Transflective LCD and OLED Display for Nostalgic Watch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The demand for electronic watches with the visual appearance of the first digital display devices from the 1970s is unmet due to high power consumption and the unavailability of original components, which were expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A digital display device combining a transflective liquid crystal display cell with a red filter and an organic light-emitting diode display cell, using a light sensor to adjust luminosity based on ambient conditions, allowing for permanent information display with low energy consumption and a nostalgic red color scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If Light Emitting Diodes are used to create digital display segments, then the display can show information permanently, but the power consumption becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into two separate display cells: a transflective liquid crystal display cell for permanent information display and an emissive display cell for on-demand information display. This segmentation allows each cell to operate in its optimal mode, with the liquid crystal cell providing continuous display at low power and the emissive cell providing bright display only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The emissive display cell is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, controlled by a light sensor that detects ambient light conditions. This periodic activation significantly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to display information permanently through the liquid crystal cell.
2Shape
If original LED components from the 1970s are used, then the nostalgic red color and seven-segment digit appearance are achieved, but the components are no longer commercially available and manufacturing is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using original 1970s LED components that are no longer available, the patent uses modern transflective liquid crystal display technology with red filters to copy and reproduce the nostalgic seven-segment digit appearance. This approach achieves the desired visual effect while using currently available, commercially viable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental display technology parameters from LED-based to liquid crystal-based, while maintaining the visual output characteristics (red color, seven-segment digits) through careful selection of modern components and optical filters. This parameter change enables manufacturing with current technology while preserving the nostalgic appearance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a transflective liquid crystal display cell is used, then power consumption is reduced and permanent display is enabled, but the display visibility in low light conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a transflective liquid crystal display cell with an emissive display cell in a stacked configuration. The liquid crystal cell provides low-power permanent display functionality, while the emissive cell provides high-brightness display capability. Together, they resolve the contradiction between low power consumption and adequate brightness in various lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A light sensor acts as an intermediary between the ambient environment and the display cells, detecting light conditions and controlling the activation of the emissive cell. This intermediary ensures the emissive cell is activated only when necessary for low-light conditions, optimizing the balance between power consumption and display visibility.
4Shape
If multiple light emission points are combined on the same silicon substrate, then seven-segment digits can be formed, but the silicon surface area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the seven-segment digit formation concept from traditional LED displays but implements it using modern liquid crystal display technology with spatially arranged segments. This approach achieves the same visual output (seven-segment digits) while using significantly less silicon surface area and more cost-effective 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 solution provides a reliable, energy-efficient digital display that mimics the appearance of early electronic watches while offering permanent information visibility in various lighting conditions, meeting the demand for nostalgic designs with modern, cost-effective components.
Implementation Method 1
a transflective liquid crystal display cell, the liquid crystal display cell displaying information by means of at least one first seven-segment digit
Implementation Method 2
an emissive display cell which is an organic light-emitting diode display cell and emits red light
Implementation Method 3
a first red filter, a second red filter
Implementation Method 4
a light sensor, placed under the emissive display cell, measures the intensity of the ambient illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A digital display device including, from top to bottom, a first red filter, a transflective liquid crystal display cell, a second red filter and an emissive display cell, the transflective liquid crystal display cell displaying information using at least one first seven-segment digit and the emissive display cell providing a plurality of juxtaposed light points which are arranged so as to provide a display formed by at least one second seven-segment digit.