Array Substrate With Integrated NIR Eye-Tracking Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VR products with separate CMOS camera modules for eye movement tracking are bulky and costly due to the use of silicon-based sensors.
Innovation Solution
An array substrate is designed with integrated near-infrared sensors, where the common electrode and pixel electrode are reused as the anode and cathode of the photodiode, respectively, and thin film transistors are used as switches to form a compact and efficient eye tracking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate CMOS camera module is used for eye movement tracking, then the tracking function can be achieved, but the size of the VR product increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the eye movement tracking sensor function with the display panel by integrating photodiodes directly into the array substrate. The photodiodes share the same substrate and electrode structures (common electrode and pixel electrode) with the display, eliminating the need for a separate CMOS camera module and reducing overall product size.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode and pixel electrode in the display panel are designed to serve dual purposes: functioning as electrodes for the liquid crystal display while simultaneously serving as the anode and cathode for the photodiode sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the number of additional components needed for eye tracking.
2Reliability
If a separate CMOS camera module is used for eye movement tracking, then the tracking function can be achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the eye tracking sensor fabrication with the existing display panel manufacturing process. By using the same array substrate, thin film transistors, and electrode deposition processes, the production cost is reduced compared to assembling separate CMOS modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs organic photosensitive materials and thin film transistor technologies that are cost-effective compared to silicon-based CMOS sensors. These materials can be deposited using low-cost techniques such as vacuum deposition and solution processing, making the overall system more economically viable.
3Reliability
If silicon-based sensors are used for eye movement tracking, then the tracking function can be achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from silicon-based sensors to organic photosensitive materials. This material substitution enables the use of low-temperature processing techniques and reduces material costs, while maintaining the photoelectric detection function needed for eye tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the silicon-based sensor system with an organic photodiode system that uses organic semiconductor materials. This substitution allows for simpler fabrication processes including solution-based deposition methods, reducing both material and manufacturing costs compared to traditional silicon CMOS technology.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integration of near-infrared sensors into the array substrate reduces the size and weight of VR products, lowers production costs, and enhances the efficiency of eye movement tracking.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one first sensor each including a photodiode and a driving circuit electrically connected to each other, the photodiode including: an anode and a cathode arranged opposite to each other, and a photosensitive material layer between the anode and the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides an array substrate, including: a display region and a peripheral region. The peripheral region includes at least one first sensor. The first sensor includes a photodiode and a driving circuit which are electrically connected to each other. The photodiode includes: an anode, a cathode and a photosensitive material layer. The array substrate includes: a base substrate, a plurality of thin film transistors, a common electrode and a pixel electrode. The common electrode is reused as an anode of the photodiode. The pixel electrode is reused as a cathode of the photodiode. One of the plurality of thin film transistors is reused as a first transistor of the driving circuit.