Electrowetting Display Driving Scheme Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrowetting display apparatuses face high power consumption, particularly when displaying large and frequent changes in images, which leads to increased energy demand and potential blurring.

Innovation Solution

The method selects between DC and AC driving schemes based on the frame rate and difference in display effect between frames, using AC driving for rapid changes and DC driving for static or slow changes to optimize power usage and image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If AC driving scheme is used for rapid image changes, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically selects between AC and DC driving schemes based on the frame rate and difference in display effect between frames. When rapid image changes are detected (high frame rate or large difference), AC driving is selected to maintain image quality. When images are static or change slowly, DC driving is selected to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the driving mode according to actual display needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the driving parameter (driving scheme type) based on the characteristics of the displayed content. By monitoring frame rate and image difference, the system transitions between AC and DC driving schemes, optimizing the balance between image quality and power consumption for different display scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If DC driving scheme is used for static images, then power consumption is reduced, but image quality may deteriorate for dynamic content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the driving scheme based on real-time detection of frame rate and image difference. When dynamic content is detected, the system switches to AC driving to prevent image quality deterioration, while maintaining DC driving for static content to conserve power. This dynamic switching mechanism ensures optimal performance for both power efficiency and image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the driving parameter (driving scheme selection) based on content characteristics. By detecting whether the displayed content is static or dynamic through frame rate and image difference analysis, the system appropriately selects DC or AC driving mode, preventing image quality issues while managing power consumption effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If AC driving is applied continuously, then image display effectiveness is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage display effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous AC driving, the patent implements periodic evaluation of display content characteristics (frame rate and image difference) and selectively applies AC driving only when needed. This periodic assessment allows the system to maintain image display effectiveness during dynamic content while switching to lower-power DC mode during static periods, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies AC driving partially rather than continuously - only when the detected frame rate or image difference exceeds certain thresholds. This partial application of AC driving maintains image effectiveness during necessary periods while avoiding unnecessary power consumption during static display periods, effectively balancing reliability and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach reduces power consumption while maintaining effective image display, especially for dynamic content, by dynamically switching between driving schemes based on the characteristics of the data being displayed.

Implementation Method 1

The display elements of such a display device include two immiscible fluids. The configuration of the fluids can be controlled by applying a voltage to the display element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Data Source

PatentEP3084750B1Electrowetting display device, and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 AMAZON TECH INC
  • EP3084750B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3084750B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3084750B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method of driving an electrowetting display device having at least one display element for displaying grey levels in respective frames. The method determines a change in grey levels of the at least one display element between subsequent frames. Depending on the grey level change the display element may be DC driven or AC driven.