Transparent Display Using Reflective Liquid Crystal and External Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transparent display technologies face challenges in achieving high transparency and visibility under various light conditions, particularly when exposed to external light, and often require additional light-absorbing layers which can reduce transmissivity.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration featuring a light-modulating layer between two transparent substrates, with color filters and electrodes that adjust light dispersibility based on electric fields, allowing for the use of both external and illumination light to enhance transparency and visibility, and incorporating a light source unit to optimize image display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional light-absorbing layers are added to improve visibility under external light, then visibility is improved, but light transmissivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the display panel by using a reflective type liquid crystal display with specific alignment layers and optical compensation films. The system utilizes external light reflection rather than absorption, changing the fundamental parameter from light absorption to light reflection to achieve visibility while maintaining high transmissivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of external light (which causes glare and reduces visibility in conventional displays) into a beneficial resource by using a reflective type liquid crystal display that actively utilizes external light for image display. The light that would normally be wasted or harmful is now the primary illumination source, eliminating the need for additional light-absorbing layers.
2Loss of information
If light-absorbing layers are added to enhance display contrast, then display contrast is improved, but light utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the need for light absorption into a benefit by using reflective type liquid crystal display technology. Instead of absorbing light to create contrast, the system reflects external light through precisely controlled liquid crystal alignment and optical compensation, achieving high contrast while maximizing light utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs optical compensation films and specific alignment layers that manipulate the polarization and phase of reflected light to create high display contrast. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned at specific angles (such as 45 degrees) to control the optical path and create contrast through phase modulation rather than light absorption.
3Loss of energy
If conventional transparent display configurations are used, then transparency is achieved, but visibility under external light is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reflective type liquid crystal display where the liquid crystal molecules can dynamically change their alignment state in response to applied voltage. This dynamic control allows the display to modulate reflected light effectively, achieving high visibility under external light while maintaining transparency when not in use. The system transitions between transparent and visible states through dynamic molecular reorientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure comprising multiple functional layers including alignment layers with specific rubbing directions, reflective type liquid crystal materials, and optical compensation films. This composite configuration works synergistically to achieve both high transparency and high visibility under external light by combining the properties of different materials and layers.
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 enables a display device with high transparency and visibility under external light, reducing non-uniformity and improving light utilization efficiency, while eliminating the need for additional light-absorbing layers, thus enhancing display quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
first to third electrodes which oppose the first to third color filters, respectively, the light-modulating layer being able to change light dispersibility of each of regions which oppose the first to third color filters according to the electric field produced by each respective one of the first to third electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device comprises first and second substrate having light transmissivity and opposing each other, a light-modulating layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, a light source unit which illuminates the light-modulating layer from an outer side of a position which opposes a display area, along a normal direction, first to third color filters of different colors arranged on the first substrate, and first to third electrodes which oppose the first to third color filters, respectively, the light-modulating layer being able to change light dispersibility of each of regions which oppose the first to third color filters according to the electric field produced by each respective one of the first to third electrodes.