Switchable projection panel

• US 9,921,425 B2
• Filed: 03/11/2014
• Issued: 03/20/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jiansheng Wang
• Original Assignee: Jiansheng Wang
• Inventors: Wang, Jiansheng
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, Phu
• Application Number:
  US14/204,642
• Publication Number:
  US 20140300830A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,470 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1334 based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1339 Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13392 spacers dispersed on the cell substrate, e.g. spherical particles, microfibres
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/60 characterised by the nature of the surface

Abstract

A panel apparatus comprises a first layer. The first layer includes a liquid crystal microdroplet display (LCMD) switchable between transparent and opaque states in response to a change in an applied electrical voltage. The panel apparatus further comprises a second layer spaced apart from and coupled to the first layer. The second layer includes a transparent panel.

Claims

1. A panel apparatus comprising:

a first layer, wherein the first layer includes a liquid crystal microdroplet (LCMD) device switchable between transparent and opaque states in response to a change in an applied electrical voltage; and

a second layer spaced apart from and coupled to the first layer, wherein the second layer includes a transparent panel.

2. The panel apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a spacer component coupled between the first and second layers.

3. The panel apparatus of claim 2 wherein the spacer component is a seal configured to prevent a gaseous fluid from migrating from between the first and second layers.

4. The panel apparatus of claim 3 wherein the gaseous fluid is air.

7. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the LCMD device is an NPD-LCD display.

8. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first layer further includes a plastic film.

9. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first layer further includes a layer of indium tin oxide.

10. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first layer further includes a non-transparent and reflective metal coating.

11. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first layer further includes color filter fused to the LCMD device.

12. The panel apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third layer spaced apart from and coupled to the first layer, wherein the third layer includes a transparent panel.

13. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transparent panel is formed of a silica-based glass.

14. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transparent panel is formed of a polymer material.

19. The panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the LCMD device or the transparent layer includes an anti-reflection or anti-glare coating.

5. A panel apparatus comprising:

a first layer, wherein the first layer includes a liquid crystal microdroplet (LCMD) device switchable between transparent and opaque states in response to a change in an applied electrical voltage; and

a second layer spaced apart from and coupled to the first layer, wherein the second layer includes a transparent panel;

a spacer component coupled between the first and second layers wherein the spacer component is a seal configured to prevent a gaseous fluid from migrating from between the first and second layers;

wherein the seal extends around a periphery of the first layer.

6. The panel apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of spacer elements distributed between the first and second layers, within a boundary formed by the seal.

15. An optical apparatus comprising:

a first layer, wherein the first layer includes a liquid crystal microdroplet display (LCMD) switchable between transparent and opaque states in response to a change in an applied electrical voltage; and

a second layer coupled to the first layer, wherein the second layer includes a light absorbing dark film.

16. The optical apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a third layer spaced apart from and coupled to the first layer, wherein the third layer includes a transparent panel.

17. The optical apparatus of claim 15 wherein the LCMD device is an NPD-LCD display.

18. A film apparatus comprising:

a first layer, wherein the first layer includes a liquid crystal microdroplet (LCMD) device switchable between transparent and opaque states in response to a change in an applied electrical voltage; and

a second layer coupled to the first layer, wherein the second layer includes a light reflective coating.

20. The optical apparatus of claim 18 wherein the LCMD display is an NPD-LCD display.