LED Display Privacy Mode Using Narrow- and Wide-Angle Subpixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with displays face challenges in balancing privacy and public viewing angles, particularly in devices with light-emitting diode (LED) displays, where restricting viewing angles to enhance privacy can be difficult without compromising the visibility of the display content.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable diffractive optical elements (DOE) layers between electrode layers, allowing subpixels to switch between narrow and wide viewing angles, combined with driver circuits that control the emission of light from both types of subpixels based on privacy mode selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If microlenses are applied to all subpixels to control viewing angle, then privacy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical treatments to different subpixel types: green and blue subpixels receive microlenses for narrow viewing angle (privacy mode), while red subpixels remain without microlenses for wide viewing angle (public mode). This local differentiation allows selective privacy control without requiring all subpixels to have the same structure, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable viewing angles through driver circuits that can dynamically switch between privacy mode (narrow viewing angle) and public mode (wide viewing angle) based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the display to change its optical characteristics without physical reconfiguration, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If viewing angle is restricted to enhance privacy, then security is improved, but display visibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Different subpixel types are assigned different viewing angle characteristics: green and blue subpixels can operate in narrow viewing angle mode for privacy-protected content, while red subpixels maintain wide viewing angle for public visibility. This local differentiation enables simultaneous optimization of both privacy and visibility within the same display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system can dynamically adjust viewing angle characteristics based on content type and operational mode. Driver circuits control the emission characteristics of subpixels to switch between privacy mode (narrow viewing angle) and public mode (wide viewing angle), allowing the system to adapt optical properties to match operational requirements rather than being fixed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable diffractive optical elements are added to control viewing angle, then viewing angle adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or physical reconfiguration systems with electrical control mechanisms. Driver circuits use electrical signals to control the emission characteristics of subpixels, enabling viewing angle adjustment through electrical rather than mechanical means. This substitution maintains adaptability while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system integrates multiple functions within existing structures: the same subpixel structure serves both as a light-emitting element and as an optical control element. The driver circuits perform multiple functions including driving the light-emitting diodes and controlling viewing angle characteristics, eliminating the need for separate dedicated optical control components.
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 dynamic adjustment of viewing angles to ensure privacy in specific regions while maintaining clear visibility in public areas, enhancing user experience and security without complex manufacturing costs or space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable diffractive optical element layer that comprises a diffractive optical element layer interposed between first and second electrode layers. The adjustable diffractive optical element layer may focus light from the display pixel in the first mode
Data Source
AI summary
A display may include light-emitting diode (LED) pixels. Each LED pixel may include both narrow-viewing-angle subpixels and wide-viewing-angle subpixels. Each LED pixel may include driver circuits that each drive a narrow-viewing-angle subpixel and a wide-viewing-angle subpixel of the same color. An emission logic circuit may direct a drive current from a drive circuit to one or both of a narrow-viewing-angle subpixel and a wide-viewing-angle subpixel of the same color. To correct for off-axis color shift, a pixel may include a green subpixel with two or more overlapping microlenses, a blue subpixel with two or more overlapping microlenses, and a red subpixel without any overlapping microlenses.