Display Panel Transparent Connection Line Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display panels face challenges in efficiently integrating electronic components within the display area while maintaining high light transmittance and image quality, as the presence of components like cameras or sensors reduces the effective display area and image resolution.

Innovation Solution

A display panel design with a substrate featuring a first display area, a second display area for electronic components, and a peripheral area, where the second display area includes a second pixel circuit in the peripheral area, connected via a transparent conductive oxide connection line, and a pixel-defining layer with a light-blocking material to enhance light transmittance and image display capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are integrated within the display area, then device functionality is improved, but light transmittance and image quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidlight transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is divided into a first display area for high-quality image display and a second display area for electronic components. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized independently, enabling electronic components to be integrated while maintaining high light transmittance in the primary display region through the use of transparent conductive oxide connection lines and strategically positioned pixel circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If pixel circuits are arranged within the display area, then connection efficiency is improved, but effective display area and resolution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection efficiencyVSAvoideffective display area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Pixel circuits are moved from the planar display area to the peripheral area, utilizing the vertical and lateral space around the display region. This dimensional repositioning maintains electrical connection efficiency through optimized connection lines while preserving the effective display area and resolution by eliminating circuit obstructions from the visible display region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If connection lines are placed on the same layer as pixel electrodes, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but light transmittance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidlight transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent conductive oxide layer is introduced as an intermediary between the connection lines and the pixel electrodes. This intermediary material provides the necessary electrical connection while maintaining high light transmittance, as transparent conductive oxides allow light to pass through while conducting electrical signals, thus resolving the conflict between manufacturing simplicity and optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design allows for the display of images even in areas with electronic components, improving light transmittance and maintaining image quality by separating pixel circuits from the display area, thus expanding the effective display area and resolution.

Implementation Method 1

a connection line arranged between the substrate and the second display element and connecting the second display element to the second pixel circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a pixel-defining layer having an opening exposing a center of the second pixel electrode and covering an edge of the second pixel electrode, wherein the pixel-defining layer may include a light-blocking material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20230021482A1Display panel and display apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2023.01.26 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display panel includes: a substrate including a first display area, a second display area, and a peripheral area; a first pixel circuit at the first display area and a first display element connected to the first pixel circuit; a second display element at the second display area; a second pixel circuit at on the peripheral area; a connection line between the substrate and the second display element and connecting the second display element to the second pixel circuit; and a connection portion on a different layer from the connection line and connected to the second display element, wherein the second display element includes a second pixel electrode, wherein the second pixel electrode is on a same layer as the connection portion and covers at least a portion of the connection portion.