Switchable Transparent Display Panel with Active Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transparent display devices using liquid crystal display (LCD) panels are passive and rely on backlight, resulting in low contrast and limited application due to their inability to emit light, making them unsuitable for high-quality human-computer interaction.
Innovation Solution
A display panel comprising sub-pixel units with a first active emitting display area and a second display area that can switch between transparent and opaque states, utilizing liquid crystal or electrochromic units to enable both transparent and normal display modes with high contrast, allowing for augmented reality applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional LCD panels are used for transparent display, then transparency is achieved, but contrast is low and light emission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines active emitting display units (OLED or microLED) with switchable transparent/opaque regions in a single integrated display panel structure. The active emitting units provide self-generated light with high contrast, while the switchable regions use liquid crystal or electrochromic materials to control transparency, merging the advantages of both display technologies into one system that maintains both high contrast and transparency capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display high-contrast images through active emitting units, maintain transparency when not displaying, and switch between transparent and opaque states. This multi-functional design allows the same panel to serve both as a transparent window and as a high-quality display device, eliminating the need for separate components.
2Illumination intensity
If active emitting display units are added to achieve high contrast, then display quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is segmented into distinct functional regions: active emitting display units for high-contrast image display and switchable transparent/opaque regions for transparency control. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system, managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel incorporates dynamically switchable regions that can transition between transparent and opaque states based on display requirements. This dynamic capability allows the panel to adapt its properties in real-time, providing high contrast when needed while maintaining transparency when display is not required, thereby managing overall system complexity through conditional functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switchable transparent and opaque regions are implemented, then application versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining different display technologies (active emitting materials like OLED or microLED with liquid crystal or electrochromic materials) in a single integrated panel. This composite approach enables the panel to exhibit multiple properties (high contrast, transparency, switchability) simultaneously, achieving application versatility while managing manufacturing through established composite material fabrication techniques.
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 display panel achieves high contrast and richer applications by enabling both transparent and normal display modes, enhancing human-computer interaction and expanding its use in fields like gaming, medical treatment, and military applications.
Implementation Method 1
Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) is a material in which a liquid crystal is dispersed in an organic solid polymeric matrix in the form of droplets in micrometers. As an optical axis of a droplet formed by liquid crystal molecules is freely aligned, the refractive index of the droplet is unmatched with the refractive index of the organic solid polymeric matrix, so light is intensely scattered by the droplet when running through the organic solid polymeric matrix, and hence the opaque state is achieved. The application of the electric field may adjust the alignment of the optical axis of the liquid crystal droplet.
Implementation Method 2
When the refractive index of both is matched, the transparent state is achieved.
Implementation Method 3
light is intensely scattered by the droplet when running through the organic solid polymeric matrix
Implementation Method 4
Electrochromic (EC) materials refer to materials of which the optical properties (e.g., light transmittance) have stable and reversible color change under the action of an external electric field. Therefore, the light transmittance of the EC materials may be controlled by control of the electric field.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel, a display method thereof, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixel units. Each of the sub-pixel units includes a first display area and a second display area; the first display area includes an active emitting display unit; and the second display area is configured to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state.