Composite display device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a composite display device, which includes an active display module, a reflective display module and a control module. The reflective display module includes a first reflective liquid crystal layer, a first color-changing layer and a second reflective liquid crystal layer. The first reflective liquid crystal layer is located between the active display module and the first color-changing layer. The first color-changing layer is located between the first reflective liquid crystal layer and the second reflective liquid crystal layer. In a reflective display mode, the control module controls the first reflective liquid crystal layer and the second reflective liquid crystal layer to reflect external light, and controls the first color-changing layer to change color. In an active display mode, the control module controls the active display module to emit display light and the first color-changing layer to change color. In this way, optimal display effects can be achieved in different states. (FIG. 1)

Description

Composite display device Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a composite display device, and more particularly to a composite display device capable of both active display mode and reflective display mode. Background Technology

[0002] To improve display performance in different environments, dual-function display devices combining LED display modules with cholesteric liquid crystal display (ChLCD) have been developed. These devices automatically switch display modes based on ambient light intensity. When ambient light is sufficient, the display uses electronic paper to reflect ambient light, eliminating the need for a backlight. This ensures clear visibility outdoors or in bright sunlight, while also consuming little power and saving energy. When ambient light is insufficient, the cholesteric liquid crystal display switches to a focal conic state, becoming transparent. In this state, the LED display module activates, providing a clear image with its high color saturation, high brightness, and dynamic display capabilities.

[0003] In existing dual-function display devices, cholesteric liquid crystal electronic paper is often used in conjunction with a light-absorbing layer to improve color saturation and reduce color shift, thereby reducing unwanted reflected light. However, adding a light-absorbing layer significantly reduces the brightness of the LED display module and causes color deviation, thus affecting display quality. Therefore, improving the display effect of cholesteric liquid crystal electronic paper without affecting the brightness and color performance of the LED display module has become a goal for relevant manufacturers.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a composite display device that can adjust the transmittance of the light-absorbing structure, thus achieving the best display effect under different conditions.

[0006] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a composite display device comprising an active-matrix display module, a reflective display module, and a control module. The reflective display module includes a first reflective liquid crystal layer, a first color-changing layer, and a second reflective liquid crystal layer. The first reflective liquid crystal layer is formed on a surface of the active-matrix display module. The first color-changing layer is formed relative to the active-matrix display module on a surface of the first reflective liquid crystal layer, and the first reflective liquid crystal layer is located between the active-matrix display module and the first color-changing layer. The second reflective liquid crystal layer is formed relative to the first reflective liquid crystal layer on a surface of the first color-changing layer, and the first color-changing layer is located between the first reflective liquid crystal layer and the second reflective liquid crystal layer. The control module is electrically connected to both the active-matrix display module and the reflective display module. In a reflective display mode, the control module controls the first and second reflective liquid crystal layers to reflect external light, thereby forming a first reflected ray and a second reflected ray, respectively. The control module also controls the first color-changing layer to change color, causing it to absorb external light of the same wavelength as the second reflected ray. In an active display mode, the control module controls the active display module to emit a display light that changes color with the first color-changing layer, and the display light passes through the reflective display module.

[0007] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the reflective display module may further include a second color-changing layer and a third reflective liquid crystal layer. The second color-changing layer may be disposed on a surface of the second reflective liquid crystal layer relative to the first color-changing layer, and the second reflective liquid crystal layer may be located between the first and second color-changing layers, and the second color-changing layer may be electrically connected to the control module. The third reflective liquid crystal layer may be disposed on a surface of the second color-changing layer relative to the second reflective liquid crystal layer, and the second color-changing layer may be located between the second and third reflective liquid crystal layers, and the third reflective liquid crystal layer may be electrically connected to the control module. In reflective display mode, the control module may control the third reflective liquid crystal layer to reflect external light, forming a third reflected light, and the control module may control the second color-changing layer to change color, causing the second color-changing layer to absorb external light of the same wavelength as the third reflected light. In active display mode, the control module may control the second color-changing layer to change color, causing the display light emitted by the active display module to penetrate the third reflective liquid crystal layer and the second color-changing layer.

[0008] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the first reflective liquid crystal layer, the second reflective liquid crystal layer, and the third reflective liquid crystal layer can each be a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the wavelengths of the first reflected light, the second reflected light, and the third reflected light can be different.

[0009] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the first color-changing layer and the second color-changing layer can each be an electrochromic layer, which can be selected from the group consisting of polythiophene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, viologen compounds and triphenylamine materials.

[0010] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the wavelength range of the second reflected light can be from 480nm to 620nm, and the wavelength range of the third reflected light can be from 380nm to 500nm.

[0011] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the wavelength range of the first reflected light can be from 560nm to 780nm.

[0012] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the control module may include a light detection element for detecting an ambient brightness. When the ambient brightness is greater than or equal to a minimum brightness, the control module can control the composite display device to switch to a reflective display mode, and when the ambient brightness is less than the minimum brightness, the control module can control the composite display device to switch to an active display mode.

[0013] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the active display module may include a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements, and the light-emitting elements may be embedded in the substrate respectively.

[0014] According to the aforementioned composite display device, the substrate may be a light-absorbing substrate.

[0015] According to the aforementioned composite display device, each light-emitting element can be a micro light-emitting diode element, an organic light-emitting diode element, or a light-emitting diode element.

[0016] Accordingly, the composite display device disclosed herein introduces a color-changing layer, which can alter its optical properties under the influence of an electric field. Therefore, the transmittance of the color-changing layer for specific wavelengths can be adjusted when switching between different modes. Thus, in reflective display mode, the color-changing layer can absorb and block unwanted colored light, enhancing the display saturation of the reflective liquid crystal layer. In active display mode, the color-changing layer allows display light to pass through, while maximizing the preservation of the brightness and color fidelity of the active display module. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a composite display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a composite display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the composite display device of Figure 2 in reflective display mode; and

[0020] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the composite display device in Figure 2 in active display mode.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 100, 200: Composite display device

[0023] 110, 210: Active Display Module

[0024] 111,112,113,211,212,213: Light-emitting elements

[0025] 120, 220: Reflective display modules

[0026] 121,221: First reflective liquid crystal layer

[0027] 122,222: First color-changing layer

[0028] 123,223: Second reflective liquid crystal layer

[0029] 130, 230: Control modules

[0030] 224: Second color-changing layer

[0031] 225: Third reflective liquid crystal layer

[0032] L0: External light

[0033] L1: First reflected ray

[0034] L2: Second reflected ray

[0035] L3: Third reflected ray

[0036] LE: Display light Detailed Implementation

[0037] The various embodiments of this disclosure will be discussed in more detail below. However, this embodiment can be an application of various disclosed concepts and can be implemented in various different specific scopes. The specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to the scope of disclosure. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity in the drawings, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in a simple schematic manner in the drawings, and repeated elements may be represented by the same or similar numbers.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a composite display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The composite display device 100 includes an active display module 110, a reflective display module 120, and a control module 130.

[0039] In detail, the active display module 110 may include a substrate (not labeled) and a plurality of light-emitting elements 111, 112, and 113, and the light-emitting elements 111, 112, and 113 may be embedded in the substrate. The substrate may be a light-absorbing substrate to absorb light passing through the reflective display module 120 and prevent stray light from affecting the display effect.

[0040] Each of the light-emitting elements 111, 112, and 113 can be a miniature light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or a standard LED. Furthermore, each of the light-emitting elements 111, 112, and 113 can emit different colors of light. For example, each of the light-emitting elements 111, 112, and 113 can be a red light-emitting element, a green light-emitting element, and a blue light-emitting element, respectively. The number, color, and position of the light-emitting elements 111, 112, and 113 can be adjusted as needed, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0041] The reflective display module 120 includes a first reflective liquid crystal layer 121, a first color-changing layer 122, and a second reflective liquid crystal layer 123. The first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 is formed on a surface of the active-matrix display module 110. The first color-changing layer 122 is formed on a surface of the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 relative to the active-matrix display module 110, and the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 is located between the active-matrix display module 110 and the first color-changing layer 122. The second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 is formed on a surface of the first color-changing layer 122 relative to the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121, and the first color-changing layer 122 is located between the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123.

[0042] The first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 can each be a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. By changing the deflection of liquid crystal molecules in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, it is possible to control whether the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 reflect light. Furthermore, the color light wavelengths reflected by the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 can be different, thereby achieving a reflective display effect.

[0043] The first color-changing layer 122 can be an electrochromic layer, which can be selected from a group composed of polythiophene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, viologen compounds and triphenylamine materials, and can change color by controlling the first color-changing layer 122 with current to achieve the effects of absorbing light or allowing light to pass through.

[0044] The control module 130 is electrically connected to the active display module 110 and the reflective display module 120, and can control the active display module 110 and the reflective display module 120 to achieve either a reflective display mode or an active display mode. The control module 130 may include a light detection element (not shown) for detecting ambient brightness. When the ambient brightness is greater than or equal to a minimum brightness, the control module 130 can control the composite display device 100 to switch to reflective display mode, and when the ambient brightness is less than the minimum brightness, the control module 130 can control the composite display device 100 to switch to active display mode, allowing the composite display device 100 to actively switch to the optimal display mode according to the ambient brightness. The aforementioned minimum brightness can be adjusted according to the usage scenario, and is therefore not limited in this disclosure.

[0045] In the reflective display mode, the control module 130 controls the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 to reflect external light, thereby forming a first reflected light and a second reflected light, respectively. At this time, the liquid crystal molecules inside the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 will be deflected, achieving the effect of reflecting light and forming a pattern. Furthermore, the control module 130 controls the first color-changing layer 122 to change color, so that the first color-changing layer 122 absorbs external light with the same wavelength as the second reflected light. In this way, light with the same wavelength as the second reflected light that passes through the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 can be avoided from being reflected by the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and affecting the display effect. The wavelength range of the first reflected light can be from 560nm to 780nm, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above wavelength range.

[0046] In the active display mode, the control module 130 controls the active display module 110 to emit a display light that changes color with the first color-changing layer 122, and allows the display light to pass through the reflective display module 120. Specifically, the control module 130 controls the deflection of liquid crystal molecules inside the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123, and controls the first color-changing layer 122 to change color, so that the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 do not reflect external light, and the first color-changing layer 122 does not absorb display light, thereby enabling the display light in the active display mode to pass through the reflective display module 120 to achieve the display effect.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a composite display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The composite display device 200 includes an active display module 210, a reflective display module 220, and a control module 230. The active display module 210 may include light-emitting elements 211, 212, and 213, and the active display module 210 and the control module 230 may have the same or similar structure and configuration as the active display module 110 and the control module 130 of the embodiment of Figure 1, which will not be described in detail here.

[0048] The reflective display module 220 includes a first reflective liquid crystal layer 221, a first color-changing layer 222, a second reflective liquid crystal layer 223, a second color-changing layer 224, and a third reflective liquid crystal layer 225. The first reflective liquid crystal layer 221, the first color-changing layer 222, and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223 may have the same or similar structure and configuration as the first reflective liquid crystal layer 121, the first color-changing layer 122, and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 123 in the embodiment of FIG1, which will not be described in detail here.

[0049] The second color-changing layer 224 may be disposed on a surface of the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223 relative to the first color-changing layer 222. The second reflective liquid crystal layer 223 may be located between the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224, and the second color-changing layer 224 may be electrically connected to the control module 230. The third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 may be disposed on a surface of the second color-changing layer 224 relative to the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223. The second color-changing layer 224 may be located between the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223 and the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225.

[0050] The third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 can be electrically connected to the control module 230 and can be a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. In this way, the control module 230 can control whether the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 reflects light, and the color light band reflected by the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 can be different from that of the first reflective liquid crystal layer 221 and the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223.

[0051] The second color-changing layer 224 can be an electrochromic layer, which can be selected from the group consisting of polythiophene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, viologen compounds, and triphenylamine. It should be noted that the materials of the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224 can be adjusted according to the wavelength of light to be absorbed, and the materials of the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224 can be the same or different, so the content of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned materials.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 3A, which is a cross-sectional view of the composite display device of Figure 2 in reflective display mode. In reflective display mode, the control module 230 can control the first reflective liquid crystal layer 221, the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223, and the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 to reflect external light L0, thereby forming a first reflected light L1, a second reflected light L2, and a third reflected light L3. The control module 230 can also control the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224 to change color, so that the first color-changing layer 222 absorbs external light L0 with the same wavelength as the second reflected light L2, and the second color-changing layer 224 absorbs external light L0 with the same wavelength as the third reflected light L3. In this way, in addition to preventing light passing through the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223 and having the same wavelength as the second reflected light L2 from being reflected by the first reflective liquid crystal layer 221, as mentioned above, it also prevents light passing through the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 and having the same wavelength as the third reflected light L3 from being reflected by the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223 and affecting the display effect.

[0053] For example, if the light reflected by the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 is blue light, then the second color-changing layer 224 can change color to yellow, thereby absorbing the blue light passing through the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225. In other words, the color of the light reflected by the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 and the color of the second color-changing layer 224 can be complementary, and the color of the light reflected by the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223 and the color of the first color-changing layer 222 can be complementary.

[0054] The wavelengths of the first reflected ray L1, the second reflected ray L2, and the third reflected ray L3 can be different. The wavelength range of the first reflected ray L1 can be 560nm to 780nm, the wavelength range of the second reflected ray L2 can be 480nm to 620nm, and the wavelength range of the third reflected ray L3 can be 380nm to 500nm. The materials of the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224 can be adjusted according to the wavelength range of the second reflected ray L2 and the third reflected ray L3 to achieve a good absorption effect.

[0055] In addition to the wavelength ranges mentioned above, the wavelength range of the second reflected light L2 can be from 520nm to 640nm, and the wavelength range of the third reflected light L3 can be from 460nm to 550nm. Therefore, the wavelength ranges of the reflected light can be adjusted as needed to achieve different display effects.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3B, which is a cross-sectional view of the composite display device of Figure 2 in active display mode. In active display mode, the control module 230 can control the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224 to change color, so that the display light LE emitted by the active display module 210 passes through the reflective display module 220. Specifically, the control module 230 controls the liquid crystal molecules inside the first reflective liquid crystal layer 221, the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223, and the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 to deflect and control the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224 to change color, so that the first reflective liquid crystal layer 221, the second reflective liquid crystal layer 223, and the third reflective liquid crystal layer 225 do not reflect external light, and the first color-changing layer 222 and the second color-changing layer 224 do not absorb the display light LE, thereby allowing the display light LE to pass through the reflective display module 220 to achieve the display effect.

[0057] In summary, the composite display device disclosed herein introduces a color-changing layer, which alters its optical properties under the influence of an electric field. Therefore, the transmittance of the color-changing layer for specific wavelengths can be adjusted when switching between different modes. Thus, in reflective display mode, the color-changing layer absorbs and blocks unwanted colored light, enhancing the display saturation of the reflective liquid crystal layer and reducing color shift. In active display mode, the color-changing layer allows display light to pass through, maximizing the preservation of the brightness and color fidelity of the active display module.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been presented above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the concept and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A composite display device, characterized in that, Include: One active display module; A reflective display module, comprising: A first reflective liquid crystal layer is formed on one surface of the active display module; A first color-changing layer is formed on a surface of the first reflective liquid crystal layer relative to the active display module, and the first reflective liquid crystal layer is located between the active display module and the first color-changing layer. and A second reflective liquid crystal layer is formed on a surface of the first color-changing layer relative to the first reflective liquid crystal layer, and the first color-changing layer is located between the first reflective liquid crystal layer and the second reflective liquid crystal layer. And a control module, which is electrically connected to the active display module and the reflective display module respectively; In a reflective display mode, the control module controls the first reflective liquid crystal layer and the second reflective liquid crystal layer to reflect external light, thereby forming a first reflected light and a second reflected light, respectively. The control module also controls the first color-changing layer to change color, so that the first color-changing layer absorbs the external light with the same wavelength as the second reflected light. In an active display mode, the control module controls the active display module to emit display light and the first color-changing layer to change color, and the display light passes through the reflective display module.

2. The composite display device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective display module also includes: A second color-changing layer is disposed on a surface of the second reflective liquid crystal layer relative to the first color-changing layer. The second reflective liquid crystal layer is located between the first color-changing layer and the second color-changing layer, and the second color-changing layer is electrically connected to the control module. as well as A third reflective liquid crystal layer is disposed on a surface of the second color-changing layer relative to the second reflective liquid crystal layer. The second color-changing layer is located between the second reflective liquid crystal layer and the third reflective liquid crystal layer, and the third reflective liquid crystal layer is electrically connected to the control module. In the reflective display mode, the control module controls the third reflective liquid crystal layer to reflect the external light to form a third reflected light, and the control module controls the second color-changing layer to change color so that the second color-changing layer absorbs the external light with the same wavelength as the third reflected light. In the active display mode, the control module controls the second color-changing layer to change color, so that the display light emitted by the active display module can penetrate the third reflective liquid crystal layer and the second color-changing layer.

3. The composite display device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first reflective liquid crystal layer, the second reflective liquid crystal layer, and the third reflective liquid crystal layer are each cholesteric liquid crystal layers, and the first reflected light, the second reflected light, and the third reflected light have different wavelengths.

4. The composite display device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first color-changing layer and the second color-changing layer are each electrochromic layers, selected from the group consisting of polythiophene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, viologen compounds and triphenylamine materials.

5. The composite display device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The wavelength range of the second reflected light is 480nm to 620nm, and the wavelength range of the third reflected light is 380nm to 500nm.

6. The composite display device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wavelength range of the first reflected light is 560 nm to 780 nm.

7. The composite display device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes a light detection element for detecting an ambient brightness. Specifically, when the ambient brightness is greater than or equal to a minimum brightness, the control module controls the composite display device to switch to the reflective display mode, and when the ambient brightness is less than the minimum brightness, the control module controls the composite display device to switch to the active display mode.

8. The composite display device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The active display module includes a substrate and multiple light-emitting elements, and the multiple light-emitting elements are respectively embedded in the substrate.

9. The composite display device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The substrate is a light-absorbing substrate.

10. The composite display device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the light-emitting elements is a miniature light-emitting diode element, an organic light-emitting diode element, or a light-emitting diode element.

Images