Display Device Refractors Redirect Light to Non-Display Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in maximizing the display area while minimizing the peripheral area, where no image is provided, especially with the integration of electronic elements like cameras or sensors, which can create non-display areas that appear as dark spots due to light path obstruction.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a thin-film encapsulation layer with refractors having specific inclination angles and voids, allowing light from light emitting areas to be refracted and redirected to create virtual light emitting areas in non-display regions, thereby increasing the effective display area and improving display quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic elements (camera, sensor) are integrated into the display area, then functionality is improved, but non-display areas (dark spots) are created that reduce display quality
Solution Approach 1:
A light redirecting layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the light emitting layer and the front surface. This layer contains light redirecting particles that mediate the light path, redirecting light from display areas around the electronic elements into the non-display areas, thereby eliminating dark spots while preserving both the electronic element integration and display quality
Solution Approach 2:
The light redirecting particles change the optical properties of the display device by redirecting light paths. This optical modification allows light to reach areas that would otherwise be dark, effectively changing the illumination distribution across the display surface without altering the electronic element configuration
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is increased proportion, then display effectiveness is improved, but peripheral areas (non-display areas) are reduced which may compromise device functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes a third dimension (depth) by introducing a light redirecting layer with light redirecting particles positioned between the light emitting layer and front surface. This dimensional approach allows light to be redirected at different angles and depths, filling non-display areas without compromising the integration of electronic elements in the display area
3Area of stationary object
If light is redirected to non-display areas, then display area proportion is improved, but light path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light redirecting particles create virtual light emitting areas by redirecting light, effectively copying the appearance of light emission into non-display areas. This copying approach achieves the effect of expanded display area without requiring additional light emitting elements or complex optical systems
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 solution enhances the proportion of display area and improves display quality by redirecting light to non-display areas, making these regions appear as part of the display, thus reducing the visibility of defects and increasing the overall display effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first inorganic layer including a plurality of first refractors having a first inclination angle... Light emitted from the first light emitting area may be configured to pass through the first refractors and travel to a first virtual light emitting area
Data Source
AI summary
A display device including a display area and a non-display area, a substrate including a through hole in the display area, an element layer including an anode disposed on the substrate, a light emitting layer disposed on the anode, and a cathode disposed on the light emitting layer, and a thin-film encapsulation layer including a first inorganic layer disposed on the element layer, an organic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer, and a second inorganic layer disposed on the organic layer, in which the first inorganic layer includes a plurality of first refractors having a first inclination angle.