Light regulating panel, light regulating panel group, and display device

Abstract

A light regulating panel, a light regulating panel group, and a display device. The light regulating panel comprises a first substrate (10) and a second substrate (20); the first substrate (10) comprises first electrodes (100); the first electrodes (100) comprise first strip electrodes (110) and second strip electrodes (120) alternately arranged in a first direction, and the distance between the centers of adjacent second strip electrodes (120) is a first pitch; and the second substrate (20) comprises a second electrode (200) electrically connected to the second strip electrodes (120). The first electrodes (100) are divided into a plurality of first repeating units (102), and in each first repeating unit (102), the number of first strip electrodes (110) and the number of second strip electrodes (120) are the same, at least two of a plurality of first pitches comprised in each first repeating unit (102) are different, and the number of first pitches having a same value in different first repeating units (102) is the same, helping to achieve collaborative regulation and control of light spot brightness distribution and diffusion effect.

Description

Dimming panel, dimming panel assembly and display device

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to patent application No. PCT / CN2025 / 073089, filed on January 17, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a dimming panel, a dimming panel assembly, and a display device. Background Technology

[0004] With the continuous development of liquid crystal technology, liquid crystal materials are widely used in display technology and other fields. A liquid crystal lens consists of a liquid crystal layer and electrodes located on both sides of the liquid crystal layer. By utilizing the birefringence properties of liquid crystal molecules, liquid crystal lenses can achieve different phase retardations within the same propagation distance by using different tilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules. The refraction of light is equivalent to that of a conventional lens with the same phase retardation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a dimming panel, a dimming panel assembly, and a display device.

[0006] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a dimming panel, including a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a plurality of first electrodes, which include a plurality of first strip electrodes and a plurality of second strip electrodes arranged alternately along a first direction, the distance between the centers of two adjacent second strip electrodes being a first pitch; the second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate, and the second substrate includes at least a second electrode electrically connected to the second strip electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes are divided into a plurality of first repeating units arranged along the first direction, each first repeating unit having the same number of first strip electrodes and second strip electrodes, at least two of the plurality of first pitches included in each first repeating unit being different, and the number of first pitches having the same value being the same in different first repeating units.

[0007] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, each first pitch includes two first gaps between three first electrodes, the two first gaps being equal, and the first strip electrode being located between the two first gaps.

[0008] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, in each first repeating unit, the plurality of first pitches include at least a plurality of first sub-pitches, the plurality of first sub-pitches accounting for a proportion of the plurality of first pitches not less than 0.25 and not greater than 0.5; the difference between the maximum pitch and the minimum pitch among the plurality of first pitches is not greater than 50 micrometers.

[0009] For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of first pitches include 20 micrometers, 25 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 35 micrometers, 40 micrometers, and 45 micrometers, with at least one first pitch for each value, and the first sub-pitch is 30 micrometers.

[0010] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second electrode includes a plurality of third strip electrodes arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction; or the second electrode is a single-layer electrode.

[0011] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second electrode includes a plurality of third strip electrodes arranged along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction; the second substrate further includes a third electrode, the third electrode including a plurality of fourth strip electrodes, the plurality of third strip electrodes and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes being alternately arranged along the second direction; the plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes are configured to be controlled individually.

[0012] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent third strip electrodes is the second pitch, the plurality of third strip electrodes and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes are divided into a plurality of second repeating units arranged along the second direction, the number of third strip electrodes and the number of fourth electrodes in each second repeating unit are equal, at least two of the plurality of second pitches included in each second repeating unit are different, and the number of second pitches with the same value in different second repeating units is the same.

[0013] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the types of first pitches with different values ​​in each first repeating unit are the same as the types of second pitches with different values ​​in each second repeating unit, and the number of first pitches with the same value in each first repeating unit is the same as the number of second pitches with the same value in each second repeating unit.

[0014] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, each of the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode includes a plurality of first electrode portions connected to each other, at least two of the plurality of first electrode portions have different extending directions, and the angle between the extending direction of at least one first electrode portion and a third direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, each of the first and second strip electrodes includes a plurality of first electrode portions connected to each other, at least two of the plurality of first electrode portions having different extending directions, and at least one of the first electrode portions having an angle greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees between its extending direction and a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction; each third strip electrode includes a plurality of second electrode portions connected to each other, at least two of the second electrode portions having different extending directions.

[0016] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the angle between the extending direction of at least one second electrode portion in each third strip electrode and the fourth direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, wherein the fourth direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0017] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the angle between the extension direction of each first electrode portion and the third direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, and the angle between the extension direction of the at least one first electrode portion and the third direction is 3 degrees.

[0018] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first substrate includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer stacked together. The first electrode layer includes the plurality of first electrodes, and the second electrode layer includes a plurality of fifth strip electrodes arranged along the first direction. The spacing between adjacent first strip electrodes and second strip electrodes overlaps with a fifth strip electrode. Each fifth strip electrode is configured to transmit a voltage between the voltage transmitted by the first strip electrode and the voltage transmitted by the second strip electrode. The distance between the center line extending along the extension direction of at least a portion of the fifth strip electrodes and the center line of the corresponding spacing in the first direction is not greater than 0.1 micrometers.

[0019] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, each first electrode has the same width, each fifth strip electrode has the same width, and each fifth strip electrode is configured to transmit the same voltage.

[0020] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the dimming panel further includes a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. One of the first substrate and the second substrate further includes a substrate, a light-shielding layer, and an adhesive layer. The light-shielding layer is located between the substrate and the adhesive layer. An electrode in one of the first substrates is located between the adhesive layer and the liquid crystal layer. The thickness of the adhesive layer is less than 1100 nanometers, and the thickness of the electrode in one of the first substrates is greater than 1200 angstroms.

[0021] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the dimming panel further includes a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is configured to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific morphology after the electrodes of the first substrate and the second substrate are energized. The liquid crystal lens includes a plurality of lens portions arranged along the first direction. The liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion includes at least one inclined edge, the slope angle of the at least one inclined edge being 10 to 82 degrees, the arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion being 3 to 30 micrometers, and the distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions being the lens pitch, the lens pitch being 9 to 150 micrometers.

[0022] For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the camber of the liquid crystal phase patterns in at least two lens portions is different, and / or, the slope angles in at least two lens portions are different, and / or, the lens pitches in at least some regions are different.

[0023] This disclosure provides at least one embodiment of a dimming panel assembly, comprising M dimming panels stacked together. Each dimming panel includes a plurality of strip electrodes arranged along a direction. At least one of the M dimming panels is the dimming panel provided in any of the above examples, and the plurality of strip electrodes in the at least one dimming panel are the plurality of first electrodes. The included angle between the arrangement directions of the plurality of strip electrodes in adjacent dimming panels is 360 / M, where M is an even number not greater than 10.

[0024] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a display device, including: a display panel, including a color filter substrate and an array substrate disposed opposite to each other; and a backlight source located on one side of the display panel. The display device further includes: the aforementioned dimming panel located between the display panel and the backlight source or located on the side of the display panel away from the backlight source; or, the display device further includes the aforementioned dimming panel group located between the display panel and the backlight source or located on the side of the display panel away from the backlight source.

[0025] This disclosure provides at least one embodiment of a dimming panel, comprising: a first substrate including a plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of first electrodes including at least a plurality of first strip electrodes; a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, the second substrate including second electrodes; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is configured to form a liquid crystal lens of a specific morphology after the electrodes of the first substrate and the second substrate are energized. The liquid crystal lens includes a plurality of lens portions arranged along a first direction, each lens portion having a liquid crystal phase pattern including at least one inclined edge with a slope angle of 10–82 degrees, the arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion being 3–30 micrometers, and the distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions being a lens pitch of 9–150 micrometers.

[0026] For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of first electrodes further includes a plurality of second strip electrodes, the plurality of second strip electrodes being electrically connected to the second electrodes, the plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of second strip electrodes being alternately arranged along the first direction and located in the same layer; or the plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of second strip electrodes are both arranged along the first direction, the plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of second strip electrodes being located in different layers, along a direction perpendicular to the substrate, at least a portion of each first strip electrode does not overlap with the plurality of second strip electrodes; the same lens portion corresponds to at least two first strip electrodes.

[0027] For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the camber of the liquid crystal phase patterns in at least two lens portions is different, and / or, the slope angles in at least two lens portions are different, and / or, the lens pitches in at least some regions are different.

[0028] For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, at least some of the liquid crystal phase patterns in the lens portions have the same shape and size.

[0029] This disclosure provides at least one embodiment of a display device, including: a display panel, comprising a color filter substrate and an array substrate disposed opposite to each other; a backlight source located on one side of the display panel; and a dimming panel located between the display panel and the backlight source, wherein the dimming panel is the dimming panel provided in any of the above embodiments. The color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the dimming panel, or the array substrate is located between the color filter substrate and the dimming panel.

[0030] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the color filter substrate includes a black matrix, the color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the dimming panel, the backlight is a collimated backlight, the black matrix includes black matrix strips arranged along the first direction, the lens portion includes an inclined edge that is tilted relative to the substrate of the color filter substrate, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the inclined edge of the lens portion onto the black matrix is ​​located in the black matrix strip, and the ratio of the width of the orthographic projection to the width of the black matrix strip is not greater than 0.5. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a dimming panel provided according to an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the first electrode in the dimming panel shown in Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the original light spot illuminance diagram.

[0035] Figures 4 to 10 show the illuminance diagrams corresponding to different first pitches.

[0036] Figure 11 shows the illuminance diagram of a dimming panel with uniformly set pitch.

[0037] Figure 12 shows the illuminance diagram of a dimming panel with non-uniform pitch.

[0038] Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view of a dimming panel provided according to an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 13B is a partial planar schematic diagram of the second and third electrodes in the dimming panel shown in Figure 13A.

[0040] Figure 14 is a distribution diagram of the first electrode provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figures 15 to 18 show illumination diagrams with different included angles between the first electrode portion and the third direction under a uniform pitch.

[0042] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of partial electrodes of a first substrate and a second substrate in a dimming panel provided according to an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a dimming panel provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the phase distribution curves of single-layer and double-layer electrodes disposed on the first substrate.

[0045] Figures 22 and 23 are schematic diagrams of dimming panels provided according to different examples of embodiments of the present disclosure after being powered on.

[0046] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of a dimming panel assembly provided according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figures 25 and 26 are schematic diagrams of different dimming panels in the dimming panel group shown in Figure 24.

[0048] Figures 27 and 28 are schematic diagrams of display devices provided according to different examples of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figures 29 to 31 are partial structural schematic diagrams of dimming panels provided according to different embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figures 32 and 33 show the liquid crystal phase patterns of the liquid crystal lenses in different examples of the dimming panels shown in Figures 29 to 31.

[0051] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of a display device including the dimming panels shown in Figures 29 to 31.

[0052] Figure 35 is a schematic diagram of the optical path when a dimming panel is applied in a lighting system.

[0053] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of the user's viewing position when the dimming panel is in its initial state 1.

[0054] Figures 37 and 38 are schematic diagrams showing the user's viewing position when the dimming panel is in different control states.

[0055] Figures 39 and 40 show the liquid crystal phase patterns of the liquid crystal lens under different control states of the dimming panel.

[0056] Figure 41 shows the illuminance diagram of the dimming panel in its initial state 1.

[0057] Figures 42 and 43 show the illuminance of the dimming panel under different control states.

[0058] Figure 44 shows a comparison of illuminance for different dimming panels.

[0059] Figure 45 is a schematic diagram of a display device provided according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 46 is a schematic diagram of light passing through the dimming panel and then directed onto the black matrix.

[0061] Figure 47 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle head-up display provided in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0062] Figure 48 shows the curve of phase delay as a function of voltage.

[0063] Figure 49 shows the curves of phase delay as a function of different electrode positions.

[0064] Figure 50 shows the phase delay curves under different voltage intensities.

[0065] Figure 51 shows the brightness variation curves with position under different conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0066] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Based on the described embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that an element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects.

[0068] The features such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical" used in the embodiments of this disclosure include features in the strict sense of "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical," as well as cases where "approximately parallel," "approximately perpendicular," and "approximately identical" include a certain degree of error. Taking into account measurement and errors associated with the measurement of a specific quantity (e.g., limitations of the measurement system), they represent the acceptable deviation range for a specific value as determined by a person skilled in the art. For example, "approximately" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within 10% or 5% of said value. Unless otherwise specified in the following embodiments of this disclosure, the quantity of a component is implied to mean that the component can be one or more, or can be understood as at least one. "At least one" means one or more, and "more" means at least two.

[0069] This disclosure provides a dimming panel, a dimming panel assembly, and a display device.

[0070] The dimming panel disclosed herein includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other. The first substrate includes a plurality of first electrodes, which include a plurality of first strip electrodes and a plurality of second strip electrodes arranged alternately along a first direction. The distance between the centers of two adjacent second strip electrodes is a first pitch. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate and includes at least a second electrode electrically connected to the second strip electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes are divided into a plurality of first repeating units arranged along the first direction. The number of first strip electrodes and second strip electrodes in each first repeating unit is the same. At least two of the plurality of first pitches included in each first repeating unit are different, and the number of first pitches with the same value in different first repeating units is the same.

[0071] By electrically connecting the second strip electrode on the first substrate to the second electrode on the second substrate, and setting at least two different first pitches in the same repeating unit, and having the same number of first pitches in different repeating units, it is beneficial to adjust the electric field intensity in different areas of the dimming panel to achieve coordinated control of the light spot brightness distribution and diffusion effect.

[0072] The dimming panel group provided in this disclosure includes M dimming panels stacked together. Each dimming panel includes a plurality of strip electrodes arranged along one direction. At least one of the M dimming panels is the aforementioned dimming panel, and the plurality of strip electrodes in the at least one dimming panel are a plurality of first electrodes. The included angle between the arrangement directions of the plurality of strip electrodes in adjacent dimming panels is 360 / M, where M is an even number not greater than 10.

[0073] By setting up a dimming panel group that includes multiple dimming panels and setting the arrangement direction of the strip electrodes in adjacent dimming panels, it is possible to avoid the formation of small angles between the strip electrodes in adjacent dimming panels that would cause moiré patterns. At the same time, the light passing through the dimming panels is modulated in multiple directions, which helps to increase the modulation angle of the light spot and make it closer to a circular distribution.

[0074] The display device provided in this disclosure includes a display panel, a backlight, and the aforementioned dimming panel or dimming panel assembly. The display panel includes a color filter substrate and an array substrate disposed opposite to each other; the backlight is located on one side of the display panel. The dimming panel is located between the display panel and the backlight or on the side of the display panel away from the backlight; or, the dimming panel assembly is located between the display panel and the backlight or on the side of the display panel away from the backlight.

[0075] By incorporating the aforementioned dimming panel or dimming panel group into the display device, it becomes easier for the display device to meet complex light field control requirements.

[0076] The dimming panel disclosed herein includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed opposite to each other between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a plurality of first electrodes, each of which includes at least a plurality of first strip electrodes. The second substrate includes second electrodes. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal layer is configured to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific morphology after the electrodes of the first and second substrates are energized. The liquid crystal lens includes a plurality of lens portions arranged along a first direction. The liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion includes at least one inclined edge with a slope angle of 10–82 degrees. The arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion is 3–30 micrometers. The distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions is the lens pitch, which is 9–150 micrometers.

[0077] By controlling the morphology of the lens portion in the liquid crystal layer, directional control of light passing through the dimming panel can be achieved. This dimming panel can achieve flexible optical control, meet the needs of various scenarios, and has a simple manufacturing process.

[0078] The dimming panel, dimming panel assembly, and display device provided in this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a dimming panel provided according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the first electrode in the dimming panel shown in Figure 1.

[0080] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dimming panel 001 includes a first substrate 10 and a second substrate 20 disposed opposite to each other. The first substrate 10 includes a plurality of first electrodes 100, and the plurality of first electrodes 100 includes a plurality of first electrode units 101. Each first electrode unit 101 includes a first strip electrode 110 and a second strip electrode 120, and the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 are arranged alternately along a first direction. The distance between the centers of two adjacent second strip electrodes 120 is a first pitch P1. The second substrate 20 includes at least a second electrode 200, which is electrically connected to the second strip electrode 120. Multiple first electrodes 100 are divided into multiple first repeating units 102 arranged along the first direction. For example, the area where multiple first electrode units 101 are located is divided into multiple first repeating units 102 arranged along the first direction. The number of first strip electrodes 110 and second strip electrodes 120 in each first repeating unit 102 is the same. At least two of the multiple first pitches P1 included in each first repeating unit 102 are different. The number of first pitches P1 with the same value in different first repeating units 102 is the same.

[0081] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the dimming panel 001 can be a liquid crystal lens.

[0082] Ordinary lenses primarily utilize changes in the propagation distance of light within the lens to achieve different optical path differences, thus deflecting the light. From the perspective of wave optics, the initial ray can be represented as U(r), which, after incident on the lens, is affected by the lens's phase modulation function t. lens(r) Its outgoing ray becomes U'(r) = t lens(r) ×U(r). The phase modulation function of the lens can be expressed as t lens(r) =e iφ(r) φ(r) = k × n(r) × d(r), where k is the wave number in free space, k = 2π / λ, and d(r) is the propagation distance. The propagation optical path is represented as n(r) × d(r). When φ(r) = k × r 2 / 2f, at this point, the thin lens has a converging effect on light rays, and the focal length can be represented by f. The transfer function of the thin lens can also be expressed as t lens(r) =ej·k·r² / 2f. The focal length of a common lens can be expressed as f = r₀. 2 / 2Δn(d c -d b Where r0 represents the lens aperture, Δn represents the refractive index difference between the center and edge of the lens, and d c d is the thickness at the center of the lens.b This represents the thickness at the lens edge.

[0083] The most intuitive way to change the focal length of a lens is to change its curvature, increasing the curvature of a regular lens. c -d b It can use a working principle similar to the contraction and relaxation of the lens to achieve focal length control, but in reality, ordinary lenses cannot be changed in shape after they are shaped.

[0084] Compared to ordinary lenses, liquid crystal lenses have features such as adjustable focal length and flexibility, and can achieve specific lens specifications by adjusting the presence and magnitude of voltage.

[0085] Liquid crystal lenses utilize the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules. Over the same propagation distance, different phase retardations can be achieved by varying the tilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules, effectively deflecting light in a manner equivalent to that of a conventional lens with the same phase retardation. The phase modulation function of a liquid crystal lens is φ(r) = k × n(r) × d, where d is the cell thickness of the liquid crystal cell, and n(r) is the refractive index at different positions. n(r) satisfies the following formula:

[0086] Where, n b and n c These are the refractive indices at the center and edge of the lens, respectively.

[0087] The phase modulation function of the liquid crystal lens is

[0088] Focal length is expressed as f = r0 2 / [2×(n c -n b )×d].

[0089] Under the influence of a distributed electric field, liquid crystal molecules form different tilt angles. After light passes through the liquid crystal layer 30, due to the different effective unusual refractive indices, the light can be converted into converging or diverging spherical waves. The degree of deflection depends on (n). c -n b The difference between ).

[0090] According to the above formula, the deflection effect of a liquid crystal lens on an optical fiber is equivalent to that of an ordinary cylindrical lens.

[0091] With a uniformly distributed first electrode, the uniform electric field generated by the uniformly distributed first electrode leads to single phase modulation of liquid crystal molecules, similar light refraction paths, and a Gaussian distribution of light spot energy. The illuminance in the central area exceeds 65%, easily forming a "bright spot-dark area" contrast, resulting in a small perceived light spot diffusion by the human eye. Using a 25% illuminance attenuation threshold as the standard for defining the field of view (FOV), the FOV of the dimming panel with a uniformly distributed first electrode is only 52 degrees at this threshold, which is insufficient to meet greater diffusion requirements. Therefore, the fixed W / S ratio under a uniformly distributed first electrode limits the local control capability of the electric field intensity and cannot dynamically compensate for the light spot energy distribution. Here, W represents the electrode width, and S represents the spacing between adjacent electrodes.

[0092] By electrically connecting the second strip electrode 120 provided on the first substrate 10 with the second electrode 200 provided on the second substrate 20, the first electrode 100 is not uniformly distributed. For example, at least two different first pitches P1 are provided in the same first repeating unit 102, and the number of first pitches P1 in different first repeating units 102 is the same. This is beneficial to adjust the electric field intensity in different areas of the dimming panel 001 to achieve coordinated control of the light spot brightness distribution and diffusion effect, enhance the light diffusion modulation capability, and improve the uniformity of the light spot.

[0093] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first strip electrode 110 is a pixel electrode, the second strip electrode 120 is a common electrode, and the first electrode is a transparent electrode, which can provide the electric field required for the deflection of liquid crystal molecules and reduce optical losses. For example, the first direction can be the X direction. For example, the pixel electrode and the common electrode are alternately arranged along the first direction.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 2, all the second strip electrodes 120 are subjected to the same voltage, while the different first strip electrodes 110 can be subjected to the same voltage or different voltages.

[0095] Figure 3 shows the original spot illuminance diagram. Figures 4 to 10 show the spot illuminance diagrams corresponding to different first pitches.

[0096] Each illuminance diagram represents the light spot formed on the receiving surface of the receiver after the light source passes through the dimming panel. Figure 3 shows the original light spot formed on the receiving surface of the receiver after the light source passes through the dimming panel.

[0097] For example, in the dimming panel 001 corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 4, the first electrode is uniformly distributed and the pitch between two adjacent common electrodes is 20 micrometers, with a field of view of 45 degrees. In the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 4, the illuminance is strongest in the X-direction coordinates between -200 and 200. If it is greater than 1500 Lux, the illuminance gradually decreases after the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate exceeds 200.

[0098] For example, in the dimming panel 001 corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 5, the first electrodes are uniformly distributed and the pitch between two adjacent common electrodes is 25 micrometers, with a field of view of 110 degrees. In the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 5, the illuminance is strongest between -500 and -400 and between 400 and 500 in the X-direction coordinate. If it is greater than 1500 Lux, the illuminance gradually decreases as the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is greater than 500 and less than 400.

[0099] For example, in the dimming panel 001 corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 6, the first electrodes are uniformly distributed and the pitch between two adjacent common electrodes is 30 micrometers, with a field of view of 103 degrees. In the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 6, the illuminance is strongest between -800 and -700 and between 700 and 800 in the X-direction coordinate. If it is greater than 1000 Lux, the illuminance gradually decreases as the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is greater than 800 and less than 700.

[0100] For example, in the dimming panel 001 corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 7, the first electrodes are uniformly distributed and the pitch between two adjacent common electrodes is 35 micrometers, with a field of view of 31 degrees. In the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 7, the illuminance is strongest between -1000 and -900 and between 900 and 1000 in the X-direction coordinate. If it is greater than 500 Lux, the illuminance gradually decreases when the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is greater than 1000 and less than 900, and the illuminance increases after the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is less than 200.

[0101] For example, in the dimming panel 001 corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 8, the first electrode is uniformly distributed and the pitch between two adjacent common electrodes is 40 micrometers, with a field of view of 45 degrees. In the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 8, the illuminance at positions with X-direction coordinates between -300 and 300 and with absolute values ​​greater than 1000 is greater than 200 Lux.

[0102] For example, in the dimming panel 001 corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 9, the first electrodes are uniformly distributed and the pitch between two adjacent common electrodes is 45 micrometers, with a field of view of 52 degrees. In the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 9, the illuminance is strongest when the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is between -200 and 200. If it is greater than 500 Lux, the illuminance gradually decreases when the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is greater than 200, and there is a small fluctuation in illuminance between 600 and 800.

[0103] For example, in the dimming panel 001 corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 10, the first electrodes are uniformly distributed and the pitch between two adjacent common electrodes is 55 micrometers, with a field of view of 49 degrees. In the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 10, the illuminance is strongest when the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is less than 200. If it is greater than 500 Lux, the illuminance gradually decreases when the absolute value of the X-direction coordinate is greater than 200.

[0104] Taking the X-direction as an example, the illuminance maps of each light spot show areas of strong and weak light intensity. To achieve a more uniform light intensity along the X-direction, the width and spacing of the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 in the first electrode 100 can be adjusted to regulate the electric field formed in different areas. This allows for localized enhancement of the electric field in areas with weak light intensity to improve the light spot diffusion effect, while localized reduction of the electric field intensity in areas with excessive light intensity to prevent excessive light spot concentration. For example, in areas with weak light intensity, reducing the spacing between the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 or increasing their width can improve the light spot diffusion effect. Similarly, in areas with excessive light intensity, increasing the spacing between the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 or their width can prevent excessive light spot concentration, ultimately achieving a uniform light intensity effect.

[0105] For example, as shown in Figures 3 to 10, ray tracing analysis using optical simulation software reveals that adjusting the pitch of the first electrode can alter the shape of the light spot. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, within a pitch range of 20–30 micrometers, the emitted light spot exhibits a bimodal splitting characteristic, and as the pitch increases, the distance between the two spots gradually widens, corresponding to a linear expansion of the field of view from 45 degrees to 103 degrees. As shown in Figure 7, when the pitch reaches 35 micrometers, the light spot splitting pattern abruptly changes to a three-spot distribution, causing the field of view to plummet to 31 degrees. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, further increasing the pitch to 45 micrometers optimizes the illuminance distribution of the three spots, and the field of view gradually recovers to 52 degrees. As shown in Figure 10, when the pitch exceeds 45 micrometers, the field of view decreases.

[0106] Based on the above correspondence between the pitch and the position of the emitted light spot, by setting multiple first electrodes 100 to form a first electrode unit 101 with one pixel electrode and one common electrode, and periodically arranging them in the form of a first repeating unit 102, each period includes multiple different first pitches P1, the coordinated control of the light spot brightness distribution and diffusion effect can be achieved, so as to concentrate the light spot brightness in the central region while maintaining a good edge diffusion effect, and ensure that the light spot can obtain a continuous light intensity distribution from the center to the edge of the receiving surface.

[0107] Figure 11 shows the illuminance diagram of a dimming panel with uniform pitch. Figure 12 shows the illuminance diagram of a dimming panel with non-uniform pitch.

[0108] For example, in the dimming panel corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 11, the width of the strip electrodes in the uniformly pitched section is 5 micrometers, the spacing is 12 micrometers, and the field of view is 58 degrees. In the dimming panel corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 12, the width of the strip electrodes in the non-uniformly pitched section is 5 micrometers, and the spacing can include 4.5 micrometers, 20.5 micrometers, etc., with a field of view of 62 degrees. Therefore, it can be seen that by setting the non-uniform pitch of the first electrode in the dimming panel 001, it is beneficial to improve the field of view of the dimming panel 001.

[0109] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the distance between the center lines extending along the Y direction of two adjacent common electrodes is the first pitch P1, and two adjacent first pitches P1 share the same common electrode.

[0110] In some examples, as shown in FIG1, the second substrate 20 includes only the second electrode 200, which can be a full-layer common electrode, and the common electrodes in the two substrates are electrically connected. However, it is not limited to this; the second electrode 200 may include a plurality of third strip electrodes 210 arranged along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction. For example, the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the XZ plane shown in FIG1. ​​For example, the second direction may be the Y direction shown in FIG2.

[0111] For example, as shown in Figure 2, different first repeating units 102 include the same number of first pitches P1. Within the same first repeating unit 102, taking the example of first pitches P1 including at least two different types of first pitches P1, each type of first pitch P1 has the same numerical value, each type of first pitch P1 has a specific quantity, and the numerical values ​​of different types of first pitches P1 are different. In different first repeating units 102, the types of first pitches P1 are the same, meaning that the number of first pitches P1 with the same numerical value is the same in different first repeating units 102. For example, in different first repeating units 102, the positions of different types of first pitches P1 can be the same or different.

[0112] By setting the type and quantity of the first pitch P1 in different first repeating units 102 to be the same, it is beneficial to achieve a more uniform light spot effect during the light modulation process in different regions.

[0113] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first repeating unit 102 includes eight first pitches P1. The eight first pitches P1 may include eight types of first pitches P1, with one of each type, but not limited to this. In other examples, the number of first pitches P1 of the same type may be two, three, or more, and the types of first pitches P1 may be two, three, or more, which can be set according to product requirements.

[0114] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the width of each first electrode 100 can be the same. By adjusting the spacing between adjacent first electrodes 100, the first pitch P1 can be adjusted, which helps to simplify the process of the first electrode 100.

[0115] In some examples, as shown in Figure 2, each first pitch P1 includes two first gaps S1 and S2 between three first electrodes 100, the two first gaps S1 and S2 being equal, and the first strip electrode 110 being located between the two first gaps.

[0116] By placing the pixel electrode at the center of the first pitch P1, it is beneficial to achieve the phase delay curve of the liquid crystal corresponding to the first electrode 100 in each first pitch P1 being symmetrical about the center.

[0117] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first pitch P1 includes the width of the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120, as well as two first spacings S1 and S2.

[0118] In some examples, as shown in Figure 2, in each first repeating unit 102, the plurality of first pitches P1 include at least a plurality of first sub-pitches P01, the plurality of first sub-pitches P01 accounting for a proportion of the plurality of first pitches P1 of not less than 0.25 and not greater than 0.5; the difference between the maximum pitch and the minimum pitch among the plurality of first pitches P1 is not greater than 50 micrometers.

[0119] By setting the difference between the maximum and minimum pitches in the first pitch to no more than 50 micrometers to avoid reducing the uniformity of the original light spot distribution, while adjusting the proportion of the first sub-pitch in the first pitch, the diffusion degree of the light spot for the light source with higher center brightness is significantly improved, thereby enhancing the uniformity of light spot modulation.

[0120] For example, the proportion of the first sub-pitch P01 to the plurality of first pitches P1 can be 0.3. For example, the proportion of the first sub-pitch P01 to the plurality of first pitches P1 can be 0.35. For example, the proportion of the first sub-pitch P01 to the plurality of first pitches P1 can be 0.4. For example, the proportion of the first sub-pitch P01 to the plurality of first pitches P1 can be 0.45, etc. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this, and the proportion of the first sub-pitch P01 to the plurality of first pitches P1 can be any value between 0.25 and 0.5.

[0121] In some examples, as shown in Figures 1 to 10, multiple first pitches P1 include 20 micrometers, 25 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 35 micrometers, 40 micrometers, and 45 micrometers, with at least one first pitch P1 for each value, and the aforementioned first sub-pitch is 30 micrometers.

[0122] Based on the distribution pattern of the illuminance diagrams shown in Figures 4 to 10, the types of the first pitch P1 included in the first repeating unit 102 are set to 20 micrometers, 25 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 35 micrometers, 40 micrometers and 45 micrometers, and arranged periodically. This can achieve a continuous light intensity distribution from the center to the edge of the receiving surface, such as the light spot being linear in the X direction.

[0123] For example, to improve the uniformity of illumination in the horizontal direction (such as the X direction), the proportion of 25-micron and 30-micron electrodes has been increased. For example, for light sources with high center brightness, because the first pitch of 30 microns has a significant light diffusion effect, to improve the uniformity of light spot modulation, this first pitch is designated as the first sub-pitch, allowing the proportion of the first sub-pitch to be greater than 25%. This first electrode arrangement enables the dimming panel to have a 62-degree field of view. This dimming panel with wide viewing angle characteristics can be applied in applications requiring a large viewing angle and highly uniform light field, such as virtual reality displays and automotive head-up displays.

[0124] The electric field formed by each first pitch P1 modulates the liquid crystal molecules to form a specific phase distribution, thereby controlling the emission angle of light. By setting at least one of the width and spacing of the first strip electrode 110 to form a non-uniform first pitch P1, a differentiated phase distribution curve can be formed. As a result, light is refracted at different angles within each first pitch, and each first repeating unit contains different angles of refraction, which can better meet the needs of light modulation and make the light spot distribution more uniform.

[0125] The dimming panel 001 with the aforementioned non-uniform first pitch P1 setting can be applied to high-precision spot control, laser processing, optical display, and other fields. The uniformity of spot diffusion directly affects processing accuracy and display effect. The non-uniform first pitch P1 setting can meet the requirements of high-precision spot control and is adaptable to complex optical systems, allowing for flexible adjustment according to specific needs. Simultaneously, by optimizing the uniformity of spot diffusion, the non-uniform first pitch P1 setting can improve the energy utilization efficiency of the optical system and reduce energy loss.

[0126] Different phase delays can be achieved by using a mixed electric field in the horizontal and vertical directions of the box thickness. At the same time, light rays undergo refraction and reflection in the non-uniform first pitch P1 to enhance light diffusion.

[0127] Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view of a dimming panel provided according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13B is a partial planar schematic diagram of the second and third electrodes in the dimming panel shown in Figure 13A. Figures 13A and 13B can be cross-sectional views of the same dimming panel 001 in two directions, or they can be cross-sectional views of different dimming panels 001 in two different directions.

[0128] In some examples, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 13A, and 13B, the second electrode 200 includes a plurality of third strip electrodes 210 arranged along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction; the second substrate 20 also includes a third electrode 300, which includes a plurality of fourth strip electrodes 310. The second electrode 200 and the third electrode 300 of the second substrate 20 include a plurality of second electrode 200 units, each second electrode 200 unit including a third strip electrode 210 and a fourth strip electrode 310, and the third strip electrodes 210 and the fourth strip electrodes 310 are arranged alternately along the second direction; the plurality of first strip electrodes 110 and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes 310 are configured to be individually controlled.

[0129] For example, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the third strip electrode 210 is a common electrode, the fourth strip electrode 310 is a pixel electrode, and the pixel electrode and the common electrode are alternately arranged along the Y direction.

[0130] While the second strip electrode 120 in the first substrate 10 is electrically connected to the third strip electrode 210 in the second substrate 20, the first strip electrode 110 and the fourth strip electrode 310 can be individually controlled. This allows the electrodes in the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 to form not only a vertical electric field but also a horizontal electric field. The strip electrodes in the two substrates stretch the light in both the first and second directions. Therefore, the light field distribution in a single direction can be controlled separately on the same dimming panel, and the same or different light control in two directions can be achieved simultaneously to adapt to various needs. This dimming panel 001 adopts a composite electric field control mechanism, thus possessing multi-dimensional light field control capabilities. It can control the optical characteristics in the horizontal or vertical directions individually and can also achieve three-dimensional composite modulation, thereby increasing the freedom of light spot control of a typical liquid crystal lens by three times. The dimming panel 001 using the above-mentioned composite light field control mechanism is suitable for applications requiring complex light field control, such as adaptive optics systems, variable focus lenses, and 3D displays.

[0131] For example, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 13B, the first strip electrode 110 and the fourth strip electrode 310 can be subjected to the same voltage or different voltages as needed.

[0132] For example, as shown in Figure 13B, all third strip electrodes 210 are subjected to the same voltage, while different fourth strip electrodes 310 may be subjected to the same voltage or different voltages.

[0133] In some examples, as shown in Figure 13B, the distance between the centers of two adjacent third strip electrodes 210 is the second pitch P2. The plurality of third strip electrodes 210 and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes 310 are divided into a plurality of second repeating units 202 arranged along the second direction. For example, the area where the second electrode unit 201 on the second substrate 20 is located is divided into a plurality of second repeating units 202 arranged along the second direction. The number of third strip electrodes 210 and the number of fourth strip electrodes 310 in each second repeating unit 202 are equal. At least two of the plurality of second pitches P2 included in each second repeating unit 202 are different. The number of second pitches P2 with the same value in different second repeating units 202 is the same.

[0134] Setting the second repeating unit 202 to include different second pitches P2 is beneficial for the coordinated control of the light spot brightness distribution and diffusion effect in the second direction, so as to maintain a good edge diffusion effect while making the light spot brightness concentrated in the central region, and ensure that the light spot can obtain a continuous light intensity distribution from the center to the edge of the receiving surface.

[0135] In some examples, as shown in Figures 2, 13A and 13B, the types of first pitches P1 with different values ​​in each first repeating unit 102 are the same as the types of second pitches P2 with different values ​​in each second repeating unit 202, and the number of first pitches P1 with the same value in each first repeating unit 102 is the same as the number of second pitches P2 with the same value in each second repeating unit 202.

[0136] By setting the type and quantity of the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 in the two substrates to be the same, that is, setting the non-uniform distribution of the pitch to be the same, the brightness distribution and diffusion effect of the light spot can be synergistically controlled in both directions. This ensures that the brightness of the light spot is concentrated in the central region while maintaining good edge diffusion effects in all directions, and that the light spot can obtain a continuous light intensity distribution from the center to the edge of the receiving surface.

[0137] For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 13B, the first repeating unit 102 includes the same type of first pitch P1 as the second repeating unit 202 includes the same type of second pitch P2, and the number of first pitches P1 and second pitches P2 of the same type is the same. For example, the second repeating unit 202 includes eight second pitches P2, which may include eight types of second pitches P2, with one of each type, but is not limited to this. In other examples, the number of second pitches P2 of the same type can be two, three, or more, and the types of second pitches P2 can be two, three, or more, which can be set according to product requirements.

[0138] This disclosure is not limited thereto. In other examples, the width of the third strip electrode 210 and the fourth strip electrode 310 may be the same, and the third strip electrode 210 and the fourth strip electrode 310 may be arranged at equal intervals.

[0139] Figure 14 is a distribution diagram of the first electrode provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] The difference between the first electrode shown in Figure 14 and the first electrode shown in Figure 2 is that each of the first strip electrodes 110 and 120 includes multiple first electrode portions 103 connected to each other. For example, each of the first strip electrodes 110 and 120 includes a multi-domain structure, and each first electrode portion 103 is a domain of the strip electrode. Figure 14 schematically shows that each strip electrode includes two first electrode portions 103, that is, two domains.

[0141] In some examples, as shown in FIG14, each of the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 includes a plurality of first electrode portions 103 connected to each other. At least two of the plurality of first electrode portions 103 have different extending directions. The angle β between the extending direction of at least one first electrode portion 103 and a third direction D3 is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0142] By configuring each strip electrode to include first electrode portions 103 with different extension directions to form a multi-domain design to compensate for the differences in single light distribution, and setting the angle between the extension direction of the first electrode portion 103 and a third direction perpendicular to its arrangement direction to a specific angle, it is beneficial to enhance the light diffusion degree in the vertical direction and improve the light spot stretching degree while maintaining a certain diffusion level of the light spot in the horizontal direction. The aforementioned horizontal direction is the X direction shown in Figure 14, and the vertical direction is the Y direction shown in Figure 14.

[0143] Figures 15 to 18 show illumination diagrams with different included angles between the first electrode portion and the third direction under a uniform pitch.

[0144] Taking each first electrode as an example, Figure 15 shows the illumination diagram when the angle between each first electrode and the third direction is 0 degrees, Figure 16 shows the illumination diagram when the angle between each first electrode and the third direction is 3 degrees, Figure 17 shows the illumination diagram when the angle between each first electrode and the third direction is 6 degrees, and Figure 18 shows the illumination diagram when the angle between each first electrode and the third direction is 9 degrees.

[0145] For example, the field of view (FOV) of the dimming panel corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 15 is 58 degrees, the field of view of the dimming panel corresponding to the illuminance diagrams shown in Figures 16 and 18 is 56 degrees, and the field of view of the dimming panel corresponding to the illuminance diagram shown in Figure 17 is 57 degrees. Comparing the morphology and energy distribution patterns of the light spot at different angles reveals that the FOV of the dimming panel remains stable within the range of 56 to 58 degrees at the four angles mentioned above, but the light spot diffusion morphology and energy uniformity exhibit observable regular changes. As the tilt angle continues to increase, the field of view of the dimming panel tends to decrease.

[0146] The reason why the field of view under the 25% attenuation standard remains within the range of 56-58 degrees when the tilt angle of the first electrode 103 increases from 0 degrees to 9 degrees is as follows: 1) Boundary effect of threshold attenuation: The illuminance threshold (about 1500 lux) corresponding to 25% attenuation is located in the sub-gradient region of Gaussian distribution, which is controlled by the overall energy integral rather than the local distribution pattern; 2) Energy conservation constraint: Under a fixed light source power, the tilt angle adjustment only changes the spatial distribution of energy, and the total radiant flux remains constant. When the energy in the central region is dispersed, the increase in illuminance in the outer region just compensates for the boundary expansion requirement of the attenuation threshold.

[0147] The angle between the first electrode portion 103 and the third direction can be called the tilt angle of the slit between adjacent first electrodes 100, which changes the arrangement symmetry of liquid crystal molecules.

[0148] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, when the tilt angle is 0 degrees, the slit is perpendicular to the pixel edge (e.g., in the X direction), and the refraction paths of light in the horizontal and vertical directions exhibit high symmetry, resulting in isotropic light spot diffusion. As the tilt angle increases to 3 degrees, 6 degrees, and 9 degrees, the slit tilt breaks the original geometric symmetry. Specifically, the horizontal scattering angle of light is not significantly affected, but due to the design constraint of the width (W) to spacing (S) ratio of the first electrode, the diffusion amplitude is non-linearly related to the tilt angle. The vertical slit tilt causes a shift in the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules, leading to an increase in the vertical optical path difference (Δnd), which significantly improves the light spot diffusion efficiency along the Y-axis. The light spot energy exhibits a typical Gaussian distribution, with the central region accounting for 65%-70% of the illuminance, while the peripheral region gradually decreases with increasing diffusion distance.

[0149] As shown in Figures 15 and 18, due to the multipath interference effect caused by the difference in tilt angle, there is a significant difference in the spot morphology between the tilt angle of 0 degrees and the tilt angle of 9 degrees. When the tilt angle increases, the difference in the refraction angle of the incident light on both sides of the slit increases (e.g., 1.5 degrees), which causes the phase difference of the light waves of adjacent sub-pixels to partially cancel each other out, thereby smoothing the overall energy distribution.

[0150] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the horizontal diffusion coefficients of the light spots with tilt angles of 0 degrees and 3 degrees are 1.15 and 1.18, respectively, a difference of only 2.6%, while the vertical diffusion coefficient increases from 1.08 to 1.23, an increase of 13.9%. Horizontal diffusion is constrained by the electrode spacing in the W / S design, which imposes a rigid constraint on horizontal diffusion. Even with an increased tilt angle, the maximum scattering angle of light in the horizontal plane is limited to within 56 to 58 degrees. Therefore, adjusting the tilt angle is beneficial to improving the diffusion coefficient of the light spot in the Y direction, thereby improving the uniformity of the light spot in the Y direction.

[0151] In some examples, as shown in FIG14, the angle between the extension direction of each first electrode portion 103 and the third direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, and the angle between the extension direction of at least one first electrode portion 103 and the third direction is 3 degrees.

[0152] For example, the angle between the first electrode portion 103 and the third direction can be 1 degree, or 2 degrees, or 4 degrees, or 5 degrees, or 7 degrees, or 8 degrees.

[0153] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the angle between each first electrode portion 103 in the same first electrode 100 and a third direction is the same, and different first electrodes 100 are arranged in parallel.

[0154] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the tilted design of the first electrode portion 103 increases the optical path length of the liquid crystal in the vertical direction and enhances the phase modulation depth of the light wave, resulting in a significantly higher vertical diffusion sensitivity than the horizontal direction. This asymmetric diffusion originates from the birefringence anisotropy induced by the tilted slit. When the tilt angle exceeds 3 degrees, the effective refractive index (ne) change rate of the liquid crystal molecules in the tilt direction increases to 0.012 / degree, while it only changes by 0.005 / degree in the vertical direction, causing the spot morphology to be stretched in a specific direction. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the stretching of the spot morphology in a specific direction becomes increasingly pronounced as the tilt angle gradually increases.

[0155] Since a more rectangular shape indicates better uniformity of light diffusion in both the X and Y directions, the illuminance diagrams shown in Figures 15 to 18 demonstrate that the vertical diffusion effect of the light spot is better when the tilt angle is 3 degrees. Therefore, by matching a 3-degree tilt angle design with a non-uniform pitch, good light diffusion characteristics in both the horizontal and vertical directions can be achieved, making it suitable for products requiring high uniformity of light diffusion.

[0156] For example, by increasing the number of first electrode portions 103 in the same first electrode 100, the diffusion direction of the light can be adjusted. For instance, by setting the first electrode portions 103 in multiple first electrodes 100 to be symmetrically distributed with respect to the center line of the dimming panel 001, the light can be diffused mainly along the central axis of the dimming panel 001, while being stretched obliquely, which can improve the emitted light pattern and make the light spot closer to a rectangle.

[0157] By configuring the first electrode 100 with a tilted domain design, it is beneficial to improve the beam stretching shape and enhance the beam stretching degree. Compensating for the non-uniform phase difference formed by the dimming panel 001 at the oblique viewing angle can improve the beam stretching shape and energy distribution.

[0158] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of partial electrodes of a first substrate and a second substrate in a dimming panel provided according to an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] In some examples, as shown in FIG19, each third strip electrode 210 includes a plurality of second electrode portions 203 connected to each other, and at least two second electrode portions 203 extend in different directions.

[0160] By designing the strip electrodes in the two substrates to be evenly divided into domains, it is beneficial to further diffuse the light spot in all directions and improve the emitted light pattern.

[0161] In some examples, as shown in FIG19, the angle between the extension direction of at least one second electrode portion 203 in each third strip electrode 210 and the fourth direction D4 is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, and the fourth direction D4 is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0162] By setting the tilt angle of the strip electrodes in both substrates to be greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, the effect of light diffusion in both the horizontal and vertical directions can be achieved, which is beneficial to greatly improve the output light pattern of the light spot.

[0163] For example, the angle between the extension direction of the second electrode portion 203 and the fourth direction D4 can be 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, or 8 degrees. For example, the angle between the extension direction of each second electrode portion 203 in the same third strip electrode 210 and the fourth direction is the same.

[0164] Figure 19 schematically illustrates an example where the first electrode includes four domains and the strip electrode in the second substrate 20 also includes four domains, but it is not limited thereto. The number of domains in the strip electrode in the first substrate 10 and the strip electrode in the second substrate 20 may be the same or different.

[0165] For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 19, the first substrate 10 includes an electrode layer, which includes alternating first strip electrodes 110 and second strip electrodes 120. For example, the second substrate 20 includes an electrode layer, which can be a whole layer of common electrodes, can include only a plurality of third strip electrodes 210, or can include alternating third strip electrodes 210 and fourth strip electrodes 310.

[0166] In some examples, as shown in Figure 1, the dimming panel 001 further includes a liquid crystal layer 30 located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. For example, the liquid crystal layer 30 may be made of a liquid crystal material with a high refractive index, such as a refractive index of 0.293, and may have a thinner cell thickness, allowing a smaller voltage to be applied.

[0167] This disclosure enhances the light diffusion modulation capability and improves the stretchability and uniformity of the light spot by using high-refractive-index liquid crystal materials and matching the multi-domain design with the tilt angle through a non-uniform pitch design. It also compensates for the non-uniform phase difference formed by the dimming panel 001 at the oblique viewing angle, thereby improving the stretching shape and energy distribution of the light spot.

[0168] For example, as shown in FIG1, the first substrate 10 includes a substrate 11 and a film layer 12 disposed on the first electrode 100, the film layer 12 including an alignment layer in contact with the liquid crystal layer 30. For example, the second substrate 20 includes a substrate 21 and a film layer 24 disposed on the second electrode 200, the film layer 24 including an alignment layer in contact with the liquid crystal layer 30. For example, the liquid crystal layer 30 is surrounded by a ring of sealant to encapsulate it between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0169] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a dimming panel provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the phase distribution curves of a single-layer electrode and a double-layer electrode disposed on a first substrate.

[0170] The difference between the dimming panel 001 shown in Figure 20 and the dimming panel 001 shown in Figure 1 is that the first substrate 10 has two electrode layers. Except for the arrangement of the electrode layers in the first substrate 10, the other structures in the dimming panel 001 shown in Figure 20 can have the same features as the corresponding structures shown in Figure 1, and will not be described further here.

[0171] In some examples, as shown in FIG20, the first substrate 10 includes a first electrode layer 1011 and a second electrode layer 1012 stacked together. The first electrode layer 1011 includes a plurality of first electrodes 100, and the second electrode layer 1012 includes a plurality of fifth strip electrodes 130 arranged along a first direction. The spacing between adjacent first strip electrodes 110 and second strip electrodes 120 overlaps with a fifth strip electrode 130. Each fifth strip electrode 130 is configured to transmit a voltage between the voltage transmitted by the first strip electrode 110 and the voltage transmitted by the second strip electrode 120. The distance between the center line extending along the extension direction of at least a portion of the fifth strip electrodes 130 and the center line of the corresponding spacing in the first direction is not greater than 0.1 micrometers.

[0172] As shown in Figure 21, the horizontal axis represents the aperture of each lens portion 300 in the formed liquid crystal lens, such as the lens pitch of each lens portion 300. The vertical axis represents the phase retardation of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 30 disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. L1 represents the phase distribution curve of a single electrode layer, and L2 represents the phase distribution curve of two electrode layers. The phase distribution curve of two electrode layers is closer to the standard curve than that of a single electrode layer. Due to the continuous distribution of the electric field, the phase retardation change of two electrode layers is also smoother and more continuous, which is beneficial to improving the uniformity of light distribution on the receiving surface.

[0173] Compared to the case where only one electrode layer is provided in the first substrate, the dimming panel 001 provided in this example can achieve a continuous distribution of electric field by setting the relative position relationship and transmission voltage relationship of the electrodes of the two electrode layers while setting two electrode layers in the first substrate 10. This makes the phase delay change in the liquid crystal layer 30 smoother and more continuous, which is beneficial to improving the uniformity of light distribution on the receiving surface.

[0174] For example, as shown in FIG20, at least a third strip electrode 210 is provided in the second substrate 20, and the arrangement direction of the third strip electrode 210 intersects with the arrangement direction of the strip electrode in each electrode layer of the first substrate 10, which is beneficial to realize a mixed electric field in the vertical and horizontal directions in the liquid crystal cell.

[0175] For example, as shown in Figure 20, the first electrode layer 1011 is located between the second electrode layer 1012 and the liquid crystal layer 30. However, this is not a limitation; the positions of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer can be interchanged.

[0176] For example, as shown in Figure 20, a fifth strip electrode 130 is disposed between any two adjacent first electrodes 100. For example, the first electrodes 100 and the fifth strip electrodes 130 are arranged alternately along a first direction. For example, an insulating layer is disposed between the first electrode layer 1011 and the second electrode layer 1012.

[0177] For example, as shown in FIG20, the distance between the center line extending along the extension direction of each fifth strip electrode 130 and the center line of the corresponding interval in the first direction is no greater than 0.1 micrometers, so as to improve the continuous distribution of the electric field. For example, along the direction perpendicular to the substrate 11 of the first substrate 10, the center line of the fifth strip electrode 130 overlaps with the center line of the interval between the two first electrodes.

[0178] In some examples, as shown in Figure 20, the widths of the first electrodes 100 are all the same, the widths of the fifth strip electrodes 130 are all the same, and the fifth strip electrodes 130 are configured to transmit the same voltage.

[0179] By setting the width of the first electrode 100 and the width of the fifth strip electrode 130, and adjusting the voltage transmitted by the fifth strip electrode 130, it is beneficial to improve the uniformity of the preparation and to ensure that the liquid crystal phase delay meets the requirements.

[0180] For example, as shown in FIG20, at least a portion of the fifth strip electrode 130 overlaps with the first electrode 100 along the direction perpendicular to the substrate 11 of the first substrate 10, which is beneficial to further improve the smoothness and continuity of the phase delay change. For example, the overlap size between the fifth strip electrode 130 and the first electrode 100 is 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers.

[0181] By setting the first electrode 100 to have a non-uniform pitch and setting the first electrode 100 to have multiple first electrode portions 103 with an inclined arrangement, and by setting a fifth strip electrode 130 at the interval between adjacent first electrodes according to the arrangement pattern and voltage distribution of the first electrodes, the electric field intensity of different areas in the dimming panel 001 can be adjusted to achieve coordinated control of the light spot brightness distribution and diffusion effect, enhance the diffusion modulation capability of light in all directions, and achieve a continuous distribution of the electric field so that the phase delay change in the liquid crystal layer 30 is also smoother and more continuous, which is beneficial to optimize the light spot shape and improve the uniformity of the light spot.

[0182] In some examples, as shown in FIG20, one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 further includes a substrate 21, a light-shielding layer 22, and an adhesive layer 23. The light-shielding layer 22 is located between the substrate 21 and the adhesive layer 23, and the electrode in one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is located between the adhesive layer 23 and the liquid crystal layer 30. The thickness of the adhesive layer 23 is less than 1100 nanometers, and the thickness of the electrode in one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is greater than 1200 angstroms.

[0183] In typical dimming panels, the adhesive layer is relatively thick, approximately 2000 nanometers, while the electrodes are thinner, around 70 nanometers. To ensure sufficient cell thickness, high-profile barrier walls (PS) are fabricated on the electrodes, such as approximately 19 micrometers in height. During the cell thickness formation process, the significant pressure generated between the two substrates under vacuum causes the PS to exert considerable pressure on the electrodes, potentially leading to electrode breakage. When powered on, this results in black linear defects appearing in the dimming panel.

[0184] In the dimming panel 001 provided in this disclosure, the thickness of the adhesive layer 23 is set to be less than 1100 nanometers, and the thickness of the electrode is set to be greater than 1200 angstroms, which is beneficial to significantly reduce the black line defect rate and has no adverse effect on the optical modulation effect.

[0185] For example, as shown in Figure 20, adhesive layer 23 can be a planar adhesive.

[0186] Figure 20 schematically shows that the second substrate 20 includes a light-shielding layer 22, and an electrode having a thickness greater than 1200 angstroms is the second electrode 200 in the second substrate 20, or the second electrode 200 and the third electrode 300, but not limited thereto. In other examples, the first substrate 10 includes a light-shielding layer 22, and an electrode having the aforementioned thickness greater than 1200 angstroms is the first electrode in the first substrate 10.

[0187] Figures 22 and 23 are schematic diagrams of dimming panels provided according to different examples of embodiments of the present disclosure after being powered on. The difference between the dimming panels 001 shown in Figures 22 and 23 lies in the different morphological designs of the liquid crystal lenses after being powered on. The liquid crystal morphology in the liquid crystal layer shown in Figure 22 is substantially the same as the liquid crystal phase pattern shown in Figure 32 (described later), and the liquid crystal morphology in the liquid crystal layer shown in Figure 23 is substantially the same as the liquid crystal phase pattern shown in Figure 33 (described later).

[0188] In some examples, as shown in Figures 22 and 32, the liquid crystal layer 30 is configured to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific morphology after the electrodes of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are energized. The liquid crystal lens includes a plurality of lens portions 300 arranged along a first direction. The liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 includes at least one inclined edge 320, and the slope angle θ of the at least one inclined edge 320 is 10 to 82 degrees. The slope angle θ can be substantially the same as the slope angle of the inclined edge in a cross-section of the lens portion 300 cut by a plane parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 21 of the first substrate 10. The arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 is 3 to 30 micrometers, and the distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions 300 is the lens pitch, which is 9 to 150 micrometers.

[0189] By adjusting the morphology of the lens portion 300 in the liquid crystal layer 30, such as adjusting the included angle of the tilted edge of the lens portion 300 in at least a part of the area according to the scene requirements, and then determining the lens pitch of the adjacent lens portions 300, it is possible to achieve directional control of the light passing through the dimming panel 001. The dimming panel 001 can achieve flexible optical control, meet the needs of various scenes, and has a simple manufacturing process.

[0190] Figure 22 schematically shows that the cross-sectional shape of each lens portion 300 is triangular, but it is not limited to this and can also be other shapes such as trapezoids. For example, as shown in Figure 22, the angle between the inclined side 3201 of the cross-section of the lens portion 300 and the bottom side 310 parallel to the substrate 11 can be 10 to 82 degrees, such as the slope angle of the inclined side 3201 being 10 to 82 degrees.

[0191] For example, as shown in Figures 22 and 32, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 of each liquid crystal phase pattern is 10 to 90 degrees. For example, in different scenarios, the same lens portion 300 may include two tilted edges 3201, and the included angles between the two tilted edges 3201 and the bottom edge 310 may be the same or different. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 50 to 90 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 60 to 80 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 30 to 70 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 40 to 50 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 15 to 65 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 45 to 85 degrees, etc. Specific values ​​for the slope angle of the tilted edge 320 will not be listed individually in this disclosure.

[0192] For example, as shown in Figures 22 and 32, the dimension of each lens portion 300 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 21 can be the arch height of the lens portion 300. The arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 5 to 20 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 10 to 25 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 15 to 28 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 7 to 22 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 12 to 27 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 10 to 25 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 6 to 16 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens portion 300 can be 8 to 18 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens section 300 can be 16 to 24 micrometers, etc. The specific values ​​of the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens section 300 will not be listed one by one in this disclosure. The arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern is different from the phase retardation amount. The arch height is basically consistent with the arch height of the lens section in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 21.

[0193] For example, as shown in Figures 22 and 32, the distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens sections 300 can be the lens pitch, and the lens pitch P can be 9–150 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 10–120 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 20–140 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 30–160 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 50–100 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 40–110 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 60–130 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 15–125 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 25–115 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 45–135 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 65–145 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 26–118 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 32–109 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 58–99 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 77 to 111 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch P can be 85 to 155 micrometers, etc. The specific values ​​of the lens pitch P will not be listed one by one in this disclosure.

[0194] For example, as shown in Figures 22 and 32, the cross-sectional shape and size of each lens section 300 are basically the same. For example, the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens section 300 is basically the same. After adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal lens, each lens section 300 undergoes almost the same deformation state, thereby maintaining a substantially identical morphology in terms of cross-sectional shape and size.

[0195] For example, as shown in Figure 22, the lens pitch is the same at different positions, such as the uniformly arranged lens pitch of the liquid crystal lenses in the dimming panel 001 in this example.

[0196] In some examples, as shown in Figures 23 and 33, the camber of the liquid crystal phase pattern of at least two lens portions 300 is different, and / or the slope angle θ in at least two lens portions 300 is different, and / or the lens pitch is different in at least some regions.

[0197] By adjusting at least two lens sections 300 with different parameters, the intensity of light emitted from different areas of the dimming panel 001 can be adjusted.

[0198] For example, as shown in FIG23, at least two lens portions 300 have different dimensions in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 21, and / or, at least two lens portions 300 have different slope angles, and / or, at least in some regions, the distance between the centers of adjacent lens portions 300 is different.

[0199] For example, as shown in FIG23, at least two lens portions 300 have different dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 21, and the slope angles of the different lens portions 300 are the same, while the lens pitches in different regions are the same. For example, at least two lens portions 300 have different slope angles, and the different lens portions 300 have the same dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 21, while the lens pitches in different regions are the same. For example, each lens portion 300 has the same slope angle, the different lens portions 300 have the same dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 21, while the lens pitches in different regions are different.

[0200] For example, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the target slope angle of each lens section 300 can be determined according to the requirements of the scenario, the lens pitch can be determined, the width and spacing of each strip electrode can be determined according to the process capability, and finally the voltage applied to the strip electrodes at different positions can be determined.

[0201] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of a dimming panel assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 25 and 26 are schematic diagrams of different dimming panels in the dimming panel assembly shown in Figure 24.

[0202] As shown in Figures 24 to 26, another embodiment of this disclosure provides a dimming panel group, including M dimming panels 001 stacked together. Each dimming panel 001 includes a plurality of strip electrodes 123 arranged along one direction. At least one of the M dimming panels 001 is the dimming panel 001 in any of the above examples. The plurality of strip electrodes in the at least one dimming panel 001 are the plurality of first electrodes 100 shown in Figure 1. The included angle between the arrangement directions of the plurality of strip electrodes in adjacent dimming panels 001 is 360 / M, where M is an even number not greater than 10.

[0203] Due to process limitations, the maximum thickness of a typical dimming panel can be 26 micrometers. By setting up multiple dimming panel groups, and with different arrangement directions of the strip electrodes 123 in different dimming panel groups, it is beneficial to enhance the beam stretching effect.

[0204] By adjusting the arrangement direction of the strip electrodes 123 in different dimming panels 001, it is beneficial to avoid the formation of moiré patterns due to the bonding accuracy problem when the strip electrodes 123 adopt a multi-domain structure with multiple first electrode portions 103.

[0205] By setting an even number of dimming panels 001 and setting the included angle between the arrangement directions of multiple strip electrodes 123 in adjacent dimming panels 001 to 360 / M, the light spot modulation angle can be increased and moiré patterns can be avoided.

[0206] For example, as shown in Figures 24 to 26, M is 2, and the dimming panel 001 group includes dimming panel 001-1 and dimming panel 001-2. The angle between the arrangement directions of the strip electrodes in the two dimming panels 001 is 180 degrees.

[0207] For example, as shown in Figures 24 to 26, each dimming panel 001 includes a circular dimming area and a circuit board 010. However, it is not limited to this; the shape of the dimming area can also be rectangular or other shapes.

[0208] For example, in other examples, M is 4, and the strip electrodes in the four dimming panels 001 are rotated 90 degrees in sequence. At this time, the emitted light is modulated in both horizontal and vertical directions at the same time, and diffuses twice in a single direction, so that the light spot on the receiving surface is nearly circular.

[0209] However, it is not limited to this; M can also be 6, 8, or 10.

[0210] Figures 27 and 28 are schematic diagrams of display devices provided according to different examples of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0211] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the display device includes a display panel 002 and a backlight 003. The display panel 002 includes a color filter substrate 022 and an array substrate 021 disposed opposite to each other. The backlight 003 is located on one side of the display panel 002.

[0212] As shown in FIG27, the display device further includes a dimming panel 001 provided in any of the above examples, located between the display panel 002 and the backlight 003 or on the side of the display panel 002 away from the backlight 003.

[0213] Figure 27 schematically shows a dimming panel 001 located between a display panel 002 and a backlight 003, but is not limited thereto. In other examples, the dimming panel 001 may be located on the side of the display panel 002 away from the backlight 003.

[0214] As shown in Figure 28, the display device also includes a dimming panel assembly as shown in Figures 24 to 26, located between the display panel 002 and the backlight 003 or on the side of the display panel 002 away from the backlight 003.

[0215] Figure 28 schematically shows a dimming panel assembly located between the display panel 002 and the backlight 003, but is not limited thereto. In other examples, the dimming panel assembly may be located on the side of the display panel 002 away from the backlight 003.

[0216] By setting the dimming panel 001 or dimming panel group provided in any of the above examples in the display device, the light control capability of the dimming panel 001 or dimming panel group is improved, the uniformity of the light spot is enhanced, which is beneficial to adjusting the brightness and uniformity of the display screen of the display device.

[0217] The display device disclosed herein can be applied to virtual reality display, 3D display, vehicle head-up display and other application scenarios.

[0218] Figures 29 to 31 are partial structural schematic diagrams of dimming panels provided according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 32 and 33 are liquid crystal phase patterns of liquid crystal lenses in different examples of the dimming panels shown in Figures 29 to 31.

[0219] The difference between the dimming panels 001 shown in Figures 29 to 31 lies in the distribution of the first electrodes 100 in the first substrate 10.

[0220] As shown in Figures 29 to 32, the dimming panel 004 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30. The first substrate 10 includes a plurality of first electrodes 100, each of which includes at least a plurality of first strip electrodes 110. The second substrate 20 is disposed opposite to the first substrate 10 and includes second electrodes 200. The liquid crystal layer 30 is located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 is configured to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific morphology after the electrodes of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are energized. The liquid crystal lens includes a plurality of lens portions 300 arranged along a first direction. The liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 includes at least one inclined edge 320, the slope angle θ of the at least one inclined edge 320 is 10 to 82 degrees, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 is 3 to 30 micrometers, and the distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions 300 is the lens pitch P, which is 9 to 150 micrometers.

[0221] By adjusting the morphology of the lens portion 300 in the liquid crystal layer 30, such as adjusting the slope angle of the tilt edge 320 of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens portion 300 in at least a part of the area according to the scene requirements, and then determining the distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions 300, such as the lens pitch, it is possible to achieve directional control of the light passing through the dimming panel 001. The dimming panel 001 can achieve flexible optical control, meet the needs of various scenes, and has a simple manufacturing process.

[0222] For example, as shown in Figures 29 to 32, the second electrode 200 can be a common electrode. For example, the first direction is the X direction.

[0223] Figure 32 schematically shows that the cross-sectional shape of each lens portion 300 is triangular, but it is not limited to this and can also be other shapes such as trapezoids.

[0224] For example, as shown in Figure 32, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 of each liquid crystal phase pattern is 10 to 90 degrees. For example, in different scenarios, the liquid crystal phase pattern of the same lens section 300 may include two tilted edges 320, and the slope angles of the two tilted edges may be the same or different. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 50 to 90 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 60 to 80 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 30 to 70 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 40 to 50 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 15 to 65 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 45 to 85 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the tilted edge 320 may be 22 to 86 degrees. For example, the slope angle θ of the inclined side 320 can be 37 to 77 degrees, etc. The specific values ​​of the slope angle of the inclined side 320 will not be listed one by one in this disclosure.

[0225] For example, as shown in FIG32, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 can be 5 to 20 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 can be 10 to 25 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 can be 15 to 28 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 can be 7 to 22 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 can be 12 to 27 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 can be 11 to 23 micrometers. For example, the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion 300 can be 16 to 24 micrometers, etc. Specific values ​​of the arch height H of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens portion 300 will not be listed individually in this disclosure.

[0226] For example, as shown in Figure 32, the distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens sections 300 can be the lens pitch, which can be 9–150 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 10–120 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 20–140 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 30–160 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 50–100 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 40–110 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 60–130 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 15–125 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 25–115 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 45–135 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 65–145 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 18–133 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 28–95 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 32–118 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 66–123 micrometers. For example, the lens pitch can be 85 to 155 micrometers, etc. The specific values ​​of the lens pitch will not be listed one by one in this disclosure.

[0227] For example, as shown in Figure 32, the shape and size of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens section 300 are basically the same. After adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal lens, each lens section 300 undergoes almost the same deformation state, so the shape and size of the liquid crystal phase pattern in each lens section 300 remain basically the same.

[0228] For example, as shown in Figure 32, the lens pitch P is the same at different positions, such as the uniform arrangement of the lens pitch P of the liquid crystal lenses in the dimming panel 001 in this example.

[0229] For example, as shown in Figures 29 to 31, the first substrate 10 includes a substrate 11 and a film layer 12 covering the first electrode. The film layer 12 includes an insulating layer covering the first electrode 100 and an alignment layer 121. For example, the second substrate 20 includes a substrate 21 and a film layer 24 covering the second electrode 200. The film layer 24 includes an alignment layer 241.

[0230] For example, as shown in Figure 29, each of the first strip electrodes 110 in the first electrode 100 can be a pixel electrode. For example, taking a lens pitch P as an example where there are 9 pixel electrodes evenly distributed, if the width W of each pixel electrode is 2.91 micrometers, the spacing between adjacent pixel electrodes is 4.22 or 4.23 micrometers, the lens pitch P is 60 micrometers, the total width of the pixel electrodes is 26.91 micrometers, the total spacing is 33.81 micrometers, and the voltages applied to the 9 pixel electrodes are 3V, 17V, 10.6V, 7.6V, 4.9V, 4.58V, 4.32V, 2V, and 3V respectively.

[0231] In order to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific morphology, it is necessary to first determine the target slope angle formed by the bottom edge 310 and the inclined edge 320 in the lens section 300, then determine the lens pitch, determine the width and spacing of the first strip electrode 110 according to the process capability, and then determine the voltage applied to each first strip electrode 110.

[0232] In some examples, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the plurality of first electrodes 100 further include a plurality of second strip electrodes 120, which are electrically connected to the second electrode 200. The plurality of first strip electrodes 110 and the plurality of second strip electrodes 120 are alternately arranged along a first direction and located in the same layer; or the plurality of first strip electrodes 110 and the plurality of second strip electrodes 120 are both arranged along the first direction, and the plurality of first strip electrodes 110 and the plurality of second strip electrodes 120 are located in different layers. Along a direction perpendicular to the substrate 21, at least a portion of each first strip electrode 110 does not overlap with the plurality of second strip electrodes 120; the same lens portion 300 corresponds to at least two first strip electrodes 110. For example, the lens pitch P corresponds to at least two first strip electrodes 110.

[0233] By configuring the first electrode to include a first strip electrode 110 and a second strip electrode 120, it is beneficial to form a horizontal electric field while simultaneously forming a vertical electric field between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, thereby achieving bidirectional modulation.

[0234] For example, the second strip electrode 120 can be a common electrode, and each second strip electrode 120 is input with the same voltage.

[0235] For example, as shown in Figures 29 to 32, to form a liquid crystal lens with a cell thickness of 18 micrometers, when the target slope angle of each lens section 300 is 5 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 2.524 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 411.4 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section 300 is 10 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 5.064 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 204.2 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section 300 is 15 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 7.624 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 134.3 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section 300 is 20 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 10.205 degrees. The lens pitch is approximately 98.9 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 25 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 12.806 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 77.2 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 30 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 15.428 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 62.35 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 35 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 18.068 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 51.40 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 40 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 20.724 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 42.91 micrometers.

[0236] For example, as shown in Figures 29 to 32, to form a liquid crystal lens with a cell thickness of 30 micrometers, when the target slope angle of each lens portion 300 is 5 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 2.524 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 685.6 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens portion 300 is 10 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 5.064 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 340.3 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens portion 300 is 15 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 7.624 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 223.9 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens portion 300 is 20 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 10.205 degrees, and the transmission... The lens pitch is approximately 164.8 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 25 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 12.806 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 128.7 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 30 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 15.428 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 103.92 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 35 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 18.068 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 85.66 micrometers; when the target slope angle of each lens section is 40 degrees, the target deflection angle of the light is approximately 20.724 degrees, and the lens pitch is approximately 71.52 micrometers.

[0237] The strip electrodes in the first electrode of the dimming panel 004 shown in Figures 29 to 31 can be arranged with a non-uniform first pitch P1 as shown in Figure 2, or they can be arranged with a uniform first pitch P1.

[0238] For example, as shown in Figure 32, the cross-sectional shape and size of the liquid crystal phase pattern in at least some of the lens sections are the same. This allows light incident on each lens section 300 to be deflected in the same direction.

[0239] In some examples, as shown in Figure 33, the camber H of the liquid crystal phase patterns of at least two lens portions 300 is different, and / or the slope angle θ in at least two lens portions 300 is different, and / or the lens pitch P in at least a portion of the region is different.

[0240] By adjusting at least two lens sections 300 to have different parameters, the deflection angle of light passing through different areas of the dimming panel 004 can be adjusted to adapt to more scene requirements.

[0241] For example, as shown in Figure 33, at least two lens sections 300 have different arch heights H in their liquid crystal phase patterns, and the slope angles θ in different lens sections 300 are the same, while the lens pitches P in different regions are the same. For example, at least two lens sections 300 have different slope angles θ, and the arch heights H in their liquid crystal phase patterns are the same, while the lens pitches in different regions are the same. For example, each lens section 300 has the same slope angle θ, the arch heights H in their liquid crystal phase patterns are the same, while the lens pitches in different regions are different.

[0242] For example, as shown in Figures 29 to 33, the target slope angle of each lens section 300 can be determined according to the requirements of the scenario, the lens pitch can be determined, the width and spacing of each strip electrode can be determined according to the process capability, and finally the voltage applied to the strip electrodes at different positions can be determined.

[0243] For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, when the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 are located in the same layer, the lens pitch P includes the sum of the widths of the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 and the sum of their spacing; when the first strip electrode 110 and the second strip electrode 120 are located in different layers, the lens pitch P includes the sum of the widths of the first strip electrode 110 and the sum of their spacing.

[0244] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of a display device including the dimming panels shown in Figures 29 to 31.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 34, the display device includes a display panel 002, a backlight 003, and a dimming panel 001 as shown in any of the examples in FIG. 29 to FIG. 31. The display panel 002 includes a color filter substrate and an array substrate disposed opposite each other; the backlight 003 is located on one side of the display panel 002, and the dimming panel 001 is located between the display panel 002 and the backlight 003. The color filter substrate 022 is located between the array substrate 021 and the dimming panel 001, or the array substrate 021 is located between the color filter substrate 022 and the dimming panel 001.

[0246] Figure 34 schematically shows the array substrate 021 located between the color filter substrate 022 and the dimming panel 001.

[0247] In general, the driver and passenger display switching technology in in-vehicle displays is primarily controlled by software. The vehicle's central control system has a built-in display switching function, which users can activate via buttons or touch controls on the central screen. The system adjusts the position of the displayed content according to the user's selection to suit the needs of either the driver or passenger. This technology not only improves driving convenience but also enhances the passenger experience. During driving, the driver and passenger display switching technology can provide personalized information displays, ensuring that both the driver and passengers receive the information they need. For example, passengers can watch videos or use other applications without interfering with the driver. This design not only improves driving safety but also increases the diversity of in-vehicle entertainment and information interaction.

[0248] The in-vehicle display switching technology for the driver and passenger seats achieves personalized display adaptation in multiple scenarios through deep collaboration of hardware structure, interaction logic, and intelligent algorithms. The core technical architecture and implementation methods are as follows: First, the interaction control layer: display mode switching technology. Users can manually select driver mode (map displayed on the right side of the screen) or passenger mode (map displayed on the left side of the screen) via the "Display Switch" button on the central control screen or the vehicle settings menu. Some models support quick switching via physical buttons, such as the touchpad or knob in the steering wheel control area. Second, the system integration layer: user identification and content distribution. Through facial recognition or Bluetooth connection to mobile phone accounts, it automatically matches preset display parameters (such as screen layout, map preferences, and application permissions) for different users. For example, some cars support the recording of multiple users' facial data, automatically switching to the corresponding account's display mode upon entering the vehicle. A dual-screen content distribution mechanism allows the driver and passenger screens to independently display different content (such as navigation information and entertainment interfaces), and enables cross-screen content interaction through gestures such as swiping and dragging. However, current methods mainly involve system partition control or physical screen partitioning. The display device provided in this disclosure differs from the above partitioning methods. It can achieve physical partitioning of the entire screen display through the same screen, which can efficiently utilize the display screen and achieve flexible adjustment to meet the display needs of different locations in the vehicle.

[0249] The dimming panel disclosed herein is a multifunctional liquid crystal dimming panel. It mainly sets the morphology of the electrodes and controls the applied voltage to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific shape in the liquid crystal layer, thereby realizing the directional control of light and achieving a variety of technical effects.

[0250] For example, when the dimming panel is turned on from the off state, it switches between a state where the image can be viewed from the front and is invisible from both sides, and a state where it is invisible from the front but visible from one side. This switching between states can be applied to switching the same display screen in a vehicle, allowing the driver to view the content they need, or allowing the display to be visible only from the passenger side, without affecting the driver's attention or safety. In addition to its application in the display field, the dimming panel can also be used in the lighting field for directional control of the light divergence angle.

[0251] For example, in vehicle-mounted devices, there are different specifications for the viewing angle steering film. Since the adjustment angles required for different product sizes are different, it is generally necessary to customize the design and development of the film material according to the end-user requirements. The dimming panel provided in this disclosure can be used for different specifications, is flexible and convenient, is simple to prepare, and reduces costs.

[0252] For example, in privacy displays, the dimming panel can switch from privacy mode to shared mode, and can adjust the sharing angle in shared mode to a certain extent.

[0253] Figure 35 is a schematic diagram of the optical path when a dimming panel is applied in a lighting system.

[0254] For example, as shown in Figure 35, in a lighting system, a dimming panel can be used to achieve directional control of the emitted light, enabling functions such as unidirectional reflection, bidirectional divergence, and directional control of light, providing flexible control methods. Dimming panels can also be applied to backlights including micro-light-emitting diodes (MLEDs). By adjusting the light pattern of the backlight using a dimming panel, the brightness distribution curve of a single area can conform to a certain brightness attenuation law, controlling halos and light spots.

[0255] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of the user's viewing position when the dimming panel is in its initial state 1. Figures 37 and 38 are schematic diagrams of the user's viewing position when the dimming panel is in different control states. Figures 39 and 40 are liquid crystal phase patterns of the liquid crystal lens when the dimming panel is in different control states. Figure 41 is an illuminance diagram of the dimming panel in its initial state 1. Figures 42 and 43 are illuminance diagrams of the dimming panel in different control states.

[0256] The dimming panel in the examples shown in Figures 36 to 43 can be any of the dimming panels shown in Figures 29 to 31. The dimming panel 001 in the examples shown in Figures 36 to 43 can be applied in the display device shown in Figure 34. The dimming panel needs to be matched with the design of the display panel and the divergence angle of the backlight.

[0257] Figure 39 shows the liquid crystal lens in control state 2 as shown in Figure 37, and Figure 42 shows the illuminance diagram in control state 2 as shown in Figure 37. Figure 40 shows the liquid crystal lens in control state 3 as shown in Figure 38, and Figure 43 shows the illuminance diagram in control state 3 as shown in Figure 38.

[0258] For example, as shown in Figures 36 and 41, a collimated backlight is used, or the beam divergence angle is between ±5 and ±20 degrees, and the dimming panel is located between the display panel and the backlight. When the dimming panel is off, it is in the initial state 1 shown in Figure 36. Due to the horizontal arrangement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the dimming panel, it has no effect on light control, and the display device displays normally. When using collimated backlight, the emitted light still has a small viewing angle, and the display device has a small viewing angle, with the display image only visible from a direct angle.

[0259] For example, as shown in Figures 37 and 38, when the dimming panel is in the on state, it can be in adjustment state 2 and adjustment state 3. For instance, when the dimming panel is applied to automotive display technology, by adjusting the voltage of the electrodes, adjustment state 2 can be achieved, realizing directional control of the light. The light is emitted from the collimation angle shown in Figure 36 or ±20 degrees, adjusted to emit from a wide viewing angle of 30-55 degrees on the left, thus making it visible from the driver's seat, meeting the needs of navigation map display for the driver or leisure and entertainment when not driving. Similarly, when the dimming panel is applied to automotive display technology, by adjusting the voltage of the electrodes, adjustment state 3 can be achieved, realizing directional control of the light. The light is emitted from the collimation angle shown in Figure 36 or ±20 degrees, adjusted to emit from a wide viewing angle of 30-55 degrees on the right, thus making it visible from the passenger's seat, meeting the needs of leisure and entertainment for the passenger, while simultaneously preventing it from being visible from the driver's seat, avoiding interference with the driver's attention and ensuring driving safety. It solves the need for switching between display devices in different locations in in-vehicle displays, while ensuring driving safety and flexibility of in-vehicle entertainment interaction.

[0260] For example, as shown in Figures 37, 39 and 42, when the dimming panel 004 is in the adjustment state 2, the arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens section 300 is 20.8 micrometers, the lens pitch P is 10 micrometers, the slope angle θ1 of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens section 300 is 64.32 degrees, and the slope angle θ2 of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens section 300 is 90 degrees, thereby achieving the adjustment of the light to the left.

[0261] For example, as shown in Figures 38, 40 and 43, when the dimming panel 004 is in the adjustment state 4, the arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens section 300 is 20.8 micrometers, the lens pitch P is 10 micrometers, the slope angle θ2 of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens section 300 is 64.32 degrees, and the slope angle θ1 of the liquid crystal phase pattern of the lens section 300 is 90 degrees, thereby achieving the adjustment of the light to the right.

[0262] The aforementioned dimming panel 004 is not limited to use in vehicle display devices, but can also be used as a viewing angle control film for privacy protection, enabling switching between shared and privacy modes.

[0263] The dimming panel 004 shown in Figures 29 to 31 can be used in viewing angle shaping and control, such as in the TCO (Swedish Labour Union) standard for display (MNT) products. TCO is a computer equipment safety and environmental certification system promoted by the Swedish Federation of Professional Employees. The dimming panel 004 can be used for viewing angle brightness control in products such as automotive displays, or in backlight 003 (BLU) products using MLEDs to adjust the backlight emission pattern, improve unevenness issues such as halos, and achieve uniform light effect for the BLU. The liquid crystal lens in the dimming panel 001 used for the aforementioned viewing angle shaping and control has the morphology shown in Figure 33, where at least two lens portions 300 have at least one different parameter, including arch height, slope angle, lens pitch, and material.

[0264] Figure 44 shows a comparison of illuminance for different dimming panels.

[0265] As shown in Figure 44, based on the modulation requirements of light divergence effect, different light divergence angles can be controlled by adjusting the electrode voltage within the same dimming panel. Lens1, Lens2, Lens3, Lens4, and Lens5 are liquid crystal lenses corresponding to different dimming panels. In the dimming panels where Lens3 and Lens4 are located, by adjusting at least the voltage in the electrodes, the brightness at specific locations can be increased, and local brightness divergence optimization can be achieved. For example, by moving from the dimming panel where Lens1 is located to the dimming panel where Lens5 is located, the light spot can be adjusted from a positive viewing angle to a wide viewing angle. By optimizing the design of the electrodes and their voltages, different wide viewing angle light output effects can be achieved, allowing for the sharing or switching between positive and wide viewing angles.

[0266] TCO includes the algorithm used by MNT products to characterize the uniformity of brightness viewing angles, which needs to control the brightness attenuation at specific viewing angles. The TCO value is mainly related to the brightness distribution curve of the BLU light source after passing through the display panel, so it is related to the initial state of the BLU and the light dispersion of the display panel.

[0267] The dimming panel disclosed herein can adjust the light dispersion on both sides. For example, it can be used to switch between sharing and privacy settings in MNT, and can also be used to adjust the light dispersion distribution to achieve the effect of optimizing the wide viewing angle for individual products. When the TCO of conventional products cannot meet the specifications for some viewing angles, the local brightness distribution can be adjusted to improve the brightness of specific positions and optimize the local brightness dispersion.

[0268] Figure 45 is a schematic diagram of a display device provided according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 46 is a schematic diagram of light passing through a dimming panel and then directed onto a black matrix.

[0269] In some examples, as shown in Figures 45 and 46, the color filter substrate 022 includes a black matrix 53, the color filter substrate 022 is located between the array substrate 021 and the dimming panel 004, the backlight 003 is a collimated backlight, the black matrix 53 includes black matrix strips arranged along a first direction, the lens portion 300 includes an inclined edge 3201 that is inclined relative to the substrate of the color filter substrate, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the inclined edge 3201 on the black matrix 53 is located in the black matrix strips, and the ratio of the width of the orthographic projection to the width of the black matrix strips is not greater than 0.5.

[0270] By positioning the dimming panel 004 on the side of the color filter substrate 022 away from the array substrate 021, and by setting the size and positional relationship between the black matrix 53 and the tilted edge 3201 of the lens section 300, transmittance is improved. The dimming panel 004 changes the propagation direction of light incident from the backlight 003 onto the color filter substrate 022, allowing light that was originally blocked by the black matrix 53 to bypass the black matrix 53 and enter the display panel, thus increasing the intensity of light incident on the display panel 00 and improving backlight utilization. Furthermore, brightness adjustment can be performed according to the MNT TCO viewing angle specifications.

[0271] For example, as shown in Figure 45, the display device includes an adhesive layer 52 located between the color filter substrate 022 and the dimming panel 004. The color filter substrate 022 includes a substrate 52, a black matrix 53, and an adhesive layer 54; the array substrate 021 includes a planarization layer 56, data lines 57, an insulating layer 58, gate lines 59, an insulating layer 60, and a substrate 61. Brightness adjustment can also be performed according to the MNT TCO viewing angle specifications.

[0272] For example, as shown in Figures 45 and 46, the backlight 003 can be a collimated light source. The lens portion 300 in the dimming panel 004 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 5.5 micrometers, and a slope angle of 30.9 degrees. The size of the inclined edge 320 of the lens portion 300 in the X direction is equal to half the size of the black matrix in the X direction. The pixel density of the display panel is 882 pixels / inch, and the transmittance is increased to 35.4%. Alternatively, the backlight 003 can be a collimated light source. The lens portion 300 in the dimming panel 004 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 15 micrometers, and a slope angle of 12.4 degrees. The size of the inclined edge 320 of the lens portion 300 in the X direction is equal to half the size of the black matrix in the X direction. The pixel density of the display panel 002 is 380 pixels / inch, and the transmittance is increased to 24.4%. For example, backlight 003 is a standard backlight 003, the lens portion 300 in dimming panel 004 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 15 micrometers, a slope angle of 12.4 degrees, a pixel density of 380 pixels / inch, and a transmittance increase of 14.8%. For example, backlight 003 is a standard backlight 003, the lens portion 300 in dimming panel 001 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 6.1 micrometers, a slope angle of 28.4 degrees, a pixel density of 222 pixels / inch, and a transmittance increase of 15.6%. For example, backlight 003 is a standard backlight 003, the lens portion 300 in dimming panel 004 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 21.25 micrometers, a slope angle of 8.8 degrees, a pixel density of 170 pixels / inch, and a transmittance increase of 12.8%. For example, the backlight 003 is a regular backlight 003, the lens portion 300 in the dimming panel 004 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 13.25 micrometers, a slope angle of 14 degrees, a pixel density of 162 pixels / inch, and a transmittance of 13.2%.

[0273] Therefore, for projectors with 882 PPI, the transmittance can be significantly improved by up to 34%. For projectors with collimated backlights, using 380 PPI can improve transmittance by up to 24%. Transmittance is improved to some extent for different product sizes, with different products ranging from 162 to 380 PPI showing a transmittance improvement of 12% to 16%.

[0274] In other examples, the dimming panel 004 may be located on the side of the array substrate away from the color filter substrate. For example, the backlight 003 is a standard backlight 003, the lens portion 300 in the dimming panel 004 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 15 micrometers, a slope angle of 12.4 degrees, and the pixel density of the display panel 002 is 380 pixels / inch, with a transmittance increase of 15.2%. Alternatively, the backlight 003 may be a standard backlight 003, the lens portion 300 in the dimming panel 004 has a height of 3.3 micrometers, a slope width of 2.15 micrometers, a slope angle of 56.9 degrees, and the pixel density of the display panel 002 is 380 pixels / inch, with a transmittance increase of 11%.

[0275] By setting a dimming panel 004 outside the display panel 002, the limitations on film preparation and material properties caused by the process conditions involved in the preparation of the built-in control film layer in the display panel 002 can be avoided.

[0276] Figure 47 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle head-up display provided in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0277] For example, as shown in Figure 47, the head-up display 0001 includes a dimming panel 004 as shown in Figures 29 to 31. The image light emitted from the head-up display 0001 is reflected by the windshield 0002 towards the user, allowing the user to see a virtual image formed by the image displayed on the head-up display 0001. The dimming panel 004 can adjust a specific light emission angle according to the angle of the windshield to present the image at a position that the user can view.

[0278] In-vehicle PUHD (Panoramic Vision Head-Up Display) technology allows vehicle information to cover the entire width of the windshield. Information is projected onto a dark-coated area at the lower edge of the windshield, delivering excellent clarity and color reproduction. Driving-related information appears appropriately based on different usage scenarios, enhancing the driving experience. A 3D foreground display is located directly in front of the driver, projecting driving-related information such as driver assistance and navigation onto the windshield within the driver's line of sight, perfectly blending the real and virtual worlds. Drivers can enjoy an immersive in-vehicle experience through mixed reality technology without needing any auxiliary devices (such as AR glasses). Typically, PUHDs employ steering film technology to adjust the light angle of the display device to achieve the desired display effect. Typical turn signal films only have a few fixed angles, such as 12 degrees or 15 degrees. On the one hand, after being designed to correspond to specific windshield and display panel placement angles, they also fix the driver's viewing position. When the driver's position or height changes, this fixed-angle turn signal film cannot be customized, affecting the display effect. On the other hand, the limited adjustable angle design of existing films can only correspond to specific windshield and display panel placement angles, and cannot meet diverse needs.

[0279] The dimming panel disclosed herein can be applied to the steering technology of PUHD technology to emit light with a specific emission angle, which can be matched with the design of the windshield angle, the placement angle of the display panel, the driver's viewing position, and other design considerations. Furthermore, the dimming panel disclosed herein can be customized to meet the needs of the vehicle driver, offering flexibility and convenience. For example, the backlight can use a collimated light source, and specific dimming effects can be achieved by adjusting the electrode and voltage design of the dimming panel, such as varying the control angle within the range of 5 to 80 degrees.

[0280] Figure 48 shows the curve of phase delay as a function of voltage.

[0281] For example, as shown in Figure 48, the cell thickness Cg1 is different from the cell thickness Cg2. This curve clearly shows that under a specific cell thickness design, different voltages have different phase delay curves, and the electrode voltage needs to be designed according to their respective phase curves.

[0282] Figure 49 shows the curves of phase delay as a function of different electrode positions.

[0283] For example, as shown in Figure 49, different liquid crystal phase modulation effects can be achieved by designing variations in the W / S ratio of the electrodes. The phase retardation curve is similar in shape to that of a liquid crystal lens. S8, S14, and S22 represent the curves corresponding to electrodes with different W / S ratios.

[0284] Figure 50 shows the phase delay curves under different voltage intensities.

[0285] For example, as shown in Figure 50, adjusting the electrode voltage intensity changes the phase, and the different phase curves demonstrate different light control effects. V1 represents an electrode with a 0V voltage applied, V2 represents an electrode with a 6V voltage applied, V3 represents an electrode with a 10V voltage applied, and V4 represents an electrode with a 12V voltage applied. Figure 50 shows that the phase retardation of the liquid crystal is voltage-dependent; different voltages achieve different control effects. This phase retardation curve is similar in shape to that of a liquid crystal lens.

[0286] Figure 51 shows the brightness variation curves with position under different conditions.

[0287] For example, as shown in Figure 51, by adjusting the W / S ratio of the pixel electrode and the voltage applied to the pixel electrode, the brightness of the corresponding middle region in the initial state can be reduced and the brightness of the edge region can be increased to obtain the brightness curves corresponding to conditions 1 and 2, thereby improving the uniform light effect and achieving light divergence.

[0288] The following points need to be explained:

[0289] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this disclosure, and other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0290] (2) Where there is no conflict, features of the same embodiment and different embodiments of this disclosure may be combined with each other.

[0291] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dimming panel, comprising: A first substrate includes a plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of first electrodes including a plurality of first strip electrodes and a plurality of second strip electrodes arranged alternately along a first direction, the distance between the centers of two adjacent second strip electrodes being a first pitch. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate, and the second substrate includes at least a second electrode that is electrically connected to the second strip electrode; The plurality of first electrodes are divided into a plurality of first repeating units arranged along the first direction. The number of first strip electrodes and second strip electrodes in each first repeating unit is the same. At least two of the plurality of first pitches in each first repeating unit are different. The number of first pitches with the same value in different first repeating units is the same.

2. The dimming panel according to claim 1, wherein, Each first pitch includes two first gaps between three first electrodes, the two first gaps being equal, and the first strip electrode being located between the two first gaps.

3. The dimming panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In each first repeating unit, the plurality of first pitches include at least a plurality of first sub-pitches, and the plurality of first sub-pitches accounts for a proportion of the plurality of first pitches that is not less than 0.25 and not greater than 0.

5. The difference between the maximum and minimum pitch among the plurality of first pitches is no greater than 50 micrometers.

4. The dimming panel according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of first pitches include 20 micrometers, 25 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 35 micrometers, 40 micrometers and 45 micrometers, and the number of first pitches of each value is at least one, and the first sub-pitch is 30 micrometers.

5. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The second electrode includes a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction; or The second electrode is a full-layer electrode.

6. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The second electrode includes a plurality of third strip electrodes arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction; The second substrate further includes a third electrode, which includes a plurality of fourth strip electrodes, and the plurality of third strip electrodes and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes are arranged alternately along the second direction; The plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes are configured to be controlled individually.

7. The dimming panel according to claim 6, wherein, The distance between the centers of two adjacent third strip electrodes is the second pitch. The plurality of third strip electrodes and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes are divided into a plurality of second repeating units arranged along the second direction. The number of third strip electrodes and the number of fourth electrodes in each second repeating unit are equal. At least two of the plurality of second pitches included in each second repeating unit are different. The number of second pitches with the same value in different second repeating units is the same.

8. The dimming panel according to claim 7, wherein, The types of first pitches with different values ​​in each first repeating unit are the same as the types of second pitches with different values ​​in each second repeating unit, and the number of first pitches with the same value in each first repeating unit is the same as the number of second pitches with the same value in each second repeating unit.

9. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, Each of the first and second strip electrodes includes a plurality of first electrode portions connected to each other. At least two of the plurality of first electrode portions have different extending directions. The angle between the extending direction of at least one first electrode portion and a third direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein, Each of the first and second strip electrodes includes a plurality of first electrode portions connected to each other. At least two of the plurality of first electrode portions have different extending directions. The angle between the extending direction of at least one first electrode portion and a third direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each third strip electrode includes multiple second electrode portions connected to each other, with at least two second electrode portions extending in different directions.

11. The dimming panel according to claim 10, wherein, The angle between the extending direction of at least one second electrode portion in each third strip electrode and the fourth direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, wherein the fourth direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

12. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The angle between the extension direction of each first electrode portion and the third direction is greater than 0 degrees and not greater than 9 degrees, and the angle between the extension direction of at least one first electrode portion and the third direction is 3 degrees.

13. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The first substrate includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer stacked together. The first electrode layer includes the plurality of first electrodes, and the second electrode layer includes a plurality of fifth strip electrodes arranged along the first direction. The spacing between adjacent first and second strip electrodes overlaps with a fifth strip electrode, and each fifth strip electrode is configured to transmit a voltage between the voltage transmitted by the first strip electrode and the voltage transmitted by the second strip electrode. In at least a portion of the fifth strip electrode, the distance between the center line extending along its extension direction and the center line of the corresponding interval in the first direction is not greater than 0.1 micrometers.

14. The dimming panel according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the first electrodes has the same width, each of the fifth strip electrodes has the same width, and each of the fifth strip electrodes is configured to transmit the same voltage.

15. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 1-14, further comprising: A liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. Wherein, one of the first substrate and the second substrate further includes a substrate, a light-shielding layer and an adhesive layer, the light-shielding layer is located between the substrate and the adhesive layer, and the electrode in one of the first substrate and the second substrate is located between the adhesive layer and the liquid crystal layer; The thickness of the adhesive layer is less than 1100 nanometers, and the thickness of the electrode in one of the first substrate and the second substrate is greater than 1200 angstroms.

16. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 1-14, further comprising: A liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is configured to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific morphology after the electrodes of the first substrate and the second substrate are energized. The liquid crystal lens includes a plurality of lens portions arranged along the first direction. The liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion includes at least one inclined edge with a slope angle of 10 to 82 degrees. The arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion is 3 to 30 micrometers. The distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions is the lens pitch, which is 9 to 150 micrometers.

17. The dimming panel according to claim 16, wherein, The camber of the liquid crystal phase pattern in at least two lens portions is different, and / or the slope angle in at least two lens portions is different, and / or the lens pitch is different in at least a portion of the region.

18. A dimming panel assembly, comprising: M dimming panels are stacked together, each dimming panel including a plurality of strip electrodes arranged in one direction, at least one of the M dimming panels is the dimming panel according to any one of claims 1-17, and the plurality of strip electrodes in the at least one dimming panel are the plurality of first electrodes. The included angle between the arrangement directions of the plurality of strip electrodes in adjacent dimming panels is 360 / M, where M is an even number not greater than 10.

19. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a color filter substrate and an array substrate arranged opposite to each other; A backlight is located on one side of the display panel. The display device further includes: a dimming panel as described in any one of claims 1-17, located between the display panel and the backlight or located on the side of the display panel away from the backlight; or, The display device further includes the dimming panel assembly of claim 18, located between the display panel and the backlight or on the side of the display panel away from the backlight.

20. A dimming panel, comprising: A first substrate includes a plurality of first electrodes, wherein the plurality of first electrodes includes at least a plurality of first strip electrodes; A second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate, and the second substrate includes a second electrode; A liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is configured to form a liquid crystal lens with a specific morphology after the electrodes of the first substrate and the second substrate are energized. The liquid crystal lens includes a plurality of lens portions arranged along a first direction. The liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion includes at least one inclined edge. The slope angle of the at least one inclined edge is 10 to 82 degrees. The arch height of the liquid crystal phase pattern of each lens portion is 3 to 30 micrometers. The distance between the centers of the liquid crystal phase patterns of adjacent lens portions is the lens pitch, which is 9 to 150 micrometers.

21. The dimming panel according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of first electrodes further includes a plurality of second strip electrodes, which are electrically connected to the second electrodes. The plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of second strip electrodes are alternately arranged along the first direction and located in the same layer; or the plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of second strip electrodes are both arranged along the first direction, and the plurality of first strip electrodes and the plurality of second strip electrodes are located in different layers. Along the direction perpendicular to the substrate of the first substrate, at least a portion of each first strip electrode does not overlap with the plurality of second strip electrodes. The same lens section corresponds to at least two first strip electrodes.

22. The dimming panel according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The camber of the liquid crystal phase pattern in at least two lens portions is different, and / or the slope angle in at least two lens portions is different, and / or the lens pitch is different in at least a portion of the region.

23. The dimming panel according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, At least some of the lens portions have the same shape and size of liquid crystal phase patterns.

24. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a color filter substrate and an array substrate arranged opposite to each other; A backlight is located on one side of the display panel. A dimming panel is located between the display panel and the backlight, wherein the dimming panel is the dimming panel according to any one of claims 20-23. The color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the dimming panel, or the array substrate is located between the color filter substrate and the dimming panel.

25. The display device according to claim 24, wherein, The color filter substrate includes a black matrix, the color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the dimming panel, the backlight is a collimated backlight, the black matrix includes black matrix strips arranged along the first direction, the lens portion includes an inclined edge that is tilted relative to the substrate of the color filter substrate, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the inclined edge of the lens portion onto the black matrix is ​​located in the black matrix strip, and the ratio of the width of the orthographic projection to the width of the black matrix strip is not greater than 0.5.

Images