Quad-Pixel LCD Viewing Angle Control via Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LCD devices, particularly TN mode devices, have limited viewing angles, allowing images to be visible to adjacent persons from upward diagonal directions, which is a security concern in the information society.
Innovation Solution
An LCD device with a liquid crystal panel comprising quad-type pixels including red, green, blue, and viewing angle control sub-pixels, and a timing controller that applies specific data to control viewing angles, allowing users to select modes that prevent image visibility from horizontal or upward diagonal directions by manipulating electric fields and voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If TN mode LCD device uses vertical electric field between pixel electrodes and common electrode, then the device can be driven with simple structure, but the viewing angle is limited to relatively narrow range
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is divided into multiple segments (first pixel electrode and second pixel electrode) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different regions of the same pixel to have different liquid crystal orientations, thereby achieving both narrow and wide viewing angle modes without requiring completely different electrode structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal display device dynamically switches between narrow viewing angle mode and wide viewing angle mode by applying different voltages to different pixel electrode segments. The viewing angle characteristics are not fixed but can be changed in real-time based on operational requirements, making the device adaptable to different viewing scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IPS mode LCD device uses horizontal electric field between parallel pixel electrodes and common electrodes, then the viewing angle is widened, but the device loses the ability to prevent viewing from certain directions
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions (first and second pixel electrodes). By controlling these segments differently, the device can achieve wide viewing angle when needed while also creating narrow viewing angle modes that prevent viewing from specific directions, thus maintaining information security.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts its viewing angle characteristics by applying different voltage patterns to different pixel electrode segments. This allows the same physical structure to provide both wide viewing angle for normal use and narrow viewing angle for security purposes, making the security feature adaptable rather than fixed.
3Reliability
If LCD device controls viewing angle to prevent viewing from horizontal directions, then information security is improved, but the image becomes visible from upward diagonal directions
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is divided into multiple segments that can be controlled independently. By applying different voltages to different segments, the device can create multiple narrow viewing angle modes that block viewing from different directions (horizontal, upward diagonal, downward diagonal), providing comprehensive directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically switches between different narrow viewing angle modes to block viewing from different directions. Rather than having a single fixed viewing angle characteristic, the device can adaptively change which directions are blocked based on security requirements, making it more effective against various viewing threats.
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 solution effectively limits image visibility from unintended directions, enhancing information security and reliability by allowing users to adjust the display's viewing angles to prevent adjacent persons from seeing the image, while maintaining visibility from intended directions.
Implementation Method 1
The LCD device controls the transmittance of a liquid crystal on a liquid crystal panel, thereby displaying a desired image
Implementation Method 2
The TN mode LCD device enables a liquid crystal to be driven by a vertical electric field between pixel electrodes arranged on a lower substrate and a common electrode disposed on an upper substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device capable of controlling a viewing angle is disclosed.The liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel configured to include a plurality of quad type pixels each consisted of red, green, blue, and viewing angle control sub-pixels; and a timing controller configured to reply to a viewing angle mode selected by a user and apply red, green, and blue data and any one of a wide viewing angle control data, a first narrow viewing angle control data, and a second narrow viewing angle control data to the liquid crystal panel.As such, the LCD device controls a range of viewing angles, thereby allowing the image to be viewed from every direction or not to be viewed from the left and right directions or the upward diagonal directions in the center of the user. In other words, the LCD device can limit the image display according to the positions of the persons adjacent to the user. Therefore, the user using the LCD device can adjust it to freely share information or to limit its range with adjacent persons. Furthermore, the LCD device can enhance information reliability and security.