Light Path Control Member With Voltage-Switched Privacy Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light-shielding films do not provide a mechanism to switch between different viewing modes, such as a share mode and a privacy mode, limiting user flexibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A light path control member comprising a first substrate, electrodes, and light conversion units with adjustable light absorbing particles that can switch between modes by altering the position of these particles under voltage control, allowing for varying viewing angles and light transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light-shielding film is used to control viewing angle, then image quality at a specific viewing angle is improved, but the ability to switch between different viewing modes (share mode and privacy mode) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle control precisionVSAvoidviewing mode switching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light-absorbing particles movable rather than fixed. The particles can be repositioned between the first and second electrodes through voltage control, enabling the light path control member to dynamically switch between share mode (wide viewing angle) and privacy mode (limited viewing angle). This dynamic repositioning allows the same device to adapt to different viewing requirements without requiring multiple separate films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by altering the position of light-absorbing particles in response to voltage changes. By changing the spatial distribution parameter of the particles (moving them closer to or farther from the first electrode), the device changes its optical properties to switch between viewing modes. This parameter-based control enables versatile functionality while maintaining precise viewing angle control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If light absorbing particles are fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the ability to adjust viewing angles and switch between modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidviewing angle adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic movement capability to the light-absorbing particles, allowing them to be repositioned between electrodes through voltage control. This adds functional versatility while maintaining relatively simple particle structures. The dynamics principle enables the system to transition between different operational states (share mode and privacy mode) without requiring complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning mechanisms with an electric field-based control system. Instead of using mechanical motors or actuators to move particles, the invention uses voltage-induced electric fields to control particle position. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while achieving adjustable viewing angles and mode switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the light path control member is designed for a specific viewing angle, then image quality is optimized for that angle, but flexibility for different usage scenarios (sharing and privacy) is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality at viewing angleVSAvoidusage scenario flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single light path control member that can perform multiple functions: it can operate in share mode to provide wide viewing angles for collaborative viewing, and in privacy mode to limit viewing angles for confidential display. The movable light-absorbing particles enable the same device structure to adapt to different usage scenarios, eliminating the need for separate devices or films for different purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic repositioning of light-absorbing particles allows the device to adapt its optical characteristics in real-time based on usage requirements. The system can transition from a fixed viewing angle configuration to an adjustable one, providing flexibility for different scenarios while maintaining optimized image quality for the current operating mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables switching between a wide side viewing angle for sharing and a limited side viewing angle for privacy, enhancing user experience and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

adjustable light absorbing particles that can switch between modes by altering the position of these particles under voltage control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

a first light conversion unit disposed on the first electrode; a second substrate disposed on the first light conversion unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption and transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12444351B2Light path control member which switch between a share mode and a privacy mode, and display device including same
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12444351B2 patent drawing
  • US12444351B2 patent drawing
  • US12444351B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light path control member according to an embodiment includes a first substrate; a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; a first light conversion unit disposed on the first electrode; a second substrate disposed on the first light conversion unit; a second electrode including a sub-electrode that is disposed between the second substrate and the first light conversion unit and extends along a first direction, and a second sub-electrode that extends along a second direction crossing the first direction; and a third electrode disposed on an upper surface of the second substrate.