Electro-Optical Lens Array for Switchable Display Privacy Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices in vehicles suffer from wide viewing angles, causing distraction for drivers as they can see content intended for co-drivers, and existing solutions for adjustable privacy modes are either limited by high operating voltages or require coherent light.
Innovation Solution
A display device with an electro-optical lens array that adjusts its focal length and optical power based on an electrical voltage, allowing for a switchable privacy mode by changing the viewing angle from a public mode to a privacy mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wide viewing angle displays are used to show entertainment content to codriver, then entertainment content visibility to codriver is improved, but driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into multiple virtual display regions (first virtual display region for driver, second virtual display region for codriver) that can be independently controlled. Each region has its own viewing angle characteristics, allowing content to be selectively visible to different users without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display have different optical properties tailored to their intended viewers. The first virtual display region has optical characteristics optimized for driver viewing while the second region has characteristics optimized for codriver viewing, creating localized viewing zones with distinct quality characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static light control films are used to provide dedicated content to codriver, then content privacy for codriver is improved, but viewing angle flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display device dynamically adjusts viewing angles and content visibility based on detected user positions and preferences. The system can switch between different display modes (public mode, private mode for driver, private mode for codriver) in real-time, providing flexible adaptability without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces static mechanical light control films with an electro-optical lens array that uses electrical signals to control light direction. This substitution enables dynamic adjustment of viewing angles through electrical control rather than fixed mechanical structures, achieving flexibility without mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If PDLC systems are used for switchable privacy mode, then transparency control is improved, but operating voltage requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces PDLC liquid crystal systems with electro-optical lenses that focus and direct light using refractive index changes in liquid crystals. This substitution reduces the operating voltage requirement while maintaining the ability to switch between transparent and privacy modes, as the electro-optical lenses operate at lower voltages compared to PDLC systems.
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 flexible and energy-efficient display of different content types to specific users, reducing driver distraction while maintaining high image quality, resolution, and color gamut.
Implementation Method 1
A display device with an electro-optical lens array that adjusts its focal length and optical power based on an electrical voltage
Implementation Method 2
each electro-optical lens is configured to collect light from at least one of the plurality of pixels and to project the light along a respective lens projection axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device with adjustable viewing angle is provided, which includes a display unit with a plurality of pixels arranged in a pixel array and emitting light for displaying image information to a user, a plurality of electro-optical lenses with adjustable optical power arranged in a lens array at the display unit, wherein each electro-optical lens is adjustable between a public mode, in which the electro-optical lens is configured to project light from the display unit towards the user within a first viewing angle, and a privacy mode, in which the electro-optical lens is configured to project the light towards the user within a second viewing angle, smaller than the first viewing angle.