Liquid crystal cells – elements and systems – Particular structure – Having significant detail of cell structure only
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-03
2001-05-22
Sikes, William L. (Department: 2871)
Liquid crystal cells, elements and systems
Particular structure
Having significant detail of cell structure only
C349S142000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236443
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a display of a dot matrix type and to a telephone having such a display.
An LCD display is used in connection with e.g. portable telephones as part of the user interface of the telephone to display various items of information, such as entered numbers, telephone status and menus. In addition to these varying data, the display shows a plurality of different icons. These icons may comprise a battery bar, a signal strength bar, and icons for data call, fax call, voice mail, etc.
The desire of showing ever more items of information in the display involves a need for a larger display area. In a dot matrix LCD display, a dot is produced by establishing a voltage difference across a voltage-sensitive medium by means of two electrodes. These electrodes are arranged as intersecting paths or wires (x, y) connected to respective x, y drivers along the edges of the display. In addition to the need for a larger display area, the users also want the telephones to be of minimized volume. It being known that the display must be capable of showing a plurality of different icons informing the user of various states, many manufacturers have decided to establish icon rows in which individual dots are designed in accordance with what the icon is to show, e.g. “ABC” or a telephone. This is an excellent solution, since an icon appears as a single dot, which saves connections.
However, the icon row involves the problem that no connecting lines or wires can be run past the icon row, and such wires must instead be run on the opposite display edge. If it is desired to arrange the icon row above the dot matrix area in a telephone, the wires from the dot matrix area to the display drivers on the glass discs must be run below this. As a consequence, a dead zone in which no other activities can take place, will be formed below the dot matrix area. This dead zone will typically be positioned in the transition between display and keypad. This is extremely unfortunate, since a telephone frequently comprises one or more mode-specific keys whose function is shown in the display—separated by this dead zone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention there is provided a display of a dot matrix type comprising a voltage-sensitive medium in connection with primary and secondary groups of conductive paths, wherein the optical state of the voltage-sensitive medium change locally to form a plurality of dot areas when a voltage difference is established by means of said conductive paths, wherein a first group of said dot areas is arranged in a pattern of substantially uniform dots to form a primary display area to display alphanumeric signs and the like, and wherein a second group of said dot areas is arranged in a predetermined pattern to form an icon area to display predetermined icons, the shape of the dot areas in one direction being adapted to the dot size in the primary display area and being adapted to the shape of the icons in another direction.
The display can accordingly have an icon row arranged such that the wires from the dot matrix area to the display drivers or controller may be run through the icon row.
The icon area will hereby serve as one or more rows in the dot matrix display in an electrical respect, and the conductive paths to this area are naturally run through the icon area and are also used for selecting dots to form the icons. The icon row will thus have the resolution of the dot matrix display in one direction. Dots will extend transversely to this direction in the entire width of the icon or in a considerable part thereof. Thus, the invention makes it possible to obtain the traditional system advantages of the icon row—viz. a small number of selectable dots having a good graphic appearance, combined with the possibility of allowing wires from the dot matrix area to pass through the icon area. The invention moreover relates to a portable telephone comprising a display of the above-mentioned type.
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European Search Report Van Roost, L Dec. 22, 1999 Place of Search: The Hague 1 page.
Nguyen Dung
Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
Perman & Green LLP
Sikes William L.
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