Active-Area Light-Transmissive Display for Flexible Module Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses face complications in manufacturing due to the need for additional masks to create notches or free-form parts, which complicates the process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design that allows modules like cameras, speakers, and sensors to be integrated into the active area without removing parts of the display panel, using a bezel area for potential supply electrodes, gate and data lines, and shift registers, and forming a light-transmissive module area without a separate mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a notch or free-form part is created by cutting out a portion of the display panel edge, then modules such as camera, speaker, and sensor can be positioned in the notch region, but an additional mask must be used which complicates the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the module area from the traditional notch concept by creating a light-transmissive region directly within the active area through selective removal of conductive layers and insulating layers, rather than cutting out a physical notch from the panel edge. This allows modules to be positioned flexibly without requiring additional masks for notch formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface modification (notch cutting) to a multi-layered vertical structure by creating a light-transmissive area through selective layer removal in the vertical stacking direction. This enables module placement within the active area without affecting the panel's external dimensions or requiring additional masking steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a notch is created by removing a portion of the display panel, then modules can be integrated, but the manufacturing process becomes more complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the module area creation process with the existing display panel manufacturing steps by integrating the selective layer removal into the standard TFT array fabrication sequence. The light-transmissive area is formed using the same photolithography and etching processes already employed for creating pixel electrodes and conductive patterns, eliminating the need for separate mask steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing conductive layers and insulating layers serve dual functions: they form both the pixel electrodes and switching structures necessary for display operation, and simultaneously define the light-transmissive module area through selective removal. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated mask layers for notch formation.
3Illumination intensity
If gate lines and data lines are disposed to avoid the module area, then light transmission is maintained in the module area, but the routing of signal lines becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gate lines and data lines into multiple sections, with some lines extending into the module area and others terminating before it. This segmentation allows flexible routing where signal lines can be divided and reconnected on opposite sides of the module area, maintaining light transmission while accommodating signal delivery requirements through strategic line termination and extension points.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a display panel including an active area that includes at least one module area and a bezel area positioned outside the active area, wherein a pixel array is positioned in the active area, and the at least one module area is formed as a light-transmissive area.