Array Substrate With Multi-Domain Pixels For Wide Viewing Angle

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Solution Overview

Problem

TFT-LCD displays have a narrow viewing angle, leading to reduced brightness and poor image quality when viewed from the side, making them unsuitable for simultaneous viewing by multiple users.

Innovation Solution

An array substrate with pixel units comprising adjacent sub-subpixels connected to different data signal lines, where the voltage of one sub-subpixel is between 0.7aV and 1.3aV, allowing for proportional data signal line widths, enabling slight voltage differences between sub-subpixels to form multiple domain regions, thereby enhancing the viewing angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional TFT-LCD structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but viewing angle is narrow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidpixel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each subpixel is divided into multiple sub-subpixels (first and second sub-subpixels) that are adjacent to each other. Each sub-subpixel is connected to different data signal lines, allowing independent voltage control. This segmentation enables the formation of multiple domain regions within a single subpixel, which expands the viewing angle while maintaining the overall pixel structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sub-subpixels within the same subpixel are assigned different voltage values through separate data signal lines. Specifically, the voltage of the second data signal is controlled to be in the range of 0.7aV to 1.3aV relative to the first data signal voltage aV. This local variation in voltage creates multiple domain regions with different liquid crystal orientations, improving viewing angle characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data signal lines are used for sub-subpixels, then viewing angle is improved, but data signal line width varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoiddata signal line width
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the voltage parameter of the second data signal to be within 0.7aV to 1.3aV of the first data signal voltage aV. This parameter control ensures that the voltage difference between sub-subpixels is sufficient to create distinct domain regions, yet small enough to maintain consistent image quality and acceptable data signal line dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjacent sub-subpixels have different voltages, then multiple domain regions are formed, but voltage control precision is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedomain region formationVSAvoidvoltage control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines a specific voltage range (0.7aV to 1.3aV) for the second data signal relative to the first data signal voltage aV. This parameter specification provides clear design guidelines for voltage control, ensuring that the voltage difference is sufficient to create distinct domain regions while remaining within manufacturable precision limits. The relative voltage control approach simplifies the precision requirements compared to absolute voltage control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The display device achieves a wide viewing angle by forming multiple domain regions within the liquid crystal layer, ensuring consistent image quality across different viewing angles, suitable for multi-user scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid crystal layer between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

the voltage delivered by the first data signal to the first sub-subpixel of a subpixel unit is aV, the voltage delivered by the second data signal to the second sub-subpixel of a subpixel unit is in the voltage interval of [0.7aV, aV) U (aV, 1.3aV]

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentEP3246751B1Array substrate, display device, and driving method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3246751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3246751B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An array substrate, a display device, and a driving method therefor. The array substrate comprises multiple pixel units, multiple scan signal lines (2), and multiple data signal lines (3). The pixel units comprise multiple subpixels (10). The subpixels (10) comprise first sub-subpixels (101) and second sub-subpixels (102). The multiple data signal lines (3) form multiple data signal line sets. The data signal line sets comprise multiple data signal line subsets. The data signal line subsets comprise first data signal lines (Sm+1) and second data signal lines (Sm). The first sub-subpixels (101) are connected to the first data signal lines (Sm+1) to acquire a first data signal. The second sub-subpixels (102) are connected to the second data signal lines (Sm) to acquire a second data signal. The voltage of the first data signal is a V. The value interval for the voltage of the second data signal is (0.7a V, a V) U (a V, 1.3a V). Using the driving method, the display device is provided with a wide viewing angle.