Display Device Lateral Light Source Luminance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing see-through display devices face challenges in maintaining equal luminance among pixels when light from a lateral source enters the display panel, leading to reduced luminance on one side surface compared to the other, due to light consumption by elements within the panel.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a drive circuit that adjusts output gradation values for pixels on the second side surface to compensate for light loss, ensuring equal luminance by increasing the output gradation value for pixels on the second side surface when the input gradation values are equal, using a liquid crystal layer with polymer-dispersed liquid crystals and strategically placing light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light enters the display panel from the first side surface, then the display panel can achieve see-through functionality, but the luminance of pixels on the second side surface becomes lower than that of pixels on the first side surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesee-through functionalityVSAvoidluminance of pixels on second side surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the drive signals sent to pixels on the first side surface versus pixels on the second side surface. Specifically, the drive circuit sends different gradation values to pixels depending on which side surface they are located on, compensating for the light loss experienced by pixels on the second side surface. This localized adjustment ensures that pixels on the second side surface receive enhanced drive signals to compensate for reduced light intensity, thereby maintaining uniform luminance across all pixels while preserving see-through functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If light propagates through the display panel from the first side surface to the second side surface, then see-through display is enabled, but light amount decreases due to consumption by elements in the panel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesee-through display capabilityVSAvoidlight amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating for light loss before the light actually traverses the display panel. The drive circuit is configured to send enhanced gradation values to pixels on the second side surface in advance, anticipating the light consumption that will occur as light propagates through the panel elements. This preliminary adjustment ensures that even though light amount decreases during propagation, the pixels on the second side surface still achieve the desired luminance level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If equal gradation values are applied to all pixels, then the input signal is simple, but the luminance of pixels on the second side surface is lower than that of pixels on the first side surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput signal simplicityVSAvoidluminance uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the gradation values (drive signal parameters) based on the spatial location of pixels. The drive circuit detects which side surface a pixel is located on and adjusts the gradation value parameter accordingly. Pixels on the second side surface receive higher gradation values to compensate for light loss, while pixels on the first side surface receive standard gradation values. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains luminance uniformity across the display while preserving see-through functionality.

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 solution ensures consistent luminance across all pixels, preventing the decrease in luminance on the second side surface and maintaining desired gradation values, thereby enhancing the display quality by optimizing light distribution and usage within the display panel.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid crystal layer containing polymer-dispersed liquid crystal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

light of the light source (light source device) is incident on a first side surface of the display panel and propagates in the display panel toward a second side surface opposite to the first side surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12154525B2Display device
Publication Date: 2024.11.26 JAPAN DISPLAY INC
  • US12154525B2 patent drawing
  • US12154525B2 patent drawing
  • US12154525B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel including a display region overlapping pixels; a light source device disposed on a lateral side of the display panel; and a drive circuit configured to calculate an output gradation value based on an input gradation value and to output a pixel drive signal corresponding to the output gradation value to a corresponding one of the pixels. The pixels include a first pixel and a second pixel arranged in a first direction from a first side surface toward a second side surface. The second pixel is between the first pixel and the second side surface. When the input gradation value for the first pixel is equal to the input gradation value for the second pixel, the drive circuit is configured to set the output gradation value for the second pixel to be larger than the output gradation value for the first pixel.