Switchable Viewing Angle Liquid Crystal Display Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display panels for portable electronic devices face challenges in achieving a switchable viewing angle without increasing manufacturing costs, thickness, and energy consumption, as current solutions such as shutter films, double backlight systems, and double-layer panels are inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display panel with a simpler structure, featuring a main pixel region horizontally aligned and a sub-pixel region perpendicularly aligned, using transparent conductive materials and polypropylene imine materials for alignment, where the application of bias voltage to upper substrate electrodes in the sub-pixel region allows switching between narrow and wide viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shutter shielding film is used to achieve narrow viewing angle display, then the viewing angle can be controlled, but the operation becomes inconvenient and requires carrying additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the narrow viewing angle function into the intrinsic structure of the liquid crystal display panel by creating a sub-pixel region with perpendicular alignment, eliminating the need for separate shutter shielding films or additional components. The viewing angle control is integrated directly into the pixel structure through the alignment layers and liquid crystal molecule orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic viewing angle control by applying different voltages to the sub-pixel region. When voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules in the sub-pixel region reorient to provide narrow viewing angle; when no voltage is applied, they return to their original orientation. This dynamic switching is achieved through the electrode structure and alignment layer configuration without requiring mechanical shutters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double backlight system is used to achieve switchable viewing angle, then both narrow and wide viewing angles can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost, thickness, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each pixel into a main pixel region and a sub-pixel region with different alignment configurations. The sub-pixel region uses perpendicular alignment layers to provide narrow viewing angle when activated, while the main pixel region maintains the display function. This segmentation allows viewing angle switching without requiring a complete dual backlight system, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different alignment properties to different regions of the pixel. The sub-pixel region is equipped with perpendicular alignment layers that create a specific optical effect when voltage is applied, while the rest of the pixel maintains standard alignment. This local differentiation enables viewing angle control without duplicating the entire backlight system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a double-layer liquid crystal display panel is used to control viewing angles, then viewing angle switching is achieved, but the manufacturing cost, thickness, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the viewing angle control function with the display function in a single liquid crystal layer. The sub-pixel region within the same panel structure provides narrow viewing angle control through its perpendicular alignment layers, eliminating the need for a separate control layer or additional panel, thus reducing overall thickness.
4Device complexity
If conventional liquid crystal display panel structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the viewing angle is limited due to optical anisotropy of liquid crystal molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces perpendicular alignment layers in the sub-pixel region to create a localized area with different optical properties. This local modification allows the liquid crystal molecules in the sub-pixel region to orient perpendicular to the substrate when voltage is applied, providing narrow viewing angle display, while maintaining the overall simplicity of the panel 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
Enables convenient operation and reduced manufacturing costs and energy consumption by allowing selection of viewing angle modes based on applied bias voltage, suitable for negative liquid crystal materials, and reduces the need for additional components like double backlight systems or layers.
Implementation Method 1
When no bias voltage is applied to the upper substrate electrodes in the sub-pixel region, liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the sub-pixel region do not deflect, such that large viewing angle light leakage occurs in the sub-pixel region
Implementation Method 2
When a bias voltage is applied to the upper substrate electrodes in the sub-pixel region, the liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the sub-pixel region deflect to a flat state, such that large viewing angle light leakage ceases in the sub-pixel region
Implementation Method 3
A pixel unit located in a display area comprises: a main pixel region, which is horizontally aligned, wherein pixel electrodes and common electrodes are alternately arranged on the lower substrate and spaced from one another; and a sub-pixel region, which is perpendicularly aligned
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display panel with a switchable viewing angle and a driving method thereof. A pixel unit located in a display area of the liquid crystal display panel comprises: a main pixel region, which is horizontally aligned, wherein pixel electrodes and common electrodes are alternately arranged on the lower substrate and spaced from one another; and a sub-pixel region, which is perpendicularly aligned, wherein upper substrate electrodes and corresponding pixel electrodes are arranged below the upper substrate and on the lower substrate, respectively. When no bias voltage is applied to the upper substrate electrodes in the sub-pixel region, liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the sub-pixel region do not deflect, such that large viewing angle light leakage occurs in the sub-pixel region, thereby achieving narrow viewing angle display. When a bias voltage is applied to the upper substrate electrodes in the sub-pixel region, the liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the sub-pixel region deflect to a flat state, such that large viewing angle light leakage ceases in the sub-pixel region, thereby achieving wide viewing angle display.