Display Apparatus Optical Reflectance Conversion for Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transparent display apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a high contrast ratio due to the reflection of external light, which reduces their transparency and effectiveness in various applications.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an optical filter configured to transmit circularly polarized light and an optical reflectance conversion device, such as a liquid crystal or electro-chromic device, that can change reflectance and transmittance according to operational modes, allowing for controlled light management and maintaining a high contrast ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a transparent display apparatus is used to maintain transparency, then light transmittance is improved, but external light reflection increases reducing contrast ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidexternal light reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic optical reflectance conversion device that can change its reflectance properties in real-time based on operational modes. The device transitions between different states (high reflectance and low reflectance modes) to adapt to varying viewing conditions, thereby dynamically controlling external light reflection while maintaining transparency when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical reflectance conversion device changes its optical parameters (reflectance and transmittance) by altering the alignment or state of its internal structures (such as liquid crystal molecules or electro-chromic materials). By changing these parameters in response to control signals, the device can switch between transparent and reflective states to optimize both transparency and contrast ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an optical filter is added to reduce external light reflection, then contrast ratio is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal light reflectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical reflectance conversion device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transparency control mechanism and a reflection reduction filter. By integrating these functions into a single device, the patent avoids the need for separate optical filters, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving both transparency and contrast ratio improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the transparency control function and the external light reflection reduction function into a single integrated optical reflectance conversion device. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate components (such as separate transparent regions and optical filters), thereby simplifying the overall device structure while achieving the desired optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operational modes are implemented to control light reflection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical reflectance conversion device is designed to dynamically switch between multiple operational modes (such as high reflectance mode and low reflectance mode) in response to control signals. This dynamic capability allows the display apparatus to adapt to different viewing conditions and applications, providing high adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables the display apparatus to operate in multiple modes, effectively reducing external light reflection and enhancing transparency, thereby maintaining a high contrast ratio and improving visibility in bright environments.

Implementation Method 1

an optical filter arranged on a first side of the display apparatus through which light is emitted, the optical filter being configured to transmit circularly polarized light that rotates in a predetermined direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCircular polarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

an optical reflectance conversion device arranged on a second side of the display apparatus, opposite the first side, the optical reflectance conversion device being configured to change a reflectance of the external light according to modes of operation of the display apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal effect: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 3

an optical reflectance conversion device, such as a liquid crystal or electro-chromic device, that can change reflectance and transmittance according to operational modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-chromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 4

a first electrode on the first insulating film electrically connected to the pixel circuit unit, the first electrode located in the pixel region and not overlapping the pixel circuit unit, and the first electrode is formed of a transparent conductive material; a second electrode configured to reflect light to be emitted in a direction towards the first electrode, the second electrode facing the first electrode and located in the pixel region; and an organic film between the first electrode and the second electrode and includes a light-emitting layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2518713B1Display Apparatus and Method of Operating the Same
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP2518713B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2518713B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2518713B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a first substrate defined by a pixel region and a transmitting region adjacent to the pixel region, the pixel region emitting light in a first direction and the transmitting region transmitting external light; a second substrate that faces the first substrate and seals pixels defined on the first substrate; an optical filter arranged on a first side of the display apparatus through which light is emitted, the optical filter being configured to transmit circularly polarized light that rotates in a predetermined direction; and an optical reflectance conversion device arranged on a second side of the display apparatus, opposite the first side, the optical reflectance conversion device being configured to change a reflectance of the external light according to modes of operation of the display apparatus.