Patent Publication Number: US-2011069049-A1

Title: Organic led control surface display circuitry

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the invention are related to matrix displays, and more specifically, to an apparatus for driving an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays provide many advantages over traditional matrix displays, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), including the capability of providing thinner and more flexible displays, lower power consumption, and a wider viewing angle. An OLED is constructed from a number of thin films which, when applied with a supply current, produce monochromatic or polychromatic light through electroluminescence. An OLED display panel is constructed by arranging a number of OLEDs in a matrix configuration. Due to the use of thin films in their construction, OLED displays provide a thin, lightweight form factor. In addition, the supply current required to produce electroluminescence is very small in comparison to an LCD display. Additionally, OLED displays do not require the use of a backlight as required by LCD displays. 
     Control consoles, such as audio mixing consoles, typically include display devices used to add labels to identify the function of control devices on the surface of the control console. Typically, an individual display device is required for each label requiring the use of a number of display devices to identify each control device. The use of individual display for each label of the control console is cumbersome and requires extensive wiring to accomplish. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of a display apparatus includes a display panel having at least one segment line, at least one common line, and at least one display element coupled between the at least one segment line and the at least one common line. The display apparatus further includes a first segment driver circuit including at least one first segment driver coupled to a first end of the at least one segment line. The at least one first segment driver is configured to receive a first control signal and provide a first driving signal to the first end of the at least one segment line in response to receiving the first control signal. The display apparatus further includes a second segment driver circuit including at least one second segment driver coupled to a second end of the at least one segment line. The at least one second segment driver is configured to receive a second control signal and provide a second driving signal to the second end of the at least one segment line in response to receiving the second control signal. The display apparatus further includes a first common driver circuit including at least one first common driver coupled to a first end of the at least one common line. The at least one first common driver is configured to receive a third control signal and couple the at least one display element to a bias potential in response to receiving the third control signal. The display apparatus still further includes a second common driver circuit including at least one second common driver coupled to a second end of the at least one common line. The at least one second common driver is configured to receive the third control signal and couple the at least one display element to the bias potential in response to receiving the third control signal. 
     An embodiment of a control console includes a display panel having at least one segment line, at least one common line, and at least one display element coupled between the at least one segment line and the at least one common line. The display panel includes one or more cut-outs therethrough. The control console further includes a first segment driver circuit including at least one first segment driver coupled to a first end of the at least one segment line. The at least one first segment driver is configured to receive a first control signal and provide a first driving signal to the first end of the at least one segment line in response to receiving the first control signal. The control console further includes a second segment driver circuit including at least one second segment driver coupled to a second end of the at least one segment line. The second segment driver circuit is configured to receive a second control signal and provide a second driving signal to the second end of the at least one segment line in response to receiving the second control signal. The control console still further includes a first common driver circuit including at least one first common driver coupled to a first end of the at least one common line. The at least one first common driver is configured to receive a third control signal and couple the at least one display element to a bias potential in response to receiving the third control signal. The control console further includes a second common driver circuit including at least one second common driver coupled to a second end of the at least one common line. The at least one second common driver is configured to receive the third control signal and couple the at least one display element to the bias potential in response to receiving the third control signal. The control console still further includes at least one control device passing through the at least one cut-out. 
     Another embodiment of a display apparatus includes a display panel having at least one segment line, at least one common line, and at least one display element coupled between the at least one segment line and the at least one common line. The display apparatus further includes a first segment driver circuit including at least one first segment driver coupled to a first end of the at least one segment line. The at least one first segment driver is configured to receive a first control signal and provide a first driving signal to the first end of the at least one segment line in response to receiving the first control signal. The display apparatus further includes a second segment driver circuit including at least one second segment driver coupled to a second end of the at least one segment line. The at least one second segment driver is configured to receive a second control signal and provide a second driving signal to the second end of the at least one segment line in response to receiving the second control signal. The display apparatus further includes a first common driver circuit including at least one first common driver coupled to a first end of the at least one common line. The at least one first common driver is configured to receive a third control signal and couple the at least one display element to a bias potential in response to receiving the third control signal. 
     Another embodiment of a display apparatus includes a display panel having at least one segment line, at least one common line, and at least one display element coupled between the at least one segment line and the at least one common line. The display apparatus further includes a first segment driver circuit including at least one first segment driver coupled to a first end of the at least one segment line. The at least one first segment driver is configured to receive a first control signal and provide a first driving signal to the first end of the at least one segment line in response to receiving the first control signal. The display apparatus further includes a first common driver circuit including at least one first common driver coupled to a first end of the at least one common line. The at least one first common driver is configured to receive a second control signal and couple the at least one display element to a bias potential in response to receiving the second control signal. The display apparatus still further includes a second common driver circuit having at least one second common driver coupled to a second end of the at least one common line. The at least one second common driver is configured to receive the second control signal and couple the at least one display element to the bias potential in response to receiving the second control signal. 
     An embodiment of a display includes a plurality of illuminating elements arranged in an array of rows and columns, a plurality of row lines for delivering a row signal to connected ones of the illuminating elements in an associated row, and a plurality of column lines for delivering a column signal to connected ones of the illuminating elements in an associated column. The display further includes at least one opening defined in the array. The at least one opening defines one or more discontinuities in the associated row and column lines. The display further includes signal generators for generating column and row signals to either end of the row and signal lines such that the plurality of illuminating elements can be illuminated on either side of the at least one opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a structure of an OLED; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of an OLED display driving apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a timing diagram for the OLED display driving apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a timing diagram for the OLED display driving apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of an OLED display driving apparatus having a substantially rectangular cut-out through the OLED display panel; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of an OLED display driving apparatus having a substantially circular cut-out and substantially rectangular cut-out through the OLED display panel; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of an OLED display system including the OLED display driving apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate an embodiment of an audio mixing console including the OLED display driving apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an audio mixing console having an OLED display panel affixed to a surface of a console top having a curvilinear profile; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of an LCD display driving apparatus; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of an LCD display driving apparatus having a substantially circular cut-out and substantially rectangular cut-out through the LCD display panel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of organic LED control surface display circuitry are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a structure of an OLED  100 . The OLED  100  is an illuminating element which has a layered structure comprising a substrate  105 , an anode  110 , a conductive layer  115 , an emissive layer  120 , and a cathode  125 . Typically, the anode  110  is deposited on the substrate  105 , the conductive layer  115  overlays the anode  110 , the emissive layer  120  overlays the conductive layer  115 , and the cathode  125  overlays the emissive layer  125 . The substrate  105  is typically formed of glass or transparent plastic, and may be fixed or made of a flexible material. The anode  110  is typically made of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) which is transparent and allows light to pass through to the substrate  105 . The conductive layer  115  and the emissive layer  120  are organic layers which can be made of either organic molecules or polymers. The emissive layer  120 , which functions as an electron transport layer, is typically made of tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium, commonly abbreviated as Alq 3 . The conductive layer  115 , which functions as a hole transport layer, may be made from a variety of organic and/or polymer materials. One factor used in determining the composition of the conductive layer  115  is the desired color of the light emission. For example, if green is desired it is common to use the combination of Mq 3 , where M is a Group III metal and q 3  is 8-hydroxyquinolate. Blue may be achieved by using Alq 2 OPh and red may be achieved with perylene derivatives. The cathode  125  is typically made of some sort of alloy such as Li:Al or Mg:Ag. These particular alloys are chosen because their low work function enables electrons to be easily pumped into the organic layers. When a voltage is applied across the anode  110  and the cathode  125 , the conductive layer  115  passes electron “holes” from the anode  110 . The emissive layer  120  passes electrons from the cathode  125 . When the holes and electrons interact an exciton is emitted and light is created thereby illuminating the OLED  100 . 
     OLED displays may be either monochromatic or full color. Monochromatic displays include a number of OLEDs of a single color. In contrast, color OLED displays may be constructed using a variety of techniques including (1) using individual red, green, and blue OLED subpixels to form a single pixel; (2) using a white OLED with red, green, and blue passband filters to form a single pixel; (3) using a blue OLED with red and green downconvertors as well as a transparent spacer to pass blue light to form a single pixel; (4) using a white OLED with dielectric stacks to perform microcavity filtering to provide red, green, and blue light to form a single pixel; and (5) and using a single color-tunable OLED that has the capability to be tuned to different colors by varying an applied voltage to form a single pixel. 
       FIG. 2  is an embodiment of an OLED display driving apparatus  200 . The OLED display driving apparatus  200  includes an OLED display panel  205 , a first segment driver circuit  210 , a second segment driver circuit  215 , a first common driver circuit  220 , and a second common driver circuit  225 . The OLED display panel  205  includes a first segment line  230 , a second segment line  235 , a third segment line  240 , a fourth segment line  245 , and a fifth segment line  250 , each arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and substantially parallel to each other. In at least one embodiment, the first segment line  230 , the second segment line  235 , the third segment line  240 , the fourth segment line  245 , and the fifth segment line  250  are column lines of the OLED display panel  205 . The OLED display panel further includes a first common line  255 , a second common line  260 , a third common line  265 , and a fourth common line  270 , each arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation and substantially parallel to each other. In at least one embodiment, the first common line  255 , the second common line  260 , the third common line  265 , and the fourth common line  270  are row lines of the OLED display panel  205 . The segment lines  230 - 250  and common lines  255 - 270  are arranged in a grid configuration to form a display matrix. The OLED display panel  205  further includes a number of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) D 1 -D 20 . In at least one embodiment the OLED D 1 -D 20  are arranged in an array of rows and columns in the OLED display panel  205 . Each of the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  is coupled between a particular segment line  230 - 250  and particular common line  255 - 270  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . For example, OLED D 1  is coupled between the first segment line  230  and the first common line  255 , OLED D 2  is coupled between the second segment line  235  and the first common line  255 , OLED D 6  is coupled between the first segment line  230  and the second common line  260 , and OLED D 20  is coupled between the fifth segment line  250  and the fourth common line  270 . Although the described embodiments are illustrated as using twenty OLEDs for the sake of clarity, it should be understood that in other embodiments, an OLED display panel including many more OLEDs may be used. In addition, although the described embodiments are illustrated using a monchromatic OLED display panel  205 , it should be understood that color OLED displays may be used in other embodiments. 
     The first segment driver circuit  210  includes a first segment driver  275  coupled to a first end of the first segment line  230 , a second segment driver  280  coupled to a first end of the second segment line  235 , a third segment driver  285  coupled to a first end of the third segment line  240 , a fourth segment driver  290  coupled to a first end of the fourth segment line  245 , and a fifth segment driver  300  coupled to a first end of the fifth segment line  250 . The second segment driver circuit  215  includes a sixth segment driver  305  coupled to a second end of the first segment line  230 , a seventh segment driver  310  coupled to a second end of the second segment line  235 , an eight segment driver  315  coupled to a second end of the third segment line  240 , a ninth segment driver  320  coupled to a second end of the fourth segment line  245 , and a tenth segment driver  325  coupled to a second end of the fifth segment line  250 . In at least one embodiment, each of the first segment driver  275 , second segment driver  280 , third segment driver  285 , fourth segment driver  290 , fifth segment driver  300 , sixth segment driver  305 , seventh segment driver  310 , eighth segment driver  315 , ninth segment driver  320 , and tenth segment driver  325  include a current source. Each of the first segment driver  275 , second segment driver  280 , third segment driver  285 , fourth segment driver  290 , fifth segment driver  300 , sixth segment driver  305 , seventh segment driver  310 , eighth segment driver  315 , ninth segment driver  320 , and tenth segment driver  325  are configured to provide a driving signal to the segment line  230 - 250  to which it is coupled in response to receiving a respective control signal seg 1 , seg 2 , seg 3 , seg 4 , seg 5 , seg 1 ′, seg 2 ′, seg 3 ′ seg 4 ′, and seg 5 ′. In at least one embodiment, the first segment driver circuit  210  and the second segment driver circuit  215  include signal generators for generating one or more column signals to each end of the one or more segment (or column) lines  230 - 250 . 
     The first common driver circuit  220  includes a first switch  330  coupled to a first end of the first common line  255 , a second switch  335  coupled to a first end of the second common line  260 , a third switch  340  coupled to a first end of the third common line  265 , and a fourth switch  345  coupled to a first end of the fourth common line  270 . Each of the first switch  330 , second switch  335 , third switch  340 , and fourth switch  345  are configured to couple the common line  255 - 270  to which it is coupled to a bias potential  350  in response to receiving a respective control signal com 1 , com 2 , com 3 , and com 4 . In at least one embodiment, the bias potential  350  is a ground connection. In other embodiments, the bias potential  350  may be a positive bias or a negative bias depending upon requirements of the particular OLED D 1 -D 20 . The second common driver circuit  225  includes a fifth switch  355  coupled to a second end of the first common line  255 , a sixth switch  360  coupled to a second end of the second common line  260 , a seventh switch  365  coupled to a second end of the third common line  265 , and an eighth switch  370  coupled to a second end of the fourth common line  270 . Each of the fifth switch  355 , sixth switch  360 , seventh switch  365 , and eighth switch  370  are configured to couple the common line  255 - 270  to which it is coupled to the bias potential  350  in response to receiving a respective control signal com  1 ′, com 2 ′, com 3 ′, and com 4 ′. In at least one embodiment, the first common driver circuit  220  and the second common driver circuit  225  include signal generators for generating one or more row signals to each end of the one or more common (or row) lines  255 - 270 . 
     In order to illuminate a particular OLED D 1 -D 20 , the segment line  230 - 250  to which the particular OLED D 1 -D 20  is coupled is provided with one or more driving signals, such as a driving current, and the common line  255 - 270  to which the particular OLED D 1 -D 20  is coupled is connected to the bias potential  350 , thereby coupling the OLED D 1 -D 20  to the bias potential  350  and allowing current to flow through the particular OLED D 1 -D 20  resulting in illumination of the OLED D 1 -D 20 . In a particular embodiment in which it is desired to illuminate OLED D 1 , a first control signal seg 1  is provided to the first segment driver circuit  210  indicating that first segment driver circuit  210  should activate first segment driver  275  to provide a first driving signal to a first end of first segment line  230 . Additionally, a second control signal seg 1 ′ is provided to the second segment driver circuit  215  indicating that the second segment driver circuit  215  should activate the sixth segment driver  305  to provide a second driving signal to a second end of the first segment line  230 . In at least one embodiment, the first driving signal and the second driving signal are applied to the first and second ends of the first segment line  230  at substantially the same time. In other embodiments, the first driving signal and the second driving signal are applied to the first and second ends of the first segment line  230  at different times. 
     A third control signal (com 1 ) is provided to both the first common driver circuit  220  and a fourth control signal (com 1 ′) is provided to the second common driver circuit  225 . The third control signal (com  1 ) instructs the first common driver circuit  220  to close the first switch  330  to couple a first end of the first common line  255  to the bias potential  350 . The fourth control signal (com 1 ′) instructs the second common driver circuit  225  to close the fifth switch  355  to couple a second end of the first common line  255  to the bias potential  350 . In various embodiments, the third control signal is the same as the fourth control signal, and the first switch  330  and the fifth switch  355  close at substantially the same time. As a result of the providing of one or more of the first driving signal and the second driving signal to the first segment line  230  by one or more of the first segment driver  275  and the sixth segment driver  305 , and the coupling of the first common line  255  to the bias potential  350  by one or more of the first switch  330  or the fifth switch  255 , current flows through the OLED D 1  resulting in illumination of the OLED D 1 . 
     In other embodiments, the first common driver circuit  220  and the second common driver circuit  225  may be configured to provide common driving signals to each of the common lines  255 - 270  instead of directly coupling the common lines  255 - 270  to the bias potential  350 . In a particular embodiment, the OLED display panel  205  may be an active-matrix display in which each of the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  include a thin film transistor (TFT) (not specifically shown for figure clarity reasons) having a gate that is coupled to a particular common line  255 - 270 . In response to the gate of a TFT associated with a particular OLED D 1 -D 20  receiving the common drive signal from one or more of the first common driver circuit  220  and the second common driver circuit  225 , the TFT is switched on thereby coupling the particular OLED D 1 -D 20  to a bias potential  350 . The bias potential  350  may be a ground connection, a common ground plane, a positive bias, or a negative bias depending on the type (N or P type) of TFT used in conjunction with the OLED display elements. As a result, the driving signal from one or more of the first segment driver circuit  210  and second segment driver circuit  215  flows through the particular OLED D 1 -D 20  and into the bias potential  350  resulting in illumination of the particular OLED D 1 -D 20 . In at least one embodiment, the common driving signals are applied to the first and second ends of the particular common line  255 - 270  at substantially the same time. In other embodiments, the common driving signals are applied to the first and second ends of the particular common line  255 - 270  at different times. 
     In at least one embodiment, an advantage provided by having a first segment driver circuit  210 , a second segment driver circuit  215 , a first common driver circuit  220 , and a second common driver circuit  225 , is that one or more of the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  may be cut or otherwise removed from the OLED display panel  205  while still retaining functionality for one or more of the remaining OLEDs coupled to the same segment line and common line as the one or more removed OLEDs D 1 -D 20 , as will be further described hereinafter. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a timing diagram  400  for the OLED display driving apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the first segment drive circuit  210  and the second segment driver circuit  215  provide first and second driving signals to the first and second ends, respectively, of a particular segment line  230 - 250  at substantially the same time. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the common lines  255 - 270  are sequentially scanned such that only one of the common lines  255 - 270  are grounded at a particular time. In addition, the illuminated or non-illuminated state of the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  coupled to the grounded common line  255 - 270  are set by either turning on or off the associated segment drivers  275 - 325  during the grounded state of the common line  255 - 270 . For example, in one embodiment the first common line  255  is scanned, then the second common line  260  is scanned, then the third common line  265  is scanned, and finally the fourth common line  270  is scanned. The time required for the sequential scanning of all of the common lines  255 - 270  is termed a frame period. The process then repeats beginning at the first common line  255  until another frame has been scanned. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the control signals seg 1  and seg 1 ′ illustrate embodiments of waveforms  405  for control signals for the first segment driver  275  of the first segment driver circuit  210  and the sixth segment driver  305  of the second segment driver circuit  215 , respectively. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the control signal seg 1  and control signal seg 1 ′ are substantially the same such that the first segment driver  275  and the sixth segment driver  305  are either providing a driving signal or turned off at substantially the same time. The control signals com 1  and com 1 ′ illustrate an embodiment of a waveform  410  for control signals for the first switch  330  of the first common driver circuit  220  and the fifth switch  355  of the second common driver circuit  225 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the control signals com 1  and com 1 ′ are substantially the same such that the first switch  330  and the fifth switch  355  are both either closed or open at substantially the same time. The control signals com 2  and com 2 ′ illustrate an embodiment of a waveform  415  for control signals for the second switch  335  of the first common driver circuit  220  and the sixth switch  360  of the second common driver circuit  225 . In the illustrated embodiment, the control signals com 2  and com 2 ′ are substantially the same such that the second switch  335  and the sixth switch  360  are both either closed or open at substantially the same time. The control signals com 3  and com 3 ′ illustrate an embodiment of a waveform  420  for control signals for the third switch  340  of the first common driver circuit  220  and the seventh switch  365  of the second common driver circuit  225 . In the illustrated embodiment, the control signals com 3  and com 3 ′ are substantially the same such that the third switch  340  and the seventh switch  365  are both either closed or open at substantially the same time. The control signals com 4  and com 4 ′ illustrate an embodiment of a waveform  425  for control signals for the fourth switch  345  of the first common driver circuit  220  and the eighth switch  370  of the second common driver circuit  225 . In the illustrated embodiment, the control signals com 4  and com 4 ′ are substantially the same such that the fourth switch  345  and the eighth switch  370  are both either closed or open during substantially the same time. 
     At time t 0 , the seg 1  and seg 1 ′ control signals are set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 1  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during a first frame period such that the first segment driver  275  and the sixth segment driver  305  will be either turned on or off. Although not illustrated for clarity purposes, the illuminated or non-illuminated status of OLEDs D 2 -D 5  will also be set by corresponding control signals seg 2 -seg 5  and seg 2 ′-seg 5 ′. The com 1  and com 1 ′ control signals are set low indicating that first switch  330  and fifth switch  355  are closed to coupled the first common line  255  to the bias potential  350 . The control signals com 2 , com 2 ′, com 3 , com 3 ′, and com 4 , com 4 ′ are set high indicating that switches  335 ,  340 ,  345 ,  360 ,  365 , and  370  are to be open, thus uncoupling common lines  260 ,  265 , and  270  from the bias potential  350 . As a result, if OLED D 1  is intended to be illuminated during the first frame period, current will flow from the first segment driver  275  and/or sixth segment driver  305  through the OLED D 1  and into the bias potential  350 . At time t 1 , the control signals seg 1  and seg 1 ′ control signals are set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 6  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during the first frame period and control signals com 1  and com 1 ′ are set high resulting in the opening of the first switch  330  and the fifth switch  355 . Control signals com 2  and com 2 ′ are set low resulting in the closing of the second switch  335  and the sixth switch  360 . At time t 2 , the control signals seg 1  and seg 1 ′ control signals are set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 11  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during the first frame period and control signals com 2  and com 2 ′ are set high resulting in the opening of the second switch  335  and the sixth switch  360 . Control signals com 3  and com 3 ′ are set low resulting in the closing of the third switch  340  and the seventh switch  365 . At time t 3 , the control signals seg 1  and seg 1 ′ control signals are set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 16  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during the first frame period and control signals com 3  and com 3 ′ are set high resulting in the opening of the third switch  340  and the seventh switch  365 . Control signals com 4  and com 4 ′ are set low resulting in the closing of the fourth switch  345  and the eighth switch  370 . 
     At time t 4 , the first frame period is completed, all of the common lines  255 - 270  having been scanned, and a second frame period begins. Beginning at time t 4 , the control signals seg 1  and seg 1 ′ are set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 1  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during the second frame period and control signals com 4  and com 4 ′ are set high resulting in the opening of the fourth switch  345  and the eight switch  370 . Control signals com 1  and com 1 ′ are again set low resulting in the closing of the first switch  330  and the fifth switch  355  to scan the first common line  255 . At times t 5 , t 6 , and t 7 , the second common line  260 , third common line  265 , and fourth common line  270 , respectively, are scanned to complete the second frame period. 
     Accordingly, the first segment driver circuit  210  and the second segment driver circuit  215  provide driving signals at opposite ends of a segment line  230 - 250  substantially simultaneously. In addition, the first common driver circuit  220  and the second common driver circuit  225  couple each end of a common line  255 - 270  to the bias potential  350  substantially simultaneously. As a result, the OLED display panel  205  may be cut, resulting in some of the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  being removed and/or portions of one or more segment lines  230 - 250  and/or common lines  255 - 270  being broken, while still providing a particular OLED D 1 -D 20  with a driving signal and a bias potential  350  as long as the particular OLED D 1 -D 20  still maintains a connection to at least one end of a common line  255 - 270  and at least one end of a segment line  230 - 250 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a timing diagram  500  for the OLED display driving apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the first segment driver circuit  210  and the second segment driver circuit  215  provide first and second driving signals to the first and second ends, respectively, of a particular segment line  230 - 250  at substantially alternate times during the scanning of a particular common line  255 - 270 . The embodiment of  FIG. 4  may be used in situations in which it is desired to prevent the first segment driver circuit  210  and the second segment driver circuit  215  from providing driving signals to a particular segment line  230 - 250  at the same time, such as to limit the amount of current that may be applied to a particular OLED D 1 -D 20 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the common lines  255 - 270  are sequentially scanned in the same manner as described with respect to  FIG. 3  such that only one of the common lines  255 - 270  are coupled to the bias potential  350  at a particular time. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the waveforms for control signals com 1 , com 1 ′, com 2 , com 2 ′, com 3 , com 3 ′, com 4 , and com 4 ′ are substantially the same as described with respect to  FIG. 3 . However, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the waveform  505  for control signal seg 1  and the waveform  510  for control seg 1 ′ are configured such that there is substantially no overlap between the first driving signal being provided by the first segment driver  275  and the second driving signal being provided by the sixth segment driver  305  during a scan period for a particular common line  255 - 270 . 
     At time t 0 , the seg 1  control signal is set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 1  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during a first frame period such that the first segment driver  275  will be either turned on or off during the scanning of the first common line  255 . At time t 0 ′, the seg 1  control signal turns off the first segment driver  275  and the seg 1 ′ control signal is set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 1  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during the first frame period. In at least one embodiment, the time t 0 ′ falls substantially halfway between time t 0  and time t 1  such that the first segment driver  275  and the sixth segment driver  305  provide driving signals to the first segment line  230  for substantially the same length of time during the scanning of the first common line  255 , but during substantially alternate time periods. At time t 1 , the sixth segment driver  305  turns off and the first segment driver  275  will be either turned on or off during the scanning of the first common line  255  depending upon whether OLED D 6  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during the first frame period. At time t 1 ′, the seg 1  control signal turns off the first segment driver  275  and the seg 1 ′ control signal is set to either high or low depending upon whether OLED D 6  is to be illuminated or non-illuminated during the first frame period. The process continues for times t 2 -t 7 ′ as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Accordingly, the first segment driver circuit  210  and the second segment driver circuit  215  provide driving signals at opposite ends of a segment line  230 - 250  at alternate times during the scanning of a particular common line  255 - 270 . As a result, the OLED display panel  205  may be cut, resulting in some of the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  being removed and/or portions of one or more segment lines  230 - 250  and/or common lines  255 - 270  being broken, while still providing a particular OLED D 1 -D 20  with a driving signal during at least a portion of the scanning period of a common line  255 - 270 , as well as a grounding connection  350  during substantially the entire portion of the scanning period, as long as the particular OLED D 1 -D 20  still maintains a connection to at least one end of a common line  255 - 270  and at least one end of a segment line  230 - 250 . 
       FIG. 5  is an embodiment of an OLED display driving apparatus  600  having a substantially rectangular cut-out  605  defining an opening through the OLED display panel  205 . In particular embodiments, the rectangular cut-out  605  may be used to pass one or more control devices, such as a switch or slider, through the OLED display panel  205  as further described herein. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the rectangular cut-out  605  results in the removal of OLED D 8  and OLED D 13 , as well as breaks, or discontinuities, in the third segment line  240 , the second common line  260 , and the third common line  265 . The use of the second segment driver circuit  215  to provide a second driving signal to the third segment line  240  and the second common driver circuit  225  to couple common lines  260  and  265  to the bias potential  350 , enables the remaining OLEDs D 1 -D 7 , D 9 -D 12 , and D 14 -D 20  to remain operable despite the presence of the rectangular cut-out  605 . Without the use of the second segment driver circuit  215  and second common driver circuit  225 , OLEDs D 9 -D 10 , D 14 -D 15 , and D 18  would remain inoperable. Although the embodiment of  FIG. 5  is illustrated with respect to a rectangular cut-out  605 , it should be understood that in other embodiments the OLED display panel  205  may have one or more cut-outs of any shape and/or size. 
       FIG. 6  is an embodiment of an OLED display driving apparatus  700  having a substantially circular cut-out  705  defining a first opening and substantially rectangular cut-out  710  defining a second opening through the OLED display panel  205 . In particular embodiments, the circular cut-out  705  and rectangular cut-out  710  may be used to pass one or more control devices, such as switches, sliders, or knobs, through the OLED display panel  205  as further described herein. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the circular cut-out  705  results in the removal of OLED D 7 , as well as breaks, or discontinuities, in the second segment line  235  and the second common line  260 . The rectangular cut-out  710  results in the removal of OLED D 9  and OLED D 14 , as well as breaks, or discontinuities, in the fourth segment line  245 , the second common line  260 , and the third common line  265 . Use of the second segment driver circuit  215  to provide a second driving signal to the fourth segment line  245  and the second common driver circuit  225  to couple common lines  260  and  265  to the bias potential  350 , enables OLEDs D 1 -D 6 , D 10 -D 13 , and D 15 -D 20  to remain operable despite the presence of the circular cut-out  705  and the rectangular cut-out  710 . However, in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , OLED D 8  remains inoperative since it has no connection to the bias potential  350 . Without the use of the second segment driver circuit  215  and second common driver circuit  225 , OLEDs D 10 , D 12 , D 15 , D 17 , and D 19  would also remain inoperable. Although the embodiment of  FIG. 6  is illustrated with respect to a circular cut-out  705  and rectangular cut-out  710 , it should be understood that in other embodiments the OLED display panel  205  may have one or more cut-outs of any shape and/or size. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of an OLED display system  800  including the OLED display driving apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2 . The OLED display system  800  includes a processor  805 , a display memory  810 , a display controller  815 , and the OLED display driving apparatus  200  including the first segment driver circuit  210 , the second segment driver circuit  215 , the first common driver circuit  220 , and the second common driver circuit  225 . The processor  805  is in communication with the display memory  810 . The display memory  810  is in further communication with the display controller  815 . The display controller  815  is in further communication with each of the first segment driver circuit  210 , the second segment driver circuit  215 , the first common driver circuit  220 , and the second common driver circuit  225 . The first segment driver circuit  210  is coupled to a first end of a plurality of segment lines  230 - 250  of the OLED display panel  205 , and the second segment driver circuit  215  is coupled to second end of the plurality of segment lines  230 - 250  of the OLED display panel  205 . The first common driver circuit  220  is coupled to a first end of a plurality of common lines  255 - 270  of the OLED display panel  205 , and the second common driver circuit  225  is coupled to a second end of the plurality of common lines  255 - 270 . Although the processor  805 , the display memory  810 , the display controller  815 , the first segment driver circuit  210 , the second segment driver circuit  215 , the first common driver circuit  220 , and the second common driver circuit  225  are illustrated as separate components, it should be understood that in some embodiments one or more of the components may be integrated into a single component. 
     During operation, the processor  805  stores one or more images to be displayed on the OLED display panel  205  within the display memory  810 . In at least one embodiment, the processor  805  includes a central processing unit (CPU). The display controller  815  receives an image to be displayed on the OLED panel  205  and sends control signals to each of the first segment driver circuit  210 , the second segment driver circuit  215 , the first common driver circuit  220 , and the second common driver circuit  225 . The control signals instruct the first segment driver circuit  210  and the second segment driver circuit  215  to provide a driving signal to the segment lines  230 - 250  corresponding to the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  that are to be illuminated in order to display the image. In addition, the control signals instruct the first common driver circuit  220  and the second common driver circuit  225  to scan the common lines  255 - 270  to generate the image on the OLED display panel  205 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate an embodiment of an audio mixing console  900  including the OLED display driving apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 8A  illustrates a top view of the audio mixing console  900 .  FIG. 8B  illustrates a perspective view of the audio mixing console  900 .  FIG. 8C  illustrates an exploded view of the audio mixing console  900 . The audio mixing console  900  includes an OLED display panel  205  overlaid on and attached to a console top  905 . As illustrated particularly in  FIG. 8C , the flexible and thin nature of the OLED display panel  205  allows the OLED display panel  205  to be attached to the console top  905  in a rolling motion. The OLED display panel  205  and console top  905  include a first substantially circular cut-out  910 , a second substantially circular cut-out  915 , and a slot cut-out  920  passing therethrough. The first substantially circular cut-out  910 , the second substantially circular cut-out  915 , and the slot cut-out  920  are configured to allow one or more user interface portions  925   a ,  925   b , and  925   c  of one or more audio control devices  930   a ,  930   b ,  930   c  to be positioned through the OLED display panel  205 . The one or more audio control devices  930   a ,  930   b ,  930   c  are mounted to a surface of a printed circuit board (PCB)  935  disposed within a console case  940 . The OLED display panel  205  and console top  905  are further affixed to a top portion of the console case  940 . In a particular embodiment, the audio control devices  930   a  and  930   b  include rotary potentiometers and the audio control device  930   c  includes a sliding potentiometer. In a particular embodiment, the one or more user interface portions  930   a ,  930   b , and  930   c  include control knobs affixed to the audio control devices  930   a ,  930   b , and  930   c.    
     The audio mixing console  900  further includes the OLED display system  800  mounted to the surface of the PCB  935 . The OLED display system  800  includes the first segment driver circuit  210  coupled to segment lines  230 - 250  at a top edge of the OLED display panel  205  ( FIG. 2 ) with connectors  801  at the edge of panel  205 , a second segment driver circuit  215  coupled to segment lines  230 - 250  at a bottom edge of the OLED display panel  205  with connectors  801 , a first common driver circuit  220  coupled to common lines  255 - 270  at a left edge of the OLED display panel  205  with connectors  801 , and a second common driver circuit  225  coupled to common lines  255 - 270  at a right edge of the OLED display panel  205  with connectors  801 . The OLED display system  800  is configured to display one or more images on the OLED display panel  205 . In at least one embodiment, the OLED display system  800  is configured to display an image including a plurality of labels  945   a - 945   f  corresponding to the audio control devices  930   a - 930   c  using the OLEDs D 1 -D 20  of the OLED display panel  205 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the audio mixing console  900  is configured to receive one or more audio signals, process the audio signals according to audio mixing processes controllable by the user using the one or more audio control devices  930   a - 930   c , and output one or more processed audio signals. In various embodiments, the particular audio mixing processes corresponding to a particular audio control device  930   a - 930   c  are reconfigurable by the user. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the audio mixing console  900  is configured to allow the labels  945   a - 945   f  corresponding to the audio control devices  930   a - 930   c  to also be reconfigureable by displaying a new image on the OLED display  205 . In the particular embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8B , the OLED display panel  205  is displaying an image in which the label  945   a  displaying “guitar #1” and the label  945   b  displaying “BASS” are associated with audio control device  930   a , the label  945   c  displaying “guitar #1” and the label  945   d  displaying “TREBLE” are associated with audio control device  930   b , and the label  945   e  displaying “guitar #1” and the label  945   f  displaying “VOLUME” are associated with audio control device  930   c . However, if the user wishes to reconfigure the functions of audio control devices  930   a - 930   c , a new image may be displayed on the OLED display panel  205  having labels corresponding to the new functions of the audio control devices  930   a - 930   c . In still other embodiments, an audio mixing console may include a plurality of OLED display panels  205 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an audio mixing console  1000  having an OLED display panel  205  affixed to a surface of a console top  950  having a curvilinear profile. Due to the flexible nature of certain embodiments of the OLED display panel  205 , the OLED display panel  205  may be affixed to a curved surface and still maintain functionality. The OLED display panel  205  and console top  950  are further affixed to a console case  955 . The OLED display panel  205  and console top  950  further include one or more cut-outs  960   a - 960   d  therethrough to allow the mounting of one or more audio control devices  965   a - 965   d . The OLED display panel  205  is configured to display one or more labels  970   a - 970   d  associated with the one or more audio control devices  965   a - 965   d.    
     Although the embodiments of  FIGS. 8A-8C  and  9  are illustrated using audio processing consoles in the form of audio mixing consoles, it should be understood that other embodiments may include any type of control panel and/or control console. In addition, although the embodiments described in  FIGS. 1-9  are described as including an OLED display panel it should be understood that in other embodiments, any display panel matrix may be used. In addition, although the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-9  are illustrated as using OLEDs, it should be understood that in other embodiments other types of display or illuminating elements, such as LCD display elements, may be used. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of an LCD display driving apparatus  1100 . The LCD display driving apparatus  1100  includes an LCD display panel  1102 , a first segment driver circuit  1104 , a second segment driver circuit  1106 , a first common driver circuit  1108 , and a second common driver circuit  1110 . The LCD display panel  1102  includes a first segment line  1112 , a second segment line  1114 , a third segment line  1116 , a fourth segment line  1118 , and a fifth segment line  1120 , each arranged in a substantially vertical orientation and substantially parallel to each other. The LCD display panel  1102  further includes a first common line  1122 , a second common line  1124 , a third common line  1126 , and a fourth common line  1128 , each arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation and substantially parallel to each other. The segment lines  1112 - 1120  and common lines  1122 - 1128  are arranged in a grid configuration to form a display matrix. The LCD display panel  1102  further includes a number of LCD display elements L 1 -L 20 . Each of the LCD display elements L 1 -L 20  is coupled between a particular segment line  1112 - 1120  and a particular common line  1122 - 1128 . For example, LCD display element L 1  is coupled between the first segment line  1112  and the first common line  1122 . Although the described embodiments are illustrated as using twenty LCD display elements for the sake of clarity, it should be understood that in other embodiments, an LCD display panel including many more LCD display elements may be used. 
     The first segment driver circuit  1104  includes a first segment driver  1130  coupled to a first end of the first segment line  1112 , a second segment driver  1132  coupled to a first end of the second segment line  1114 , a third segment driver  1134  coupled to a first end of the third segment line  1116 , a fourth segment driver  1136  coupled to a first end of the fourth segment line  1118 , and a fifth segment driver  1138  coupled to a first end of the fifth segment line  1120 . The second segment driver circuit  1106  includes a sixth segment driver  1140  coupled to a second end of the first segment line  1112 , a seventh segment driver  1142  coupled to a second end of the second segment line  1114 , an eight segment driver  1144  coupled to a second end of the third segment line  1116 , a ninth segment driver  1146  coupled to a second end of the fourth segment line  1118 , and a tenth segment driver  1148  coupled to a second end of the fifth segment line  1120 . In at least one embodiment, each of the first segment driver  1130 , second segment driver  1132 , third segment driver  1134 , fourth segment driver  1136 , fifth segment driver  1138 , sixth segment driver  1140 , seventh segment driver  1142 , eighth segment driver  1144 , ninth segment driver  1146 , and tenth segment driver  1148  include a voltage source. Each of the first segment driver  1130 , second segment driver  1132 , third segment driver  1134 , fourth segment driver  1136 , fifth segment driver  1138 , sixth segment driver  1140 , seventh segment driver  1142 , eighth segment driver  1144 , ninth segment driver  1146 , and tenth segment driver  1148  are configured to provide a driving signal to the segment line  1122 - 1118  to which it is coupled in response to receiving a respective control signal seg 1 , seg 2 , seg 3 , seg 4 , seg 5 , seg 1 ′, seg 2 ′, seg 3 ′ seg 4 ′, and seg 5 ′. 
     The first common driver circuit  1108  includes a first switch  1150  coupled to a first end of the first common line  1122 , a second switch  1152  coupled to a first end of the second common line  1124 , a third switch  1154  coupled to a first end of the third common line  1126 , and a fourth switch  1156  coupled to a first end of the fourth common line  1128 . Each of the first switch  1150 , second switch  1152 , third switch  1154 , and fourth switch  1156  are configured to couple the common line  1122 - 1128  to which it is coupled to a bias potential  1158  in response to receiving a respective control signal com 1 , com 2 , com 3 , and com 4 . In at least one embodiment, the bias potential  1158  is a ground connection. The second common driver circuit  1110  includes a fifth switch  1160  coupled to a second end of the first common line  1122 , a sixth switch  1162  coupled to a second end of the second common line  1124 , a seventh switch  1164  coupled to a second end of the third common line  1126 , and an eighth switch  1166  coupled to a second end of the fourth common line  1128 . Each of the fifth switch  1160 , sixth switch  1162 , seventh switch  1164 , and eighth switch  1166  are configured to couple the common line  1122 - 1128  to which it is coupled to the bias potential  1158  in response to receiving a respective control signal com 1 ′, com 2 ′, com 3 ′, and com 4 ′. 
     In order to illuminate a particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20 , the segment line  1112 - 1120  to which the particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20  is coupled is provided with one or more driving signals, such as a driving voltage, and the common line  1122 - 1128  to which the particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20  is coupled is connected to the bias potential  1158 , thereby allowing voltage to flow through the particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20  resulting in illumination of the LCD display element L 1 -L 20 . In a particular embodiment in which it is desired to illuminate LCD display element L 1 , a first control signal seg 1  is provided to the first segment driver circuit  1104  indicating that first segment driver circuit  1104  should activate first segment driver  1130  to provide a first driving signal to a first end of first segment line  1112 . Additionally, a second control signal seg 1 ′ is provided to the second segment driver circuit  1106  indicating that the second segment driver circuit  1106  should activate the sixth segment driver  1140  to provide a second driving signal to a second end of the first segment line  1112 . A third control signal (com 1 ) is provided to both the first common driver circuit  1108  and a fourth control signal (com 1 ′) is provided to the second common driver circuit  1110 . The third control signal (com  1 ) instructs the first common driver circuit  1108  to close the first switch  1150  to couple a first end of the first common line  1122  to the bias potential  1158 , and the fourth control signal (com 1 ′) instructs the second common driver circuit  1110  to close the fifth switch  1160  to couple a second end of the first common line  1122  to the bias potential  1158 . Various embodiments the LCD display panel  1102  operate in similar manner to the embodiments of the OLED display panel  205  described with respect to  FIGS. 1-9 . 
     In other embodiments, the first common driver circuit  1108  and the second common driver circuit  1110  may be configured to provide common driving signals to each of the common lines  1122 - 1128  instead of directly coupling the common lines  1122 - 1128  to the bias potential  1158 . In a particular embodiment, the LCD display panel  1102  may be an active-matrix display in which each of the LCD display elements L 1 -L 20  include a thin film transistor (TFT) (Not specifically shown for figure clarity purposes) having a gate that is coupled to a particular common line  1112 - 1128 . In response to the gate of a TFT associated with a particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20  receiving the common drive signal from one or more of the first common driver circuit  1108  and the second common driver circuit  1110 , the TFT is switched on thereby coupling the particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20  to the bias potential  1158 . Wherein the bias potential  1158  is a ground connection, a common ground plane, a positive bias, or a negative bias depending on the type (N or P type) of TFT used in conjunction with the LCD display elements. As a result, the driving signal from one or more of the first segment driver circuit  1104  and second segment driver circuit  1106  flows through the particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20  and into the bias potential  1158 , resulting in illumination of the particular LCD display element L 1 -L 20 . In at least one embodiment, the common driving signals are applied to the first and second ends of the particular common line  1122 - 1128  at substantially the same time. In other embodiments, the common driving signals are applied to the first and second ends of the particular common line  1122 - 1128  at different times. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of an LCD display driving apparatus  1200  having a substantially circular cut-out  1202  and substantially rectangular cut-out  1204  through the LCD display panel  1102 . In particular embodiments, the circular cut-out  1202  and rectangular cut-out  1204  may be used to pass one or more control devices, such as switches, sliders, or knobs, through the LCD display panel  1102 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the circular cut-out  1202  results in the removal of LCD display element L 7 , as well as breaks or discontinuities in the second segment line  1114  and the second common line  1124 . The rectangular cut-out  1204  results in the removal of LCD display element L 9  and LCD display element L 14 , as well as breaks in the fourth segment line  1118 , the second common line  1124 , and the third common line  1126 . Use of the second segment driver circuit  1106  to provide a second driving signal to the second segment line  1114  and the fourth segment line  1118 , and the second common driver circuit  1110  to couple common lines  1124  and  1126  to the bias potential  1158 , enables LCD display elements L 1 -L 6 , L 10 -L 13 , and L 15 -L 20  to remain operable despite the presence of the circular cut-out  1202  and the rectangular cut-out  1204 . However, in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , LCD display element L 8  remains inoperative since it has no connection to the bias potential  1158 . Without the use of the second segment driver circuit  1106  and second common driver circuit  1110 , LCD display elements L 10 , L 12 , L 15 , L 17 , and L 19  would also remain inoperable. Although the embodiment of  FIG. 6  is illustrated with respect to a circular cut-out  1202  and rectangular cut-out  1204 , it should be understood that in other embodiments the LCD display panel  1102  may have one or more cut-outs of any shape and/or size. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that embodiments of this organic LED control surface display circuitry provides an OLED display driving apparatus including a first segment driver circuit, second segment driver circuit, first common driver circuit and second common driver circuit which allow one or more cut-outs to be disposed within an OLED display panel while maintaining functionality of a substantial number of OLEDs of the OLED display panel. Additionally, some embodiments provide an LCD display driving apparatus that includes a first segment driver circuit, second segment driver circuit, first common driver circuit and second common driver circuit which allow one or more cut-outs to be disposed within an LCD display panel while maintaining functionality of a substantial number of LCD display elements of the LCD display panel. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.