Electronic paper display and control method

Abstract

The application discloses an electronic paper display and a control method. The electronic paper display comprises an array substrate, an opposite substrate arranged opposite to the array substrate, and a barrier wall between the array substrate and the opposite substrate. The barrier wall separates the gap between the array substrate and the opposite substrate into multiple sealed accommodation cavities. The electronic paper display has multiple pixel units. Each accommodation cavity corresponds to a pixel unit. Each accommodation cavity is provided with ink particles. The ink particles are all white charged particles. The white charged particles can move under the action of an electric field. The array substrate is provided with a rough layer with light absorption and pixel electrodes corresponding to the pixel units. The rough layer comprises convex parts and groove parts between the convex parts. The opposite substrate is provided with common electrodes matched with the pixel electrodes. The rough layer with light absorption is arranged on the array substrate, so that a normal picture can be displayed by matching the white charged particles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to an electronic paper display and its control 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, resulting in lower mass production efficiency and higher manufacturing costs.

[0004] Existing electrophoretic display technology typically involves using black and white particles with opposite polarities. Pixel electrodes are placed on an array substrate, and a common electrode is placed on an upper substrate. The movement direction of the black and white particles is controlled by changing the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode; white particles facing upwards display a bright state, and black particles facing upwards display a dark state. However, this electrophoretic display technology has the following problems: 1. Uneven distribution of black and white particles is prone to occur, resulting in low reflectivity and blurry display; 2. Poor alignment accuracy of the upper and lower substrates affects the display effect; 3. Ink capsules are prone to breakage, resulting in low yield; 4. The process is complex and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an electronic paper display and control method to solve at least one of the problems in the prior art.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention provides an electronic paper display, comprising an array substrate, a counter substrate disposed opposite to the array substrate, and a barrier wall located between the array substrate and the counter substrate. The barrier wall divides the gap between the array substrate and the counter substrate to form a plurality of sealed cavities. The electronic paper display has a plurality of pixel units, each cavity corresponding to one pixel unit. Each cavity contains ink particles, all of which are white charged particles capable of moving under the influence of an electric field. The array substrate has a light-absorbing uneven layer and pixel electrodes corresponding to each pixel unit. The uneven layer includes protrusions and grooves located between the protrusions. The counter substrate has a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrodes.

[0007] Furthermore, each of the accommodating cavities is provided with black dye molecules, which are mixed with the white charged particles within the accommodating cavity.

[0008] This application also provides an electronic paper display, including an array substrate, a counter substrate disposed opposite to the array substrate, and a barrier wall located between the array substrate and the counter substrate. The barrier wall divides the gap between the array substrate and the counter substrate to form a plurality of sealed cavities. The electronic paper display has a plurality of pixel units, each cavity corresponding to one pixel unit. Each cavity contains mixed ink particles and white dye molecules. The ink particles are all black charged particles that can move under the action of an electric field. The array substrate is provided with an uneven layer, pixel electrodes, and a reflective layer. The pixel electrodes correspond one-to-one with the pixel units. The uneven layer includes protrusions and grooves located between the protrusions. The counter substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrodes.

[0009] Furthermore, the reflective layer is a block structure that corresponds one-to-one with the pixel unit, and each reflective layer covers the entire pixel unit it corresponds to; Alternatively, the reflective layer may be a planar structure covering the entire surface and encompassing all the pixel units.

[0010] Furthermore, the pixel electrode is disposed on the side of the uneven layer facing the opposing substrate and matches the surface shape of the uneven layer; Alternatively, the pixel electrode may be located on the side of the uneven layer away from the opposing substrate.

[0011] Furthermore, the pixel electrode is disposed on the side of the uneven layer away from the opposing substrate, and the uneven layer has a through hole in the groove portion, through which the pixel electrode is exposed.

[0012] Furthermore, the pixel electrode is a block structure that corresponds one-to-one with the pixel unit; or, the pixel electrode is a strip structure that corresponds to the groove portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the width of the protrusion is greater than the width of the groove; The groove portion has a structure with a small opening, a large middle section, and a small bottom, or the groove portion has a structure that gradually decreases in size from the bottom towards the opening.

[0014] This application also provides a control method for an electronic paper display, used to control the electronic paper display as described above, the control method comprising: When the pixel unit is in a bright state, a common voltage signal is applied to the common electrode, and a bright state voltage signal is applied to the pixel electrode to control the white charged particles to gather toward the common electrode; In the dark state, the pixel unit applies a common voltage signal to the common electrode and a dark state voltage signal to the pixel electrode to control the white charged particles to gather toward the pixel electrode.

[0015] This application also provides a control method for an electronic paper display, used to control the electronic paper display as described above, the control method comprising: When the pixel unit is in a bright state, a common voltage signal is applied to the common electrode, and a bright state voltage signal is applied to the pixel electrode to control the black charged particles to gather toward the pixel electrode; In the dark state, the pixel unit applies a common voltage signal to the common electrode and a dark state voltage signal to the pixel electrode to control the black charged particles to gather toward the common electrode.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by setting an uneven layer with light-absorbing properties on the array substrate, only white charged particles are needed to achieve normal image display, eliminating the need for both black and white charged particles. This avoids the problem of uneven distribution of black and white charged particles, which can lead to low reflectivity and blurry display. Moreover, since only white charged particles are needed, there is no need to use electronic ink film. The array substrate and the opposing substrate only need to be assembled and aligned, simplifying the process and reducing defects. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state according to 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 a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the opposing substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the planar structure of the uneven layer and pixel electrode in a single pixel unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of the planar structure of the uneven layer and pixel electrode within a single pixel unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is the third schematic diagram of the planar structure of the uneven layer and pixel electrode within a single pixel unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figures 8 to 12 This is a schematic diagram of the fabrication process of the array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when displaying images.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in another embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the fabrication process of the uneven layer and pixel electrode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in another embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in Embodiment 5 of the present invention when displaying a screen. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, provides a detailed explanation of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the electronic paper display and control method proposed according to the present invention: [Example 1] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the opposing substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an electronic paper display includes an array substrate 10, a counter substrate 20 disposed opposite to the array substrate 10, and a baffle 30 located between the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. The baffle 30 divides the gap between the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 into multiple sealed cavities 31. The counter substrate 20 is disposed on the side of the electronic paper display closer to the external environment, and the array substrate 10 is disposed on the side of the electronic paper display farther from the external environment. Ambient light enters the electronic paper display from the side of the counter substrate 20. The electronic paper display has multiple pixel units P, and each cavity 31 corresponds to one pixel unit P. Each cavity 31 contains ink particles, all of which are white charged particles 41, which can move under the action of an electric field. The barrier 30 supports the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, and forms multiple sealed cavities 31 between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20. Each cavity 31 corresponds to a pixel unit P. All cavities 31 contain white charged particles 41, eliminating the need for charged particles of other colors (such as black or colored charged particles). Electrophoretic solution may also be provided within the cavities 31 to facilitate the movement of the white charged particles 41 within them. The diameter of the white charged particles 41 is preferably 5 nm to 500 nm, and their proportion is 5% to 10%.

[0037] The array substrate 10 has a light-absorbing uneven layer 11 and pixel electrodes 12 corresponding to pixel units P. The uneven layer 11 includes protrusions 112 and recesses 111 located between the protrusions 112. The opposing substrate 20 has a common electrode 23 that cooperates with the pixel electrodes 12. In this embodiment, the pixel electrode 12 is a strip structure corresponding to the recesses 111, and the multiple electrode strips of the pixel electrode 12 are electrically connected to each other. The pixel electrode 12 is disposed on the side of the uneven layer 11 facing the opposing substrate 20 and matches the surface shape of the uneven layer 11, that is, the electrode strip of the pixel electrode 12 is located at the bottom of the recesses 111 and contacts the inner wall of the recesses 111. The common electrode 23 is a planar electrode that covers the entire opposing substrate 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the uneven layer 11 with light-absorbing properties can be made of a black light-absorbing material, such as black matrix material (BM). Optionally, the uneven layer 11 can be a planar structure that covers the entire surface of the array substrate 10, or it can be a block structure that corresponds one-to-one with the pixel unit P, that is, the uneven layer 11 is only disposed in the accommodating cavity 31.

[0039] Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the planar structure of the uneven layer and pixel electrode in a single pixel unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of the planar structure of the uneven layer and pixel electrode within a single pixel unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 This is the third schematic diagram of the planar structure of the uneven layer and pixel electrode within a single pixel unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, both the groove portion 111 and the electrode strip of the pixel electrode 12 can be straight strip structures; as Figure 5 As shown, both the recessed portion 111 and the electrode strips of the pixel electrode 12 can be rectangular mesh structures; for example... Figure 6 As shown, the groove portion 111 and the electrode strip of the pixel electrode 12 can both be diamond-shaped mesh structures.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the array substrate 10 is provided with scan lines 101, data lines 102, and thin-film transistors 103. The pixel electrode 12 is electrically connected to the scan lines 101 and data lines 102 adjacent to the thin-film transistors 103 through the thin-film transistors 103. The thin-film transistor 103 includes a gate, an active layer, a drain, and a source. The gate and the scan lines 101 are located on the same layer and are electrically connected. The gate and the active layer are isolated by a gate insulating layer. The source is electrically connected to the data lines 102, and the drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 12.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the opposing substrate 20 is provided with a black matrix 21 and color resist layers 22. The black matrix 21 separates multiple color resist layers 22. Each color resist layer 22 corresponds to a pixel unit P, that is, each color resist layer 22 corresponds to one pixel unit P. The color resist layers 22 include red, green and blue color resist layers, and correspondingly form red (R), green (G) and blue (B) pixel units P. Each pixel unit P corresponds to a color resist layer 22 of one color. Both the black matrix 21 and the barrier 30 are grid structures, and the projection of the barrier 30 on the opposing substrate 20 corresponds to the black matrix 21.

[0042] In this embodiment, reference Figure 4 The width d1 of the protrusion 112 is greater than the width d2 of the recess 111. The width d1 of the protrusion 112 is approximately 4-8 μm, the width d2 of the recess 111 is approximately 2-4 μm, and the width of the electrode strip of the pixel electrode 12 is approximately 2-4 μm. This increases the area of ​​the protrusion 112, resulting in lower brightness of the electronic paper display in the dark. Optionally, both the recess 111 and the protrusion 112 have curved surfaces, which facilitates the white charged particles 41 to roll into the bottom of the recess 111 in the dark.

[0043] In one embodiment, the groove 111 has a structure with a small opening, a large middle, and a small bottom; or, the groove 111 has a structure that gradually decreases in size from the bottom towards the opening. This allows the white charged particles 41 to be hidden within the groove 111 in the dark state of the electronic paper display, thereby reducing brightness in the dark. For example, the uneven layer 11 can be made of a flexible material and manufactured by an imprinting process. During the imprinting process, the uneven layer 11 is demolded after it has solidified and formed.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, in another embodiment, the pixel electrode 12 may not use a strip structure corresponding to the groove portion 111, but may be a block structure corresponding one-to-one with the pixel unit P. Each pixel electrode 12 covers the protrusion portion 112 and the groove portion 111 within the corresponding pixel unit P. Although the white charged particles 41 will adhere to the protrusion portion 112 in the dark state of the electronic paper display, the arrangement of the protrusion portion 112 and the groove portion 111 can increase the dispersion area of ​​the white charged particles 41 and reduce the reflective effect of the white charged particles 41 on the protrusion portion 112, thus achieving the same dark state, but the contrast will be slightly lower.

[0045] The array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20 can be made of materials such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The common electrode 23 and the pixel electrode 12 can be made of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0046] Figures 8 to 12 This is a schematic diagram of the fabrication process of the array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figures 8 to 12 As shown, the fabrication process of the array substrate is as follows: like Figure 8 As shown, a first metal layer is fabricated on the array substrate 10. The first metal layer is etched to form patterned scan lines 101 and gates 103a, with the gates 103a electrically connected to the scan lines 101. Optionally, during the etching of the first metal layer, patterned first storage capacitor plates 104 can also be formed. The first storage capacitor plates 104 are block structures corresponding one-to-one with pixel units P. The first metal layer can be made of metals such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), or combinations of the above metals such as Al / Mo or Cu / Mo.

[0047] A first insulating layer (e.g., a gate insulating layer) is deposited on the array substrate 10, covering the scan line 101, the gate 103a, and the first storage capacitor plate 104. The first insulating layer has a first contact hole in the region corresponding to the first storage capacitor plate 104. The material of the first insulating layer is silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or a combination of both.

[0048] like Figure 9 As shown, a semiconductor layer is fabricated on the first insulating layer. The semiconductor layer is etched to form a patterned active layer 103b, which is located in the region corresponding to the gate 103a. The semiconductor layer can be made of metal oxides (such as indium zinc oxide (InZnO), indium gallium oxide (InGaO), indium tin oxide (InSnO), zinc tin oxide (ZnSnO), gallium tin oxide (GaSnO), gallium zinc oxide (GaZnO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), or indium gallium zinc tin oxide (IGZTO), etc.), or it can be made of single-crystal silicon and doped single-crystal silicon.

[0049] like Figure 10As shown, a second metal layer is fabricated on the first insulating layer. The second metal layer is etched to form a patterned data line 102, a source electrode 103c, and a drain electrode 103d. The source electrode 103c is electrically connected to the data line 102. An active layer 103b is located between the source electrode 103c and the drain electrode 103d and connects them. The drain electrode 103d is electrically connected to the first storage capacitor plate 104 through a first contact hole. Optionally, etching the second metal layer can also form a second storage capacitor plate 105 and a common electrode trace 106. The common electrode trace 106 is parallel to the data line 102. The second storage capacitor plate 105 is electrically connected to the common electrode trace 106, and a storage capacitor is formed between the second storage capacitor plate 105 and the first storage capacitor plate 104. The second metal layer can be made of metals such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), or combinations of the above metals such as Al / Mo, Cu / Mo, etc.

[0050] A planarization layer is applied to the array substrate 10, covering the data line 102, source 103c, drain 103d, second storage capacitor plate 105, and common electrode trace 106. The planarization layer is used to planarize the upper surface of the array substrate 10, making the upper surface of the array substrate 10 flatter.

[0051] like Figure 11 As shown, a black light-absorbing layer is fabricated on a planarization layer. The black light-absorbing layer is then imprinted or etched to form an uneven layer 11 with protrusions 112 and grooves 111. The uneven layer 11 and the planarization layer are simultaneously etched to form a second contact hole in the region corresponding to the drain 103d, with the drain 103d exposed through the second contact hole. The black light-absorbing layer can be made of a black light-absorbing material, such as black matrix material (BM).

[0052] like Figure 12 As shown, a conductive layer is fabricated on the uneven layer 11, and the conductive layer is etched to form a patterned pixel electrode 12. The pixel electrode 12 is conductively connected to the drain electrode 103d through a second contact hole. The pixel electrode 12 can be a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when displaying an image. Figure 13 As shown, this application also provides a control method for an electronic paper display, used to control the electronic paper display as described above. The control method includes: Pixel unit P ( Figure 13 In the bright state, the green pixel unit P applies a common voltage signal to the common electrode 23 and a bright state voltage signal to the pixel electrode 12 to control the white charged particles 41 to gather toward the common electrode 23. Taking the white charged particles 41 being positively charged as an example, when a positive voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 12, the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrode 12 and the common electrode 23 is from the pixel electrode 12 toward the common electrode 23. Then, the white charged particles 41 move toward the common electrode 23 and gather near the common electrode 23. The white charged particles 41 reflect ambient light, making the pixel unit P bright state.

[0054] Pixel unit P ( Figure 13 In the dark state, the red pixel unit R and the blue pixel unit B apply a common voltage signal to the common electrode 23 and a dark state voltage signal to the pixel electrode 12 to control the white charged particles 41 to gather toward the pixel electrode 12. Taking the white charged particles 41 being positively charged as an example, when a negative polarity voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 12, the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrode 12 and the common electrode 23 is from the common electrode 23 toward the pixel electrode 12. Then, the white charged particles 41 move toward the pixel electrode 12 and gather near the pixel electrode 12. That is, the white charged particles 41 are housed in the groove portion 111, and most of the ambient light is absorbed by the protrusion portion 112, making the pixel unit P dark.

[0055] [Example 2] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state according to another embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the electronic paper display and control method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 13 The electronic paper display and control method are basically the same as those in other electronic paper displays, with the following differences: In this embodiment, each accommodating cavity 31 contains black dye molecules 51, which are mixed with white charged particles 41 within the cavity 31. The black dye molecules 51 have light-absorbing properties and do not move in an electric field. When the electronic paper display is in a dark state, the white charged particles 41 move towards the pixel electrode 12 and gather near it. The black dye molecules 51 can block most of the white charged particles 41, thus reducing brightness in the dark state. When the electronic paper display is in a bright state, the white charged particles 41 move towards the common electrode 23 and gather near it. At this time, the white charged particles 41 can block the black dye molecules 51. Ambient light first shines on the white charged particles 41 and is reflected back. Therefore, the black dye molecules 51 have virtually no impact on the brightness of the pixel unit P in the bright state.

[0056] 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.

[0057] [Example 3] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the electronic paper display and control method provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 13 Example 2 Figure 14 and Figure 15 The electronic paper display and control method are basically the same as those in other electronic paper displays, with the following differences: In this embodiment, the pixel electrode 12 is disposed on the side of the uneven layer 11 away from the opposing substrate 20, that is, the pixel electrode 12 is disposed below the uneven layer 11, so that when the electronic paper display is in the dark, the white charged particles 41 can roll into the bottom of the groove portion 111 and gather towards the bottom of the groove portion 111 to reduce the brightness in the dark state.

[0058] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fabrication process of the uneven layer and pixel electrode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the fabrication process of the array substrate is as follows: Reference Figure 8As shown, a first metal layer is fabricated on the array substrate 10. The first metal layer is etched to form patterned scan lines 101 and gates 103a, with the gates 103a electrically connected to the scan lines 101. Optionally, during the etching of the first metal layer, patterned first storage capacitor plates 104 can also be formed. The first storage capacitor plates 104 are block structures corresponding one-to-one with pixel units P. The first metal layer can be made of metals such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), or combinations of the above metals such as Al / Mo or Cu / Mo.

[0059] A first insulating layer (e.g., a gate insulating layer) is deposited on the array substrate 10, covering the scan line 101, the gate 103a, and the first storage capacitor plate 104. The first insulating layer has a first contact hole in the region corresponding to the first storage capacitor plate 104. The material of the first insulating layer is silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or a combination of both.

[0060] Reference Figure 9 As shown, a semiconductor layer is fabricated on the first insulating layer. The semiconductor layer is etched to form a patterned active layer 103b, which is located in the region corresponding to the gate 103a. The semiconductor layer can be made of metal oxides (such as indium zinc oxide (InZnO), indium gallium oxide (InGaO), indium tin oxide (InSnO), zinc tin oxide (ZnSnO), gallium tin oxide (GaSnO), gallium zinc oxide (GaZnO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), or indium gallium zinc tin oxide (IGZTO), etc.), or it can be made of single-crystal silicon and doped single-crystal silicon.

[0061] Reference Figure 10As shown, a second metal layer is fabricated on the first insulating layer. The second metal layer is etched to form a patterned data line 102, a source electrode 103c, and a drain electrode 103d. The source electrode 103c is electrically connected to the data line 102. An active layer 103b is located between the source electrode 103c and the drain electrode 103d and connects them. The drain electrode 103d is electrically connected to the first storage capacitor plate 104 through a first contact hole. Optionally, etching the second metal layer can also form a second storage capacitor plate 105 and a common electrode trace 106. The common electrode trace 106 is parallel to the data line 102. The second storage capacitor plate 105 is electrically connected to the common electrode trace 106, and a storage capacitor is formed between the second storage capacitor plate 105 and the first storage capacitor plate 104. The second metal layer can be made of metals such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), or combinations of the above metals such as Al / Mo, Cu / Mo, etc.

[0062] A planarization layer is deposited on the array substrate 10, covering the data line 102, source 103c, drain 103d, second storage capacitor plate 105, and common electrode trace 106. The planarization layer is used to planarize the upper surface of the array substrate 10, making the upper surface of the array substrate 10 flatter. The planarization layer is etched to form a second contact hole in the region corresponding to the drain 103d, and the drain 103d is exposed from the second contact hole.

[0063] like Figure 18 As shown, a conductive layer is fabricated on the uneven layer 11, and the conductive layer is etched to form a patterned pixel electrode 12. The pixel electrode 12 is conductively connected to the drain electrode 103d through a second contact hole. The pixel electrode 12 can be a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0064] like Figure 19 As shown, a black light-absorbing layer is formed on a planar layer, and the black light-absorbing layer is imprinted or etched to form an uneven layer 11 with protrusions 112 and grooves 111. The black light-absorbing layer can be made of a black light-absorbing material, such as black matrix material (BM).

[0065] 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.

[0066] [Example 4] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state according to another embodiment of the present invention, namely... Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the electronic paper display and control method provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention are similar to those in Embodiment 3. Figures 16 to 19 The electronic paper display and control method are basically the same as those in other electronic paper displays, with the following differences: In this embodiment, the pixel electrode 12 is disposed on the side of the uneven layer 11 away from the opposing substrate 20. The uneven layer 11 has a through hole in the groove portion 111, and the pixel electrode 12 is exposed from the through hole. That is, the pixel electrode 12 is disposed below the uneven layer 11 and the pixel electrode 12 is exposed from the bottom of the groove portion 111. This makes it easier to increase the electric field strength between the pixel electrode 12 and the common electrode 23 when the electronic paper display is in the dark state, so that more white charged particles 41 roll into the bottom of the groove portion 111 and gather towards the bottom of the groove portion 111, further reducing the brightness in the dark state.

[0067] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structure and working principle of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] [Example 5] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in its initial state according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 22 As shown, the electronic paper display and control method provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 13 Example 3 Figures 16 to 19 Example 4 Figure 20 and Figure 21 The electronic paper display and control method are basically the same as those in other electronic paper displays, with the following differences: In this embodiment, the electronic paper display includes an array substrate 10, a counter substrate 20 disposed opposite to the array substrate 10, and a barrier 30 located between the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. The barrier 30 divides the gap between the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 into multiple sealed cavities 31. The counter substrate 20 is disposed on the side of the electronic paper display closer to the external environment, and the array substrate 10 is disposed on the side of the electronic paper display farther from the external environment. Ambient light enters the electronic paper display from the side of the counter substrate 20. The electronic paper display has multiple pixel units P, and each cavity 31 corresponds to one pixel unit P. Each cavity 31 contains mixed ink particles and white dye molecules 52. The ink particles are all black charged particles 42, which can move under the action of an electric field. The barrier 30 supports the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, and forms multiple sealed cavities 31 between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20. Each cavity 31 corresponds to a pixel unit P. All cavities 31 contain black charged particles 42 and white dye molecules 52, eliminating the need for charged particles of other colors (e.g., white or colored charged particles). Electrophoretic solution can also be placed within the cavities 31 to facilitate the movement of the black charged particles 42 within them. The diameter of the black charged particles 42 is preferably 5 nm to 500 nm, and their proportion is 5% to 10%.

[0069] The white dye molecule 52 has reflective properties and does not move in an electric field. When the electronic paper display is in a bright state, the black charged particles 42 move towards the pixel electrode 12 and gather near it. The white dye molecule 52 can block most of the black charged particles 42, thus increasing the brightness in the bright state. When the electronic paper display is in a dark state, the black charged particles 42 move towards the common electrode 23 and gather near it. At this time, the black charged particles 42 can block the white dye molecule 52. Ambient light first shines on the black charged particles and is absorbed by them. Therefore, the white dye molecule 52 has virtually no impact on the brightness of the pixel unit P in the dark state.

[0070] The array substrate 10 is provided with an uneven layer 11, pixel electrodes 12, and a reflective layer. Each pixel electrode 12 corresponds to a pixel unit P. The uneven layer 11 includes protrusions 112 and recesses 111 located between the protrusions 112. The opposing substrate 20 is provided with a common electrode 23 that cooperates with the pixel electrodes 12. In this embodiment, the pixel electrodes 12 are block structures corresponding to each pixel unit P, and each pixel electrode 12 covers the protrusions 112 and recesses 111 within the corresponding pixel unit P. The reflective layer is also a block structure corresponding to each pixel unit P, and each reflective layer covers the entire corresponding pixel unit P. Optionally, the pixel electrodes 12 can be made of reflective metal (e.g., aluminum, silver), so that the pixel electrodes 12 can be used as reflective layers, i.e., the pixel electrodes 12 are reused as reflective layers to simplify the manufacturing process. Of course, the pixel electrode 12 can also be made of transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), while the reflective layer is made of reflective metal (e.g., aluminum, silver). That is, the pixel electrode 12 and the reflective layer are fabricated separately. Therefore, the reflective layer can be set as a planar structure covering the entire surface and covering all pixel units P. In other embodiments, when the pixel electrode 12 and the reflective layer are fabricated separately, the pixel electrode 12 is a strip structure corresponding to the groove portion 111, and the multiple electrode strips of the pixel electrode 12 are electrically connected to each other.

[0071] Furthermore, since black charged particles 42 are used for light absorption in this embodiment, the uneven layer 11 can be made of transparent OC material (planarization layer material). Optionally, the uneven layer 11 can be a planar structure that covers the entire array substrate 10, or it can be a block structure that corresponds one-to-one with the pixel unit P, that is, the uneven layer 11 is only disposed in the accommodating cavity 31.

[0072] In this embodiment, the pixel electrode 12 is disposed on the side of the uneven layer 11 facing the opposing substrate 20 and matches the surface shape of the uneven layer 11. Alternatively, the pixel electrode 12 can be disposed on the side of the uneven layer 11 away from the opposing substrate 20, i.e., below the uneven layer 11. This allows black charged particles 42 to roll into the bottom of the recess 111 in the dark state of the electronic paper display, accumulating towards the bottom of the recess 111 to increase brightness in the bright state. Alternatively, the pixel electrode 12 can be disposed on the side of the uneven layer 11 away from the opposing substrate 20, with a through-hole in the recess 111 through which the pixel electrode 12 protrudes, i.e., below the uneven layer 11 and protruding from the bottom of the recess 111.

[0073] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic paper display in Embodiment 5 of the present invention when displaying an image. Figure 23As shown, this application also provides a control method for an electronic paper display, used to control the electronic paper display as described above. The control method includes: Pixel unit P ( Figure 23 In the bright state, the green pixel unit P applies a common voltage signal to the common electrode 23 and a bright state voltage signal to the pixel electrode 12 to control the black charged particles 42 to gather toward the pixel electrode 12. Taking the black charged particles 42 as negatively charged as an example, when a positive voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 12, the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrode 12 and the common electrode 23 is from the pixel electrode 12 toward the common electrode 23. Then the black charged particles 42 move toward the pixel electrode 12 and gather near the pixel electrode 12. That is, the black charged particles 42 are housed in the groove portion 111. Most of the ambient light is reflected back by the reflective layer and the white dye molecules 52, making the pixel unit P bright state.

[0074] Pixel unit P ( Figure 23 In the dark state, the red pixel unit R and the blue pixel unit B apply a common voltage signal to the common electrode 23 and a dark state voltage signal to the pixel electrode 12 to control the black charged particles 42 to gather toward the common electrode 23. Taking the black charged particles 42 being negatively charged as an example, when a negative polarity voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 12, the direction of the electric field between the pixel electrode 12 and the common electrode 23 is from the common electrode 23 toward the pixel electrode 12. Then, the black charged particles 42 move toward the common electrode 23 and gather near the common electrode 23. The black charged particles 42 absorb ambient light, making the pixel unit P dark.

[0075] 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 3, and Embodiment 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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. An electronic paper display, characterized in that, The electronic paper display includes an array substrate (10), a counter substrate (20) disposed opposite to the array substrate (10), and a baffle (30) located between the array substrate (10) and the counter substrate (20). The baffle (30) forms a plurality of sealed cavities (31) by separating the gap between the array substrate (10) and the counter substrate (20). The electronic paper display has a plurality of pixel units (P), each of the cavities (31) corresponds to one pixel unit (P), and each of the cavities (31) contains ink. The ink particles are all white charged particles (41), which can move under the action of an electric field. The array substrate (10) is provided with a light-absorbing uneven layer (11) and a pixel electrode (12) corresponding to the pixel unit (P). The uneven layer (11) includes a protrusion (112) and a groove (111) located between the protrusions (112). The opposing substrate (20) is provided with a common electrode (23) that cooperates with the pixel electrode (12).

2. The electronic paper display according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the accommodating cavities (31) is provided with black dye molecules (51), which are mixed with white charged particles (41) within the accommodating cavity (31).

3. An electronic paper display, characterized in that, The electronic paper display includes an array substrate (10), a counter substrate (20) disposed opposite to the array substrate (10), and a baffle (30) located between the array substrate (10) and the counter substrate (20). The baffle (30) forms a plurality of sealed cavities (31) by separating the gap between the array substrate (10) and the counter substrate (20). The electronic paper display has a plurality of pixel units (P), and each cavity (31) corresponds to one pixel unit (P). Each cavity (31) contains mixed ink particles and white dye. The ink particles are all black charged particles (42), which can move under the action of an electric field. The array substrate (10) is provided with an uneven layer (11), a pixel electrode (12) and a reflective layer. The pixel electrode (12) corresponds to the pixel unit (P) one by one. The uneven layer (11) includes a protrusion (112) and a groove (111) located between the protrusions (112). The opposing substrate (20) is provided with a common electrode (23) that cooperates with the pixel electrode (12).

4. The electronic paper display according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reflective layer is a block structure that corresponds one-to-one with the pixel unit (P), and each reflective layer covers the entire pixel unit (P) it corresponds to. Alternatively, the reflective layer may be a planar structure covering the entire surface and covering all the pixel units (P).

5. The electronic paper display according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The pixel electrode (12) is disposed on the side of the uneven layer (11) facing the opposing substrate (20) and matches the surface shape of the uneven layer (11); Alternatively, the pixel electrode (12) may be disposed on the side of the uneven layer (11) away from the opposing substrate (20).

6. The electronic paper display according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The pixel electrode (12) is disposed on the side of the uneven layer (11) away from the opposing substrate (20). The uneven layer (11) has a through hole in the groove portion (111), and the pixel electrode (12) is exposed from the through hole.

7. The electronic paper display according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The pixel electrode (12) is a block structure that corresponds one-to-one with the pixel unit (P); or, the pixel electrode (12) is a strip structure that corresponds to the groove portion (111).

8. The electronic paper display according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The width of the protrusion (112) is greater than the width of the groove (111); The groove (111) has a structure with a small opening, a large middle, and a small bottom, or the groove (111) has a structure that gradually decreases in size from the bottom toward the opening.

9. A control method for an electronic paper display, characterized in that, The control method for controlling the electronic paper display as described in claim 1 includes: When the pixel unit (P) is in a bright state, a common voltage signal is applied to the common electrode (23), and a bright state voltage signal is applied to the pixel electrode (12) to control the white charged particles (41) to gather toward the common electrode (23); When the pixel unit (P) is in the dark state, a common voltage signal is applied to the common electrode (23) and a dark state voltage signal is applied to the pixel electrode (12) to control the white charged particles (41) to gather toward the pixel electrode (12).

10. A control method for an electronic paper display, characterized in that, The control method for controlling the electronic paper display as described in claim 3 includes: When the pixel unit (P) is in a bright state, a common voltage signal is applied to the common electrode (23) and a bright state voltage signal is applied to the pixel electrode (12) to control the black charged particles (42) to gather toward the pixel electrode (12); When the pixel unit (P) is in the dark state, a common voltage signal is applied to the common electrode (23), and a dark state voltage signal is applied to the pixel electrode (12) to control the black charged particles (42) to gather toward the common electrode (23).

Images