Microcapsule display module, display panel and control method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of microcapsule display module, display panel, control method, wherein, microcapsule display module includes first substrate, second substrate and the microcapsule box being arranged between first substrate and second substrate;Microcapsule box has arc inner wall, and microcapsule box is equipped with electrophoretic fluid, several electrophoretic particles suspended in electrophoretic fluid, microcapsule box and electrophoretic fluid are transparent, and the surface of electrophoretic particle is coated with white material with charge;The side of second substrate close to microcapsule layer is equipped with first electrode and second electrode;The voltage of first electrode or second electrode is adjustable, and there is voltage difference between first electrode and second electrode to generate variable electric field, and electrophoretic particle moves along the inner wall of microcapsule box under the action of variable electric field, to realize the switching of wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode.The present application can realize the switching of wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode by adjusting the voltage difference between first electrode and second electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display panel technology, and more particularly to a microcapsule display module, display panel, and control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of LCD technology, the viewing angle of monitors has expanded from around 120° to over 160°. While enjoying the visual experience brought by a wider viewing angle, people also want to effectively protect trade secrets and personal privacy to avoid business losses or embarrassment caused by the leakage of screen information. Therefore, in addition to the need for a wide viewing angle, many situations also require display devices to have the function of switching between wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0003] Currently, the main method to achieve wide and narrow viewing angle switching is to attach a Venetian blind film to the display panel. When privacy is required, the screen can be covered with the blind film to narrow the viewing angle. However, this method requires an extra Venetian blind film, which causes great inconvenience to users. Moreover, one Venetian blind film can only achieve one viewing angle. Once the Venetian blind film is attached, the viewing angle is fixed in the narrow viewing angle mode, making it impossible to switch freely between wide and narrow viewing angle modes. In addition, the privacy film will reduce the brightness and affect the display effect.

[0004] Existing technologies also employ a dual-cell structure, utilizing a dimming box and a display panel to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles. The display panel handles normal image display, while the dimming box controls the viewing angle switching. Currently, some display devices incorporate liquid crystal molecules, dye molecules, and light-reflecting particles within the liquid crystal cell, using electrodes to control light transmission and achieve wide / narrow viewing angle switching. However, this type of liquid crystal cell structure requires a polarizer, resulting in a complex structure, significant cell thickness, and the dye molecules reducing light transmittance, thus affecting display brightness in wide viewing angle mode.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a microcapsule display module, display panel, and control method that can switch between wide and narrow viewing angles, achieve all-round privacy protection, and has a thin overall thickness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a microcapsule display module, a display panel, and a control method.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0008] A microcapsule display module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a microcapsule box disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; The microcapsule box has an arc-shaped inner wall, and the microcapsule box contains an electrophoretic solution and a number of electrophoretic particles suspended in the electrophoretic solution. Both the microcapsule box and the electrophoretic solution are transparent, and the surface of the electrophoretic particles is coated with a charged white material. The second substrate has a first electrode and a second electrode on the side near the microcapsule layer, and the polarity of the voltage applied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is the same as the polarity of the white material. The voltage of the first electrode or the second electrode is adjustable, and there is a voltage difference between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate a variable electric field. The electrophoretic particles move along the inner wall of the microcapsule box under the action of the variable electric field, realizing the switching between wide-view mode and narrow-view mode. In the wide-viewing-angle mode, the electrophoretic particles do not obstruct the optical path; In the narrow viewing angle mode, the electrophoretic particles partially block the optical path.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the surface of the electrophoretic particles is further coated with a charged colored material, the colored material and the white material being located on opposite sides of the electrophoretic particles, the colored material and the white material having opposite charges; A third electrode is provided on the side of the first substrate near the microcapsule layer. The voltage applied to the third electrode has the same polarity as the white material. The third electrode generates a longitudinal electric field and drives the electrophoretic particles to flip.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the microcapsule box is in the shape of an ellipsoid.

[0011] A display panel includes a CG cover plate, a microcapsule layer, and a liquid crystal module stacked together. The microcapsule layer contains a plurality of microcapsule display modules as described above. The microcapsule display modules are arranged in an array perpendicular to the stacking direction. All the first substrates are of the same piece, and all the second substrates are of the same piece. The first substrates are adjacent to the CG cover plate, and the second substrates are adjacent to the liquid crystal module. As a further improvement of the present invention, the voltage of all the first electrodes is the same and fixed, and the voltage of all the second electrodes can be adjusted independently.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in an array with intervals between them.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, a light guide plate is provided between the CG cover plate and the first substrate. The light guide plate is provided with a plurality of light guide dots. A side-entry ultraviolet light source is provided on the side of the light guide plate. The light guide dots are used to guide the light emitted by the side-entry ultraviolet light source to the microcapsule display module.

[0014] A control method for driving a display panel as described above, the control method comprising: In wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal module is turned on, and a first voltage difference is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, forming a horizontal electric field of first intensity between the first electrode and the second electrode. Electrophoretic particles gather on the inner wall of the middle part of the microcapsule box. At this time, the electrophoretic particles do not block the light path, and a large amount of light is scattered through the microcapsule layer. In narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal module is turned on, and a second voltage difference is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, forming a horizontal electric field of second intensity between the first electrode and the second electrode. Electrophoretic particles gather on the inner wall of the top edge of the microcapsule. At this time, a large amount of light is reflected back to the liquid crystal module by the electrophoretic particles or absorbed by the electrophoretic particles, and a small amount of light is scattered through the microcapsule layer.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the surface of the electrophoretic particles is further coated with a charged colored material, the colored material having an opposite charge to the white material; a third electrode is provided on the first substrate; the voltage applied to the third electrode has the same polarity as the white material; and the control method further includes: In reflective display mode, the liquid crystal module is turned off, a third voltage difference is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a horizontal electric field of third intensity is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrophoretic particles gather on the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box, a voltage is applied to the third electrode, the third electrode generates a vertical electric field, the electrophoretic particles flip and the colored material faces upward, at this time, natural light is reflected by the colored material and shines towards the observer.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, a light guide plate is provided between the CG cover plate and the first substrate, and a side-injected ultraviolet light source is provided on the side of the light guide plate. The control method further includes: In sterilization mode, the liquid crystal module is turned off, the side-lit ultraviolet light source is turned on, and a third voltage difference is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, forming a horizontal electric field of third intensity between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrophoretic particles gather on the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box. At this time, the ultraviolet light emitted by the side-lit ultraviolet light source is reflected by the light guide plate to the electrophoretic particles, and the electrophoretic particles then reflect the ultraviolet light to the microorganisms on the outer surface of the CG cover plate.

[0017] According to the above-described solution, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The microcapsule display module in this invention adopts a microcapsule structure. Electrophoretic particles inside the microcapsule move along the inner wall of the microcapsule under the action of a variable electric field. By adjusting the voltage difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, the switching between wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode can be achieved. It is thin, does not require polarizer, and can be easily integrated with transmissive liquid crystal modules. 2. Both the microcapsule box and the electrophoresis solution are transparent. In wide viewing angle mode, the electrophoretic particles gather on the inner wall of the middle of the microcapsule box without obstructing the light path. A large amount of light can be scattered and pass through the microcapsule layer, ensuring high light transmittance and display brightness in wide viewing angle mode. In narrow viewing angle mode, the electrophoretic particles gather on the inner wall of the top edge of the microcapsule box to block the light path, achieving an all-round privacy protection effect. 3. This invention achieves perspective switching through the movement of electrophoretic particles within the microcapsule, eliminating the need for liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules, thus avoiding the influence of dye molecules on light transmittance. At the same time, the microcapsule structure itself has bistable characteristics, allowing the electrophoretic particles to maintain their current position after the voltage is removed, resulting in low power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first position state of the microcapsule display module of the present invention when the first structure is adopted; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second position state of the microcapsule display module of the present invention when the first structure is adopted; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third position state of the microcapsule display module of the present invention when the first structure is adopted; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth position state of the microcapsule display module of the present invention when the first structure is adopted; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the microcapsule display module of the present invention with the third electrode not energized in the second structure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the microcapsule display module of the present invention, in which the third electrode of the second structure is energized; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first architecture of the display panel of the present invention in the wide viewing angle mode; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the narrow viewing angle mode of the first architecture of the display panel of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second architecture of the display panel of the present invention in the wide viewing angle mode; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the narrow viewing angle mode of the second architecture of the display panel of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the third architecture of the display panel of the present invention.

[0019] In the figure: 1. CG cover plate; 2. Microcapsule display module; 21. First substrate; 22. Second substrate; 23. Microcapsule box; 24. Electrophoretic solution; 25. Electrophoretic particles; 26. First electrode; 27. Second electrode; 28. Third electrode; 3. Liquid crystal module; 41. Light guide plate; 42. Light guide dots; 43. Side-lit ultraviolet light source. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0023] See Figures 1-4This invention provides a first structure for a microcapsule display module. The microcapsule display module includes a first substrate 21, a second substrate 22, and a microcapsule box 23 disposed between the first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22. The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 can be made of transparent substrates such as glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate, and have good light transmittance. The microcapsule box 23 has an arc-shaped inner wall. The microcapsule box 23 contains an electrophoretic liquid 24 and a number of electrophoretic particles 25 suspended in the electrophoretic liquid 24. Both the microcapsule box 23 and the electrophoretic liquid 24 are transparent, so that light can freely pass through the microcapsule layer when the electrophoretic particles 25 do not block the light path. The surface of the electrophoretic particles 25 is coated with a charged white material. The white material has high reflectivity. Specifically, the white material can be a white high reflectivity material such as titanium dioxide. The charged property of the white material allows the electrophoretic particles 25 to move along the direction of the electric field under the action of the electric field. The second substrate 22 is provided with a first electrode 26 and a second electrode 27 on the side near the microcapsule layer. The voltage polarity applied to at least one of the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 is the same as the polarity of the white material, so that the electrophoretic particles 25 move along the inner wall of the microcapsule box 23 under the action of the electric field between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, and so that the electrophoretic particles 25 move away from the second substrate 22 and are located at the top of the microcapsule box 23. The voltage of the first electrode 26 or the second electrode 27 is adjustable, and a voltage difference exists between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 to generate a variable electric field. Electrophoretic particles 25 move along the inner wall of the microcapsule cassette 23 under the influence of this variable electric field. By adjusting the voltage difference between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the intensity of the electric field is changed, thereby controlling the distribution position of the electrophoretic particles 25 on the inner wall of the microcapsule cassette 23, achieving switching between wide-viewing-angle and narrow-viewing-angle modes. In wide-viewing-angle mode, the electrophoretic particles 25 do not obstruct the optical path; in narrow-viewing-angle mode, the electrophoretic particles 25 partially obstruct the optical path. (See [reference needed]). Figure 1 This is a wide-viewing-angle mode, where a large amount of light can pass through the microcapsule layer. (See [link]). Figure 2 In this narrow-view mode, the electrophoretic particles 25 are located in the path of light propagation and reflect the light, causing some light to be unable to pass through, and only a small amount of light can pass through the microcapsule layer.

[0024] In this invention, the microcapsule display module 2 adopts a microcapsule structure. Electrophoretic particles 25 within the microcapsule box 23 move along the inner wall of the microcapsule box 23 under the action of a variable electric field. Switching between wide-viewing-angle and narrow-viewing-angle modes can be achieved by adjusting the voltage difference between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The module is thin, requires no polarizer, and can be easily integrated with a transmissive liquid crystal module. In wide-viewing-angle mode, the electrophoretic particles 25 gather on the inner wall of the middle of the microcapsule box 23, providing unobstructed light path. A large amount of light can be scattered and transmitted through the microcapsule layer, ensuring high transmittance and display brightness in wide-viewing-angle mode. In narrow-viewing-angle mode, the electrophoretic particles 25 gather on the inner wall of the top edge of the microcapsule box 23, blocking the light path and achieving an all-around privacy protection effect. The viewing angle switching is achieved through the movement of the electrophoretic particles 25 within the microcapsule box 23, eliminating the need for liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules, thus avoiding the influence of dye molecules on transmittance. Simultaneously, the microcapsule structure itself has bistable characteristics; after the voltage is removed, the electrophoretic particles 25 can maintain their current position, offering low power consumption advantages.

[0025] As an embodiment of the present invention, the microcapsule box 23 is an ellipsoid. Preferably, the height of the ellipsoid is 150 μm and the width is 200 μm to obtain a good viewing angle switching effect. The shape of the ellipsoid allows the electrophoretic particles 25 to have a clear path when moving on the inner wall of the microcapsule box 23. Under the action of the electric field between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the electrophoretic particles 25 will be in the following four typical position states. As the voltage difference between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 changes, the electrophoretic particles 25 will switch between these four position states. The white material of the electrophoretic particles 25 is positively charged as an example for specific explanation. First position status: See Figure 1 At this time, no voltage is applied to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, that is, no electric field is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, and the electrophoretic particles 25 fall onto the bottom surface of the microcapsule box 23 under their own gravity. Second position status: See Figure 2 At this time, a voltage is applied to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. Optionally, a common voltage of 0V is applied to the first electrode 26 and a voltage of +5V is applied to the second electrode 27. A weak horizontal electric field is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, causing the electrophoretic particles 25 to gather on the inner wall of the middle part of the ellipsoid, that is, around the equator of the ellipsoid. At this time, the electrophoretic particles 25 do not block the light path, and a large amount of light can pass through the microcapsule box 23 to achieve wide viewing angle display. It should be noted that the electrophoretic particles 25 have bistable characteristics, that is, after a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the power is removed. Based on the bistable characteristics, the electrophoretic particles 25 can maintain their current position without the need for continuous voltage application. Therefore, the microcapsule display module 2 of the present invention has the advantage of low power consumption. Third position status: See Figure 3 At this time, a voltage is applied to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. Optionally, a common voltage of 0V is applied to the first electrode 26 and a voltage of +7V is applied to the second electrode 27. A moderate horizontal electric field is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, causing the electrophoretic particles 25 to gather on the inner wall of the top edge of the ellipsoid. After a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the voltage is removed. Based on the bistable characteristic, the electrophoretic particles 25 can remain in their current position. At this time, some light is blocked and reflected by the electrophoretic particles 25, and only a small amount of light can pass through the microcapsule box 23 to achieve a narrow viewing angle display. Moreover, the electrophoretic particles 25 are evenly distributed to achieve an all-round anti-peeping effect. Fourth position state: See Figure 4 At this time, a voltage is applied to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. Optionally, a common voltage of 0V is applied to the first electrode 26 and a voltage of +10V is applied to the second electrode 27. A strong horizontal electric field is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, causing the electrophoretic particles 25 to gather on the inner wall of the top center of the ellipsoid. After a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the voltage is removed. Based on the bistable characteristic, the electrophoretic particles 25 can remain in their current position. At this time, most of the light is blocked and reflected by the electrophoretic particles 25, and almost no light can pass through the microcapsule box 23.

[0026] It should be noted that the above four position states are only examples of key position states for reference, and there are not only these four position states. The voltage of the second electrode 27 is not limited to 0V, +5V, +7V, and +10V. The voltage of the second electrode 27 can be adjusted arbitrarily according to specific usage requirements. For example, assuming that when the voltage of the second electrode 27 reaches +5V, the electrophoretic particles 25 will not block light, and the microcapsule display module is in wide viewing angle mode. When the voltage of the second electrode 27 is +5V to +10V (excluding +...), the voltage can be adjusted accordingly. When the voltage of the second electrode 27 is in the range of 0 to +5V (excluding 0V and +5V), the microcapsule display module is in narrow viewing angle mode. That is, when in narrow viewing angle mode, the voltage can be appropriately increased or decreased so that the electrophoretic particles 25 are in the required position, such as +6V, +6.5V, +8V, etc. Similarly, when the voltage of the second electrode 27 is in the range of 0 to +5V (excluding 0V and +5V), the microcapsule display module is also in narrow viewing angle mode, and the voltage can be appropriately increased or decreased so that the electrophoretic particles 25 are in the required position, such as +2V, +3V, +4V, etc.

[0027] See Figure 5 and Figure 6The present invention provides a second structure for a microcapsule display module, which differs from the first structure in that: the surface of the electrophoretic particles 25 is further coated with a charged colored material, the colored material and the white material are located on opposite sides of the electrophoretic particles 25, and the colored material and the white material have opposite charges. Optionally, the white material carries a positive charge and the colored material carries a negative charge. Specifically, the white material is, for example, a positively charged titanium dioxide coating, and the colored material is, for example, a negatively charged red, green or blue coating. A third electrode 28 is provided on the side of the first substrate 21 near the microcapsule layer. The voltage applied to the third electrode 28 has the same polarity as the white material. The third electrode 28 generates a longitudinal electric field and drives the electrophoretic particles 25 to flip, i.e., a positive voltage is applied to the third electrode 28. When no positive voltage is applied to the third electrode 28, the white material side of the electrophoretic particles 25 faces the first substrate 21, and the colored material side faces the second substrate 22. Figure 5 As shown, since the white material carries a positive charge, when a positive voltage is applied to the third electrode 28, the positively charged white material experiences a repulsive force and moves away from the third electrode 28, while the negatively charged colored material experiences an attractive force and moves towards the third electrode 28. This causes the electrophoretic particles 25 to flip, with the colored material surface facing the first substrate 21 and the white material surface facing the second substrate 22, as shown. Figure 6 As shown; Similarly, in other embodiments, the white material may carry a negative charge and the colored material may carry a positive charge. In this case, the polarity of the third electrode 28 may be adjusted accordingly, that is, a negative voltage may be applied to the third electrode 28.

[0028] This invention coats white and colored materials with different charges on opposite sides of the electrophoretic particle 25, enabling the electrophoretic particle 25 to flip under the action of the positive voltage of the third electrode 28, thus switching the white or colored side toward the observer and achieving a reflective color display function.

[0029] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 The present invention provides a first architecture for a display panel, the display panel including a CG cover plate 1, a microcapsule layer, and a liquid crystal module 3 stacked together. The CG cover plate 1 is located on the outermost side of the display panel, that is, the side closer to the observer, and is used to protect the internal structure. The microcapsule display module 2 is disposed between the CG cover plate 1 and the liquid crystal module 3 and is used to control the switching between wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode. The liquid crystal module 3 is located on the innermost side of the display panel and is used for normal image display. The microcapsule layer includes several microcapsule display modules 2, wherein the microcapsule display modules 2 adopt a first structure, the microcapsule display modules 2 are arranged in an array perpendicular to the stacking direction, all the first substrates 21 are the same piece, all the second substrates 22 are the same piece, the first substrates 21 are adjacent to the CG cover plate 1, and the second substrates 22 are adjacent to the liquid crystal module 3. The display panel is electrically connected to the driving circuit. Specifically, the first electrode 26, the second electrode 27, and the third electrode 28 are electrically connected to the driving circuit. In the wide viewing angle mode, the driving circuit outputs a first voltage difference to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, and in the narrow viewing angle mode, it outputs a second voltage difference to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The first voltage difference is less than the second voltage difference.

[0030] See Figure 7 This is a wide-viewing-angle mode, where a large amount of light can pass through the microcapsule layer. (See [link]). Figure 8 In this narrow-view mode, the electrophoretic particles 25 are located in the path of light propagation and reflect or absorb the light, causing some light to be unable to pass through, and only a small amount of light can pass through the microcapsule layer.

[0031] The liquid crystal module 3 can be a conventional transmissive liquid crystal display module, including a liquid crystal cell, a backlight module, etc., for normal image display. The specific structure of the liquid crystal module 3 can refer to the liquid crystal display panel structure in the existing technology, and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the voltage of all the first electrodes 26 is the same and fixed, and the voltage of all the second electrodes 27 can be adjusted independently. This design allows the first electrodes 26 to serve as a common electrode to provide a fixed reference voltage. Preferably, the voltage of the common electrode is 0V, while the second electrodes 27 can be adjusted independently to individually control the movement state of the electrophoretic particles 25 in each microcapsule 23. Of course, it is also possible to use a configuration where the voltage of all the first electrodes 26 can be adjusted independently, and the voltage of all the second electrodes 27 is the same and fixed. Furthermore, depending on the specific application requirements, both the first electrodes 26 and the second electrodes 27 can be configured to be independently adjustable.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 are arranged in an array with intervals, that is, the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 are alternately arranged on the second substrate 22. Each microcapsule box 23 corresponds to one first electrode 26 and one adjacent second electrode 27, so that the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 are arranged in an orderly and neat manner. Optionally, the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 can be made of transparent electrode materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) to avoid affecting the wide viewing angle effect. In other embodiments, they can also be made of opaque metal materials according to specific usage requirements to increase the privacy effect of narrow viewing angle.

[0034] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 This invention provides a second architecture for a display panel. The second architecture is structurally similar to the first architecture, except that the microcapsule display module 2 in the second architecture adopts a second structure. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 9 This is a wide-viewing-angle mode, where a large amount of light can pass through the microcapsule layer. (See [link]). Figure 10 At this time, it is a narrow viewing angle mode. The electrophoretic particles 25 are located on the propagation path of the light and reflect or absorb the light, causing some light to be unable to pass through. Only a small amount of light can pass through the microcapsule layer. By adopting the microcapsule display module 2 with the second structure, the reflective color display function is realized. In the reflection mode, the driving circuit outputs a third voltage difference to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The third voltage difference is greater than the second voltage difference.

[0035] In reflective display mode, the liquid crystal module 3 is turned off, a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode 26, and a driving voltage (e.g., -10V) is applied to the second electrode 27. A strong horizontal electric field is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. After a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the power is removed, and the electrophoretic particles 25 are suspended on the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box 23. At this time, the white side of the electrophoretic particles 25 faces upward and the colored side faces downward. A positive voltage is applied to the third electrode 28, and the electrophoretic particles 25 are flipped so that the white side faces downward and the colored side faces upward, i.e., facing the observer. Natural light is reflected by the colored side and shines towards the observer, forming a reflective color display. This invention, by coating the electrophoretic particles 25 with colored material and adding the third electrode 28, can add a reflective color display function on the basis of wide and narrow viewing angle switching, thereby enhancing the added value of the product.

[0036] See Figure 11 The present invention provides a third architecture for a display panel. The third architecture is basically the same as the first and second architectures in structure, except that: a light guide plate 41 is provided between the CG cover plate 1 and the first substrate 21. The light guide plate 41 is provided with a plurality of light guide dots 42. A side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 is provided on the side of the light guide plate 41. The light guide dots 42 are used to guide the light emitted by the side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 to the microcapsule display module 2. That is, a light guide plate 41 and a side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 can be added on the basis of the first architecture, or a light guide plate 41 and a side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 can be added on the basis of the second architecture.

[0037] The light guide plate 41 can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or other transparent materials. Its surface is provided with tiny light guide dots 42 as directional microstructures to uniformly guide the ultraviolet light emitted by the side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 to the microcapsule display module 2. Specifically, the light guide dots 42 can be a triangular frustum-shaped microstructure or a triangular pyramid-shaped microstructure. Preferably, the light guide dots 42 are oblique triangular frustum-shaped microstructures or oblique triangular pyramid-shaped microstructures. The angle between the center line of any side and the bottom edge of that side is between 55° and 90°. The specific angle can be adjusted according to specific usage requirements. The side-injected ultraviolet light source 43 is disposed on the side of the light guide plate 41 and emits ultraviolet light with a wavelength range of 100nm to 400nm. The ultraviolet light kills the microorganisms by radiating damage and destroying the function of nucleic acids, thereby achieving the purpose of disinfection. The ultraviolet light has the best bactericidal effect in the wavelength range of 240nm to 280nm, especially at a wavelength of 254nm. In the sterilization mode, the driving circuit outputs a third voltage difference to the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27.

[0038] In sterilization mode, the liquid crystal module 3 is turned off, the side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 is turned on, a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode 26, and a driving voltage (e.g., -10V) is applied to the second electrode 27. A strong horizontal electric field is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. After a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the power is removed, and the electrophoretic particles 25 are suspended on the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box 23. At this time, the white side of the electrophoretic particles 25 faces upward and the colored side faces downward. The ultraviolet light emitted by the side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 is reflected by the light guide dots 42 onto the white material on the surface of the electrophoretic particles 25. The white material can reflect the ultraviolet light and reflect the ultraviolet light onto the microorganisms on the outer surface of the CG cover plate 1, thereby playing a role in sterilization and disinfection, and improving the convenience and health safety of the product.

[0039] This invention provides a control method for driving a display panel as described above, the control method comprising: In wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal module 3 is turned on, a common voltage, such as 0V, is applied to the first electrode 26, a driving voltage is applied to the second electrode 27, and a first voltage difference is applied between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, such as -5V applied to the second electrode 27. A horizontal electric field of first strength is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The first strength is relatively weak. After a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the power is removed, and the electrophoretic particles 25 gather on the inner wall of the middle part of the microcapsule box 23. At this time, the white side faces up and the colored side faces down. The electrophoretic particles 25 do not block the light path, and a large amount of light is scattered and passes through the microcapsule layer. In narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal module 3 is turned on, a common voltage, such as 0V, is applied to the first electrode 26, a driving voltage is applied to the second electrode 27, and a second voltage difference is applied between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, such as -7V applied to the second electrode 27. A horizontal electric field of second strength is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The second strength is moderate. After the voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the power is removed. The electrophoretic particles 25 gather on the inner wall of the upper edge of the microcapsule box 23. At this time, the white side faces up and the colored side faces down. A large amount of light is reflected back to the liquid crystal module 3 by the electrophoretic particles 25 or absorbed by the electrophoretic particles 25, and a small amount of light is scattered through the microcapsule layer. In reflective display mode, the liquid crystal module 3 is turned off, a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode 26, a driving voltage is applied to the second electrode 27, and a third voltage difference (e.g., -10V) is applied to the second electrode 27. A horizontal electric field of third strength is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The third strength is relatively strong. After a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the power is removed, and the electrophoretic particles 25 are suspended on the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box 23. At this time, the white side of the electrophoretic particles 25 faces up and the colored side faces down. A positive voltage is applied to the third electrode 28, and the third electrode 28 generates a longitudinal electric field. The electrophoretic particles 25 flip so that the white side faces down and the colored side faces up. Natural light is reflected by the colored side and shines towards the observer. In sterilization mode, the liquid crystal module 3 is turned off, the side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 is turned on, a common voltage, such as 0V, is applied to the first electrode 26, and a third voltage difference, such as -10V, is applied to the second electrode 27. A horizontal electric field of third strength is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The third strength is relatively strong. After a voltage difference is formed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, the power is removed, and the electrophoretic particles 25 are suspended to the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box 23. At this time, the white side of the electrophoretic particles 25 faces up and the colored side faces down. The ultraviolet light emitted by the side-lit ultraviolet light source 43 is reflected by the light guide dots 42 onto the white material on the surface of the electrophoretic particles 25. The white material can reflect the ultraviolet light and reflect the ultraviolet light onto the microorganisms on the outer surface of the CG cover plate 1, thereby playing a role in sterilization and disinfection.

[0040] In summary, this invention provides a microcapsule display module, display panel, and control method. Employing a microcapsule structure, the wide-viewing-angle and narrow-viewing-angle modes can be switched by adjusting the voltage difference between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. The structure is simple and thin, requiring no polarizer and easily integrated with transmissive liquid crystal modules. In wide-viewing-angle mode, the light path is unobstructed, ensuring high transmittance and display brightness. In narrow-viewing-angle mode, the light path is obstructed, achieving a comprehensive privacy protection effect. Simultaneously, the microcapsule structure itself possesses bistable characteristics; after the voltage is removed, the electrophoretic particles 25 maintain their current position, offering low power consumption. By coating the opposite sides of the electrophoretic particles 25 with white and colored materials of different charges, the particles 25 can flip under the positive voltage of the third electrode 28, switching between the white and colored sides facing the observer, thus achieving reflective color display functionality. It simultaneously achieves wide and narrow viewing angle switching, reflective display, and sterilization functions, offering multiple functions, a wide range of applications, and enhanced overall usability and market competitiveness.

[0041] It should be emphasized that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microcapsule display module, characterized in that, It includes a first substrate (21), a second substrate (22), and a microcapsule box (23) disposed between the first substrate (21) and the second substrate (22); The microcapsule box (23) has an arc-shaped inner wall. The microcapsule box (23) contains an electrophoretic solution (24) and a number of electrophoretic particles (25) suspended in the electrophoretic solution (24). Both the microcapsule box (23) and the electrophoretic solution (24) are transparent. The surface of the electrophoretic particles (25) is coated with a charged white material. The second substrate (22) has a first electrode (26) and a second electrode (27) on the side near the microcapsule layer. The voltage polarity applied to at least one of the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27) is the same as the polarity of the white material. The voltage of the first electrode (26) or the second electrode (27) is adjustable. There is a voltage difference between the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27) to generate a variable electric field. The electrophoretic particles (25) move along the inner wall of the microcapsule box (23) under the action of the variable electric field, realizing the switching between wide-view mode and narrow-view mode. In the wide-view mode, the electrophoretic particles (25) do not obstruct the optical path; In the narrow viewing angle mode, the electrophoretic particles (25) block part of the optical path.

2. The microcapsule display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the electrophoretic particle (25) is also coated with a charged colored material, which is located on opposite sides of the white material and has the opposite charge to the white material; The first substrate (21) has a third electrode (28) on the side near the microcapsule layer. The voltage applied to the third electrode (28) has the same polarity as the white material. The third electrode (28) generates a longitudinal electric field and drives the electrophoretic particles (25) to flip.

3. The microcapsule display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The microcapsule box (23) is an ellipsoid.

4. A display panel, characterized in that, The device includes a CG cover plate (1), a microcapsule layer, and a liquid crystal module (3) stacked together. The microcapsule layer contains a plurality of microcapsule display modules (2) as described in any one of claims 1-3. The microcapsule display modules (2) are arranged in an array perpendicular to the stacking direction. All the first substrates (21) are the same piece, and all the second substrates (22) are the same piece. The first substrates (21) are adjacent to the CG cover plate (1), and the second substrates (22) are adjacent to the liquid crystal module (3).

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The voltage of all the first electrodes (26) is the same and fixed, while the voltage of all the second electrodes (27) can be adjusted independently.

6. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27) are arranged in an array with intervals between them.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, A light guide plate (41) is provided between the CG cover plate (1) and the first substrate (21). The light guide plate (41) is provided with a plurality of light guide dots (42). A side-incident ultraviolet light source (43) is provided on the side of the light guide plate (41). The light guide dots (42) are used to guide the light emitted by the side-incident ultraviolet light source (43) to the microcapsule display module (2).

8. A control method for driving a display panel as described in any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The control method includes: In wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal module (3) is turned on and a first voltage difference is applied to the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27), forming a horizontal electric field of first intensity between the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27). Electrophoretic particles (25) gather on the inner wall of the middle part of the microcapsule box (23). At this time, the electrophoretic particles (25) do not block the light path, and a large amount of light is scattered through the microcapsule layer. In narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal module (3) is turned on and a second voltage difference is applied to the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27), forming a horizontal electric field of second intensity between the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27). Electrophoretic particles (25) gather on the inner wall of the top edge of the microcapsule box (23). At this time, a large amount of light is reflected back to the liquid crystal module (3) by the electrophoretic particles (25) or absorbed by the electrophoretic particles (25), and a small amount of light is scattered through the microcapsule layer.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The surface of the electrophoretic particles (25) is also coated with a charged colored material, the colored material having the opposite charge to the white material. A third electrode (28) is provided on the first substrate (21), and the voltage applied to the third electrode (28) has the same polarity as the white material. The control method further includes: In the reflective display mode, the liquid crystal module (3) is turned off, and a third voltage difference is applied to the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27), forming a horizontal electric field of third intensity between the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27). The electrophoretic particles (25) gather on the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box (23), and a voltage is applied to the third electrode (28). The third electrode (28) generates a longitudinal electric field, and the electrophoretic particles (25) flip up and the colored material faces upward. At this time, natural light is reflected by the colored material and shines towards the observer.

10. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, A light guide plate (41) is provided between the CG cover plate (1) and the first substrate (21), and a side-injected ultraviolet light source (43) is provided on the side of the light guide plate (41). The control method further includes: In sterilization mode, the liquid crystal module (3) is turned off, the side-lit ultraviolet light source (43) is turned on, and a third voltage difference is applied to the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27), forming a horizontal electric field of third intensity between the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (27). The electrophoretic particles (25) gather on the inner wall of the top center of the microcapsule box (23). At this time, the ultraviolet light emitted by the side-lit ultraviolet light source (43) is reflected by the light guide plate (41) to the electrophoretic particles (25), and the electrophoretic particles (25) then reflect the ultraviolet light to the microorganisms on the outer surface of the CG cover plate (1).

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