Flexible Display Light Guiding Layer for Dazzle Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In curved-type, bendable-type, or flexible display devices, controlling the traveling direction of light is difficult, leading to an inconvenient viewing environment due to dazzle caused by refraction or scattering.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a guiding portion, such as a low-refractive layer or inclined surfaces, is used to prevent light from traveling to a print layer, thereby reducing dazzle and allowing for a comfortable viewing experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a curved-type, bendable-type, or flexible display device is used to provide large screens and portability, then screen size and convenience are improved, but control of light traveling direction becomes difficult causing dazzle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen size and portabilityVSAvoidviewing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A light-shielding layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the display element and the external environment. This layer selectively blocks light traveling in unwanted directions while allowing light in desired directions to pass through, thereby resolving the dazzle issue without compromising the display device's curved, bendable, or flexible characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-shielding layer is applied selectively to specific regions where dazzle occurs, rather than uniformly across the entire display. This localized approach maintains viewing comfort in affected areas while preserving the overall adaptability and design freedom of the display device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If light is allowed to travel freely from the display element, then brightness is improved, but dazzle occurs due to refraction or scattering

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoiddazzle
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light-shielding layer converts potentially harmful scattered and refracted light into beneficial directed light. By blocking light in unwanted directions, it redirects viewer attention to the intended viewing zones, thereby maintaining brightness while eliminating dazzle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-shielding layer acts as a mediator that separates useful light (directed toward intended viewing areas) from harmful light (scattered or refracted light causing dazzle). This intermediary component enables the display to maintain high brightness while preventing uncomfortable viewing effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a light-shielding layer is added to control light direction, then dazzle is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing comfortVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-shielding layer is implemented as a thin film that can be integrated into the existing display structure without adding significant bulk or complexity. This thin-film approach maintains viewing comfort while minimizing impact on the overall device simplicity and manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 guiding portion effectively directs light emission, preventing dazzle and enhancing the design freedom of the bezel, resulting in a comfortable viewing environment and aesthetic harmony with the electronic device's exterior.

Implementation Method 1

preventing dazzle from occurring due to refraction or scattering of the light on the print layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

guiding a traveling path of light emitted from the display element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3296810B1Display device and electronic device having same
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3296810B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3296810B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3296810B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed in various examples of the present invention are a display device and an electronic device having the same, the display device comprising: a display element; and a guide unit arranged on the display element, wherein the guide unit guides a propagation pathway of the light emitted from the display element. The display device and the electronic device having the same can provide a comfortable viewing environment by using the guide unit so as to guide the propagation pathway of the light emitted from the display element. The display device and the electronic device having the same can be variously implemented according to the examples.