Electrochromic Display Adjusting Viewing Angle Without Extra Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices with narrow viewing angles require additional light path blocking films, which increase thickness and reduce portability, while maintaining wide viewing angles is challenging without compromising resolution.
Innovation Solution
A display device with an electrochromic layer between upper and lower electrode layers that can switch between wide and narrow viewing angles by applying voltage, allowing for adjustable viewing angles without external light blocking films, utilizing a touch sensor unit and electrochromic patterns to control light emission based on voltage differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light path blocking film is attached to the display device to implement narrow viewing angle, then the viewing angle is narrowed, but the thickness of the display device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light path blocking function with the existing touch sensor electrode patterns, eliminating the need for a separate light path blocking film. The electrode patterns serve dual purposes: touch sensing and viewing angle control, thereby reducing overall device thickness while maintaining narrow viewing angle capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode patterns in the touch sensor are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both touch sensing elements and as the light path blocking structure for narrow viewing angle mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components that would increase thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light path blocking film is attached to the display device to implement narrow viewing angle, then the viewing angle is narrowed, but the portability of the display device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the light path blocking function with the touch sensor electrode patterns, the patent eliminates additional components that would increase device thickness and weight, thereby maintaining portability while achieving narrow viewing angle capability.
3Length of stationary object
If the electrochromic layer is used to block light for narrow viewing angle, then the viewing angle is narrowed without increasing thickness, but the display resolution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the electrochromic effect selectively in specific regions where light path blocking is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire display. The electrode patterns are strategically positioned to block light only at oblique angles while maintaining full resolution and clarity in the normal viewing direction.
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 adjustable viewing angles without compromising display resolution or increasing thickness, enhancing portability and usability by selectively blocking light beyond a certain angle in narrow viewing mode while maintaining transparency in wide viewing mode.
Implementation Method 1
the electrochromic layer may be converted to a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode based on a voltage applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
the display unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in a light emitting area
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display unit, an upper electrode layer, a lower electrode layer and an electrochromic layer. The display unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in a light emitting area. The upper electrode layer is disposed on the display unit, and includes a plurality of first electrode patterns and a plurality of second electrode patterns. The first electrode patterns are arranged in a first direction, and are electrically connected each other. The second electrode patterns are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction and are electrically connected each other. The lower electrode layer is disposed between the upper electrode layer and the display unit. The electrochromic layer is disposed between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer, and includes an electrochromic pattern.