Display Panel Sub-Pixels for Depth Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spatial positioning technologies are complex, require high hardware specifications, and have low product yield and performance, making them unsuitable for miniaturization and integration with display panels.

Innovation Solution

A display device with information collection sub-pixels embedded in the display panel that use a light conversion material to emit infrared light for depth information acquisition, eliminating the need for additional projection light sources and simplifying the structure, while an information receiving device on the side of the panel collects the reflected infrared light signals using structured light triangulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing spatial positioning technology is used, then depth information can be acquired, but the hardware requirements are large and the structure is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information acquisitionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display function and spatial positioning function into a single display device. The display panel serves both as a visual output device and as a spatial positioning system, eliminating the need for separate projection light sources and receiving devices. This integration directly resolves the technical contradiction by reducing structural complexity while maintaining depth information acquisition capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays visual information and simultaneously performs spatial positioning. The sub-pixels are dual-functional, serving both display purposes and acting as infrared light sources for depth detection when needed. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to acquire depth information without requiring additional dedicated hardware, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If existing spatial positioning technology is used, then depth information can be acquired, but hardware requirements are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information acquisitionVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the projection light source function with the display panel itself. Instead of requiring separate high-specification projection devices and receiving devices, the display panel's sub-pixels are used to emit infrared light directly. This merging eliminates the need for additional hardware components, reducing both the quantity and specification requirements while maintaining depth detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device serves itself by using its own sub-pixels as infrared light sources for spatial positioning. The sub-pixels that would normally only display visual information are repurposed to also function as active elements in the depth detection system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external projection light sources and reduces hardware requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If existing spatial positioning technology is used, then depth information can be acquired, but the algorithm is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information acquisitionVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or multi-component optical systems with a simplified electronic control approach. By using the display panel's existing sub-pixel structure and controlling their activation states, the system achieves spatial positioning through software control rather than complex mechanical adjustments or multiple optical components. This substitution simplifies the overall system algorithm and control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If existing spatial positioning technology is used, then depth information can be acquired, but product yield is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information acquisitionVSAvoidproduct yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates spatial positioning functionality into the standard display panel manufacturing process. By using the existing sub-pixel structure for both display and depth detection, the invention eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for projection light sources and receiving devices. This integration into the standard manufacturing process improves product yield by reducing assembly complexity and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Measurement precision

If existing spatial positioning technology is used, then depth information can be acquired, but product performance is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information acquisitionVSAvoidproduct performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making specific sub-pixels dual-functional while keeping other sub-pixels dedicated to display. The information collection sub-pixels are strategically positioned and configured to emit infrared light for depth detection, while maintaining their display function. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve high performance in both display and spatial positioning without compromising overall product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables a compact, cost-effective, and high-precision spatial positioning system that integrates seamlessly with display panels, improving product yield and performance by using the display device itself as both a display and spatial positioning tool.

Implementation Method 1

part of the sub-pixels being information collection sub-pixels each provided with a light conversion material, and the light conversion material being capable of absorbing light emitted by the information collection sub-pixel and emitting infrared light to an external object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight conversion: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the information receiving device being configured to receive an infrared light signal reflected by the external object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10866087B2Display device, method for fabricating the same, and method for collecting information by using the same
Publication Date: 2020.12.15 BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONCIS TECH CO LTD
  • US10866087B2 patent drawing
  • US10866087B2 patent drawing
  • US10866087B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a display device, a method for fabricating the same, and a method for collecting information using the same. The display device includes a display panel having a plurality of sub-pixels, at least a portion of the sub-pixels being information collection sub-pixels provided with light conversion material, and the light conversion material being capable of absorbing light emitted by the information collection sub-pixel and emitting infrared light to an external object; an information receiving device disposed on at least one side of a display area of the display panel, the information receiving device being configured to receive an infrared light signal reflected by the external object and to acquire depth information of the external object according to the infrared light signal.