Integrating Light-Receiving Pixels Into Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately detecting surrounding brightness due to suboptimal placement of illumination sensors, leading to inefficient battery consumption and display control.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating light-receiving pixels within the display panel, which are integrated with light-emitting pixels in a specific pattern, allowing for the detection of surrounding brightness and adjustment of display brightness or partial switching off of the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an illumination sensor is installed in a specific location of the electronic device, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the sensor cannot accurately detect the brightness of surroundings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor placement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the illumination sensing function with the display panel by integrating light-receiving pixels directly into the display structure. These light-receiving pixels are combined with light-emitting pixels to form a unified display panel that can both display images and detect surrounding brightness, eliminating the need for separate illumination sensors and their complex placement considerations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is given multiple functions: it serves as both the light-emitting display surface and the light-receiving sensing element. The light-receiving pixels integrated into the display panel enable brightness detection while maintaining the display's primary function, making the display panel a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for dedicated sensor hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the display panel brightness is controlled based on inaccurate sensor data, then power consumption can be reduced, but display quality and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay power consumptionVSAvoidsurroundings brightness detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating light-receiving pixels directly into the display panel, the system achieves accurate measurement of surrounding brightness without requiring separate sensors. This merged structure ensures that the brightness detection is performed at the same location where display occurs, providing accurate data for power consumption optimization while maintaining display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-receiving pixels provide real-time feedback on surrounding brightness conditions to the control unit, which adjusts display brightness accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic power consumption optimization based on actual environmental conditions while maintaining optimal display quality through accurate brightness sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If light-receiving pixels are integrated with light-emitting pixels in the display panel, then accurate brightness detection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness detection accuracyVSAvoiddisplay panel manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines light-emitting pixels and light-receiving pixels into a single integrated display panel structure. This merging allows both functions to be manufactured together using coordinated processes, where the light-receiving pixels are positioned in specific regions (such as bezel areas or between light-emitting pixels) without requiring completely separate manufacturing lines or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by moving object

If the display panel is partially switched off to save power, then battery consumption is reduced, but display functionality is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoiddisplay functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is segmented into light-emitting pixels and light-receiving pixels, with the light-receiving pixels strategically positioned in areas such as the bezel or between display pixels. This segmentation allows the light-receiving pixels to perform sensing functions in non-critical display areas while light-emitting pixels maintain full display functionality, enabling partial power reduction without compromising user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display panel are assigned different functions: light-emitting pixels provide display output while light-receiving pixels provide sensing input. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize power consumption by controlling only the light-emitting portions while maintaining sensing capability in light-receiving portions, preserving display functionality while reducing power usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively reduces battery consumption by accurately detecting and responding to changes in surrounding brightness, optimizing power usage and maintaining display quality.

Implementation Method 1

a display panel having image sensors therein, wherein the display panel has a structure in which light-receiving pixels are commingled with display pixels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2854122B1Adjusting light emitting pixels
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2854122B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2854122B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2854122B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for controlling a screen display in an electronic device. A signal from a light-receiving pixel on a display unit is detected. The display unit comprises light emitting pixels and light receiving pixels arranged in a pattern. The light emitting pixels are adjusted based at least partially on a brightness of light indicated by the signal from the light receiving pixels.