Viewing Angle Control Unit for Split-Visibility Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses can cause accidents due to gaze dispersion of people around a user, as they simultaneously display images that may distract drivers or passengers, leading to potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a viewing angle control unit that includes a first and second light-source element, a display panel with first and second areas, and a viewing angle control unit between optical plates, where the viewing angle control unit has light-blocking patterns to selectively limit the viewing angle of certain images, preventing them from being seen by unintended viewers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display apparatus displays multiple images simultaneously in different display areas, then information provision is improved, but safety deteriorates due to gaze dispersion of surrounding people
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus is divided into multiple display areas (first display area and second display area) with different viewing angle characteristics. The first display area has a narrow viewing angle to prevent unintended viewers from seeing certain information, while the second display area has a wide viewing angle for shared information. This segmentation allows simultaneous display of multiple images with different accessibility levels, improving information provision while maintaining safety through controlled visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing angle of a display area is widened to allow more people to view, then accessibility is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential distraction of unintended viewers
Solution Approach 1:
Different display areas are assigned different viewing angle properties according to their specific function. The first display area (for navigation information) has a narrow viewing angle to restrict access to the driver only, while the second display area (for entertainment) has a wide viewing angle for passenger accessibility. This local differentiation of quality ensures that each area's viewing characteristics match its safety and accessibility requirements.
3Reliability
If a narrow viewing angle is applied to prevent unintended viewing, then safety is improved, but accessibility deteriorates for legitimate viewers
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus segments the viewing function across multiple display areas. The first display area uses a narrow viewing angle to ensure safety by limiting access to authorized viewers (driver), while the second display area uses a wide viewing angle for shared content. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by applying different viewing angle strategies to different functional zones rather than using a single uniform approach.
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 effectively prevents gaze dispersion by ensuring that critical images are only visible to intended viewers, thereby reducing the risk of accidents by controlling the viewing angles of different display areas.
Implementation Method 1
the viewing angle control unit may include at least one or more light-blocking patterns extending in a first direction in the first area
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a first light-source element and a first light-guide plate on the substrate. The display apparatus includes a second light-source element and a second light-guide plate. The second light-source element may be configured to be turned on or off depending on a narrow viewing mode or a wide viewing mode. A display panel on the second light-guide plate may be configured to receive light and generate an image, the display panel including a first display area and a second display area. The display apparatus includes a viewing angle control unit between the first light-guide plate and the second light-guide plate. A first area of the viewing angle control unit may overlap the first display area of the display panel, and the viewing angle control unit may include at least one or more light-blocking patterns extending in a first direction in the first area.