refractive layer 122a facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. Both the first refractive layer 112a and the third refractive layer 122a have multiple protrusions. The refractive index of the first refractive layer 112a is less than that of the second refractive layer 112b, and the refractive index of the third refractive layer 122a is less than that of the fourth refractive layer 122b, thereby enabling both the first prism structure 112 and the second prism structure 122 to have a light-scattering effect.

[0060] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding structure is a semi-circular structure, a trapezoidal structure, or a triangular structure, and the protruding structure is a columnar structure, that is, an inverted semi-cylinder, trapezoidal column, or triangular prism. Of course, in other embodiments, the prism structure is not limited to being disposed in the dimming box 10; a prism structure with a light-diffusing effect can also be disposed on the color filter substrate 21 and / or array substrate 22 of the display liquid crystal cell 20.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the display liquid crystal 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 located between the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22. In this embodiment, the second liquid crystal layer 23 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy, such as... Figure 1As shown, in the initial state, 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, and the alignment direction of the positive liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the color filter substrate 21 is parallel to that of the positive liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the array substrate 22.

[0062] The color filter substrate 21 has a color resist layer 212 and black matrices (BM) 211 separating the color resist layer 212 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23. The color resist layer 212 includes, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color resist materials, which respectively form red, green, and blue pixel units. The black matrices 211 are located between the red, green, and blue pixel units, so that adjacent pixel units are separated from each other by the black matrices 211.

[0063] On the side of the array substrate 22 facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, multiple scan lines and multiple data lines are mutually insulated and intersecting to form multiple pixel units. The black matrix 211 corresponds vertically to the scan lines and data lines. Each pixel unit is provided with a pixel electrode 222 and a thin-film transistor. 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 line 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. The drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 222 through a contact hole.

[0064] 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 and isolated by an insulating layer. The common electrode 221 may be located above or below the pixel electrode 222. Figure 1The 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 are 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. Of course, in other embodiments, the array substrate 22 has the pixel electrode 222 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, and the color filter substrate 21 has the common electrode 221 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, to form a TN display mode or a VA display mode. For further descriptions of the TN display mode and the VA display mode, please refer to the prior art, which will not be repeated here.

[0065] In this embodiment, a first polarizer 31 is provided between the dimming box 10 and the display liquid crystal cell 20, a second polarizer 32 is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal cell 20 away from the dimming box 10, and a third polarizer 33 is provided on the side of the dimming box 10 away from the display liquid crystal cell 20. The transmission axes of the first polarizer 31 and the second polarizer 32 are perpendicular to each other, and the transmission axis of the third polarizer 33 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first polarizer 31. Of course, a compensation film, such as a viewing angle compensation film or a brightness compensation film, can also be provided between the dimming box 10 and the display liquid crystal cell 20 to improve the viewing angle effect.

[0066] The first substrate 421, the second substrate 422, the third substrate 11, the fourth substrate 12, the color filter substrate 21, and the array substrate 22 can be made of transparent substrates such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, the first electrode 421a, the second electrode 422a, the common electrode 221, and the pixel electrode 222 can be made of transparent electrodes such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0067] This embodiment also provides a driving method for a display device, which is used to drive the display device as described above. The driving method includes:

[0068] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at its maximum wide viewing angle. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the first embodiment of the present invention at the middle wide viewing angle. Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at its minimum widest viewing angle. Figures 6 to 8 As shown, when displaying with a wide viewing angle, the control display panel is switched to wide viewing angle mode, and the diffused light range of the backlight module 40 is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display. In this embodiment, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is described using polymer dispersed liquid crystal as an example.

[0069] Specifically, during wide-viewing-angle display, no electrical signal is applied to either the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 or the viewing angle control electrode 121. At this time, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a flat position, and the display panel is in wide-viewing-angle mode. By adjusting the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 can be adjusted to control the astigmatism range of the backlight module 40, thereby controlling the viewing angle range of the wide-viewing-angle display. Figure 6 As shown, at the maximum wide viewing angle, no electrical signal is applied to either the first electrode 421a or the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is in a foggy state with the highest fog level. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has the strongest light-scattering effect. The light from the backlight 41 is scattered after passing through the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 and then emitted through the display panel, making the viewing angle of the wide-viewing-angle display device even wider. Figure 8 As shown, at the minimum wide viewing angle, a voltage signal with the maximum voltage difference (e.g., greater than 15V) is applied to both the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is transparent and has minimal haze. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has virtually no light scattering effect, and the light from the backlight 41 is not significantly scattered after passing through the polymer liquid crystal layer 423. After being emitted through the display panel, it has virtually no impact on the viewing angle range of the display device during wide-viewing-angle display. Of course, as... Figure 7 As shown, at the intermediate wide viewing angle, the haze of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage difference (e.g., 0-15V) between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, thereby controlling the scattering range of the backlight module 40 and thus controlling the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display of the display device.

[0070] When displaying a wide viewing angle, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, generating a horizontal electric field. Figures 6-8 In the second liquid crystal layer 23 (E1), the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the intensity of light passing through the second liquid crystal layer 23 and realizing grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit presents different brightness, thereby displaying different images at a wide viewing angle, so as to realize the normal display of the display device at a wide viewing angle.

[0071] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at the maximum narrow viewing angle. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when viewed from a narrow central angle. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at its narrowest viewing angle. Figures 9 to 11 As shown, when displaying a narrow viewing angle, the display panel switches to narrow viewing angle mode, and the scattering range of the backlight module 40 is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display. In this embodiment, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is described using polymer dispersed liquid crystal as an example.

[0072] Specifically, in narrow viewing angle display, corresponding electrical signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, respectively, forming a strong vertical electric field between them. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 deflect vertically and tilt, resulting in a light-receiving state (i.e., reduced brightness at wide viewing angles) for the display panel, thus achieving narrow viewing angle mode. By adjusting the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 can be adjusted to control the scattering range of the backlight module 40, thereby controlling the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display. Figure 9 As shown, at the maximum narrow viewing angle, a voltage signal with the maximum voltage difference (e.g., greater than 15V) is applied to both the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is transparent and has minimal haze. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has virtually no light scattering effect, and the light from the backlight 41 is not significantly scattered after passing through the polymer liquid crystal layer 423. After being emitted through the display panel, it has virtually no impact on the viewing angle range of the display device during narrow viewing angle display. Figure 11 As shown, at the narrowest viewing angle, no electrical signal is applied to either the first electrode 421a or the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is in a foggy state with the highest fog density. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has the strongest light-scattering effect. The light from the backlight 41 is scattered after passing through the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 and then emitted through the display panel, making the viewing angle of the narrow viewing angle display device relatively wide. Of course, as Figure 10 As shown, when the viewing angle is narrow in the middle, the haze of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage difference (e.g., 0-15V) between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, thereby controlling the scattering range of the backlight module 40 and thus controlling the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display of the display device.

[0073] When displaying a narrow viewing angle, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, generating a horizontal electric field. Figures 9-11In the second liquid crystal layer 23 (E1), the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the intensity of light passing through the second liquid crystal layer 23 and realizing grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit presents different brightness, thereby displaying different images at narrow viewing angles, so as to realize the normal display of the display device at narrow viewing angles.

[0074] When displaying from a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle, the brightness of the backlight module 40 is adjusted according to the scattering range of the backlight module 40 to maintain the center brightness of the display device within a preset range. Since the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has different scattering effects at different haze levels, the center brightness of the display device is affected by the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423. The higher the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423, the lower the center brightness of the display device; the more transparent the polymer liquid crystal layer 423, the higher the center brightness of the display device. Table 1 below shows the effect of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 at different haze levels on the center brightness of the display device during wide viewing angle display, as well as the effect of the 45° brightness to center brightness ratio.

[0075] 45° brightness / center brightness voltage center brightness 10％ 2V~3V 350 nits 5％ 5V 500 nits 3％ 6V~7V 750 nits 1％～2％ 15V 850 nits

[0076] As shown in Table 1 above, the smaller the pressure difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the higher the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423, and the lower the center brightness of the display device. Therefore, by adjusting the luminous brightness of the backlight module 40 according to the astigmatism range of the backlight module 40, and by compensating for the light emitted by the backlight module 40, the center brightness of the display device can be maintained within a preset range to provide users with a better user experience. Moreover, as shown in the table above, by setting the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 in the backlight module, the ratio of 45° brightness to center brightness can be adjusted within the range of approximately 1% to 15% during wide-viewing-angle display. Compared to the prior art where the ratio of 45° brightness to center brightness is fixed at around 1.1% during wide-viewing-angle display, this application can adjust the ratio of 45° brightness to center brightness by adjusting the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423, thereby adjusting the display effect of the wide viewing angle. Similarly, this application can also adjust the display effect of the narrow viewing angle by adjusting the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423.

[0077] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the control signal transmission of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 12 As shown, the driving method also includes:

[0078] Monitoring ambient light levels. Specifically, the display device is also equipped with a photosensor used to monitor ambient light levels.

[0079] When the ambient light intensity is greater than or equal to the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits), the display device switches to wide-viewing-angle display; when the ambient light intensity is less than the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits), the display device switches to narrow-viewing-angle display. This is because the dimming box 10 has a light-reducing effect at narrow viewing angles, which to some extent reduces the brightness of the display device. Therefore, switching to wide-viewing-angle display when the ambient light intensity is greater than or equal to the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits) increases the brightness of the display device, allowing users to see the displayed image clearly even in brighter ambient light. Conversely, switching to narrow-viewing-angle display when the ambient light intensity is less than the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits) reduces the brightness of the display device, thus protecting the user's eyes in dimmer ambient light. Of course, after automatically switching to wide-viewing-angle or narrow-viewing-angle display, users can also manually switch between the two modes.

[0080] [Example 2]

[0081] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention at a wide viewing angle. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention at a narrow viewing angle. Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the view-switching display device and its driving method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are similar to those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 12 The view-switching display device and its driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0082] The first liquid crystal layer 13 includes liquid crystal molecules 131 and dye molecules 132 mixed together. The liquid crystal molecules 131 are positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. (Reference) Figure 13In the initial state, liquid crystal molecules 131 and dye molecules 132 are aligned parallel to the third substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 12. The alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 near the third substrate 11 is parallel to the alignment direction near the fourth substrate 12 (positive parallel or anti-parallel), thereby enabling the dimming cell 10 to be in a wide viewing angle state in the initial state. The liquid crystal molecules 131 and dye molecules 132 can have a small initial pretilt angle with the third substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 12. The range of the initial pretilt angle can be less than or equal to 5 degrees, that is, 0°≦0≦5°, to reduce the response time of the vertical deflection of positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, to reduce the response time of switching between wide and narrow viewing angles. Of course, in other embodiments, the first liquid crystal layer 13 includes liquid crystal molecules 131 and dye molecules 132 mixed together. The liquid crystal molecules 131 can also be negative liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy. Liquid crystal molecules 131 and dye molecules 132 are tilted and aligned on the third substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 12, thereby making the dimming cell 10 a narrow viewing angle state in the initial state. Among them, dye molecules 132 have the characteristics of strong light absorption along the long axis and weak light absorption along the short axis. When displaying at a narrow viewing angle, dye molecules 132 can absorb some light, thereby increasing the light collection effect at a narrow viewing angle and improving the narrow viewing angle effect.

[0083] This embodiment also provides a driving method for a display device, which is used to drive the display device as described above. The driving method includes:

[0084] like Figure 13 As shown, when displaying with a wide viewing angle, the control display panel is switched to wide viewing angle mode, and the diffused light range of the backlight module 40 is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display. In this embodiment, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is described using polymer dispersed liquid crystal as an example.

[0085] Specifically, during wide-viewing-angle display, no electrical signals are applied to either the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 or the viewing angle control electrode 121. At this time, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a flat position, and the display panel is in wide-viewing-angle mode. By adjusting the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 can be adjusted to control the scattering range of the backlight module 40, thereby controlling the viewing angle range of the wide-viewing-angle display. At the maximum wide viewing angle, no electrical signals are applied to either the first electrode 421a or the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is hazy and has the highest haze. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has the strongest scattering effect. The light from the backlight source 41 is dispersed by the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 and then emitted through the display panel, making the viewing angle of the wide-viewing-angle display even wider. At the minimum wide viewing angle, a voltage signal with the maximum voltage difference (e.g., greater than 15V) is applied to both the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is transparent and has minimal haze. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has virtually no light scattering effect, and the light from the backlight 41 is not significantly scattered after passing through the polymer liquid crystal layer 423. After being emitted through the display panel, it has virtually no impact on the viewing angle range of the display device during wide-viewing-angle display. Of course, at the intermediate wide viewing angle, the haze of the polymer liquid crystal can be adjusted by regulating the voltage difference (e.g., 0-15V) between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, thereby controlling the light scattering range of the backlight module 40 and thus controlling the viewing angle range of the display device during wide-viewing-angle display.

[0086] When displaying a wide viewing angle, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, generating a horizontal electric field. Figure 13 In the second liquid crystal layer 23 (E1), the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the intensity of light passing through the second liquid crystal layer 23 and realizing grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit presents different brightness, thereby displaying different images at a wide viewing angle, so as to realize the normal display of the display device at a wide viewing angle.

[0087] like Figure 15 As shown, when displaying a narrow viewing angle, the display panel switches to narrow viewing angle mode, and the scattering range of the backlight module 40 is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display. In this embodiment, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is described using polymer dispersed liquid crystal as an example.

[0088] Specifically, during narrow viewing angle display, corresponding electrical signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, respectively, forming a strong vertical electric field between them. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 deflect vertically and tilt. At this time, the display panel is in a light-receiving state at wide viewing angles (i.e., brightness is reduced at wide viewing angles), thus achieving the narrow viewing angle mode. By adjusting the voltage difference between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 can be adjusted to control the scattering range of the backlight module 40, thereby controlling the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display. At the maximum narrow viewing angle, a voltage signal with the maximum voltage difference (e.g., greater than 15V) is applied to both the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is transparent and has minimal haze. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has virtually no light-scattering effect, and the light from the backlight 41 is not significantly dispersed after passing through the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 before being emitted through the display panel. This has virtually no impact on the viewing angle range of the display device when displaying at a narrow viewing angle. At the minimum narrow viewing angle, no electrical signal is applied to either the first electrode 421a or the second electrode 422a. The polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is hazy and has the highest haze. At this time, the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has the strongest light-scattering effect, and the light from the backlight 41 is dispersed after passing through the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 before being emitted through the display panel, making the viewing angle of the display device for narrow viewing angle images relatively wide. Of course, when the viewing angle is narrow in the middle, the haze of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage difference (e.g., 0-15V) between the first electrode 421a and the second electrode 422a, thereby controlling the scattering range of the backlight module 40 and thus controlling the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display of the display device.

[0089] Since the first liquid crystal layer 13 in this embodiment includes liquid crystal molecules 131 and dye molecules 132 mixed together, and the dye molecules 132 have the characteristics of strong light absorption along the long axis and weak light absorption along the short axis, when displayed at a narrow viewing angle, the dye molecules 132 can absorb some light, thereby increasing the light absorption effect at a narrow viewing angle and improving the narrow viewing angle effect.

[0090] Figure 14 This is a simulation diagram of the viewing angle and contrast of the display device under different doping ratios of dye molecules at a wide viewing angle in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a simulation diagram of the viewing angle and contrast of the display device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention under different doping ratios of dye molecules at a narrow viewing angle. Figure 14 and Figure 16As shown in the figure, a represents the measured graph when the doping ratio of dye molecules 132 in the first liquid crystal layer 13 is 0%, b represents the measured graph when the doping ratio of dye molecules 132 in the first liquid crystal layer 13 is 1%, c represents the measured graph when the doping ratio of dye molecules 132 in the first liquid crystal layer 13 is 2%, and d represents the measured graph when the doping ratio of dye molecules 132 in the first liquid crystal layer 13 is 3%. Figure 14 As can be seen, the doping ratio of dye molecules has little effect on the wide viewing angle effect; from Figure 16 As can be seen, the doping ratio of dye molecules has a significant impact on the effect of narrow viewing angle.

[0091] Table 2 below shows the experimental data for dye molecule doping ratios of 0-3%. Please refer to Table 2 below:

[0092]

[0093] As can be seen from Table 2 above, when the dye molecule doping ratio is 3%, the light transmittance at a viewing angle of 45° is 2.8%, which means that when viewed at a viewing angle of 45°, the display device is basically black, which has a good privacy protection effect.

[0094] When displaying a narrow viewing angle, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, generating a horizontal electric field. Figures 9-11 In the second liquid crystal layer 23 (E1), the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the intensity of light passing through the second liquid crystal layer 23 and realizing grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit presents different brightness, thereby displaying different images at narrow viewing angles, so as to realize the normal display of the display device at narrow viewing angles.

[0095] When displaying with a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle, the brightness of the backlight module 40 is adjusted according to the scattering range of the backlight module 40 to maintain the center brightness of the display device within a preset range. Since the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 has different scattering effects at different levels of haze, the center brightness of the display device is affected by the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423. The higher the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423, the lower the center brightness of the display device; the more transparent the polymer liquid crystal layer 423, the higher the center brightness of the display device.

[0096] This driving method also includes:

[0097] Monitoring ambient light levels. Specifically, the display device is also equipped with a photosensor used to monitor ambient light levels.

[0098] When the ambient light intensity is greater than or equal to the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits), the display device switches to wide-viewing-angle display; when the ambient light intensity is less than the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits), the display device switches to narrow-viewing-angle display. This is because the dimming box 10 has a light-reducing effect at narrow viewing angles, which to some extent reduces the brightness of the display device. Therefore, when the ambient light intensity is greater than or equal to the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits), switching to wide-viewing-angle display increases the brightness of the display device, allowing users to see the displayed image clearly even in brighter ambient light. Conversely, when the ambient light intensity is less than the preset brightness (e.g., 300 nits), switching to narrow-viewing-angle display reduces the brightness of the display device, thus protecting the user's eyes in dimmer ambient light. Of course, this also applies to automatic switching to wide-viewing-angle display or...

[0099] 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.

[0100] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 17 and Figure 18 The display device is equipped with a viewing angle switching button 50, which allows the user to request a viewing angle switch from the display device. The viewing angle switching button 50 can be a physical button (such as...). Figure 17 As shown), it can also be used for software control or application programs (APP) to implement switching functions (such as... Figure 18 As shown, for example, the wide and narrow viewing angles can be set via a slider. When a 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 50. Ultimately, the driver chip 60 controls the electrical signals applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, the first electrode 421a, the second electrode 422a, and the backlight 41. The display device can then 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. Moreover, when displaying with a wide or narrow viewing angle, the haze of the polymer liquid crystal layer 423 is adjusted to control the scattering range of the backlight module 40, thereby controlling the viewing angle range under wide and narrow viewing angle display.

[0101] Figure 19 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the display device in this invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 19As shown, the display device is a computer, and the view switching button 50 can be a key on the computer keyboard, for example:

[0102] Press F2 once: Enter NVA (Narrow View) mode; Press F2 twice: Enter WVA (Wide View) mode.

[0103] After entering WVA mode, press F3 to switch to WVA level 1; press F4 to switch to WVA level 2; press F5 to switch to WVA level 3.

[0104] After entering NVA mode, press F3 to switch to NVA level 1; press F4 to switch to NVA level 2; press F5 to switch to NVA level 3.

[0105] Furthermore, the brightness or viewing angle can be finely adjusted using the + and - keys on the computer keyboard.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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 device with switchable viewing angle, characterized in that, Includes a backlight module (40) and a display panel disposed on the light-emitting side of the backlight module (40), the display panel being able to switch between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle; The backlight module (40) includes a backlight source (41) and a first liquid crystal cell (42) stacked on the light-emitting side of the backlight source (41). The first liquid crystal cell (42) is used to control the light dispersion range of the backlight module (40). The first liquid crystal cell (42) includes a first substrate (421), a second substrate (422) disposed opposite to the first substrate (421), and a polymer liquid crystal layer (423) located between the first substrate (421) and the second substrate (422). A first electrode (421a) is provided on the first substrate (421), and a second electrode (422a) is provided on the second substrate (422) to cooperate with the first electrode (421a). The display panel includes a dimming box (10) and a display liquid crystal box (20) stacked on top of each other. The dimming box (10) is used to control the display panel to switch between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle. The dimming box (10) includes a third substrate (11), a fourth substrate (12) disposed opposite to the third substrate (11), and a first liquid crystal layer (13) located between the third substrate (11) and the fourth substrate (12). The first liquid crystal layer (13) includes liquid crystal molecules (131) and dye molecules (132) mixed together. The third substrate (11) is provided with a viewing angle assist electrode (111), and the fourth substrate (12) is provided with a viewing angle control electrode (121) that cooperates with the viewing angle assist electrode (111). The third substrate (11) is provided with a first prism structure (112) which has a light-scattering effect, and the fourth substrate (12) is provided with a second prism structure (122) which has a light-scattering effect. The display liquid crystal 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) located between the color filter substrate (21) and the array substrate (22); When displaying a wide viewing angle, the display panel switches to wide viewing angle mode, and the liquid crystal molecules (131) and dye molecules (132) in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a flat position. The scattering range of the backlight module (40) is adjusted to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display. Among them, at the maximum wide viewing angle of the wide viewing angle display, the polymer liquid crystal layer (423) is controlled to be in a fog state with the highest fog level. At the minimum wide viewing angle of the wide viewing angle display, the polymer liquid crystal layer (423) is controlled to be in a transparent state with the lowest fog level. When displaying a narrow viewing angle, the display panel switches to a narrow viewing angle mode, and the liquid crystal molecules (131) and dye molecules (132) in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are tilted, adjusting the scattering range of the backlight module (40) to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display; wherein, at the maximum narrow viewing angle of the narrow viewing angle display, the polymer liquid crystal layer (423) is controlled to be transparent and the haze is minimal; at the minimum narrow viewing angle of the narrow viewing angle display, the polymer liquid crystal layer (423) is controlled to be hazy and the haze is maximum.

2. The view-switching display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polymer liquid crystal layer (423) is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, a polymer network liquid crystal, or a polymer stabilized cholesteric phase liquid crystal.

3. The view-switching display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight module (40) also includes a diffuser (43), which is stacked between the backlight source (41) and the first liquid crystal cell (42); Alternatively, the diffuser sheet (43) may be stacked on the side of the first liquid crystal cell (42) away from the backlight source (41).

4. The view-switching display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal molecule (131) is a positive liquid crystal molecule. The liquid crystal molecule (131) and the dye molecule (132) are aligned parallel to the third substrate (11) and the fourth substrate (12). The alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer (13) on the side closer to the third substrate (11) is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the fourth substrate (12). Alternatively, the liquid crystal molecule (131) is a negative liquid crystal molecule, and the liquid crystal molecule (131) and the dye molecule (132) are tilted to align with the third substrate (11) and the fourth substrate (12).

5. The view-switching display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array substrate (22) is provided with a common electrode (221) and a pixel electrode (222), the common electrode (221) and the pixel electrode (222) are located on different layers and are insulated from each other; Alternatively, the array substrate (22) may have a pixel electrode (222) and the color filter substrate (21) may have a common electrode (221) that cooperates with the pixel electrode (222).

6. A driving method for a display device, characterized in that, The driving method is used to drive the display device as described in any one of claims 1-5, and the driving method includes: When displaying a wide viewing angle, control the display panel to switch to wide viewing angle mode and adjust the scattering range of the backlight module (40) to control the viewing angle range of the wide viewing angle display. When displaying a narrow viewing angle, the display panel switches to a narrow viewing angle mode and adjusts the scattering range of the backlight module (40) to control the viewing angle range of the narrow viewing angle display. When displaying with a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle, the brightness of the backlight module (40) is adjusted according to the scattering range of the backlight module (40) so that the center brightness of the display device is maintained within a preset range.

7. The driving method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving method further includes: Monitor ambient light levels; When the ambient light brightness is greater than or equal to the preset brightness, the display device is controlled to switch to wide viewing angle display; when the ambient light brightness is less than the preset brightness, the display device is controlled to switch to narrow viewing angle display.

Images