Segment Display Drive Circuit With Fewer Connection Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with multiple segments require complex drive circuits and numerous connection lines, leading to increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a multiple drive circuit for simultaneous control of particular segments and single drive circuits for individual segments, reducing the number of connection lines and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate drive circuits are used for each segment, then each segment can be controlled independently, but the number of connection lines increases and the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive circuits into a single integrated drive circuit that can simultaneously control multiple segments. This consolidation reduces the total number of connection lines and simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining the ability to independently control each segment through internal circuitry design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive circuit is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform the work of multiple separate drive circuits. It can selectively activate any combination of segments by incorporating internal switching mechanisms, thereby reducing connection line requirements while preserving independent segment control functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many connection lines are used for multiple segments, then each segment can be connected separately, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connection lines into a reduced set of connection lines through the integrated drive circuit, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. The internal circuitry compensates for the reduced external connections, maintaining segment connection flexibility while lowering production expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive circuit acts as an intermediary between the reduced set of connection lines and the multiple segments. It provides the necessary signal distribution and control functionality that would otherwise require separate connection lines for each segment, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes an information display section including discrete segments configured to display an alphanumeric character; a drive circuit section configured to selectively switch on and off each of the segments; and a control section configured to control operation of the drive circuit section. The drive circuit section includes a multiple drive circuit configured to simultaneously switch on and off particular segments among the segments of the information display section which are each for a portion of a particular alphanumeric character; and a single drive circuit configured to switch a single segment among the segments of the information display section which is other than the particular segments, the control section being configured to use the multiple drive circuit and the single drive circuit in combination for the control of the operation of the drive circuit section to cause the information display section to display the particular alphanumeric character.