Multi-view display device

A method of controlling a switchable display device, the method comprising:

• providing a display panel, and a non-switchable optically transparent layer;
• and
• providing a birefringent electro-optic material disposed between the display and the non-switchable optically transparent layer,
• wherein the non-switchable layer comprises a flat side and a lens side,
• wherein the flat side is farther from the display panel than the lens side,
• wherein the lens side comprises a plurality of lenticular lens elements,
• wherein each lens element is convex,
• wherein the non-switchable optically transparent layer is disposed over the display panel,
• wherein the non-switchable optically transparent layer has a refractive index substantially equal to the extra ordinary refractive index of the birefringent electro-optic material,
• wherein a polarization direction of light from the display output side of the display panel and incident on the non-switchable optically transparent layer is linear,
• in the single view mode, placing the birefringent electro-optic material is in a first state in which an optical axis of the birefringent electro-optic material is aligned with the polarization direction of the light from the display panel at a surface where the light enters the birefringent electro optic material;
• and
• in the multi-view mode, placing the birefringent electro-optic material is in a second state in which the optical axis of the birefringent electro-optic material is aligned perpendicularly to a surface of the display panel.