Dual-Mode Display Switching Between Transparent and Active States

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic displays lack the ability to efficiently switch between dynamic and semi-static modes while maintaining low power consumption and high transparency, which limits their versatility and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode display device comprising a first display with pixels that can modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light in one mode and become substantially transparent in another, paired with a second display that can emit, modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light, utilizing a segmented backlight for illumination, allowing for dynamic and semi-static modes of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a display operates in dynamic mode with full functionality, then high resolution and color reproduction are achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where the first display is active for high-resolution dynamic content, and a second mode where the first display becomes transparent and only the second display operates for static content. This dynamic mode switching allows the system to optimize power consumption based on content requirements while maintaining high resolution when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display system is segmented into two independent display units (first display and second display) that can operate independently or in combination. The first display handles dynamic, high-resolution content while the second display handles static content, allowing the system to segment power consumption based on content type and reduce overall energy usage when full functionality is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a display uses multiple display layers to enable dual-mode operation, then versatility and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual-mode operation capabilityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a first display and a second display into a single integrated display device with shared control logic and segmented backlighting. The displays are positioned in overlapping relationships (either the first display in front of or behind the second display) and controlled by a unified controller that manages mode switching, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to separate display systems while maintaining dual-mode versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device achieves multi-functionality by enabling the first display to operate in two distinct modes: an active display mode for high-resolution dynamic content and a transparent mode for static content displayed on the second display. The segmented backlight and unified controller provide universal support for both modes, allowing a single device structure to fulfill multiple display requirements without requiring separate specialized systems.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If the first display pixels are made transparent to enable the second mode, then power consumption is reduced, but control precision over light modulation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlight modulation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first display pixels dynamically transition between two states: an active state where they modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light for high-resolution display, and a transparent state where they allow light to pass through for the second display mode. This dynamic state switching is controlled by the segmented backlight and control logic, enabling precise control over when light modulation is needed versus when transparency is required, thereby resolving the contradiction between power consumption and control precision.

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

Enables the display to operate in high-resolution dynamic mode with low power consumption and high transparency, reducing energy usage and enhancing user interaction by seamlessly switching between modes based on content and ambient light.

Implementation Method 1

a first mode in which the one or more first-display pixels modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a second mode in which the one or more first-display pixels are substantially transparent to visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission:

Implementation Method 3

a second display disposed behind or in front of the first display, the second display configured to emit, modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

utilizing a segmented backlight for illumination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3103110B1Dual-mode display
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3103110B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3103110B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3103110B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

In one embodiment, a device includes a first display which includes one or more first-display pixels that are configured to operate in multiple modes. The multiple modes include a first mode in which the one or more first-display pixels modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light and a second mode in which the one or more first-display pixels are substantially transparent to visible light. The device also includes a second display disposed behind or in front of the first display, the second display configured to emit, modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light.