Non-Volatile Electronic Display Using Floating Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are volatile, requiring frequent refresh and constant power to maintain images, as they lose electrical field when power is disconnected, similar to volatile memory like DRAM.
Innovation Solution
Introduction of 'floating nodes' within dielectric layers to store electrical charges, allowing for long retention times and eliminating the need for periodic refresh, using non-volatile memories like flash memory to control liquid crystal cells, which can preserve images without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional TFT LCD structure is used, then the display can be driven with simple circuitry, but the display requires frequent refresh and constant power to maintain images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing electrical charges in floating nodes within dielectric layers before power is disconnected. This pre-stored charge creates an electrical field that maintains the liquid crystal cell state without requiring continuous power supply or frequent refresh operations, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces floating nodes as intermediary charge storage elements between the TFT circuitry and the liquid crystal cell. These floating nodes act as mediators that hold electrical charges and provide sustained electrical field to the liquid crystal, enabling the display to maintain images without constant power while keeping the driving circuitry relatively simple.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional TFT LCD structure is used, then the display can be manufactured with standard processes, but the display loses electrical field when power is disconnected requiring frequent refresh
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding floating nodes within dielectric layers inside the existing TFT LCD structure. The floating nodes are nested within the dielectric material between the TFT and the liquid crystal cell, allowing charge storage functionality to be integrated into the conventional display structure without requiring complete redesign or complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter retention by introducing floating nodes that trap electrical charges. This parameter change enables the electrical field in the liquid crystal cell to be maintained for extended periods without power, transforming the display from volatile (requiring frequent refresh) to non-volatile (retaining images indefinitely), while still using standard manufacturing processes.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If floating nodes are introduced to store charges, then the retention time of electrical field is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charge storage function with the existing dielectric layers of the TFT LCD structure. Instead of adding separate, complex charge storage devices, the floating nodes are combined with the dielectric material that already exists in the display structure, achieving extended charge retention time while minimizing structural complexity and maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes.
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 non-volatile electronic display can maintain images for extended periods without power, reducing the frequency of refresh and power consumption, functioning as an 'electrical painting' with either reflected light or minimal LED backlight.
Implementation Method 1
charge is retained in the at least one non-volatile memory for a predetermined period when no external power is applied to the at least one non-volatile memory
Implementation Method 2
retention time of the electrical field across liquid crystal
Implementation Method 3
a liquid crystal plate comprising a plurality of liquid crystal cells arranged in matrix fashion
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile electronic display includes a light valve plate comprising a plurality of liquid crystal cells on a transparent substrate; a plurality of “floating/storage” nodes functioning like non-volatile memories formed on the transparent substrate and corresponding to the liquid crystal cells, and a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines connected to the plurality of non-volatile memories and supplying signal to store charge to at least one non-volatile memory. The charge is retained in the at least one “floating/storage” nodes functioning like non-volatile memory for a predetermined period when no external power is applied to the non-volatile electronic display.