Retardation Element Polarizer Selective Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems with polymer dispersed liquid crystal layers are not convenient for displaying images to only one user, as they allow image recognition from both sides, which can be inconvenient depending on the intended image display.
Innovation Solution
A display system comprising a first display panel with a retardation element imparting a ½-wavelength phase difference and a polarizer that absorbs linearly polarized light, allowing selective visibility of the display image from specific sides by controlling the phase difference and absorption of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display panel with polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer is used to enable image display, then images can be displayed and viewed from both sides, but the image becomes visible from both sides which is inconvenient when only one user should see the image
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into two distinct viewing paths: one for the user wearing glasses (who sees the displayed image) and one for the user not wearing glasses (who sees only the background). The optical element divides the viewing experience into separate channels, allowing selective information delivery to different users.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical element (polarizer or birefringent element) is introduced as an intermediary between the display panel and the viewer. This intermediary modifies the optical properties of the display output, creating different visual experiences for different users based on whether they wear the prescribed glasses.
2Illumination intensity
If the display panel is made transparent to allow background visibility, then users can see through the display, but users on both sides can visually recognize the displayed image which reduces privacy and control
Solution Approach 1:
The optical properties of the display system are made non-uniform across different viewing angles and positions. The display panel maintains transparency for background visibility, but the optical element creates localized optical effects that selectively control image visibility for specific users in specific positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters (polarization state, phase difference) of the light transmitted through the display panel are changed by the optical element. This transforms the uniformly transparent display into a system with differential optical properties, where the same physical panel produces different visual outcomes for different users.
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
This configuration enhances convenience by allowing users on one side to see the display image while preventing visibility from the other side, improving transparency and enabling easier communication between users facing each other.
Implementation Method 1
a retardation element imparting a 1⁄2-wavelength phase difference to transmitted linearly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a polarizer that absorbs linearly polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display system includes a first display panel having a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and a first display area that is visibly recognizable from the first surface side and the second surface side, and an optical element overlapping with a part of the first display area. The optical element includes at least one of a polarizer absorbing linearly polarized light and a retardation element imparting a ½-wavelength phase difference to transmitted linearly polarized light.