Integrated Display Light Sensor Layout Without Pixel Holes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with integrated light sensors face issues such as reduced display area due to sensor holes, image discontinuity, exposure to external elements, and high cost and bulkiness of inorganic sensors.
Innovation Solution
A display device design incorporating a substrate with unit pixel and light sensor areas, shared electrodes, and organic light emitting elements, allowing for integrated light sensors without reducing the display area and preventing exposure to external elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hole is formed to mount the light sensor, then the light sensor can be disposed in the hole, but the image displayed in the display device may be disconnected and the size of the display area may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sensor mounting function with the display area by forming the light sensor directly within the display area using the same pixel structure (electrodes, light emitting layer, encapsulation layers) as the display pixels. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting holes while maintaining both display and light sensing functions within the same area, thus resolving the contradiction between light sensor mounting and display area integrity.
2Reliability
If a hole is formed to mount the light sensor, then the light sensor can be disposed in the hole, but the side of the hole may be exposed to external water, oxygen, etc. causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sensor structure with the display pixel structure, allowing both to share the same encapsulation layers (first and second encapsulation layers) that protect against water and oxygen. This integration ensures that the light sensor is protected by the same barrier structures as the display pixels, eliminating exposure to harmful external elements while maintaining mounting functionality.
3Measurement precision
If an inorganic light sensor is used, then light sensing can be achieved, but it is expensive and occupies a large space due to large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from inorganic to organic light sensing materials, enabling the light sensor to be formed with the same thin-film deposition processes used for display pixels. This material substitution dramatically reduces the volume and weight of the light sensor while maintaining light sensing capability, as organic materials can achieve comparable performance in much thinner layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal structure where the same pixel components (electrodes, light emitting layer, encapsulation layers) serve dual functions as both display elements and light sensor elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate inorganic light sensor components, reducing overall weight and volume while maintaining light sensing capability through the organic light emitting layer that can detect light.
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 solution maintains the display area integrity, prevents sensor-related image discontinuity, enhances reliability, reduces costs, and uses lightweight organic sensors, thus improving the overall performance and durability of the display device.
Implementation Method 1
a light active layer disposed in the unit light sensor area between the second electrode and the third electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided, which includes a light sensor in a display panel. The display device comprises a substrate having a unit pixel area and a unit light sensor area, a first electrode over the substrate, a second electrode over the first electrode, a third electrode over the second electrode, a light emitting layer in the unit pixel area and disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a light active layer disposed in the unit light sensor area and disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode.