Display Light Control Layer with Input Sensing for Thin Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in achieving thin form factors while maintaining high image quality and incorporating advanced functionalities such as input sensing capabilities, particularly in flexible and foldable displays.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a display panel with a light emitting element, a pixel definition layer, an input sensor with insulating layers and sensing electrodes, and a light control layer with specific light blocking and color filtering patterns, optimized for thinness and multi-functional operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple optical functional layers are used to maintain high image quality, then image quality is improved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated light control layer. This layer simultaneously performs light blocking, color filtering, and input sensing functions that would traditionally require separate layers, thereby maintaining high image quality while reducing overall device thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light control layer is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it controls light output for display, filters colors for accurate image reproduction, and acts as a sensing layer for input detection. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated layers for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If input sensor layers are added to enable touch sensing, then input sensing capability is improved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput sensing capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The input sensor functionality is merged into the light control layer by incorporating sensing electrodes and insulating layers within the same structure. This integration allows the device to detect touch input without adding separate sensor layers that would increase thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing electrodes and insulating layers are nested within the light control layer structure. The light control layer contains the sensing components, which in turn contain the insulating layers, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes functional density within minimal thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of stationary object

If the number of optical functional layers is reduced to decrease thickness, then device thickness is improved, but image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light control layer is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously - light blocking, color filtering, and input sensing - replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate layers. This multi-functionality maintains comprehensive optical performance while reducing the total number of layers and overall device thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The design enhances image quality and enables efficient input sensing while reducing the device thickness, suitable for flexible and foldable displays.

Implementation Method 1

a light control layer disposed on the input sensor and including a light blocking pattern and a color filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a light control layer disposed on the input sensor and including a light blocking pattern and a color filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS12396356B2Display device including a light control layer and an input sensor

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel including a light emitting element and a pixel definition layer including a pixel opening; an input sensor disposed on the display panel and including at least one insulating layer, a sensing electrode overlapping the pixel definition layer, and a floating pattern overlapping the pixel opening; and a light control layer disposed on the input sensor and including a light blocking pattern and a color filter, wherein the light blocking pattern includes a first pattern and a second pattern, wherein the first pattern is includes a light blocking opening corresponding to the pixel opening, wherein the second pattern is spaced apart from the first pattern, is disposed in the light blocking opening, and overlaps the floating pattern, and wherein the color filter overlaps the light blocking opening.