Light Control Layer Geometry for Privacy Display Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in effectively controlling light emission angles and reducing reflection, which can compromise display quality and privacy.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a light control layer featuring a geometric design that includes a light blocking part and an optical pattern, forming a tapered structure to limit light emission outside a predetermined angle range, enhancing light blocking characteristics and reducing reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional light control layer is used, then light emission is not effectively controlled, but display quality and privacy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission controlVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light control layer is segmented into multiple functional regions: a light blocking part with light-blocking material and an optical pattern region with reflective material. This segmentation allows different portions of the layer to perform different functions (blocking vs. reflecting), achieving effective light emission control while maintaining display quality through the coordinated action of these segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the light control layer are assigned different local qualities: the light blocking part uses materials with high light-blocking properties, while the optical pattern region uses materials with high reflectivity. This local differentiation enables precise control of light emission characteristics in different areas, improving both privacy protection and display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If light blocking materials are used to limit exit angles, then privacy is improved, but reflection phenomena increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprivacyVSAvoidreflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful reflection phenomenon into a beneficial feature by introducing an optical pattern region with reflective material. Instead of simply blocking light (which causes unwanted reflections), the structured reflective pattern actively manages light reflection to enhance display quality while the light blocking part maintains privacy. The reflection is transformed from a defect into a functional element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The light control layer employs composite material structures combining light-blocking materials in the light blocking part with reflective materials in the optical pattern region. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of privacy protection (through light blocking) and reflection management (through the optical pattern), resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple light blocking structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but light blocking characteristics are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure fabricationVSAvoidlight blocking characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional structured design with patterns having specific thicknesses and geometries. The optical pattern region incorporates three-dimensional structures that enhance light reflection and control capabilities, improving light blocking characteristics while remaining manufacturable through standard thin-film deposition and patterning techniques applied in multiple dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 innovative structure improves display quality by effectively controlling light emission angles and reducing unwanted reflections, providing enhanced privacy and improved performance.

Implementation Method 1

a light blocking part disposed in the first region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an optical pattern disposed in the second region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4701388A1Display device and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4701388A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4701388A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4701388A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A display device (DD) includes a display element layer (DP-ED) including a pixel-defining film (PDL) and a light-emitting element (ED-1, ED-2, ED-3), and a light control layer (RCL) disposed on the display element layer (DP-ED). The light control layer (RCL) includes an organic film (TMA) in which a first region (T-OH1) and a second region (T-OH2) spaced apart from each other in one direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the display device are defined, a light blocking part (BMA) disposed in the first region (T-OH1), and an optical pattern (LRP) disposed in the second region (T-OH2). A first width (W1) of the organic film (TMA) progressively decreases away from the display element layer (DP--ED) along the thickness direction, a second width (W2) of the light blocking part (BMA) progressively increases away from the display element layer (DP-ED) along the thickness direction, and the first width and the second width are in the one direction.