A method for driving an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display

Abstract

This invention discloses a driving method for an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display, comprising: in response to the electronic paper display receiving a display signal, acquiring first deformation information generated by a strain gauge array disposed on the electronic paper display; obtaining a bending region corresponding to the first deformation information and first bending information corresponding to the bending region on the electronic paper display; obtaining the degree of pixel bending corresponding to each pixel in the bending region based on the first bending information; obtaining a driving function relationship corresponding to the degree of pixel bending based on the degree of pixel bending; obtaining the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel based on the driving function relationship corresponding to each pixel and the display signal; and applying the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel to make the electronic paper display display the desired image. This invention improves the control accuracy of ink aperture ratio under bending conditions, ensures accurate grayscale display, and improves display effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic paper displays, and in particular to a method for driving an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible display panels are a major development direction for new display technologies. Electronic paper display technology, with its ultra-low power consumption and comfortable viewing in outdoor lighting conditions, is one of the ideal carriers for portable and wearable flexible display terminals. Therefore, its flexibility is currently a hot topic in international research. In recent years, electronic paper display devices have attracted much attention due to their paper-like appearance, low power consumption, and environmental friendliness. Compared to electrophoretic electronic paper, electrowetting electronic paper has a faster response speed and can achieve color display, making it an electronic paper display capable of high-resolution video playback.

[0003] Electrowetting electronic paper display technology changes the state of pixels by applying voltage between electrodes to cause ink to shrink or spread. Pixel switching is very rapid, enabling high-resolution video playback. Compared to traditional LCD displays, which consume 90% of their energy with backlighting and have low reflective layer efficiency, electrowetting technology eliminates the need for backlighting, achieves reflective layer efficiency of up to 40%, and consumes less power. Furthermore, electrowetting technology uses an oil film as its raw material, eliminating the complex chemical components used in LCDs, thus making it more stable in extreme environments such as low temperatures. Electrowetting display panels can operate using ambient light, making them particularly suitable for electronic devices frequently used in sunlight. Electrowetting panels also offer advantages such as simple structure, suitability for flexible displays, high brightness, high contrast, and wide viewing angles. Electronic paper is prone to bending during use due to its flexibility. However, grayscale division in electrowetting displays is achieved by controlling the ink shrinkage rate with different voltages. Pixel bending undoubtedly increases the difficulty of precisely controlling the ink aperture ratio, affecting the accuracy of grayscale control and resulting in a deterioration in display quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a bending-resistant electrowetting electronic paper display driving method, which aims to improve the control accuracy of ink opening rate under bending conditions of electronic paper display, ensure accurate grayscale display, and improve display effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses a method for driving an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display, the method comprising:

[0006] Step S1: In response to the electronic paper display receiving a display signal, first deformation information generated by the strain gauge array disposed on the electronic paper display is acquired; wherein, the strain gauge array surrounds the electronic paper display and includes a horizontal array and a vertical array, both the horizontal array and the vertical array include multiple strain gauges, and the first deformation information includes at least the first position of the strain gauge that has deformed and the first deformation amount of the strain gauge that has deformed.

[0007] Step S2: Obtain a bending region corresponding to the first deformation information and first bending information corresponding to the bending region on the electronic paper display; wherein, the first bending information includes at least the bending direction of the electronic paper and the bending degree of the electronic paper.

[0008] Step S3: Based on the first bending information, obtain the degree of pixel bending corresponding to each pixel in the bending region;

[0009] Step S4: Based on the degree of pixel curvature, obtain the driving function relationship corresponding to the degree of pixel curvature; wherein, the driving function relationship is a function relationship between driving voltage and ink aperture ratio, and the driving function relationship of the pixel under various degrees of curvature is obtained in advance through experiments;

[0010] Step S5: Based on the driving function relationship and the display signal corresponding to each pixel, obtain the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel; apply the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel so that the electronic paper display can display the required image.

[0011] Optionally, the driving function relationship of the pixel under various degrees of curvature is obtained in advance through experiments, including:

[0012] Position the pixel at a first preset curvature, apply different experimental driving voltages to the pixel, and measure the ink aperture ratio corresponding to each experimental driving voltage.

[0013] Based on multiple sets of experimental driving voltages and their corresponding ink opening ratio data, data fitting is performed to obtain the driving function relationship corresponding to the first preset bending degree;

[0014] By placing the pixel at different preset curvatures and repeating the above steps, the driving function relationship of the pixel under various curvatures can be obtained.

[0015] Optionally, step S2 includes:

[0016] Step S201: Based on the first position of each deformed strain gauge, obtain the connecting region between each first position, and determine the connecting region as the bending region; wherein, there are at least two first positions;

[0017] Step S202: Determine the first bending information of the bending region based on the first deformation of the strain gauge that has undergone deformation.

[0018] Optionally, step S3 includes:

[0019] Based on the first bending information and the distribution position of each pixel in the bending region, the degree of bending of each pixel is obtained.

[0020] Optionally, step S5 includes:

[0021] Step S501: Determine the current ink aperture ratio corresponding to the current frame of each pixel in the electronic paper display based on the display signal;

[0022] Step S502: Based on the current ink aperture ratio of each pixel and its corresponding driving function relationship, obtain the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel;

[0023] Step S503: Apply the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel so that the electronic paper display presents the desired image.

[0024] Optionally, the pixel has a dual-layer ink structure, comprising an upper primary color ink and a lower black ink, with a fluid common electrode disposed between the upper primary color ink and the lower black ink, a primary color driving electrode disposed above the upper primary color ink, and a black driving electrode disposed below the lower black ink.

[0025] Optionally, when the pixel has a dual-layer ink structure, the driving function relationship includes an upper primary color driving function relationship and a lower black driving function relationship. The upper primary color driving function relationship is used to apply a voltage to the primary color driving electrode, generating a potential difference between the primary color driving electrode and the fluid common electrode, thereby changing the wettability of the upper primary color ink. The lower black driving function relationship is used to apply a voltage to the black driving electrode, generating a potential difference between the black driving electrode and the fluid common electrode, thereby changing the wettability of the lower black ink.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention acquires first deformation information generated by a strain gauge array set on an electronic paper display; obtains a bending region corresponding to the first deformation information and first bending information corresponding to the bending region on the electronic paper display; obtains the degree of pixel bending corresponding to each pixel in the bending region based on the first bending information; obtains a driving function relationship corresponding to the degree of pixel bending based on the degree of pixel bending; obtains the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel based on the driving function relationship corresponding to each pixel and the display signal; and applies the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel so that the electronic paper display can display the required image. This invention, through the design of strain gauges, can accurately obtain the bending region and its degree of bending of the electronic paper display, further obtain the bending status of pixels in the bending region, and select the corresponding driving function relationship for driving based on the bending status of the pixels. By adopting the optimal driving function relationship for pixels with different degrees of bending, the control accuracy of ink aperture ratio under bending conditions is improved, ensuring accurate grayscale display and improving the display effect. 2. The pixel of this invention has a dual-layer ink structure, comprising an upper layer of primary color ink and a lower layer of black ink. A common fluid electrode is disposed between the upper primary color ink and the lower black ink. A primary color driving electrode is disposed above the upper primary color ink, and a black driving electrode is disposed below the lower black ink. This invention employs a dual-layer ink structure, with the lower layer being black ink, serving as a background color or used to enhance display effects, achieving rich color display while maintaining high contrast and clarity.

[0027] In summary, this invention can effectively improve the control accuracy of ink aperture ratio under curved conditions in electronic paper displays, ensure accurate grayscale display, and improve display effect. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a simplified structural diagram of a bend-resistant electrowetting electronic paper display provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the driving function relationship under different degrees of bending provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pixel structure provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This invention discloses a method for driving an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display. Those skilled in the art can refer to the content of this document and appropriately modify the technical details to implement it. It should be particularly noted that all similar substitutions and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art and are considered to be included in this invention. The methods and applications of this invention have been described through preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can obviously make modifications or appropriate changes and combinations to the methods and applications described herein without departing from the content, spirit, and scope of this invention to implement and apply the technology of this invention.

[0033] The applicant's research revealed that electrowetting electronic paper displays, due to their flexible nature, are prone to bending. This bending can affect the control of the ink aperture ratio within pixels, meaning that pixels with the same ink aperture ratio may correspond to different driving voltages depending on their degree of bending. In other words, the relationship between the driving voltage and the ink aperture ratio differs for pixels with different degrees of bending. This increases the difficulty of precisely controlling the ink aperture ratio in electrowetting electronic paper displays, thereby affecting the accuracy of grayscale control and ultimately impacting display quality.

[0034] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a driving method for an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0035] Step S1: In response to the electronic paper display receiving the display signal, the first deformation information generated by the strain gauge array set on the electronic paper display is acquired.

[0036] The strain gauge array surrounds the electronic paper display and includes a horizontal array and a vertical array. Both the horizontal and vertical arrays include multiple strain gauges. The first deformation information includes at least the first position of the strain gauge that has deformed and the first deformation amount of the strain gauge that has deformed.

[0037] It should be noted that by surrounding the electronic paper display with a strain gauge array, bending at any point on the display can be detected. This is because, similar to paper, when an electronic paper display is folded, its outer edge will inevitably change, and the folded area is generally the area along the line connecting the changing outer edges.

[0038] It is worth mentioning that electronic paper displays do not require a backlight compared to traditional displays, and rely on reflecting ambient light to form images, thus having the characteristic of energy saving.

[0039] In this specific embodiment, the structure of the electronic paper display can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 In the diagram, 221 is an electronic paper display, 222 is a horizontal array, and 223 is a vertical array. For example... Figure 2As shown, a strain gauge array is disposed around the electronic paper display to sense the bending of the electronic paper display.

[0040] Step S2: Obtain the bending region corresponding to the first deformation information and the first bending information corresponding to the bending region on the electronic paper display.

[0041] The first bending information includes at least the bending direction of the electronic paper and the degree of bending of the electronic paper.

[0042] It should be noted that the curved opening can face upwards or downwards, and different bending directions may result in different ink aperture ratios for the same driving voltage. The degree of curvature of electronic paper can be expressed in radians. The ink aperture ratio can be considered as ink coverage, which is positively correlated with reflectivity. The higher the ink aperture ratio, the greater the reflectivity, and the grayscale will also change in one direction according to the requirements.

[0043] In this specific embodiment, step S2 includes:

[0044] Step S201: Based on the first position of each deformed strain gauge, obtain the connecting region between each first position, and define the connecting region as the bending region; wherein, there are at least two first positions;

[0045] Step S202: Determine the first bending information of the bending region based on the first deformation of the strain gauge that has undergone deformation.

[0046] It should be noted that, similar to paper bending, the electronic paper display of this embodiment generally bends from one edge to another. Therefore, strain gauges placed at the edges sense the bending of the electronic paper display. The corresponding bending area is also the connecting area from the deformed edge to the other deformed edge. Similarly, the degree of deformation at each location in the bending area can be determined by the degree of deformation at the edge.

[0047] Step S3: Based on the first bending information, obtain the degree of pixel bending corresponding to each pixel in the bending region.

[0048] In this specific embodiment, step S3 includes:

[0049] Based on the first bending information and the distribution position of each pixel in the bending region, the degree of pixel bending corresponding to each pixel is obtained.

[0050] It should be noted that the positions of each pixel within the curved region differ, resulting in varying degrees of curvature. Furthermore, since the overall curvature information of the curved region is known, the degree of curvature of the corresponding pixel at each position within the curved region can be determined.

[0051] Step S4: Obtain the driving function relationship corresponding to the degree of pixel curvature.

[0052] Among them, the driving function relationship is the functional relationship between the driving voltage and the ink aperture ratio. The driving function relationship of the pixel under various degrees of curvature is obtained in advance through experiments.

[0053] It should be noted that the relationship between pixel curvature and driving function is stored in the electronic paper display processor and is queried and called during use.

[0054] In this specific embodiment, the driving function relationship of pixels under various degrees of curvature is obtained in advance through experiments, including:

[0055] Position the pixel at a first preset curvature, apply different experimental driving voltages to the pixel, and measure the ink aperture ratio corresponding to each experimental driving voltage.

[0056] Based on multiple sets of experimental driving voltages and their corresponding ink opening ratio data, data fitting was performed to obtain the driving function relationship corresponding to the first preset bending degree.

[0057] By placing the pixel at different preset curvatures and repeating the above steps, the driving function relationship of the pixel under various curvatures can be obtained.

[0058] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The table shows the driving function relationships for three different pixel curvature levels. Figure 3 The three curves a, b, and c represent the driving function relationships under three different pixel curvature levels. For example... Figure 3 As shown, there are abrupt changes in voltage and aperture ratio in the driving function relationship. Within a certain voltage range, a small increase in voltage will cause a large change in aperture ratio.

[0059] Step S5: Based on the driving function relationship and display signal corresponding to each pixel, obtain the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel; apply the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel so that the electronic paper display can display the required image.

[0060] In one specific embodiment, step S5 includes:

[0061] Step S501: Determine the current ink aperture ratio corresponding to the current frame of each pixel in the electronic paper display based on the display signal;

[0062] Step S502: Based on the current ink aperture ratio of each pixel and its corresponding driving function relationship, obtain the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel;

[0063] Step S503: Apply the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel so that the electronic paper display can display the required image.

[0064] In this specific embodiment, the pixel has a double-layer ink structure, comprising an upper primary color ink layer and a lower black ink layer. A fluid common electrode is disposed between the upper primary color ink layer and the lower black ink layer. A primary color driving electrode is disposed above the upper primary color ink layer, and a black driving electrode is disposed below the lower black ink layer.

[0065] It is possible Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The diagram illustrates that the curved pixel consists of three sub-pixels of different colors, forming a dual-layer ink structure: 401 is the upper primary color ink, 402 is the lower black ink, 403 is the fluid common electrode, 404 is the primary color driving electrode, and 405 is the black driving electrode. Figure 4 The middle pixel is in a curved state.

[0066] Furthermore, when the pixel has a dual-layer ink structure, the driving function relationship includes an upper primary color driving function relationship and a lower black driving function relationship. The upper primary color driving function relationship is used to apply voltage to the primary color driving electrode, generating a potential difference between the primary color driving electrode and the fluid common electrode, thereby changing the wettability of the upper primary color ink. The lower black driving function relationship is used to apply voltage to the black driving electrode, generating a potential difference between the black driving electrode and the fluid common electrode, thereby changing the wettability of the lower black ink.

[0067] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention employ a double-layer ink structure, which can enhance contrast, resulting in more natural colors, richer image quality, and further improved imaging quality.

[0068] This invention, through the design of strain gauges, acquires first deformation information generated by a strain gauge array on an electronic paper display; obtains a bending region corresponding to the first deformation information and first bending information corresponding to the bending region on the electronic paper display; based on the first bending information, obtains the degree of bending of each pixel in the bending region; based on the degree of bending, obtains a driving function relationship corresponding to the degree of bending; based on the driving function relationship and display signal, obtains the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel; and applies the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel to make the electronic paper display display the desired image. This invention, through the design of strain gauges, can accurately obtain the bending region and its degree of bending of the electronic paper display, further obtain the bending status of pixels in the bending region, and select the corresponding driving function relationship for driving based on the bending status of the pixels. By using the optimal driving function relationship for pixels with different degrees of bending, the control accuracy of ink aperture ratio under bending conditions is improved, ensuring accurate grayscale display and improving display effect.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, the pixel has a dual-layer ink structure. The pixel includes an upper layer of primary color ink and a lower layer of black ink. A common fluid electrode is disposed between the upper primary color ink and the lower black ink. A primary color driving electrode is disposed above the upper primary color ink, and a black driving electrode is disposed below the lower black ink. This embodiment of the invention employs a dual-layer ink structure, with the lower layer being black ink, serving as a background color or used to enhance display effects, achieving rich color display while maintaining high contrast and clarity.

[0070] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention can effectively improve the control accuracy of ink aperture ratio when the electronic paper display is bent, ensure the accuracy of grayscale display, and improve the display effect.

[0071] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely 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 the element.

[0072] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0073] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for driving an anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display, characterized in that, The method includes: Step S1: In response to the electronic paper display receiving a display signal, first deformation information generated by the strain gauge array disposed on the electronic paper display is acquired; wherein, the strain gauge array surrounds the electronic paper display and includes a horizontal array and a vertical array, both the horizontal array and the vertical array include multiple strain gauges, and the first deformation information includes at least the first position of the strain gauge that has deformed and the first deformation amount of the strain gauge that has deformed. Step S2: Obtain a bending region corresponding to the first deformation information and first bending information corresponding to the bending region on the electronic paper display; wherein, the first bending information includes at least the bending direction of the electronic paper and the bending degree of the electronic paper. Step S3: Based on the first bending information, obtain the degree of pixel bending corresponding to each pixel in the bending region; Step S4: Based on the degree of pixel curvature, obtain the driving function relationship corresponding to the degree of pixel curvature; wherein, the driving function relationship is a function relationship between driving voltage and ink aperture ratio, and the driving function relationship of the pixel under various degrees of curvature is obtained in advance through experiments; Step S5: Based on the driving function relationship corresponding to each pixel and the display signal, obtain the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel; apply the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel so that the electronic paper display can display the required image; The driving function relationship of the pixel under various degrees of curvature was obtained in advance through experiments, including: Position the pixel at a first preset curvature, apply different experimental driving voltages to the pixel, and measure the ink aperture ratio corresponding to each experimental driving voltage. Based on multiple sets of experimental driving voltages and their corresponding ink opening ratio data, data fitting is performed to obtain the driving function relationship corresponding to the first preset bending degree; By placing the pixel at different preset curvatures and repeating the above steps, the driving function relationship of the pixel under various curvatures can be obtained.

2. The anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display driving method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2 includes: Step S201: Based on the first position of each deformed strain gauge, obtain the connecting region between each first position, and determine the connecting region as the bending region; wherein, there are at least two first positions; Step S202: Determine the first bending information of the bending region based on the first deformation of the strain gauge that has undergone deformation.

3. The anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display driving method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: Based on the first bending information and the distribution position of each pixel in the bending region, the degree of bending of each pixel is obtained.

4. The anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display driving method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S5 includes: Step S501: Determine the current ink aperture ratio corresponding to the current frame of each pixel in the electronic paper display based on the display signal; Step S502: Based on the current ink aperture ratio of each pixel and its corresponding driving function relationship, obtain the current driving voltage corresponding to the current frame of each pixel; Step S503: Apply the corresponding current driving voltage to each pixel so that the electronic paper display presents the desired image.

5. The anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display driving method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pixel has a dual-layer ink structure, comprising an upper primary color ink layer and a lower black ink layer. A fluid common electrode is disposed between the upper primary color ink layer and the lower black ink layer. A primary color driving electrode is disposed above the upper primary color ink layer, and a black driving electrode is disposed below the lower black ink layer.

6. The anti-bending electrowetting electronic paper display driving method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the pixel is a dual-layer ink structure, the driving function relationship includes an upper primary color driving function relationship and a lower black driving function relationship. The upper primary color driving function relationship is used to apply a voltage to the primary color driving electrode, and generate a potential difference between the primary color driving electrode and the fluid common electrode to change the wettability of the upper primary color ink. The lower black driving function relationship is used to apply a voltage to the black driving electrode, generating a potential difference between the black driving electrode and the fluid common electrode, thereby changing the wettability of the lower black ink.

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