Display Optical Control With Low-Index Partitions for Viewing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices struggle to control viewing angles, particularly in vehicle-mounted applications where images need to be visible from certain seats while being obscured from others, such as from the passenger seat but not the driver seat during driving.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical control element with partitions having a refractive index lower than the surrounding optical layer, which reflects light beams at specific angles to limit viewing angles and control visibility based on the viewer's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional display devices are used without optical control elements, then the display is visible from all directions, but viewing angle control and privacy protection are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The optical control element is divided into multiple partitions (first partitions and second partitions) that sandwich the display element. Each partition has specific refractive index properties that work together to control light propagation in different directions, achieving viewing angle control through segmented structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical control element acts as an intermediary component between the display element and the external environment. It mediates light propagation by utilizing refractive index differences between partitions and optical layers to control viewing angles without directly modifying the display element itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If partitions with lower refractive index than optical layer are used, then light reflection at specific angles is achieved for viewing angle limitation, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes changes in refractive index as a key parameter to achieve viewing angle control. By setting the refractive index of partitions lower than that of the optical layer, the structure enables total internal reflection at specific angles, controlling visibility without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical control element have different refractive index properties. The partitions have lower refractive index than the optical layer, creating localized optical characteristics that enable angle-dependent light reflection and transmission, achieving spatially selective visibility control.
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 effectively restricts viewing angles to ensure images are visible from desired positions while being obscured from undesired ones, enhancing safety and visibility control in vehicle-mounted displays.
Implementation Method 1
A refractive index of each of the partitions is smaller than a refractive index of the optical layer
Implementation Method 2
reflects light beams at specific angles to limit viewing angles
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device comprises a substrate, a first display element provided above the substrate, a sealing layer covering the first display element, and an optical control element overlapping the sealing layer. The optical control element comprises a plurality of partitions including a pair of first partitions sandwiching the first display element in plan view, and an optical layer located between the pair of the first partitions, in contact with a side surface of the first partition, and overlapping the first display element. A refractive index of each of the partitions is smaller than a refractive index of the optical layer.