Switchable Polarizing Element for Mirror-Display Mode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices with switchable mirror and display functions suffer from interference between mirror and display images, affecting vision quality and limiting the ability to configure regions for both modes simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A display device comprising a display panel, a polarizing element, and a reflective polarizer, where the polarizing element is switchable between polarizing and non-polarizing modes, allowing independent operation of mirror and display modes in different regions by adjusting the absorption axis and electrical potential across transparent electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective polarizer is added to implement mirror function, then the display can function as both display and mirror, but the mirror image and display image easily interfere with each other affecting vision quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display panel into multiple independently controllable regions, where each region can be independently set to mirror mode or display mode. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions simultaneously, reducing interference between mirror and display images by spatially separating their operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a switchable polarizing element that can dynamically change its polarization state between polarizing and non-polarizing modes based on applied voltage. This dynamic switching capability allows the display to transition between mirror and display modes in real-time, enabling adaptive functionality while maintaining image quality by controlling the polarizing state to prevent interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective polarizer is added to implement mirror function, then the display can function as both display and mirror, but the user cannot configure the panel to exhibit mirror image in some regions and display image in other regions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display panel into multiple independently controllable regions, where each region can be independently set to mirror mode or display mode. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions simultaneously, reducing interference between mirror and display images by spatially separating their operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by allowing each region of the display panel to have independent polarization control. The switchable polarizing element can be controlled to have different polarization states in different regions, enabling mirror function in some regions and display function in other regions simultaneously, thus providing spatially differentiated functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the polarizing element is in polarizing mode, then the absorption axis absorbs polarized light, but the display cannot show clear images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a switchable polarizing element that can dynamically change its polarization state between polarizing and non-polarizing modes based on applied voltage. This dynamic switching capability allows the display to transition between mirror and display modes in real-time, enabling adaptive functionality while maintaining image quality by controlling the polarizing state to prevent interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization parameter of the polarizing element by applying voltage to alter its absorption characteristics. When voltage is applied, the polarizing element transitions from absorbing polarized light (mirror mode) to allowing light transmission (display mode). This parameter change enables the system to switch between functional modes while maintaining optimal optical performance for each mode.
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 effectively reduces interference between mirror and display images, enabling configuration of display regions for either mode as needed, thereby improving vision quality and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
When the polarizing element is operated in the polarizing mode, the absorption axis of the polarizing element absorbs the polarized light in a polarization direction parallel with the absorption axis
Implementation Method 2
When the polarizing element is operated in the non-polarizing mode, the polarizing element allows the polarized light emitted from the display panel to pass there through
Implementation Method 3
The reflective polarizer has a reflection axis and a transmission axis. When the polarizing element is operated in the polarizing mode, the absorption axis of the polarizing element is substantially parallel with the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a display device switchable between a mirror mode and a display mode. The display device includes a display panel, a polarizing element and a reflective polarizer. The display panel has a light-emitting surface for emitting a polarized light. The polarizing element has an absorption axis, and is disposed on a side adjacent to the light-emitting surface. The polarizing element is switchable between a polarizing mode and a non-polarizing mode. When the polarizing element is operated in the polarizing mode, the polarizing element absorbs a polarized light in the polarization direction parallel with the absorption axis. When the polarizing element is operated in the non-polarizing mode, the polarizing element allows the polarized light emitted from the display panel to pass there through. The reflective polarizer is disposed between the display panel and the polarizing element.