Mask Plate Segmentation for Under-Screen Camera Transmittance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional under-screen camera technologies face low transmittance issues due to the presence of the cathode layer in display panels, which hinders the integration of camera modules with the display screen, particularly in increasing the screen-to-body ratio of smartphones.

Innovation Solution

A mask plate design that includes a first blocking region with a first opening region and a second blocking region with multiple second opening regions, allowing for vapor deposition of a metal cathode layer that avoids coverage in light-transmission regions, combining an open mask plate with a fine metal mask plate to form a metal cathode layer only in necessary areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional open mask plate is used to vapor deposit the cathode layer on the entire display screen, then the cathode layer provides necessary electrical function across the display region, but the transmittance in the camera region is reduced due to the presence of the metal cathode layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical function of cathode layerVSAvoidlight transmittance in camera region

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The mask plate is divided into distinct functional regions: a first opening region for the display area and a second opening region with multiple second openings for the camera area. This segmentation allows the cathode layer to be deposited selectively - forming a continuous layer in the display region while creating only discrete isolated regions in the camera area, thereby maintaining electrical functionality where needed while maximizing light transmittance in the camera region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mask plate design applies different structural characteristics to different regions: the first opening region provides full openness for complete cathode coverage in the display area, while the second opening region contains multiple smaller second openings arranged in an array for the camera region. This local differentiation optimizes each region's properties - continuous coverage for electrical function in display areas, and maximized openness for light transmission in camera areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the screen-to-body ratio is increased by integrating the camera under the display screen, then the display area is maximized, but the light transmittance requirement for the camera region becomes more difficult to achieve due to the cathode layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidlight transmittance in camera region

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The mask plate is divided into distinct functional regions: a first opening region for the display area and a second opening region with multiple second openings for the camera area. This segmentation allows the cathode layer to be deposited selectively - forming a continuous layer in the display region while creating only discrete isolated regions in the camera area, thereby maintaining electrical functionality where needed while maximizing light transmittance in the camera region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mask plate design applies different structural characteristics to different regions: the first opening region provides full openness for complete cathode coverage in the display area, while the second opening region contains multiple smaller second openings arranged in an array for the camera region. This local differentiation optimizes each region's properties - continuous coverage for electrical function in display areas, and maximized openness for light transmission in camera areas.

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 enhances light transmittance in the under-screen camera region, improving imaging results by eliminating the metal cathode layer's influence on transmittance and allowing better integration of camera modules with the display screen.

Implementation Method 1

The mask plate is configured to deposit a metal cathode layer of the display panel by vapor deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS11552271B2Mask plate for fabricating display panel and application thereof

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

A mask plate for fabricating a display panel and an application thereof are provided. The mask plate is configured to vapor-deposit a metal cathode layer of the display panel and includes a first blocking region and a first opening region disposed in the first blocking region, wherein a second blocking region is disposed in the first opening region, and the second blocking region is provided with a plurality of second opening regions spaced apart from each other.