Color electronic paper display and driving method
By employing a color filter substrate and an array substrate design in a color electronic paper display, and utilizing neutral solution and polar particles driven by an electric field to achieve bright and dark state displays, the problems of complex processes and long response times in existing technologies are solved, thus realizing efficient full-color display.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511724727.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing electronic paper displays have complex processes and long response times to achieve full-color display, resulting in high costs. Furthermore, polar particles interfere with each other when moving in a neutral and transparent solution, reducing the particle speed.
In a color electronic paper display, a cavity is formed by a barrier between a color filter substrate and an array substrate. The cavity contains a neutral solution and polar particles. The polar particles are driven to move through pixel electrodes and a common electrode to achieve bright and dark display states. The neutral solution contains neutral dye molecules to control the color, and thin-film transistors are provided on the array substrate to control the direction of the electric field.
The process was simplified, costs were reduced, and the response speed was improved by using unidirectional movement of polar particles, thus reducing screen refresh time.
Smart Images

Figure CN121454841A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a color electronic paper display and its driving method. Background Technology
[0002] Display panels offer advantages such as thinness, durability, and low power consumption, which are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. However, they require a backlight, resulting in a thicker module and higher cost. Electronic paper displays (reflective displays) have emerged as a solution to meet the needs of the general public. Unlike LCD displays, which require a backlight, electronic paper displays can use external light sources to display images. Therefore, even in strong sunlight, the information on the electronic paper remains clearly visible without viewing angle issues. Furthermore, due to their energy efficiency, high reflectivity, and high contrast ratio, electronic paper displays are now widely used in e-readers (such as e-books and e-newspapers) and other electronic components (such as price tags).
[0003] Existing electronic paper displays typically employ E-Ink microcapsule technology (microcapsule electronic ink technology), SiPix microcup technology (microcup electrophoretic display technology), Bridgestone electronic liquid powder technology, Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Display (CLCD) technology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, or electrowetting technology. However, existing electronic paper display technologies are less mature than liquid crystal display technologies, have lower mass production efficiency, higher manufacturing costs, and can only achieve black and white displays.
[0004] To achieve full-color display in electronic paper displays, current technology involves attaching an additional colored film to the surface of a monochrome electronic paper display. This requires precise alignment of the red / green / blue resists on the colored film with the sub-pixels of the monochrome electronic paper display, resulting in high cost and complex manufacturing processes. Furthermore, existing electronic paper displays utilize a neutral transparent solution containing black and white polar particles of opposite polarity. When voltage is applied, these particles move in opposite directions within the solution, controlling dark and bright states. Because the black and white particles move in opposite directions, they interfere with each other, reducing particle speed and increasing screen refresh response time. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a color electronic paper display and driving method to solve the problems of complex color film bonding process and long response time in the prior art.
[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: The present invention provides a color electronic paper display, including a color filter substrate, an array substrate disposed opposite to the color filter substrate, and a barrier wall located between the color filter substrate and the array substrate. The barrier wall divides the gap between the color filter substrate and the array substrate to form a plurality of receiving cavities. Each receiving cavity contains a neutral solution of a first color and polar particles of a second color. One of the first color and the second color is white, and the other is black. The array substrate is provided with pixel electrodes, and the receiving cavity corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrodes. The color filter substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrodes. The pixel electrodes and the common electrode are used to drive the polar particles to move in the neutral solution.
[0007] Furthermore, the neutral solution comprises a neutral transparent solution and neutral dye molecules, wherein the neutral dye molecules are of a first color and are dispersed within the neutral transparent solution.
[0008] Furthermore, the diameter of the polar particles is preferably 5 nm to 500 nm, and the ratio of the polar particles to the neutral solution is 5% to 10%.
[0009] Furthermore, the color filter substrate is provided with a color resist layer and a black matrix that separates the multiple color resist layers from each other. The color resist layer includes a red color resist layer, a green color resist layer and a blue color resist layer. Alternatively, the color filter substrate may have a color resist layer, a transparent region, and a black matrix, wherein the black matrix separates the multiple color resist layers and the color resist layers from the transparent region, and the color resist layers include a red color resist layer, a green color resist layer, and a blue color resist layer.
[0010] Furthermore, the array substrate is provided with multiple first scan lines, multiple first data lines, and multiple first thin-film transistors. The multiple first scan lines and multiple first data lines are mutually insulated and cross each other to form multiple pixel units. The array substrate is provided with a first thin-film transistor and a pixel electrode in each pixel unit. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the corresponding first scan line and first data line through the first thin-film transistor.
[0011] Furthermore, the common electrode is a planar electrode that covers the entire surface of the color filter substrate; Alternatively, the color filter substrate may have multiple second scan lines, multiple second data lines, and multiple second thin-film transistors. The second scan lines correspond one-to-one with the first scan lines, the multiple second data lines are paired with the first data lines, and the second thin-film transistors are paired with the first thin-film transistors. The common electrode includes a common electrode block that corresponds one-to-one with each pixel unit. The color filter substrate has a second thin-film transistor and the common electrode block in each pixel unit. The common electrode block is electrically connected to the corresponding second scan line and second data line through the second thin-film transistor.
[0012] Furthermore, a black light-absorbing layer is provided on the side of the array substrate away from the color filter substrate, and an anti-reflective film is provided on the side of the color filter substrate away from the array substrate.
[0013] This application also provides a driving method for a color electronic paper display, used to drive the color electronic paper display as described above, the driving method comprising: A first voltage signal is applied to the common electrode, and a second voltage signal is applied to the pixel electrode; In the bright state, during the first time period, there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal and the first voltage signal, and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode and the pixel electrode; In the dark state, there is a second voltage difference between the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal, and a second electric field is formed between the common electrode and the pixel electrode.
[0014] Furthermore, the driving method includes: In the bright state, during the second time period, the second voltage signal is the same as the first voltage signal. The display brightness is controlled by controlling the ratio between the first time period and the second time period.
[0015] Furthermore, the first color is black, the second color is white, and the driving method includes: In the bright state, the first electric field is used to drive the polar particles to converge toward the common electrode side; in the dark state, the second electric field is used to drive the polar particles to converge toward the pixel electrode side. Alternatively, the first color is white, the second color is black, and the driving method includes: In the bright state, the first electric field is used to drive the polar particles to converge toward the pixel electrode side; in the dark state, the second electric field is used to drive the polar particles to converge toward the common electrode side.
[0016] The advantages of this invention are as follows: by directly fabricating the color filter substrate inside the color electronic paper display to achieve color display, there is no need to attach a color film, thereby reducing the difficulty of the process and the manufacturing cost; moreover, only one type of polar particle is set in each cavity, so that all polar particles move in one direction, which can improve the particle movement speed and reduce the response time. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the initial state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 3 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 5 This is the driving waveform diagram of the color electronic paper display in the brightest state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in its brightest state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 7 This is a driving waveform diagram of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 9 This is the driving waveform diagram of the color electronic paper display in the darkest state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the darkest state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the initial state in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the initial state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in its brightest state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the darkest state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the initial state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in its brightest state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the darkest state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0038] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, details the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the color electronic paper display and driving method proposed according to the present invention: [Example 1] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the initial state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0039] like Figures 1 to 4As shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a color electronic paper display 10 includes a color filter substrate 11, an array substrate 12 disposed opposite to the color filter substrate 11, and a baffle 15 located between the color filter substrate 11 and the array substrate 12. The baffle 15 divides the gap between the color filter substrate 11 and the array substrate 12 into multiple receiving cavities 101. The baffle 15 can be made of PS material, and its height can be controlled between 10µm and 30µm according to the cell thickness design. Each receiving cavity 101 contains a neutral solution 13 of a first color and polar particles 14 of a second color. One of the first color and the second color is white, and the other is black. In this embodiment, the first color is black and the second color is white, that is, the neutral solution 13 is black and the polar particles 14 are white. By providing electric fields in different directions, only the polar particles 14 can move in the corresponding direction, thereby realizing the bright state and the dark state. That is, by setting only one type of polar particle 14 in each receiving cavity 101, all polar particles 14 move in one direction, which can improve the particle movement speed and reduce the response time. The other color is achieved using a colored neutral solution 13, the color of which does not change with the electric field. For example, the polar particles 14 are negatively charged, while the neutral solution 13 is uncharged, causing the polar particles 14 to move in the opposite direction of the electric field. If an upward electric field is provided, the polar particles 14 move downward; if a downward electric field is provided, the polar particles 14 move upward. Of course, the polar particles 14 can also be positively charged, causing them to move in the direction of the electric field.
[0040] In this embodiment, the array substrate 12 is provided with pixel electrodes 121 corresponding one-to-one with the receiving cavity 101, and the color filter substrate 11 is provided with a common electrode 113 that cooperates with the pixel electrodes 121. The pixel electrodes 121 and the common electrode 113 are used to drive the polar particles 14 to move in the neutral solution 13. By controlling the voltage polarity on the pixel electrodes 121 and the common electrode 113, the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrodes 121 and the common electrode 113 is controlled, thereby realizing the bright state and the dark state. For example, if a 0V common voltage is applied to the common electrode 113, and a positive voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 121, the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrode 121 and the common electrode 113 is upward; if a negative voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 121, the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrode 121 and the common electrode 113 is downward. The common electrode 113 can be a planar electrode that covers the entire surface of the color filter substrate 11.
[0041] The color filter substrate 11 and the array substrate 12 have an insulating layer on the side facing the polar particles 14 to cover the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121, so as to avoid short circuit problems.
[0042] In this embodiment, the neutral solution 13 includes a neutral transparent solution 131 and neutral dye molecules 132. The neutral dye molecules 132 are of the first color and are dispersed within the neutral transparent solution 131. Since the neutral dye molecules 132 do not dissolve in the neutral transparent solution 131, when the polar particles 14 move towards the common electrode 113, they compress the neutral dye molecules 132, causing more polar particles 14 to converge towards the common electrode 113. Furthermore, when the polar particles 14 move towards the pixel electrode 121, they converge towards the pixel electrode 121. Therefore, by using neutral dye molecules 132 dispersed within the neutral transparent solution 131 to give the neutral solution 13 the first color, the brightness and darkness effects can be improved, and the contrast enhanced. Of course, in other embodiments, the neutral solution 13 can also use a pigment of the first color.
[0043] Furthermore, the diameter of the polar particles 14 is preferably 5 nm to 500 nm, which facilitates the rapid movement of the polar particles 14 among the neutral dye molecules 132. If the diameter of the polar particles 14 is too large, it will increase the resistance of the polar particles 14 and reduce the movement speed of the polar particles 14. The ratio of polar particles 14 to neutral solution 13 is 5% to 10%.
[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the array substrate 12 is provided with multiple first scan lines 1, multiple first data lines 2, and multiple first thin-film transistors 3. The multiple first scan lines 1 and multiple first data lines 2 are intersected and insulated from each other, defining multiple pixel units P. Each pixel unit P is provided with a pixel electrode 121 and a first thin-film transistor 3. The pixel electrode 121 is electrically connected to the corresponding first scan line 1 and first data line 2 through the first thin-film transistor 3. The first thin-film transistor 3 includes a first gate, a first active layer, a first drain, and a first source. The first gate is located on the same layer as the first scan line 1 and is electrically connected. The first gate is isolated from the first active layer by an insulating layer. The first source is electrically connected to the first data line 2. The first drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 121 through a contact hole.
[0045] In this embodiment, the color filter substrate 11 is provided with a color resist layer 112 and a black matrix 111 that spaces the multiple color resist layers 112 apart from each other. The color resist layer 112 includes a red color resist layer 112r, a green color resist layer 112g, and a blue color resist layer 112b. The red color resist layer 112r corresponds to a red pixel unit, the green color resist layer 112g corresponds to a green pixel unit, and the blue color resist layer 112b corresponds to a blue pixel unit. This allows the color electronic paper display device to display various colors based on the color mixing principle of red / green / blue light. For example, Figure 3As shown, pixel unit P is a rectangular structure arranged in an array, with alternating green, blue, and red pixel units in both the row and column directions. Figure 4 As shown, the pixel unit P has a hexagonal structure and is staggered between adjacent rows and columns. Along the diagonal, a green pixel unit, a blue pixel unit, and a red pixel unit are arranged alternately. The peak transmittance of the red color resist layer 112r is around 650nm; the peak transmittance of the green color resist layer 112g is around 550nm, with transmittance exceeding 20% in the wavelength range of 450nm to 620nm; and the peak transmittance of the blue color resist layer 112b is around 460nm.
[0046] In this embodiment, a black light-absorbing layer 122 is provided on the side of the array substrate 12 away from the color filter substrate 11 to absorb excess light and improve contrast. An anti-reflective film 115 is provided on the side of the color filter substrate 11 away from the array substrate 12 to reduce specular reflection and further improve contrast.
[0047] The color filter substrate 11 and the array substrate 12 can be made of transparent substrates such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121 can be made of transparent electrodes such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).
[0048] This application also provides a driving method for a color electronic paper display, used to drive the color electronic paper display as described above. In this embodiment, the polar particles 14 are negatively charged, the first color is black, and the second color is white; that is, the neutral solution 13 is black, and the polar particles 14 are white. The driving method includes: A first voltage signal V1 is applied to the common electrode 113, and a second voltage signal V2 is applied to the pixel electrode 121; Figure 5 This is the driving waveform diagram of the color electronic paper display in the brightest state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the color electronic paper display in its brightest state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in the bright state, during the first time period, there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal V2 and the first voltage signal V1, and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121 to drive the polar particles 14 to converge toward the common electrode 113. For example, the first voltage signal V1 is a 0V DC common signal (GND signal), and the second voltage signal V2 is a sine wave or square wave of -15V to 0V with an adjustable frequency of 1 to 120Hz. The first electric field is directed toward the pixel electrode 121, causing the white polar particles 14 to move upward and gather on the common electrode 113. Ambient light is reflected back by the white polar particles 14 after passing through the color filter substrate 11, resulting in a bright state.
[0049] Figure 7 This is a driving waveform diagram of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the intermediate bright state, during the first time period (time A), there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal V2 and the first voltage signal V1, and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121; during the second time period (time B), the second voltage signal V2 is the same as the first voltage signal V1. By controlling the ratio between the first time period (time A) and the second time period (time B), the display brightness can be controlled, and different gray levels can be obtained. For example, if time A:time B = 1:0, then it is full white (reference). Figure 6 If A:B=1:1, then it is an intermediate gray level, meaning that the smaller the time B, the brighter the reflected brightness, and the larger the time B, the darker the reflected brightness.
[0050] Figure 9 This is the driving waveform diagram of the color electronic paper display in the darkest state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in its darkest state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in the dark state, there is a second voltage difference between the first voltage signal V1 and the second voltage signal V2, and a second electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121 to drive the polar particles 14 to converge toward the pixel electrode 121. For example, the first voltage signal V1 is a 0V DC common signal (GND signal), the second voltage signal V2 is a sine wave or square wave of 0V to +15V with an adjustable frequency of 1 to 120Hz, and the direction of the second electric field is toward the common electrode 113, causing the white polar particles 14 to move downward and gather on the pixel electrode 121. Ambient light is absorbed by the black neutral solution 13 (neutral dye molecules 132) after passing through the color filter substrate 11, resulting in a dark state.
[0051] [Example 2] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the initial state in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the color electronic paper display and driving method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 10 The color electronic paper display and driving method are basically the same as those in other electronic paper displays, with the following differences: In this embodiment, the color filter substrate 11 is provided with a color resist layer 112, a transparent region 114, and a black matrix 111. The black matrix 111 separates the multiple color resist layers 112 and the color resist layers 112 and the transparent region 114 from each other. The color resist layers 112 include a red color resist layer 112r, a green color resist layer 112g, and a blue color resist layer 112b. The red color resist layer 112r corresponds to a red pixel unit, the green color resist layer 112g corresponds to a green pixel unit, the blue color resist layer 112b corresponds to a blue pixel unit, and the transparent region 114 corresponds to a transparent pixel unit. This allows the color electronic paper display device to display various colors based on the color mixing principle of red, green, and blue light. The transparent region 114 of the color filter substrate 11 does not require a color resist layer; it can be filled with an open-cell (OC) material. By providing the transparent region 114, the brightness of the display can be improved.
[0052] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.
[0053] [Example 3] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the color electronic paper display in its initial state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown, the color electronic paper display and driving method provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 10 Example 2 Figures 11 to 12 The color electronic paper display and driving method are basically the same as those in other electronic paper displays, with the following differences: In this embodiment, the first color is white and the second color is black, that is, the neutral solution 13 is white (the neutral dye molecule 132 is white) and the polar particles 14 are black.
[0054] This application also provides a driving method for a color electronic paper display, used to drive the color electronic paper display as described above. In this embodiment, the polar particles 14 are negatively charged, the first color is white, and the second color is black; that is, the neutral solution 13 is white, and the polar particles 14 are black. The driving method includes: A first voltage signal V1 is applied to the common electrode 113, and a second voltage signal V2 is applied to the pixel electrode 121; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the color electronic paper display in its brightest state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 5 and Figure 14 As shown, in the bright state, during the first time period, there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal V2 and the first voltage signal V1, and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121 to drive the polar particles 14 to converge toward the pixel electrode 121. For example, the first voltage signal V1 is a 0V DC common signal (GND signal), the second voltage signal V2 is a sine wave or square wave of 0V to +15V with an adjustable frequency of 1 to 120Hz, and the direction of the second electric field is toward the common electrode 113, causing the black polar particles 14 to move downward and gather on the pixel electrode 121. Ambient light is reflected back by the white neutral solution 13 (neutral dye molecules 132) after passing through the color filter substrate 11, presenting a bright state.
[0055] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 15 As shown, in the intermediate bright state, during the first time period (time A), there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal V2 and the first voltage signal V1, and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121; during the second time period (time B), the second voltage signal V2 is the same as the first voltage signal V1. By controlling the ratio between the first time period (time A) and the second time period (time B), the display brightness can be controlled, and different gray levels can be obtained. For example, if time A:time B = 1:0, then it is full white (reference). Figure 14 If A:B=1:1, then it is an intermediate gray level, meaning that the smaller the time B, the brighter the reflected brightness, and the larger the time B, the darker the reflected brightness.
[0056] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the color electronic paper display in its darkest state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 9 and Figure 16As shown, in the dark state, there is a second voltage difference between the first voltage signal V1 and the second voltage signal V2, and a second electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121 to drive the polar particles 14 to converge toward the common electrode 113. For example, the first voltage signal V1 is a 0V DC common signal (GND signal), and the second voltage signal V2 is a sine wave or square wave of -15V to 0V with an adjustable frequency of 1 to 120Hz. The first electric field is directed toward the pixel electrode 121, causing the white polar particles 14 to move upward and gather on the common electrode 113. Ambient light is absorbed by the black polar particles 14 after passing through the color filter substrate 11, resulting in a dark state.
[0057] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.
[0058] [Example 4] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the initial state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the color electronic paper display and driving method provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 10 Example 2 Figures 11 to 12 Example 3 Figures 13 to 16 The color electronic paper display and driving method are basically the same as those in other electronic paper displays, with the following differences: In this embodiment, the color filter substrate 11 is provided with multiple second scan lines 4, multiple second data lines 5, and multiple second thin-film transistors 6. Each second scan line 4 corresponds to a first scan line 1, each second data line 5 corresponds to a first data line 2, and each second thin-film transistor 6 corresponds to a first thin-film transistor 3. The common electrode 113 includes a common electrode block 113a corresponding to each pixel unit P. Each pixel unit P of the color filter substrate 11 is provided with a second thin-film transistor 6 and a common electrode block 113a. The common electrode block 113a is electrically connected to the corresponding second scan line 4 and second data line 5 through the second thin-film transistor 6. The second thin-film transistor 6 includes a second gate, a second active layer, a second drain, and a second source. The second gate and the second scan line 4 are located on the same layer and electrically connected. The second gate and the second active layer are isolated by an insulating layer. The second source is electrically connected to the second data line 5, and the second drain is electrically connected to the common electrode block 113a through a contact hole.
[0059] By setting the common electrode 113 as a common electrode block 113a corresponding one-to-one with the pixel unit P, and electrically connecting it to the corresponding second scan line 4 and second data line 5 through the second thin film transistor 6, each common electrode block 113a can be individually applied with an electrical signal. For example, within a pixel unit P, the common electrode block 113a can be applied with a voltage of opposite polarity to the pixel electrode 121. Under the same differential voltage, the voltage amplitude can be reduced, thus reducing the performance requirements of the driving chip; or, under the same amplitude, the voltage difference can be increased, thereby increasing the moving speed of the polar particles 14 and reducing the response time.
[0060] This application also provides a driving method for a color electronic paper display, used to drive the color electronic paper display as described above. In this embodiment, the polar particles 14 are negatively charged, the first color is black, and the second color is white; that is, the neutral solution 13 is black, and the polar particles 14 are white. The driving method includes: A first voltage signal V1 is applied to the common electrode 113, and a second voltage signal V2 is applied to the pixel electrode 121. The first voltage signal V1 is a DC common signal with opposite polarity to the second voltage signal V2, or the first voltage signal V1 and the second voltage signal V2 are AC voltage signals with opposite polarity.
[0061] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the color electronic paper display in its brightest state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 5 and Figure 19 As shown, in the bright state, during the first time period, there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal V2 and the first voltage signal V1, and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121 to drive the polar particles 14 to converge toward the common electrode 113. For example, the first voltage signal V1 is a +15V DC common signal, and the second voltage signal V2 is a -15V to 0V sine wave or square wave with a frequency adjustable from 1 to 120Hz. The first electric field is directed toward the pixel electrode 121, causing the white polar particles 14 to move upward and gather on the common electrode 113. Ambient light is reflected back by the white polar particles 14 after passing through the color filter substrate 11, resulting in the bright state.
[0062] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color electronic paper display in the intermediate bright state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 20As shown, in the intermediate bright state, during the first time period (time A), there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal V2 and the first voltage signal V1, and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121; during the second time period (time B), the second voltage signal V2 is the same as the first voltage signal V1. By controlling the ratio between the first time period (time A) and the second time period (time B), the display brightness can be controlled, and different gray levels can be obtained. For example, if time A:time B = 1:0, then it is full white (reference). Figure 19 If A:B=1:1, then it is an intermediate gray level, meaning that the smaller the time B, the brighter the reflected brightness, and the larger the time B, the darker the reflected brightness.
[0063] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the color electronic paper display in its darkest state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 9 and Figure 20 As shown, in the dark state, there is a second voltage difference between the first voltage signal V1 and the second voltage signal V2, and a second electric field is formed between the common electrode 113 and the pixel electrode 121 to drive the polar particles 14 to converge toward the pixel electrode 121. For example, the first voltage signal V1 is a -15V DC common signal, and the second voltage signal V2 is a sine wave or square wave of 0V to +15V with an adjustable frequency of 1 to 120Hz. The direction of the second electric field is toward the common electrode 113, causing the white polar particles 14 to move downward and gather on the pixel electrode 121. Ambient light is absorbed by the black neutral solution 13 (neutral dye molecules 132) after passing through the color filter substrate 11, resulting in a dark state.
[0064] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3, and will not be repeated here.
[0065] In this document, the directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined according to the position of the structures in the accompanying drawings and the relative positions of the structures, and are only used for clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application. It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are only used for distinction in name and are not used to limit the number or order.
[0066] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, which are equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.
Claims
1. A color electronic paper display, characterized in that, The system includes a color filter substrate (11), an array substrate (12) disposed opposite to the color filter substrate (11), and a barrier wall (15) located between the color filter substrate (11) and the array substrate (12). The barrier wall (15) forms a plurality of receiving cavities (101) by dividing the gap between the color filter substrate (11) and the array substrate (12). Each receiving cavity (101) contains a neutral solution (13) of a first color and polar particles (14) of a second color. One of the first color and the second color is white, and the other is black. The array substrate (12) is provided with pixel electrodes (121), and the receiving cavity (101) corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrodes (121). The color filter substrate (11) is provided with a common electrode (113) that cooperates with the pixel electrodes (121). The pixel electrodes (121) and the common electrode (113) are used to drive the polar particles (14) to move in the neutral solution (13).
2. The color electronic paper display according to claim 1, characterized in that, The neutral solution (13) includes a neutral transparent solution (131) and neutral dye molecules (132), wherein the neutral dye molecules (132) are of a first color and are dispersed in the neutral transparent solution (131).
3. The color electronic paper display according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the polar particles (14) is preferably 5 nm to 500 nm, and the ratio of the polar particles (14) to the neutral solution (13) is 5% to 10%.
4. The color electronic paper display according to claim 1, characterized in that, The color filter substrate (11) is provided with a color resist layer (112) and a black matrix (111) that separates the multiple color resist layers (112) from each other. The color resist layer (112) includes a red color resist layer (112r), a green color resist layer (112g) and a blue color resist layer (112b). Alternatively, the color filter substrate (11) is provided with a color resist layer (112), a transparent region (114) and a black matrix (111), the black matrix (111) separating the multiple color resist layers (112) from each other and between the color resist layer (112) and the transparent region (114), the color resist layer (112) including a red color resist layer (112r), a green color resist layer (112g) and a blue color resist layer (112b).
5. The color electronic paper display according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array substrate (12) is provided with a plurality of first scan lines (1), a plurality of first data lines (2) and a plurality of first thin film transistors (3). The plurality of first scan lines (1) and the plurality of first data lines (2) are mutually insulated and cross each other to form a plurality of pixel units (P). The array substrate (12) is provided with a first thin film transistor (3) and a pixel electrode (121) in each pixel unit (P). The pixel electrode (121) is electrically connected to the corresponding first scan line (1) and first data line (2) through the first thin film transistor (3).
6. The color electronic paper display according to claim 5, characterized in that, The common electrode (113) is a planar electrode that covers the entire surface of the color filter substrate (11); Alternatively, the color filter substrate (11) may have multiple second scan lines (4), multiple second data lines (5), and multiple second thin-film transistors (6). The second scan lines (4) correspond one-to-one with the first scan lines (1), the multiple second data lines (5) correspond one-to-one with the first data lines (2), and the second thin-film transistors (6) correspond one-to-one with the first thin-film transistors (3). The common electrode (113) includes a common electrode block (113a) corresponding one-to-one with the pixel unit (P). The color filter substrate (11) may have a second thin-film transistor (6) and a common electrode block (113a) in each pixel unit (P). The common electrode block (113a) is electrically connected to the corresponding second scan line (4) and second data line (5) through the second thin-film transistor (6).
7. The color electronic paper display according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The array substrate (12) has a black light-absorbing layer (122) on the side away from the color filter substrate (11), and the color filter substrate (11) has an anti-reflective film (115) on the side away from the array substrate (12).
8. A driving method for a color electronic paper display, characterized in that, For driving a color electronic paper display as described in any one of claims 1-7, the driving method includes: A first voltage signal (V1) is applied to the common electrode (113), and a second voltage signal (V2) is applied to the pixel electrode (121); In the bright state, during the first time period, there is a first voltage difference between the second voltage signal (V2) and the first voltage signal (V1), and a first electric field is formed between the common electrode (113) and the pixel electrode (121); In the dark state, there is a second voltage difference between the first voltage signal (V1) and the second voltage signal (V2), and a second electric field is formed between the common electrode (113) and the pixel electrode (121).
9. The driving method for a color electronic paper display according to claim 8, characterized in that, The driving method includes: In the bright state, during the second time period, the second voltage signal (V2) is the same as the first voltage signal (V1). The display brightness is controlled by controlling the ratio between the first time period and the second time period.
10. The driving method for a color electronic paper display according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first color is black, the second color is white, and the driving method includes: In the bright state, the first electric field is used to drive the polar particles (14) to converge toward the side of the common electrode (113); in the dark state, the second electric field is used to drive the polar particles (14) to converge toward the side of the pixel electrode (121). Alternatively, the first color is white, the second color is black, and the driving method includes: In the bright state, the first electric field is used to drive the polar particles (14) to converge toward the pixel electrode (121); in the dark state, the second electric field is used to drive the polar particles (14) to converge toward the common electrode (113).