Display Electrode Layout for Isolated Pixel Alignment Testing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face challenges in maintaining alignment of light emitting elements due to short circuit defects in test electrodes, which can affect pixel alignment signals and lead to deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes test electrodes connected to electrodes through test transistors, allowing for pre-alignment monitoring, and a conductive pattern between electrodes and test electrodes, which can be disconnected after alignment to prevent short circuit effects on alignment signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If test electrodes are connected to electrodes for pre-alignment monitoring, then alignment monitoring capability is improved, but short circuit defects in test electrodes can affect alignment signals and cause alignment deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment monitoring capabilityVSAvoidalignment signal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode system into two separate systems: a first electrode system (electrodes E1-E6) for alignment monitoring and a second electrode system (test electrodes TE1-TE6) for testing. This segmentation isolates the alignment monitoring function from potential short circuit defects in the test electrodes, allowing both functions to coexist without interfering with each other's reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conductive pattern (CP) as an intermediary element that selectively connects test electrodes to electrodes only when needed for testing. This intermediary allows controlled interaction between the two electrode systems while preventing direct permanent connection that would expose the alignment signal to short circuit risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If test electrodes are permanently connected to electrodes, then testing functionality is improved, but alignment signals are vulnerable to short circuit defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting functionalityVSAvoidalignment signal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the conductive pattern can be selectively connected or disconnected based on operational mode. During alignment monitoring, the conductive pattern remains disconnected to protect the alignment signal. During testing operations, the conductive pattern is connected to enable test electrode functionality, thus adapting the system's connectivity to the current operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4297006A1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4297006A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4297006A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4297006A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes electrodes (ALE) spaced from each other in a display area (DA), light emitting elements between the electrodes (ALE), test electrodes (TEL) spaced from each other in a test area (TA), and a test transistor (TTR1, TTR2) electrically connected to the electrodes (ALE) and the test electrodes (TEL).