Display Device Light Guide Layer Refractive Index Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices using polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) often experience reduced luminance in areas far from the light emitting element due to light scattering, leading to uneven illumination and potential degradation of display quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display device structure that includes a light guide layer and optical layers with specific refractive indices, where the optical layers have openings that extend from the light guide layer to the sealant area, allowing light to be efficiently distributed and reducing luminance differences across the display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a light emitting element is arranged on the side of an edge of the display panel, then the device structure is simplified and compact, but the luminance of areas far from the light emitting element becomes lower due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the light emitting element and the display panel. This light guide layer receives light from the edge-mounted light emitting element and guides/distributes it across the display panel surface, enabling uniform luminance distribution while maintaining the simplified edge-lit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different refractive indices to different regions or layers of the optical system. By configuring specific refractive index relationships between the light guide layer, display panel, and other optical components, the system optimizes light distribution locally to achieve uniform overall luminance despite the edge-mounted light source configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polymer dispersed liquid crystals are used to enable switching between scattering and transmitting states, then display functionality is achieved, but light scattering causes reduced luminance in areas far from the light emitting element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the refractive index parameters of various optical layers and the light guide layer to optimize light distribution. By carefully selecting and configuring refractive index relationships, the system compensates for light scattering effects in the PDLC layer, ensuring uniform luminance across the display panel while maintaining the scattering/transmitting switching functionality.
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 enhances light transmission to areas farther from the light emitting element, minimizing luminance disparities and maintaining display quality by effectively managing light distribution and reducing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
A refractive index of the first optical layer is lower than a refractive index of the light guide layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display panel, a light emitting element, a light guide layer and a first optical layer. The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposed to the first substrate, and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer which is held between the first substrate and the second substrate and contains a polymer and a liquid crystal molecule. The light guide layer has a first surface opposed to the display panel, and an edge opposed to the light emitting element. The first optical layer is located between the display panel and the light guide layer. A refractive index of the first optical layer is lower than a refractive index of the light guide layer.