In-cell optical sensing display panel with segmented sensor regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of fingerprint sensors and ambient light sensors in display panels poses challenges due to differing design requirements and operations, leading to increased panel size and interference issues, particularly in compact high-quality display designs.
Innovation Solution
An in-cell optical sensing display panel is designed with a pixel array and a sensor array, where fingerprint sensors and ambient light sensors are positioned in an active area, with ambient light sensors having a field of view inclined towards the edge to minimize interference and share the same manufacturing processes as fingerprint sensors, optimizing glass utilization and reducing bezel width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are disposed in a non-active area of the display panel, then the sensors can be isolated from display operations, but the size of the display panel is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor array with the pixel array by disposing both fingerprint sensors and ambient light sensors within the active area of the display panel. The sensor array shares the same active area as the pixel array, allowing sensors to be integrated without increasing overall panel size. This is achieved by configuring the sensor array to occupy a first region of the active area while pixel arrays occupy other regions, enabling spatial coexistence within the active display region.
2Area of stationary object
If fingerprint sensors and ambient light sensors share the same active area, then the display panel size is reduced, but operational interference between the two sensor types occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the active area into distinct regions: a first region for the sensor array containing both fingerprint sensors and ambient light sensors, and other regions for pixel arrays. This spatial segmentation allows different sensor types to be separated within the active area, reducing operational interference while maintaining compact panel design. The sensor array is configured to occupy a specific first region, creating spatial zones that minimize cross-interference between different sensing operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If different sensor types are integrated in the active area, then manufacturing processes can be unified, but design complexity increases due to different design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by configuring both fingerprint sensors and ambient light sensors to occupy the same active area and share common manufacturing processes. The sensor array is designed with a unified structure that accommodates different sensor types using the same photosensitive elements and fabrication techniques. This universal approach allows both sensor types to be manufactured simultaneously using identical process flows, reducing manufacturing complexity despite different operational requirements.
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 design enhances ambient light sensing efficiency, reduces panel size, and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing both sensor types to be produced using the same processes while minimizing operational interference.
Implementation Method 1
a light source must illuminate light toward the user's finger such that the fingerprint sensors sense a reflected light from the user's finger to generate a fingerprint image
Implementation Method 2
the ambient light sensors simply sense the intensity of light from the surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
An in-cell optical sensing display panel includes a pixel array, a plurality of first optical sensors and a plurality of second optical sensors. The pixel array is disposed in an active area of the in-cell optical sensing display panel, and the active area includes a first region and a second region which surrounds the first region. The sensor array is disposed in the first region of the active area and is configured to sense a fingerprint of a finger touching a surface of the in-cell optical sensing display panel. The second optical sensors are disposed in the second region of the active area and are configured to sense ambient light, and the second optical sensors are not to be used for fingerprint sensing.