Transparent Display Subpixels Using LC Light Steering for Higher Transmittance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses face challenges in enhancing aperture ratio and light transmittance due to structural limitations and the presence of polarizers, which reduce brightness and limit the development of transparent display technology.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a light transmission direction controller that adjusts grayscale by controlling the light distribution ratio between a light transmissive part and a light blocking part in each subpixel, utilizing a liquid crystal layer and liquid crystal control electrodes to form a liquid crystal lens or grating, and optionally eliminating the need for polarizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polarizers are used in the display apparatus, then the liquid crystal display function is achieved, but the light transmittance is reduced and brightness is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the polarizer component from the display apparatus structure. By extracting this harmful element, the invention eliminates the light transmittance reduction and brightness loss that polarizers cause, while maintaining liquid crystal display functionality through alternative light control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the polarizer-based optical system with a liquid crystal lens/grating system that uses refractive index modulation controlled by electric fields. This substitution eliminates the need for polarizers and achieves light control through a different physical mechanism, improving light transmittance while maintaining display function
2Productivity
If traditional display structures are used, then the display apparatus functions, but the aperture ratio cannot be further enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic liquid crystal structures (lenses and gratings) that can be electrically controlled to modulate light transmission. This dynamic control allows the aperture ratio to be optimized for different display modes and requirements, enabling enhanced light utilization without compromising display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the liquid crystal material through electric field application, enabling precise control over light transmission and direction. This parameter modulation allows for optimized aperture ratio in different operational states, improving overall light efficiency
3Ease of operation
If light transmission direction is controlled using liquid crystal layer, then grayscale adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light transmission direction control function with the grayscale control function into a single integrated liquid crystal layer system. By merging these functions, the invention achieves grayscale adjustment through light direction control rather than requiring separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a light transmission direction controller and a grayscale control element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining precise grayscale adjustment capability
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
Increases light transmittance and brightness, allowing for both opaque and transparent display modes, and enhances pixel aperture ratio without the use of polarizers.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of liquid crystal control electrodes are configured to control the liquid crystal layer to form a liquid crystal lens layer; or, where the plurality of liquid crystal control electrodes are configured to control the liquid crystal layer to form a liquid crystal grating
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of liquid crystal control electrodes are configured to adjust an equivalent refractive index of the liquid crystal layer in each individual one of the plurality of subpixels, thereby adjusting a difference between the equivalent refractive index of the liquid crystal layer and a refractive index of a respective one of the plurality of grayscale gratings
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~3B
AI summary
A display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a back light module; a light transmission direction controller on a light emitting side of the back light module; and a plurality of subpixels on a side of the light transmission direction controller away from the back light module, each individual one of the plurality of subpixels including a light transmissive part and a light blocking part. The back light module is configured to emit light toward the plurality of subpixels. The light transmission direction controller is configured to independently adjust a grayscale of each individual one of the plurality of subpixels by independently controlling a light distribution ratio between a first portion of light transmitted through the light transmissive part and a second portion of light blocked by the light blocking part in each individual one of the plurality of subpixels.