Viewing Angle Modulator with Electro-Optical Refractive Index Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a display device that can switch between a narrow viewing angle mode for privacy and a wide viewing angle mode depending on the user's situation, particularly for portable devices used in public places.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a viewing angle modulator comprising a first refractive layer, a refractive index conversion layer with electro-optical material that changes refractive index with voltage, and a second refractive layer, which alters the light path to adjust the viewing angle by diffraction and refraction structures, allowing the device to switch between normal and private modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display device has a wide viewing angle, then visibility for multiple users is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing angle modulator dynamically changes the light emission distribution from Lambertian (wide viewing angle) to a narrower distribution when voltage is applied. This dynamic adjustment allows the display to switch between wide viewing angle mode for shared visibility and narrow viewing angle mode for privacy protection, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical material changes its refractive index parameter when voltage is applied, which alters the light emission distribution characteristics. This parameter change enables the transition between different viewing angle modes, allowing the system to adapt between wide viewing angle for visibility and narrow viewing angle for privacy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the display device has a narrow viewing angle, then privacy protection is improved, but visibility for multiple users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over viewing angle through voltage application to the electro-optical material. When privacy is needed, the viewing angle is narrowed; when collaboration or sharing is needed, the viewing angle is widened. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing context-dependent adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing angle modulator enables the display device to perform multiple functions: wide viewing angle mode for collaborative viewing and narrow viewing angle mode for privacy protection. This multi-functionality allows the single device to satisfy both contradictory requirements under different operating conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If a viewing angle modulator with electro-optical material is added, then switching between viewing angle modes is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing angle modulator acts as an intermediary layer between the display panel and the external environment. This mediator component controls light emission distribution without requiring fundamental changes to the display panel structure, enabling viewing angle control while maintaining relatively simple integration
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical material changes its refractive index parameter in response to voltage, which directly controls the light emission distribution. This parameter-based control mechanism enables viewing angle switching without complex mechanical or structural adjustments, reducing overall device 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
The device effectively controls the viewing angle based on the applied voltage, ensuring privacy in public settings while maintaining visibility when needed, by selectively allowing or blocking light paths through the display surface.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive index conversion layer disposed on the first refractive layer and including an electro-optical material having a refractive index that changes when a voltage is applied to the electro-optical material
Implementation Method 2
The refractive index conversion layer may divide incident light incident on a first interface between the first refractive layer and the refractive index conversion layer into first exit light traveling in a first path and second exit light traveling in a second path, through the diffraction structure when the voltage is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel including a display surface having a Lambertian light emission distribution, and a viewing angle modulator disposed on the display panel. The viewing angle modulator includes a first refractive layer including a diffraction structure on a surface, a refractive index conversion layer disposed on the first refractive layer and including an electro-optical material having a refractive index that changes when a voltage is applied to the electro-optical material, and a second refractive layer disposed on the refractive index conversion layer. The refractive index conversion layer includes a base layer, and an optical structure disposed on the base layer that changes a path of light incident on a surface facing the second refractive layer.