Peeping Prevention Structure Using Charged Light-Absorbing Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices lack effective peeping prevention mechanisms to restrict viewing angles and prevent information from being seen by unintended users, especially in scenarios where privacy is a concern.

Innovation Solution

A peeping prevention structure comprising transparent columnar cavities filled with charged light-absorbing particles between electrodes, which can be controlled by an electric field to switch between states of uniform diffusion and concentration, thereby restricting or allowing viewing angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wide viewing angle display is used, then users at different viewing angles can see the displayed information, but unintended users can also view the information, compromising privacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidprivacy leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the display structure switchable between two states: a first state where light-absorbing particles are uniformly distributed allowing wide viewing angles, and a second state where particles concentrate at cavity ends creating viewing angle restrictions. This dynamic transformation enables the display to adapt between privacy protection and normal viewing modes based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing an electric field to alter the spatial distribution of light-absorbing particles within the cavities. By changing the electrical parameter (applying or removing electric field), the physical state of the particles transitions between uniform distribution and concentrated states, thereby changing the optical properties and viewing angle characteristics of the display

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a peeping prevention mechanism is added to restrict viewing angles, then privacy is protected, but the display structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing light-absorbing particles specifically within the cavities rather than throughout the entire display structure. The particles are confined to localized regions (cavities) and their distribution state (uniform or concentrated) determines the local optical properties, enabling privacy protection only in specific viewing zones without affecting the overall display structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite materials by combining light-absorbing particles with the cavity structure to create a new functional material system. This composite structure integrates the optical absorption properties of particles with the geometric confinement of cavities, achieving privacy protection functionality while maintaining relatively simple structural composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If light-absorbing particles are uniformly distributed, then wide viewing angle is achieved, but peeping prevention function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidpeeping prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between two distinct states of particle distribution through controlled application and removal of electric fields. The system periodically switches between the first state (uniform distribution for wide viewing) and the second state (concentrated particles for privacy protection), allowing sequential access to different functional modes based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively restricts viewing angles to prevent information from being seen by others while allowing normal display functionality, enhancing privacy and reducing manufacturing complexity with trapezoidal cavity designs.

Implementation Method 1

the charged light-absorbing particles are configured to, under a control of an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, be uniformly diffused in the transparent columnar cavity or be concentrated at an end of the transparent columnar cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field control: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

each of the plurality of transparent columnar cavities filled with charged light-absorbing particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11567387B2Peeping prevention structure, display device and display method
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECH CO LTD
  • US11567387B2 patent drawing
  • US11567387B2 patent drawing
  • US11567387B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A peeping prevention structure, a display device and a display method are provided. The peeping prevention structure includes: a first electrode and a second electrode opposite to each other; a plurality of transparent columnar cavities between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a plurality of opening regions are defined between the plurality of transparent columnar cavities, and each of the plurality of transparent columnar cavities is filled with charged light-absorbing particles; wherein, the charged light-absorbing particles are configured to, under a control of an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, be uniformly diffused in the transparent columnar cavity or be concentrated at an end of the transparent columnar cavity.