Pixel-Integrated Light Sensors for Display Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic displays face limitations in responsiveness and accuracy due to technology constraints, leading to varying user experiences, inaccurate color reproduction, and frequent screen refresh issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of light sensors associated with each pixel to provide real-time feedback on the optical state, allowing for precise control of pixel signals and improving image accuracy by using image processing modules to determine suitable waveforms for updating pixel states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional display technology is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image accuracy and color reproduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using light sensors to detect the actual optical state of each pixel and comparing it with the desired state. The system then adjusts the pixel control signals based on this feedback to correct deviations, thereby improving image accuracy and color reproduction through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional open-loop display control with an optical feedback system using light sensors. This substitution enables precise measurement of the actual pixel optical state and allows for dynamic adjustment of control signals, significantly improving image accuracy without requiring mechanical modifications to the display structure.
2Speed
If frequent screen refresh actions are implemented, then responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption and device reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism detects when pixel optical states deviate from desired states and triggers refresh actions only when necessary. This reduces unnecessary frequent screen refreshes, thereby improving device reliability while maintaining responsiveness through targeted corrections based on actual optical state measurements.
3Measurement precision
If light sensors are added to each pixel, then image accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensors serve multiple functions: they detect the optical state of pixels for feedback control, enable color accuracy measurement, and support various display modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added manufacturing complexity by providing comprehensive optical measurement capabilities that improve overall display performance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If bi-stable display technology is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but image accuracy deteriorates due to incremental inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system continuously monitors the optical state of pixels in the bi-stable display and detects incremental inaccuracies that accumulate over time. By comparing actual states with desired states and applying corrective signals, the system maintains high image accuracy while preserving the low energy consumption characteristics of bi-stable technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of optical state deviations before they become significant errors. By proactively correcting incremental inaccuracies in bi-stable pixels, the display maintains accuracy without requiring frequent full refreshes, thus preserving energy efficiency while improving image quality.
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 enhances the accuracy and consistency of image presentation on electronic displays, particularly bi-stable displays like ePaper, by addressing incremental inaccuracies and normalizing sensor output, thereby improving user experience and reducing ghosting effects.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor may be associated with each pixel of the plurality of pixels... provide an indication of the actual appearance, color or other optical state of the corresponding pixel
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a display includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of light sensors. As one example, a respective light sensor may be associated with each pixel. The light sensor output can provide an accurate indication of a current optical state of each of the plurality of pixels. For instance, output from a light sensor proximate to a particular pixel may be used when determining a pixel control signal to be applied for updating the particular pixel to a next optical state. The light sensors may be located below, above, laterally adjacent to, or within one or more pixel elements of each pixel. Additionally, in some examples, one or more light sources may be provided to normalize the output from the light sensors to compensate for variations in ambient lighting and the like.