Transparent OLED Power Savings via Pixel Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems with dual-sided displays lack the necessary performance enhancements to provide greater flexibility and efficiency in processing, storing, and communicating information, particularly in configurations that require transparent and opaque modes for enhanced usability and power savings.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transparent OLED display with switchable elements on both sides, controlled by an OLED display controller that can transition between opaque and clear states, allowing the white switchable element to be visible through the pixels when they are turned off, thereby enabling power-saving modes and flexible use cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If pixels in the transparent OLED display are turned off to allow the white switchable element to be seen through, then power consumption is reduced and transparency is improved, but the display cannot show white content on those pixels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay color capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two display modes: in the first mode, pixels are turned off to display the white switchable element background for power savings and transparency; in the second mode, pixels are activated to display full-color content. The controller selectively activates pixels based on whether white background display or full-color display is required, making the display adaptable to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state of the OLED pixels between two distinct parameters: off state (transparent, power-saving, shows white background) and on state (opaque, power-consuming, shows full-color content). This parameter switching allows the display to optimize between power consumption and display capability based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transparent OLED display uses dual-sided switchable elements, then flexibility for multiple use cases is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for use casesVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-sided display structure with switchable elements on both the front and back sides enables multiple use cases including presentation mode (front display only), private mode (back display only), and shared viewing mode (both sides). Each switchable element can be independently controlled, allowing the same physical display to serve multiple functional purposes and adapt to different user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If pixels are turned off to achieve transparency, then the white switchable element becomes visible through the display, but image quality for white content may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency and visibility of white elementVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pixel activation based on content requirements. When white background display is desired, pixels are turned off to maximize transparency and visibility of the white switchable element. When full-color image quality is required, pixels are activated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either transparency or image quality depending on the operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the performance and usability of information handling systems by allowing for transparent and opaque modes, improving flexibility and reducing power consumption, while maintaining image quality in specific configurations and lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Turning off the first plurality of pixels causes them to be transparent and allows the white of the first switchable element to be seen through the first plurality of pixels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOLED pixel transparency: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

A first switchable element is disposed on a first side of the transparent OLED display and is operable to transition between being white and opaque in a first state to being clear in a second state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitchable element transparency transition: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20200335036A1Information handling system including a dual screen transparent OLED for a display with power savings

Publication Date: 2020.10.22 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system includes a dual sided display with a transparent OLED and switchable elements on each side of the OLED display switchable to be either opaque and white or clear. In order to save power, an OLED display controller turns off a first plurality of pixels in the transparent OLED display responsive to the information handling system being in a power savings state and the OLED display controller receiving display information indicating the plurality of pixels should emit white. Rather than driving the pixels to emit white, the OLED display controller turns off, thereby causing the pixels to be transparent and allowing the white opaque switchable element to be seen through the pixels.