Staggered-Electrode Liquid Crystal Module for Privacy Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices with wide viewing angles compromise privacy by allowing others to view sensitive information, and existing privacy protection methods like brightness adjustment or films reduce overall transmittance and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A light modulation module with staggered control electrodes and liquid crystal molecules that adjust refractive indices to control viewing angles, using a structure with alternating control electrode layers and dielectric layers to minimize power consumption and maintain transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the viewing angle of the display apparatus is large, then the display is more accessible and convenient, but others can see the content displayed on the display apparatus, resulting in privacy leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the liquid crystal layer's refractive index through multiple control electrode layers that can be independently activated. This allows the display to dynamically adjust its viewing angle characteristics - maintaining wide viewing angles for normal use while switching to narrow viewing angles for privacy protection when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the liquid crystal layer by applying different voltages to control electrodes, which alters the refractive index and thereby controls the viewing angle. This parameter change enables the display to switch between privacy-protecting mode and normal viewing mode
2Object-affected harmful factors
If brightness adjustment or privacy films are used to protect privacy, then privacy is protected, but the overall transmittance is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by using multiple control electrode layers that can independently modulate different regions of the liquid crystal layer. This allows privacy protection to be applied selectively to specific areas or viewing angles without uniformly reducing transmittance across the entire display, thereby minimizing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent activation of control electrodes to achieve privacy protection only when needed, rather than continuously maintaining privacy mode. This periodic action reduces power consumption while still providing effective privacy protection during critical moments
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control electrode layers are used to control viewing angles, then viewing angle control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control electrode structure into multiple independent control electrode layers, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows for precise viewing angle control by activating specific layers as needed, while the modular design actually simplifies the overall control architecture compared to a single complex electrode structure
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 module effectively reduces viewing angles to protect privacy while maintaining normal display performance and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal layer includes first liquid crystal molecules. Orthographic projections of control electrodes included in two control electrode layers of the at least two control electrode layers on the second substrate are staggered in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
adjust refractive indices to control viewing angles
Data Source
AI summary
A light modulation module includes at least one light modulation unit. A light modulation unit includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a common electrode layer and a control electrode sub-module. The liquid crystal layer includes first liquid crystal molecules. The control electrode sub-module includes at least two control electrode layers and a dielectric layer; each control electrode layer includes a plurality of control electrodes. Orthographic projections of control electrodes included in two control electrode layers of the at least two control electrode layers on the second substrate are staggered in the first direction; for orthographic projections of the control electrodes included in at least two control electrode layers on the second substrate, adjacent orthographic projections are connected.