Viewing angle controller using two parallel alignment liquid crystal cells for automotive systems

We proposed a viewing angle controller (VAC) for car co-driver displays (CDDs). This VAC, integrated with the co-driver display, provides necessary information to the co-driver while minimizing driver distraction. It comprises two parallel alignment liquid crystal cells and two negative C films. It maintains a wide viewing angle without an applied voltage, and it can achieve an anti-peeping angle of 35° (simulation) and 30° (experiment) under an appropriate voltage, effectively blocking the driver's direct-view light intensity from CDD and reflect-view light intensity from the side window, which can reduce the driver's attention. This VAC maintains excellent light transmittance at a normal direction and symmetrical brightness in both privacy and share modes, making it suitable for various in-vehicle displays. Those results indicate that this VAC can be broadly applied in automotive displays to enhance driving safety and improve co-driver entertainment.