Display Panel Driver Alignment Mark Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction of non-display areas in flat panel display devices, such as OLED and LCD, due to narrow bezels limits the space for forming alignment marks, complicating the assembly process of display panels and mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A display panel driver that includes a storage unit for storing alignment patterns and a timing controller to output alignment image data based on control signals from a facility driver, allowing for the display of alignment marks during the assembly process, thereby facilitating correct positioning and recognition of these marks without the need for additional pattern generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the non-display area is reduced to achieve narrow bezels, then the appearance quality is improved, but the space for forming alignment marks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the alignment mark formation from the non-display area (2D plane constraint) to the display area by utilizing the display panel's pixel matrix. Alignment marks are formed by controlling specific pixels to display alignment patterns, effectively transitioning from spatial constraint in non-display area to temporal/control-based formation in display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of alignment marks through software control rather than physical formation in the non-display area. The timing controller generates alignment image data that displays alignment patterns on the display panel, replacing the need for physical alignment marks that would require dedicated non-display space.
2Ease of manufacture
If alignment marks are formed in the non-display area, then the assembly process is simplified, but the non-display area must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel itself serves the dual function of displaying images and providing alignment marks for assembly. The timing controller enables the display panel to self-generate alignment patterns during the assembly process, eliminating the need for separate alignment mark formation facilities and reducing dependency on non-display area space.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is given multi-functionality: it serves both as the image display device and as the carrier for alignment marks during assembly. The same pixel matrix used for displaying images is also used to generate alignment patterns, allowing one component to fulfill multiple purposes without requiring additional space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the timing controller outputs alignment image data during assembly, then facility changes are reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing controller dynamically switches between normal display mode and alignment mark generation mode based on assembly requirements. By receiving control signals during assembly processes, the timing controller adaptively changes its output function, enabling the system to handle different manufacturing stages with a single unified controller rather than requiring separate fixed-function devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel driver includes a storage unit configured to store an align pattern and a timing controller configured to output align image data based on an align control signal provided from a facility driver during a mechanism assembly process of a display panel. The align pattern includes an align mark, and the align image data includes the align pattern.