Electrowetting Element Non-Switchable Color Filter Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrowetting display devices often exhibit low brightness for certain applications due to the colored display effect, which limits their effectiveness in providing desired visual outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-switchable color filter with a transmissive region in electrowetting display devices, where the color filter absorbs specific wavelengths of light while the transmissive region allows substantial light transmission, enhancing brightness and display effectiveness without requiring separate white sub-pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a color filter is used in an electrowetting picture element to provide a colored display effect, then the display can show colors, but the brightness is too low for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The color filter is divided into two distinct regions: a first region that absorbs light to provide color and a second region that transmits light to provide brightness. This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between color display and brightness requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the color filter are assigned different optical properties: the first region has light-absorbing characteristics for color generation, while the second region has light-transmitting characteristics for brightness enhancement. This local differentiation of quality enables the filter to simultaneously address both color and brightness needs in different areas
2Illumination intensity
If separate white sub-pixels are added to create RGBW pixels, then brightness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color filter structure serves multiple functions: it provides color filtering through the first region, brightness enhancement through the second region, and eliminates the need for separate white sub-pixel structures. This multi-functionality simplifies manufacturing while achieving the desired brightness improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of color filtering and brightness enhancement into a single integrated color filter structure with two regions, rather than using separate color filters and white sub-pixels. This merging reduces structural complexity and simplifies the manufacturing process
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 configuration allows for a brighter and more vibrant display effect, enabling the creation of RGBW pixels without additional white sub-pixels, thereby increasing image resolution and flexibility in display settings.
Implementation Method 1
the color filter absorbs specific wavelengths of light
Implementation Method 2
the transmissive region allows substantial light transmission
Implementation Method 3
To switch the picture element to the on state a voltage is applied via an electrically conductive fluid immiscible with the oil
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
An electrowetting element includes a surface having a display area; a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid; and a non-switchable color filter for further determining the display effect. A configuration of the first and second fluids is switchable, using an applied voltage, to determine a size of area that the first and second fluids adjoin the display area, which thereby determines a display effect provided by the electrowetting element. An extent of the non-switchable color filter in a plane parallel to a plane of the display area is smaller than the display area.