Phase Change Light Shutter for Transparent Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transparent display devices suffer from image distortion and invisibility issues due to their transparent light transmission regions, especially when the background is brighter than the image, making it difficult for users to clearly recognize the displayed image.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a pixel structure with a light shutter system that includes a phase change layer with temperature-dependent optical properties, allowing for selective transmission or blocking of incident light, enabling the device to function as either a transparent or opaque display based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light transmission region is made transparent to allow viewing of rear objects, then the transparency is improved, but the image visibility and clarity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmission region incorporates a light shutter that can dynamically change between transparent and opaque states. The shutter includes a phase change layer that transitions between crystalline (transparent) and amorphous (opaque) states based on applied voltage, allowing the display to adapt between viewing rear objects and displaying images in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the light transmission region are changed by controlling the phase state of the phase change material through voltage application. When voltage is applied, the material transitions from crystalline to amorphous state, changing light transmittance from high to low, thereby controlling whether the region appears transparent or opaque
2Illumination intensity
If the background is brighter than the image, then the lighting condition is improved, but the image becomes invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The light shutter is activated in advance to block excessive background light before it can interfere with image visibility. By switching the light transmission region to opaque state when needed, the system prevents the harmful effect of bright background overwhelming the displayed image
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 enhances image visibility by controlling light transmittance through temperature-induced phase changes in the phase change material, allowing the device to adapt to different lighting conditions and user preferences, thereby improving the clarity of both rear and front-side objects.
Implementation Method 1
The phase change layer may include a phase change material of which optical property may be changed depending on temperature
Implementation Method 2
A light transmittance of the phase change layer may be changed depending on the crystallization state of the phase change material
Implementation Method 3
the light shutter may further include a heat generation layer disposed between the first electrode and the phase change layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device may include a pixel and a light shutter. The pixel may include a first region and a second region. The light shutter may be disposed in the second region. The light shutter may include a first electrode, a heat generation layer disposed on the first electrode, and a phase change layer disposed on the heat generation layer. The phase change layer may include a phase change material of which optical property is changed depending on temperature.