Free-form display light blocking openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat panel displays with rectangular pixel arrangements are not suitable for free-form shapes like circles, ellipses, or diagonals, resulting in a 'dead zone' where no image is displayed, leading to a visible step-like pattern due to the stepped outline of the black matrix.
Innovation Solution
A free-form display with a light blocking portion that has openings of varying sizes adjacent to the non-pixel area, which are scaled proportionately to minimize the visibility of stepped lines, allowing for a seamless transition between the active and bezel areas, and adjusting the aperture ratio according to gamma characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If rectangular unit pixels are arranged in a matrix on a circular substrate, then the display can achieve a free-form shape, but a dead zone is created where no image is displayed and the stepped outline of the black matrix becomes visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the size of openings in the light blocking portion based on their position. Openings adjacent to the non-pixel area are made smaller than those in the pixel area, creating a gradient that reduces the visibility of the stepped pattern at the boundary while maintaining normal pixel functionality in the display area.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform openings are used in the light blocking portion, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the stepped pattern remains visible reducing picture quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of opening size in the light blocking portion based on position. By making openings smaller adjacent to the non-pixel area and larger in the pixel area, the patent creates a gradual transition that reduces the visibility of the stepped pattern while maintaining manufacturability through a systematic size variation approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A free-form display is disclosed which makes a step-like pattern adjacent to a free-form portion less visible. The free-form display has an active area and a bezel area, and at least part of a boundary between the active area and the bezel area has a free-form portion. The free-form portion comprises subpixel electrodes and a light blocking portion. A plurality of subpixel electrodes are placed in areas defined by a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines that intersect each other. A light blocking portion has openings exposing the subpixel electrodes, respectively, and is arranged to overlap the gate lines and the data lines. The active area comprises subpixel areas where the subpixel electrodes are placed, and a non-pixel area where no subpixel electrodes are placed. The openings of the light blocking portion adjacent to the non-pixel area, are made in different sizes.