Input Sensor Dummy Pattern Layout for Low-Visibility Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices with integrated input sensors have visibility issues due to differences in light reflection between emission and non-emission regions, making the input sensors conspicuous and affecting user experience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating dummy patterns in the input sensor design that overlap boundary regions between sensing electrodes, reducing the contrast in light reflection between emission and non-emission areas to minimize visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an input sensor is integrated on the display panel, then input functionality is provided, but the input sensor becomes visible and affects aesthetic appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput functionalityVSAvoidvisibility of input sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy patterns are designed to match the optical characteristics of the emission regions, creating a visual effect where the sensor region appears uniform with the surrounding display area. This optical matching makes the input sensor invisible to users while maintaining its functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dummy patterns replicate the optical properties of the emission regions by reflecting external light in a similar manner. This copying of optical characteristics from the emission regions to the sensor regions eliminates the visual distinction between functional and non-functional areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If line segments are disposed in boundary regions, then sensing functionality is maintained, but reflection difference between emission and non-emission regions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing functionalityVSAvoidlight reflection contrast
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy patterns are selectively placed in boundary regions where they locally modify the optical characteristics. This localized modification compensates for the reflection differences caused by the line segments, creating uniform overall appearance while preserving sensing functionality in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The dummy patterns act as intermediary elements between the line segments and the external environment. They mediate the light reflection process to eliminate visual discontinuities caused by the sensing electrodes while maintaining the electrical functionality of the input sensor.

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

The dummy patterns enhance external light reflection in boundary regions, reducing the visibility of the input sensor, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal and user experience by minimizing the distinction between emission and non-emission areas.

Implementation Method 1

dummy patterns may increase an amount of reflection of external light on cut regions or boundary regions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4672946A1Display device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4672946A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4672946A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4672946A1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Provided is a display device. The display device comprises a display panel and an input sensor disposed thereon. The input sensor may include insulating layers, sensing patterns, and dummy patterns disposed with the sensing patterns and insulating layers between the dummy patterns. The dummy patterns may overlap, in the sensing patterns, disconnected areas of line components or spaced areas of line patterns.