Light Diffusion Layer for Non-Rectangular Display Edge Quality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Display panels with non-rectangular shapes, such as round or polygonal shapes, suffer from jagged edges and color distortion due to the serrated exterior contour of subpixels nearest to the edge, affecting display quality.

Innovation Solution

A display panel with a light diffusion layer comprising a plurality of light diffusers that diffuse light from subpixels nearest to the edge, creating a smooth exterior contour and true color representation by emitting diffused light outside the subpixel region, thereby enlarging the effective display area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If display panels are made in non-rectangular shapes (round, polygonal, triangular), then shape diversity and adaptability are improved, but jagged edges and color distortion occur due to serrated exterior contour of subpixels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape diversityVSAvoidedge smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the light emission area into multiple sub-regions by introducing black matrix regions between adjacent subpixels at the edge. This segmentation allows independent control of light emission in different areas, enabling the creation of smooth exterior contours even when subpixels are arranged in non-rectangular patterns. The black matrix regions act as separators that prevent light leakage and create sharp boundaries for the smooth contour effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the display panel. Specifically, edge subpixels are equipped with black matrix regions and adjusted light emission characteristics compared to central subpixels. This local differentiation allows the edge areas to contribute to smooth exterior contours while central areas maintain normal subpixel structure, thus achieving overall shape diversity without sacrificing edge quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If subpixels are arranged to form non-rectangular outlines, then design flexibility is improved, but color distortion occurs at the intersection of display and non-display areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidcolor accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes light emission capability from specific problematic regions by introducing black matrix regions at edge subpixels. By taking out the light emission function from areas that would otherwise cause color distortion (such as intersections of display and non-display areas), the invention prevents color errors while maintaining the desired non-rectangular outline shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements localized structural modifications at edge subpixels, including black matrix regions and adjusted light emission characteristics. These local quality changes ensure that problematic areas (intersections, edges) have different optical properties than central areas, preventing color distortion while allowing overall design flexibility for non-rectangular shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If light emission is restricted to precise subpixel regions, then color accuracy is improved, but jagged edges appear at the display panel boundary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidedge contour
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the light emission control into multiple zones: central subpixels maintain precise light emission for color accuracy, while edge subpixels incorporate black matrix regions that segment and control light emission to create smooth exterior contours. This multi-zone segmentation strategy simultaneously achieves both color accuracy and smooth edge shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces asymmetric structural characteristics between edge subpixels and central subpixels. Edge subpixels have black matrix regions and modified light emission patterns that differ from central subpixels. This asymmetry allows edge areas to form smooth contours while central areas maintain precise color reproduction, resolving the contradiction between edge shape and color accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 solution effectively eliminates jagged edges and color distortion, providing a smooth edge and accurate color representation in non-rectangular display panels.

Implementation Method 1

a light diffusion layer on the base substrate and comprising a plurality of light diffusers separated from each other. Each of the plurality of light diffusers is configured to diffuse light emitted from the one of the plurality of subpixels nearest to the edge of the display area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3721273B1Display panel, display apparatus, and method of fabricating display panel
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3721273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3721273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3721273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display panel has a display area and an array of a plurality of subpixels in the display area. The display panel includes a base substrate (10) and a light diffusion layer (20) on the base substrate (10). The light diffusion layer (20) includes a plurality of light diffusers (D) separated from each other. Each of the plurality of light diffusers (D) is configured to diffuse light emitted from the one of the plurality of subpixels nearest to an edge of the display area. A portion of diffused light emits out of the each of the plurality of light diffusers (D) outside a region corresponding to the one of the plurality of subpixels nearest to the edge of the display area.