Display panel, method for displaying an image and display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a display panel including a plurality of pixel units. At least one pixel unit is composed of two sub-pixels, the two sub-pixels of each pixel unit in the at least one pixel unit are in a complementary color relationship. Each pixel unit in the at least one pixel unit can be used to generate a white point when the two sub-pixels are set to a first state together, and generate a black point when the two sub-pixels are set to a second state together. The plurality of pixel units can include a plurality of first pixel units and a plurality of second pixel units arranged alternately. The two sub-pixels of each first pixel unit in the first pixel units can have a first pair of colors in a complementary color relationship, and the two sub-pixels of each second pixel unit in the second pixel units can have a second pair of colors in a complementary color relationship.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display panel, wherein each pixel unit includes a subpixel. Background Technology

[0002] E-book products using reflective displays, such as electronic paper displays (EPDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs), are widely used. However, compared to books printed on paper, the brightness and color gamut (or color reproduction) of existing products are generally very poor. Brightness and color gamut are traded off due to the structure and mechanisms of the displays. For example, the image quality of monochrome or black-and-white (B / W) e-books is increasingly approaching that of newspapers, but still falls short of gravure-printed magazines using glossy paper.

[0003] Existing display devices traditionally use the additive color mixing theory of the RGB three primary colors to produce full color, meaning each pixel consists of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) subpixels. It's important to note that this applies not only to non-emissive displays (e.g., reflective or transmissive displays using backlighting), such as EPDs and LCDs, but also to emissive displays, such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and light-emitting diode (LED) displays. In some displays (including reflective displays), RGB colors are achieved through color filters, which determine the achievable color gamut and reduce brightness due to their limited transmission.

[0004] One known approach to improving the trade-off between brightness and color gamut is to add a white (W) subpixel to each RGB pixel (i.e., a pixel with R, G, and B subpixels) to form an RGBW pixel. By adding W subpixels without color filters, brightness can be increased while the color gamut defined by the RGB primary colors remains essentially the same. However, this known approach reduces the size of each subpixel by a factor of 3 / 4, thereby reducing the brightness of each color component. Therefore, it cannot increase the overall brightness to the desired level. Furthermore, there are limitations in reducing the subpixel size due to the need to provide subpixel circuitry including thin-film transistors (TFTs) and capacitors. This results in limitations in pixel size and resolution. For RGBW pixels, 200 ppi (pixels per inch) might be the limit, while 300 ppi might be the limit for RGB pixels. Additionally, adding W subpixels increases the number of signal channels required per pixel by a factor of 4 / 3, thus increasing the cost of the display driver integrated circuit (DDIC).

[0005] Therefore, another technical solution is needed to improve the trade-off between brightness and color gamut. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of embodiments of this application is to provide a display panel with a pixel arrangement that improves the trade-off between brightness and color gamut. Embodiments of this application also provide a method for displaying images using such a display panel, and a display device including such a display panel.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a display panel is provided. The display panel includes a plurality of pixel units, wherein at least one pixel unit is composed of two sub-pixels, and the colors of the two sub-pixels in each of the at least one pixel unit are complementary. For example, the two complementary colors can be selected from the following groups: red (R) and cyan (C); blue (B) and yellow (Y); and green (G) and magenta (M). Since each pixel unit in the at least one pixel unit includes only two sub-pixels, the number of circuit elements such as TFTs and capacitors in each pixel unit can be reduced. This may result in compressed pixel units and increased resolution of the display panel.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, each pixel unit in the at least one pixel unit can be used to generate a white point when the two sub-pixels are set together to a first state, and to generate a black point when the two sub-pixels are set together to a second state. As used herein, a "first state" of a sub-pixel refers to a state that allows the color associated with the sub-pixel to appear, and a "second state" of a sub-pixel refers to a state that allows the color associated with the sub-pixel to disappear. Based on two sub-pixels with complementary colors, the display panel can generate a B / W image.

[0009] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, each pixel unit in the at least one pixel unit can be used to generate a color point associated with one of the two sub-pixels when one of the two sub-pixels is set to the first state and the other of the two sub-pixels is set to the second state. This enables the generation of a color image.

[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, each pixel unit can be driven independently. In this way, at least one pixel unit (each pixel unit comprising only two sub-pixels) can be driven independently on a "pixel-by-pixel" basis to produce a high-resolution B / W image.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, each pixel unit can have a centrally symmetrical shape. For example, each pixel unit can be a square or a circle. This can support preserving the traditional common pixel arrangement.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the area ratio of the two sub-pixels in each pixel unit of the at least one pixel unit is in the range of 1:3 to 3:1, inclusive. The sizes of the two sub-pixels in each pixel unit of the at least one pixel unit may be the same or different. For example, the size of the sub-pixels can be determined based on reflectivity, transmittance, color filter spectrum, color particle spectrum, emission efficiency, power consumption, and / or lifetime. Therefore, the size or area ratio of the two sub-pixels can be flexibly configured according to various factors, such as constraints on pixel design and / or the properties of the corresponding sub-pixels.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the plurality of pixel units comprises at least two different types of pixel units, which are different from each other at least in the color of their respective sub-pixels. For example, the plurality of pixel units may comprise a plurality of first pixel units and a plurality of second pixel units arranged alternately at least in the horizontal direction, wherein the two sub-pixels of each first pixel unit have a first pair of complementary colors, and the two sub-pixels of each second pixel unit have a second pair of complementary colors, which are different from the first pair. In this way, the display panel can form a pixel array in which four or more different colors of sub-pixels are distributed, while each pixel unit has only two sub-pixels of two complementary colors.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the plurality of first pixel units and the plurality of second pixel units can be arranged in a checkerboard pattern. This can make the distribution of the four different colored sub-pixels more uniform.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first pair and the second pair can be two of the following: R and C; B and Y; and G and M. Compared to, for example, conventional RGB or RGBW systems, two specific pairs of complementary colors can allow for the representation of a larger color gamut. Furthermore, conventional R, G, and / or B light-emitting elements or filters can be used.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, both the first pair of colors and the second pair of colors produce white points, each white point having CIE 1931 color coordinates (x, y), where x = 0.30 ± 0.15 and y = 0.33 ± 0.10. As a preferred example, the first pair of colors and the second pair of colors can produce substantially the same white points. In this way, all pixel units can produce substantially the same white points, thereby producing a high-quality image.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the area ratio of the two sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is different from the area ratio of the two sub-pixels in the second pixel unit. This allows the area ratio between sub-pixels of four different colors to be flexibly configured according to various factors (e.g., the emission characteristics of the corresponding sub-pixels).

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first pixel unit and the second pixel unit adjacent in the horizontal direction form a color pixel. This supports the generation of a color image using color pixels, each color pixel consisting of two pixel units adjacent in the horizontal direction, while also having the ability to generate a B / W image by independently driving each pixel unit. Such a color image may not result in a significant degrade in image quality for the human visual system, as will be described below.

[0019] According to a second aspect, a method for displaying an image is provided. The method includes: converting an input image signal in a first format into an output image signal in a second format, wherein the output image signal in the second format includes at least two pairs of color signals, each pair of color signals being complementary colors, and the at least two pairs of color signals including at least a first pair of color signals and a second pair of color signals, the first pair being different from the second pair. The method further includes providing the output image signal to a display panel. The method of the second aspect supports displaying images on a display panel according to the first aspect or some possible implementations thereof using an input image signal in any preferred first format.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first pair and the second pair can be two of the following: R and C; B and Y; and G and M. For example, the input RGB signal can be converted into an RCBY signal.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the display panel may include a plurality of first pixel units and a plurality of second pixel units arranged alternately in at least a horizontal direction, and providing the output image signal to the display panel includes: providing a first pair of color signals to the plurality of first pixel units; and providing a second pair of color signals to the plurality of second pixel units. For example, R and C signals may be provided to the first pixel units, and B and Y signals may be provided to the second pixel units.

[0022] According to a third aspect, a display device is provided, the display device including a display panel according to the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The display device further includes a memory for storing a software program, and a processor for executing the software program and operating the display panel. For the technical advantages of the third aspect, reference can be made to the foregoing description of the first aspect and its possible implementations.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the display device is any one of a reflective display, an emitting display, or a transmissive display.

[0024] For example, the display device could be an electronic paper display (EPD). As another example, the display device could be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display or a light-emitting diode (LED) display. As yet another example, the display device could be a liquid crystal display (LCD). Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view illustrating the pixel arrangement of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a diagram used to show colors that are complementary.

[0027] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is shown as follows Figure 1 A schematic top view showing the changes in pixel arrangement.

[0028] Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is shown as follows Figure 1 A schematic top view showing other variations in the pixel arrangement.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view illustrating the principle of generating B / W images using a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic top view illustrating the principle of generating color images using a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the YUV 4:2:2 format for reference.

[0032] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The color gamut and filter spectrum of the RCBY pixel provided in the embodiments of this application are shown respectively.

[0033] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The color gamut and filter spectrum of the RGB pixels used for comparison are shown respectively.

[0034] Figure 10 This illustration shows a color gamut comparison between the RCBY pixels provided in the embodiments of this application and the RGBW pixels of a conventional scheme.

[0035] Figures 11 to 16This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the application of various display technologies to the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the pixel driving circuit of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display device architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for displaying an image provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the purpose, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions in the preferred embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] In this application, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are intended to distinguish similar objects, such as regions, elements, or structures, but do not necessarily indicate a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably where appropriate. The terms “comprising,” “having,” and any other variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, apparatus, or system that includes a list of steps or elements is not necessarily limited to those steps or elements, but may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, apparatus, or system. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” as used in this application are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.”

[0043] Figure 1The illustration shows the pixel arrangement of at least a portion of a display panel 100 provided by an embodiment of this application. The display panel 100 includes an array of pixel units (110, 120), each pixel unit comprising two sub-pixels (112 and 114, 122 and 124, respectively) of two complementary colors. These complementary colors can be mixed to produce achromatic colors. Therefore, each pixel unit of the display panel 100 is capable of producing white when its two sub-pixels are set together in a first state, and black when its two sub-pixels are set together in a second state. As described herein, a “first state” of a sub-pixel refers to a state that allows the color associated with the sub-pixel to appear, while a “second state” of a sub-pixel refers to a state that allows the color associated with the sub-pixel to disappear. The first and second states can be configured according to a specific display technology applied to the display panel 100 (e.g., see the description below). Figures 11 to 16 The voltage can change accordingly. For example, in a first state, a voltage of a predetermined first polarity (which can be positive or negative) can be supplied to the sub-pixel or the sub-pixel can be turned on. In a second state, a voltage of a predetermined second polarity (which can be negative or positive) can be supplied to the sub-pixel or the sub-pixel can be turned off.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 This paper uses the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram to illustrate complementary colors. In this diagram, complementary colors are opposite each other, with the white dot (W) located between them. Using RGB as a reference, the complementary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), respectively.

[0045] Refer again Figure 1 The display panel 100 may include at least two different types of pixel units, which are different from each other at least in the color of their respective sub-pixels. The at least two different types of pixel units may include a plurality of first pixel units 110 and a plurality of second pixel units 120. The first pixel units 110 and second pixel units 120 are arranged alternately in at least one direction, either horizontal or vertical. Preferably, they may be arranged alternately in the horizontal direction. More preferably, as... Figure 1 As shown, they are arranged alternately in both the horizontal and vertical directions, forming a checkerboard pattern.

[0046] Each first pixel unit 110 has two sub-pixels 112 and 114 with a first pair of complementary colors, and each second pixel unit 120 has two sub-pixels 122 and 124 with a second pair of complementary colors. The first pair of colors is different from the second pair of colors. For example, the first and second pairs can be two of R+C, G+M, and B+Y. In the example shown, the first pixel unit 110 has C sub-pixel 112 and R sub-pixel 114, and the second pixel unit 120 has Y sub-pixel 122 and B sub-pixel 124. This allows adjacent first pixel units 110 and second pixel units 120 (preferably, adjacent in the horizontal direction, as described in more detail below) to form a color scheme with four primary colors ( Figure 1 The example shows 130 colored pixels (hereinafter also referred to as "RCBY pixels") of CRYB.

[0047] It should be noted that although the adjacent first pixel unit 110 and second pixel unit 120 together form the colored pixel 130, they can be driven independently of each other. That is, the first pixel unit 110 can be controlled to produce a colorless color independently of the second pixel unit 120, and vice versa.

[0048] As described above, the pixel units 110 and 120, driven as individual B / W pixels, can each have any centrally symmetric shape, such as square or circular. Figure 1 In the example shown, pixel units 110 and 120 can be generally square. Although in Figure 1 The illustration shows two sub-pixels (112 and 114, 122 and 124) of each pixel unit having the same size, but embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, a conventional RGB pixel arrangement with three equally divided sub-pixels can be used to provide two sub-pixels (112 and 114, 122 and 124) with an area ratio of 2:1 (or 1:2), as shown. Figure 3A or Figure 3B As shown. The area ratio of the two sub-pixels can be adjusted within the range of 1:3 to 3:1 (inclusive) so that a sufficient amount of light can be obtained from the two sub-pixels, and a white point can be produced when the two sub-pixels are set together in the first state as described above.

[0049] In some embodiments, the area ratio of sub-pixels 112 and 114 in the first pixel unit 110 may differ from the area ratio of sub-pixels 122 and 124 in the second pixel unit 120. Preferably, both the first pixel unit 110 and the second pixel unit 120 produce white points, each with CIE 1931 color coordinates (x, y), where x = 0.30 ± 0.15 and y = 0.33 ± 0.10. More preferably, the first pixel unit 110 and the second pixel unit 120 may produce the same white points. Therefore, to make their white points as close to each other as possible, the corresponding area ratios in the first pixel unit 110 and the second pixel unit 120 can be determined based on the transmission characteristics of the color filter to be used. Alternatively or additionally, the size and / or area ratio of the two sub-pixels can be determined based on various factors, such as reflectance, transmittance, color filter spectrum, color particle spectrum, emission efficiency, power consumption, and / or lifetime, where applicable.

[0050] Furthermore, the direction of sub-pixel division within each pixel unit 110, 120 is not limited to Figure 1 the direction shown, Figure 1 The indicated direction will produce horizontally adjacent sub-pixels. Sub-pixels can be divided in any preferred manner, for example, as... Figure 4A or Figure 4B As shown. In Figure 4A In this process, vertically adjacent sub-pixels can be obtained. Figure 4B In the first pixel unit 110, each first pixel unit may include vertically adjacent sub-pixels 112 and 114, while each second pixel unit 120 may include horizontally adjacent sub-pixels 122 and 124.

[0051] Figure 5 The principle of generating B / W images using display panel 100 is shown. Figure 3B The pixel arrangement shown is used as an example only in this article.

[0052] exist Figure 5 On the left, it shows the case where all C and R sub-pixels 112 and 114 of the first pixel unit 110 are set to the second state, and all Y and B sub-pixels 122 and 124 of the second pixel unit 120 are set to the first state. The second pixel unit 120 set to the first state can produce white using complementary colors Y and B, while the first pixel unit 110 set to the second state can produce black. Figure 5On the right, the opposite situation is shown, where all first pixel units 110 (both C and R sub-pixels 112 and 114) are set to a first state, and all second pixel units 120 (both Y and B sub-pixels 122 and 124) are set to a second state. The first pixel units 110 set to the first state can produce white using complementary colors C and R, while the second pixel units 110 set to the second state can produce black. Of course, to display a given B / W image, the multiple first pixel units 110 can be driven independently of each other, and the multiple second pixel units 120 can be driven independently of each other.

[0053] Therefore, by driving pixel units 110 and 120 as individual B / W pixels, the display panel 100 can display B / W images on a "pixel-by-pixel" basis. Figure 5 An array of 4×4 pixel units can be used to display a B / W image with 4×4 sampling points. In this way, if the display panel 100 has an array of m×n pixel units, the display panel 100 can generate and display a B / W image with m×n sampling points.

[0054] The display panel 100 can also produce color images within a color gamut defined by four colors of the four sub-pixels 112, 114, 122 and 124 included in each color pixel 130.

[0055] Figure 6 The principle of generating color images using display panel 100 is shown. Figure 3B The pixel arrangement shown is used as an example only in this article.

[0056] Figure 6 This demonstrates how to generate the following six colors: red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Since there are R, B, C, and Y sub-pixels in this example, red, blue, cyan, and yellow can be generated by simply activating the R, B, C, and Y sub-pixels. Furthermore, green can be generated by activating both the C and Y sub-pixels simultaneously, and magenta can be generated by activating both the R and B sub-pixels simultaneously. As a result, color pixels 130 (each consisting of two adjacent pixel units 110 and 120) can represent any color within the specific color gamut described above.

[0057] Therefore, color images are displayed on a "color-by-color pixel" basis, rather than on a "pixel-by-pixel unit" basis. Figure 6An array of 4×4 pixel units is shown to display a color image with 2×4 sampling points by driving two horizontally adjacent pixel units 110 and 120 as monochrome pixels 130. In this way, if the display panel 100 has an array of m×n pixel units, the display panel 100 can generate and display a color image with m / 2×n sampling points.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that this has no significant impact on the overall image quality perceived by the user, because the human visual system has a higher resolution capability for B / W images and a lower resolution capability for color images. Furthermore, the human eye has lower resolution in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. In fact, this characteristic of the human visual system is widely used in chroma subsampling techniques for image compression. Specifically, such as... Figure 7 As shown, compared to the high-quality YUV 4:4:4 format, the YUV (or YCbCr) 4:2:2 format, well known to those skilled in the art, reduces the chroma sampling points by half in the horizontal direction while maintaining the luminance sampling points. The relationship between m / 2 × n sampling points in a color image and m × n sampling points in a B / W image, as described above, is equivalent to the relationship between YUV 4:2:2 and YUV 4:4:4. Therefore, the color image generated by the display panel 100 does not result in a significant degradation of image quality for the human visual system.

[0059] Therefore, it is preferable to form the color pixel 130 with two adjacent pixel units 110 and 120 in the horizontal direction rather than in the vertical direction.

[0060] Next, the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application (e.g., may be...) will be described below. Figure 1 The display panel 100 shown represents an improvement in the trade-off between brightness and color gamut (or color reproducibility).

[0061] Taking the RCBY pixel again as an example, Figure 8A The diagram shows the color points of the four primary colors R, C, B, and Y on the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, as well as the white point W. Figure 8B The transmission spectral ranges of typical color filters (CFs) corresponding to these primary colors R, C, B, and Y are shown. For comparison, Figure 9A and Figure 9B It refers to the three primary colors of RGB corresponding to... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The image.

[0062] The display panel 100 provided in the embodiments of this application can support the use of 4 primary colors ( Figure 8A Instead of the three primary colors ( Figure 9ATo cover a wider color gamut. Furthermore, commonly used R, G, and B color filters have relatively large overlap in their absorption ranges. Figure 9B This can reduce the brightness of white light obtained from RGB pixels. In contrast, a combination of R and C color filters, and a combination of B and Y color filters (which are complementary colors), can reduce this overlap in their absorption range. Figure 8B Therefore, the first pixel unit 110, which includes R and C sub-pixels, and the second pixel unit 120, which includes B and Y sub-pixels, can respectively increase the brightness of white light. Thus, the display panel 100 can improve the trade-off between brightness and color gamut.

[0063] This can be better understood when comparing them in the CIE L*a*b* (CIELAB) color space. The CIELAB color space model is closer to the characteristics of the human visual system than the CIE 1931 color space.

[0064] For example, Figure 10 This illustrates a color gamut comparison between the RCBY pixels provided in an embodiment of this application and the RGBW pixels of existing schemes. As an example of an industry standard, Figure 10 It also shows the color gamut required by the Specifications for Newsprint Advertising Production (SNAP), which is commonly used in the printing industry that uses CMYK color ink systems.

[0065] It is clear that RCBY pixels have a larger color gamut than RGBW pixels. Especially in the yellow region, the color gamut of RCBY pixels can be significantly expanded, approaching the SNAP requirement. This means that the display panel provided by the embodiments of this application also has a significant advantage in color e-book products.

[0066] Currently, reflective EPD panels used in e-books have very low reflectivity (resulting in low brightness) and very poor color gamut. For example, when using traditional RGB pixels, the maximum achievable reflectivity and color gamut are approximately 25% and 15% NTSC ratios, respectively, while when using existing RGBW pixels, the ratios are approximately 30% and 15% NTSC. On the other hand, the display panel provided by the embodiments of this application can support performance indicators such as 35% reflectivity and a color gamut greater than 20% NTSC ratio.

[0067] Furthermore, the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application includes only two sub-pixels per pixel unit, while RGB pixels include three sub-pixels and RGBW pixels include four sub-pixels. In other words, each pixel unit can include only two TFTs and two storage capacitors. This can support compressing each pixel unit to improve the resolution of the display panel. For example, although RGB pixels and RGBW pixels have resolution limits of approximately 300 ppi and 200 ppi respectively, the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application supports achieving resolutions higher than 300 ppi.

[0068] Furthermore, this reduction in the number of subpixels allows for a reduction in the number of signal channels per pixel unit, thereby lowering the cost of the display driver integrated circuit (DDIC).

[0069] Now for reference Figures 11 to 16 This application will describe various structures of the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application. Figures 11 to 16 These are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the application of the display panel provided in the embodiments to various display technologies. These cross-sectional views correspond to... Figure 1 The portion shown is one of two adjacent pixel units 110 and 120 (i.e., a portion of a color pixel 130). (By...) Figures 11 to 16 Let's take RCBY pixels as an example again.

[0070] Figure 11 An exemplary application of an electrophoretic display is illustrated. Such electrophoretic displays are commonly used in electronic paper displays (EPDs) and are also referred to as "EPDs". The EPD panel 1100 includes the pixel arrangement described above as a color filter layer 1110. The EPD panel 1100 also includes a lower substrate 1120, an upper substrate 1130, and a microcapsule 1140 disposed between the lower substrate 1120 and the upper substrate 1130. The lower substrate 1120 includes pixel driving circuitry (not shown herein) and has a plurality of sub-pixel electrodes 1150 disposed on its upper surface facing the microcapsule 1140. Each sub-pixel electrode in the sub-pixel electrodes 1150 corresponds to one sub-pixel. Therefore, each sub-pixel electrode in the sub-pixel electrodes 1150 is aligned with a corresponding one of the R, B, C, and Y color filters of the color filter layer 1110. The upper substrate 1130 is a transparent substrate, and its lower surface has a transparent common electrode 1160 for the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0071] It should be understood that Figure 11A single microcapsule 1140 is shown for each subpixel; however, in practice, for example, dozens of microcapsules 1140 can be provided within each subpixel. Each microcapsule 1140 encapsulates a dispersion containing black (BLK) particles 1142 and white (W) particles 1144, with the BLK particles 1142 and W particles 1144 carrying charges of opposite polarities. Therefore, the EPD panel 1100 can be configured as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 6 The described method involves displaying a given B / W image or color image by controlling the voltage applied to the sub-pixel electrode 1150 to move particles 1142 and 1144 within the microcapsule 1140. For example, if the B / W particle 1142 is positively charged and the W particle 1144 is negatively charged, applying a negative voltage to the sub-pixel causes the W particle 1144 to move upwards, making it visible to the user or viewer of the EPD panel 1100. For the EPD panel 1100, applying a voltage to the sub-pixel to make the W particle 1144 visible can correspond to setting the sub-pixel to a first state.

[0072] Figure 12 This illustrates another exemplary application of an electrophoretic display. The EPD panel 1200 includes... Figure 11 The components shown in the EPD panel 1100 are the same or similar components. These components are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described further here.

[0073] EPD panel 1200 not included Figure 11 The color filter layer 1110 shown is not replaced by a microcapsule 1240 containing color particles 1244. Specifically, the microcapsules 1240 in the C, R, Y, and B subpixels each contain C, R, Y, and B particles 1244, and BLK particles 1142, respectively. Similar to... Figure 11 The EPD panels 1100 and 1200 shown can display a given B / W image or color image by controlling the voltage applied to the sub-pixel electrode 1150 to move particles 1142 and 1244 in the microcapsule 1240. For the EPD panel 1200, applying a voltage to the sub-pixel to make the color particles 1244 visible can correspond to setting the sub-pixel to a first state.

[0074] Figure 13 An exemplary application of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is illustrated. The LCD panel 1300 includes... Figure 11 The components shown in the EPD panel 1100 are the same or similar components. These components are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described further here.

[0075] The LCD panel 1300 does not include microcapsules, but instead includes a liquid crystal layer 1340. In embodiments of this application, the liquid crystal layer 1340 may include any of various types known to those skilled in the art. The LCD panel 1300 can display a given B / W image or color image by controlling the voltage applied to the sub-pixel electrode 1150 to change the light transmission through the liquid crystal layer 1340. For the LCD panel 1300, applying a voltage to the sub-pixel to allow the liquid crystal layer 1340 to transmit light may correspond to setting the sub-pixel to a first state.

[0076] Figure 14 An exemplary application of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display is illustrated. The OLED display panel 1400 includes... Figure 11 The components shown in the EPD panel 1100 are the same or similar components. These components are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described further here.

[0077] OLED display panels 1400 are emissive and do not require a color filter layer, such as in... Figure 11 and Figure 13 The color filter layer 1110 is shown. C, R, Y, and B subpixels include OLED layers 1440 that emit light of colors C, R, Y, and B respectively between subpixel electrodes 1150 and a transparent common electrode 1160. The OLED display panel 1400 can display a given B / W image or color image by controlling the voltage applied to the subpixel electrodes 1150 and thus controlling the light emission from the respective OLED layers 1440. For the OLED display panel 1400, turning on the OLED layers 1440 in the subpixel to emit light corresponds to setting the subpixel to a first state.

[0078] It should be noted that, Figure 14 The structure of the OLED display panel 1400 shown is also applicable to emission-type quantum dot (QD) displays.

[0079] Figure 15 An exemplary application of a light-emitting diode (LED) display is illustrated. The LED display panel 1500 includes... Figure 11 The components shown in the EPD panel 1100 are the same or similar components. These components are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described further here.

[0080] The LED display panel 1500 is also an emitting type and does not require a color filter layer, such as in Figure 11 and Figure 13The color filter layer 1110 is shown. The C, R, Y, and B sub-pixels include LED chips 1540 that emit light in colors C, R, Y, and B, respectively. Figure 15 In the example shown, the LED die 1540 is a flip-chip die, and the lower substrate 1120 in each sub-pixel is provided with at least two electrodes 1520 connected to the anode and cathode of the corresponding LED die. The LED display panel 1500 can display a given B / W image or color image by controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes 1520 in the sub-pixel and thus controlling the light emission from the corresponding LED die 1540. For the LED display panel 1500, turning on the LED die 1540 in the sub-pixel to emit light can correspond to setting the sub-pixel to a first state.

[0081] Figure 16 Another exemplary application of an LED display is shown. The LED display panel 1600 includes... Figure 15 The components shown in the LED display panel 1500 are the same or similar components. These components are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described further here.

[0082] The LED display panel 1600 includes a blue LED die 1640 in each sub-pixel. The LED display panel 1600 also includes a color conversion layer 1645 of a different color above the blue LED dies 1640. The color conversion layer 1645 may be supported by a transparent upper substrate, for example... Figure 11 The upper substrate 1130 is shown. The color conversion layers 1645 in the C, R, and Y sub-pixels can convert blue light from the underlying blue LED die 1640 into cyan, red, and yellow, respectively. The color conversion layer 1645 in the B sub-pixel can be transparent to blue light from the underlying blue LED die 1640. Therefore, this can omit or exclude any color conversion material. The LED display panel 1600 can display a given B / W image or color image by controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes 1520 in the sub-pixels and thus controlling the light emission from the corresponding blue LED die 1640 below the color conversion layer 1645. For the LED display panel 1600, turning on the blue LED die 1640 in the sub-pixel to emit light corresponds to setting the sub-pixel to a first state.

[0083] Figure 17 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the pixel driving circuitry of a display panel 1700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The display panel 1700 may be, for example... Figures 11 to 16 The circuit diagram shows any one of the display panels 1100 to 1600. The circuit diagram illustrates sub-pixels (e.g., Figure 1The portion of the 4×3 array of subpixels 112, 114, 122, and 124 in the diagram. In other words, since each pixel unit includes two subpixels, this circuit diagram corresponds to the pixel unit (e.g., Figure 1 The portion of the 2×3 array of pixel units 110 and 120 in the image. This can also correspond to a color pixel when two horizontally adjacent pixel units form a color pixel (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The portion of the 1×3 array of 130 colored pixels.

[0084] The driving circuitry in each sub-pixel may include a TFT 1710, a storage capacitor 1720, a sub-pixel electrode 1730, and a common electrode 1740. The drain of the TFT 1710 is connected to a corresponding data line (e.g., Data1, Data2, Data3, Data4, etc.), and the source of the TFT 1710 is connected to a corresponding storage capacitor 1720 or sub-pixel electrode 1730. The gate of the TFT 1710 is connected to a gate line (e.g., Gate1, Gate2, Gate3, Gate4, etc.). The common electrode 1740 may be connected to a corresponding common voltage (VCOM) line, while the other electrode of the storage capacitor 1720 may be connected to a corresponding storage capacitor (CS) line. It should be noted that the other electrode of the storage capacitor 1720 may be connected to the VCOM line in the same way as the common electrode 1740, and in this case, the CS line can be omitted.

[0085] According to embodiments of this application, two sub-pixels in each pixel unit are used to receive data voltages for two complementary colors, as described above. Furthermore, two adjacent pixel units are used to receive data voltages for different pairs of complementary colors. Therefore, when a given gate line (e.g., Gate1) is driven, data lines Data1 and Data2 can provide data voltages for two complementary colors (e.g., R and C), and data lines Data3 and Data4 can provide data voltages for two other complementary colors (e.g., B and Y). Thus, four primary color (e.g., RCBY) signals are provided to the display panel 1700.

[0086] Now for reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 An exemplary display device architecture for generating such four primary color (e.g., RCBY) signals is described.

[0087] Figure 18 The illustration schematically depicts a display device 1800 provided in an embodiment of this application. The display device 1800 includes a panel, which may be a reference panel. Figure 17The described display panel 1700. The display device 1800 may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) 1810 and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 1820 connecting the display panel 1700 to the PCB 1810. The FPC 1820 can support the display panel 1700 and PCB 1810 being placed back-to-back within the housing of the display device 1800. Figure 18 (Not shown in the text)

[0088] Display device 1800 may also include DDIC 1830, timing controller (TCON) 1840, and power supply circuit 1850. DDIC 1830 may be mounted near display panel 1700, for example, mounted on FPC 1820 as shown. Alternatively, DDIC 1830 may be mounted or formed on the substrate of display panel 1700 itself. TCON 1840 may be mounted on PCB 1810 and provide various signals to DDIC 1830 and optionally to display panel 1700. Power supply circuit 1850 may be disposed on PCB 1810 and provide one or more power supply voltages and ground voltages to DDIC 1830 and display panel 1700. For example, power supply circuit 1850 may supply ground voltage directly as a common voltage to the common voltage (VCOM) line of display panel 1700. Figure 17 ).

[0089] refer to Figure 19 The four primary color (e.g., RCBY) signals provided to the display panel 1700 can be generated by the processing circuitry 1900 in the DDIC 1830 or TCON 1840, such as intellectual property (IP) circuitry. The IP circuitry 1900 may include an interface (I / F) 1910 for receiving input image signals from the host side, a gamma (γ) circuitry 1920, a conversion circuitry 1930, and an inverse gamma (γ) circuitry. –1 Circuit 1940. For example, the input image signal can be an RGB signal, and the four primary color signals provided to the display panel 1700 can be RCBY signals. In this case, conversion circuit 1930 is used to perform RGB-RCBY conversion. Circuits 1920 and 1940. –1 Circuit 1940 performs gamma correction, which is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0090] IP circuit 1900 can provide the generated RCBY signal to display panel 1700. More specifically, IP circuit 1900 can provide the first pixel unit of display panel 1700 (e.g., Figure 1 The first pixel unit 110 in the display panel 1700 provides a first pair of R and C signals with a complementary color relationship, and provides signals to the second pixel unit (e.g., ...) in the display panel 1700. Figure 1 The second pixel unit 120 in the display panel 1700 provides a second pair of B and Y signals that are complementary in color. The display panel 1700 can then display an image based on the RCBY signals received from the IP circuit 1900.

[0091] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 2000 for displaying an image provided by an embodiment of this application. Method 2000 can be executed by processing circuitry, for example... Figure 19 The IP circuit shown is 1900.

[0092] In step 2010, method 2000 includes converting an input image signal in a first format into an output image signal in a second format. The image signal in the second format includes a first pair of color signals in a complementary color relationship and a second pair of color signals in a complementary color relationship. The first pair of color signals is different from the second pair of color signals. That is, the first pair of color signals and the second pair of color signals together provide four primary color signals.

[0093] For example, the first pair of color signals and the second pair of color signals are two of the following: red (R) and cyan (C) signals; blue (B) and yellow (Y) signals; and green (G) and magenta (M) signals. In a specific example, the input image signal is an RGB signal, the first pair of color signals is R and C signals, and the second pair of color signals is B and Y signals.

[0094] In step 2020, method 2000 includes providing an output image signal to a display panel. A first pair of color signals with a complementary color relationship can be provided to a plurality of first pixel units (e.g., Figure 1 The first pixel unit 110 in the middle), and can provide a second pair of color signals that are complementary in color relationship to a plurality of second pixel units (e.g., Figure 1 The plurality of second pixel units (120) are arranged alternately with the plurality of first pixel units. It should be noted that if the display panel supports three or more pairs of color signals, other embodiments of this application may provide three or more pairs of color signals as image signals in a second format.

[0095] Now for reference Figure 21This diagram illustrates a display device 2100 provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the display device 2100 may be a battery-powered mobile device, such as an e-book reader, smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop, etc. In other embodiments, the display device 2100 may be a device typically connected to a public power source, such as a television or monitor, or a device typically connected to an external battery, such as an in-vehicle display. Furthermore, the display device 2100 may be any other device, such as a digital signage device, regardless of the type of power source.

[0096] exist Figure 21 In the example shown, display device 2100 includes a processor 2110, a memory 2120, a battery 2130, and a display panel 2140. The display panel 2140 can be assembled with the housing of display device 2100 in such a way that the front surface of display panel 2140 is visible to the user of display device 2100, such as... Figure 21 As shown by the solid lines in the diagram. The processor 2110, memory 2120, and battery 2130 can be housed within a casing, as shown in the diagram. Figure 21 As shown by the dashed lines, the processor 2110, memory 2120, battery 2130, and display panel 2140 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0097] Although not shown, the display device 2100 may optionally include radio frequency (RF) circuitry, a speaker, a microphone, an input device, a sensor, a camera, an antenna, a near-field communication module, etc.

[0098] Processor 2110 can be used to invoke software programs and data stored in memory 2120 and execute the software programs to perform various functions and / or data processing of display device 2100. Processor 2110 may include any suitable dedicated or general-purpose processing device or unit. Furthermore, processor 2110 may include any suitable number of processors. For example, processor 2110 may include one or more of the following: microprocessor, microcontroller, application processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In one example, processor 2110 may include... Figure 18One or more processors in the DDIC 1830 and one or more processors in the TCON 1840 are shown, and they execute... Figure 20 The method shown is 2000.

[0099] Memory 2120 can be used to store software programs and data, and may include any suitable medium accessible by processor 2110. Furthermore, memory 2120 may include any suitable number of memories. Memory 2120 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory, and may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or flash memory. It should be noted that, as used herein, the term "memory" can refer to a large-capacity memory capable of storing large amounts of data (including content to be displayed on display panel 2140). Therefore, memory 2120 may also include, for example, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SDDs), optical disk drives, etc.

[0100] Battery 2130 can be used to power various components of display device 2100 (e.g., processor 2110, memory 2120, display panel 2140, etc.). Processor 2110 can run a power management program or module stored in memory 2120 to control the power consumption of one or more components and the charging and discharging of battery 2130. In addition to battery 2130 or alternatives to battery 2130, display device 2100 may have a power connector, adapter, etc., for connecting to an external power source (e.g., a utility power supply).

[0101] Display panel 2140 can be used to display various information and content, including information input by the user and information provided to the user. Display panel 2140 may include a user input device, such as a touch screen, on at least a portion of the surface exposed from the housing.

[0102] The display panel 2140 may be, for example, as follows: Figure 1 The display panel 100 is shown. Therefore, each pixel unit of the display panel 2140 can have two sub-pixels of two colors that are complementary, improving the trade-off between brightness and color gamut.

[0103] While some preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to these embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as covering all variations and modifications falling within the scope of this disclosure. It should also be noted that errors in values ​​and ranges due to engineering implementation are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, It consists of multiple first pixel units and multiple second pixel units, with the first pixel units and second pixel units arranged alternately along the horizontal and vertical directions; The first pixel unit is composed of a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, the colors of the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are complementary colors. The second pixel unit is composed of a third sub-pixel and a fourth sub-pixel, the colors of the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel are complementary colors. The colors of the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are different from those of the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pixel unit is used to generate a white point when the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are set to a first state together, and the second pixel unit is used to generate a white point when the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel are set to the first state together.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first pixel unit is used to generate a black dot when the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are set to the second state together, and the second pixel unit is used to generate a black dot when the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel are set to the second state together.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first pixel unit is configured to generate a color point associated with the first sub-pixel when the first sub-pixel is set to the first state and the second sub-pixel is set to the second state. The second pixel unit is configured to generate a color point associated with the third sub-pixel when the third sub-pixel is set to the first state and the fourth sub-pixel is set to the second state.

5. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Each pixel unit is driven independently.

6. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Each pixel unit has a centrally symmetrical shape.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each pixel unit is either square or circular.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The area ratio of the two sub-pixels in each pixel unit is in the range of 1:3 to 3:1, including the end values.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The area ratio of the two sub-pixels in each pixel unit is determined based on reflectivity, transmittance, color filter spectrum, color particle spectrum, emission efficiency, power consumption, and / or lifetime.

10. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The plurality of first pixel units and the plurality of second pixel units are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

11. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The colors of the first pixel unit and the two sub-pixels in the second pixel unit are two of the following: red and cyan; blue and yellow; green and magenta.

12. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Two sub-pixels in the first pixel unit and two sub-pixels in the second pixel unit generate white points, each white point having CIE 1931 color coordinates (x, y), where x = 0.30 ± 0.15 and y = 0.33 ± 0.

10.

13. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Two sub-pixels in the first pixel unit and two sub-pixels in the second pixel unit produce the same white point.

14. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The area ratio of the two sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is different from the area ratio of the two sub-pixels in the second pixel unit.

15. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first pixel unit and the second pixel unit that are adjacent in the horizontal direction form a color pixel.

16. A method for displaying an image, characterized in that, The method includes: The input image signal in a first format is converted into an output image signal in a second format, wherein the output image signal in the second format includes a first pair of color signals and a second pair of color signals, the first pair of color signals is complementary to the second pair of color signals, and the first pair of color signals is different from the second pair of color signals. The output image signal is provided to a display panel, the display panel being any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first pair of color signals is provided to a first pixel unit in the display panel, and the second pair of color signals is provided to a second pixel unit in the display panel.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first pair of color signals and the second pair of color signals are two of the following: red and cyan signals; blue and yellow signals; green and magenta signals.

18. A display device, characterized in that, include: Display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 15; Memory, used to store software programs; A processor for executing the software program and operating the display panel.

19. The display device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The display device is an electronic paper display (EPD).

20. The display device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The display device is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display or a light-emitting diode (LED) display.

21. The display device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The display device is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

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