Electronic paper display screen, air conditioner, display screen power supply method, controller and medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an electronic paper display screen, an air conditioner, a display screen power supply method, a controller and a medium. The electronic paper display screen comprises a first substrate and a second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and electrodes are arranged above and below the liquid crystal layer; the grating is positioned between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate; the optical waveguide structure comprises a first optical waveguide layer and a second optical waveguide layer, the first optical waveguide layer is located between the grating and the second substrate, and the second optical waveguide layer is located on the side of the liquid crystal layer and located below the first substrate; the optical waveguide structure receives light passing through the first substrate, the liquid crystal layer and the grating through the first optical waveguide layer, and emits the light towards the first substrate through the second optical waveguide layer. The electronic paper display screen provided by the embodiment of the invention comprises the grating and the optical waveguide structure, so that no loss of visible light wave bands can be realized, the light utilization rate is improved, the output light intensity is further enhanced, and a display picture can still be kept after a system is powered off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly to an electronic paper display screen, an air conditioner, a display screen power supply method, a controller and a medium. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, in existing air conditioner products, there are mainly two types of display solutions, namely a dot matrix screen based on a conventional LED (Light-Emitting Diode) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and a TFT screen based on an LCD. Among them, the dot matrix screen uses multiple pixel matrices to transmit signals, and generates different information such as characters, images and animations by controlling the color and brightness of the corresponding light-emitting diodes; the TFT-LCD (Thin-Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) screen is an active LCD display (active matrix drive), generally integrating the source drive and the gate drive on a PCB substrate, and controlling the display screen through the integrated drive IC.

[0003] However, although the display effect of the TFT-LCD screen is better than that of the dot matrix screen, the transmissive LCD requires a backlight module, so more electric energy needs to be consumed.

[0004] Then, in order to reduce energy consumption and save energy and reduce emissions, in existing air conditioner products, an electronic paper display screen is used for display. Since the electronic paper display screen is a reflective display module, it does not require a backlight module, thus reducing energy consumption and saving energy and reducing emissions. However, compared with LCD display, the electronic paper display has a lower display brightness and has certain limitations when used indoors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, the present application provides an electronic paper display screen, an air conditioner, a display screen power supply method, a controller and a medium, aiming to improve the light utilization rate of the electronic paper display screen, and still be able to maintain the picture display after power-off, reducing energy consumption.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic paper display screen, including:

[0007] A first substrate and a second substrate;

[0008] A liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, with electrodes provided above and below the liquid crystal layer;

[0009] A grating located between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate;

[0010] An optical waveguide structure includes a first optical waveguide layer and a second optical waveguide layer. The first optical waveguide layer is located between the grating and the second substrate, and the second optical waveguide layer is located on the side of the liquid crystal layer and below the first substrate.

[0011] Wherein, the optical waveguide structure receives light passing through the first substrate, the liquid crystal layer and the grating through the first optical waveguide layer, and emits the light towards the first substrate through the second optical waveguide layer.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electronic paper display further includes a first absorption layer, a first light-shielding layer and a second light-shielding layer. The first absorption layer and the first light-shielding layer are located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and the first light-shielding layer is located above the first absorption layer. The second light-shielding layer is located below the second substrate.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electronic paper display further includes a second absorption layer, and the second absorption layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the grating.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the electronic paper display further includes a frame adhesive. The frame adhesive is located on the sides of the liquid crystal layer, the grating and the optical waveguide structure, and the frame adhesive surrounds the liquid crystal layer, the grating and the optical waveguide structure.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the grating is made of titanium dioxide or hafnium dioxide.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present application, the control period of the grating is within the sub-wavelength range.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present application, the optical waveguide structure is made of silicon nitride material.

[0018] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an air conditioner, and the air conditioner includes the electronic paper display as described in the first aspect.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present application, the air conditioner further includes an indoor unit main board, a control system and a power supply switch. The indoor unit main board is connected to the electronic paper display through the power supply switch. The input end of the control system is connected to the indoor unit main board, and the output end is connected to the power supply switch and is used to control the on-off of the power supply switch.

[0020] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a display screen power supply method, which is applied to the indoor unit main board in the air conditioner as described in the second aspect. The display screen power supply method includes:

[0021] Receiving a control instruction;

[0022] Control the power-on and power-off state of the control system according to the control instruction, so that the power supply switch is disconnected or attracted.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present application, the controlling the power-on and power-off state of the control system according to the control instruction so that the power supply switch is disconnected or attracted includes one of the following:

[0024] When the control instruction is a standby instruction, control the control system to power off to control the power supply switch to disconnect, so that the electronic paper display is powered off;

[0025] When the control instruction is a wake-up instruction, control the control system to be powered on to control the power supply switch to attract, so that the electronic paper display is powered on.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a controller, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor runs the computer program, it executes the display power supply method as described in the third aspect above.

[0027] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for executing the display power supply method as described in the third aspect above.

[0028] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it has at least the following beneficial effects: The electronic paper display of the embodiment of the present application includes a first substrate and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, with electrodes provided above and below the liquid crystal layer; a grating located between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate; a light waveguide structure including a first light waveguide layer and a second light waveguide layer, the first light waveguide layer is located between the grating and the second substrate, and the second light waveguide layer is located on the side of the liquid crystal layer and below the first substrate; wherein, the light waveguide structure receives light passing through the first substrate, the liquid crystal layer and the grating through the first light waveguide layer, and emits the light towards the first substrate through the second light waveguide layer. The electronic paper display of the embodiment of the present application includes a grating and a light waveguide structure, so that lossless in the visible light band can be achieved, the light utilization rate can be improved, and thus the output light intensity can be enhanced. Moreover, after the system is powered off, the electronic paper display can still maintain the picture display, has bistable characteristics, and does not require additional energy consumption. In addition, the electronic paper display of the embodiment of the present application has no backlight module, so the energy consumption can be reduced when the air conditioner is running normally.

[0029] The additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be partly given in the following description, partly will become obvious from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0030] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solution of the present application, and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they are used to explain the technical solution of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solution of the present application.

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic paper display screen provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 It is a schematic optical path diagram of an electronic paper display screen provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a schematic circuit structure diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of a display screen power supply method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of a display screen power supply method provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of a display screen power supply method provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 7 It is an overall flowchart of a display screen power supply method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a controller for executing a display screen power supply method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0039] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions from beginning to end. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0040] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship involved, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., is the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0041] In the description of the present application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means more than two, and understandings such as "greater than", "less than", "exceeding", etc. do not include the base number, while understandings such as "above", "below", "within", etc. include the base number. If the first and second are described, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the sequence relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0042] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as "set", "installed", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0043] In the related art, in existing air conditioner products, there are mainly two types of display solutions, namely dot matrix screens based on conventional LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) or LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), and TFT screens based on LCDs. Among them, the dot matrix screen uses multiple pixel matrices to transmit signals, and generates different information such as text, images, and animations by controlling the color and brightness of the corresponding light-emitting diodes; the TFT-LCD (Thin-Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) screen is an active LCD display (active matrix drive), generally integrating the source drive and the gate drive on a PCB substrate, and controlling the display screen through the integrated drive IC.

[0044] However, although the display effect of the TFT-LCD screen is better than that of the dot matrix screen, the transmissive LCD requires a backlight module, and therefore, more electric energy is consumed.

[0045] Then, in order to reduce energy consumption and achieve energy conservation and emission reduction, in existing air conditioner products, an electronic paper display screen is used for display. Since the electronic paper display screen is a reflective display module, it does not require a backlight module, thereby being able to reduce energy consumption and achieve energy conservation and emission reduction. However, compared with LCD display, the electronic paper display has a lower display brightness and has certain limitations when used indoors.

[0046] Based on the above situation, the present application proposes an electronic paper display screen, an air conditioner, a display screen power supply method, a controller, and a medium, aiming to improve the light utilization rate of the electronic paper display screen, and still be able to maintain the display of the picture after power-off, and reduce energy consumption.

[0047] The following further elaborates on each embodiment of the electronic paper display screen of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0048] As Figure 1 shown,Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic paper display screen provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] In one embodiment, the electronic paper display screen includes, but is not limited to, a first substrate 100, a second substrate 200, a liquid crystal layer 300, a grating 400, an optical waveguide structure 500, and an electrode 600. Among them, a liquid crystal layer 300 is provided between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200, electrodes 600 are provided above and below the liquid crystal layer 300, a grating 400 is provided between the liquid crystal layer 300 and the second substrate 200, and the optical waveguide structure 500 may include, but is not limited to, a first optical waveguide layer 510 and a second optical waveguide layer 520. The first optical waveguide layer 510 is provided between the grating 400 and the second substrate 200, and the second optical waveguide layer 520 is provided on the side of the liquid crystal layer 300 and below the first substrate 100.

[0050] It should be noted that the optical waveguide structure 500 can receive light from the first substrate 100, the liquid crystal layer 300, and the grating 400 through the first optical waveguide layer 510, and emit the light in the direction of the first substrate 100 through the second optical waveguide layer 520. Therefore, the optical waveguide structure 500 can receive light and emit it, so that lossless in the visible light band can be achieved, the light utilization rate can be improved, and the output light intensity can be enhanced.

[0051] It can be understood that the above-mentioned first substrate 100 and second substrate 200 are transparent rigid substrates, which can be glass plates or PMMA plates. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the types of the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200.

[0052] In addition, it can be understood that the above-mentioned liquid crystal layer 300 can be cholesteric liquid crystal molecules. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the types of the liquid crystal layer 300.

[0053] In addition, it can be understood that cholesteric liquid crystal molecules have two stable states: a focal conic arrangement state and a planar arrangement state. When cholesteric liquid crystal presents a planar arrangement state, it can reflect light of a specific wavelength; on the contrary, when cholesteric liquid crystal presents a focal conic arrangement state, light will penetrate. Therefore, the voltage applied to cholesteric liquid crystal can be used to control cholesteric liquid crystal to reflect or transmit light of a specific wavelength.

[0054] In addition, it can be understood that cholesterol liquid crystal has bistable characteristics, which means that cholesterol liquid crystal can maintain the arrangement state of the original liquid crystal molecules without additional external energy. When the liquid crystal layer 300 is composed of cholesterol liquid crystal molecules, by adjusting the electrodes arranged above and below the liquid crystal layer 300, the rotation distance of the cholesterol liquid crystal in one circle, that is, the pitch, can be controlled. By adjusting different voltages, the pitch size of the cholesterol liquid crystal can be adjusted, thereby changing the wavelength of the light reflected by the cholesterol liquid crystal, so that the cholesterol liquid crystal can reflect light of a specific color, such as blue light, green light or red light, and can mix red light, green light and blue light to output a color image.

[0055] It should be noted that the electrode 600 is used to apply voltages above and below the liquid crystal layer 300, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 300 are deflected and thus in different arrangement states. By controlling the electrode 600 to output different voltages, the pitch size of the liquid crystal molecules can be adjusted, thereby changing the wavelength of the light reflected by the liquid crystal molecules, so that the liquid crystal molecules only reflect light of a specific color, such as blue light (wavelength: 415 nm - 500 nm), green light (wavelength: 500 nm - 590 nm) or red light (wavelength: 590 nm - 740 nm), and a color image can be output after mixing the three primary colors.

[0056] It is worth noting that since the electronic paper display screen of the embodiment of the present application includes a grating 400 and an optical waveguide structure 500, it can achieve no loss in the visible light band, improve the light utilization rate, and further enhance the output light intensity. Moreover, after the system is powered off, the electronic paper display screen can still maintain the screen display, has bistable characteristics, and does not require additional energy consumption. In addition, the electronic paper display screen of the embodiment of the present application has no backlight module, so the energy consumption can be reduced when the air conditioner is running normally.

[0057] It should be noted that the electronic paper display screen further includes a first absorption layer 700, a first light shielding layer 800 and a second light shielding layer 900. Among them, the first absorption layer 700 and the first light shielding layer 800 are arranged between the first substrate 100 and the liquid crystal layer 300, the first light shielding layer 800 is arranged above the first absorption layer 700, and the second light shielding layer 900 is arranged below the second substrate 200.

[0058] It should be noted that the first absorption layer 700 is used to absorb light outside the reflection wavelength range, so as to improve the color saturation and image quality of pixel display; secondly, the first absorption layer 700 adjusts the color performance by absorbing or weakening the light outside the reflection range, and different colors can be presented on the electronic paper display by adjusting the characteristics of the absorption layer; furthermore, the first absorption layer 700 makes the content displayed on the electronic paper display clearer and enhances the contrast between the background and the foreground by absorbing or weakening the light outside the reflection range; again, the first absorption layer 700 can help reduce glare from ambient light, thereby improving readability under different lighting conditions; in addition, by adjusting the optical properties of the first absorption layer 700, the light transmittance can be controlled, so as to maintain the visibility of the screen under different lighting conditions.

[0059] It can be understood that the first light-shielding layer 800 and the second light-shielding layer 900 can be metals, can be graphite, can be black photoresist materials, or can be inks. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the types of the first light-shielding layer 800 and the second light-shielding layer 900.

[0060] It should be noted that the first light-shielding layer 800 and the second light-shielding layer 900 can reduce the reflection of external light on the screen surface, thereby helping to reduce light interference and improve the readability of the display screen; secondly, the first light-shielding layer 800 and the second light-shielding layer 900 can reduce light reflection, which helps to improve the contrast of text or images on the display screen, making the content on the display screen easier to read and recognize; furthermore, the first light-shielding layer 800 and the second light-shielding layer 900 can also block light from the surrounding environment, such as sunlight or strong indoor lights, thereby helping to maintain the readability of the screen under various lighting conditions; again, the first light-shielding layer 800 and the second light-shielding layer 900 can reduce reflection and block ambient light, thereby helping to improve the screen visibility at different viewing angles, enabling users to view the displayed content from a wider angle.

[0061] In addition, it should also be noted that the electronic paper display further includes a second absorption layer 1000, wherein the second absorption layer 1000 is disposed between the liquid crystal layer 300 and the grating 400.

[0062] It should be noted that the second absorption layer 1000 is used to absorb the light outside the reflection wavelength range again, and prevent the light outside the reflection wavelength range from entering the optical waveguide structure 500, so as not to affect the image quality.

[0063] It can be understood that the above-mentioned first absorption layer 700 and second absorption layer 1000 can be photoresist materials or can be inks. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the first absorption layer 700 and the second absorption layer 1000.

[0064] In addition, it should be noted that the electronic paper display screen further includes a frame adhesive 1100. Among them, the frame adhesive 1100 is disposed on the sides of the liquid crystal layer 300, the grating 400, and the optical waveguide structure 500, and the liquid crystal layer 300, the grating 400, and the optical waveguide structure 500 are surrounded by the frame adhesive 1100.

[0065] It can be understood that the frame adhesive 1100 is used to prevent the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 300 from leaking out.

[0066] In addition, it can be understood that the above-mentioned grating 400 can be made of titanium dioxide, or can be made of hafnium dioxide, or can be made of a high refractive index dielectric material. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the manufacturing components of the grating 400.

[0067] It should be noted that the control period of the grating 400 is within the sub-wavelength range, so as to ensure high coupling efficiency. Therefore, only the zero-order diffracted light can be coupled into the optical waveguide structure 500, where the duty cycle is 0.5.

[0068] It can be understood that different grating periods T can reflect different color lights. When T = 275 ± 5 nm, blue light band (narrowband spectrum, peak value is about 480 nm) is reflected. When T is 325 ± 5 nm, green light band (narrowband spectrum, peak value is about 550 nm) is reflected. When T is 375 ± 5 nm, red light band (narrowband spectrum, peak value is about 640 nm) is reflected. In order to improve the diffraction efficiency and ensure that more light is coupled into the optical waveguide layer, it is necessary to maintain the narrowband output of the peak band as much as possible, that is, it is necessary to accurately control the grating period T.

[0069] It should be noted that the thickness of the optical waveguide structure 500 and the grating 400 is about 100 - 500 nm.

[0070] In addition, it should be noted that the optical waveguide structure 500 is made of silicon nitride material. Among them, silicon nitride has a high refractive index and low light attenuation. Therefore, through the optical waveguide structure 500, lossless visible light band can be achieved, the light utilization rate can be improved, and the output light intensity can be enhanced.

[0071] Exemplarily, the main board of the indoor unit receives control instructions and controls the control system according to the control instructions to enable the control system to enter a powered-on state or a powered-off state, thereby controlling the conduction or cutoff of the power supply switch. When the control system enters the powered-on state, the power supply switch conducts, so that the electronic paper display is powered on, and at this time, the air conditioner is in a normal operating state. When the control system enters the powered-off state, the power supply switch disconnects, so that the electronic paper display is powered off, and then the electronic paper display displays the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo, without consuming electric energy. Therefore, energy consumption can be reduced. In addition, the electronic paper display in the embodiment of the present application includes a grating and a waveguide structure, so that lossless visible light bands can be achieved, the light utilization rate can be improved, and the output light intensity can be enhanced. Moreover, the electronic paper display can still maintain the picture display after the system is powered off, has bistable characteristics, and does not require additional energy consumption. In addition, the electronic paper display in the embodiment of the present application has no backlight module, so the energy consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced during normal operation.

[0072] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application introduces a new display mode to meet the requirements of energy conservation, environmental protection, visual novelty, etc., integrates product art with spatial scenes, highlights the unique beauty of the product, and can provide users with emotional value of beauty; in addition, the electronic paper display in the embodiment of the present application includes a grating and a waveguide structure, so that lossless visible light bands can be achieved, the light utilization rate can be improved, the output light intensity can be enhanced, thereby improving the display brightness of the electronic paper and making it possible to apply indoor appliances such as air conditioners; in addition, the electronic paper display in the embodiment of the present application has no backlight module, so the energy consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced during normal operation, and the embodiment of the present application has bistable characteristics and can still maintain the display picture without disappearing after power-off.

[0073] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, Figure 2 is a schematic optical path diagram of the electronic paper display provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0074] In one embodiment, the incident light is ambient light. Taking white light as an example, first, the white light passes through the first absorption layer 700 from the first substrate 100. Since the first absorption layer 700 is used to absorb the light outside the reflection wavelength range, a certain specific wavelength range of light is left, such as red light, green light or blue light; then, by adjusting the voltage magnitude across the electrode 600, a part of the specific light is reflected in the liquid crystal layer 300 and emitted towards the first substrate 100, and the rest of the light penetrates the liquid crystal layer 300; then, a small part of the light penetrates the liquid crystal layer 300 and passes through the second absorption layer 1000. Since the second absorption layer 1000 is used to absorb the light outside the reflection wavelength range again, the stray light outside the reflection wavelength range can be filtered out; finally, the light enters the grating 400 and the first waveguide layer 510, and the light is emitted towards the first substrate 100 through the second waveguide layer 520.

[0075] It should be noted that the first absorption layer 700 is used to absorb light outside the reflection wavelength range, so as to improve the color saturation of pixel display and the image quality; secondly, the first absorption layer 700 adjusts the color performance by absorbing or weakening the light outside the reflection range. By adjusting the characteristics of the absorption layer, different colors can be presented on the electronic paper display; thirdly, the first absorption layer 700 makes the content displayed on the electronic paper display clearer and enhances the contrast between the background and the foreground by absorbing or weakening the light outside the reflection range; fourthly, the first absorption layer 700 can help reduce the glare from ambient light, thereby improving the readability under different lighting conditions; in addition, by adjusting the optical properties of the first absorption layer 700, the light transmittance can be controlled, so that the visibility of the screen can be maintained under different lighting conditions.

[0076] It should be noted that the second absorption layer 1000 is used to absorb the light outside the reflection wavelength range again, so as to prevent the light outside the reflection wavelength range from entering the optical waveguide structure 500 and affecting the image quality.

[0077] It should be noted that the optical waveguide structure 500 can receive the light from the first substrate 100, the liquid crystal layer 300, and the grating 400 through the first optical waveguide layer 510, and emit the light towards the direction of the first substrate 100 through the second optical waveguide layer 520. Therefore, the optical waveguide structure 500 can receive and emit light, so as to achieve lossless in the visible light band, improve the light utilization rate, and further enhance the output light intensity.

[0078] Exemplarily, the main board of the indoor unit receives control instructions and controls the control system according to the control instructions to enable the control system to enter the power-on state or the power-off state, thereby controlling the conduction or cutoff of the power supply switch. When the control system enters the power-on state, the power supply switch conducts, so that the electronic paper display is powered on, and at this time the air conditioner is in the normal operation state. When the control system enters the power-off state, the power supply switch disconnects, so that the electronic paper display is powered off, and then the electronic paper display displays the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo. Specifically, incident light passes through the first absorption layer 700 from the first substrate 100. Since the first absorption layer 700 is used to absorb light outside the reflection wavelength range, a certain specific wavelength range of light is left, such as red light, green light or blue light. Then, by adjusting the voltage magnitude across the electrode 600, a part of the specific light is reflected towards the first substrate 100 after passing through the liquid crystal layer 300, and the remaining light penetrates the liquid crystal layer 300. Then, a small part of the light penetrates the liquid crystal layer 300 and passes through the second absorption layer 1000. Since the second absorption layer 1000 is used to absorb light outside the reflection wavelength range again, stray light outside the reflection wavelength range can be filtered out. Finally, the light enters the grating 400 and the first optical waveguide layer 510, and the second optical waveguide layer 520 emits the light towards the first substrate 100. Therefore, the electronic paper display can display the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo, and since the optical waveguide structure 500 can achieve lossless in the visible light band, the light utilization rate is improved, and thus the output light intensity is enhanced.

[0079] It should be noted that voltages are applied above and below the liquid crystal layer 300 through the electrode 600 to cause the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 300 to deflect, so as to be in different alignment states. When the liquid crystal layer 300 is composed of cholesteric liquid crystal molecules, by adjusting the electrodes arranged above and below the liquid crystal layer 300, the rotation distance of the cholesteric liquid crystal for one circle, that is, the pitch, can be controlled. And by regulating the different voltages output by the electrode 600, the pitch size of the cholesteric liquid crystal can be adjusted, thereby changing the light wavelength reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal, so that the cholesteric liquid crystal only reflects light of a specific color, such as blue light (wavelength: 415 nm - 500 nm), green light (wavelength: 500 nm - 590 nm) or red light (wavelength: 590 nm - 740 nm). A color image can be output after mixing the three primary colors of light.

[0080] In addition, it can be understood that the cholesteric liquid crystal molecules have two stable states: the focal conic alignment state and the planar alignment state. When the cholesteric liquid crystal presents the planar alignment state, light of a specific wavelength can be reflected; on the contrary, when the cholesteric liquid crystal presents the focal conic alignment state, the light will penetrate. Therefore, the voltage applied to the cholesteric liquid crystal can be used to control the cholesteric liquid crystal to reflect or transmit light of a specific wavelength.

[0081] Based on the electronic paper display screens of the above various embodiments, the following presents various embodiments of the air conditioner of the present application.

[0082] As Figure 3 shown, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0083] In one embodiment, the air conditioner includes, but is not limited to, the electronic paper display screen as Figure 1 shown.

[0084] It should be noted that the air conditioner further includes an indoor unit main board, a control system, and a power supply switch. Among them, the indoor unit main board is connected to the electronic paper display screen through the power supply switch. The input end of the control system is connected to the indoor unit main board, and the output end is connected to the power supply switch, and is used to control the conduction and cut-off of the power supply switch.

[0085] It should be noted that the indoor unit main board is communicatively connected to the electronic paper display screen. Among them, the communication connection between the indoor unit main board and the electronic paper display screen can be a wired communication connection or a wireless communication connection. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the communication connection method between the indoor unit main board and the electronic paper display screen.

[0086] It can be understood that through the communication connection between the indoor unit main board and the electronic paper display screen, when the electronic paper display screen is powered on, the indoor unit main board can send images, texts, or other information to the electronic paper display screen to update the display content on the screen, thereby allowing the indoor unit main board to dynamically change the display information in different scenarios, such as temperature, humidity, time, etc. Secondly, the indoor unit main board can also adjust some parameters of the electronic paper display screen, such as contrast, brightness, color, etc., to ensure the best display effect.

[0087] It should be noted that the power supply switch can be a relay or a field effect transistor. Among them, the relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, an iron core, a contact, and a spring. The core part of the relay is the electromagnetic coil, which is usually composed of windings wound on an insulating skeleton. When current passes through the electromagnetic coil, a magnetic field is generated. In the middle of the electromagnetic coil, there is usually a movable iron core. The purpose of this iron core is to strengthen the electromagnetic induction effect. When current passes through the electromagnetic coil, the generated magnetic field causes the iron core to be attracted and move towards the coil. The movement of the iron core will cause the state of the contact to change. Among them, the contact is two conductive metal sheets. When the relay is powered on, the contact can be closed to achieve circuit connection. When the electromagnetic coil is powered on, the iron core is attracted and the contact is closed. When the electromagnetic coil is powered off, the spring makes the chip return to its original position and the contact opens. The field effect transistor conducts when powered on and disconnects when powered off. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the power supply switch.

[0088] In one embodiment, the main board of the indoor unit receives a control instruction and controls the control system according to the control instruction to power on or off the control system, thereby controlling the conduction or disconnection of the power supply switch. When the control system is powered on, the power supply switch conducts, so that the electronic paper display is powered on, and at this time, the air conditioner is in a normal operation state. When the control system is powered off, the power supply switch disconnects, so that the electronic paper display is powered off, and then the electronic paper display displays the picture before power off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo without consuming electric energy. Therefore, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0089] In addition, in one embodiment, the main board of the indoor unit receives a control instruction and judges the control instruction. When the control instruction is a standby instruction, it controls the control system according to the standby instruction to make the control system enter a power-off state, so that the power supply switch disconnects, so that the electronic paper display is powered off. At this time, the electronic paper display displays the picture before power off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo without consuming electric energy. Therefore, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0090] It should be noted that when the main board of the indoor unit receives the standby instruction, it controls the control system, so that the control system is powered off, and then controls the power supply switch to disconnect, so that the electronic paper display is powered off, so that the electronic paper display displays the picture before power off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo without consuming electric energy. At this time, the high-power part load of the main board of the indoor unit can still be continuously powered. Therefore, in the standby state, since the electronic paper display does not consume electric energy for display, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0091] In addition, in one embodiment, the main board of the indoor unit receives a control instruction and judges the control instruction. When the control instruction is a wake-up instruction, it controls the control system according to the wake-up instruction to make the control system enter a power-on state, so that the power supply switch conducts, and then the electronic paper display is powered on, and at this time, the air conditioner is in a normal operation state.

[0092] It is worth noting that the embodiments of the present application can provide a circuit architecture adapted to the operation of the air conditioner and a standby and wake-up control method.

[0093] Based on the air conditioners of the above various embodiments, the display screen power supply method of the present application is proposed below.

[0094] As Figure 4 shown, Figure 4 is a flowchart of the display screen power supply method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The display screen power supply method is applied to the main board of the indoor unit in the air conditioner. The display screen power supply method includes but is not limited to step S110 and step S120.

[0095] Step S110: Receive a control instruction;

[0096] Step S120: Control the power-on and power-off state of the control system according to the control instruction, so as to disconnect or engage the power supply switch.

[0097] In one embodiment, first, the main board of the indoor unit receives the control instruction; then, when the control instruction is received, it controls the control system according to the control instruction, so as to control the power-on and power-off state of the control system, thereby controlling the disconnection or engagement of the power supply switch.

[0098] In one embodiment, when the control instruction is received, the control system is controlled according to the control instruction, so as to control the control system to enter the power-off state, thereby causing the power supply switch to disconnect, so that the electronic paper display is powered off. At this time, the electronic paper display shows the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo, without consuming electric energy. Therefore, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0099] In one embodiment, when the control instruction is received, the control system is controlled according to the control instruction, so as to control the control system to enter the power-on state, thereby causing the power supply switch to conduct, so that the electronic paper display is powered on. At this time, the air conditioner enters the normal operation state.

[0100] It should be noted that the above control instruction can be a standby instruction or a wake-up instruction. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the control instruction.

[0101] In addition, it is worth noting that since the electronic paper display of the embodiments of the present application includes a grating and a waveguide structure, it can achieve lossless in the visible light band, improve the light utilization rate, and further enhance the output light intensity. Moreover, the electronic paper display can still maintain the picture display after the system is powered off, has bistable characteristics, and does not require additional energy consumption. In addition, the electronic paper display of the embodiments of the present application does not have a backlight module, so the energy consumption can be reduced when the air conditioner is operating normally.

[0102] In addition, it should be noted that the control of the power-on and power-off state of the control system according to the control instruction in the above step S120 to disconnect or engage the power supply switch may include, but is not limited to Figure 5 or Figure 6 The following are two implementation cases, which are specifically as follows:

[0103] As Figure 5 shown, Figure 5 is a flowchart of a display power supply method provided by another embodiment of the present application; regarding the above step S120, it may include, but is not limited to, step S210 and step S220.

[0104] Step S210: Determine the control instruction as a standby instruction;

[0105] Step S220: Control the power-off of the control system to control the power supply switch to disconnect, so as to power off the electronic paper display screen.

[0106] In one embodiment, first, the main board of the indoor unit receives the control instruction and judges the control instruction; then, when it is determined that the control instruction is a standby instruction, the control system is controlled, so that the control system is powered off, and then the power supply switch is controlled to disconnect, so as to power off the electronic paper display screen.

[0107] It should be noted that after the electronic paper display screen is powered off, the electronic paper display screen will display the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo, without consuming electric energy. Therefore, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0108] It should be noted that when the main board of the indoor unit receives the standby instruction, the control system is controlled, so that the control system is powered off, and then the power supply switch is controlled to disconnect, so as to power off the electronic paper display screen, so that the electronic paper display screen displays the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo, without consuming electric energy. At this time, the high-power part load of the main board of the indoor unit can still be continuously powered. Therefore, in the standby state, since the electronic paper display screen does not consume electric energy when displaying, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0109] In addition, it should be noted that since the electronic paper display screen of the embodiment of the present application includes a grating and a waveguide structure, it can achieve lossless in the visible light band, improve the light utilization rate, and then enhance the output light intensity. Moreover, the electronic paper display screen can still maintain the picture display after the system is powered off, has bistable characteristics, and does not require additional energy consumption. In addition, the electronic paper display screen of the embodiment of the present application does not have a backlight module, so the energy consumption can be reduced when the air conditioner is running normally.

[0110] As Figure 6 shown, Figure 6 is a flowchart of a display screen power supply method provided by another embodiment of the present application; regarding the above step S120, it may include but is not limited to step S310 and step S320.

[0111] Step S310: Determine that the control instruction is a wake-up instruction;

[0112] Step S320: Control the control system to be powered on to control the power supply switch to close, so as to power on the electronic paper display screen.

[0113] In one embodiment, first, the main board of the indoor unit receives the control instruction and judges the control instruction; then, when it is determined that the control instruction is a wake-up instruction, the control system is controlled, so that the control system is powered on, and then the power supply switch is controlled to conduct, so as to power on the electronic paper display screen.

[0114] It should be noted that when the electronic paper display is powered on, the air conditioner is in a normal operating state.

[0115] In addition, it should be noted that since the electronic paper display of the embodiment of the present application has no backlight module, the energy consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced during normal operation.

[0116] As Figure 7 shown, Figure 7 is the overall flowchart of the display power supply method provided by an embodiment of the present application, which may include but is not limited to steps S410 to S490.

[0117] Step S410, the air conditioner operates normally;

[0118] Step S420, determine whether the MCU receives a standby instruction. If the MCU receives the standby instruction, go to step S430; if the MCU does not receive the standby instruction, return to step S420;

[0119] Step S430, power off the control system;

[0120] Step S440, disconnect the power supply switch;

[0121] Step S450, power off the electronic paper display;

[0122] Step S460, determine whether the MCU receives a wake-up instruction. If the MCU receives the wake-up instruction, go to step S470; if the MCU does not receive the wake-up instruction, return to step S460;

[0123] Step S470, power on the control system;

[0124] Step S480, close the power supply switch;

[0125] Step S490, power on the electronic paper display.

[0126] In one embodiment, first, the air conditioner is in a normal operating state; then, it is determined whether the MCU receives a standby instruction. When the MCU does not receive the standby instruction, the air conditioner remains in the normal operating state; when the MCU receives the standby instruction, the control system is controlled to be in a power-off state, so that the power supply switch is disconnected to power off the electronic paper display; then, it is determined whether the MCU receives a wake-up instruction. When the MCU does not receive the wake-up instruction, the electronic paper display remains in the power-off state; when the MCU receives the wake-up instruction, the control system is controlled to supply power, so that the power supply switch is closed to power on the electronic paper display.

[0127] It can be understood that the MCU (Microcontroller Unit) is an integrated circuit in an embedded system, which usually includes a processor core, memory, input / output interfaces, and various peripherals. The microcontroller is mainly designed to control electronic devices and execute specific tasks or functions.

[0128] It should be noted that the MCU is set on the main board of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and can be used to receive standby instructions and wake-up instructions. According to the standby instruction or wake-up instruction, the MCU will output corresponding instructions to control the control system, so that the control system is powered off or powered on, and further the power supply switch is disconnected or attracted, so that the electronic paper display is powered off or powered on.

[0129] It is worth noting that when the electronic paper display is powered off, the electronic paper display will display the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo, without consuming electric energy. Therefore, it can reduce energy consumption; when the electronic paper display is powered on, the air conditioner is in a normal operating state.

[0130] It should be noted that when the main board of the indoor unit receives the standby instruction, it will control the control system, so that the control system is powered off, and further control the power supply switch to disconnect, so that the electronic paper display is powered off, so that the electronic paper display displays the picture before power-off in the form of a color painting or an electronic photo, without consuming electric energy. At this time, the heavy-duty part of the main board of the indoor unit can still be continuously powered. Therefore, in the standby state, since the electronic paper display does not consume electric energy when displaying, it can reduce energy consumption.

[0131] In addition, it is worth noting that the embodiments of the present application introduce a new display mode, which meets the requirements of energy conservation, environmental protection, and novel vision, integrates product art with the space scene, highlights the unique beauty of the product, and can provide users with beautiful emotional value; in addition, the electronic paper display of the embodiments of the present application includes a grating and a waveguide structure, so that lossless operation in the visible light band can be realized, the light utilization rate can be improved, the output light intensity can be enhanced, and thus the brightness of the electronic paper display can be improved, making it possible to apply indoor appliances such as air conditioners; in addition, the electronic paper display of the embodiments of the present application has no backlight module, so the energy consumption can be reduced when the air conditioner is operating normally, and the embodiments of the present application have bistable characteristics and can still keep the display picture from disappearing after power-off.

[0132] In addition, it is also worth noting that the embodiments of the present application can provide a circuit architecture adapted to the operation of the air conditioner and a standby and wake-up control method.

[0133] Based on the control methods of the above various embodiments, the embodiments of the controller and the computer-readable storage medium of the present application are respectively proposed below.

[0134] As Figure 8As shown Figure 8 FIG. Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a controller for implementing a display power supply method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The controller 1200 implemented in the present application includes: a processor 1210, a memory 1220, and a computer program stored on the memory 1220 and executable on the processor 1210. Among them, Figure 8 FIG. Figure 8 takes one processor 1210 and one memory 1220 as an example.

[0135] The processor 1210 and the memory 1220 can be connected through a bus or other means, Figure 8 FIG. Figure 8 takes the connection through a bus as an example.

[0136] The memory 1220, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. In addition, the memory 1220 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage devices. In some embodiments, the memory 1220 may optionally include a memory 1220 remotely disposed relative to the processor 1210, and these remote memories 720 may be connected to the controller 1200 through a network. Examples of the above network include but are not limited to the Internet, an enterprise intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0137] Those skilled in the art can understand that Figure 8 the device structure shown in FIG. Figure 8 does not constitute a limitation on the controller 1200, and may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0138] In Figure 8 the controller 1200 shown in FIG. Figure 8 , the processor 1210 can be used to call the control program stored in the memory 1220, so as to implement the above control method. Specifically, the non-transitory software programs and instructions required to implement the control method of the above embodiment are stored in the memory 1220, and when executed by the processor 1210, the control method of the above embodiment is executed.

[0139] It should be noted that since the controller 1200 of the embodiment of the present application can execute the control method of any of the above embodiments, therefore, the specific implementation manners and technical effects of the controller 1200 of the embodiment of the present application can refer to the specific implementation manners and technical effects of the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0140] In addition, an embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, and the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for executing the above control method. Exemplarily, execute the above-described Figures 4 to 7The method steps in

[0141] It should be noted that since the computer-readable storage medium of the embodiments of the present application can execute the control method of any of the above embodiments, therefore, for the specific implementation manners and technical effects of the computer-readable storage medium of the embodiments of the present application, reference may be made to the specific implementation manners and technical effects of the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0142] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and appropriate combinations thereof. Some physical components or all physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, or a microprocessor, or can be implemented as hardware, or can be implemented as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include a computer storage medium (or a non-transitory medium) and a communication medium (or a transitory medium). As is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the term computer storage medium includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The computer storage medium includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a communication medium generally includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism, and can include any information delivery medium.

[0143] The above is a specific description of the preferred embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can also make various equivalent deformations or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these equivalent deformations or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An electronic paper display screen, characterized in that, it comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, with electrodes provided above and below the liquid crystal layer; a grating located between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate; an optical waveguide structure including a first optical waveguide layer and a second optical waveguide layer, the first optical waveguide layer being located between the grating and the second substrate, and the second optical waveguide layer being located on the side of the liquid crystal layer and below the first substrate; wherein, the optical waveguide structure receives light passing through the first substrate, the liquid crystal layer and the grating through the first optical waveguide layer, and emits the light towards the first substrate through the second optical waveguide layer.

2. The electronic paper display screen according to claim 1, characterized in that, the electronic paper display screen further comprises a first absorption layer, a first light-shielding layer and a second light-shielding layer, the first absorption layer and the first light-shielding layer being located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and the first light-shielding layer being located above the first absorption layer, and the second light-shielding layer being located below the second substrate.

3. The electronic paper display screen according to claim 1, characterized in that, the electronic paper display screen further comprises a second absorption layer, the second absorption layer being located between the liquid crystal layer and the grating.

4. The electronic paper display screen according to claim 1, characterized in that, the electronic paper display screen further comprises a frame adhesive, the frame adhesive being located on the sides of the liquid crystal layer, the grating and the optical waveguide structure, and the frame adhesive surrounding the liquid crystal layer, the grating and the optical waveguide structure.

5. The electronic paper display screen according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, the grating is made of titanium dioxide or hafnium dioxide.

6. The electronic paper display screen according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, the control period of the grating is within the sub-wavelength range.

7. The electronic paper display screen according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, the optical waveguide structure is made of a silicon nitride material.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that, it comprises the electronic paper display screen according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, the air conditioner further comprises an indoor unit main board, a control system and a power supply switch, the indoor unit main board is connected to the electronic paper display screen through the power supply switch, the input end of the control system is connected to the indoor unit main board, and the output end is connected to the power supply switch and is used to control the on-off of the power supply switch.

10. A display screen power supply method, characterized in that, applied to the indoor unit main board in the air conditioner according to claim 9, the display screen power supply method comprises: receiving a control instruction; controlling the on-off state of the control system according to the control instruction so that the power supply switch is turned off or on.

11. The display screen power supply method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Controlling the power-on and power-off state of the control system according to the control instruction to disconnect or engage the power supply switch includes one of the following: When the control instruction is a standby instruction, the control system is powered off to control the power supply switch to disconnect, so that the electronic paper display is powered off; When the control instruction is a wake-up instruction, the control system is powered on to control the power supply switch to engage, so that the electronic paper display is powered on.

12. A controller, Characterized in that, Comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor runs the computer program, it executes the display power supply method according to claim 10 or 11.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, Characterized in that: Stored with computer-executable instructions for executing the display power supply method according to claim 10 or 11.

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