Privacy Display Control Apparatus for Off-Axis Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing privacy displays face issues such as high luminance loss for head-on illumination and Moiré artefacts due to micro-louvres, and user-dependent control mechanisms that fail to reliably enforce privacy modes.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a control system that automatically switches between public and privacy modes based on environmental factors, user identity, and network connections, reducing image visibility to off-axis viewers while maintaining visibility for on-axis users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If micro-louvre optical films are used to provide privacy function, then off-axis visibility is reduced, but head-on illumination suffers high luminance loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the display system by switching between different optical states (e.g., using liquid crystal panels to change transmission characteristics) rather than relying on fixed micro-louvre films. This allows the system to optimize for either privacy mode (reducing off-axis visibility) or normal mode (maintaining head-on luminance) by adjusting optical parameters dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the display's optical characteristics through switchable elements such as liquid crystal panels that can change their state based on operational mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between privacy and normal viewing conditions, resolving the static compromise of micro-louvre films.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If removable louver films are added to provide privacy mode, then privacy function is achieved, but reliable attachment and removal by users is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the privacy control function from physical removable films and integrates it into the display system's electronic control capabilities. By using electronically controlled optical elements (such as liquid crystal panels with switchable states), the system eliminates the need for physical films that require manual attachment and removal, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of removable films with an electronic control system. The privacy function is achieved through electronic switching of optical elements rather than physical attachment/detachment of films, eliminating user-dependent reliability issues.
3Ease of operation
If user must execute keystroke to enter privacy mode, then control is vested in user, but privacy control consistency and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service privacy control where the system automatically determines and applies privacy mode based on environmental sensors and contextual information without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own operating conditions and adjusts privacy settings autonomously, ensuring consistent privacy protection while reducing user burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect environmental conditions (such as location, ambient light, presence of devices) and automatically adjust privacy mode accordingly. This closed-loop system ensures reliable privacy control by continuously monitoring conditions and responding appropriately without user input.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If pitch of micro-louvre is selected for panel resolution, then privacy function is optimized, but inventory and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal optical control mechanism (such as liquid crystal panels) that can function in multiple modes (privacy, normal, adjustable) rather than requiring different physical components for different functions. This multi-functional approach reduces inventory complexity while maintaining effective privacy functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus comprises a display device capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode where an image remains visible in both the first mode and the second mode in an on-axis direction and a visibility of the image is reduced in an off-axis direction in the second mode. A control system is capable of selectively operating the display device in the first mode or the second mode and can selectively control luminance of the displayed image in the first mode based on a first function and to selectively control luminance of the displayed image in the second mode based on a second function. High image visibility can be provided for a public mode of operation while in privacy mode of operation a high visual security level may be obtained by means of controlling an image characteristic such as image luminance, contrast and white point.