Pixel Circuit for Selective Narrow and Wide Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies lack the ability to control viewing angles on a pixel-by-pixel basis, particularly for applications in vehicles where private and shared content needs to be displayed separately.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design that includes a switch circuit and mode control part to selectively activate first and second light-emitting elements in different modes, allowing for narrow and wide viewing angles on a pixel-by-pixel basis, using a compensation part to supply current to these elements based on mode selection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable viewing angle technology is implemented to allow selective visibility to users within narrow or wide viewing angle ranges, then the adaptability of the display device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional control circuits and multiple light-emitting elements per pixel
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is divided into multiple light-emitting elements (first and second light-emitting elements) with different viewing angle characteristics. Each element can be independently controlled through separate control lines (first and second control signal lines), allowing the display to segment the viewing angle control function across multiple elements within each pixel.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device dynamically switches between different viewing angle modes by activating different light-emitting elements based on control signals. The switch circuit changes the operational state of each light-emitting element in real-time, enabling transition between narrow viewing angle mode (for private content) and wide viewing angle mode (for shared content) without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pixel-by-pixel viewing angle control is implemented using switch circuits and mode control parts, then the adaptability is improved, but the power consumption increases due to additional active components per pixel
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry for viewing angle selection is merged with the existing pixel structure by integrating the switch circuit and mode control part within each pixel. The first and second control signal lines are combined with the data and gate lines, allowing dual functionality (brightness control and viewing angle control) to be achieved through integrated circuitry rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode control part operates periodically in synchronization with the display refresh cycle, switching between different light-emitting elements at predetermined intervals. This periodic operation allows the system to alternate between narrow and wide viewing angle modes in a time-multiplexed manner, reducing the average power consumption compared to continuously operating all control circuits at full capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting elements and control circuits are added to enable viewing angle selection, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second control signal lines serve multiple functions: they control both the brightness and viewing angle of each pixel. The same control infrastructure is used for different operating modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and simplifying the manufacturing process by reusing existing pixel structures and control pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves different viewing angle characteristics by changing the operational parameters of the light-emitting elements rather than requiring fundamentally different hardware configurations. By adjusting which elements are activated (first, second, or both) and controlling their drive currents through the mode control part, the system achieves variable viewing angles through parameter modulation, simplifying manufacturing compared to physically reconfigurable structures.
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 independent control of viewing angles for each pixel, reducing circuit elements and wires, minimizing power consumption, and extending the display panel's lifespan while optimizing pixel area control.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting element configured to emit a same color light with a narrow viewing angle
Implementation Method 2
a second light emitting element configured to emit the same color light with a wider viewing angle wider than the narrow viewing angle
Implementation Method 3
a hemispherical shaped lens disposed over the first light emitting element
Implementation Method 4
a semi-cylindrical shaped lens disposed over the second light emitting element
Data Source
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AI summary
A display panel can include a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of power lines, and a plurality of pixels. Also, each of the plurality of pixels can include a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a compensation part configured to supply a current to the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element, a switch circuit, and a mode control part. The switch circuit is configured to in response to receiving a mode selection signal, supply the current to the first light-emitting element in a first mode, and supply the current to the second light-emitting element in a second mode or to supply the current to both of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element in the second mode. Also, the mode control part is configured to supply the mode selection signal to the switch circuit.