Transflective display device and driving method

Abstract

The application discloses a transflective display device and a driving method thereof. The transflective display device comprises a display panel, a backlight module and a black light-transmitting layer arranged between the display panel and the backlight module. The display panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer adopts a TN alignment mode. The display panel has a plurality of pixel units. The second substrate is provided with pixel electrodes corresponding to the pixel units. The first substrate is provided with an upper polarizer and a common electrode matched with the pixel electrodes. The second substrate is provided with a metal wire grid polarizer. The light transmission axis of the metal wire grid polarizer is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the upper polarizer. The display panel adopting the TN display mode is matched with the metal wire grid polarizer, so that the single-layer liquid crystal box can realize the transmission display and the reflection display, and the thickness of the display device is reduced. The black light-transmitting layer can absorb the light passing through the metal wire grid polarizer, so as to reduce the brightness of the black state and improve the contrast ratio during the reflection display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a transflective display device and its driving method. Background Technology

[0002] Display panels offer advantages such as thinness, durability, and low power consumption, which are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. However, they require a backlight, resulting in a thicker module and higher cost. Electronic paper displays (reflective displays) have emerged as a solution to meet the needs of the general public. Unlike LCD displays, which require a backlight, electronic paper displays can use external light sources to display images. Therefore, even in strong sunlight, the information on the electronic paper remains clearly visible without viewing angle issues. Furthermore, due to their energy efficiency, high reflectivity, and high contrast ratio, electronic paper displays are now widely used in e-readers (such as e-books and e-newspapers) and other electronic components (such as price tags).

[0003] Existing electronic paper displays typically employ E-Ink microcapsule technology (microcapsule electronic ink technology), SiPix microcup technology (microcup electrophoretic display technology), Bridgestone electronic liquid powder technology, cholesteric liquid crystal display (CLCD) technology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, or electrowetting technology. However, existing electronic paper display technologies are less mature than liquid crystal display technologies, have lower mass production efficiency, higher manufacturing costs, and cannot achieve color display.

[0004] To combine the advantages of transmissive display panels and electronic paper displays, transflective display devices have emerged in the prior art. These devices can utilize both ambient light and backlight for display. When the external light source is weak, the backlight can be turned on for light compensation, thus enabling normal display. However, existing transflective display devices have high brightness in black states when the screen is off or in reflected display, and poor contrast in reflected display. Moreover, existing transflective display devices typically require a dual liquid crystal cell with a quarter-wave plate to achieve the transflective effect, resulting in a thicker cell and higher manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a transflective display device and driving method to solve the problems of poor contrast and thick cell in the transflective display device in the prior art when reflecting the image.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] The present invention provides a transflective display device, including a display panel, a backlight module and a black light-transmitting layer. The display panel and the black light-transmitting layer are both disposed on the light-emitting side of the backlight module, and the black light-transmitting layer is located between the display panel and the backlight module. The black light-transmitting layer can absorb part of the light and transmit another part of the light.

[0008] The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate has multiple pixel units defined by multiple insulated and intersecting scan lines and data lines on its side facing the liquid crystal layer. Each pixel unit contains a pixel electrode and a thin-film transistor (TFT). The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the scan lines and data lines adjacent to the TFT through the TFT. The first substrate has a common electrode on its side facing the liquid crystal layer that cooperates with the pixel electrode. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer is parallel to both the first and second substrates. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer near the first substrate is perpendicular to the alignment direction near the second substrate. An upper polarizer is provided on the first substrate. The second substrate has a metal wire grid polarizer formed by multiple parallel and spaced metal wire grids. The projection of the metal wire grid polarizer onto the second substrate covers all the pixel units. The light transmission axis of the metal wire grid polarizer is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the upper polarizer, and the reflection axis of the metal wire grid polarizer is parallel to the light transmission axis of the upper polarizer.

[0009] Furthermore, the black translucent layer is a smoked diffuser sheet, and the smoked diffuser sheet contains sodium carbonate rice flour.

[0010] Furthermore, the smoked diffuser sheet includes a substrate, an isolation layer, and a smoked diffuser layer. The isolation layer is located on the side of the substrate away from the display panel, and the smoked diffuser layer is located on the side of the substrate facing the display panel. The smoked diffuser layer contains sodium carbonate rice flour.

[0011] Furthermore, the black translucent layer is a smoked adhesive layer, which comprises a mixture of sodium carbonate rice flour and glue, and the smoked adhesive layer is bonded to the side of the second substrate away from the liquid crystal layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the transflective display device includes an upper diffuser sheet, which is bonded to the side of the second substrate away from the liquid crystal layer by the smoked adhesive layer, and the smoked adhesive layer is located between the upper diffuser sheet and the second substrate.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the metal wire grids extends through the entire column of pixel units along the extension direction of the data line;

[0014] Alternatively, each of the metal wire grids extends through the entire row of pixel units along the extension direction of the scan line;

[0015] Alternatively, the metal wire grid polarizer can be multiplexed as the pixel electrode, with each metal wire grid corresponding to a pixel unit, and multiple metal wire grids within each pixel unit interconnected.

[0016] Furthermore, the first substrate is provided with a black matrix and a color resist layer, the black matrix spacing out the multiple color resist layers, and the color resist layer corresponding to the pixel unit one by one.

[0017] This application also provides a driving method for a transflective display device, used to drive the transflective display device as described above, the driving method comprising:

[0018] In reflective display mode, the backlight module is turned off and a first gamma driving signal is applied to the display panel to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the pixel unit corresponding to the lowest gray level brightness to maintain the initial state, and to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the pixel unit corresponding to the highest gray level brightness to be perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0019] In the transmissive display mode, the backlight module is turned on and a second gamma driving signal is applied to the display panel to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the pixel unit corresponding to the lowest grayscale brightness to be perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate, and to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the pixel unit corresponding to the highest grayscale brightness to maintain the initial state.

[0020] Furthermore, the driving method includes:

[0021] Monitor ambient light intensity and determine whether the ambient light intensity is greater than a preset value;

[0022] When the ambient light brightness is greater than the preset brightness, the reflective display mode is activated; when the ambient light brightness is less than or equal to the preset brightness, the transmissive display mode is activated.

[0023] Furthermore, the driving method includes:

[0024] Both the reflective display mode and the transmissive display mode include a grayscale brightness of 0-255. In the reflective display mode, the grayscale voltage corresponding to the 0+N grayscale brightness is equal to the grayscale voltage corresponding to the 255-N grayscale brightness in the transmissive display mode.

[0025] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By using a TN display panel with a metal wire grid polarizer, the light transmission axis of the metal wire grid polarizer is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the upper polarizer. Thus, both transmissive and reflective displays can be achieved using a single-layer liquid crystal cell. Moreover, the metal wire grid polarizer can replace the lower polarizer, eliminating the need for a lower polarizer and greatly reducing the thickness of the display device. In addition, with the addition of a black light-transmitting layer, during reflective display, the black light-transmitting layer can absorb ambient light passing through the metal wire grid polarizer to reduce the brightness of the black state, improve the contrast during reflective display, and achieve a seamless black effect when the screen is off. Furthermore, during transmissive display, it can block the mura, greatly improving the display quality. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the metal wire grid polarizer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the smoke diffuser sheet in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in reflective display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the pixel unit with the highest grayscale brightness.

[0033] Figure 7 This is the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a pixel unit with intermediate grayscale brightness.

[0034] Figure 8 This is the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the principle of the lowest grayscale brightness pixel unit;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the transmissive display device in the transmissive display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is the present invention. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the principle of the lowest grayscale brightness pixel unit;

[0037] Figure 11 This is the present invention. Figure 9A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a pixel unit with intermediate grayscale brightness.

[0038] Figure 12 This is the present invention. Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the pixel unit with the highest grayscale brightness.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the driving method for the transflective display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a grayscale brightness curve chart of the transflective display device in reflective display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a VT curve chart of the transflective display device in reflective display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 16 This is a grayscale brightness curve chart of the transmissive display device in the transmissive display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17 This is a VT curve chart of the transmissive display device in the transmissive display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second substrate in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, provides a detailed explanation of the specific implementation methods, structure, features, and effects of the transflective display device and driving method proposed according to the present invention:

[0048] [Example 1]

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a transflective display device includes a display panel, a backlight module, and a black light-transmitting layer 61. Both the display panel and the black light-transmitting layer 61 are disposed on the light-emitting side of the backlight module. The black light-transmitting layer 61 is located between the display panel and the backlight module. The black light-transmitting layer 61 can absorb some light and transmit the remaining light. The backlight module provides a backlight source for the display panel. The transmittance and absorbance of the black light-transmitting layer 61 can be adjusted according to actual needs; for example, the transmittance of the black light-transmitting layer 61 can be set between 5% and 90%. By placing the black light-transmitting layer 61 between the display panel and the backlight module, in reflective display mode, the black light-transmitting layer 61 can absorb ambient light passing through the display panel to reduce the brightness of the black state, improve the contrast during reflective display, and enhance the seamless black effect when the screen is off. Moreover, in transmissive display mode, it can block ambient light, greatly improving the display quality.

[0051] The display panel includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20 disposed opposite to the first substrate 10, and a liquid crystal layer 30 located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The first substrate 10 is located on the side of the display panel closest to the external environment, and the second substrate 20 is located on the side of the display panel closest to the backlight module. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 are positive liquid crystal molecules (liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy), such as... Figure 1 As shown, in the initial state, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 are positive liquid crystal molecules and are in a flat position. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer 30 is parallel to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer 30 on the side closer to the first substrate 10 is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the second substrate 20. That is, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 are twisted 90° from the first substrate 10 toward the second substrate 20 to form a TN display mode.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the second substrate 20 is an array substrate. On the side of the second substrate 20 facing the liquid crystal layer 30, multiple scan lines 1 and multiple data lines 2 are mutually insulated and intersecting to form multiple pixel units P. Each pixel unit P contains a pixel electrode 22 and a thin-film transistor 3. The pixel electrode 22 is electrically connected to the scan line 1 and data line 2 adjacent to the thin-film transistor 3 through the thin-film transistor 3. The thin-film transistor 3 includes a gate, an active layer, a drain, and a source. The gate and scan line 1 are located on the same layer and electrically connected. The gate and active layer are separated by an insulating layer. The source is electrically connected to the data line 2, and the drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 22 through a contact hole. The first substrate 10 has a common electrode 13 on the side facing the liquid crystal layer 30 that cooperates with the pixel electrode 22. The pixel electrode 22 is a block structure corresponding to the pixel unit P, and the common electrode 13 is a planar structure covering the entire surface of the first substrate 10.

[0053] A top polarizer 40 is provided on the first substrate 10, and a metal grid polarizer 21, formed by multiple parallel and spaced metal grids 211, is provided on the second substrate 20. The projection of the metal grid polarizer 21 onto the second substrate 20 covers all pixel units P. The light transmission axis of the metal grid polarizer 21 is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the top polarizer 40, and the reflection axis of the metal grid polarizer 21 is parallel to the light transmission axis of the top polarizer 40. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer 30 near the first substrate 10 is parallel to the light transmission axis of the top polarizer 40, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer 30 near the second substrate 20 is parallel to the light transmission axis of the metal grid polarizer 21. The metal grid polarizer 21 and the pixel electrode 22 are located in different layers and separated from each other by an insulating layer. Optionally, the metal grid polarizer 21 is located on the side of the pixel electrode 22 away from the liquid crystal layer 30. By using a TN display panel with a metal wire grid polarizer 21, the light transmission axis of the metal wire grid polarizer 21 is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the upper polarizer. Thus, both transmissive and reflective displays can be achieved using a single-layer liquid crystal cell. Moreover, the metal wire grid polarizer can replace the lower polarizer, so there is no need to set a lower polarizer, which greatly reduces the thickness of the display device.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the metal wire grid polarizer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the metal wire grid polarizer 21 has a special polarization characteristic: it transmits polarized light perpendicular to the extension direction of the metal wire grid 211 and reflects polarized light parallel to the extension direction of the metal wire grid 211. In the incident light ray A, the polarization direction of the light ray has a first polarized light a1 perpendicular to the extension direction of the metal wire grid 211 and a second polarized light a2 parallel to the extension direction of the metal wire grid 211. The first polarized light a1 perpendicular to the extension direction of the metal wire grid 211 can pass through the metal wire grid polarizer 21 to form the transmitted light ray C, while the second polarized light a2 parallel to the extension direction of the metal wire grid 211 is reflected to form the reflected light ray B. For a more detailed description of the metal wire grid polarizer 21, please refer to the prior art; it will not be repeated here.

[0055] Furthermore, the extension direction of each metal grid 211 is parallel to the extension direction of the data line 2, and each metal grid 211 extends through the entire column of pixel units P along the extension direction of the data line 2. Alternatively, the extension direction of each metal grid 211 is parallel to the extension direction of the scan line 1, and each metal grid 211 extends through the entire row of pixel units P along the extension direction of the scan line 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, the black light-transmitting layer 61 is a smoked diffuser sheet. The smoked diffuser sheet contains sodium carbonate rice flour; that is, sodium carbonate rice flour is mixed into the material of the diffuser sheet during its manufacture, thereby reducing the light transmittance. The light transmittance of the smoked diffuser sheet can be adjusted according to actual needs; for example, the transmittance range can be set between 5% and 90%. In reflective displays, this achieves a black substrate, reduces the brightness of the black state, improves the contrast of reflective displays, and provides a seamless black effect when the screen is off. Furthermore, in transmissive displays, it can block mura (the black area), enhancing the display's aesthetic appeal.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the smoke diffuser sheet in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the smoked diffusion sheet includes a substrate 611, an isolation layer 612, and a smoked diffusion layer 613. The isolation layer 612 is located on the side of the substrate 611 away from the display panel, and the smoked diffusion layer 613 is located on the side of the substrate 611 facing the display panel. The smoked diffusion layer 613 contains sodium carbonate rice flour. The substrate 611 is made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), and the smoked diffusion layer 613 is made by incorporating sodium carbonate rice flour into inorganic or polymeric particles, followed by high-temperature drying to remove solvents and hardening. The light transmittance and black effect can be achieved by adding sodium carbonate rice flour according to actual needs.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first substrate 10 is a color filter substrate. A black matrix 11 and color resist layers 12 are provided on the first substrate 10. The black matrix 11 spaces multiple color resist layers 12 apart from each other, and each color resist layer 12 corresponds to a pixel unit P. The color resist layer 12 includes red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color resist materials, and correspondingly forms red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pixel units P, thereby enabling the transflective display device to achieve both color reflection and color transmission displays. Of course, in other embodiments, the first substrate 10 may not have color resist layers 12, and the area of ​​the first substrate 10 corresponding to the pixel unit P may be transparent, thereby enabling the transflective display device to achieve both black-and-white reflection and black-and-white transmission displays.

[0059] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 can be made of materials such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The common electrode 13 and the pixel electrode 22 can be made of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The metal grid polarizer 21 can be made of materials such as Al (aluminum) or Mo (molybdenum) and can be formed by printing the metal grid 211 using nanoimprint lithography (or other related technologies).

[0060] In this embodiment, the backlight module is an edge-lit backlight module, including an edge-lit light source 51, a light guide plate 52, a reflective layer 53, a lower diffuser 54, and a prism sheet 55. The edge-lit light source 51 is disposed on the side of the light guide plate 52. The reflective layer 53, the light guide plate 52, the lower diffuser 54, and the prism sheet 55 are sequentially stacked on the side facing the display panel. A black light-transmitting layer 61 is located between the prism sheet 55 and the display panel. The black light-transmitting layer 61 can be adhered to the backlight module, thereby forming a whole with the backlight module.

[0061] This application also provides a driving method for a transflective display device, used to drive the transflective display device as described above. The driving method includes:

[0062] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in reflective display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, in reflective display mode, the backlight module is turned off and a first gamma drive signal is applied to the display panel. The first gamma drive signal can be output to the display panel by the microcontroller unit (MCU). This first gamma drive signal can be pre-stored in a register and its timing is controlled by the timing controller (TCON). The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the pixel unit P with the lowest grayscale brightness (black state) are kept in their initial state, while the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the pixel unit P with the highest grayscale brightness are perpendicular to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the pixel unit P with intermediate grayscale brightness are in a tilted state. The brightness value of the intermediate grayscale brightness is between the brightness values ​​of the lowest and highest grayscale brightness. Figure 5 In a grayscale display, the red pixel unit P represents the highest grayscale brightness, the green pixel unit P represents the middle grayscale brightness, and the blue pixel unit P represents the lowest grayscale brightness. For example, the reflective display mode includes grayscale brightness levels of 0-255, with the lowest grayscale brightness being 0, the highest grayscale brightness being 255, and the middle grayscale brightness being any grayscale brightness between 0 and 255.

[0063] Figure 6 This is the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the pixel unit with the highest grayscale brightness. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, for the highest grayscale brightness ( Figure 5 For the red pixel unit P, the ambient light I passes through the upper polarizer 40 and forms linearly polarized light (e.g., 0° linearly polarized light) in the first direction parallel to the transmission axis of the upper polarizer 40. After passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, it is reflected back by the metal wire grid polarizer 21, passes through the liquid crystal layer 30 again, and is emitted from the upper polarizer 40, thereby making the red pixel unit P exhibit the highest grayscale brightness. Figure 7 This is the present invention. Figure 5A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a pixel unit with intermediate grayscale brightness. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, for intermediate grayscale brightness ( Figure 5 For the green pixel unit P, ambient light I passes through the upper polarizer 40 and forms linearly polarized light (e.g., 0° linearly polarized light) in the first direction parallel to the transmission axis of the upper polarizer 40. After passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, it forms elliptically polarized light or circularly polarized light. Part of the light is reflected back by the metal wire grid polarizer 21, passes through the liquid crystal layer 30 again, and is emitted from the upper polarizer 40. Another part of the light passes through the metal wire grid polarizer 21 and is partially absorbed by the black light-transmitting layer 61, thereby making the green pixel unit P have an intermediate gray level brightness. The brightness value of the intermediate gray level brightness can be controlled by the gray level voltage applied to the pixel electrode 22. Figure 8 This is the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the lowest grayscale brightness pixel unit. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, for intermediate grayscale brightness ( Figure 5 For the blue pixel unit P, the ambient light I passes through the upper polarizer 40 and forms a first-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 0° linearly polarized light) parallel to the transmission axis of the upper polarizer 40. When it passes through the liquid crystal layer 30, the deflection direction rotates by 90° and forms a second-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 90° linearly polarized light). After passing through the metal wire grid polarizer 21, a portion of it is absorbed by the black light-transmitting layer 61, and the other portion is directed towards the backlight module. There is almost no reflected light, so that the blue pixel unit P has the lowest grayscale brightness (black state).

[0064] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the transmissive display device in transmission display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, in the transmissive display mode, the backlight module is turned on and a second gamma drive signal is applied to the display panel. The microcontroller unit (MCU) can output the second gamma drive signal to the display panel. This second gamma drive signal can be pre-stored in a register and its timing is controlled by the timing controller (TCON). The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the pixel unit P with the lowest grayscale brightness are perpendicular to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, while the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the pixel unit P with the highest grayscale brightness remain in their initial state. The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the pixel unit P with the intermediate grayscale brightness are in a tilted state. The brightness value of the intermediate grayscale brightness is between the brightness values ​​of the lowest and highest grayscale brightness. Figure 9In a grayscale display, the red pixel unit P represents the lowest grayscale brightness, the green pixel unit P represents the middle grayscale brightness, and the blue pixel unit P represents the highest grayscale brightness. For example, the transmissive display mode includes grayscale brightness levels of 0-255, with the lowest grayscale brightness being 0, the highest grayscale brightness being 255, and the middle grayscale brightness being any grayscale brightness between 0 and 255.

[0065] Figure 10 This is the present invention. Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the lowest grayscale brightness pixel unit. (See diagram below.) Figure 10 As shown, for the lowest grayscale brightness ( Figure 9 For the red pixel unit P, the light BL from the backlight passes through the metal wire grid polarizer 21 and forms second-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 90° linearly polarized light) parallel to the transmission axis of the metal wire grid polarizer 21. The other part of the first-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 0° linearly polarized light) is reflected back by the metal wire grid polarizer 21 for reuse. The second-direction linearly polarized light passes through the liquid crystal layer 30 and is absorbed by the upper polarizer 40, thereby making the red pixel unit P exhibit the lowest grayscale brightness (black state). Figure 11 This is the present invention. Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a pixel unit with intermediate grayscale brightness. (See diagram below.) Figure 11 As shown, for intermediate grayscale brightness ( Figure 9 In the case of the green pixel unit P, the light BL from the backlight passes through the metal wire grid polarizer 21 and forms second-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 90° linearly polarized light) parallel to the transmission axis of the metal wire grid polarizer 21. The other part of the first-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 0° linearly polarized light) is reflected back by the metal wire grid polarizer 21 for reuse. The second-direction linearly polarized light passes through the liquid crystal layer 30 and forms elliptically polarized light or circularly polarized light. Part of the light is absorbed by the upper polarizer 40, and the other part passes through the upper polarizer 40 and is emitted from the upper polarizer 40, thereby making the green pixel unit P have an intermediate grayscale brightness. Figure 12 This is the present invention. Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the pixel unit with the highest grayscale brightness. (See diagram below.) Figure 12 As shown, for the highest grayscale brightness ( Figure 9 For the blue pixel unit P, the light BL from the backlight passes through the metal wire grid polarizer 21 and forms second-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 90° linearly polarized light) parallel to the transmission axis of the metal wire grid polarizer 21. Another part of the first-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 0° linearly polarized light) is reflected back by the metal wire grid polarizer 21 for reuse. The second-direction linearly polarized light rotates 90° in deflection direction when passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 and forms first-direction linearly polarized light (e.g., 0° linearly polarized light), then passes through the upper polarizer 40 and is emitted from the upper polarizer 40, thereby making the blue pixel unit P exhibit the highest grayscale brightness.

[0066] Figure 14 This is a grayscale brightness curve chart of the transflective display device in reflective display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a VT curve chart of the transflective display device in reflective display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a grayscale brightness curve chart of the transmissive display device in the transmissive display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 17 This is a VT curve chart of the transmissive display device in the transmissive display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figures 14 to 17 As shown, both the reflective display mode and the transmissive display mode include a grayscale brightness of 0-255. The grayscale brightness of pixel unit P from 0-255 is controlled by the grayscale voltage applied to pixel electrode 22. The grayscale voltage includes a grayscale voltage of 0-255. The grayscale voltage in the reflective display mode differs from that in the transmissive display mode. Therefore, the transmissive display device requires two gamma driving signals: a first gamma driving signal and a second gamma driving signal. Specifically, in the reflective display mode, the grayscale voltage corresponding to a grayscale brightness of 0+N is equal to the grayscale voltage corresponding to a grayscale brightness of 255-N in the transmissive display mode, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0067] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the driving method for the transflective display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown, the driving method includes:

[0068] It monitors ambient light intensity and determines whether the ambient light intensity exceeds a preset value. For example, the ambient light intensity can be monitored using a light sensor on a transflective display device.

[0069] When the ambient light intensity is greater than the preset brightness, the reflective display mode is activated, thereby applying a first gamma drive signal to the display panel. Specifically, the microcontroller unit (MCU) outputs the first gamma drive signal to the display panel. The first gamma drive signal can be pre-registered in a register, and the timing is controlled by the timing controller (TCON). The timing controller simultaneously controls the backlight module to turn off. When the ambient light intensity is less than or equal to the preset brightness, the transmissive display mode is activated, applying a second gamma drive signal to the display panel. Specifically, the microcontroller unit (MCU) outputs the second gamma drive signal to the display panel. The second gamma drive signal can be pre-registered in a register, and the timing is controlled by the timing controller (TCON). The timing controller simultaneously controls the backlight module to turn on.

[0070] [Example 2]

[0071] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 18As shown, the transflective display device and driving method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 17 The transflective display device and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0072] The black transparent layer 61 is a smoked adhesive layer, which includes a mixture of sodium carbonate rice flour and glue. The smoked adhesive layer is bonded to the side of the second substrate 20 away from the liquid crystal layer 30. For example, the smoked adhesive layer is formed by incorporating sodium carbonate rice flour into transparent OCA glue.

[0073] Furthermore, the transflective display device includes an upper diffuser 62, which is bonded to the side of the second substrate 20 away from the liquid crystal layer 30 by a smoked adhesive layer. The smoked adhesive layer is located between the upper diffuser 62 and the second substrate 20, thereby making the display panel, the upper diffuser 62, and the black light-transmitting layer 61 form a whole.

[0074] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] [Example 3]

[0076] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the transflective display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second substrate in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the transflective display device and driving method provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 17 Example 2 Figure 18 The transflective display device and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0077] The metal wire grid polarizer 21 is reused as the pixel electrode 22. Each metal wire grid 211 corresponds to a pixel unit P, and multiple metal wire grids 211 within each pixel unit P are interconnected. In this embodiment, the metal wire grid polarizer 21 and the pixel electrode 22 are the same component; the metal wire grid polarizer 21 only needs to be divided into blocks corresponding to the pixel unit P. Since the metal wire grid polarizer 21 is made of metals such as Al (aluminum) or Mo (molybdenum), it has good conductivity. By reused as the pixel electrode 22, not only can the impedance of the pixel electrode 22 be reduced, but the cell thickness, manufacturing process, and manufacturing cost of the transflective display device can also be reduced.

[0078] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] In this document, the directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined according to the position of the structures in the accompanying drawings and the relative positions of the structures, and are only used for clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application. It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are only used for distinction in name and are not used to limit the number or order.

[0080] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, which are equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transflective display device, characterized in that, It includes a display panel, a backlight module, and a black light-transmitting layer (61). The display panel and the black light-transmitting layer (61) are both located on the light-emitting side of the backlight module. The black light-transmitting layer (61) is located between the display panel and the backlight module. The black light-transmitting layer (61) can absorb some light and transmit other light. The display panel includes a first substrate (10), a second substrate (20) disposed opposite to the first substrate (10), and a liquid crystal layer (30) located between the first substrate (10) and the second substrate (20). The second substrate (20) has multiple pixel units (P) formed on its side facing the liquid crystal layer (30) by multiple scan lines (1) and multiple data lines (2) that are mutually insulated and intersecting. Each pixel unit (P) has a pixel electrode (22) and a thin-film transistor (3). The pixel electrode (22) is electrically connected to the scan lines (1) and data lines (2) adjacent to the thin-film transistor (3) through the thin-film transistor (3). The first substrate (10) has a common electrode (13) on its side facing the liquid crystal layer (30) that cooperates with the pixel electrode (22). The alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer (30) is parallel to the first substrate (10) and the second substrate (20). The alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer (30) on the side closer to the first substrate (10) is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the second substrate (20). An upper polarizer (40) is provided on the first substrate (10). A metal grid polarizer (21) formed by multiple metal grids (211) arranged in parallel and spaced intervals is provided on the second substrate (20). The projection of the metal grid polarizer (21) on the second substrate (20) covers all the pixel units (P). The light transmission axis of the metal grid polarizer (21) is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the upper polarizer (40). The reflection axis of the metal grid polarizer (21) is parallel to the light transmission axis of the upper polarizer (40). The black light-transmitting layer (61) is a smoked diffuser sheet containing carbon nanoparticles; or, the black light-transmitting layer (61) is a smoked adhesive layer comprising carbon nanoparticles and adhesive mixed together, and the smoked adhesive layer is bonded to the side of the second substrate (20) away from the liquid crystal layer (30).

2. The transflective display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smoked diffuser sheet includes a substrate (611), an isolation layer (612), and a smoked diffuser layer (613). The isolation layer (612) is located on the side of the substrate (611) away from the display panel, and the smoked diffuser layer (613) is located on the side of the substrate (611) facing the display panel. The smoked diffuser layer (613) contains carbon nanoparticles.

3. The transflective display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transflective display device includes an upper diffuser (62), which is bonded to the side of the second substrate (20) away from the liquid crystal layer (30) by the smoked adhesive layer, and the smoked adhesive layer is located between the upper diffuser (62) and the second substrate (20).

4. The transflective display device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each of the metal wire grids (211) extends through the entire column of pixel units (P) along the extension direction of the data line (2); Alternatively, each of the metal wire grids (211) extends through the entire row of pixel units (P) along the extension direction of the scan line (1); Alternatively, the metal wire grid polarizer (21) can be reused as the pixel electrode (22), with each metal wire grid (211) corresponding to a pixel unit (P), and multiple metal wire grids (211) within each pixel unit (P) interconnected.

5. The transflective display device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first substrate (10) is provided with a black matrix (11) and a color resist layer (12). The black matrix (11) separates the multiple color resist layers (12) from each other, and the color resist layer (12) corresponds one-to-one with the pixel unit (P).

6. A driving method for a transflective display device, characterized in that, The driving method for driving the transflective display device as described in any one of claims 1-5 includes: In reflective display mode, the backlight module is turned off and a first gamma driving signal is applied to the display panel to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer (30) of the region corresponding to the pixel unit (P) with the lowest gray level brightness to remain in the initial state, and to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer (30) of the region corresponding to the pixel unit (P) with the highest gray level brightness to be perpendicular to the first substrate (10) and the second substrate (20). In the transmissive display mode, the backlight module is turned on and a second gamma driving signal is applied to the display panel to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer (30) of the region corresponding to the pixel unit (P) with the lowest gray level brightness to be perpendicular to the first substrate (10) and the second substrate (20), and to control the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer (30) of the region corresponding to the pixel unit (P) with the highest gray level brightness to remain in the initial state.

7. The driving method for the transflective display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving method includes: Monitor ambient light intensity and determine whether the ambient light intensity is greater than a preset value; When the ambient light brightness is greater than the preset brightness, the reflective display mode is activated; when the ambient light brightness is less than or equal to the preset brightness, the transmissive display mode is activated.

8. The driving method for the transflective display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving method includes: Both the reflective display mode and the transmissive display mode include a grayscale brightness of 0-255. In the reflective display mode, the grayscale voltage corresponding to the 0+N grayscale brightness is equal to the grayscale voltage corresponding to the 255-N grayscale brightness in the transmissive display mode. Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

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