Anisotropic Absorption Layer for Display Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OLED display technologies suffer from low transmittance of display lights and increased energy loss due to the use of circular polarizers to mitigate ambient light interference, which reduces the power-saving benefits of self-illumination.

Innovation Solution

An anisotropic absorption layer is integrated at the light-emitting side of the display panel, oriented at a predefined angle to maximize absorption of ambient lights while maintaining high transmittance of display lights, utilizing materials like black organic dye and liquid crystals or nano-tubes with aligned functional groups to control light absorption and direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a liquid crystal display device is turned off, then power consumption is reduced, but the liquid crystal molecules remain in a tilted state causing residual images to persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresidual image persistence
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A common electrode is introduced as an intermediary component between the pixel electrode and the liquid crystal layer. By applying a common voltage to this intermediate electrode, the liquid crystal molecules can be returned to their initial state even when the display is turned off, preventing residual images without requiring continuous power to the pixel electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure is segmented into pixel electrodes and a separate common electrode. This segmentation allows independent control of the common electrode to manage the overall liquid crystal orientation state, enabling residual image prevention through common voltage application while maintaining power savings when the display is off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a high voltage is applied to the pixel electrode to eliminate residual images, then residual image persistence is reduced, but the response time of the liquid crystal display increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual image persistenceVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The common electrode serves as a mediator that distributes voltage uniformly across the liquid crystal layer. By applying a moderate common voltage rather than high pixel electrode voltage, the liquid crystal molecules are gently realigned to their initial state, preventing residual images while avoiding the response time delays caused by high-voltage pulses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the liquid crystal molecules are maintained in a vertical alignment state, then residual images are prevented, but the response time of the display increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual image persistenceVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuously maintaining vertical alignment, the common electrode applies periodic voltage pulses during specific timing intervals (such as during frame periods or at transition moments). This periodic action gradually returns liquid crystal molecules to their initial state without requiring continuous high voltage, thus preventing residual images while maintaining normal response times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The common electrode applies voltage in advance during specific timing periods before residual images become problematic. By performing preliminary realignment of liquid crystal molecules during idle or transition periods, the system prevents residual image formation without interfering with the normal display response time when actual image content is being displayed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration significantly reduces ambient light interference and enhances energy efficiency by allowing nearly 100% transmittance in the best view direction and reducing ambient light reflection, thereby improving display quality and power usage.

Implementation Method 1

a common electrode, configured to apply a common voltage to a liquid crystal layer, thereby controlling an overall orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the display area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation control:

Implementation Method 2

a pixel electrode, configured to apply a pixel voltage to the liquid crystal layer, thereby controlling a local orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in a pixel of the display area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation control:

Data Source

PatentEP3252531B1Display device
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3252531B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3252531B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3252531B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A display apparatus comprising an anisotropic absorption layer and a display panel is disclosed. The anisotropic absorption layer is arranged at light-emitting side of the display panel. A predefined angle is formed between an absorption axis of the anisotropic absorption layer and a normal of the display panel. The anisotropic absorption layer is adapted to absorb ambient lights and transmit display lights from the display panel. The anisotropic absorption layer has a high absorptance to the ambient lights and a high transmittance to the display lights, such that the display apparatus can reduce influence of the ambient lights and improve energy usage.