LCD Markers Overlapping Polarizer for High-Precision Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
LCD devices face challenges in attaching optical elements with high positional accuracy due to the inability to read markers in transmissive and reflective modes, leading to enlarged picture-frame regions and increased fabrication costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming markers on the LCD panel that overlap with polarizer plates in the non-display region and using alignment direction regulators to allow light to pass through, enabling marker visibility and accurate optical element attachment without enlarging the picture-frame region or increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If markers are formed in the non-display region inside the sealing material, then high positional accuracy for optical element attachment is achieved, but the picture-frame region must be enlarged to accommodate the markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves markers from the traditional non-display region (horizontal placement) to the vertical dimension by forming them on the inner surface of the opposite substrate, allowing light to pass through the substrate to read the markers. This dimensional transition eliminates the need for horizontal space expansion while maintaining marker visibility and attachment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property changes by making the markers have different light transmission characteristics compared to the surrounding substrate. The markers are formed with a light-shielding layer that has different optical properties, allowing them to be visually distinguished and read through the polarizer plate and liquid crystal layer without requiring additional space.
2Manufacturing precision
If markers are formed on the LCD panel for high-precision attachment, then attachment accuracy improves, but fabrication complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the marker formation process with the existing color filter layer formation process. The light-shielding layer forming the markers is integrated into the same photolithography and etching steps used for creating the color filter pattern, eliminating separate fabrication steps and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining high attachment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposite substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the color filter layer substrate and the marker carrier. The same structural layer (opposite substrate) provides both the optical filtering function and the positioning reference function, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Illumination intensity
If transmissive LCD mode is used, then light penetration is achieved, but markers cannot be read due to polarizer plate blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the liquid crystal layer as an intermediary medium that can be selectively controlled to allow or block light passage. By applying voltage to specific regions, the liquid crystal molecules reorient to permit light transmission, enabling the reading of markers through the polarizer plate without compromising the overall transmissive display function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic response of liquid crystal molecules to voltage application. The liquid crystal layer transitions from a light-blocking state (when no voltage is applied) to a light-transmitting state (when voltage is applied), providing a controllable optical path for marker reading while maintaining the normally black display mode operation.
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
This approach allows for high-precision attachment of optical elements while minimizing the picture-frame region and fabrication costs, as markers can be read through the polarizer plates, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
alignment direction regulators for regulating an alignment direction of molecules of the liquid crystal to a predetermined direction in vicinities of the markers, thereby allowing light to pass through at least the opposite substrate
Implementation Method 2
two polarizer plates are respectively attached to the two surfaces of the LCD panel in such a way that their absorption axes are intersected at right angles
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-crystal display device makes it possible to attach an optical element to a liquid-crystal display panel with high positional accuracy while avoiding or minimizing the enlargement of the picture-frame region (i.e., the non-display region) induced by the formation of markers on the panel and the increase of the fabrication cost. The panel comprises a main substrate, an opposite substrate, and a liquid crystal enclosed in a gap between the main and opposite substrates, wherein a polarizer plate is attached at least to the opposite substrate. Markers for attaching an optical element to the panel are formed at positions that overlap with the polarizer plate in a non-display region on the main or opposite substrate. Alignment direction regulators regulate the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules to a predetermined direction in the vicinities of the markers, allowing light to pass through at least the opposite substrate.