Electrooptic Device Dual-Mode Pixel Switching for Display and Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrooptic devices, such as electrophoretic and liquid crystal displays, are limited to displaying pre-stored data and cannot facilitate user interactions like handwriting or specifying positions on the screen, lacking the functionality to serve as both a display and an information gathering device.
Innovation Solution
An electrooptic device with a panel unit comprising a matrix of pixels, each with a first and second transistor, and a data processing unit that allows for image display and information gathering by switching between display and sensor modes, enabling handwriting input and position detection using a pen-shaped light emitting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrooptic devices are used for display only, then the display function is simple and reliable, but the device cannot perform information gathering functions such as handwriting input or position detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling each pixel to serve dual purposes: displaying information during the image display period and gathering information (detecting light for handwriting input and position detection) during the information gathering period. This is achieved through time-division multiplexing where the same pixel structure is used for both display and sensor functions, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between display mode and sensor mode through time-division multiplexing. The device alternates between an image display period where pixels function as display elements and an information gathering period where the same pixels function as light sensors. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single static pixel structure to perform multiple functions sequentially, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensor components are added to enable handwriting input and position detection, then information gathering capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and sensor function into a single integrated pixel structure. Instead of manufacturing separate display components and sensor components, the invention combines both functions within the same pixel elements using the same substrate and material layers. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of components, assembly steps, and quality control requirements while enabling both handwriting input and position detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pixel structure universal by designing it to perform both display and light detection functions. The same pixel structure that displays information during the image display period automatically functions as a light sensor during the information gathering period, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then manufacturing ease is improved, but the ability to detect position and enable handwriting input may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the inherent properties of the display pixels themselves for light detection without requiring additional sensor components. The pixels automatically function as both display elements and light sensors through time-division multiplexing, leveraging their existing structure and materials to provide position detection and handwriting input capabilities. This self-service approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required detection functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrooptic device having an image display period and an information gathering period includes a panel unit and a data processing unit. The panel unit includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an electrooptic material interposed between the first and second substrates, a plurality of first scan lines provided above the first substrate, a plurality of second scan lines provided above the first substrate and disposed in parallel to the first scan lines, a plurality of signal lines provided above the first substrate and intersecting the first scan lines and the second scan lines, and a plurality of pixels provided above the first substrate and disposed at intersections of the first scan lines and the second scan lines and signal lines. Each pixel located in an i-th row and a j-th column (i and j are both natural numbers) includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a pixel electrode. The plurality of pixels are formed in a matrix on the first substrate. A gate of the first transistor is coupled to the first scan line in the i-th row. One of a source and a drain of the first transistor is coupled to the signal line on the j-th column. A gate of the second transistor is coupled to the second scan line in the i-th row. One of a source and a drain of the second transistor is coupled to the other of the source and drain of the first transistor. The other of the source and drain of the first transistor is coupled to the pixel electrode.