Directivity-Switching Lighting With Polarization-Controlled Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display devices face challenges in dynamically switching between wide and narrow viewing angles without compromising visibility or usability, as fixed viewing angle solutions like louver films restrict visibility in oblique directions.
Innovation Solution
A directivity switching lighting device comprising a light source, polarization switching member, liquid crystal lens array, and directivity control member, which can switch between right and left circularly polarized light to control light directivity, using a liquid crystal lens array with a concentric liquid crystal alignment pattern to diffract light for wide or narrow irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a louver film with black stripes is adhered to the screen to narrow the viewing angle, then the screen is protected from peeping by peripheral third parties, but the visibility in oblique directions deteriorates and usability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid crystal lens array that can dynamically change its focal length and optical characteristics in response to applied voltage. This allows the viewing angle to be switched between narrow and wide states, transforming a static viewing angle restriction into a dynamic, controllable feature that adapts to different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the liquid crystal lens array by controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules through voltage application. This parameter control enables the lens to switch between different focal lengths and viewing angles, allowing the system to transition between security mode (narrow angle) and usability mode (wide angle).
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the viewing angle is fixed at a narrow value using a louver film, then security against peeping is improved, but the adaptability to different viewing scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal lens array provides dynamic adaptability by changing its optical properties in real-time based on voltage input. This allows the viewing angle to be adjusted between narrow and wide states, enabling the system to adapt to different scenarios such as security protection versus collaborative viewing, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed security and versatile adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional viewing angle control system where the same liquid crystal lens array can serve multiple purposes: protecting against peeping when in narrow angle mode, and enabling wide visibility when in wide angle mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate solutions for different viewing scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal lens array is used to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles, then viewing angle flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid crystal lens array with the existing lighting device structure, integrating the viewing angle control function into the backlight unit. By combining the lens array with the light source and control electronics, the system achieves viewing angle switching capability while minimizing additional complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal lens array acts as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the display panel. This intermediary component enables viewing angle control without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple separate optical systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining flexibility.
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 dynamic switching of viewing angles in liquid crystal displays, ensuring secure narrow viewing when needed and wide visibility when required, without disturbing the image from unnecessary directions.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization switching member that switches between right circularly polarized light and left circularly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal lens array; and a directivity control member that controls directivity of light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 3
using a liquid crystal lens array with a concentric liquid crystal alignment pattern to diffract light for wide or narrow irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel directivity switching lighting device that can switch the directivity of irradiated light. A light source; a polarization switching member that switches between right circularly polarized light and left circularly polarized light; a liquid crystal lens array; and a directivity control member that controls directivity of light emitted from the light source are provided, the light source, the polarization switching member, and the liquid crystal lens array are disposed in this order, and the directivity control member is disposed between the light source and the polarization switching member or between the polarization switching member and the liquid crystal lens array to achieve the object.