Display Window Pixel Layout for Integrated Light Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face challenges in incorporating electrical components without interference from electrodes and circuitry.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating transparent windows in the display by removing data storage capacitors and shifting anodes in some pixels, allowing for the alignment of electrical components with these windows, and using ancillary pixel circuits to maintain display functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrodes and circuitry are incorporated into the display to enable display functionality, then the display can emit and control light, but the electrodes and circuitry interfere with the integration of electrical components like light detectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of electrical componentsVSAvoidinterference from electrodes and circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into two distinct types of pixels: standard pixels containing full circuitry for light emission, and window pixels with removed circuitry for light detection. This segmentation allows electrical components to be integrated in specific regions without interfering with display functionality in other regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Circuitry elements (data storage capacitors and anodes) are extracted and removed from specific pixel locations to create transparent windows. This extraction eliminates the harmful interference from electrodes and circuitry in those regions, enabling successful integration of light detectors and other electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data storage capacitors and pixel circuit structures are removed to create transparent windows, then electrical components can be integrated, but display functionality in those pixels is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of electrical componentsVSAvoiddisplay functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The functionality of window pixels (light detection) is merged with the display system through ancillary pixel circuits located in non-active areas. These ancillary circuits receive image data and control signals, enabling the window pixels to contribute to display functionality while maintaining their transparent window structure for electrical component integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ancillary pixel circuits serve multiple functions: they control both the standard light-emitting pixels and the window pixels with integrated electrical components. This multi-functionality ensures that display functionality is maintained across the entire display area, including regions with integrated electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If anodes are selectively removed or shifted in some pixels to accommodate windows, then transparent windows are formed for component integration, but the regular spacing and layout of pixel circuits is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of transparent windowsVSAvoidpixel circuit layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different pixel structures are implemented in different regions: standard pixels with complete circuitry in display areas, and window pixels with removed/shifted anodes in areas requiring electrical component integration. This local differentiation allows the display to maintain regular spacing and layout where needed while accommodating windows where required.

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

Enables the integration of electrical components like light detectors within the display without disrupting the display's operation, enhancing its functionality.

Implementation Method 1

During operation, current passes through the emissive material between the electrodes, generating light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

an array of light transmitting windows each of which is aligned with a respective light detector that measures light passing through that light transmitting window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250370130A1Display With Array of Light-Transmitting Windows

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

A display may have an array of pixels. Each pixel may have a light-emitting diode such as an organic light-emitting diode. The organic light-emitting diodes may each have an anode that is coupled to a thin-film transistor pixel circuit for controlling the anode. Transparent windows may be formed in the display. The windows may be formed by replacing data storage capacitors and other pixel circuit structures in a subset of the pixels with transparent window structures, by selectively removing portions of light-emitting diode anodes, and by shifting anodes. An array of electrical components such as an array of light sensors may be aligned with the transparent windows and may be used to measure light passing through the transparent windows.