Mirror Display Electrochromic Layer Reflectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-function mirror and display devices face issues with high cost, image distortion, and decreased image quality due to the use of expensive Dual Brightness Enhanced Film (DBEF) and low reflectivity, especially in bright environments.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first substrate with organic light emitting elements, a separation layer, reflective electrodes, an electrochromic layer, and a second substrate, which operates as a mirror when no electric field is applied and as a display when an electric field is applied, eliminating the need for DBEF and allowing for high reflectivity and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a Dual Brightness Enhanced Film (DBEF) is used to achieve high reflectivity in mirror mode, then the reflectivity is improved, but the unit cost increases significantly and the surface roughness causes distortion of mirror image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the expensive DBEF component from the system. Instead of using DBEF, the invention employs a simple reflective electrode layer combined with an electrochromic layer that can achieve high reflectivity in mirror mode without requiring the costly dual brightness enhanced film, thereby reducing unit cost while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by using an electrochromic layer that can dynamically adjust its optical properties. In mirror mode, the electrochromic layer is in a state that allows high reflectivity from the reflective electrode, eliminating the need for DBEF and reducing manufacturing cost while avoiding image distortion
2Illumination intensity
If a Dual Brightness Enhanced Film (DBEF) is used to achieve high reflectivity in mirror mode, then the reflectivity is improved, but the mirror image becomes distorted due to surface roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the DBEF component that causes surface roughness and image distortion. By replacing it with a reflective electrode layer and electrochromic layer configuration, the system achieves high reflectivity without the optical distortions caused by DBEF surface irregularities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an alternative optical path that copies the desired high-reflectivity function without using DBEF. The reflective electrode layer combined with the electrochromic layer in its specific state replicates the high reflectivity effect while maintaining optical clarity and avoiding image distortion
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display apparatus is in an ON state to show images, then the display function is activated, but the visual brightness decreases in bright rooms causing deterioration of image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through the electrochromic layer that can change its optical state in response to ambient conditions. In bright rooms, the electrochromic layer adjusts to enhance contrast and maintain visual brightness by controlling light reflection and transmission, thereby improving display image quality in varying ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the electrochromic layer based on ambient lighting conditions. In bright rooms, the electrochromic layer transitions to a state that optimizes light management, enhancing the display's visual brightness and image quality by dynamically adjusting its optical properties rather than using a fixed configuration
4Adaptability or versatility
If the display apparatus is in an OFF state to function as a mirror, then the mirror function is activated, but the apparatus has dark mirror visibility due to low reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electrochromic layer's dynamic optical switching capability to achieve high reflectivity in mirror mode. When the display is OFF, the electrochromic layer transitions to a state that maximizes light reflection from the reflective electrode, thereby enhancing mirror visibility and brightness without compromising the mirror function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical state of the electrochromic layer to optimize reflectivity for mirror function. By adjusting the electrochromic layer's optical parameters when the display is OFF, the system achieves high mirror visibility and brightness, eliminating the dark visibility problem associated with low reflectivity configurations
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 reduces costs, prevents image distortion, and maintains high image quality in both mirror and display modes, enhancing user experience without the need for expensive DBEF.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic layer on the reflective electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of organic light emitting elements arranged on the first substrate to define a plurality of sub-pixels
Implementation Method 3
an optical unit on the separation layer, the optical unit including a plurality of reflective electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use as both a mirror and a display includes a first substrate; a plurality of organic light emitting elements arranged on the first substrate to define a plurality of sub-pixels; a separation layer on the organic light emitting elements; an optical unit on the separation layer, the optical unit including a plurality of reflective electrodes in an area corresponding to at least one sub-pixel, an electrochromic layer on the reflective electrodes, and an electrode layer disposed on the electrochromic layer; and a second substrate on the optical unit. If an electric field is applied to the organic light emitting elements and the optical unit, the apparatus operates in a display mode. If an electric field is not applied to the organic light emitting elements and the optical unit, the apparatus operates in a mirror mode.