Electronic Paper Display with Integrated Light-Emitting Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic paper display devices are limited in usage as they require an external light source to function, rendering them ineffective in low-light environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of light-emitting units, such as microcup structures made of phosphorescent or fluorescent materials, between display units and a substrate, which absorb light energy and emit light to illuminate the display units, allowing image visibility without an external light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If electronic paper display device uses reflective display structure, then energy consumption is reduced and device is compact, but device cannot display images without external light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reflective display structure with light-emitting units (phosphorescent or fluorescent materials) integrated between the display units and substrate. This merging allows the device to function both as a reflective display during daytime and as a self-illuminated display in low-light conditions, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability to different lighting environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating light-emitting units that can provide illumination when external light is insufficient. The same display structure serves dual purposes: reflecting external light when available and emitting light when needed, making the device universally applicable across various lighting conditions without requiring separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light-emitting units are added to enable display without external light, then adaptability to low-light environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting units are nested within the existing display structure, positioned between the display units and the substrate. This nesting approach integrates the illumination function into the existing architecture without requiring separate housing or additional external components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film phosphorescent or fluorescent materials as light-emitting units, which can be deposited directly onto the substrate. This use of thin films adds minimal structural complexity compared to bulk light-emitting components, maintaining device simplicity while enabling low-light display capability.
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 electronic paper display device to function normally in the absence of external light, providing continuous illumination and enhancing usability in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The light-emitting units are made of a phosphorescent material or a fluorescent material
Implementation Method 2
The light-emitting units are made of a phosphorescent material or a fluorescent material
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic paper display device includes a first substrate, a plurality of display units and a plurality of light-emitting units. The first substrate includes first base and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first base. The display units are disposed above the first substrate. The light-emitting units are respectively disposed between the display units and the first base.