Black Matrix Extension for Angular Light Blocking

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional black matrix layers in LCD displays fail to effectively block angular light paths between colored light filters, leading to off-axis color shift, reduced image quality, and issues like color washout when viewed from different angles, especially in flexible or curved displays.

Innovation Solution

A black matrix layer with a base portion and an extension portion of differing heights and widths is disposed between colored light filters, extending into the color filter layer to block angular light paths, constructed using techniques like UV photolithography or etching to create a multi-dimensional structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the black matrix layer is made thinner to achieve high resolution displays and high aperture ratio, then the aperture ratio and resolution are improved, but off-axis color shift and image quality deteriorate when viewed from an angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture ratioVSAvoidimage quality uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The black matrix layer is extended in the vertical dimension (height) to form an extension portion that protrudes into the color filter layer. This dimensional change allows the black matrix to effectively block angular light paths between adjacent colored light filters when viewed from an angle, thereby preventing off-axis color shift while maintaining a thin horizontal profile that preserves aperture ratio and resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the black matrix layer width is decreased for high resolution displays, then the resolution is improved, but light blocking between adjacent colored light filters becomes insufficient when viewed at an angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblack matrix layer widthVSAvoidangular light path leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The black matrix layer is extended in the vertical dimension (height) to form an extension portion that protrudes into the color filter layer. This dimensional change allows the black matrix to effectively block angular light paths between adjacent colored light filters when viewed from an angle, thereby preventing off-axis color shift while maintaining a thin horizontal profile that preserves aperture ratio and resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a conventional flat black matrix layer is used, then the device complexity is low, but off-axis color shift and color washout occur when viewed from different angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblack matrix layer structureVSAvoidoff-axis color shift

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The black matrix layer is extended in the vertical dimension (height) to form an extension portion that protrudes into the color filter layer. This dimensional change allows the black matrix to effectively block angular light paths between adjacent colored light filters when viewed from an angle, thereby preventing off-axis color shift while maintaining a thin horizontal profile that preserves aperture ratio and resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 off-axis color shift and improves image uniformity by effectively blocking light paths between adjacent pixels, maintaining image quality even when viewed from angles, and mitigates issues like contact pooling and edge pooling.

Implementation Method 1

a black matrix layer comprising a base portion disposed on the transparent layer between two different colored light filters in the matrix of colored light filters and an extension portion that extends into the color filter layer between the two colored light filters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10670905B2Black matrix structures for displays devices

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Described are examples of display devices including a display panel comprised of a transparent layer, a color filter layer adjacent to the transparent layer, wherein the color filter layer comprises a matrix of colored light filters, and a black matrix layer comprising a base portion disposed on the transparent layer between two of the different colored light filters and an extension portion that extends into the color filter layer between the two colored light filters to block a light path that may otherwise traverse both of the two colored light filters. The base portion and the extension portion differ in a height dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the transparent layer.