Electrowetting Display Device Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrowetting display devices require high operating power and complex electronics to change the configuration of oil layers, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An electrowetting display device using a control system with a first plurality of voltage levels for the first fluid and a second plurality of voltage levels for the third fluid, where the second plurality has fewer voltage levels, allowing for reduced power consumption and simplified electronics by eliminating the need for voltage application to the second electrode for many display effects, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single oil layer is used in electrowetting display, then the device structure is simplified, but high operating power is required to change the configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single oil layer into two separate oil layers (first oil layer and second oil layer) with different functions. The first oil layer is configured for reflective mode operation, while the second oil layer is configured for transmissive mode operation. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with optimized voltage requirements, reducing the overall operating power compared to a single layer system that must handle both modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking two oil layers at different positions relative to the aperture. The first oil layer is positioned on one side of the aperture while the second oil layer is positioned on the opposite side. This dimensional arrangement enables independent control of reflective and transmissive modes through separate voltage applications, reducing the power required compared to manipulating a single layer for both functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oil layers are used to achieve different display modes, then display functionality is improved, but complex electronics are required to address both layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a common electrode structure that serves both the first oil layer and the second oil layer. The same electrode can apply voltage to control both reflective and transmissive modes, eliminating the need for separate electrode sets and reducing electronic complexity despite the presence of multiple functional layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control mechanisms by using a shared electrode system that can simultaneously or independently address both oil layers. This consolidation of control elements reduces the electronic complexity that would otherwise arise from needing separate addressing circuits for each layer, while maintaining the versatility of multiple display modes.
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
The solution achieves equivalent grey scale display effects and contrast levels as single oil layer displays with significantly lower power consumption and reduced complexity in electronics, while maintaining the same number of available display states.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrowetting layer switchable between a reflective mode and a non-reflective mode and a second electrowetting layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An electrowetting display device including a picture element, the picture element comprising: a space; a first surface facing the space; a second surface facing the space and the first surface; a first fluid, a second fluid and a third fluid, the first fluid and the third fluid being arranged on at least part of the first surface and the second surface, respectively, and the second fluid being immiscible with the first fluid and the third fluid, the first, second and third fluids being within the space; and a first electrode associated with the first surface and a second electrode associated with the second surface. The electrowetting display device comprises a control system for changing a configuration of the first, second and third fluids by applying a voltage level of a first voltage to the first electrode and by applying a voltage level of a second voltage to the second electrode, wherein the control system is arranged such that the voltage level of the first voltage is selected from a first plurality of voltage levels and the voltage level of the second voltage is selected from a second plurality of voltage levels, the second plurality of voltage levels comprising fewer voltage levels than the first plurality of voltage levels.