Mobile phone screen protection film with electrically controlled adjustable privacy function

Abstract

This invention discloses a mobile phone screen protector with electrically adjustable privacy function, belonging to the field of screen protection technology. The protector includes a substrate layer, an electrically controlled privacy layer, a touch function layer, and a surface protective layer; the substrate layer has a clearance area adapted to the front sensor. The electrically controlled privacy layer adopts a composite structure of a micro-grating and a columnar lens array, which, in conjunction with a drive control module, changes the light angle through electrical signals to achieve flexible switching between full transparency and multi-level privacy states (such as 30°, 45°, and 60° viewing angles); the columnar lenses are used to optimize the light path, improve front light transmittance, and eliminate side light leakage. The drive control module is integrated at the edge, including a power supply unit and a touch sensing area, supporting multiple operations. The touch function layer has an electromagnetic shielding mesh to isolate interference. This invention solves the problems of fixed viewing angle, low light transmittance, and side light leakage in traditional privacy films, achieving a unity of privacy protection, high-definition display, and intelligent energy saving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mobile terminal screen protection and optical display technology, specifically to an electronically adjustable privacy screen protector for mobile phones that is based on a composite control technology of micro-grating and cylindrical lens, and can dynamically adjust the viewing angle and privacy protection intensity according to user needs. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of smartphones, users' screen content is easily spied on by others when using their phones in public places (such as subways, offices, and cafes), leading to an increasing risk of privacy leaks. Existing privacy protection solutions mainly include physical privacy screen protectors and software privacy modes.

[0003] Traditional physical privacy screen protectors typically use a micro-visor structure, which effectively blocks side light, but has significant drawbacks: its privacy viewing angle is fixed and cannot be adjusted. When users need to share screen content with others, they must change the viewing angle or remove the protective film, which is extremely inconvenient. In addition, the fixed structure of privacy screen protectors often significantly reduces the light transmittance of the front of the screen, leading to a decrease in screen brightness, increased power consumption, and the possibility of light leakage or uneven display from the sides.

[0004] Some high-end smartphones are beginning to integrate hardware-level adjustable privacy protection technology into their screens, using voltage to control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and alter the light path. However, this technology is a built-in screen design, applicable only to specific new models and unsuitable for future upgrades to the vast majority of existing phones. For most users, there is a lack of a screen protector solution that can be externally mounted, is highly compatible, and allows for flexible adjustment of the privacy angle and intensity.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an electronically adjustable privacy screen protector that has independent power supply and control capabilities, can be applied to various smartphone screens, can switch between full transparency and multi-level privacy modes in real time, and does not affect the original touch sensitivity and sensor functions of the phone. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing privacy films, such as fixed and non-adjustable viewing angle, low light transmittance, poor uniformity of side privacy protection, and incompatibility with existing mobile phone models. This invention provides a mobile phone screen protector with electrically adjustable privacy protection. This protector integrates a composite optical layer of a micro-grating structure and a columnar lens array, along with an independent drive control module, to achieve electrically controlled switching and intensity-level adjustment of the privacy protection state. While ensuring high front light transmittance, it also addresses privacy protection and high-definition display requirements, while providing an excellent touch experience and ease of installation.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function includes: A substrate layer is configured to fit the contour of a smartphone screen, and the substrate layer has a clearance area, the position and shape of which correspond to the front sensor component area on the smartphone screen; An electronically controlled privacy screen layer is laminated on top of the substrate layer; A touch-sensitive functional layer is stacked on top of the electronically controlled privacy layer; And a surface protective layer, covering the outer surface of the touch function layer; The electronically controlled privacy screen includes a micro-viewing grating structure and a drive control module; The micro-viewing grating structure is configured to change the light transmission angle under the action of the electrical signal output by the drive control module, thereby switching between normal display state and privacy state; The drive control module is integrated into the edge region or interlayer of the protective film and is electrically connected to the micro-visual grating structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the substrate layer is a tempered glass layer or a high-strength polymer layer, and its edges are designed with curved arcs; the avoidance area is a through-hole structure or a transparent window with a higher light transmittance than the surrounding area, used to avoid the camera or sensor components of the mobile phone screen.

[0009] Furthermore, the micro-grating structure is a liquid crystal grating array or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) grating array; when a voltage signal of different amplitude or frequency is applied, the optical axis deflection angle or physical opening and closing angle of the micro-grating structure changes, so as to adjust the shading rate of the side-viewing angle.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive control module includes a micro control circuit and a power supply unit; the power supply unit is an embedded thin-film battery or a wireless charging receiving coil, disposed between the substrate layer and the electronically controlled privacy layer, or disposed in the non-display area of ​​the edge of the protective film; the micro control circuit is connected to at least one touch sensing area, which is located at the edge of the protective film and is used to receive user commands to switch working states.

[0011] Furthermore, the touch sensing area is configured to support the operation logic of switching modes with a single click, adjusting intensity with a long press, or adjusting intensity with a slide; the working states include full transparency mode, first-level privacy mode, second-level privacy mode, and third-level privacy mode, corresponding to different side-view occlusion angles.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a heat dissipation layer made of thermally conductive material, sandwiched between the drive control module and the substrate layer, for conducting the heat generated during operation to the mobile phone screen or frame.

[0013] Furthermore, the touch function layer is a transparent conductive film with a nano-polished surface and an electromagnetic shielding mesh structure, which is used to isolate the electromagnetic interference generated by the drive control module from the influence of the mobile phone touch signal.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface protective layer is an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, which is formed on the outer surface of the touch functional layer by vacuum deposition or spraying process.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a positioning aid structure, which is a local adhesive label or alignment mark disposed on the back of the substrate layer, used to align with the edge of the mobile phone screen or the sensor area during installation.

[0016] Furthermore, the drive control module also includes a light sensor or a timed sleep circuit, configured to automatically reduce power consumption or return to full-transparency mode after detecting no operation for a preset time.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Dynamically adjustable: Users can switch between full transparency or multi-level privacy modes in real time via touch operation according to environmental needs, balancing privacy protection and screen sharing requirements.

[0018] 2. Strong compatibility: The specially designed avoidance area ensures the normal operation of components such as the front camera and light sensor; the electromagnetic shielding design eliminates the interference of the electronic control module on the phone's native touch control.

[0019] 3. High integration: Built-in power supply and control module, no external power supply or data cable required, keeping the phone's appearance clean.

[0020] 4. Intelligent energy saving: It has light detection and automatic sleep function, which effectively extends the service life of the protective film itself. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layered structure of the mobile phone screen protector provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the microstructure and optical path control principle of the electronically controlled privacy screen layer in an embodiment of the present invention (showing the composite structure of the microscopic grating and the cylindrical lens).

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Substrate layer; 2. Silicone bonding layer; 3. Electrically controlled privacy layer; 31. Micro-viewing grating structure; 32. Columnar lens array; 33. Drive control module; 331. Micro-control circuit; 332. Touch sensing area; 333. Power supply unit; 4. Touch function layer; 5. Surface protective layer; 6. Avoidance area; 7. Heat dissipation layer. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function. Its overall structure from top to bottom consists of: surface protective layer 5, touch function layer 4, electronically controlled privacy layer 3, and substrate layer 1.

[0026] The substrate layer 1 is constructed to fit the contour of a smartphone screen. It is made of tempered glass or a high-strength polymer layer, with a thickness of 0.2-0.3 mm, a light transmittance ≥92%, a surface hardness ≥9H, and an impact resistance ≥50 kg / cm². The edges feature a 3D curved integrated design to fit the screen corners. The substrate layer 1 has a clearance area whose position and shape correspond to the front-facing sensor component area (such as the camera, earpiece, and light sensor) on the smartphone screen. The clearance area can be a through-hole structure or a transparent window with higher light transmittance than the surrounding area to ensure that the phone's sensor functions are not obstructed. A positioning aid structure, such as a local adhesive label or alignment mark, can also be provided on the back of the substrate layer for quick alignment during installation.

[0027] The electronically controlled privacy layer 3 is stacked on top of the substrate layer 1, with a thickness of 0.03-0.05mm. It is the core functional layer and includes a micro-viewing grating structure, a columnar lens array, and a drive control module.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, the micro-grating structure employs a liquid crystal grating array or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) grating array. The grating unit width is 5-10 μm, and the unit spacing is 3-5 μm. It is made of highly light-shielding resin. The grating unit can rotate around its own axis under voltage signal control, with a rotation angle range of 0°-90°. This structure is configured to change the light transmission angle under the action of the electrical signal output from the drive control module. When voltage signals of different amplitudes or frequencies are applied, the optical axis deflection angle or physical opening angle of the grating changes, thereby adjusting the light-shielding rate of the side viewing angle, achieving switching between normal display mode (fully transparent) and privacy mode, as well as adjusting different levels of privacy protection. A columnar lens array is superimposed on the micro-grating structure. The columnar lenses have a diameter of 10-20 μm and a height of 5-10 μm, and are made of highly transparent PET material. In privacy mode, the front light transmittance is ≥85%, while the side brightness is only 10%-20% of the front brightness. Drive control module: Integrated into the edge area or interlayer of the protective film (such as between the substrate layer and the electronic privacy layer, or in the non-display area of ​​the bezel), and electrically connected to the micro-viewing grid structure. This module includes a micro-control circuit and a power supply unit. The power supply unit can be an embedded thin-film battery or a wireless charging receiver coil, ensuring that the protective film can work independently without external cables. The thin-film battery has a capacity of 50-80mAh, a thickness of ≤0.05mm, supports wireless charging, and can be used continuously for 7-10 days on a single full charge. The micro-control circuit is connected to at least one touch-sensitive area located at the edge of the protective film for receiving user commands.

[0029] The touch function layer 4 is stacked on top of the electronic privacy layer 3, and is made of a transparent conductive film. It has a thickness of 0.02-0.03mm, uses a highly transparent conductive film material, and undergoes nano-level polishing, resulting in a surface roughness ≤0.1μm and a touch response speed ≤10ms to ensure a smooth touch experience. Crucially, this layer features an electromagnetic shielding mesh structure to isolate electromagnetic interference generated during the operation of the drive control module, preventing it from affecting the phone's native touch signals and ensuring touch sensitivity and accuracy.

[0030] The surface protective layer 5 covers the outer surface of the touch function layer 4. It is an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating with a thickness of 0.01-0.02mm. It is made of high-purity fluorocarbon compound material and prepared by vacuum spraying process. The surface contact angle ≥110° can be formed by vacuum coating or spraying process. It has the characteristics of anti-fingerprint, anti-oil and easy-to-clean.

[0031] Auxiliary Function Structure Heat dissipation layer 7: Made of thermally conductive material (such as graphene), with a thickness of ≤0.03mm, sandwiched between the drive control module and the substrate layer, used to conduct the heat generated by the electronic control components during operation to the mobile phone screen or frame to prevent local overheating.

[0032] Intelligent control logic: The drive control module supports multiple operation logics, such as single-click to switch modes, long-press to adjust intensity, or sliding to adjust intensity. Working states include full-view mode, Level 1 privacy mode (approximately 30° viewing angle, suitable for office sharing), Level 2 privacy mode (approximately 45° viewing angle, suitable for everyday public scenarios), and Level 3 privacy mode (approximately 60° viewing angle, suitable for high-density crowds or enclosed spaces), corresponding to different side-view occlusion angles. In addition, the module also includes a light sensor or a timed sleep circuit, configured to automatically reduce power consumption or return to full-view mode after a preset time of inactivity to extend battery life.

[0033] Working principle This invention sends commands to a micro-control circuit via user operation of the edge touch sensing area. The control circuit then adjusts the voltage signal (amplitude or frequency) output to the micro-sensor structure according to the commands.

[0034] In full-transparency mode, the voltage signal puts the grating in an open or specific arrangement state, allowing light to pass through almost unimpeded. The grating unit remains in its initial 0° state, allowing light to pass through freely with a transmittance of ≥92%, resulting in a high-definition full-view display.

[0035] In privacy mode, a voltage signal drives the grating to deflect or close, forming a shutter at a specific angle. Front light passes through normally, while light incident at a large angle from the side is blocked or refracted, making it impossible for a person looking from the side to see the screen content. By adjusting the voltage, the opening and closing degree of the grating can be controlled, thus achieving multiple levels of privacy protection. Switching to privacy mode via the touch control button and selecting the corresponding privacy level, the micro-control module applies the corresponding voltage signal, controlling the grating unit to rotate to 30°, 45°, or 60°, allowing front light to pass through normally while blocking or refracting side light, achieving privacy protection.

[0036] Low power mode: Automatically enters low power mode when idle for more than 5 minutes, shuts off the voltage supply to the micro grating structure, restores the grating unit to the initial 0° state, and wakes up by touching the touch adjustment key. Example 1

[0037] The substrate layer 1 is made of 0.25mm thick high-strength aluminosilicate tempered glass, with edges polished to a 2.5D curved surface to fit mainstream smartphone screens. A through-hole structure avoidance area 6 is provided on the substrate layer corresponding to the earpiece and front-facing camera positions to ensure unobstructed sensor signals. A partial adhesive label is provided on the back as a positioning aid to help users quickly align and install the device.

[0038] The electronically controlled privacy screen layer 3, with a thickness of 0.04 mm, is the core functional layer, comprising a composite of a micro-grating structure 31 and a columnar lens array 32. The micro-grating structure 31 employs a micron-level louvered liquid crystal grating array, with a grating unit width of 8 μm and a unit spacing of 4 μm. The grating unit can rotate around its own axis under voltage signal control, with a rotation angle range of 0°-90°.

[0039] Columnar lens array 32: Superimposed on the grating, the lens has a diameter of 15μm and a height of 8μm, and is made of highly transparent PET material. This array works in conjunction with the grating to ensure that the front light transmittance is ≥85% in privacy mode and eliminates side light leakage.

[0040] Drive control module 33: Integrated in the non-display bezel area of ​​the protective film. It contains a micro-control circuit 331 and an embedded thin-film battery 333 with a capacity of 70mAh and a thickness ≤0.05mm. The micro-control circuit is connected to the edge touch sensing area 332.

[0041] Operating logic: Users can cycle through the following modes by clicking the touch sensor area: fully transparent, Level 1 privacy (30° viewing angle), Level 2 privacy (45° viewing angle), and Level 3 privacy (60° viewing angle); pressing and holding for 2 seconds will enter the normally closed privacy mode.

[0042] Battery life: A single full charge can last for 8 days of continuous use, with a standby time of ≥30 days.

[0043] To address the overheating issue of the electronic control components, a 0.025mm thick graphene thermal conductive sheet was sandwiched between the drive module and the substrate layer as a heat dissipation layer 7, which evenly conducts heat to the phone frame for dissipation.

[0044] The touch function layer 4 is made of ITO transparent conductive film, and the surface is treated with nano-polishing (roughness ≤0.1μm) to ensure a smooth feel. It also has a micron-level electromagnetic shielding mesh embedded in it to effectively filter high-frequency noise generated by the driving circuit and prevent the phone from "screen jumping". The touch response speed is ≤10ms.

[0045] The outermost surface protective layer 5 is an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating formed by vacuum deposition, with a surface contact angle ≥110°, and has the characteristics of being fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean.

[0046] In addition, the drive control module also integrates an ambient light sensor. When it detects that the ambient light is extremely dim and there has been no touch operation for a long time (such as 5 minutes), it automatically cuts off the grating drive voltage, restores the fully transparent mode, and enters a sleep state to save the power of the thin-film battery. Example 2

[0047] Unlike Embodiment 1, the power supply unit 333 in this embodiment uses a wireless charging receiving coil, which is located in the frame area between the substrate layer and the electronically controlled privacy layer. When the mobile phone is placed on a base that supports reverse wireless charging, or when it is brought close by a specific near-field sensor, it can power the thin-film capacitor in the protective film or directly power the grating, thereby achieving a "battery-free" design and further reducing the thickness of the protective film. Example 3

[0048] This embodiment focuses on optimizing the micro-grating structure 31, replacing the liquid crystal grating with a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) grating array. The grating unit width is adjusted to 5μm, and the spacing is 3μm. The physical opening and closing angle of the micromechanical blades is controlled by electrostatic force. This structure has a faster response speed (<5ms) and performs more stably in extreme temperature environments (-20℃ to 60℃), making it suitable for games or outdoor scenarios with extremely high response speed requirements. Simultaneously, the diameter of the cylindrical lens in this embodiment is adjusted to 10μm to match the finer grating structure, achieving higher precision privacy control. Example 4

[0049] This embodiment focuses on verifying the parameter range. Testing revealed that a good balance between privacy protection and light transmittance can be achieved when the width of the micro-grating is within the range of 5-10 μm and the diameter of the cylindrical lens is within the range of 10-20 μm. If the grating width is too large (>15 μm), the privacy protection will appear grainy; if it is too small (<3 μm), the driving voltage requirement will be too high, increasing power consumption. This preferred parameter range ensures the product's high performance under low power consumption.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function, characterized in that, include: The substrate layer (1) is configured to fit the contour of a smartphone screen, and the substrate layer has an avoidance area (6), the position and shape of which correspond to the front sensor component area on the smartphone screen; An electronically controlled privacy shield (3) is stacked on top of the substrate layer (1); A touch function layer (4) is stacked on top of the electronically controlled privacy layer (3); and a surface protective layer (5) covering the outer surface of the touch function layer (4); The electronically controlled privacy screen (3) includes a micro-viewing grating structure (31) and a drive control module (33). The micro-viewing grating structure (31) is configured to change the light transmission angle under the action of the electrical signal output by the drive control module (33), thereby switching between normal display state and privacy state; The drive control module (33) is integrated into the edge region or interlayer of the protective film and is electrically connected to the micro-visual grating structure (31).

2. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate layer (1) is a tempered glass layer or a high-strength polymer layer, and its edges are designed with curved arcs; The avoidance area (6) is a through-hole structure or a transparent window with a higher light transmittance than the surrounding area, used to avoid the camera or sensor components of the mobile phone screen.

3. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The micro-grating structure (31) is a liquid crystal grating array or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) grating array; When voltage signals of different amplitudes or frequencies are applied, the optical axis deflection angle or physical opening and closing angle of the micro-viewing grating structure (31) changes to adjust the shading rate of the side-viewing angle.

4. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive control module (33) includes a micro control circuit (331) and a power supply unit (333). The power supply unit (333) is an embedded thin-film battery or a wireless charging receiving coil, which is disposed between the substrate layer (1) and the electronically controlled privacy layer (3), or disposed in the non-display area of ​​the edge of the protective film; At least one touch sensing area (332) is connected to the micro control circuit (331). The touch sensing area is located at the edge of the protective film and is used to receive user commands to switch working states.

5. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The touch sensing area (332) is configured to support the operation logic of switching modes by clicking, adjusting intensity by long press, or adjusting intensity by sliding. The operating modes include full transparency mode, level 1 privacy mode, level 2 privacy mode, and level 3 privacy mode, corresponding to different side-view occlusion angles.

6. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a heat dissipation layer (7), which is made of thermally conductive material and sandwiched between the drive control module (33) and the substrate layer (1) to conduct the heat generated during operation to the mobile phone screen or frame.

7. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The touch function layer (4) is a transparent conductive film with a nano-polished surface and an electromagnetic shielding mesh structure, which is used to isolate the electromagnetic interference generated by the drive control module (33) from the influence of the mobile phone touch signal.

8. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface protective layer (5) is an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, which is formed on the outer surface of the touch function layer (4) by vacuum coating or spraying process.

9. The mobile phone screen protector with electronically adjustable privacy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a positioning aid structure, which is a local adhesive label or alignment mark set on the back of the substrate layer (1) for aligning the phone screen border or sensor area during installation.

10. The mobile phone screen protector with electrically adjustable privacy function according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The drive control module (33) also includes a light sensor or a timed sleep circuit, configured to automatically reduce power consumption or return to full transparency mode after detecting no operation for a preset time.

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