Display Device Viewing Angle Control via Electrochromic Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with wide viewing angles can compromise resolution and luminance, posing issues in applications where privacy or reduced visibility is necessary, such as ATMs and vehicle navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a matrix of pixels, a barrier layer, and an electrochromic element that can switch between wide and narrow viewing angle modes by controlling signals to the barrier layer, allowing for selective light transmission or shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing angle of the display device is made wide, then users can view the image in various angular directions, but resolution and luminance deteriorate and private information may be disclosed
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into multiple independent sub-pixel units (red, green, blue sub-pixels) within each pixel group. By controlling the on/off state of individual sub-pixels, the system can selectively transmit or block light in specific angular directions, enabling both wide viewing angle coverage and maintained resolution through coordinated sub-pixel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The display device dynamically adjusts the viewing angle by changing the operational state of sub-pixels based on detection signals. When a detection signal is received, the system switches from a wide viewing angle mode (all sub-pixels on) to a narrow viewing angle mode (selective sub-pixel on/off), allowing real-time adaptation between wide-angle display and privacy protection
2Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing angle of the display device is made wide, then users can view the image in various angular directions, but luminance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel structure is segmented into multiple sub-pixels with independent control. By selectively activating only the necessary sub-pixels for the current viewing condition, the system concentrates light output in specific directions, maintaining high luminance for the intended viewing angle while still providing wide overall viewing coverage through coordinated sub-pixel operation
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-pixels within the same pixel group are assigned different operational states (on/off) based on their spatial position and the desired viewing direction. This creates local quality variations in light emission, where specific sub-pixels provide enhanced luminance for their optimal viewing angles while contributing to the overall wide viewing angle capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the viewing angle is narrowed to prevent information disclosure, then privacy is protected, but the adaptability of the display device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device employs dynamic sub-pixel control that responds to detection signals, enabling real-time switching between wide viewing angle mode (all sub-pixels on for normal display) and narrow viewing angle mode (selective sub-pixel on/off for privacy protection). This dynamic adaptation maintains high versatility by allowing the system to adjust its viewing characteristics based on environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The same sub-pixel control mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables both wide viewing angle display and privacy protection modes, and can also adjust luminance optimization. By using the sub-pixel on/off control for multiple purposes, the system achieves universal functionality without requiring separate mechanisms for each 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
Enables controlled viewing angles while maintaining resolution and luminance, preventing unwanted information disclosure and reducing glare in specific use cases.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier layer disposed on the display panel, and formed to have an opening portion disposed in some area of the group pixel and transmitting light and an electrochromic element positioned in a remaining area of the group pixel
Data Source
AI summary
A display device according to an embodiment can include a display panel including a plurality of pixels in a matrix form and having a first pixel and a second pixel adjacent to each other among the plurality of pixels to form a group pixel, a barrier layer disposed on the display panel and including an opening portion disposed in some area of the group pixel for transmitting light and an electrochromic element positioned in a remaining area of the group pixel, and a driver configured to selectively drive a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode by controlling a signal applied to the display panel and the barrier layer.