Display Input Sensor Inspection Lines for Signal-Line Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face manufacturing defects in input sensors, such as touch panels, which are not effectively addressed by current inspection methods.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a defect inspection line with dummy electrodes, transparent conductive oxide inspection lines, and sensing electrodes with bridge patterns, allowing for comprehensive defect detection and protection of signal lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inspection lines are added to detect defects in input sensors, then defect detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection lines are merged with the existing signal lines of the input sensor, allowing both inspection and signal transmission functions to be performed by the same structural element. This reduces device complexity while maintaining defect detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection lines are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as both inspection paths for detecting defects and as signal lines for normal sensor operation. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

2Measurement precision

If dummy electrodes are introduced for inspection purposes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect inspection accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Dummy electrodes are introduced as simplified copies of the actual sensing electrodes, providing the same inspection functionality without the full complexity of complete sensor elements. These dummy electrodes replicate only the essential electrical characteristics needed for defect detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection function is segmented from the complete sensor structure, with dummy electrodes handling only the inspection task. This separation allows for simplified inspection elements that improve measurement precision without requiring the full complexity of operational sensing electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If inspection lines overlap with signal lines, then defect detection coverage is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection coverageVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the inspection lines and signal lines that overlap in space. This insulating layer prevents electrical interference while allowing the inspection lines to maintain their overlapping position for comprehensive defect detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved by extending inspection lines, then defect detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection coverageVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection lines are merged with existing signal line routing, inheriting the alignment and positioning already established for signal transmission. This approach achieves comprehensive inspection coverage without imposing additional manufacturing precision requirements, as the inspection lines follow the same precisely-defined paths as the signal lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3901749B1Display device and method of inspecting the same
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3901749B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3901749B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3901749B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel and an input sensor on the display panel, the input sensor including sensing electrodes, signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes, an insulating layer on the signal lines, and inspection lines on the insulating layer and electrically connected to each other, each of the inspection lines respectively overlapping a corresponding one of the signal lines.