Optical Device Viewing Angle Switching via Liquid Crystal Retardation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices require complex configurations and image processing to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles, necessitating detachment and reattachment of optical films or substrates, which is inconvenient and affects aspect ratios.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a first polarizer with an absorption axis in the thickness direction, a second polarizer, and a functional layer that switches between zero and λ/2 in-plane retardation, using patterned optically-anisotropic phase difference plates with moving units to adjust the viewing angle without detachment or image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an optical film with polarizing film is placed on the screen to narrow the viewing angle, then the peeping prevention is improved, but the viewing angle is restricted and requires detachment/reattachment of the optical film to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid crystal layer that can dynamically change its optical properties through voltage control. By applying voltage, the liquid crystal molecules reorient to switch between states that enable wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode, eliminating the need for physical detachment and reattachment of optical films.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the display device by controlling the liquid crystal layer's retardation characteristics. By adjusting the voltage across the liquid crystal layer, the phase difference between light components is modified, thereby switching between different viewing angle characteristics without physical reconfiguration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical film is fixed in a state with narrow viewing angle, then the peeping prevention is improved, but the image display at typical wide viewing angle requires removal of the optical film
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal display device dynamically adapts its viewing angle characteristics through voltage control. The liquid crystal layer can be switched between different operational states to provide either narrow viewing angle for security or wide viewing angle for normal display, maintaining versatility without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device integrates multiple viewing angle modes within a single device structure. The liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions by switching between states that enable both peeping prevention mode and normal wide viewing mode, eliminating the need for separate optical films for different viewing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If display devices use complex configurations like FFS mode or ECB mode switching, then the viewing angle switching capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the viewing angle switching function with the existing liquid crystal display structure. By utilizing the liquid crystal layer's inherent properties and controlling it through voltage, the device achieves viewing angle switching without adding separate complex mechanisms like FFS or ECB modes, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 simple switching between wide and narrow viewing angles on devices like tablet PCs and notebook PCs with a straightforward operation, maintaining image visibility while reducing complexity and aspect ratio variations.
Implementation Method 1
a functional layer which is disposed between the first polarizer and the second polarizer and is capable of switching between a state in which an in-plane retardation is 0 and a state in which the in-plane retardation is greater than 0
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first polarizer which has an absorption axis in a thickness direction; a second polarizer which has an absorption axis in a thickness direction; and a functional layer which is disposed between the first polarizer and the second polarizer and is capable of switching between a state in which an in-plane retardation is 0 and a state in which an in-plane retardation is greater than 0. A display device includes a display element; and the optical device.