Pixel Structure Switching Between Wide and Narrow Viewing Angle Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices are limited to either a wide viewing angle mode or a narrow viewing angle mode, failing to provide a solution for switching between the two based on user preference for privacy purposes.

Innovation Solution

A pixel structure and display panel design that includes a first and second gate line, a data line, a pixel unit with active elements and sub-pixel electrodes, and a counter electrode on a second substrate, allowing for the generation of perpendicular or horizontal electric fields to control the orientation of liquid crystal material, enabling switching between wide and narrow viewing angle modes by adjusting the electrical potential of the counter electrode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional display devices use a single viewing angle mode (either wide or narrow), then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user needs is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle mode adaptabilityVSAvoidpixel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel structure is designed to perform multiple functions by enabling switching between wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode through the same physical structure. The counter electrode can be configured to generate either perpendicular or horizontal electric fields, allowing the display device to adapt to different viewing requirements without requiring separate devices or complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device incorporates dynamic switching capability between different viewing angle modes. By controlling the electrical potential of the counter electrode, the system can dynamically change the orientation of liquid crystal molecules and the direction of electric fields, thereby transitioning between wide and narrow viewing angle modes based on real-time user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional display devices are fixed in one viewing angle mode, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the privacy protection capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakageVSAvoidelectrode configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the electrical parameter (electrical potential) of the counter electrode to control the viewing angle mode. By adjusting the voltage applied to the counter electrode, the liquid crystal molecules reorient themselves, changing the light leakage characteristics. This parameter-based control allows dynamic adjustment of privacy protection without modifying the physical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The counter electrode serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the applied voltage and the liquid crystal orientation. By controlling the counter electrode's electrical potential, the system indirectly controls the light leakage and viewing angle characteristics, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for privacy protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the counter electrode is configured to generate perpendicular electric field for narrow viewing angle mode, then privacy protection is improved, but the viewing angle flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle controlVSAvoidmode switching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic mode switching by changing the electrical configuration of the counter electrode. The same counter electrode can be switched between generating perpendicular electric fields (narrow viewing angle mode for privacy) and horizontal electric fields (wide viewing angle mode for normal viewing). This dynamic reconfiguration maintains adaptability while providing enhanced privacy protection when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 selective operation in either wide or narrow viewing angle mode, optimizing viewing conditions based on user needs by controlling light leakage and liquid crystal orientation, thereby enhancing display performance and privacy.

Implementation Method 1

the counter electrode is configured to apply an electrical potential such that a perpendicular electric field is formed between the counter electrode and the first sub-pixel electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

allowing for the generation of perpendicular or horizontal electric fields to control the orientation of liquid crystal material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation control: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS8780308B2Pixel structure and display panel
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 AU OPTRONICS (SUZHOU) CORP LTD
  • US8780308B2 patent drawing
  • US8780308B2 patent drawing
  • US8780308B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a pixel structure switchable between a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode. The pixel structure includes a first substrate, a first and a second gate lines, a data line, a pixel unit, a second substrate and a display medium. The pixel unit includes a first active element, a second active element, a first sub-pixel electrode, a second sub-pixel electrode, and a common electrode. The first and second sub-pixel electrodes are respectively electrically connected to the first and second active elements. The common electrode is opposite to the first and second sub-pixel electrodes. The second substrate has a counter electrode disposed on a surface facing the first substrate. The counter electrode is corresponding to the first sub-pixel electrode.