Liquid Crystal Display Viewing Angle Control Without White Subpixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display devices that control viewing angles require additional components and complex manufacturing processes, particularly for achieving confidentiality by forming white subpixels and altering driving methods, which increase costs and do not effectively lower contrast in all directions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display device with a first region of slanted liquid crystal molecule alignment and a second region aligned in up/down or left/right directions, where the liquid crystal molecules in the second region are independently controllable, using a checker pattern of A and B patterns with protrusions or slits to control viewing angles without the need for white subpixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a polymer dispersed LCD panel (scattering/non-scattering switching layer) is added to convert light-scattering state, then display confidentiality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to needing a special LCD panel in addition to common LCD panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the viewing angle control function from a separate scattering layer and implements it directly within the liquid crystal layer through specific alignment configurations. By using vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules in conjunction with specific polarizer arrangements, the invention achieves confidentiality control without requiring an additional polymer dispersed switching layer, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the liquid crystal layer perform multiple functions: it simultaneously provides the primary display function and the viewing angle control/confidentiality function. By configuring the liquid crystal molecules with vertical alignment and using specific polarizer combinations, the same liquid crystal layer controls both image display and viewing direction restrictions, eliminating the need for a separate scattering layer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vertical alignment LCD device is used to control viewing angle, then display confidentiality is improved, but display contrast falls extremely low in left and right directions making display invisible from slanted viewing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different polarizer configurations to different regions or viewing directions. By using specific polarizer arrangements (including circular polarizers or combinations of linear polarizers at specific angles), the invention creates local optical properties that maintain high contrast for front viewing while restricting slanted viewing, thus achieving both confidentiality and acceptable display contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using specific polarizer configurations and liquid crystal alignment combinations. By adjusting the polarizer angles, using circular polarization, or combining multiple polarizers, the invention modifies the optical transmission characteristics to maintain high contrast in the front viewing direction while blocking slanted views, thus resolving the contrast loss issue.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If white subpixels are formed and driving method is altered to control viewing angle, then confidentiality is improved, but manufacturing process becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for white subpixels and alternative driving methods by achieving viewing angle control through the standard liquid crystal display structure. By using vertical liquid crystal alignment with specific polarizer configurations, the invention accomplishes confidentiality control using the conventional RGB subpixel structure and standard driving methods, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the standard liquid crystal display structure to perform both normal display and viewing angle control functions simultaneously. By configuring the polarizers and liquid crystal alignment appropriately, the same display structure achieves confidentiality without requiring white subpixels or modified driving schemes, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 control of viewing angles in up/down and left/right directions without forming white subpixels, enhancing confidentiality by adjusting voltage patterns and electrode structures, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first region having liquid crystal molecules aligned in a slanted direction; and a second region having the liquid crystal molecules aligned in up and down directions or in left and right directions
Implementation Method 2
An absorption axis of a polarizer is directed up and down, and the absorption axis of an analyzer is directed left and right
Implementation Method 3
In this state, birefringence of the liquid crystal molecule is not generated, and light leakage does not happen
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal display device which can control a viewing angle in up/down and left/right directions without need of forming white subpixels. In the liquid crystal display device which includes a first region having liquid crystal molecules aligned in a slanted direction, and a second region having the liquid crystal molecules aligned in up and down directions or in left and right directions. Voltage is independently applied to the second region from the first region.