Pixel Structure with Interlaced Branch Electrodes for Dual-Mode Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display technologies face challenges in meeting the requirements of both wide viewing angle and high brightness for typical displays while also needing fast response speed for virtual reality (VR) applications with a single display device.
Innovation Solution
A pixel structure with interlaced first and second branch electrodes, where the edges of the second branch electrodes have positive and negative angles relative to the alignment direction, allowing the pixel structure to switch between a normal display state for higher brightness and a VR display state with enhanced response rate by generating electric fields only with the second branch electrodes, which divide liquid crystals into domains and form disclination lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single display device is used for both typical display and VR display, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of wide viewing angle/high brightness for typical display and fast response speed for VR display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode pixel structure where the same physical pixel can dynamically switch between two operational states: a first display mode for typical displays with wide viewing angle and high brightness requirements, and a second display mode for VR displays with fast response speed requirements. The pixel structure includes first and second pixel electrodes that can be selectively activated to generate different electric field patterns, enabling the display to adapt its characteristics based on the application scenario without requiring separate hardware for each display type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal pixel structure that serves multiple functions: it can operate as a conventional display pixel for typical viewing applications, and simultaneously function as a VR display pixel for virtual reality applications. The same pixel unit includes multiple electrodes and can generate different electric field distributions to satisfy the distinct requirements of both display modes, eliminating the need for separate display devices
2Illumination intensity
If electric fields are generated by both first and second branch electrodes, then brightness is improved, but response rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel electrode structure into first and second pixel electrodes, each capable of being independently controlled. The second pixel electrode is specifically designed with branch electrodes that can be selectively activated. When fast response is needed for VR display, only the second pixel electrode is activated to generate electric fields with disclination lines. When high brightness is needed for typical display, both first and second pixel electrodes are activated to generate stronger combined electric fields
3Speed
If liquid crystals are divided into multiple domains with disclination lines, then response rate is enhanced, but brightness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control over liquid crystal domain structure. In VR display mode, the second pixel electrode alone generates electric fields that create disclination lines and divide liquid crystals into multiple domains, achieving fast response. In typical display mode, both first and second pixel electrodes are activated to generate stronger combined electric fields that maintain higher brightness while still providing adequate response performance for the application
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 pixel structure achieves higher brightness in normal display states and increased response rates in VR display states, effectively addressing the dual requirements of conventional and VR displays.
Implementation Method 1
electric fields are generated by the first branch electrodes and the second branch electrodes, thereby achieving higher brightness
Implementation Method 2
electric fields can be generated only by the second branch electrodes, such that liquid crystals are divided into plural domains and form disclination lines, thereby enhancing the response rate
Data Source
AI summary
A pixel structure includes a substrate, first and second gate lines, first and second data lines, and at least one pixel unit. The first and second gate lines and the first and second data lines are over the substrate and intersect with each other. The pixel unit is disposed on the substrate. The pixel unit includes first and second active devices, a common electrode, and first and second pixel electrodes. The first and second active devices are electrically connected to the first data line, and electrically connected to the first and second gate lines respectively. The common electrode is connected to a common potential source. The first and second pixel electrodes are over the common electrode and electrically connected to the first and second active devices respectively. At least one second branch electrode of the second pixel electrode shrinks from its one side to another side.