Display Panel Openings for Under-Screen Optical Fingerprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Under-screen optical fingerprint recognition is difficult to be directly applied in OLED products due to poor light transmission caused by the pixel definition layer.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design with specific structural layers and openings, including a metal inhibition layer and an encapsulation layer with higher refractive index, to enhance light transmission to light-sensing sensors, and a collimator structure to improve optical fingerprint imaging clarity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pixel definition layer is used in OLED display devices, then the display structure is complete and functional, but light transmission is poor which affects under-screen optical fingerprint recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel definition layer is segmented by forming openings (through-holes) in specific regions. The pixel definition layer is divided into regions with different light transmission characteristics: regions with openings for light-sensing sensors and regions without openings for normal pixel definition. This segmentation allows the same layer to serve both protective and light-transmissive functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening structure acts as an intermediary element between the pixel definition layer and the light-sensing sensors below. By creating controlled openings, the system mediates the conflict between needing a complete pixel definition layer for display functionality and needing light transmission paths for fingerprint recognition. The openings provide selective light transmission while the remaining pixel definition layer maintains structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light-sensing sensors are added for fingerprint recognition, then fingerprint recognition function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel definition layer is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides pixel definition for display functionality, acts as a structural support layer, and when openings are formed, enables light transmission for fingerprint recognition. The same layer and its modifications serve both display and biometric authentication purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingerprint recognition functionality is merged into the existing display panel structure by integrating light-sensing sensors within the same layered architecture. The openings in the pixel definition layer are positioned to align with the light-sensing sensors, combining the display and fingerprint recognition functions into a unified structure rather than adding completely separate systems.
3Illumination intensity
If openings are formed in pixel definition layer for light transmission, then light transmission to sensors is improved, but imaging clarity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel definition layer is given different local qualities: regions with openings have high light transmission quality for sensor activation, while regions without openings maintain the original pixel definition quality for display functionality. The openings are specifically positioned and sized to provide adequate light transmission while minimizing impact on overall imaging clarity through controlled light paths.
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 light convergence and reflection towards light-sensing sensors, improving optical fingerprint imaging clarity and recognition accuracy by increasing the number of lights reaching the sensors and filtering out unwanted angles.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive index of the encapsulation layer is greater than that of the metal inhibition layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a display panel and an electronic device. A pixel definition layer of the display panel is provided with multiple second openings corresponding to multiple light-sensing sensors, a metal inhibition layer of the display panel is laid in the multiple second openings, and a encapsulation layer of the display panel is disposed to cover the metal inhibition layer and fill into the multiple second openings. By providing the multiple second openings on the pixel definition layer, lights are capable of passing through the pixel definition layer to reach the multiple light-sensing sensors, thereby solving a problem that an existing under-screen optical fingerprint is difficult to be directly applied in OLED products.