Panel and immersive display for display device

Abstract

The utility model provides an alternative panel (8) for display devices known in the art. The panel (8) comprises an active region (2) and a non-active boundary region (3), wherein the non-active boundary region (3) surrounds the periphery of the active region (2). Furthermore, the boundary region (3) of the panel is adapted to allow light to be transmitted at least partially through the non-active boundary region (3). The active area (2) regulates the backlight for the display function and the non-active boundary provides partial transmission of light from the backlight, thereby providing an appearance of edge-to-edge illumination. The above features produce a panel (8) for a display device that provides a more immersive experience to a viewer of the display device using light emitted across the entire surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle display systems. Specifically, this invention relates to a panel used in a motor vehicle display device and a method for manufacturing the panel. Background Technology

[0002] Display devices are electronic devices that present visual information to users, enabling them to represent images, videos, and other visual content.

[0003] There are a variety of display devices available that employ a range of different technologies. Some examples include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that utilize liquid crystals and backlighting, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays that use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, and micro-LED displays that utilize miniature light-emitting diodes as individual display pixels.

[0004] Each type of display device typically includes a panel with an active area (i.e., the area of ​​the display that presents visible content). The panel typically has an opaque boundary surrounding the edge of the active area. The opaque boundary can serve as a structural component providing support for the display device, or as a housing for various components or structures required by the display device. Specifically, the boundary area typically contains various electrical components or circuitry required to control the individual pixels within the active area.

[0005] Because the electrical components of display devices are typically light-sensitive, they usually require some form of protection. Typically, electrical connections and circuits are protected by an opaque black mask to ensure adequate protection of the electronic components. Therefore, the opaque black mask also tends to be present within the panel's boundaries.

[0006] For example, panels typically used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) generally include two glass plates that provide structural support for the panel, with a first glass plate serving as a bottom substrate and a second glass plate serving as a top substrate. The panel then includes a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) deposited between the two thin glass plates, where the LCP allows for controlled light transmission. A thin-film transistor (TFT) layer is also provided, comprising TFT circuitry consisting of an array of transistors interconnected by a network of thin metal traces called interconnects. The TFT circuitry and interconnects are typically placed along the boundaries of the LCD panel. In standard operation, the TFTs and interconnects are protected by the aforementioned opaque black mask because these electronic components are sensitive to light.

[0007] Other display devices, such as OLED displays, also require similar panels, but these panels can use different structures and designs than those outlined above for typical LCD displays. However, each of these different types of display devices utilizes photosensitive control electronics that must be properly protected.

[0008] Various display systems, such as automotive display systems, typically require a combination of multiple identical or different display devices. For example, an automotive display system may include high-resolution display devices such as LCDs and OLEDs, as well as low-resolution display devices such as light-emitting diode (LED) displays. Due to the standard construction of the conventional panels used in the display devices, automotive display systems in this art include opaque boundaries between each display device within the individual display unit. Therefore, automotive display systems are not immersive for the user because there is no natural lighting transition between the different display devices provided within the automotive display system.

[0009] A device and method are usually required to solve the above problems.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a panel for use in a display device that eliminates or mitigates one or more defects or disadvantages of the prior art.

[0011] Further objects and objectives of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a panel for a display device is provided, the panel comprising:

[0013] Active region;

[0014] Boundary region, which surrounds the active region;

[0015] The boundary region is adjusted or constructed to allow light to be transmitted at least partially through it.

[0016] The panel of the present invention advantageously allows light to pass through the boundary area of ​​the panel. Therefore, when the panel is incorporated into a display device, the perimeter of the display device is not perceived as completely opaque by the viewer. This panel design allows for a more immersive display system for the user. Specifically, the panel enables a more immersive experience when viewing a display system that incorporates multiple individual display devices.

[0017] Preferably, the boundary region is adjusted or configured to allow at least 5% light transmission.

[0018] Preferably, the boundary region includes a mask; optionally, the mask is a black mask. Preferably, the mask is optically opaque. Alternatively, the mask is optically translucent or optically reflective.

[0019] Optically opaque (and optionally black) masks prevent light from passing through them, thus blocking clear light transmission. By providing an opaque mask, any photosensitive components are protected. However, if a modified mask that is translucent or reflective (i.e., does not absorb all light incident upon it) is provided, a portion of the light incident on the panel can be transmitted through the mask to reach the active area of ​​the panel.

[0020] The boundary region may also include photosensitive electronic devices. Preferably, no photosensitive electronic devices are present in one or more regions of the boundary region. Optionally, the absence of photosensitive components creates a gap pattern within the boundary region. Optionally, a reduced number of photosensitive electronic devices are provided in one or more regions of the boundary region.

[0021] Preferably, there is no mask in one or more regions of the boundary area.

[0022] Optionally, the mask is patterned, wherein the pattern may include sheets and / or strips that may cover or overlay the photosensitive electronic device. Optionally, the mask is patterned to provide gaps within the mask that coincide with gaps between photosensitive components in the boundary region.

[0023] Photosensitive electronic devices require some form of protection, such as a mask. However, by providing areas without photosensitive electronic devices or areas with a reduced number of photosensitive electronic devices, the mask can be modified with a corresponding pattern so that it does not extend across the entire boundary region. By providing such a modified mask, a portion of the light incident on the panel can be transmitted to the active area of ​​the panel, for example, through gaps in the mask that coincide with the gaps between the photosensitive components.

[0024] Optionally, the boundary region allows at least partial transmission of light from the active region.

[0025] Preferably, the panel further includes a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer.

[0026] Preferably, the mask is covered on the inner surface of the first substrate layer.

[0027] Optionally, the panel further includes a liquid crystal layer and a thin-film transistor layer. Preferably, the thin-film transistor layer is located on a second substrate layer, and the liquid crystal layer is located on a first substrate layer. Preferably, photosensitive electronic devices are located around the periphery of the thin-film transistor layer.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is a method for manufacturing a panel for a display device, the method comprising:

[0029] - Provides an active zone;

[0030] - Provides a boundary zone surrounding the active region; and

[0031] - Adjust or construct the boundary region to allow light to at least partially pass through it.

[0032] Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include features for implementing preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a flexible glass panel for a liquid crystal display screen is provided, the flexible glass panel comprising a region including:

[0034] First glass layer,

[0035] Second glass layer,

[0036] A thin-film transistor, which is coated on the surface of the second glass layer, includes a peripheral (or boundary) region.

[0037] A metal interconnect region, which is connected to the periphery of the thin-film transistor circuitry, is protected by a mask covering the inner surface of the top glass.

[0038] A liquid crystal polymer layer is located between the first glass layer and the thin-film transistor.

[0039] The flexible glass plate includes at least one peripheral region (or region within the boundary region) having at least 5% light transmission.

[0040] An embodiment of the third aspect of the invention may include features for implementing preferred or optional features of the first or second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an immersive display or display system comprising one or more panels is provided, wherein one or more regions of the boundary area of ​​each panel are adjusted or configured to allow at least 5% light transmission through the boundary area. The one or more panels may comprise one or more panels according to the first or third aspect of the invention.

[0042] An embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention may include features for implementing preferred or optional features of the second or third aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0044] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A top view of an area of ​​a panel for a display device, as known in the art, is shown;

[0045] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A top view of an area of ​​a panel for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A top view of an area of ​​a panel for a display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A top view of a panel area for a display device according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 5 A top view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts throughout the specification and drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some parts have been enlarged to better illustrate the details and features of embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A top view of the area near the edge of a standard panel for a display device is shown, as is typically depicted by reference numeral 1, as is known in the art.

[0051] It can be seen that, Figure 1a A portion of the panel 1 shown includes an active region 2 and a boundary region 3. As those skilled in the art will understand, if Figure 1a and Figure 1b If the entire area of ​​panel 1 is shown, then boundary area 3 will extend around the perimeter of active area 2.

[0052] The active area 2 of panel 1 includes an array 4 of pixels, which are responsible for generating visual content for the display device. The boundary area 3 of panel 1 includes a network of electrical connections (collectively referred to as interconnects 5) and control circuitry 6 required to operate the active area 2 of panel 1.

[0053] Interconnector 5 enables the transmission of electrical signals between the various components of panel 1. Therefore, the design and implementation of interconnector 5 are essential to ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of the display device. Figure 1a As can be seen, interconnect 5 provides an electrical path for connection to control circuit 6.

[0054] Since both the interconnect 5 and the control circuit 6 are light-sensitive, they require some form of protection. In the standard construction of the panel 1 used in a display device, such as... Figure 1bAs shown, the photosensitive electronic device is protected by an opaque mask 7. The opaque mask 7 covers and / or covers the entire boundary area 3 containing the interconnects 5 and control circuitry 6 to provide protection for these components.

[0055] When used in display devices Figure 1b When panel 1 is shown, the opaque mask 7 creates an opaque boundary around the perimeter of panel 1. Therefore, no light is transmitted from the boundary region 3 of panel 1 to the active region 2 of panel 1 (or vice versa). This means that for display systems in which multiple display devices can be placed adjacent to each other, such as automotive display systems, the above configuration creates an opaque boundary around each display device. Therefore, the above panel 1 design results in a display system that visually includes several distinct and independent display devices within the display system, rather than providing an immersive display system for the user.

[0056] The panel 1 design described above can be used as is, or it can be used similarly in different types of display devices. Examples include liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels, or micro LED panels.

[0057] Now refer to Figure 2a and Figure 2b A panel 8 for a display device and a method for manufacturing the same are described according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2a and Figure 2b A top view of a region of panel 1 for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0058] Similar to Figure 1a and Figure 1b Panel 1 and panel 8 also include an active region 2 containing an array 4 of pixels and a boundary region 3 accommodating interconnects 5 and control circuitry 6. However, as Figure 2a As shown, with Figure 1a Compared to the standard panel configuration shown, the layout of the electronic components has been modified within panel 8. Specifically, the layout has been modified to position the sensitive electronic components of interconnect 5 and control circuit 6 on the edge of the boundary region 3 of panel 8.

[0059] Since there are no sensitive electronic devices in a portion of boundary region 3, it is no longer required that the opaque mask occupy the entire boundary region 3. Instead, as Figure 2b As shown, the opaque mask 7 can be positioned in the region of the boundary area 3, which includes the interconnect 5 and the control circuit 6. Regions without circuitry or at least without photosensitive components do not require the opaque mask 7, thus the resulting gap allows light to transmit to the active region 2 of the panel 8.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that the sensitive electrical connection between interconnect 5 and control circuit 6 can be located at the boundary area 3 of panel 8. Figure 2a The different locations are shown. Similarly, the opaque mask 7 can then be placed in any area of ​​the boundary region 3 where electrical connections are arranged.

[0061] The absorbing material of the opaque mask 7 can be black ink or black photoresist material or any suitable alternative material to protect the photosensitive component from the negative effects of photons.

[0062] Typically, in the boundary region 3 where the opaque mask 7 is not required, the light transmission from the boundary region 3 of the panel 8 to the active region 2 of the panel 8 is at least 5%. However, depending on the specific construction of the panel 8 used in the display device, less or more light transmission may optionally exist. It should be noted that the display device utilizing the panel 8 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, or a micro-LED panel, or any other suitable display panel including the active region 2 and the boundary region 3.

[0063] Although Figure 2a The electrical connections are arranged to provide areas without circuitry; however, those skilled in the art will further understand that the electrical connections can alternatively be arranged to provide one or more areas of boundary region 3 with reduced circuitry. Specifically, the photosensitive electronics may not be present in one or more areas of reduced circuitry, and therefore an opaque mask 7 will not be needed to connect with... Figure 2b The same method is used to cover one or more areas of the reduced circuitry.

[0064] Figure 2b The opaque mask 7 shown is a black mask, but masks of other colors can also be used appropriately.

[0065] also, Figure 2a and Figure 2b The panel 8 may also include additional areas with reduced electronic circuitry and / or exclude electronic circuitry within the boundary region 3. These additional areas also do not require the opaque mask 7, thus allowing light from the additional areas to pass through to the active region 2 of the panel 8.

[0066] For example, Figure 3a and Figure 3b Further alternative embodiments of panels 9a and 9b for display devices are shown respectively. Specifically, Figure 3a and Figure 3b Panels 9a and 9b with patterned opaque masks 10 within the boundary region 3 are shown.

[0067] for Figure 3aThe panel 9a, interconnect 5, and control circuit 6 shown are redesigned and / or repositioned to form vias 11 that do not contain photosensitive circuitry. Therefore, these vias 11 do not require light shielding; instead, a corresponding patterned mask 10 is provided within the boundary region 3 to protect the photosensitive electronics. Thus, the maskless vias 11 form sections within the boundary region 3 where light can be transmitted into the active region 2.

[0068] for Figure 3b The panel 9b shown uses a patterned mask 10 to cover smaller sections of the entire boundary region 3, instead of moving or redesigning the interconnects 5 and control circuitry 6. The respective areas where the patterned mask 10 is located specifically overlay the photosensitive areas of the interconnects 5 and control circuitry 6.

[0069] As those skilled in the art will understand, the photosensitive circuitry can be repositioned to the interface between panels 9a and 9b. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The positions shown are different. Similarly, any suitable alternative pattern can be used to pattern the mask 10. By patterning the mask 10 to provide the minimum coverage required to protect the photosensitive components (or at least incomplete coverage while still protecting the photosensitive components), light can be transmitted to the display panels 9a and 9b.

[0070] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b Another alternative implementation of panels 12a and 12b for display devices is shown in the figure.

[0071] for Figure 4a Panel 12a and Figure 4b Panel 12b, interconnect 5 and control circuit 6 are located in conjunction with Figure 1a and Figure 1b The same position as the standard panel 1 shown. However, in Figure 4a and Figure 4b Instead of providing an opaque mask 7 overlay to protect the interconnects 5 and control circuitry 6, a modified mask 13 is used within the boundary area of ​​panels 12a and 12b.

[0072] exist Figure 4a In this process, the modified mask 13 is optically semi-transparent. Therefore, the modified mask 13 allows some light to pass through, but also diffuses or scatters the light in the process, resulting in a semi-transparent effect, i.e., it allows a certain degree of light transmission. Thus, the modified mask 13 allows light to be transmitted to the active region 2 of the panel 12a.

[0073] exist Figure 4bIn this modified mask 13, the material is made of an optically reflective material instead of an absorptive material. The optically reflective material reflects light, allowing the light to be recycled back into the display device. The reflective material of the modified mask 13 can be a metal, a white photoresist, or any suitable alternative material that protects the photosensitive components from the negative effects of photons.

[0074] As those skilled in the art will understand, similar to Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the embodiment shown, the sensitive electronics can be repositioned so that the modified mask 13 is not required across the entire panels 12a and 12b. Furthermore, the modified mask 13 can also be patterned to cover only the photosensitive areas of panels 12a and 12b, such as... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The implementation scheme is as follows. It is conceivable that any combination of patterned areas of the mask (which may be, for example, alternating areas of opaque and semi-transparent or reflective areas) and corresponding patterns of electrical components (which may be defined, for example, by the alternating presence and absence of photosensitive electronics) can be used to provide the function of allowing light to be transmitted through the boundary area 3 to reach the active area 2 (and optionally allowing light to be transmitted from the active area through the boundary area).

[0075] Figure 5 A top view of a panel 14 for a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 The entire panel 14 is depicted, showing the entire active region 2. A first light-transmitting region 15a and a second light-transmitting region 15b are located within the boundary region 3 of the panel 14. This can be achieved by employing methods such as those described in the reference. Figure 2a and Figures 2b to 4a and Figure 4b The panels discussed, 8, 9a, 9b, or 12a, 12b, or any combination thereof, provide the light-transmitting areas 15a and 15b. Although the light-transmitting areas 15a and 15b are generally shown as including gaps in the opaque mask, this is merely one way the invention can be implemented, and within the light-transmitting areas 15a and 15b, patterning of the opaque mask and / or translucent and / or reflective areas can be provided, as discussed in the examples above.

[0076] As mentioned earlier, in motor vehicle display systems, there is typically a combination of discrete display devices within a single display system. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first light transmission area 15a and the second light transmission area 15b are therefore positioned between the active area of ​​the central display and other types of display devices, in this case, the first LED light seamless splicing display 16a and the second LED light seamless splicing display 16b, respectively.

[0077] The first light-transmitting area 15a and the second light-transmitting area 15b provide the user with a more immersive display system because the boundary area 3 of the panel 14 is not an opaque periphery. By using the panel 14 within the display device of the vehicle display system, an immersive display system can be provided to the viewer because the panel 14 allows the use of its edges. Therefore, by properly positioning the LED light seamless splicing displays 16a and 16b, the light-transmitting areas 15a and 15b allow for a more natural lighting transition between the panel 14 and the LED light seamless splicing displays 16a and 16b. It should be noted that instead of the LED light seamless splicing displays 16a and 16b, another type of display device (which could be another display panel of the same kind as the central display panel) can be aligned with the light-transmitting areas 15a and 15b of the panel 14.

[0078] It should be noted that a single light transmission area can be provided, rather than as... Figure 5 The diagram shows both a first light-transmitting area 15a and a second light-transmitting area 15b. Alternatively, more than two light-transmitting areas 15a, 15b may be provided along the boundary region 3 of the panel 14, and adjacent or other display panels within the display system may also include one or more such light-transmitting areas.

[0079] In summary, the present invention provides an alternative panel 8 for display devices known in the art. Panel 8 includes an active region 2 and an passive boundary region 3, wherein the passive boundary region 3 surrounds the periphery of the active region 2. Furthermore, the passive boundary region 3 of the panel is adjusted to allow light to be at least partially transmitted through it. The active region 2 regulates the backlight for display functions, and the passive boundary provides partial transmission of light from the backlight, thereby providing an edge-to-edge illuminated appearance. These features result in a panel 8 for a display device that utilizes light emitted across the entire surface to provide a more immersive experience for the viewer of the display device.

[0080] Throughout this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “comprising” or “covering” or variations thereof such as “having” or “with,” “including” or “containing” will be understood to imply inclusion of the said integers or groups of integers, but not to exclude any other integers or groups of integers. Furthermore, unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, the term “or” will be interpreted as inclusive rather than exclusive.

[0081] The foregoing description of the invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments with various modifications as suited to the intended particular use. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A panel for a display device, the panel for the display device comprising: Active region; A boundary region, the boundary region surrounding the perimeter of the active region; The boundary region is adjusted or configured to allow light to be transmitted at least partially through it.

2. The panel for a display device according to claim 1, wherein the boundary area is adjusted or configured to allow at least 5% light transmission.

3. The panel for a display device according to claim 1, wherein the boundary region includes photosensitive electronics.

4. The panel for a display device according to claim 3, wherein the photosensitive electronics are not present in one or more regions of the boundary area.

5. The panel for a display device according to claim 4, wherein the absence of the photosensitive electronic device creates a gap pattern within the boundary area.

6. A panel for a display device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a reduced number of photosensitive electronic devices are provided in one or more regions of the boundary area.

7. A panel for a display device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the boundary region includes a mask.

8. The panel for a display device according to claim 7, wherein the mask is not present in one or more regions of the boundary area.

9. The panel for a display device according to claim 7, wherein the mask is a black mask.

10. The panel for a display device according to claim 7, wherein the mask is optically opaque.

11. The panel for a display device according to claim 7, wherein the mask is optically translucent or optically reflective.

12. The panel for a display device according to claim 7, wherein the mask is patterned.

13. The panel for a display device according to claim 12, wherein the mask is patterned to provide gaps in the mask, the gaps coinciding with the gaps between regions in the boundary area where the photosensitive electronics are absent and regions where the photosensitive electronics are reduced.

14. An immersive display comprising one or more panels for a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or more regions of the boundary area of ​​each panel for the display device are adjusted or configured to allow at least 5% of light to be transmitted through the boundary area.

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