VA LCD Domain Area Optimization for Wide Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical alignment (VA) mode liquid crystal displays (LCDs) typically have inferior side visibility compared to front visibility, limiting their application in scenarios where wide viewing angles are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid crystal display design that includes a pixel electrode with subpixel electrodes and a common electrode, where the liquid crystal layer is divided into multiple domains with varying areas, and the use of domain division members on the common electrode to control the electric field and alignment of liquid crystal molecules, enhancing side visibility by optimizing the area ratios of these domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional VA mode LCD is used, then high contrast ratio and wide reference viewing angle are achieved, but side visibility is inferior to front visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is divided into two subpixel electrodes (first subpixel electrode and second subpixel electrode), and the liquid crystal layer is divided into multiple domains (first direction domain, second direction domain, third direction domain, fourth direction domain). This segmentation allows different regions to have different liquid crystal alignment directions, thereby improving side visibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different domains within the liquid crystal layer are assigned different alignment characteristics. Specifically, the first and third domains have liquid crystal molecules inclined in a first direction, while the second and fourth domains have liquid crystal molecules inclined in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This local quality variation enables the display to achieve good visibility from multiple viewing angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid crystal layer is divided into multiple domains with different alignment directions, then viewing angle is improved, but the area distribution of domains becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric domain area distribution where the area of the first direction domain is greater than twice and less than ten times the area of the second direction domain, and the area of the third direction domain is greater than half and less than four times the area of the fourth direction domain. This asymmetric design optimizes the balance between front visibility and side visibility, allowing the display to achieve wide viewing angles while maintaining manufacturability.
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 side visibility while maintaining front visibility, achieving a wide viewing angle and reducing color reproducibility issues across all gray levels.
Implementation Method 1
the alignment of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is determined by the electric field. Accordingly, the polarization of incident light is controlled to display an image
Implementation Method 2
Voltages may be applied to the field generating electrodes to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer, and the alignment of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is determined by the electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display includes a signal line disposed on a substrate, a pixel electrode connected to the signal line and including a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode, a common electrode disposed opposite the pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. The liquid crystal layer is divided into domains including a first direction domain and a second direction domain in a region corresponding to the first subpixel electrode, and a third direction domain and a fourth direction domain in a region corresponding to the second subpixel electrode, and an area of the third direction domain is greater than about twice and less than about then times an area of the fourth direction domain.