In-Display Imaging via Color Filter Substrate Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with display functions, such as mobile phones and tablets, the need for a dedicated shot lens in a non-display area increases the non-display area, which can be inefficient and limits the imaging capability, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A color filter (CF) substrate with a CF pixel array and integrated image sensors that receive light through CF pixel units, allowing for in-display photography without a separate shot lens, utilizing a base substrate, CF pixel units, image sensors, and protective layers to enhance imaging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated shot lens is disposed in a non-display area for imaging, then imaging function is achieved, but the non-display area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging function with the display panel by integrating image sensors directly into the CF substrate. The image sensors are formed in the same substrate as the color filter pixel array, allowing the display panel to perform both display and imaging functions simultaneously without requiring a separate shot lens in the non-display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The CF substrate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the color filter for the display and the imaging sensor substrate. By forming image sensors in the CF substrate, the same component enables both color filtering for display and light reception for imaging, achieving multi-functionality and eliminating the need for dedicated imaging hardware in the non-display area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image sensors are integrated on the CF substrate, then imaging capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges the formation of color filter pixel units and image sensors into a single integrated process on the CF substrate. Both structures are formed simultaneously using the same substrate and similar manufacturing steps, which reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to producing separate display and imaging components that would need to be assembled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image sensors are formed on the CF pixel array, then in-display photography is enabled, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image sensors and CF pixel array into a single integrated structure on the same substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate imaging components and their associated mounting structures, thereby reducing structural complexity while enabling in-display photography functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensors are positioned in the same plane as the CF pixel array on the CF substrate, utilizing the two-dimensional space of the substrate efficiently. This planar integration approach avoids adding vertical complexity through stacked structures, maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure while achieving in-display photography.
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
This solution enables better imaging performance in various light conditions, reduces the non-display area, and simplifies the device structure, improving user experience by integrating photography functionality into the display panel without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
image sensors provided on the CF pixel array, correspond to at least part of CF pixel units, and are configured to receive light travelling through the CF pixel units for imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A color filter (CF) substrate, a manufacturing method thereof, a display panel, a display device and an operation method thereof are provided. The CF substrate includes: a base substrate, a CF pixel array and image sensors. The CF pixel array is provided on the base substrate and includes CF pixel units in an array. The image sensors are provided on the CF pixel array, correspond to the CF pixel units, and are configured to receive light travelling through the CF pixel units for imaging.