Display Device Viewing Angle Switching via Liquid Crystal Light Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices struggle to provide clear image quality across a wide viewing angle range while also offering a mode to restrict visibility to prevent others from seeing the screen's content when desired.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a polarizing plate, a light path control cell with a liquid crystal layer, and a light path conversion film with polarization alignment dyes, which can switch between a shared mode and a shielding mode by applying voltage to the light path control cell, allowing the screen to be visible to both driver and passenger in shared mode or only to the passenger in shielding mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide viewing angle mode is used, then image quality is clear and not distorted in a wide viewing angle range, but others nearby can view the information being displayed on the display device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a liquid crystal layer that can dynamically change its light transmission properties based on applied voltage. In the first mode (no voltage), the liquid crystal molecules are arranged to allow wide viewing angles. In the second mode (voltage applied), the molecules reorient to restrict light transmission to specific angles, preventing others from viewing the screen. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between wide viewing angle and privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the display by applying voltage to the liquid crystal layer. By altering the voltage parameter, the liquid crystal molecules change their orientation and light transmission characteristics, switching between a state that provides wide viewing angles and a state that restricts viewing to prevent others from seeing the display content.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow viewing angle mode or shielding mode is used, then only the person sitting in front of the screen can view the image, but image quality may be distorted or viewing experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal layer provides dynamic control over viewing angle restrictions. When voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules reorient to create a shielding effect that limits viewing to the front position. This dynamic adjustment allows the display to switch between unrestricted and restricted viewing modes, maintaining adaptability while providing privacy protection when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a light path control cell with liquid crystal layer is added, then viewing angle can be switched between shared mode and shielding mode, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal display medium for image presentation and simultaneously functions as a light path control mechanism for mode switching. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent achieves shared mode and shielding mode capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal layer automatically adjusts its light transmission properties in response to voltage application, controlling the light path without requiring additional mechanical components or complex control mechanisms. This self-regulating property simplifies the overall device structure while enabling mode switching functionality.
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 secure driving by ensuring the passenger's screen is not visible to the driver while allowing both to view the screen in shared mode, with adjustable viewing angles and luminance characteristics based on the mode and orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a light path control cell disposed on the polarizing plate and including a liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
a polarizing plate disposed on a display panel, a light path conversion film disposed on the light path control cell and including a plurality of molecules including a plurality of polarization alignment dyes
Implementation Method 3
an absorption axis of the polarizing plate is substantially perpendicular to an absorption axis of the light path conversion film
Data Source
AI summary
A display device for switching a viewing angle, can include a display panel, a polarizing plate disposed on the display panel, a light path control cell disposed on the polarizing plate and including a liquid crystal layer, and a light path conversion film disposed on the light path control cell and including a plurality of molecules including a polarization alignment dye. An absorption axis of the polarizing plate can be substantially perpendicular to an absorption axis of the light path conversion film. The display device can switch to a shared mode or a shielding mode depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the light path control cell, thereby providing the display device that switches its viewing angle effectively.