Diffuse Reflection Display Structure for Optical Sensor Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

External light introduced into an electronic device through a non-pixel area of a display is diffracted by metal wires, degrading the performance of pixels and optical sensors due to reflected light entering the optical sensor.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a diffuse reflection structure in the shield member of the display, featuring a patterned metal layer with openings to minimize reflected light incidence on optical sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shield member made of opaque metal is disposed under the pixels to minimize diffraction of external light, then the performance of pixels is improved, but reflected light enters the optical sensor and degrades its performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel performanceVSAvoidreflected light entering optical sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield member is designed with different properties in different regions: the first region has a first reflectance value to control reflected light for pixels, while the second region has a second reflectance value to control reflected light for the optical sensor. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both pixel and sensor performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shield member is divided into a first region corresponding to the pixel area and a second region corresponding to the optical sensor area. Each region is independently designed with specific reflectance characteristics to address the different optical requirements of pixels and sensors respectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If metal wires are used in the display structure to support electrical connections, then electrical conductivity is improved, but external light is diffracted by these wires and degrades pixel performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidlight diffraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies an opaque layer over the metal wires in the first region to convert the harmful light diffraction effect into a beneficial light blocking effect. This opaque layer prevents external light from interacting with the metal wires, thereby eliminating diffraction while maintaining the electrical conductivity function of the wires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Area of stationary object

If the display area is extended to provide full screen, then the interaction area is improved, but non-pixel areas increase and allow more external light to enter, causing diffraction and degradation of both pixels and optical sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidexternal light entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield member is designed with different reflectance properties in different regions: the first region has a first reflectance value to control reflected light for pixels, while the second region has a second reflectance value to control reflected light for the optical sensor. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both pixel and sensor performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Minimizes the amount of reflected light incident on optical sensors, thereby suppressing performance deterioration.

Implementation Method 1

the designated pattern structure comprises a structural shape to enable diffuse reflection of reflected light from the optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuse reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4325590B1Electronic device comprising display having diffuse reflection structure

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display panel, and an optical sensor disposed below the display panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a first area having a first pixel density and corresponding to the angle of view of the optical sensor; a second area having a second pixel density greater than the first pixel density; and an opaque layer disposed corresponding to the first area in the display panel. The opaque layer includes a plurality of opaque third areas having designated pattern structures and a plurality of fourth areas having openings and disposed between the plurality of third areas. Various other embodiments identified through the specification are also possible.