Reflective Pixel Control Array for Dual-Mode Display Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses lack the ability to efficiently combine and control different types of display content from multiple light sources, limiting their versatility and power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus comprising a light source for unpixelated light, an array of reflective pixel control elements, and a pixelated display, combined through an optical arrangement to produce third pixelated light, allowing for dual or single-display modes and optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display types are combined in one apparatus, then versatility and display capability are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a reflective display (using pixel control elements) and a transmissive display (using a pixelated display layer) into a single integrated apparatus. Both displays share common components including a single light source, optical arrangement, and controller, merging multiple display functions into one unified structure while reducing overall complexity compared to separate display systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source serves dual functions by providing illumination for both the reflective display mode and the transmissive display mode. The optical arrangement is designed to direct light appropriately for either display type, enabling a single apparatus to perform multiple display functions adaptively based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display types are combined in one apparatus, then versatility and display capability are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically switches between reflective display mode and transmissive display mode based on operational requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to activate only the necessary components for the current display mode, power management strategies that reduce overall power consumption while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic or selective activation of different display modes rather than continuous operation of all components. The controller can enable or disable specific display types based on usage patterns, allowing the apparatus to consume power only when and where needed, thereby reducing total energy consumption while preserving multi-display capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If selective reflection of unpixelated light is used, then first pixelated light is produced with controlled display content, but optical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel control precisionVSAvoidoptical arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical arrangement acts as an intermediary component that manages light distribution between the light source, pixel control elements, and pixelated display layer. By using a shared optical system with beam splitting and light directing mechanisms, the patent achieves precise pixel control for the reflective display while avoiding the need for separate optical paths, thus reducing overall optical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the simultaneous or separate display of content from multiple sources, enhancing versatility and reducing power usage by selectively enabling or disabling components based on operational modes.

Implementation Method 1

an array of reflective pixel control elements configured to selectively reflect incident unpixelated light to produce first pixelated light defining first display content

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical arrangement configured to direct unpixelated light from the light source to the array of reflective pixel control elements and to combine the pixelated light defining the first display content and the second pixelated light defining the second display content

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight direction and combination: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10739605B2Display apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus including a light source configured to output unpixelated light; an array of reflective pixel control elements configured to selectively reflect incident unpixelated light to produce first pixelated light defining first display content; a pixelated display configured to produce second pixelated light defining second display content; and an optical arrangement configured to direct unpixelated light from the light source to the array of reflective pixel control elements and to combine the pixelated light defining the first display content and the second pixelated light defining the second display content to provide, as an output, third pixelated light defining third display content.