Top-Lit Reflective LCD With Segmented LED Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal display technologies face challenges in providing uniform top lighting suitable for high-performance displays, especially in varying ambient light conditions, leading to compromised image quality and high power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a patterned LED light source on the upper substrate within the liquid crystal display structure, which illuminates the display electrodes through the liquid crystal layer, allowing for efficient and adaptable lighting that can be segmented and controlled to improve motion portrayal and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a top light is added to provide illumination in low light conditions, then visibility is improved, but illumination uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidillumination uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is divided into multiple segments corresponding to different display regions. Each light source segment is controlled independently to provide localized illumination, enabling uniform overall illumination while maintaining the ability to adjust brightness in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display are provided with tailored illumination characteristics. The light source intensity and distribution are optimized for each local region, allowing uniform illumination across the entire display while adapting to specific viewing conditions in different areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If a top light is added to improve visibility, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is integrated directly into the display structure, merging the illumination function with the display panel. This eliminates the need for separate backlight units and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high image quality through the reflective display mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated light source serves multiple functions: providing illumination in low light conditions, enabling reflective display operation, and supporting both transmissive and reflective display modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a top light is added to provide uniform illumination, then display performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination uniformityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light source operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when ambient light conditions require supplemental illumination. The display alternates between reflective mode (low power) and illuminated mode (higher power) based on environmental conditions, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining illumination uniformity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The light source intensity is dynamically adjusted based on ambient light conditions and display content requirements. By varying the illumination parameter according to actual needs, the system achieves uniform illumination when required while minimizing power consumption during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables high-quality reflective displays with low power consumption, maintaining image quality across different ambient light conditions by providing uniform illumination without the need for backlights, thus enhancing the performance and efficiency of liquid crystal display devices.

Implementation Method 1

The light source comprises an LED light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a liquid crystal layer provided between the substrates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid Crystal: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 3

reflective display pixel electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7843527B2Display device with illumination light source

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

A display device includes a lower substrate, comprising reflective display pixel electrodes, an upper substrate and a liquid crystal layer provided between the substrates. A light source is provided on the upper substrate for illuminating the display electrodes through the liquid crystal layer. This arrangement provides a top light as an integrated structure within the liquid crystal display structure. The illumination can be efficiently provided to the pixel electrodes. This means that a light source pattern used can provide small light source areas.