Nested Subpixel Electrodes for LCD Transmittance and Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid crystal displays (LCDs), dividing a pixel into subpixels to approximate side visibility to front visibility results in transmittance deterioration due to the interval between subpixels.
Innovation Solution
An LCD design with a first and second subpixel electrode separated by a specific interval, where the second subpixel electrode is disposed at the outer edge of the pixel area and receives a lower voltage than the first subpixel electrode, with unique branch electrode configurations to minimize transmittance loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one pixel is divided into two subpixels with different voltages to approximate side visibility to front visibility, then side visibility is improved, but transmittance deteriorates due to the interval between subpixels
Solution Approach 1:
The second subpixel electrode is nested around the first subpixel electrode, with the second subpixel electrode positioned at the outer edge of the pixel area and the first subpixel electrode positioned at the inner edge. This nested configuration allows the subpixels to be closely spaced while maintaining distinct voltage control, thereby improving side visibility without significant transmittance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Different voltage levels are applied to different subpixel electrodes (first subpixel electrode with higher voltage, second subpixel electrode with lower voltage) to create localized electric field differences. This local quality differentiation enables independent control of liquid crystal molecule orientation in different regions, achieving both improved side visibility and maintained transmittance through optimized voltage distribution.
2Ease of operation
If subpixel electrodes are separated by a larger interval to reduce overlap, then voltage differentiation is improved, but transmittance deteriorates more significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement where the second subpixel electrode surrounds the first subpixel electrode enables voltage differentiation with minimal separation distance. The electrodes are positioned at opposite edges of the pixel area (inner and outer edges), allowing sufficient voltage control while maintaining close spacing to preserve transmittance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of separating subpixel electrodes only in the horizontal or vertical direction, the invention positions them at opposite radial distances from the center of the pixel area (inner edge and outer edge). This dimensional repositioning allows voltage differentiation while minimizing the separation interval that would otherwise cause transmittance loss.
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
This design effectively prevents transmittance deterioration while maintaining side visibility equivalence to front visibility, reducing unnecessary parasitic capacitance and enhancing overall display performance.
Implementation Method 1
The LCD generates an electric field in a liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to the field generating electrodes, to determine orientations of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer and control polarization of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a pixel electrode which is disposed on the first substrate and includes a first subpixel electrode which is disposed at a pixel area and includes a plurality of first branch electrodes, and a second subpixel electrode which is separated from the first subpixel electrode, disposed at an outer edge of the pixel area, encloses the first subpixel electrode and includes a plurality of second branch electrodes, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a common electrode disposed on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, where a first voltage applied to the first subpixel electrode is larger than a second voltage applied to the second subpixel electrode.