A driving method, device, apparatus and circuit of electronic paper

Abstract

The application discloses a driving method, device, equipment and circuit of electronic paper. A public electrode driver and a segment electrode driver are used to directly apply a coordinated voltage combination to row and column electrodes, so that the voltage difference at a target change pixel point is sufficient to trigger the flipping of electrophoretic particles, and the voltage difference at a non-target pixel point is suppressed below a holding threshold. The technical problems of structural complexity, high process cost and low reliability caused by TFT manufacturing are solved. In addition, since there is no need to integrate a transistor in the pixel, the aperture ratio and light transmittance of the panel are improved, and finally the technical effects of simplifying the structure, reducing the cost and improving the display performance are achieved while realizing stable and reliable driving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a driving method, apparatus, device, and circuit for electronic paper. Background Technology

[0002] In existing electronic paper driving technologies, a matrix addressing method based on TFTs (Thin-Film Transistors) is typically used. Specifically, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, by applying a high-level signal to the GATE line row by row, the TFT switches of the corresponding rows are turned on sequentially. Then, the corresponding data voltages are applied to the pixel capacitors of each pixel in that row through the S1-S7 lines to achieve charging and discharging of the liquid crystal cells and grayscale control. After the row is completed, the GATE line returns to a low level to turn off the TFTs in that row, and the same operation is continued for the next row, thus scanning row by row until the entire screen is refreshed.

[0003] This driving method heavily relies on the participation of TFTs as pixel switches, leading to complex panel structures, increased fabrication steps, and consequently higher overall costs. Furthermore, inherent reliability risks and aperture ratio limitations of TFT devices themselves restrict the further application of electronic paper in low-cost and low-power applications. Therefore, achieving stable and reliable electronic paper driving without relying on TFT switches has become a key technical challenge that needs to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a driving method, apparatus, device, and circuit for electronic paper, solving the technical problems of structural complexity, high process cost, and low reliability caused by TFT manufacturing. Furthermore, because it eliminates the need to integrate transistors within pixels, it improves the aperture ratio and light transmittance of the panel, ultimately achieving stable and reliable driving while simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and improving display performance.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a driving method for electronic paper, applied to an electronic paper driving circuit. The electronic paper driving circuit includes a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver, wherein multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper, and multiple output terminals of the segment electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper; the driving method includes: Receive target-driven requirements; Based on the target driving requirements and the initial display state of each pixel in the electronic paper, the target pixel whose display state needs to be changed is determined; the display state of the pixel includes a first preset display state and a second preset display state, and the initial display state is one of the first preset display state and the second preset display state. During the driving cycle, the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver are adjusted so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the non-target changed pixel is less than the target flip voltage.

[0006] Preferably, before receiving the target-driven requirement, it also includes: The common electrode driver outputs a first reset voltage at each output terminal, and the segment electrode driver outputs a second reset voltage at each output terminal; the first reset voltage and the second reset voltage cause the liquid crystal of the pixel to be in the H state; After a preset period, the voltages at each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver are switched to a third reset voltage to reset each pixel of the electronic paper; the third reset voltage is 0V.

[0007] Preferably, the first reset voltage applied to each of the row electrodes and the second reset voltage applied to each of the column electrodes have a preset phase relationship, wherein the preset phase relationship is a 180-degree phase difference or a 0-degree phase difference.

[0008] Preferably, after controlling the voltage of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver to switch to the third reset voltage to reset each pixel of the electronic paper, the method further includes: During the initialization cycle, it is determined whether the current display state after the reset is the preset initial display state; If not, adjust the first initial voltage output of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and adjust the second initial voltage output of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver. After a preset period, control the voltage of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver to switch to the third initial voltage so as to adjust each pixel to the initial display state. The difference between the first initial voltage and the second initial voltage is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the third initial voltage is 0V.

[0009] Preferably, adjusting the voltage values ​​at each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​at each output terminal of the segment electrode driver, so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, includes: The voltage value at the output terminal of the common electrode driver corresponding to the target changing pixel is adjusted to the target driving voltage, and the voltage waveform of the voltage value at the output terminal of the segment electrode driver corresponding to the target changing pixel is adjusted so that the display state of the target changing pixel changes.

[0010] Preferably, adjusting the voltage waveform of the output terminal corresponding to the segment electrode driver and the target changed pixel to change the display state of the target changed pixel includes: The segment electrode driver is controlled to continuously apply a first driving voltage to the column electrode corresponding to the target changing pixel; the difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage waveform is the waveform corresponding to the continuous first driving voltage.

[0011] Preferably, adjusting the voltage waveform of the output terminal corresponding to the segment electrode driver and the target changed pixel to change the display state of the target changed pixel includes: Within one driving cycle, the segment electrode driver is controlled to alternately apply a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage to the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel point; Adjust the proportion of the first driving voltage within the driving cycle to adjust the grayscale level of the target changed pixel as its display state changes. The difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is greater than or equal to the target switching voltage, the difference between the second driving voltage and the target driving voltage is less than the target switching voltage, and the voltage waveform includes alternating waveforms corresponding to the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage.

[0012] Secondly, this application provides a driving device for electronic paper, applied to an electronic paper driving circuit. The electronic paper driving circuit includes a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver, wherein multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper, and multiple output terminals of the segment electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper; the driving device includes: The receiving unit is used to receive the target driving requirements; The positioning unit is used to determine the target pixel whose display state needs to be changed based on the target driving requirements and the initial display state of each pixel in the electronic paper; the display state includes black and white; The driving unit is used to adjust the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver during the driving cycle, so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the non-target changed pixel is less than the target flip voltage.

[0013] Thirdly, this application provides an electronic device, comprising: Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor for implementing the steps of the electronic paper driving method as described above when executing a computer program.

[0014] Fourthly, this application provides an electronic paper driving circuit, which includes a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver. The multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected to multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper in a one-to-one correspondence, and the multiple output terminals of the segment electrode driver are connected to multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper in a one-to-one correspondence. The circuit also includes the electronic device described above, the output terminals of which are respectively connected to the control terminal of the common electrode driver and the control terminal of the segment electrode driver.

[0015] This invention provides a driving method, apparatus, device, and circuit for electronic paper. It employs a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver to directly apply a coordinated voltage combination to the row and column electrodes, thereby ensuring that the voltage difference at the target pixel is sufficient to trigger the electrophoretic particle flipping, while simultaneously suppressing the voltage difference at non-target pixels below a holding threshold. This solves the technical problems of structural complexity, high process cost, and low reliability caused by TFT manufacturing. Furthermore, because it eliminates the need to integrate transistors within pixels, it improves the panel's aperture ratio and light transmittance, ultimately achieving stable and reliable driving while simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and improving display performance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a driving method for electronic paper in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a driving mechanism for electronic paper in the prior art; Figure 3This is a structural diagram of a driving circuit for electronic paper provided by the present invention; Figure 4 A flowchart of a driving method for electronic paper provided by the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a reset process provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a global black screen after a reset provided by the present invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the voltage waveform output by the first segment electrode driver provided by the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the voltage waveform output by the second type of segment electrode driver provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The core of this invention is to provide a driving method, apparatus, device, and circuit for electronic paper, solving the technical problems of structural complexity, high process cost, and low reliability caused by TFT manufacturing. Furthermore, because it eliminates the need to integrate transistors within pixels, it improves the aperture ratio and light transmittance of the panel, ultimately achieving stable and reliable driving while simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and improving display performance.

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Firstly, this application provides a driving method for electronic paper, applied to an electronic paper driving circuit, such as... Figure 3 COM IC is the output terminal of the common electrode driver, and SEG IC is the output terminal of the segment electrode driver. The electronic paper driving circuit includes a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver. The multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected to the multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper one by one, and the multiple output terminals of the segment electrode driver are connected to the multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper one by one. In this electronic paper driving circuit, each output pin of the common electrode driver is directly connected to a row electrode of the electronic paper panel, and each output pin of the segment electrode driver is directly connected to a column electrode, thereby forming a cross electrode matrix without transistor switches.

[0021] like Figure 4 The driving methods include: S11: Receive target drive requirements; In this step, receiving the target driving requirement refers to the process by which the driving circuit acquires a complete data instruction or signal that defines the desired display screen for the next frame or the current frame of the electronic paper. Specifically, this target driving requirement defines the expected final display state (black or white) for each pixel in the entire display matrix. This embodiment can receive this target driving requirement from an external host controller, image processor, or frame buffer via a digital interface (such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)) or parallel bus; alternatively, it can be achieved by receiving and parsing an image data packet containing row and column addresses and target state data, providing data for all subsequent driving decisions and ensuring the realization of a specific, predetermined display screen.

[0022] S12: Based on the target driving requirements and the initial display state of each pixel in the electronic paper, determine the target pixel whose display state needs to be changed; the display state of the pixel includes a first preset display state and a second preset display state, and the initial display state is one of the first preset display state and the second preset display state; In this embodiment, a comparison operation of the display state is specifically performed. This step uses the target display state of each pixel specified by the target driving requirements as a benchmark, and compares it point by point with the initial display state of each pixel in the electronic paper recorded or sensed inside the driving circuit. This embodiment can obtain the initial display state by, but is not limited to, accessing a register storing the display data of the current frame, or by using a short sensing cycle. The comparison logic is as follows: when the target display state of a pixel is different from its initial display state, that pixel is determined to be a target change pixel that needs to change its display state; conversely, if the target display state is the same as the initial display state, that pixel is considered a non-target change pixel.

[0023] It should be understood that the display state of the pixels in this application may include, but is not limited to, two display states: a first preset display state and a second preset display state. If the initial display state is one of the first preset display state and the second preset display state, then the corresponding target display state is also one of the first preset display state and the second preset display state. It should also be understood that, in one embodiment, the two display states of a pixel may be a black pixel and a white pixel. Whether the first preset display state corresponds to a black or white pixel is not specifically limited in this application and can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0024] Specifically, this embodiment may include, but is not limited to, a comparison logic unit within the driver chip. This unit performs an XOR operation on the data bits required for the target drive and the data bits reflecting the initial state. The result directly identifies the positions of all pixels whose states have changed, ensuring that the driver circuit applies an effective flip voltage only to pixels whose states need to be updated, while avoiding applying unnecessary energy to pixels whose states remain unchanged, thus eliminating the excess power consumption and potential interference caused by global refresh.

[0025] S13: During the driving cycle, adjust the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and make the voltage difference between the row electrode and column electrode corresponding to the non-target changed pixel less than the target flip voltage.

[0026] In this step, a voltage-coordinated driving operation is performed. Within one driving cycle, the driving circuit globally and coordinately sets the voltages output by the common electrode driver and segment electrode driver to all row and column electrodes based on the target changing pixel distribution information determined above. This embodiment generates a desired voltage difference at specific intersections of the matrix by applying a predefined combination of voltages to specific row and column electrode combinations.

[0027] For the location marked as the target change pixel, this embodiment configures its corresponding voltage so that the difference between the voltage applied to the row electrode and the voltage applied to its column electrode is controlled to be greater than or equal to the target flip voltage. For example, this embodiment may, but is not limited to, fix the voltage of the row electrode corresponding to the target pixel at a higher reference level, while driving the voltage of its column electrode to a lower level. The voltage difference between the two is sufficient to cause the electrophoretic particles in the pixel to migrate, thereby changing its optical state to the target display state (the target display state here is the state described above where the pixel is black or white, and the liquid crystal corresponding to the pixel is in the H state).

[0028] Meanwhile, for all non-target change pixels, the voltage configuration strategy adopted in this embodiment ensures that the voltage difference between the row and column electrodes at their location is strictly limited below the target flip voltage. Specifically, this can be, but is not limited to, a voltage difference close to zero or a holding voltage below the particle activation threshold. This voltage difference level is insufficient to overcome the static friction or holding energy barrier of the electrophoretic particles. Therefore, the display state of these pixels will remain unchanged in its original initial state throughout the entire driving cycle, thereby achieving selective and localized image updates.

[0029] In summary, the electronic paper driving method provided by this invention employs a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver to directly apply a coordinated voltage combination to the row and column electrodes. This ensures that the voltage difference at the target pixel is sufficient to trigger the electrophoretic particle flipping, while simultaneously suppressing the voltage difference at non-target pixels below a holding threshold. This solves the technical problems of structural complexity, high process cost, and low reliability caused by TFT manufacturing. Furthermore, since it eliminates the need to integrate transistors within pixels, it improves the panel's aperture ratio and light transmittance. Ultimately, while achieving stable and reliable driving, it also simplifies the structure, reduces costs, and improves display performance.

[0030] Based on the above embodiments: like Figure 5 In an optional embodiment, before receiving the target drive request, the method further includes: The first reset voltage is output from each output terminal of the common electrode driver, and the second reset voltage is output from each output terminal of the segment electrode driver; the first reset voltage and the second reset voltage cause the liquid crystal of the pixel to be in the H state. After a preset period, the voltage at each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver is switched to the third reset voltage to reset each pixel of the electronic paper; in a specific embodiment, the third reset voltage may be, but is not limited to, 0V.

[0031] The first reset voltage corresponds to Figure 5 The tenth voltage and the second reset voltage correspond to Figure 5 The ninth voltage, corresponding to the third reset voltage. Figure 5 The eleventh voltage. In all the following figures, the red voltage represents the output voltage of the common electrode driver, and the blue voltage represents the output voltage of the segment electrode driver.

[0032] This embodiment performs a reset operation before receiving the target driving request, forcing all pixels of the electronic paper panel to a uniform and known initial physical state. This embodiment controls all outputs of the common electrode driver to output a constant first reset voltage, and simultaneously controls all outputs of the segment electrode driver to output a constant second reset voltage, so that the voltage difference applied to each pixel causes the electrophoretic particles at that point to migrate in a specific direction. This specific combination of voltage differences is pre-designed, resulting in all pixels on the screen being driven to the same display state, i.e., the liquid crystal is in an H state. In one specific embodiment, after applying the first and second reset voltages, all pixels may, but are not limited to, be in a black state.

[0033] Subsequently, after maintaining the aforementioned voltage for a preset period, this embodiment controls the output voltages of all terminals of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver to synchronously switch to the third reset voltage. In this embodiment, the third reset voltage is set to 0V, which can be understood, but is not limited to, as simultaneously grounding the common electrode and the segment electrode or connecting them to the same reference potential. The purpose of this operation is to completely eliminate the electric field applied across each pixel, i.e., to reduce the potential difference between the row and column electrodes to zero. In one specific embodiment, after applying the third reset voltage, all pixels may, but are not limited to, appear white.

[0034] The two-step reset mechanism described above ensures that the charge distribution within all pixel units is neutralized before the start of subsequent image update cycles, and the electrophoretic particles are in a defined, field-free relaxation state or a preset initial state. This embodiment can be used, but is not limited to, as a step to clear historical display ghosting on the panel or to provide a reference white field for grayscale refresh. Through this reset process, the entire display matrix is ​​placed at a clean and consistent starting point, ensuring that subsequent selective driving logic based on voltage difference comparison can be executed correctly and reliably.

[0035] In one optional embodiment, the first reset voltage applied to each row electrode and the second reset voltage applied to each column electrode have a preset phase relationship, wherein the preset phase relationship is a 180-degree phase difference or a 0-degree phase difference.

[0036] In this embodiment, a specific phase relationship is set for the first reset voltage and the second reset voltage during the reset phase, which optimizes the reset effect by controlling the timing pattern of the reset electric field. When the preset phase relationship is 180 degrees, it means that within one reset cycle, the voltage waveform applied to the row electrode is completely out of phase with the voltage waveform applied to the column electrode. This configuration causes the two voltage values ​​to be equal at certain moments, thereby making the net voltage difference applied to the pixel instantaneously zero; this state can be called the P-state. The existence of the P-state provides the electrophoretic particles with a brief relaxation period without an external electric field, which is beneficial for the dissipation of residual charge inside them. In contrast, a 0-degree phase relationship makes the two voltage waveforms completely synchronized, maintaining a constant-direction electric field throughout the reset period.

[0037] This embodiment employs a 180-degree phase difference, which introduces the aforementioned P-state. In the drive waveform design, the first reset voltage can be a square wave, while the second reset voltage is its inverse square wave. This waveform design ensures that during the transition from one polarity electric field to another, a point where the voltages of both are equal—the P-state—must be reached. This zero-field gap effectively neutralizes residual charge on the pixel capacitor, disrupts the directional alignment inertia of the electrophoretic particles, and physically eliminates any ghosting that may remain from the previous frame.

[0038] like Figure 6 In one optional embodiment, after controlling the voltage of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver to switch to the third reset voltage to reset each pixel of the electronic paper, the method further includes: During the initialization cycle, it is determined whether the current display state after the reset is the preset initial display state; If not, adjust the first initial voltage output of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and adjust the second initial voltage output of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver. After a preset period, control the voltage of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver to switch to the third initial voltage so as to adjust each pixel to the initial display state. The difference between the first initial voltage and the second initial voltage is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the third initial voltage may be, but is not limited to, 0V.

[0039] This embodiment introduces an initialization cycle after the reset operation to ensure that all pixels on the electronic paper panel are in a preset initial display state consistent with the application logic requirements before the actual image update drive begins. This embodiment first needs to determine whether the actual physical state of the pixels after the reset operation conforms to the preset initial display state. For example, in one specific implementation, although all pixels may appear white after the reset voltage is removed (e.g., ... Figure 5 After applying the third reset voltage (i.e., the eleventh voltage), the display will be white, but the system's preset initial display state may require a black state. This embodiment can obtain this preset initial state value by querying a preset state register or by following a fixed driver protocol, and then logically compare it with the presumed state after the reset.

[0040] like Figure 6 If the determination is negative, meaning the reset state does not meet the preset requirements, this embodiment immediately performs a state calibration drive. This process is similar to the reset drive, but the target voltage parameter is different. This embodiment adjusts all output terminals of the common electrode driver to output a unified first initial voltage (corresponding to...). Figure 6 The thirteenth voltage in the middle), and synchronously adjust all output terminals of the segment electrode driver to output a unified second initial voltage (corresponding to Figure 6 (The twelfth voltage in the process). The selection principle for these two voltages is that the difference between them is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage. For example, if it is necessary to change the entire screen from a white state to a black state, this embodiment can set the first initial voltage to a higher first voltage value and the second initial voltage to a lower second voltage value to form a sufficiently strong electric field with a uniform direction.

[0041] After the calibration voltage is maintained for a preset period, in this embodiment, all output voltages of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver are switched back to the third initial voltage (corresponding to...). Figure 6 The eleventh voltage in the equation is set to 0V here. Applying a voltage difference forces the electrophoretic particles within all pixels to migrate in a specific direction, thereby collectively changing their optical state to a preset initial state (such as black). Subsequently, removing the electric field (returning the voltage to zero) allows the particles to stabilize in their new positions. This initialization step avoids potential errors or logical inconsistencies in the first frame image display that could result from a mismatch between the reset endpoint state and the logical initial state.

[0042] In one optional embodiment, adjusting the voltage values ​​at each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​at each output terminal of the segment electrode driver, so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and column electrode corresponding to the target changing pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, includes: Adjust the voltage value of the output terminal corresponding to the target changed pixel in the common electrode driver to the target driving voltage, and adjust the voltage waveform of the output terminal corresponding to the target changed pixel in the segment electrode driver to change the display state of the target changed pixel.

[0043] In this embodiment, the row and column electrode voltages corresponding to the target changing pixel are independently and collaboratively controlled to achieve the change in display state. This embodiment first adjusts the specific output terminal of the common electrode driver connected to the row containing the target changing pixel, causing it to output a constant target driving voltage. This sets a stable row reference for subsequent electric field formation.

[0044] The key lies in controlling the corresponding output terminal of the segment electrode driver. In this embodiment, the voltage waveform output by this terminal is adjusted, and its specific shape determines the final display result of the pixel. In a simple implementation that does not consider grayscale, this voltage waveform can be, but is not limited to, a DC voltage with a fixed and sufficiently large difference from the target driving voltage, thereby generating a strong and continuous electric field that drives the pixel to completely flip to the target state of black or white. When grayscale display is required, this embodiment uses a more complex waveform, such as alternating output of high and low level pulse signals within a driving cycle. By adjusting the proportion of the high-level pulse duration to the entire cycle (i.e., the duty cycle), this embodiment can control the effective electric field strength or duration applied to the pixel, thereby precisely controlling the migration degree of the electrophoretic particles and making them present different intermediate grayscales between the pixel being white and the pixel being black. Regardless of the waveform design, the purpose is to make the real-time voltage difference formed at the target pixel reach or exceed the flip threshold, thereby triggering and controlling the change process of its display state.

[0045] In one optional embodiment, adjusting the voltage waveform of the output terminal corresponding to the target changed pixel point of the segment electrode driver to change the display state of the target changed pixel point includes: The control segment electrode driver continuously applies a first driving voltage to the column electrode corresponding to the target changing pixel; the difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage waveform is the waveform corresponding to the continuous first driving voltage.

[0046] This embodiment employs a direct DC voltage driving strategy to achieve pixel state switching. A stable electric field with a constant direction and sufficient intensity is provided to the target pixel to drive the electrophoretic particles to complete the full migration from the current state to the target state. This embodiment constructs this electric field by applying a fixed target driving voltage to the row electrode corresponding to the target pixel, while simultaneously continuously applying a constant first driving voltage to the corresponding column electrode.

[0047] Specifically, this embodiment ensures that the difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is precisely designed in absolute value to be greater than or equal to the target flip voltage. For example, if a pixel needs to be flipped from a white state to a black state, this embodiment can, but is not limited to, setting the target driving voltage to +15V and the first driving voltage to 0V, thereby generating a stable voltage difference of 15V in magnitude and direction from row to column (in this embodiment, if the target driving voltage is set to -15V and the first driving voltage is set to 0V, generating a stable voltage difference of 15V in magnitude and direction from column to row can also achieve the same effect; that is, the target flip voltage described in this embodiment refers to an absolute value, and any direction is acceptable).

[0048] Specifically, the target driving voltage is set to +15V, while the first driving voltage is set to 0V, thereby generating a stable voltage difference of 15V in magnitude and direction from row to column. Figure 7 In the refresh phase, the left half of the waveform has a target drive voltage set to -15V, while the first drive voltage is set to 0V. This generates a stable voltage difference of 15V, directed from column to row. Figure 7 The right half of the waveform during the refresh phase. Here, the voltage amplitudes of corresponding portions of the right and left half of the waveform are equal, only their directions are opposite. Additionally, Figure 7 The first holding voltage is the output voltage of the segment electrode driver corresponding to the non-target change pixel. Figure 7 In the holding phase, the output target holding voltage of the common electrode driver is the same as the voltage of the target changing pixel output by the segment electrode driver. However, since it cannot be driven, it can also be called the second holding voltage. Figure 7The waveform is maintained during the (N-1)th cycle and refreshed during the Nth cycle.

[0049] This pressure difference continues to act throughout the entire driving cycle, and the resulting electric field strength is sufficient to overcome the static friction of the particle movement and cause it to move in an oriented manner to the target position, ultimately causing a complete change in the optical display state of the pixel.

[0050] The voltage waveform described in this embodiment, namely the flat waveform corresponding to a continuously constant first driving voltage, is one of the driving modes for switching between full black and full white. This mode does not involve timing modulation of the voltage, utilizing a continuous, single voltage difference to provide all the energy required to complete the state transition. This embodiment can, but is not limited to, apply this mode to display scenarios requiring fast, full-contrast refresh rates.

[0051] In one optional embodiment, adjusting the voltage waveform of the output terminal corresponding to the target changed pixel point by adjusting the segment electrode driver to change the display state of the target changed pixel point includes: During one driving cycle, the control segment electrode driver alternately applies a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage to the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel. Adjust the proportion of the first driving voltage within the driving cycle to adjust the grayscale level of the target pixel whose display state changes. The difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the difference between the second driving voltage and the target driving voltage is less than the target flip voltage. The voltage waveform includes the waveforms corresponding to the alternating first driving voltage and the second driving voltage.

[0052] This embodiment is based on time-modulated driving. By controlling the proportion of the effective electric field's duration within a driving cycle, it achieves continuous adjustment of the degree of change in the optical state of pixels, i.e., grayscale control. This embodiment first sets a basic condition for the target pixel change: applying a constant target driving voltage to the corresponding row electrode. Under this premise, within a complete driving cycle, this embodiment controls the segment electrode driver to alternately output two different voltage levels to the corresponding column electrode: a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage.

[0053] like Figure 8The key to achieving grayscale in this embodiment lies in adjusting the proportion of the duration of the first driving voltage within a driving cycle, i.e., the duty cycle. The difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is set to be greater than or equal to the target flip voltage. Under this voltage difference, the electrophoretic particles within the pixel begin to migrate towards the target state. The difference between the second driving voltage and the target driving voltage is set to be less than the target flip voltage. At this time, the applied electric field is insufficient to drive the particles to move effectively, and the pixel state tends to remain unchanged. By adjusting the duration of the high driving voltage (first driving voltage) within a cycle, this embodiment can control the average distance or final distribution of the net migration of electrophoretic particles, thereby presenting an intermediate grayscale between black and white. For example, a duty cycle of 50% may present a medium gray, while a duty cycle of 20% or 80% may present a light gray or a dark gray, respectively.

[0054] This embodiment can, but is not limited to, use a square wave with a fixed frequency as the voltage waveform of the segment electrodes, where a high level corresponds to a first driving voltage and a low level corresponds to a second driving voltage. By changing the duty cycle of the square wave signal, the grayscale level of the pixel can be continuously and linearly adjusted. This pulse width modulation method provides an effective and controllable solution for realizing multi-level grayscale display in a passive matrix architecture in this embodiment.

[0055] Secondly, this application provides a driving device for electronic paper, applied to an electronic paper driving circuit. The electronic paper driving circuit includes a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver, wherein multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper, and multiple output terminals of the segment electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper; the driving device includes: The receiving unit is used to receive the target driving requirements; The positioning unit is used to determine the target pixel whose display state needs to be changed based on the target driving requirements and the initial display state of each pixel in the electronic paper; the display state includes black and white; The driving unit is used to adjust the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver during the driving cycle, so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage difference between the row electrode and column electrode corresponding to the non-target changed pixel is less than the target flip voltage.

[0056] For a description of the driving device for electronic paper, please refer to the above embodiments; this application will not repeat it here.

[0057] Thirdly, this application provides an electronic device, comprising: Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor is used to implement the steps of the electronic paper driving method described above when executing a computer program.

[0058] For a description of the electronic device, please refer to the above embodiments; this application will not repeat the details here.

[0059] Fourthly, this application provides an electronic paper driving circuit, which includes a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver. The multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected to multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper in a one-to-one correspondence, and the multiple output terminals of the segment electrode driver are connected to multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper in a one-to-one correspondence. The circuit also includes an electronic device as described above, the output terminals of which are connected to the control terminals of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver, respectively.

[0060] For a description of the electronic paper driving circuit, please refer to the above embodiments; this application will not repeat it here.

[0061] It should also be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0062] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A driving method for electronic paper, characterized in that, This is applied to an electronic paper driving circuit, which includes a common electrode driver and segment electrode drivers. Multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper, and multiple output terminals of the segment electrode drivers are connected one-to-one with multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper. The driving method includes: Receive target-driven requirements; Based on the target driving requirements and the initial display state of each pixel in the electronic paper, the target pixel whose display state needs to be changed is determined; the display state of the pixel includes a first preset display state and a second preset display state, and the initial display state is one of the first preset display state and the second preset display state. During the driving cycle, the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver are adjusted so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the non-target changed pixel is less than the target flip voltage. Adjusting the voltage values ​​at each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​at each output terminal of the segment electrode driver, so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, includes: The voltage value at the output terminal of the common electrode driver corresponding to the target changing pixel is adjusted to the target driving voltage, and the voltage waveform of the voltage value at the output terminal of the segment electrode driver corresponding to the target changing pixel is adjusted so that the display state of the target changing pixel changes.

2. The electronic paper driving method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the target-driven requirements, it also includes: The common electrode driver outputs a first reset voltage at each output terminal, and the segment electrode driver outputs a second reset voltage at each output terminal; the first reset voltage and the second reset voltage cause the liquid crystal of the pixel to be in the H state; After a preset period, the voltages at the output terminals of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver are switched to a third reset voltage to reset each pixel of the electronic paper.

3. The electronic paper driving method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first reset voltage applied to each of the row electrodes and the second reset voltage applied to each of the column electrodes have a preset phase relationship, wherein the preset phase relationship is a 180-degree phase difference or a 0-degree phase difference.

4. The electronic paper driving method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After controlling the voltage of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver to switch to the third reset voltage to reset each pixel of the electronic paper, the method further includes: During the initialization cycle, it is determined whether the current display state after the reset is the preset initial display state; If not, adjust the first initial voltage output of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and adjust the second initial voltage output of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver. After a preset period, control the voltage of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the segment electrode driver to switch to the third initial voltage so as to adjust each pixel to the initial display state. The difference between the first initial voltage and the second initial voltage is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the third initial voltage is 0V.

5. The driving method for electronic paper according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Adjusting the voltage waveform of the output terminal corresponding to the segment electrode driver and the target changed pixel to change the display state of the target changed pixel includes: The segment electrode driver is controlled to continuously apply a first driving voltage to the column electrode corresponding to the target changing pixel; the difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage waveform is the waveform corresponding to the continuous first driving voltage.

6. The electronic paper driving method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Adjusting the voltage waveform of the output terminal corresponding to the segment electrode driver and the target changed pixel to change the display state of the target changed pixel includes: Within one driving cycle, the segment electrode driver is controlled to alternately apply a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage to the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel point; Adjust the proportion of the first driving voltage within the driving cycle to adjust the grayscale level of the target changed pixel as its display state changes. The difference between the first driving voltage and the target driving voltage is greater than or equal to the target switching voltage, the difference between the second driving voltage and the target driving voltage is less than the target switching voltage, and the voltage waveform includes alternating waveforms corresponding to the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage.

7. A driving device for electronic paper, characterized in that, This is applied to an electronic paper driving circuit, which includes a common electrode driver and segment electrode drivers. Multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper, and multiple output terminals of the segment electrode drivers are connected one-to-one with multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper. The driving device includes: The receiving unit is used to receive the target driving requirements; The positioning unit is used to determine the target pixel whose display state needs to be changed based on the target driving requirements and the initial display state of each pixel in the electronic paper; the display state includes black and white; The driving unit is used to adjust the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the common electrode driver and the voltage values ​​of each output terminal of the segment electrode driver during the driving cycle, so that the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the target changed pixel is greater than or equal to the target flip voltage, and the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the non-target changed pixel is less than the target flip voltage. The driving unit is specifically used to adjust the voltage value of the output terminal of the common electrode driver corresponding to the target changed pixel to the target driving voltage during the driving cycle, adjust the voltage waveform of the output terminal of the segment electrode driver corresponding to the target changed pixel to change the display state of the target changed pixel, and make the voltage difference between the row electrode and the column electrode corresponding to the non-target changed pixel less than the target flip voltage.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor, configured to, when executing a computer program, implement the steps of the electronic paper driving method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. An electronic paper driving circuit, characterized in that, The electronic paper driving circuit includes a common electrode driver and a segment electrode driver, wherein multiple output terminals of the common electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple row electrodes of the electronic paper, and multiple output terminals of the segment electrode driver are connected one-to-one with multiple column electrodes of the electronic paper. It also includes the electronic device as described in claim 8, wherein the output terminals of the electronic device are respectively connected to the control terminals of the common electrode driver and the control terminals of the segment electrode driver.

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