Segmented Polarizer for See-Through LCD Transmittance
Solution Overview
Problem
Current see-through liquid crystal display (LCD) technologies face challenges in achieving improved transmittance, allowing users to recognize both displayed images and external backgrounds effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a see-through LCD apparatus design featuring a first substrate with image regions and light-transmitting regions, a liquid crystal layer, and polarizers with distinct polarization axes, including a wire-grid polarizer, to enhance transmittance and allow for image recognition alongside external backgrounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional LCD structure is used, then image display function is achieved, but transmittance is reduced preventing clear viewing of external backgrounds
Solution Approach 1:
The display region is divided into first regions (image display regions) and second regions (light-transmitting regions). The second polarizer is correspondingly segmented into a first polarization region and a second polarization region with different polarization axes. This segmentation allows different functional zones within the same LCD apparatus, enabling simultaneous image display and high transmittance for external background viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the second polarizer are assigned different polarization axes according to their functional requirements. The first polarization region has a polarization axis perpendicular to the first polarizer for image display, while the second polarization region has a polarization axis parallel to the first polarizer for high transmittance. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between image display and transmittance.
2Illumination intensity
If a single polarization axis is used for the second polarizer, then manufacturing is simplified, but transmittance in light-transmitting regions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second polarizer is segmented into multiple polarization regions with different polarization axes. This segmentation enables the polarizer to provide different optical functions in different regions, achieving high transmittance in the second region while maintaining image display capability in the first region.
Solution Approach 2:
The second polarizer exhibits local quality variation through different polarization axes in different regions. The first polarization region has a polarization axis perpendicular to the first polarizer, while the second polarization region has a polarization axis parallel to the first polarizer. This local differentiation optimizes transmittance in light-transmitting regions without compromising overall device functionality.
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 design improves transmittance by ensuring light passes through without altering polarization in non-image regions, enabling clear viewing of both displayed content and external environments.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer disposed between two substrates and has a transmittance which is adjusted based an orientation of liquid crystals which is controlled by applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
controlled by applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
a second polarizer arranged between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer and including a first polarization region positioned in the first region and a second polarization region positioned in the second region and having a polarization axis different from a polarization axis of the first polarization region
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus including: a first substrate including a first region realizing an image and a second region which transmits external light; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first polarizer arranged on a surface of the first substrate; and a second polarizer arranged between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer and comprising a first polarization region positioned in the first region and a second polarization region positioned in the second region and having a polarization axis different from a polarization axis of the first polarization region.