Display Electrode Shape Optimization for Sensor Transmittance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices, the placement of optical sensors below display panels often leads to reduced light transmittance due to reflective layers and opaque areas, increasing power consumption and affecting sensor sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a light-receiving sensor positioned below a display panel with a pixel layer and an electrode layer, where the electrode layer is disposed below the pixel layer, featuring a first electrode with a smaller area and a repeated pattern of laminated and non-laminated areas, and a second electrode with a larger area, optimizing light transmittance and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If optical sensors are disposed below the display panel, then the display area is expanded, but light transmittance is reduced due to reflective layers and opaque areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidlight transmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the electrode area ratio different between the first area (overlapping the optical sensor) and the second area (not overlapping the sensor). Specifically, the ratio of electrode area to pixel area in the first area is set to be smaller than in the second area, allowing optimized light transmittance in the sensor region while maintaining display quality in other regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If transmittance of optical sensors is lowered, then power consumption increases to increase the intensity of emitted light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintensity of emitted lightVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the electrode area ratio in the first area to be smaller than in the second area, before light transmission occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement reduces light reflection and absorption at the source, preventing transmittance loss before it reaches the optical sensor, thereby eliminating the need for increased power consumption to compensate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If reflective layers and opaque areas exist in the display panel, then sensor sensitivity is affected, but these layers are necessary for display functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor sensitivityVSAvoidreflective layer interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a spatial variation in electrode area ratio across different regions of the display panel. The first area overlapping the optical sensor has a smaller electrode area ratio to minimize reflective layer interference and improve sensor sensitivity, while the second area maintains a larger ratio for optimal display performance. This localized differentiation allows the display to maintain its reflective layers for functionality while compensating for their harmful effects in the sensor region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enhances light transmittance, reducing power consumption and improving sensor sensitivity by minimizing reflective layer interference and optimizing electrode area distribution.

Implementation Method 1

increases the light transmittance of a sensor mounted below a display panel thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmittance: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3660918B1Electronic device including display panel including electrodes having different shapes for respective areas
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3660918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3660918B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3660918B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device may include a light-receiving sensor (401) and a display panel (400) and the light-receiving sensor (401) may be disposed below a predetermined area of the display panel (400). The display panel (400) may include: a pixel layer including at least one first pixel disposed in the predetermined area, and at least one second pixel disposed outside the predetermined area; and an electrode layer including at least one first electrode (430,630,730,830,930,1030) electrically connected to the at least one first pixel and disposed in the predetermined area, and at least one second electrode (530,1130,1230) electrically connected to the at least one second pixel and disposed outside the predetermined area. The electrode layer may be disposed below the pixel layer, and the first electrode (430,630,730,830,930,1030) may have a shape different than a shape of the second electrode (530,1130,1230) .