Display Device Viewing Angle Control via Diffraction and Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern display devices face challenges in controlling the viewing angle to protect private information, as they need to display images that can be viewed by multiple users while also allowing users to selectively block the image from others, especially in public spaces.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a substrate, light emitting structures, a diffraction layer, and a refraction pattern is designed, where the diffraction layer and refraction pattern are alternately disposed with different refractive indices to control the viewing angle by diffraction and refraction of light, allowing users to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display device uses a wide viewing angle to allow multiple users to view the image, then the adaptability is improved, but the privacy protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the viewing angle adjustable rather than fixed. The display device can dynamically switch between a first viewing angle mode (wider angle for multiple users) and a second viewing angle mode (narrower angle for privacy). This is achieved through controllable light emitting structures that can be selectively activated to change the effective viewing cone of the display, allowing the system to adapt to different privacy requirements while maintaining good image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the local quality principle by using different light emitting structures with different emission characteristics in different regions or for different purposes. Specifically, the display device employs a first set of light emitting structures and a second set of light emitting structures that can be independently controlled. By selectively activating these different light emitting structures, the device can locally adjust the viewing angle characteristics to balance between wide accessibility and privacy protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the display device reduces the viewing angle to protect privacy, then the privacy protection capability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle resolves this contradiction by enabling the display device to dynamically adjust its viewing angle characteristics. The device can switch between a first viewing angle mode (wider) and a second viewing angle mode (narrower) based on privacy requirements. The controllable light emitting structures allow the system to change its optical properties in real-time, maintaining adaptability while providing privacy protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The universality principle is applied by designing the display device to perform multiple functions: it can operate in both a wide viewing angle mode for general accessibility and a narrow viewing angle mode for privacy protection. The controllable light emitting structures serve multiple purposes by being selectively activated, allowing the same display device to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring separate devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the display device uses additional devices to control viewing angle, then the privacy protection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The merging principle is applied by integrating the viewing angle control function directly into the display device structure itself. Instead of using separate external devices to control the viewing angle, the patent incorporates controllable light emitting structures within the display device that can be selectively activated to adjust the viewing angle. This integration eliminates the need for additional external control devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining privacy protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universality principle resolves this contradiction by making the display device itself multi-functional. The controllable light emitting structures serve dual purposes: they are part of the normal display operation and simultaneously provide viewing angle control for privacy protection. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated privacy control devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the privacy protection function.
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 device effectively reduces the viewing angle by diffraction and refraction, enabling users to control the visibility of the image based on their environment, providing a wide viewing angle when desired and a narrow angle for privacy, without affecting the image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The diffraction layer may include first-refractive-index members and second-refractive-index members that are alternately disposed. A refractive index of each of the first-refractive-index members is lower than a refractive index of each of the second-refractive-index members.
Implementation Method 2
a refraction pattern disposed on the diffraction layer and refracting light that has passed through the diffraction layer toward a direction that is perpendicular to the diffraction layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate, a first set of light emitting structures, a second set of light emitting structures, a diffraction layer, and a refraction pattern. The substrate includes a first region and a second region. The first set of light emitting structures overlaps the first region. The second set of light emitting structures overlaps the second region. The diffraction layer overlaps the first region without overlapping the second region. The refraction pattern overlaps the diffraction layer. The diffraction layer includes first-refractive-index members and second-refractive-index members that are alternately disposed. A refractive index of each of the first-refractive-index members is lower than a refractive index of each of the second-refractive-index members.