Display Driver Circuit Block Arrangement for Frame Area Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display device technologies result in an undesirable increase in the area of the non-display section (frame section), which is inefficient and affects the uniformity of circuit properties.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a driver unit outside the display area with special-shape portions on the edges, featuring first-type and second-type circuit blocks arranged in rectangular regions, with the second-type blocks rotated 90°, and interconnected in a stair-like fashion to reduce the frame area and maintain uniform circuit properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If driver unit circuits are arranged outside the curved edge of the display section, then the display area can be maximized, but the area of the non-display section (frame section) increases undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidframe section area
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional change by arranging circuit blocks in a stepped configuration that utilizes both horizontal and vertical dimensions. Instead of linear arrangement along the curved edge, circuit blocks are distributed across multiple levels (first, second, and third regions), effectively using two-dimensional space to minimize frame area while accommodating all driver circuits.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The driver unit circuits are segmented into multiple first-type circuit blocks and second-type circuit blocks, which are then distributed across different regions (first, second, and third regions) outside the display area. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement that adapts to the curved edge geometry while minimizing the total frame area occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If circuit blocks are arranged in regular rectangular regions, then manufacturing is simplified, but circuit elements exhibit property variations from one unit circuit to another

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit block arrangementVSAvoidcircuit element uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating two distinct types of circuit blocks (first-type and second-type) with different orientations. First-type circuit blocks have long sides parallel to the extension direction of signal lines, while second-type circuit blocks have long sides perpendicular to the extension direction. This local differentiation ensures that circuit elements within each block type maintain uniform properties, while the alternating arrangement accommodates the overall curved edge geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by using two types of circuit blocks with different orientations (first-type parallel to signal line extension, second-type perpendicular). This asymmetric arrangement allows the circuit blocks to adapt to the curved edge geometry while maintaining uniform circuit element properties within each block type, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and circuit uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11322574B2Display device
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 SHARP KK
  • US11322574B2 patent drawing
  • US11322574B2 patent drawing
  • US11322574B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device including: a driver outside a display area; a special-shape portion on an edge of the display area, the special-shape portion being shaped like a line that is curved or oblique to an extension direction of signal lines in the display area; a plurality of first-type circuit blocks outside the special-shape portion, each of the first-type circuit blocks including a unit circuit for the driver in a rectangular region having a first side parallel to the extension direction and a second side perpendicular to, and shorter than, the first side; and a plurality of second-type circuit blocks outside the special-shape portion, each of the second-type circuit blocks including a unit circuit for the driver in a rectangular region obtained by rotating the previous rectangular region by 90°.