Light-Transmitting Display Windows for Integrated Light Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic displays face challenges in incorporating electrical components without interference from electrodes and circuitry.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating transparent windows in the display by replacing data storage capacitors and pixel circuit structures with transparent window structures, and aligning an array of electrical components with these windows, while using ancillary pixel circuits to maintain display functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrodes and circuitry are incorporated into the display to enable display functionality, then the display can operate and control light emission, but the electrodes and circuitry interfere with the integration of electrical components like light detectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of electrical componentsVSAvoidinterference from electrodes and circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into two distinct types of pixels: standard pixels containing electrodes and circuitry for light emission, and transparent window pixels with removed circuitry for component integration. This segmentation allows different functional zones to coexist without mutual interference, enabling both display operation and electrical component integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Circuitry elements (data storage capacitors, switching transistors, drive transistors) are selectively removed from specific pixel locations to create transparent window regions. This extraction eliminates the harmful interference from electrodes and circuitry in those areas, allowing light detectors and other electrical components to be integrated without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transparent windows are created by removing pixel circuit structures, then electrical components can be integrated, but the display functionality in those regions is reduced or lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of electrical componentsVSAvoiddisplay functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display system achieves multi-functionality by having different pixel types serve different purposes: standard pixels provide light emission for display, while transparent window pixels provide access for electrical components. The ancillary pixel circuits extend the display control functionality to cover window pixels, ensuring the entire display area remains functional despite the circuitry removal in specific regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Ancillary pixel circuits act as intermediaries to extend display control to transparent window pixels. These additional circuits, located in inactive display areas, provide the necessary control signals to light-emitting diodes in window pixel regions, maintaining display functionality across the entire display area including regions with integrated electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If ancillary pixel circuits are added to maintain display functionality in window regions, then display operation is preserved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Ancillary pixel circuits are positioned in inactive display areas (border regions) rather than within the active pixel grid. This spatial relocation to a different dimension (inactive vs. active area) allows the system to maintain display functionality in window regions without adding complexity within the functional pixel array, minimizing interference with the primary display operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables the integration of electrical components like light detectors within the display without disrupting the display's operation, enhancing its functionality and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

During operation, current passes through the emissive material between the electrodes, generating light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

an array of light detectors that measures light passing through that light transmitting window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12416724B2Display with array of light-transmitting windows

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 APPLE INC

AI summary

A display may have an array of pixels. Each pixel may have a light-emitting diode such as an organic light-emitting diode. The organic light-emitting diodes may each have an anode that is coupled to a thin-film transistor pixel circuit for controlling the anode. Transparent windows may be formed in the display. The windows may be formed by replacing data storage capacitors and other pixel circuit structures in a subset of the pixels with transparent window structures, by selectively removing portions of light-emitting diode anodes, and by shifting anodes. An array of electrical components such as an array of light sensors may be aligned with the transparent windows and may be used to measure light passing through the transparent windows.