Display Temperature Detection via Thermal Diodes and Mesh Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature variations in display panels, caused by heat-emitting components like LEDs and drivers, lead to color maladies such as increased blue in hotter areas and yellow in cooler areas, which existing software models struggle to accurately predict or counteract in physical prototypes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating thermal diodes and a mesh layer with resistance and capacitance measurement circuitry to determine temperature values across the display panel, allowing for adjustments to the white point settings to mitigate color quality issues by associating temperature measurements with resistance and capacitance values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If software models are used to simulate temperature variations, then prediction capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the models cannot accurately represent true physical temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction capabilityVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software simulation models with physical temperature sensors (thermistors) integrated into the display panel. This substitution transitions from a computational prediction system to a direct physical measurement system, eliminating the discrepancy between simulated and actual temperature variations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermistors as intermediary measurement elements that directly contact the display panel structure. These sensors serve as mediators between the physical temperature field and the measurement system, providing accurate real-time temperature data without relying on software models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If temperature measurement circuitry is integrated into the display panel, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and wiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidcircuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature measurement function with the existing display panel structure by integrating thermistors into the backlight assembly or display layers. This consolidation combines multiple functions (display and temperature sensing) into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity despite adding measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel components, particularly the backlight assembly and existing structural elements, are designed to serve dual purposes: their primary function for display operation and a secondary function as mounting structures and thermal pathways for the temperature sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor mounting structures.

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

3Measurement precision

If thermistors are placed near heat-generating components like LEDs, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to interference from electromagnetic radiation and heat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference and thermal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the display panel structure itself (layers, encasements, and thermal pathways) as intermediary elements between the heat-generating LEDs and the thermistors. These intermediaries conduct and distribute heat in a controlled manner, allowing the sensors to measure the actual thermal environment affecting the display without being directly exposed to intense localized heat or electromagnetic radiation from the LEDs.

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 approach provides accurate real-world temperature data to improve color representation by dynamically adjusting the white point values of the display, enhancing image quality and allowing manufacturers to refine their designs based on actual usage scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature values of the display may be obtained through thermal diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy detection:

Implementation Method 2

measuring resistance and/or capacitance in a mesh layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

measuring resistance and/or capacitance in a mesh layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2761613B1Systems and methods for display temperature detection
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 APPLE INC
  • EP2761613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2761613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2761613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments relate to a display temperature detection system that can detect temperature variations in different regions of a display panel. The temperature measuring display system includes a display panel that provides graphical images. Further, the temperature measuring display system includes temperature measurement circuitry. The temperature measurement circuitry includes one or more thermal diodes, transistors, or a mesh layer useful to determine at least one temperature measurement of the display panel.