Method for preparing Anti-peeping display screen, Anti-peeping display screen, device, and Anti-peeping method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a method for preparing an anti-peeping display screen, an anti-peeping display screen, a device, and an anti-peeping method. In the embodiments of the present application, a light-transmitting material layer is formed on a light-exit side of a display module; the display module comprises a substrate and a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the substrate; the light-transmitting material layer is patterned to form, on the light-exit side of the display module, a plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array; the plurality of light-transmitting island structures are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of pixel units; the orthographic projection of each light-transmitting island structure on the substrate coincides with the orthographic projection of the corresponding pixel unit on the substrate; a gap between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array is filled with an electrochromic material to form an electrochromic layer; the plurality of light-transmitting island structures are located in the electrochromic layer; and the electrochromic layer changes its light transmittance in response to a voltage applied thereto. By means of the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application, good anti-peeping performance can be achieved, and the anti-peeping structure has a small thickness, which has little impact on the display brightness.

Description

Preparation method of anti-peeping display screen, anti-peeping display screen, device and anti-peeping method

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application refers to Chinese Patent Application No. 2023112088811 filed on September 18, 2023, entitled “Preparation Method of Anti-peeping Display Screen, Anti-peeping Display Screen, Device and Anti-peeping Method”, which is incorporated into this application in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a method for preparing an anti-peeping display screen, an anti-peeping display screen, a device, and an anti-peeping method. Background Art

[0004] With the advancement of science and technology, electronic products with display screens, such as mobile phones and computers, are becoming increasingly popular. Typically, electronic products have a wide viewing angle, allowing users at different viewing angles to see the displayed information. However, users are becoming increasingly aware of privacy protection. To meet users' privacy protection needs when using display-based electronic products, existing technologies allow for the application of privacy films on the display screens of these electronic products. Privacy films eliminate wide-angle light, retaining only narrow-angle light that exits the display screen almost perpendicularly. This prevents users at wide-angle viewing angles from receiving the displayed image.

[0005] However, the thickness of the privacy film is usually large, which not only increases the thickness of the terminal device, but also reduces the display brightness of the vertical viewing angle of the display screen, resulting in increased power consumption of the electronic product.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Multiple aspects of the present application provide a method for preparing an anti-peeping display screen, an anti-peeping display screen, an apparatus, and an anti-peeping method, which can achieve good anti-peeping performance, and the anti-peeping structure has a small thickness and has little impact on display brightness.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for preparing an anti-peeping display screen, comprising:

[0009] A light-transmitting material layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module; the display module includes a substrate and a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the substrate;

[0010] The light-transmitting material layer is patterned to form a plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array on a light-emitting side of the display module; the plurality of light-transmitting island structures correspond one-to-one to the plurality of pixel units; and the orthographic projections of the light-transmitting island structures on the substrate coincide with the orthographic projections of the corresponding pixel units on the substrate;

[0011] Electrochromic material is filled in the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array to form an electrochromic layer; the plurality of light-transmitting island structures are located in the electrochromic layer; and the electrochromic layer changes its transmittance in response to a voltage applied thereto.

[0012] In the anti-peeping display screen prepared using the preparation method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the light-transmitting island structure located above the pixel unit can transmit the small-angle light emitted by the pixel unit; by controlling the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer to change the transmittance of the electrochromic layer, the electrochromic layer can transmit the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit or absorb and reflect the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit, thereby realizing the switching of the anti-peeping display screen between the shared display state and the anti-peeping display state; and the thickness of the entire anti-peeping structure is small, which can reduce the impact on the display brightness of the display screen. In addition, in this solution, a plurality of light-transmitting guide structures arranged in an array are first formed by a patterning process, and then the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in the array are filled with electrochromic material to form an electrochromic layer. In other words, in this solution, there is no need to perform a patterning process on the electrochromic layer, which can avoid the patterning process from affecting the electrochromic properties of the electrochromic layer, thereby ensuring better anti-peeping performance.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0014] Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, a first light-transmitting conductive layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module; the light-transmitting material layer is formed on the first light-transmitting conductive layer;

[0015] forming a second light-transmitting conductive layer on the electrochromic layer;

[0016] The electrochromic layer changes light transmittance in response to a voltage between the first light-transmitting conductive layer and the second light-transmitting conductive layer.

[0017] In a possible implementation, when the first light-transmitting conductive layer serves as an anode, the electrochromic material is an anode electrochromic material;

[0018] When the first light-transmitting conductive layer serves as a cathode, the electrochromic material is a cathode electrochromic material.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0020] Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, a light-transmitting cushioning layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the numerical relationship between the thickness of the light-transmitting cushioning layer and the pixel width of the pixel unit is determined by a preset anti-peeping angle.

[0022] In a possible implementation, before forming the light-transmitting material layer, forming a light-transmitting cushioning layer on the light-emitting side of the display module includes:

[0023] Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, forming a low-refractive-index material sublayer on the light-emitting side of the display module;

[0024] The low-refractive-index material sublayer is patterned to form a plurality of first openings arranged in an array in the low-refractive-index material sublayer; the plurality of first openings correspond one-to-one to the plurality of pixel units; orthographic projections of the first openings on the substrate cover orthographic projections of the corresponding pixel units on the substrate;

[0025] A high refractive index material sublayer is formed on the patterned low refractive index material sublayer; and the light-transmitting cushioning layer is composed of the patterned low refractive index material sublayer and the high refractive index material sublayer.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the display module is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display module;

[0027] The OLED display module further includes a first encapsulation layer covering the plurality of pixel units.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the substrate is a flexible substrate; and the method further includes:

[0029] The display module is formed on a glass carrier; the flexible substrate is located on the glass substrate;

[0030] After the layers required for the privacy protection display screen are prepared, the peeling carrier is peeled off using a peeling process to expose the flexible substrate.

[0031] In one possible implementation, filling the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array with an electrochromic material includes:

[0032] The gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array are filled with electrochromic material by a coating method or a printing method.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0034] After the electrochromic layer is formed, a second encapsulation layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module;

[0035] A touch layer is formed on the second encapsulation layer.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present application provides an anti-peeping display screen, which is manufactured by any of the above-mentioned preparation methods.

[0037] In the anti-peeping display screen prepared using the preparation method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the light-transmitting island structure located above the pixel unit can transmit the small-angle light emitted by the pixel unit; by controlling the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer to change the transmittance of the electrochromic layer, the electrochromic layer can transmit the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit or absorb and reflect the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit, thereby realizing the switching of the anti-peeping display screen between the shared display state and the anti-peeping display state; and the thickness of the entire anti-peeping structure is small, which can reduce the impact on the display brightness of the display screen. In addition, in this solution, a plurality of light-transmitting guide structures arranged in an array are first formed by a patterning process, and then the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in the array are filled with electrochromic material to form an electrochromic layer. In other words, in this solution, there is no need to perform a patterning process on the electrochromic layer, which can avoid the patterning process from affecting the electrochromic properties of the electrochromic layer, thereby ensuring better anti-peeping performance.

[0038] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a housing and the above-mentioned anti-peeping display screen; the anti-peeping display screen is installed in the housing.

[0039] The electronic device provided in this application includes: a housing and an anti-peeping display screen; in the anti-peeping display screen prepared using the preparation method provided in the embodiment of this application, the light-transmitting island structure located above the pixel unit can transmit the small-angle light emitted by the pixel unit; by controlling the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer to change the transmittance of the electrochromic layer, the electrochromic layer can transmit the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit or absorb and reflect the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit, thereby realizing the switching of the anti-peeping display screen between the shared display state and the anti-peeping display state; and the entire anti-peeping structure has a small thickness, which can reduce the impact on the display brightness of the display screen. In addition, in this solution, a plurality of light-transmitting guide structures arranged in an array are first formed by a patterning process, and then the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in the array are filled with electrochromic material to form the electrochromic layer. In other words, in this solution, there is no need to perform a patterning process on the electrochromic layer, which can avoid the patterning process from affecting the electrochromic properties of the electrochromic layer, thereby ensuring better anti-peeping performance.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides an anti-peeping method, which is applied to the above-mentioned electronic device; the method comprises:

[0041] Receive anti-peeping trigger instructions;

[0042] According to the anti-peeping trigger instruction, the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer of the anti-peeping display screen is controlled to change the light transmittance of the electrochromic layer.

[0043] The anti-peeping method provided in this application is applied to an electronic device with an anti-peeping display screen. The electronic device receives an anti-peeping trigger command and, based on the received anti-peeping trigger command, controls the light transmittance of the anti-peeping layer in the anti-peeping display screen. Upon receiving the anti-peeping trigger command, the method controls the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer, causing the electrochromic layer to switch from a light-transmitting state to a light-opaque state. The anti-peeping layer absorbs or reflects the wide-angle light emitted by the pixels and propagating toward the periphery of the anti-peeping display screen, switching the anti-peeping display screen to the anti-peeping display state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG2 is an exploded view of an electronic device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a preparation method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of an anti-peeping display screen provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG5 is an example diagram of an anti-peeping angle;

[0050] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an anti-peeping display screen provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0051] 7 to 11 are schematic cross-sectional views of structures obtained after different preparation steps in another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG12 is a flowchart of an anti-peeping method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1-electronic device; 10-anti-peeping display screen; 20-housing; 201-middle frame; 202-back cover; 2011-frame part; 2012-middle plate part; 30-main board; 202-back cover; 1011-substrate; 1014-thin film transistor layer; 1015-pixel definition layer; 1012-pixel unit; 1013-first encapsulation layer; 106-pad layer; 1061-low refractive index material sublayer; 1062-high refractive index material sublayer; 104-first light-transmitting conductive layer; 102-electrochromic layer; 103-light-transmitting island structure; 105-second light-transmitting conductive layer; 107-second encapsulation layer; 108-touch layer; 109-light-transmitting adhesive layer; 110-glass cover plate; 110-reflective electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 1 , taking a mobile phone as an example, electronic device 1 can include an anti-privacy display 10 and a housing 20. The anti-privacy display 10 is used to display images, and the housing 20 is used to support, secure, and protect the anti-privacy display 10. It is understood that the electronic device 1 in the embodiment of the present application can also be other electronic devices such as the aforementioned tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, all-in-one computer, and the present embodiment does not limit this.

[0056] In this embodiment, the side of the electronic device 1 displaying an image is defined as its front surface, and the side of the electronic device 1 opposite to the front surface is defined as its back surface. The front and back surfaces of the relevant components of the electronic device 1 correspond to the electronic device 1. The front surface of the privacy screen 10, i.e., the side surface of the privacy screen 10 displaying an image, is exposed outside the housing 20 for viewing or operating the electronic device 1 by the user. The housing 20 surrounds the side walls and back of the privacy screen 10 and is used to support, secure, and protect the privacy screen 10.

[0057] The anti-peeping display screen 10 and the housing 20 together form a storage space for the electronic device 1, and other components of the electronic device 1 can be arranged in the storage space, for example, a motherboard, a speaker, a camera, a battery and other components are arranged in the storage space.

[0058] FIG2 is an exploded view of FIG1 . As shown in FIG2 , the housing 20 may include a middle frame 201 and a back cover 202. The back cover 202 may be a flat plate-shaped member. The back cover 202 is located on the back of the electronic device 1. The middle frame 201 is connected between the privacy screen 10 and the back cover 202. The middle frame 201 may include a frame portion 2011 and a middle plate portion 2012. The frame portion 2011 surrounds the electronic device 1. The middle plate portion 2012 is located within the area enclosed by the frame portion 2011. The edge of the middle plate portion 2012 is connected to the inner sidewall of the frame portion 2011. For example, the middle plate portion 2012 and the frame portion 2011 may be integrally formed.

[0059] The anti-peeping display screen 10 is usually supported by overlapping the middle plate portion 2012 of the middle frame 201, and the anti-peeping display screen 10 can be connected and fixed to the front end surface of the frame portion 2011 of the middle frame 201 (the end surface of the frame portion 2011 facing the front of the electronic device 1). The edge of the back cover 202 can be connected and fixed to the rear end surface of the frame portion 2011 of the middle frame 201 (the end surface of the frame portion 2011 facing the back of the electronic device 1). A gap is formed between the middle plate portion 2012 of the middle frame 201 and the back cover 202, and other components of the electronic device 1 can be arranged in the gap. For example, FIG2 illustrates that the main board 30 is mounted on the side surface of the middle plate portion 2012 facing the back cover 202. In actual application, the main board 30 can be electrically connected to the anti-peeping display screen 10, and the display screen of the anti-peeping display screen 10 is controlled by the main board 30.

[0060] The following will describe in detail the method for preparing the above-mentioned anti-peeping display screen in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 3, the preparation method may include:

[0061] 301. Form a light-transmitting material layer on the light-emitting side of the display module.

[0062] The display module includes a substrate and a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the substrate.

[0063] 302 . Pattern the light-transmitting material layer to form a plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array on the light-emitting side of the display module.

[0064] The plurality of light-transmitting island structures correspond to the plurality of pixel units on a one-to-one basis; and the orthographic projections of the light-transmitting island structures on the substrate cover the orthographic projections of the corresponding pixel units on the substrate.

[0065] 303 . Fill the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array with an electrochromic material to form an electrochromic layer.

[0066] The plurality of light-transmitting island structures are located in the electrochromic layer; and the electrochromic layer changes its light transmittance in response to a voltage applied thereon.

[0067] FIG4 shows an anti-peeping display screen 10 manufactured using the method for manufacturing an anti-peeping display screen 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the anti-peeping display screen 10 comprises: a display module 101; an electrochromic layer 102 located on the light-emitting side of the display module 101; and a plurality of light-transmitting island structures 103 arranged in an array within the electrochromic layer 102. The display module 101 comprises: a substrate 1011 and a plurality of pixel units 1012 arranged in an array on the substrate 1011; the plurality of light-transmitting island structures 103 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of pixel units 1012; the orthographic projections of the light-transmitting island structures 103 on the substrate 1011 coincide with the orthographic projections of the corresponding pixel units 1012 on the substrate 1011; and the electrochromic layer 102 changes its light transmittance in response to an applied voltage.

[0068] In the above 301, in actual applications, pixel unit 1012 corresponds to any one or any combination of red sub-pixels (Red pixel), green sub-pixels (Green pixel), and blue sub-pixels (Blue pixel). In other words, pixel unit 1012 can be a single sub-pixel or a combination of multiple sub-pixels, such as an RGB pixel. In a specific example, for an anti-peeping display screen with an RGB display structure, pixel unit 1012 refers to a single sub-pixel.

[0069] A plurality of pixel unit arrays are arranged on the substrate, and the specific arrangement thereof can be set according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present application does not make any specific limitation to this.

[0070] The substrate 1011 may comprise a glass substrate or a flexible substrate. The material of the flexible substrate can be selected based on actual needs and is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment, the flexible substrate may be a colorless polyimide (CPI) substrate. Using a flexible substrate enables a foldable privacy screen.

[0071] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting material layer is capable of transmitting light emitted by the display module. The light-transmitting material layer can be formed on the light-emitting side of the display module by coating. Specifically, a coating machine, such as a slit coater, can be used to apply a liquid containing the light-transmitting material to the light-emitting side of the display module 101. The layer is then dried to obtain the light-transmitting material layer.

[0072] In practical applications, the light-transmitting material layer may be a light-transmitting organic coating (OC) layer or a planarization layer (PLN).

[0073] In the above 302, the light-transmitting material layer may be patterned using an existing patterning process. In one embodiment, the light-transmitting material layer may be etched using a photolithography process to obtain a patterned light-transmitting material layer.

[0074] The patterned light-transmitting material layer includes: a plurality of light-transmitting island structures 103 arranged in an array on the light-emitting side of the display module. The plurality of light-transmitting island structures 103 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of pixel units 1012; the orthographic projections of the light-transmitting island structures 103 on the substrate 1011 coincide with the orthographic projections of the corresponding pixel units 1012 on the substrate 1011. In other words, the arrangement of the plurality of light-transmitting island structures 103 is the same as the arrangement of the plurality of pixel units 1012.

[0075] In order to avoid affecting the display brightness of the display screen in the direction of small angles, it is necessary to transmit as much light as possible in the direction of small angles of the pixel unit. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting island structure 103 on the substrate 1011 covers the orthographic projection of its corresponding pixel unit 1012 on the substrate 1011. In this way, all the light emitted by the pixel unit 1012 in the direction of small angles can be emitted through the light-transmitting island structure 103. Furthermore, in order to leave more filling area for the electrochromic material to improve the anti-peeping effect, the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting island structure 103 on the substrate 1011 completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of its corresponding pixel unit 1012 on the substrate 1011.

[0076] In step 303 above, the gaps between the arrayed light-transmitting island structures 103 are filled with electrochromic material by coating or printing. Printing methods may include inkjet printing. In practical applications, the electrochromic layer is ultimately formed through leveling and curing processes.

[0077] The optical properties (reflectivity, transmittance, absorptivity, etc.) of electrochromic materials undergo stable and reversible color changes under the influence of an applied electric field, manifesting as reversible changes in color and transparency. Electrochromic materials are categorized into inorganic and organic electrochromic materials. Inorganic electrochromic materials include tungsten trioxide, for example. Organic electrochromic materials primarily include polythiophenes and their derivatives, viologens, tetrathiafulvalene, and metallophthalocyanine compounds.

[0078] The multiple light-transmitting island structures 103 are located within the electrochromic layer 102; the electrochromic layer 102 changes its light transmittance in response to an applied voltage. Specifically, the electrochromic layer 102 can switch between a light-transmitting state and a light-opaque state in response to an applied voltage. When the electrochromic layer 102 is in the light-transmitting state, the privacy screen 10 is in a shared display state; when the electrochromic layer 102 is in the light-opaque state, the privacy screen 10 is in an anti-privacy display state.

[0079] In the anti-peeping display screen prepared using the preparation method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the light-transmitting island structure located above the pixel unit can transmit the small-angle light emitted by the pixel unit; by controlling the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer to change the transmittance of the electrochromic layer, the electrochromic layer can transmit the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit or absorb and reflect the large-angle light emitted by the pixel unit, thereby realizing the switching of the anti-peeping display screen between the shared display state and the anti-peeping display state; and the thickness of the entire anti-peeping structure is small, which can reduce the impact on the display brightness of the display screen. In addition, in this solution, a plurality of light-transmitting guide structures arranged in an array are first formed by a patterning process, and then the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in the array are filled with electrochromic material to form an electrochromic layer. In other words, in this solution, there is no need to perform a patterning process on the electrochromic layer, which can avoid the patterning process from affecting the electrochromic properties of the electrochromic layer, thereby ensuring better anti-peeping performance.

[0080] It should be noted that, generally speaking, electrochromic materials change their transmittance through redox reactions. If the electrochromic layer is directly imaged, the structure of the electrochromic material in the electrochromic layer will be destroyed, which will lead to its subsequent inability to undergo redox reactions well, affecting the anti-peeping effect or even having no anti-peeping effect at all.

[0081] In one feasible solution, the above method may further include:

[0082] 304 . Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, form a first light-transmitting conductive layer on the light-emitting side of the display module.

[0083] Wherein, the light-transmitting material layer is formed on the first light-transmitting conductive layer.

[0084] 305. Form a second light-transmitting conductive layer on the electrochromic layer.

[0085] The electrochromic layer changes light transmittance in response to a voltage between the first light-transmitting conductive layer and the second light-transmitting conductive layer.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4 , the anti-peeping display screen 10 further includes: a first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 located between the display module 101 and the electrochromic layer 102 ; and a second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 located on a side of the electrochromic layer 102 away from the display module 101 .

[0087] The first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 can both be ITO (Indium Tin Oxides) layers. In one embodiment, the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 have no hollow design.

[0088] In the above 304 , in one example, before forming the light-transmitting material layer, a first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 may be formed on the light-emitting side of the display module 101 by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), coating, or printing.

[0089] After the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 is formed, a light-transmitting material layer is formed on the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 .

[0090] In the above step 305 , in one embodiment, the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 can be formed on the electrochromic layer 102 by PVD, coating, or printing.

[0091] As shown in Figure 4, the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104, the electrochromic layer 102, and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 form a sandwich structure.

[0092] In practical applications, when filling the gaps between the arrayed light-transmitting island structures 103 with electrochromic material, it is desirable that the electrochromic material be contained within the gaps and not deposited above the light-transmitting island structures 103. However, most current coating machines or inkjet printers struggle to ensure this. This means that, in the resulting privacy screen 10, the light-transmitting island structures 103 may be covered with electrochromic material.

[0093] In practical applications, the color-changing area of ​​the electrochromic layer is only located near the side in contact with one or two electrodes (usually a very thin area). In order to avoid the electrochromic material covering the transparent island structure 103 from blocking light in a small angle direction, a suitable electrochromic material can be selected according to the electrode type of the first transparent conductive layer 104, so that the electrochromic layer 102 only undergoes a reversible change in transmittance (i.e., color change) near the side in contact with the first transparent conductive layer. Specifically, when the first transparent conductive layer 104 serves as an anode, the electrochromic material is an anode electrochromic material; when the first transparent conductive layer 105 serves as a cathode, the electrochromic material is a cathode electrochromic material.

[0094] When the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 serves as the anode and the electrochromic material is an anode electrochromic material, the color-changing region of the electrochromic layer 102 is limited to the area near the side of the electrochromic layer 102 in contact with the first light-transmitting conductive layer. When the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 serves as the cathode and the electrochromic material is a cathode electrochromic material, the color-changing region of the electrochromic layer 102 is also limited to the area near the side of the electrochromic layer 102 in contact with the first light-transmitting conductive layer. This prevents the electrochromic material covering the light-transmitting island structures 103 from changing color and thus prevents light from being blocked at small angles.

[0095] As shown in FIG5 , the anti-peeping angle θ of the anti-peeping display screen is generally about 45 degrees. In order to achieve the preset anti-peeping angle, it is necessary to ensure that there is a certain distance between the electrochromic layer 102 and the light-emitting surface of the pixel unit 1012. Therefore, the above method may further include:

[0096] 306 . Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, form a light-transmitting cushioning layer on the light-emitting side of the display module.

[0097] 4 , the anti-peeping display screen 10 may further include a light-transmitting spacer layer 106 located between the display module 101 and the electrochromic layer 102 . Specifically, the light-transmitting spacer layer 106 is located between the first encapsulation layer 1013 and the first transparent conductive layer 104 of the display module 101 .

[0098] In practical applications, the thicknesses of the first encapsulation layer 1013 and the first transparent conductive layer 104 of the display module 101 are very small and negligible. Therefore, the numerical relationship between the height of the light-transmitting spacer layer and the pixel width of the pixel unit is determined by the preset privacy protection angle. For example, the height of the light-transmitting spacer layer is greater than or equal to the pixel width of the pixel unit.

[0099] In the above step 306, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , the display module is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display module; the display module further includes a first encapsulation layer 1013 covering the plurality of pixel units 1012. The first encapsulation layer 1013 may specifically be a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer, which utilizes an ultra-thin film to seal the OLED material, thereby protecting the OLED material from external moisture and oxygen, and thus serving as an encapsulation material.

[0100] When the display module 101 is an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display module, the padding layer 106 can be formed on the first encapsulation layer 1013 of the display module 101. The specific process can be selected according to actual needs and is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0101] In order to further improve the display brightness of the display screen and reduce power consumption, the light emitted by the pixel unit can be converged. Specifically, the light-transmitting cushioning layer can be a microlens array (MLA) layer. In a specific example, the microlens array layer can be composed of a high refractive index material and a low refractive index material. Specifically, the above 306 "before forming the light-transmitting material layer, forming a light-transmitting cushioning layer on the light-emitting side of the display module" can be achieved by the following steps:

[0102] 3061. Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, form a low-refractive-index material sublayer on the light-emitting side of the display module.

[0103] 3062. Image the low-refractive-index material sublayer to form a plurality of first openings arranged in an array in the low-refractive-index material sublayer.

[0104] The plurality of first openings correspond to the plurality of pixel units one by one; and the orthographic projections of the first openings on the substrate cover the orthographic projections of the corresponding pixel units on the substrate.

[0105] 3063. Form a high refractive index material sublayer on the patterned low refractive index material sublayer.

[0106] The light-transmitting cushioning layer 106 is composed of a patterned low-refractive-index material sublayer and a patterned high-refractive-index material sublayer.

[0107] In the above step 3061 , specifically, a low-refractive-index material sub-layer is formed on the first encapsulation layer 1013 of the display module 101 .

[0108] In the above 3062, an existing patterning process can be used to pattern the low-refractive index material sublayer. In one example, a photolithography process can be used to etch the low-refractive index material sublayer to form a plurality of first openings arranged in an array in the low-refractive index material sublayer. The plurality of first openings correspond one-to-one to the plurality of pixel units; the orthographic projection of the first opening on the substrate covers the orthographic projection of its corresponding pixel unit on the substrate. In one example, the orthographic projection of the first opening on the substrate completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of its corresponding pixel unit on the substrate.

[0109] In the above step 3063 , a high refractive index material sub-layer 1062 is formed on the patterned low refractive index material sub-layer 1061 .

[0110] In one embodiment, the substrate 1011 is a flexible substrate; the method further includes:

[0111] 307 . Form the display module on a glass carrier.

[0112] Wherein, the flexible substrate is located on the glass substrate.

[0113] 308. After all layers required for the privacy protection display screen are prepared, a peeling process is used to peel off the peeling carrier to expose the flexible substrate.

[0114] In the above 307, as shown in FIG7, the display module 101 is formed on the glass carrier 400. Specifically, a flexible substrate 1011 is formed on the glass substrate 400, and a thin film transistor (TFT) layer is formed on the flexible substrate 1011; wherein each pixel unit 1012 on the anti-peeping display screen 10 is driven by a thin film transistor integrated below the pixel unit; a pixel definition layer (PDL) 1015 is formed on the thin film transistor layer 1014; pixel units (i.e., organic light emitting diodes) are prepared in multiple light-emitting areas defined by the PDL layer to obtain multiple pixel units 1012 arranged in an array; and a first encapsulation layer 1013 is prepared to cover the multiple pixel units 1012.

[0115] In this embodiment, each pixel unit on the anti-peeping display screen is driven by a thin film transistor integrated under the pixel unit, thereby realizing active driving.

[0116] To increase the display brightness of the display screen, as shown in Figure 6, the first electrode 110 corresponding to the pixel unit 1012 is a reflective electrode (RE). The first electrode 110 is located on the back side of the pixel unit 1012. The back side of the pixel unit is arranged opposite to the light-emitting surface of the pixel unit. The use of the reflective electrode can reflect light emitted from the back side of the pixel unit to the light-emitting surface of the pixel unit, thereby increasing the display brightness of the display screen.

[0117] In the above 308 , the peeling carrier can be peeled off by using a peeling process, thereby exposing the flexible substrate.

[0118] In order to improve the anti-peeping display screen with touch function, the above method may further include:

[0119] 309. After the electrochromic layer is formed, a second encapsulation layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module.

[0120] 310. Form a touch layer on the second packaging layer.

[0121] In the above 309 , specifically, a second encapsulation layer 107 may be formed on the second light-transmitting conductive layer to encapsulate the layer below it.

[0122] In the above step 310 , a touch panel (TP) layer is formed on the second encapsulation layer 107 . The touch panel layer may also be referred to as a TOE (TP On Encapsulation) layer.

[0123] The touch layer is a capacitive device, and the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104, the electrochromic layer 102, and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 also form a capacitive device. As shown in Figure 4, the electrochromic layer 102 is located below the touch layer 108. This prevents the capacitive structure formed by the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104, the electrochromic layer 102, and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 from affecting the touch control of the touch layer.

[0124] In practical applications, as shown in FIG. 4 , after the touch layer 108 is formed, a cover glass (CG) 110 may be adhered to the touch layer 108 via a transparent adhesive layer 109 , such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0125] In the embodiment of the present application, the electrochromic privacy protection structure is disposed above the light-emitting layer (i.e., the layer where the multiple pixel units 1012 are located) and below the touch layer, thereby providing privacy protection from all sides and avoiding interference with the touch layer. The light-emitting layer may be an electroluminescence (EL) layer.

[0126] It should be noted that the display module 101 may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display module in addition to the OLED display module. When the display module 101 is an LCD display module, a raised layer 106 may be formed on the first cover plate of the LCD display module.

[0127] In summary, the preparation method provided in the embodiments of the present application can prepare an in-cell active anti-peeping display screen with good anti-peeping effect.

[0128] The preparation method provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to FIG7, FIG8, FIG9, FIG10 and FIG11.

[0129] After the TFT layer 1014, PLD layer 1015, multiple pixel units 1012, and TFE layer 1013 are completed on the OLED panel composed of the CPI flexible substrate and the glass carrier, the following steps are performed:

[0130] Step 1: Print high-refractive index material and low-refractive index material on the TFT layer 1013 to obtain a padding layer 106 .

[0131] After step 1, the structure shown in FIG7 is obtained.

[0132] Step 2: Deposit a first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 on the padding layer 106 using a PVD process, a coater, or an IJP (Inkjet Printer); and then fabricate a plurality of light-transmitting island structures 103 arranged in an array on the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 .

[0133] After step 2, the structure shown in FIG8 is obtained.

[0134] Step 3: Apply the electrochromic material using an IJP device or a PHOTO line device, then level and cure it to obtain the electrochromic layer 102 .

[0135] After step 3, the structure shown in FIG9 is obtained.

[0136] Step 4: Deposit the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 on the padding layer 106 by using a PVD process, a coater or an IJP (Inkjet Printer).

[0137] After step 4, the structure shown in FIG10 is obtained.

[0138] Step 5: Finally, the second TFE layer 107 , TOE layer 108 , OCA layer 109 and CG layer 110 are completed.

[0139] After step 5, the structure shown in FIG11 is obtained.

[0140] After step 5, the glass carrier plate 400 in FIG. 11 may be peeled off through a peeling process to obtain the final anti-peeping display screen 10 shown in FIG. 4 .

[0141] On this basis, the embodiment of the present application further provides an anti-peeping method, which is applied to the electronic device 1 having the anti-peeping display screen 10 as described above. FIG12 is a flowchart of the steps of the anti-peeping method provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the anti-peeping method includes:

[0142] 401. Receive anti-peeping trigger instruction.

[0143] 402. According to the anti-peeping trigger instruction, control the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer of the anti-peeping display screen to change the light transmittance of the electrochromic layer.

[0144] In the above 401, the electronic device 1 receives an anti-peeping trigger instruction. For example, the anti-peeping trigger instruction can be received by a controller provided in the electronic device 1. In actual application, under normal circumstances, the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 can be in an unpowered state, the electrochromic layer 102 is in a light-transmitting state, and the anti-peeping display screen 10 is in a shared display state. However, when the anti-peeping trigger instruction is received, the controller controls the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 to be powered, the electrochromic layer 102 to be in a light-opaque state, and the anti-peeping display screen 10 switches to the anti-peeping display state.

[0145] For example, the controller can be a chip such as a driver chip or a power supply chip within the electronic device 1, and the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 are electrically connected to the chip. Alternatively, a controller can be specifically provided to control the power-on state of the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105.

[0146] In the above 402 , according to the anti-peeping trigger instruction, the voltage between the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 of the anti-peeping display screen is controlled to make the electrochromic layer in the anti-peeping layer present an opaque state.

[0147] After receiving the anti-peeping trigger instruction, the controller in the electronic device 1 controls the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 to be energized according to the anti-peeping trigger instruction to form an electric field in the electrochromic layer 102, and controls the voltage between the first light-transmitting conductive layer 104 and the second light-transmitting conductive layer 105 to change the electrochromic layer 102 from a light-transmitting state to a light-opaque state, so that the anti-peeping display screen 10 switches to the anti-peeping display state.

[0148] The anti-peeping method provided in this application is applied to an electronic device with an anti-peeping display screen. The electronic device receives an anti-peeping trigger command and, based on the received anti-peeping trigger command, controls the light transmittance of the anti-peeping layer in the anti-peeping display screen. Upon receiving the anti-peeping trigger command, the method controls the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer, causing the electrochromic layer to switch from a light-transmitting state to a light-opaque state. The anti-peeping layer absorbs or reflects the wide-angle light emitted by the pixels and propagating toward the periphery of the anti-peeping display screen, switching the anti-peeping display screen to the anti-peeping display state.

[0149] It should also be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0150] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for preparing an anti-peeping display screen, characterized in that: include: forming a light-transmitting material layer on the light-emitting side of the display module; The display module includes a substrate and a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the substrate; The light-transmitting material layer is patterned to form a plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array on the light-emitting side of the display module; the plurality of light-transmitting island structures correspond one-to-one to the plurality of pixel units; The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting island structure on the substrate coincides with the orthographic projection of its corresponding pixel unit on the substrate; Electrochromic materials are filled in gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array to form an electrochromic layer; the plurality of light-transmitting island structures are located in the electrochromic layer; and the electrochromic layer changes light transmittance in response to a voltage applied thereto.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, forming a first light-transmitting conductive layer on the light-emitting side of the display module; The light-transmitting material layer is formed on the first light-transmitting conductive layer; forming a second light-transmitting conductive layer on the electrochromic layer; The electrochromic layer changes light transmittance in response to a voltage between the first light-transmitting conductive layer and the second light-transmitting conductive layer.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When the first light-transmitting conductive layer serves as an anode, the electrochromic material is an anode electrochromic material; When the first light-transmitting conductive layer serves as a cathode, the electrochromic material is a cathode electrochromic material.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting island structure on the substrate covers the orthographic projection of its corresponding pixel unit on the substrate.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also includes: Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, a light-transmitting cushioning layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The numerical relationship between the thickness of the light-transmitting cushion layer and the pixel width of the pixel unit is determined by a preset anti-peeping angle.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, a light-transmitting cushioning layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module, including: Before forming the light-transmitting material layer, forming a low-refractive-index material sublayer on the light-emitting side of the display module; The low refractive index material sublayer is imaged to form a plurality of first openings arranged in an array in the low refractive index material sublayer; the plurality of first openings correspond to the plurality of pixel units one by one; and the orthographic projection of the first opening on the substrate covers the orthographic projection of the corresponding pixel unit on the substrate; A high refractive index material sublayer is formed on the patterned low refractive index material sublayer; and the light-transmitting cushioning layer is composed of the patterned low refractive index material sublayer and the high refractive index material sublayer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The display module is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display module; The OLED display module further includes: a first encapsulation layer covering the plurality of pixel units.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The substrate is a flexible substrate; the method further includes: The display module is formed on a glass substrate; the flexible substrate is located on the glass substrate; After the layers required for the privacy protection display screen are prepared, the peeling carrier is peeled off by a peeling process to expose the flexible substrate.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Filling the gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array with an electrochromic material comprises: The gaps between the plurality of light-transmitting island structures arranged in an array are filled with electrochromic material by coating or printing.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also includes: After the electrochromic layer is formed, a second encapsulation layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display module; A touch control layer is formed on the second encapsulation layer.

12. An anti-peeping display screen, characterized in that: The anti-peeping display screen is made by the preparation method described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A housing and the anti-peeping display screen as claimed in claim 12; The anti-peeping display screen is installed on the housing.

14. A method for preventing peeping, characterized in that: Applicable to the electronic device described in claim 13; the method comprises: Receive anti-peeping trigger instructions; According to the anti-peeping trigger instruction, the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer of the anti-peeping display screen is controlled to change the light transmittance of the electrochromic layer.

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