Trapezoidal Microlens Array for Display Viewing Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing angle control technologies for display devices are costly and complex to manufacture, while also failing to effectively balance brightness and viewing angle control.
Innovation Solution
A viewing angle control member comprising a substrate with lens patterns of trapezoidal or triangular shapes with rounded sidewalls, which refract light to control the viewing angle and enhance brightness ratio, is integrated into the display device, using an adhesive member to bond the control member with the display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional dimming films are used to control viewing angle, then viewing angle control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional dimming films with a microlens array structure that uses optical refraction through precisely controlled lens geometries (trapezoidal or triangular cross-sections) to achieve viewing angle control without requiring complex dimming film layers, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using microlenses with specific geometric parameters (trapezoidal or triangular cross-sections with defined apex angles and side wall angles) to control light refraction, replacing the need for complex dimming film parameter adjustments and achieving both cost reduction and effective viewing angle control
2Illumination intensity
If conventional viewing angle control methods are used, then viewing angle is controlled, but brightness ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing microlenses with non-uniform cross-sectional geometries (trapezoidal or triangular) where different regions of the lens have different refractive properties, allowing selective control of light paths to maintain high brightness in the frontal direction while controlling side viewing angles, thereby improving brightness ratio without sacrificing viewing angle control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved side walls in the microlens geometry (rounded sidewalls extending in an arc shape) to optimize light refraction patterns, enabling better control of viewing angles while maintaining higher brightness ratio compared to conventional flat-sided lens designs
3Ease of operation
If complex dimming film structures are used, then viewing angle control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the viewing angle control function into individual microlens units with simplified geometries (trapezoidal or triangular cross-sections) that can be independently formed and arranged in an array, replacing complex multi-layer dimming film structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective viewing angle control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the viewing angle control function with the protective cover structure by integrating the microlens array directly into the cover glass or cover frame, eliminating the need for separate complex dimming film assemblies and reducing device structural complexity
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 solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and effectively controls the viewing angle while improving the brightness ratio, particularly by refracting light to minimize side viewing angle leakage and maximize frontal luminance.
Implementation Method 1
the lens patterns have has a generally trapezoidal shape with rounded sidewalls from the bottom to the top... the lens patterns have a generally triangular shape with rounded sidewalls... having a refractive index greater than that of the adhesive member
Data Source
AI summary
A viewing angle control member according to an embodiment includes a substrate and a plurality of lens patterns arranged on the substrate, wherein the lens patterns have a generally trapezoidal shape with rounded sidewalls.