Electrochromic Display Switching Device for 2D and 3D Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D display technologies face challenges with high cost, limited depth of field, and long development cycles, particularly in glasses-free and auxiliary 3D displays, which affect their widespread application.

Innovation Solution

A display panel assembly with a display switching device comprising an electrode group and an electrochromic layer that switches between 2D, auxiliary 3D, and glasses-free 3D modes by controlling electric fields across transparent electrodes, utilizing electrochromic materials to form different patterns for optimal viewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a display panel is designed for auxiliary 3D display with good visual effects, then viewing quality is improved, but cost and development cycle increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing qualityVSAvoiddevelopment cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is designed with multi-functionality to achieve both 2D and 3D display modes using the same panel structure. By incorporating a parallax barrier layer with switchable patterns and utilizing the existing liquid crystal display panel, the system can operate in 2D mode when the barrier is transparent and in 3D mode when the barrier forms slit gratings, eliminating the need for separate display panels for different modes and reducing development complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The parallax barrier layer is designed with dynamic switching capability between transparent state and light-absorbing state through electrochromic or liquid crystal materials. This dynamic property allows the same display panel to adapt between 2D and 3D modes by changing the barrier's optical properties, providing good visual effects for 3D while maintaining simplicity of the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a display panel is designed for glasses-free 3D display, then ease of use is improved, but crosstalk and limited depth of field worsen visual quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidvisual quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel divides the viewing area into distinct regions for left and right eyes using the parallax barrier layer with alternating transparent and light-absorbing strips. This segmentation approach directs specific image content to each eye, reducing crosstalk while maintaining the glasses-free format's ease of use. The barrier creates separate viewing zones that prevent mixed image reception

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a parallax barrier is added to enable 3D display, then 3D functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The parallax barrier layer is merged with the existing display panel structure, integrating the 3D functionality into the current LCD or OLED panel design. The barrier layer is positioned between the display panel and the viewer, combining with the existing light source and control electronics to create a unified structure that reduces manufacturing complexity compared to separate 3D display systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The same display panel structure serves multiple functions: displaying 2D images when the parallax barrier is transparent and displaying 3D images when the barrier forms slit gratings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes for different display modes, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty while maintaining 3D functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 seamless switching between 2D, auxiliary 3D, and glasses-free 3D displays, enhancing viewing angles and reducing power consumption while maintaining high visual quality and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

an electrochromic layer 3 disposed between the electrode group 2 and the common electrode 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP3680704B1Display panel assembly
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3680704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3680704B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3680704B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a display panel assembly and a display method thereof. The display panel assembly includes a display panel and a display switching device on a light outgoing surface of the display panel. The display switching device includes an electrode group and an electrochromic layer. The electrode group includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to receive voltage signals such that the display switching device presents one of a transparent state for 2D display, a first pattern for auxiliary 3D display, or a second pattern for glasses-free 3D display.