Liquid Crystal Optical Structure for Peep-Proof Display Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal display technologies cannot switch between peep-proof and shared display modes, limiting their adaptability to different viewing requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical structure with a first and second electrode, alignment layers, and liquid crystal molecules with protrusions, allowing for control of light propagation direction through electric signals, enabling switching between peep-proof and shared display modes by adjusting the viewing range of the light beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a special peep-proof membrane is added to a display panel to achieve peep-proof display, then peep-proof capability is improved, but the ability to switch between peep-proof and shared display modes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using liquid crystal molecules that can dynamically change their orientation state in response to electrical signals. The liquid crystal layer transitions between different molecular arrangements (aligned parallel to substrates vs. perpendicular to substrates), enabling the display to switch between peep-proof and shared display modes. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction by making the peep-proof capability adjustable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules through electrical control. When voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules change their orientation, which alters the refractive index experienced by light passing through the display. This parameter change enables the transition between different display modes, allowing the system to adapt between peep-proof and shared viewing as needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the viewing range of light beam is fixed, then the display mode is stable, but the adaptability to different viewing requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a controllable optical structure where liquid crystal molecules can be electrically switched between different states. This allows the viewing range to be dynamically adjusted - expanding for shared display scenarios and reducing for peep-proof scenarios - while maintaining stability within each selected mode through controlled molecular alignment.
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 seamless switching between peep-proof and shared display modes by controlling the optical structure's state, expanding or reducing the viewing range as needed, thus addressing the limitations of conventional technologies.
Implementation Method 1
liquid crystal molecules arranged between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer
Implementation Method 2
each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a same refractive index as the liquid crystal molecules in an energized or de-energized state
Implementation Method 3
an optical path length of light transmitted in the protrusion is d1, an optical path length of the light transmitted in the other portion of the optical structure except the protrusions is d2, and d2−d1=(2n+1)*λ/2
Data Source
AI summary
An optical structure, a display device and an operating method thereof are provided. The optical structure includes: first electrode and second electrode arranged opposite to each other; first alignment layer; second alignment layer; liquid crystal molecules arranged between first alignment layer and second alignment layer; and insulative protrusions arranged at a side of first alignment layer facing second alignment layer. The insulative protrusions are spaced apart from and arranged parallel to each other, and the protrusion has a same refractive index as the liquid crystal molecules in energized or de-energized state. Through controlling electric signals applied to first electrode and second electrode, it is able to switch the optical structure between first state where the optical structure does not change propagation direction of light entering the optical structure and second state where the optical structure is capable of changing propagation direction of light entering the optical structure.