Transflective LCD Panel with Rough Dielectric Layer for Viewing Angle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transflective LCDs face poor display performance due to low reflection efficiency and suboptimal viewing angles, especially when ambient light is insufficient or excessive.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a dielectric layer with a rough structure featuring convex and concave portions on the LCD panel, which enhances reflection efficiency by directing reflected light to a preferred viewing angle through the use of a reflective electrode connected via contact holes to switch units and capacitor bottom electrodes, forming a storage capacitor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a reflective electrode is used in a transflective LCD to improve display performance when ambient light is bright, then the display performance in bright ambient light is improved, but the reflection efficiency remains insufficient and viewing angle is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay brightnessVSAvoidreflection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming convex portions on the dielectric layer surface. These convex portions have curved surfaces that reflect ambient light at specific angles, directing the reflected light toward the user's viewing position. This curved surface design transforms the flat reflective electrode into a structured optical element that actively controls light direction, thereby improving both reflection efficiency and viewing angle simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If a conventional reflective electrode is used, then the structure is simple, but the reflection direction is not optimized for user viewing and reflection efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidreflection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating convex portions with specific geometric parameters (height h, width w, and slant angle α) at specific locations on the dielectric layer. Each convex portion is designed with optimized dimensions to control the reflection angle of incident light. This localized structural modification allows different regions of the display to have optimized optical properties, improving reflection efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the dielectric layer has a rough structure with convex portions, then the reflection efficiency and viewing angle are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflection efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric parameters of the convex portions (height h, width w, slant angle α) to achieve the desired optical performance. By carefully selecting these parameters, the patent ensures that the convex portions can be formed using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques such as photolithography and etching. The parameter optimization allows the rough structure to be manufactured with existing process capabilities, minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity

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

This design significantly improves reflection efficiency and optimizes the viewing angle, addressing the limitations of conventional transflective LCDs by increasing light reflection and maintaining effective display performance across varying ambient light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the side wall of the convex portion has a slant angle θ... the reflection direction is not always the best viewing angle for the user... enhances reflection efficiency by directing reflected light to a preferred viewing angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7986385B2LCD panel
Publication Date: 2011.07.26 AU OPTRONICS CORP
  • US7986385B2 patent drawing
  • US7986385B2 patent drawing
  • US7986385B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid crystal display panel is provided. The LCD panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate parallel to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween. The first substrate, having a plurality of sub-pixels, includes a first base, an array of switch units, a dielectric layer, and a reflective electrode. The switch units are disposed on the first substrate wherein a first switch unit of the array of switch units is located at one of the sub-pixels. The dielectric layer, formed on the array of switch units, has at least one contact. The dielectric layer has a rough structure with concave portions and convex portions. The convex portion has a height t, and a width d, as well as the side wall of the convex portion have a slant angle θ, wherein the width d, is not less than 2*t*cotθ. The reflective electrode is disposed on the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the first switch unit through the contact.