Display Data Line Stacking for Opening Border Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic displays with inactive areas often have larger non-light-emitting borders due to the need to reroute data and gate lines around physical openings, which increases the width of these borders and reduces display efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The display design includes stacking data lines in the border region using multiple metal layers and utilizing supplemental data line paths that can be electrically connected either within the active or inactive areas to minimize the width of the non-light-emitting border region around openings, allowing for efficient signal routing without increasing the border width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If data lines are rerouted around the inactive area opening using conventional single-layer routing, then the routing is simple, but the border region width increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional single-layer routing to three-dimensional multi-layer routing. Data lines are routed through multiple metal layers (first, second, and third data line layers) stacked vertically, allowing signals to pass through the border region in the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. This dimensional transition enables compact routing without increasing border width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested routing where multiple data line layers are stacked within the same horizontal footprint of the border region. The first, second, and third data line layers are positioned at different vertical levels, with each layer containing data lines that are electrically connected through conductive structures. This nesting allows multiple signal paths to coexist in a compact vertical stack within the border region.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple metal layers are stacked for data line routing in the border region, then the border region width is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing display structure components multi-functional. The same metal layer structure that forms transparent conductive oxides for pixel electrodes also serves as data line routing layers. The conductive structures that connect between layers serve both as electrical vias and as part of the data line signal path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated routing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data line routing function with the existing transparent conductive oxide layers and conductive structure layers. Instead of adding completely separate routing layers, the data lines are formed using the same material layers and structural elements already present in the display stack, combining multiple functions into unified structures.
3Area of stationary object
If the inactive area is reduced to maximize active display area, then display efficiency improves, but signal routing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension with multiple stacked data line layers, the patent enables signal routing through the border region without requiring additional horizontal space. This allows the inactive border area to be minimized while maintaining adequate signal routing capability through the multi-layer vertical stack.
Data Source
AI summary
To minimize the width of a non-light-emitting border region around an opening in the active area, data lines may be stacked in the border region. Data line portions may be formed using three metal layers in three different planes within the border region. A metal layer that forms a positive power signal distribution path in the active area may serve as a data line portion in the border region. A metal layer may be added in the border region to serve as a data line portion in the border region. Data line signals may also be provided to pixels on both sides of an opening in the active area using supplemental data line paths. A supplemental data line path may be routed through the active area of the display to electrically connect data line segments on opposing sides of an opening within the display.