PNLC PDLC and Guest-Host LCD Stack for Display Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with light control features face challenges in maintaining optical performance across different display modes in bright and dark environments, particularly due to issues with air gaps and optical performance under ambient light.
Innovation Solution
A light control display stack comprising a polymer networked liquid crystal (PNLC) or polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display and a guest-host (G-H) liquid crystal display, with an adhesive layer to eliminate air gaps, allowing the PNLC/PDLC display to switch between transparent and scattering states and the G-H LCD to switch between transparent and opaque states, optimizing light transmission and reflection in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light control display stack with PNLC/PDLC and G-H LCD is used to improve visibility in different environments, then optical performance is improved, but air gaps between layers cause degradation in display quality and contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PNLC/PDLC display layer and G-H LCD layer into a single integrated light control display stack, eliminating air gaps between the layers. This merging ensures optimal optical coupling and maintains high display quality and contrast ratios while achieving reliable optical performance in both bright and dark environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary between the PNLC/PDLC display and G-H LCD layers. This adhesive mediator eliminates air gaps and ensures direct optical coupling, thereby maintaining high display quality and contrast while enabling reliable light control performance across different environmental conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If the PNLC/PDLC display is used to switch between transparent and scattering states for light control, then light transmission is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PNLC/PDLC display and G-H LCD into a single integrated stack with predetermined alignment, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly alignment procedures. This integration maintains excellent light transmission control while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs alignment preparation in advance during the manufacturing process, with layers being pre-aligned and bonded together in a controlled factory environment. This preliminary alignment action ensures precise optical coupling while simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing on-site alignment complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the G-H LCD switches between transparent and opaque states for image display, then display versatility is improved, but optical performance degradation occurs due to air gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the G-H LCD and PNLC/PDLC display into a single integrated stack, eliminating air gaps that would otherwise degrade optical performance. This merging enables versatile display mode switching while maintaining reliable optical performance across all modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an adhesive layer as an intermediary to eliminate air gaps between the G-H LCD and PNLC/PDLC display layers. This mediator ensures consistent optical performance while the system maintains adaptability to switch between different display modes for various environmental conditions.
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 improves visibility performance in both bright and dark environments by ensuring effective light management and maintaining optical performance without the drawbacks of air gaps, enhancing display clarity and contrast ratios.
Implementation Method 1
The PNLC or PDLC display defines a plurality of first pixels and is switchable between a scattering state and a first display state. In the first display state, each of the plurality of first pixels of the PNLC or PDLC display is configured to be turned on to become transparent or be turned off to become translucent, and in the scattering state, each of the plurality of first pixels of the PNLC or PDLC display is configured to be turned off.
Implementation Method 2
The G-H LCD defines a plurality of second pixels and is switchable between a transparent state and a second display state. In the second display state, each of the plurality of second pixels of the G-H LCD is configured to be turned off to transmit light emitted internally by a light source of the G-H LCD or be turned on to become opaque, and in the transparent state, each of the plurality of second pixels of the G-H LCD is configured to be turned off to become transparent.
Implementation Method 3
the light control display stack further comprises an adhesive layer disposed between the PNLC or PDLC display and the G-H LCD, such that no air gap exists between the PNLC or PDLC display and the G-H LCD
Data Source
AI summary
A light control device and a display device using the same. The light control device includes a polymer networked liquid crystal (PNLC) or polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display switchable between a scattering state and a first display state, and a guest-host (G-H) liquid crystal display (LCD) switchable between a transparent state and a second display state. A light source of the G-H LCD is disposed at a side of the PNLC or PDLC display and aligned to its liquid crystal layer. In a first operational mode, the PNLC or PDLC display is switched to the first display state, and the G-H LCD is switched to the transparent state and becomes transparent. In a second operational mode, the G-H LCD is switched to the second display state, and the PNLC or PDLC display is switched to the scattering state to function as a light guide layer for the G-H LCD.