Electrochromic Optical Path Layer for Switchable Display Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices struggle to maintain high resolution and luminance while effectively controlling the viewing angle, particularly in environments where information protection or safety regulations are required.
Innovation Solution
A display device with an optical path control layer that includes control patterns with electrode structures and electrochromic materials, allowing for selective operation in modes that either transmit or shield light, achieved through a multi-layered structure with separate power sources for each layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a display device is designed to provide wide viewing angle, then the viewing angle is improved, but the privacy protection and safety regulations are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a switchable optical path control layer that can dynamically change its state between transparent and opaque. The optical path control layer includes electrochromic materials that respond to electrical signals, allowing the display device to switch between a first state (transparent, wide viewing angle) and a second state (opaque, narrow viewing angle). This dynamic switching enables the device to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing wide viewing angle when privacy is not a concern and narrow viewing angle when privacy protection is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the display device by incorporating an optical path control layer with electrochromic materials. When voltage is applied to the control layer, the optical properties change from transparent to opaque, thereby changing the viewing angle characteristics. This parameter change allows the device to maintain high resolution and luminance while controlling the viewing angle to protect information privacy.
2Ease of operation
If an optical path control layer is added to control viewing angle, then the viewing angle control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path control layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the viewing angle, protects information privacy, and maintains compatibility with existing display structures. The layer integrates electrochromic materials, electrode structures, and optical layers into a unified component that can be incorporated into conventional display devices without requiring complete redesign. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path control layer is nested within the existing display device structure, positioned between the light emitting element layer and the user. The control layer includes nested electrode structures and electrochromic materials that are integrated into the display panel architecture. This nesting approach allows the viewing angle control functionality to be embedded within the existing device without adding significant external complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If electrochromic materials are used in the optical path control layer, then the luminance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path control layer is segmented into distinct functional components: electrode structures, electrochromic material layers, and optical layers. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before integration into the final display device. The electrode structures can be formed using conventional photolithography and deposition techniques, while the electrochromic materials can be applied as separate coatings. This modular approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating a fully integrated control layer in one step.
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 operate in various modes, providing high resolution and luminance while selectively controlling the viewing angle, ensuring privacy and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a filling pattern filled in the cavity, and including an electrochromic material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a display device including a light emitting element layer including a light emission area, and a non-light emission area around the light emission area, and an optical path control layer on the light emitting element layer, and that controls a path of light provided from the light emitting element layer, the optical path control layer may include at least one control pattern. The control pattern includes an electrode structure that overlaps the non-light emission area, does not overlap the light emission area, and in which a cavity is defined in an interior thereof, and a filling pattern filled in the cavity, and including an electrochromic material.