Integrated Louver and Liquid Crystal Lens Viewing Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing angle control systems for liquid crystal panels, which use louver layers, increase the thickness of the device and are inefficient in controlling light emission direction and collimation.
Innovation Solution
A viewing angle control element comprising a louver and a liquid crystal lens element, where the louver controls the emission direction and collimation of light, and the liquid crystal lens adjusts the divergence of collimated light, integrated into a display device to reduce overall thickness and enhance viewing angle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a louver layer is used to control viewing angle, then the transmission angle of light is limited, but the thickness of the entire device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the louver structure with a liquid crystal lens element into an integrated viewing angle control element. The louver layers (first and second louver layers with light-shielding layers and light-transmitting layers) are merged with the liquid crystal layer between transparent substrates, allowing both viewing angle control and thickness reduction in a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid crystal lens element that operates in the optical focusing dimension to complement the louver's angular control. By adding this dimensional control capability, the system achieves superior viewing angle management without proportionally increasing thickness, as the liquid crystal layer adds minimal thickness while providing significant functional enhancement
2Ease of operation
If separate optical elements are used for viewing angle control, then the control function is achieved, but the device complexity and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single integrated element: the louver structure for directional control, the liquid crystal lens element for focal control, and the transparent substrates for structural support. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate optical components while achieving superior light emission direction control
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated viewing angle control element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls viewing angle through the louver structure, focuses light through the liquid crystal lens element, and can switch between different viewing modes (narrow and wide) through voltage control of the liquid crystal, reducing the need for multiple specialized components
3Ease of operation
If a louver layer is used to control viewing angle, then the transmission angle is limited, but the light emission direction control efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage-controlled liquid crystal lens element that can dynamically adjust its focal length and light emission characteristics. By applying different voltages, the system can switch between narrow viewing angle mode (higher voltage) and wide viewing angle mode (lower or zero voltage), enabling efficient and flexible light emission direction control that adapts to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the liquid crystal material through voltage control to achieve different light emission directions. By varying the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer, the refractive index changes, which in turn changes the light emission angle and direction, providing efficient control without the limitations of fixed louver structures
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 system effectively controls light emission direction and divergence, enabling both narrow and wide viewing angle modes while reducing the device thickness compared to separate optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
the refractive index distribution in response to an applied voltage, controls a divergence of the collimated light
Implementation Method 2
a first reflective layer stacked in the first light-shielding layer, a second reflective layer spaced apart from the first reflective layer and stacked in the second light-shielding layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a louver includes a first transparent substrate, a first organic insulating film provided on an inner surface side of the first transparent substrate, and including a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, a first reflective layer provided along the first inclined surface, and a second reflective layer provided along the second inclined surface. The first reflective layer includes a first reflective surface. The second reflective layer includes a second reflective surface. An interval between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface increases with distance from the first transparent substrate.