Multi-Domain VA LCD With Segmented Shielding Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-domain VA mode LCDs with opaque layers to minimize unnaturalness at oblique viewing angles suffer from decreased optical transmittance even when viewed straight, as the opaque layer partially shields pixels from the front.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display device with a vertical alignment layer, featuring multiple liquid crystal regions and an opaque portion on the substrate boundaries, comprising a first and second shielding layer with a gap between them, which selectively shields liquid crystal regions from incoming light only when viewed obliquely, maintaining optical transmittance in the straight viewing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an opaque layer is arranged in a predetermined region within each pixel to selectively shield some liquid crystal domains from light when viewed obliquely, then unnaturalness on the screen is minimized, but optical transmittance decreases even when the viewer is viewing straight
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is divided into multiple regions (first and second regions) with different electrode patterns. The first region has electrodes arranged to create liquid crystal domains suitable for front viewing, while the second region has electrodes arranged to create liquid crystal domains suitable for oblique viewing. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its viewing characteristics without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between front viewing transmittance and oblique viewing naturalness.
2Ease of manufacture
If the opaque layer has broad width to sufficiently minimize unnaturalness on the screen, then viewing angle characteristic improves, but optical transmittance in the front viewing direction decreases inevitably
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel are assigned different electrode patterns and liquid crystal domain configurations tailored to specific viewing requirements. The first region optimizes for front viewing with corresponding electrode arrangement, while the second region optimizes for oblique viewing. This local differentiation eliminates the need for broad opaque layers, as each region independently optimizes its viewing characteristics without interfering with the other region's performance.
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 allows for a display operation without unnaturalness at oblique viewing angles while minimizing the decrease in optical transmittance, ensuring consistent display performance and brightness across viewing directions.
Implementation Method 1
when a voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules neighboring the boundary will tilt while turning one of their end portions
Implementation Method 2
A part of the liquid crystal layer located within each pixel has multiple liquid crystal regions in which liquid crystal molecules tilt in multiple different directions
Implementation Method 3
Each pixel has an opaque portion that is arranged on a boundary between the multiple liquid crystal regions... selectively shields the first liquid crystal region from the incoming light when a viewer is viewing obliquely
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multi-domain type liquid crystal display device with a vertical alignment liquid crystal layer that can get a display operation done without making the viewer sense any unnaturalness and with the decrease in optical transmittance minimized. In the liquid crystal display device of this invention, the liquid crystal layer of each pixel has liquid crystal regions in which liquid crystal molecules tilt in multiple different directions when a voltage is applied between first and second electrodes. Each pixel has an opaque portion arranged on a boundary between the liquid crystal regions. The opaque portion is provided for at least one of the substrates so that when a voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules neighboring the boundary will tilt while turning one of their end portions, which is closer to the substrate with the opaque portion, away from the boundary. The opaque portion includes a first shielding layer and a second shielding layer, which overlaps with the first shielding layer with a predetermined gap left between them.