LCD Warming-Up via Gate Signal Voltage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
OCB mode LCD systems require a longer warming-up time to transition liquid crystal molecules from splay alignment to bend alignment, and existing methods involve altering the source or common electrode circuits to apply high voltage, which is inconvenient and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
Applying a gate signal with a predetermined voltage level to the gate coupled to the pixel electrode in the TFT, allowing the pixel electrode to reach a voltage level equal to the gate signal, facilitating quick transition of liquid crystal molecules from splay to bend alignment without requiring new circuitry or additional signal drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a high voltage is applied onto two opposite ends of the liquid crystal layer to quicken the transition of liquid crystal molecules from splay alignment into bend alignment, then the warming-up time is reduced, but the device complexity and production cost increase due to the need for altered source driver or common electrode circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The gate driver is designed to automatically output a high voltage level during the warming-up period without requiring external control or additional circuitry. The system uses its own existing gate driver capability to generate the necessary high voltage, making the warming-up process self-contained and eliminating the need for modified source drivers or common electrode circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage is applied to the gate electrode before the normal display operation begins. This preliminary application of high voltage prepares the liquid crystal molecules by accelerating their transition from splay to bend alignment in advance, so that when normal operation starts, the molecules are already in the desired configuration, reducing the warming-up time during actual use.
2Speed
If the source driver or common electrode circuit is altered to apply high voltage onto the pixel electrode, then the liquid crystal molecules transition faster from splay to bend alignment, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional production costs and manufacturing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The gate driver is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the normal gate driver during display operation and simultaneously functions as a high voltage generator during the warming-up period. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate high voltage generation circuits or modifications to the source driver, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving fast molecular transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate driver's output voltage parameter is dynamically changed based on the operational phase. During warming-up, the gate driver outputs a high voltage level to accelerate molecular transition. During normal display operation, it returns to its standard voltage level. This parameter change approach allows the system to achieve fast transition without permanent circuit modifications.
3Speed
If a high voltage level is applied to the pixel electrode to enable quick transition of liquid crystal molecules, then the response speed improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage is applied periodically or temporarily only during the initial warming-up phase rather than continuously. Once the liquid crystal molecules have transitioned to the bend alignment, the high voltage is removed and normal display operation proceeds with standard voltage levels. This periodic application of high voltage achieves the desired response speed improvement while minimizing energy consumption.
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 method shortens the warming-up time of the LCD system by enabling quick transition of liquid crystal molecules while avoiding the need for new circuit designs or additional production costs, utilizing existing gate and source drivers with adjusted control signals.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage difference between the pixel electrode 16 and common electrode 17 causes an image display on the screen
Implementation Method 2
a voltage difference between the pixel electrode 16 and common electrode 17 causes an image display on the screen
Data Source
AI summary
A method for warming-up an LCD system which includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixel units. Each pixel unit includes a pixel electrode, and a TFT (thin film transistor) provide with a source and a gate such that a gate signal inputted into the gate can switch on and switch off the TFT so as to permit transfer of a data signal from the source to the pixel electrode. The method includes the steps: floating the source of the TFT; and applying the gate signal onto the gate which is coupled to the pixel electrode in such a manner that the pixel electrode possesses a voltage level which is substantially equal to that of the gate signal.