Switchable Single-Axis Diffuser for Display Brightness Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices face challenges with insufficient brightness and poor contrast when used outdoors due to strong external light, as increasing light sources or current to the backlight module either raises costs or reduces the service life and increases power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a switchable single-axis diffuser that adjusts light distribution patterns based on external light conditions, concentrating light in a narrower angle for higher intensity in bright environments and diffusing it for a wider angle in dim environments, without the need for additional light sources or increased current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If more light sources are used in the backlight module, then brightness is improved, but manufacture cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the backlight module by introducing a light concentrating film that redirects scattered light into a narrower viewing angle, concentrating the luminous flux to increase brightness in the forward direction without adding more light sources or increasing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The light concentrating film acts as an intermediary element between the backlight module and the display panel, modifying the light distribution pattern by concentrating scattered light into a narrower angle, thereby improving brightness efficiency without requiring additional light sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a higher current is used to drive the backlight module, then brightness is improved, but service life is reduced and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light distribution parameters by using a light concentrating film to redirect light at specific angles, concentrating the existing light output to improve perceived brightness without increasing drive current, thereby preserving light source service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the viewing angle characteristics through the light concentrating film, which concentrates light in the forward direction while maintaining the ability to provide adequate brightness without pushing the backlight module beyond its normal operating current limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the view angle is widened, then viewing flexibility is improved, but luminous intensity in the forward direction is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing flexibilityVSAvoidluminous intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the light distribution parameters by using a light concentrating film to create a concentrated beam in the forward direction (narrower half-viewing angle), which increases luminous intensity where needed while maintaining adequate viewing flexibility for typical use cases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides clear image visibility in both bright and dim conditions while maintaining energy efficiency and extending the service life of the light sources, and also offers privacy protection by adjusting luminous intensity beyond a certain view angle range.

Implementation Method 1

A display device with a switchable single-axis diffuser that adjusts light distribution patterns based on external light conditions, concentrating light in a narrower angle for higher intensity in bright environments and diffusing it for a wider angle in dim environments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3343282B1Display device
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • EP3343282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3A
  • EP3343282B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~5
  • EP3343282B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

A display device includes a backlight module generating an emitting light having a first light distribution pattern, a switchable single-axis diffuser and a display panel. The first light distribution pattern has a light intensity exceeding a predetermined value within a first view angle range in a first direction. When the switchable single-axis diffuser is switched to a transparent mode, the emitting light passes through the switchable single-axis diffuser and maintains the first light distribution pattern. When the switchable single-axis diffuser is switched to a diffusion mode, the emitting light passes through the switchable single-axis diffuser and converts to a second light distribution pattern having the luminous intensity exceeding the predetermined value within a range of a second view angle in a first direction. The second view angle range is larger than the first view angle range.