Multi-Display Power Supply Segmentation for Foldable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices with multiple displays face challenges in efficiently managing power supply and sensing modes to optimize image display and characteristic information detection across different display states, particularly in foldable and rollable configurations.

Innovation Solution

A display device comprising multiple displays with separate drivers and power supplies, where each display can be independently controlled using different voltage sources and switches to enable display modes and sensing modes, allowing for simultaneous image display and characteristic information detection by varying the power supply voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single power supply is used for multiple displays, then device complexity is reduced, but power management efficiency and sensing capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidpower management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply units, each capable of providing power to specific displays. This segmentation enables independent power management for each display, allowing optimized power consumption control and sensing operations without affecting other displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system is made dynamic through voltage level adjustment capabilities. Each power supply can dynamically change voltage levels to match different operational modes (display mode vs. sensing mode), enabling flexible power management and efficient operation across different states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If voltage level is adjusted for sensing mode, then pixel characteristic detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel characteristic detectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different voltage levels are applied locally to specific displays or pixel groups depending on their operational state. Displays in sensing mode receive higher voltage levels for accurate detection, while displays in normal operation maintain standard voltage levels, optimizing the balance between detection precision and overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system implements periodic voltage level adjustments that correspond to the sensing cycle. Voltage levels are increased only during brief sensing intervals and then returned to normal levels, enabling accurate pixel characteristic detection while minimizing the duration and impact on overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent power supplies are used for each display, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management flexibilityVSAvoidpower supply structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each power supply unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of serving multiple displays or pixel groups through configurable connections. This universal design provides independent power management flexibility while avoiding the need for completely separate power supplies for each display, thereby controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If high voltage is applied during sensing, then detection accuracy is improved, but risk of pixel damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpixel durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

High voltage is applied in short, periodic pulses only during the brief sensing intervals rather than continuously. This pulsed approach provides sufficient detection accuracy while limiting the total exposure time, thereby reducing the cumulative stress on pixels and maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system is configured to apply voltage levels that are optimized for sensing before actual sensing operations begin. This preliminary configuration ensures that high voltage is only applied when absolutely necessary for detection, minimizing the duration of high-stress conditions on the pixels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11017730B2Display device and driving method of the same

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device including multiple displays is provided. The display device includes a first display including first pixels; a second display including second pixels; a first driver configured to drive the first display; a second driver configured to drive the second display; a controller configured to control the first and second drivers; a first power supply configured to supply first power to the first and second displays; and a second power supply configured to supply second power to the first and second displays. The second power supply includes a first voltage source configured to generate a first voltage; a second voltage source configured to generate a second voltage; a first switch configured to couple the first display to any one of the first and second voltage sources; and a second switch configured to couple the second display to one of the first and second voltage sources.