EL Pixel Transistor Complementary Refresh Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-luminescence displays face issues with the continuous operation of thin film transistors, leading to stress, damage, and reduced lifespan, resulting in luminous output discrepancies and residual images due to the continuous control of current to electro-luminescence diodes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a complementary operation mode for first and second thin film transistors, switching between active and refresh modes based on pixel data signal polarity, to precisely control current to electro-luminescence diodes, reducing transistor stress and extending their lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the first thin film transistor continuously operates to control current to the electro-luminescence diode, then the luminous output can be precisely controlled, but the transistor experiences stress and damage reducing its lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous output control precisionVSAvoidtransistor lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic refreshing of the electro-luminescence pixel by alternating between a first thin film transistor and a second thin film transistor. During each refresh cycle, one transistor is activated to supply current to the electro-luminescence diode while the other is deactivated, allowing the activated transistor to operate periodically rather than continuously. This periodic operation reduces cumulative stress on individual transistors, extending their lifespan while maintaining precise luminous output control through the alternating transistor pairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the first thin film transistor continuously operates, then the image can be displayed for a predetermined time, but residual images appear on the display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage display durationVSAvoidresidual image
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic refreshing with alternating transistor pairs to prevent residual images. By systematically activating different transistor pairs in succession across multiple refresh cycles, the patent ensures uniform current distribution and prevents localized stress accumulation that causes residual images. The periodic refresh mechanism maintains image durability over extended display periods while eliminating the harmful residual image effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second thin film transistor continuously operates to transmit pixel data signals, then the pixel data can be maintained at the control node, but the transistor is damaged reducing display lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel data signal stabilityVSAvoiddisplay lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic operation of the second thin film transistor by alternating its activation with a fourth thin film transistor across refresh cycles. During each cycle, the second transistor transmits pixel data signals to the control node periodically rather than continuously, allowing it to remain stable when activated while reducing cumulative stress through periodic deactivation. This approach maintains pixel data signal stability during active periods while extending the overall display lifespan through reduced continuous operation stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures continuous and precise current supply to electro-luminescence diodes, reducing transistor stress and extending the lifespan of both transistors and the display, while preventing residual images.

Implementation Method 1

An electro-luminescence display includes a plurality of electro-luminescence pixels arranged in the form of an active matrix. Each electro-luminescence pixel emits light according to the voltage or current level of a pixel data signal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS8400378B2Electro-luminescence pixel, panel with the pixel, and device and method for driving the panel
Publication Date: 2013.03.19 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US8400378B2 patent drawing
  • US8400378B2 patent drawing
  • US8400378B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electro-luminescence display having a plurality of pixels is disclosed. One of the pixels of the electro-luminescence display includes an electro-luminescence diode electrically connected between first and second voltage sources; first and second thin film transistors adjusting an amount of current flowing to the electro-luminescence diode; and a control circuit complementarily operating the first and second thin film transistors in an active mode and a refresh mode.