Blended Display Panel with Directional NWGP Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blended displays that use semi-opaque thin films to mimic wooden patterns suffer from reduced brightness and image clarity.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a directional nanowire grid polarizer (NWGP) layer that switches between display and reflection modes, using a NWGP layer with colored coatings on pattern regions to maintain image quality and show a predesigned pattern without ambient light, while allowing polarized light to pass through in display mode and reflecting ambient light in reflection mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a semi-opaque thin film is used to display the blended display pattern, then the wooden pattern can be displayed, but the brightness and image clearance of the display are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The directional NWGP layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a polarizer for the display when the display is on, and as a reflector showing the wooden pattern when the display is off. This eliminates the need for a separate semi-opaque thin film, thereby maintaining display brightness while still achieving the blended display effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two states: in the first operational mode, the NWGP layer functions as a polarizer allowing light transmission for display; in the second operational mode, it functions as a reflector to show the wooden pattern. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by not requiring the thin film to be permanently in place.
2Ease of manufacture
If a semi-opaque thin film is used to display the blended display pattern, then the wooden pattern can be displayed, but the image clearance of the display is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The directional NWGP layer serves dual purposes: polarizing light for clear display images and reflecting ambient light to show the wooden pattern. By integrating these functions into a single component designed for the display's operational cycles, image clearance is maintained while still achieving the blended display effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between display mode and pattern display mode. During display operation, the NWGP layer provides clear images without the degradation caused by a permanent semi-opaque film. The wooden pattern is only displayed when the display is turned off, thus avoiding any compromise to image clearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display panel switches between display mode and reflection mode, then both functions can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional NWGP layer is designed to perform both polarizing and reflecting functions within a single component. By leveraging the inherent properties of the NWGP layer and its colored coatings, the system achieves dual operational modes without adding separate active switching mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state by controlling the display backlight: when the backlight is on, the NWGP layer functions as a polarizer; when the backlight is off, it functions as a reflector. This parameter-based switching (light emission state) simplifies the control mechanism compared to mechanical or electrical switching devices.
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 solution maintains image clarity and brightness by using the directional NWGP layer as a polarizer in display mode and a reflector in reflection mode, effectively addressing the limitations of semi-opaque thin films.
Implementation Method 1
the directional NWGP layer functions as a polarizer for the display panel... the polarizer layer polarizes the light emitted by the backlight module
Implementation Method 2
an ambient light incident toward the display panel is at least partially reflected by the at least one pattern region of the directional NWGP layer
Data Source
AI summary
A blended display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel having a first substrate located at a back side and a second substrate located at a display side, and a directional nanowire grid polarizer (NWGP) layer disposed on the second substrate. The display panel is switchable between first and second operational modes. The directional NWGP layer has a NWGP direction. The directional NWGP layer includes at least one colored coating disposed on at least one pattern region. In the first operational mode, the directional NWGP layer functions as a polarizer for the display panel, and the display panel is used to display an image. In the second operational mode, the display panel does not display an image, and an ambient light incident toward the display panel is at least partially reflected by the pattern region of the directional NWGP layer to show a predesigned color pattern.