Display Module with Variable Thickness Window and Pixel Area Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display modules in electronic devices, such as electronic watches, face challenges in achieving improved display quality due to distortions caused by varying pixel sizes and window thicknesses, leading to uneven brightness and image quality issues.

Innovation Solution

A display module design featuring a window member with varying thickness areas and a display panel with corresponding pixel areas, where the second pixel area is smaller than the first, arranged in a specific matrix pattern to compensate for the curvature and thickness differences, ensuring uniform brightness and preventing image distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a window member with varying thickness is used to create curvature and aesthetic appeal, then display quality and immersive experience are improved, but image distortion and uneven brightness occur due to the thickness variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness uniformityVSAvoidwindow thickness variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the pixel area according to the local thickness of the window member. Specifically, pixels in the first matrix (overlapping the first window area with first average thickness) have a first area, while pixels in the second matrix (overlapping the second window area with second average thickness) have a second area that is smaller than the first area. This local adaptation compensates for the optical path differences caused by varying window thickness, maintaining brightness uniformity across the display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If pixels are arranged in a regular grid pattern, then manufacturing is simplified, but image distortion occurs due to the curvature of the window member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel arrangement patternVSAvoidpixel positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pixel array into multiple matrices (first matrix, second matrix, third matrix, fourth matrix) arranged in different orientations. The first and third matrices are arranged in a first direction, while the second and fourth matrices are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. This segmentation approach allows the pixel layout to adapt to the curved surface of the window member, reducing image distortion while maintaining manufacturability through systematic arrangement patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If the pixel area is increased to improve visibility, then display brightness is enhanced, but image distortion increases due to the curvature of the window member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay brightnessVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of pixel area systematically across different matrices. Pixels in the first matrix have a first area, while pixels in the second matrix have a second area that is smaller than the first area. This parameter change compensates for the magnification effect caused by the window member's curvature, ensuring that the displayed image maintains correct proportions and reduces distortion while preserving display brightness.

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

The solution enhances display quality by maintaining uniform brightness across different pixel areas, reducing distortion, and providing an improved immersive experience through precise control of pixel density and window curvature.

Implementation Method 1

a window member configured to include a first window area having a first average thickness and a second window area having a second average thickness greater than the first average thickness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3236460B1Display module, electronic watch having the same, and electronic device having the display module
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3236460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3236460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3236460B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A display module (200) includes a window member (300) including a first window area (WA1) having a first average thickness and a second window area (WA2) having a second average thickness greater than the first average thickness, and a display panel (400) including a first display area (DA1) overlapped with the first window area (WA1) in a thickness direction (DR1) and including a plurality of first pixels (PX1) and a second display area (DA2) overlapped with the second window area (WA2) in the thickness direction (DR1) and including a plurality of second pixels (PX2). The second pixels (PX2) have a second pixel area (PS2) smaller than a first pixel area (PS1) of the first pixels (PX1).