Dual-mode display with controllable light diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic displays lack an efficient method to seamlessly transition between dynamic and semi-static modes, resulting in high power consumption and inefficient use of light sources, especially in environments with varying ambient light conditions.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode display system comprising a first emissive display and a second non-emissive, transparent display with electronically controllable pixels that can selectively diffuse light from the emissive display, allowing for dynamic operation in bright conditions and low-power semi-static mode in dim conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a display operates in dynamic emissive mode to ensure visibility and performance, then display quality and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where the emissive display is actively driven for high performance and visibility, and a second mode where the emissive display is powered down and a non-emissive display is used for static content. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the display operation to actual needs, consuming power only when high visibility is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display system incorporates two different display technologies (emissive and non-emissive) that can serve different functions. The emissive display handles dynamic, high-visibility requirements while the non-emissive display handles static, low-power requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet diverse display needs without continuously consuming high power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an emissive display is continuously operated to maintain image quality, then display performance is improved, but light source efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidlight source efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The emissive display is operated periodically rather than continuously. It is activated only during periods when dynamic content or high image quality is required, and deactivated during periods when static content is sufficient. This periodic operation maintains image quality when needed while preventing continuous light source operation, thereby improving light source efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If a non-emissive transparent display is used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but display visibility in bright conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects which display technology to use based on environmental conditions and content requirements. In bright conditions where the non-emissive display would perform poorly, the system switches to the emissive display which can actively illuminate content. This dynamic adaptation resolves the visibility issue while maintaining power efficiency whenever possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables efficient power management by using ambient light in semi-static mode, reducing power consumption and enhancing display visibility in various lighting environments while maintaining dynamic performance when needed.

Implementation Method 1

a second display positioned behind the first display, the second display comprising a plurality of pixels that is electronically controllable to selectively diffuse light from the first display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3469576B1Multi-layer display with color and contrast enhancement
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3469576B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3469576B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3469576B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device can include a first display configured to produce an image and a second display. The second display can be non-emissive and transparent. The second display can also include a plurality of pixels that is electronically controllable to selectively diffuse light associated with the image produced by the first display.