A switchable privacy display comprises a spatial light modulator, and switchable liquid crystal retarder arranged between crossed quarter-wave plates and polarisers. In a privacy mode of operation, on-axis light from the spatial light modulator is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance to reduce the visibility of the display to off-axis snoopers. The display may be rotated to achieve privacy operation in landscape and portrait orientations. Further, display reflectivity may be reduced for on-axis reflections of ambient light, while reflectivity may be increased for off-axis light to achieve increased visual security. In a public mode of operation, the liquid crystal retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance and reflectivity are unmodified. The display may also be operated to switch between day-time and night-time operation, for example for use in an automotive environment.

A switchable glazing unit comprising a glazing panel spaced apart from a pane of glazing material by a perimeter seal is described. The glazing panel comprises first and second glass sheets. A first electrode layer is on a first major surface of the first glass sheet and a second electrode layer is on a first major surface of the second glass sheet. A layer of liquid crystal material is between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. When no voltage is applied to the first and second electrode layers, the liquid crystal layer has a first opacity, and upon applying a suitable voltage between the first and second electrode layers, the liquid crystal layer has a second opacity different to the first opacity. Methods of making such a switchable glazing unit are also described.

A display comprises a polarised output spatial light modulator, switchable liquid crystal retarder, absorbing polarizer and touch panel electrodes. The switchable liquid crystal layer is stabilised by a cured reactive mesogen material during application of an applied voltage. Light scatter in privacy mode is reduced and visual security level enhanced. Visibility of disclinations during application of applied pressure, for example from a finger on a touch screen is minimised.

A dual view zone backlight and dual-mode display employ a first backlight region including a directional emitter to provide directional emitted light toward a first view zone and a second backlight region including a broad-angle emitter to provide broad-angle emitted light toward the first and a second view zone in a first mode. The dual-mode display includes a second backlight to provide broad-angle light toward both the first view zone and the second view zone in a second mode.

A visibility controlling device with switchable transparency. This design of visibility controlling device is economical and can be operated manually or under electric power. The time for switching from translucent to transparent state requires about 5-30 seconds.

A display apparatus includes a light source emitting light; a light guide plate having a first surface and a second surface, and spreading light emitted from the light source therein to emit light through the first surface; and a local dimming unit configured to pass or scatter light emitted through the second surface of the light guide plate according to a position. The local dimming unit may include: an electro-optical layer configured to which optical properties change according to an electric field; and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the same plane to generate the electric field.

Provided is a liquid crystal display device including: a liquid crystal panel; and a control circuit, the liquid crystal panel sequentially including an active matrix substrate, a first alignment film, a liquid crystal layer, a second alignment film, and a counter substrate, the active matrix substrate sequentially including a first substrate, a first electrode, a first insulating layer, and a second electrode including a linear electrode portion, the counter substrate including a second substrate and a third electrode, the third electrode extending in a longitudinal direction of the sub-pixel at a right or left end of the sub-pixel, a ratio of a width of the third electrode to a width of the first electrode in a widthwise direction being 0.14 or greater and 0.25 or smaller, the control circuit being configured to switch between application of an alternating voltage and application of a constant voltage to the third electrode.

A light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting elements emitting lights and a light controller. The light controller is disposed on the light emitting elements for the lights passing through to form output lights, which is switchable in a first state and a second state. In the first state, a first intensity the output lights is measured at a viewing angle of 0°, a second intensity of the output lights is measured at a viewing angle of θ.sub.2 and an azimuth angle of Φ.sub.2, and a ratio of the second intensity to the first intensity is less than or equal to 0.1, wherein θ.sub.2 ranges from 35° to 55°, and Φ.sub.2 ranges from 0° to 28° or from 152° to 180°.

A mask includes a substrate and an electrochromic layer that overlap each other. The electrochromic layer includes an electrochromic material.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a liquid crystal panel and a camera. The liquid crystal panel includes a display area and an incident light control area. The camera overlaps the incident light control area. The incident light control area includes an annular line and a control electrode connected to the annular line. The annular line includes a first annular line and a second annular line disposed to be in contact with an inside of the first annular line.