Integrated Display Structure for Clear Fingerprint Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices require higher definition, lower power consumption, and additional functions like image capturing and fingerprint authentication while minimizing component count and structural vulnerability.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a light-receiving element and light-emitting element stacked between substrates, utilizing a light-blocking layer and varying refractive indices to enhance image capture and mechanical strength, integrated with a touch sensor and imaging capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (display module, imaging module, touch sensor) are used to achieve multifunctionality, then the device can perform display, image capture, and touch sensing functions, but the number of components increases and the device becomes more vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the imaging module and touch sensor module with the display module into a single integrated structure. The light-receiving elements are positioned between the first substrate and first resin layer, while light-emitting elements are positioned between the second substrate and second resin layer, creating a unified multifunctional display device that reduces component count and structural vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed to simultaneously perform multiple functions: display output through light-emitting elements, image capture through light-receiving elements, and touch sensing through the integrated sensor structure. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple separate modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If the second substrate is made thicker to enhance mechanical strength, then the device becomes less vulnerable to breakage, but the overall device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different thickness characteristics to different parts of the structure. The second substrate is made thicker than both the first resin layer and second resin layer to provide localized mechanical strength enhancement where needed, while the resin layers maintain optimized thickness for their optical and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the first resin layer is made thicker to improve light reception and image capture quality, then the imaging precision improves, but the distance between the light-receiving element and the outer surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture qualityVSAvoiddistance from light-receiving element to outer surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the thickness of the first resin layer within a specific range (greater than or equal to one time and less than or equal to 10 times the width of the light-receiving region) to achieve the best balance between light reception quality and maintaining the light-receiving element's proximity to the outer surface for effective imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables clear image capture, reduces component count, and provides a multifunctional display device with enhanced mechanical strength and reduced vulnerability.

Implementation Method 1

Light-emitting elements (also referred to as EL elements) utilizing an electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as EL) phenomenon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a light-receiving element, a light-emitting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260047216A1Display device, display module, electronic device, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD

AI summary

An imaging device or a display device that is capable of clearly capturing an image of a fingerprint or the like can be provided. The display device includes a light-receiving element, a light-emitting element, a first substrate, a second substrate, a first resin layer, a second resin layer, and a light-blocking layer. The first resin layer, the second resin layer, and the second substrate are stacked over the first substrate. The light-receiving element and the light-emitting element are positioned between the first substrate and the first resin layer. The light-blocking layer is positioned between the first resin layer and the second resin layer and includes an opening portion overlapping with the light-receiving element. The opening portion in the light-blocking layer is positioned on an inner side of a light-receiving region of the light-receiving element in a plan view, and the width of the opening portion is less than or equal to the width of the light-receiving region. The second substrate is thicker than the first resin layer and the second resin layer. The thickness of a portion of the first resin layer, which overlaps with the light-receiving region of the light-receiving element, is greater than or equal to one time and less than or equal to 10 times as large as the width of the light-receiving region. The second substrate has a higher refractive index than the first resin layer and the second resin layer.