Display Privacy Module Using Polarization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices can only achieve privacy mode for specific orientations and fail to protect user privacy when rotated, particularly in landscape and portrait modes used by mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A display device comprising a display module and a privacy module with a first polarizing element that absorbs light in a predetermined direction, allowing the device to switch between sharing and privacy modes based on orientation using a light modulator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a narrow backlight distribution backlight design is used to achieve whole direction privacy function, then privacy protection is improved, but power consumption increases and brightness control becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical narrow backlight distribution design with an electro-optical system using a light modulator and polarizing elements. The light modulator uses electrical signals to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules, which in turn control light polarization and absorption by the first polarizing element. This substitution of mechanical/optical design with electro-optical control achieves privacy protection while reducing power consumption and enabling dynamic brightness control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the light modulator based on orientation mode. When the display device is rotated to portrait mode, the system adjusts the light modulator's operation to maintain appropriate brightness levels and privacy protection. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to different orientations without excessive power consumption or brightness issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a dual backlight system is used to achieve whole direction privacy function, then privacy protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and luminance performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the privacy protection function from the backlight system itself and places it in a separate privacy module containing the light modulator and first polarizing element. This separation allows the backlight to remain simple while the privacy function is achieved through the light modulator's ability to rotate polarization axes. The first polarizing element is positioned to absorb light based on its orientation, providing privacy protection without requiring a complex dual backlight system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If existing privacy display technology is used, then privacy protection works for specific orientation, but adaptability to different orientations (landscape and portrait) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidorientation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the privacy protection system dynamic by using a light modulator that can change the orientation of light polarization in real-time. The system detects the display device's orientation mode (landscape or portrait) and adjusts the light modulator's operation accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows privacy protection to maintain effectiveness regardless of whether the device is in landscape or portrait mode, achieving both reliability and adaptability.

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

The solution enables the display device to maintain privacy regardless of orientation, providing effective privacy protection in both landscape and portrait modes without the brightness issues associated with previous solutions.

Implementation Method 1

The privacy module includes a first polarizing element for absorbing light in a predetermined direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarisation: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

a first polarizing element for absorbing light in a predetermined direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12321055B2Display device control method

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display module and a privacy module. The display module includes a light source that emits an input light. The privacy module is disposed on the display module and for receiving the input light. The privacy module includes a first polarizing element for absorbing light in a predetermined direction.