Transparent OLED Pixel Layout for Two-Way Viewing Without Mirror Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent displays often limit viewing angles to a single direction, leading to issues such as mirror imaging and security concerns when bidirectional viewing is required.
Innovation Solution
A transparent display system utilizing an OLED between two substrates, combined with switchable mirrors and PDLC material, allows for concurrent display of different content in multiple directions by switching states at a frequency above 30 Hz, ensuring imperceptible transitions and reducing light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent display uses a single viewing angle configuration, then the display structure is simple, but the viewing direction is limited and mirror imaging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mirror and PDLC material states changeable over time. The system dynamically switches between different states (mirror reflective state, mirror transparent state, PDLC opaque state, PDLC transparent state) to enable the display to present different content to different viewing angles at different times, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and multi-directional viewing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by switching the mirror and PDLC material states at a frequency above 30 Hz. This rapid periodic switching creates the perception of simultaneous multi-directional display to human observers, while actually alternating between different states, thus achieving bidirectional viewing without requiring a permanently complex dual-state structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent display allows bidirectional viewing, then viewing flexibility improves, but light interference and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by controlling different regions (viewing directions) with different material states. The mirror and PDLC material are positioned to affect specific viewing angles differently - when the mirror is reflective, it directs light to one viewing angle while the PDLC in opaque state blocks light to another angle, ensuring each direction receives appropriate light control without interference from the other direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by using the PDLC material in opaque state to preemptively block light that would otherwise cause interference or mirror imaging. When the mirror is in reflective state, the opaque PDLC prevents light from reaching viewing angles where it would create unwanted reflections or interfere with the displayed image, thus preventing image quality deterioration before it occurs
3Adaptability or versatility
If switchable mirrors and PDLC material are used for multi-directional display, then viewing flexibility increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the PDLC material between the mirror and the OLED display layers. This nested configuration allows multiple functional components (mirror, PDLC material, OLED) to be compactly arranged in a layered structure, reducing overall device complexity and making the assembly more manageable despite the advanced materials used
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the mirror and PDLC material to serve multiple functions: the mirror provides both reflective and transparent states for directional control, while the PDLC material provides both opaque and transparent states for light blocking and transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device structure and manufacturing process
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
Enables simultaneous, clear viewing of different content on either side of the display without mirror imaging, enhancing user experience and security by allowing consistent and readable content presentation in both directions.
Implementation Method 1
a first emission of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a reflection of the second emission according to the set of switchable mirrors being in a mirrored state
Implementation Method 3
a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material being in an opaque state
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for transparent displays that support two-way viewing angles. A transparent display may include one or more organic light-emitting diode (OLED) pixels configured for directional display in multiple directions. The pixel configuration may include an OLED, a set of switchable mirrors converging at an angle and configured to reflect an emission from the OLED, and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material bisecting the angle between the set of switchable mirrors. The pixel configuration may display a first color in a first direction in accordance with the set of switchable mirrors being in a transparent state and the PDLC material being in an opaque state. The pixel configuration may additionally display a second color in a second direction in accordance with the set of switchable mirrors being in a mirrored state and the PDLC material being in a second transparent state.