Display Circuit Layout for Integrated Optical Sensor Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in efficiently integrating optical sensors on the display surface while maintaining optimal performance and functionality of both display and sensor elements.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a circuit element layer with vertical and horizontal connection lines for direct current signals, allowing for the integration of optical sensors on the display surface, with distinct DC signals for pixel and sensor driving circuits, and a mesh-shaped arrangement of connection lines for improved signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical sensors are integrated on the display surface, then sensor functionality is improved, but circuit layout complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidcircuit layout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit element layer is segmented into distinct functional regions: pixel driving circuits for display elements, sensor driving circuits for optical sensors, and dedicated read-out lines for sensor signals. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each circuit type, reducing overall layout complexity while maintaining sensor functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vertical connection lines that extend in a second direction (vertical) intersecting the first direction (horizontal) of data and read-out lines. This multi-dimensional routing approach allows signals to reach sensor and pixel circuits from different spatial directions, providing flexible circuit layout solutions that reduce routing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If vertical connection lines are added for DC signals, then signal transmission is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical connection lines transmitting DC signals are merged with the existing multi-layer insulating layer structure. The insulating layers are configured to cover both horizontal connection lines and vertical connection lines, creating an integrated multi-layer architecture that improves signal transmission while utilizing existing manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer structure serves multiple functions: it insulates horizontal connection lines, insulates vertical connection lines, and provides structural support for the multi-layer circuit architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If mesh-shaped connection lines are used, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection lines are arranged in a mesh pattern with horizontal lines extending in a first direction and vertical lines extending in a second direction. This two-dimensional mesh architecture provides multiple parallel signal transmission paths, improving transmission efficiency while maintaining a regular, systematic structure that can be manufactured using standard photolithography processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4687403A1Display device and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4687403A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4687403A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4687403A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A display device includes a base layer, a circuit element layer, and a display element layer including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, wherein the circuit element layer includes pixel driving circuits connected to the light emitting element, sensor driving circuits connected to the light receiving element, a read-out line connected to the sensor driving circuits and extending in a first direction, a first data line connected to the pixel driving circuits and extending in the first direction, a first vertical connection line which is between the first data line and the read-out line in a second direction and extends in the first direction and to which a first DC signal is transmitted, and an insulating layer that covers the first vertical connection line and the first data line, and the first DC signal is a signal transmitted to the pixel driving circuits.