LCD Sub-Pixel Gate Timing for Wide Viewing Angle Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) experience image distortion at different viewing angles due to the increase in size, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display apparatus with a panel part comprising gate lines, data lines, and pixels, where each pixel includes a first and second sub-pixel connected to different gate lines and a common data line, with a data driver and gate driver system that applies specific gate and data signals with varying voltage levels and temporal overlaps to reduce distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the size of the liquid crystal display is increased to display more image information, then the display area is improved, but image distortion at different viewing angles worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each pixel is divided into two sub-pixels (first sub-pixel and second sub-pixel) connected to different gate lines. This segmentation allows independent control of sub-pixels through different gate signals, enabling compensation for viewing angle distortion while maintaining large display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different gate signals with different voltage levels are applied to different sub-pixels based on their specific positions and viewing angle characteristics. This local differentiation of signal quality compensates for the distortion that occurs in different regions of the large display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If gate signals are applied to control sub-pixels, then image clarity is improved, but response time increases due to charging requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The first sub-pixel is precharged during the period when the second sub-pixel is being charged. This preliminary action ensures that both sub-pixels are fully charged and ready for display before the frame is completed, maintaining image clarity without extending the overall response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gate driver continuously applies gate signals to different sub-pixels in an overlapping manner. While the second sub-pixel is being charged, the first sub-pixel is already being charged, creating continuous useful action that maintains clarity while optimizing response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If different voltage levels are applied to different sub-pixels, then viewing angle distortion is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle distortionVSAvoidgate driver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gate driver is segmented into multiple stages, with odd-numbered stages controlling first sub-pixels and even-numbered stages controlling second sub-pixels. This segmentation allows different voltage levels to be applied to different sub-pixel types while maintaining a structured, manageable driver architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gate driver stages are designed with universal functionality to handle different voltage levels and signal types. Each stage can operate with different voltage amplitudes and phases, allowing the same basic circuit structure to serve multiple functions and reduce overall device complexity.

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

This configuration significantly reduces image distortion at different viewing angles, improving the viewing range and response time of the LCD by ensuring that each sub-pixel is charged with appropriate voltages during specific intervals, thereby maintaining image clarity across various perspectives.

Implementation Method 1

an electric field is applied to the liquid crystals to control an intensity of an electric field between the two substrates to adjust an amount of light passing therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The liquid crystal display includes two substrates spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance and having liquid crystals disposed therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal effect: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentEP2023331A1Display apparatus and driving method thereof
Publication Date: 2009.02.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP2023331A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2023331A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2023331A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a panel part having a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of pixels, a data driver and a gate driver part. Each pixel of the plurality of pixels includes a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel is connected to a first gate line of the plurality of gate lines and the second sub-pixel is connected to a second gate line of the plurality of gate lines. The first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are each commonly connected to one data line of the plurality of data lines. The gate driver part is disposed on the panel part and applies a plurality of gate signals to the plurality of gate lines. A current gate signal of the plurality of gate signals is temporally overlapped with a previous gate signal for a predetermined time interval.