Sampled Light Redirecting Layer for LCD Viewing Angle Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) devices have a narrow acceptable viewing angle due to the anisotropic refractive index of liquid crystal molecules, leading to reduced image visibility when viewed from the side compared to a frontal position.
Innovation Solution
A sampled light redirecting layer with interleaved optical path changing patterns of different refractive indices is introduced between the liquid crystal display panel's substrates, altering the direction of light rays by reflection or refraction to enhance side visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional liquid crystal display structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but viewing angle is narrow and side visibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation layer is divided into multiple optical path changing patterns with different refractive indices arranged in interleaved regions. This segmentation allows different light rays to be directed to different viewing angles simultaneously, expanding the overall viewing angle while keeping each individual pattern relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the compensation layer are assigned different optical path changing patterns with specific refractive indices tailored to their local functions. This local differentiation enables precise control over light ray directions for specific viewing angles, improving side visibility without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
2Ease of operation
If liquid crystal molecules are used, then display function is achieved, but image visibility changes with viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation layer acts as an intermediary component between the liquid crystal display panel and the viewer. It receives light rays from the panel and redirects them to appropriate viewing angles, mediating the interaction between the fixed liquid crystal molecules and the variable viewing conditions to maintain consistent image visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path changing patterns utilize different refractive indices as key parameters to control light ray directions. By varying the refractive index parameter across different patterns, the system can direct light to different viewing angles, compensating for the anisotropic properties of liquid crystal molecules.
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 expands the viewing angle and improves visibility of the LCD by directing light rays appropriately, maintaining image quality across a wider range of viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
some of the light rays sampled out of the output of the rest of a liquid crystal display panel are directed in a first direction by means of reflection or refraction
Implementation Method 2
some of the light rays sampled out of the output of the rest of a liquid crystal display panel are directed in a first direction by means of reflection or refraction
Data Source
AI summary
The viewing angle of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) apparatus is expanded by means of a sampled light redirecting layer, In one embodiment, the sampled light redirecting layer is formed as a compensation layer disposed between a top polarizing plate and the rest of a liquid crystal display panel having a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. The compensation layer includes at least two optical path changing patterns disposed in interleaved manner. The two optical path changing patterns have different refractive indexes. As a result of the different refractive indices and shapes of the at least two different optical path changing patterns some of the light rays sampled out of the output of the rest of a liquid crystal display panel are directed in a first direction by means of reflection or refraction and some are directed in a different second direction, thereby improving a side visibility of the display apparatus.