OLED Aperture Ratio via Shared Light Emission Control Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organic electroluminescent display devices have a low aperture ratio due to the large area occupied by light emission control lines, which are necessary for each color pixel, leading to decreased light display area and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The use of a method and device configuration that reduces the number of light emission control lines by sharing control signals among subpixels, allowing two light emission control lines to control the light emitting time of three subpixels, thereby reducing the overall number of control lines required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each color subpixel is connected to a dedicated light emission control line, then each subpixel can be controlled independently for color display, but the area occupied by control lines increases, reducing the aperture ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubpixel control capabilityVSAvoidaperture ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling light emission control lines to serve multiple subpixels. Specifically, one light emission control line can control multiple subpixels of the same color through shared connection, allowing the control line to perform multiple control functions simultaneously. This reduces the total number of control lines needed while maintaining independent control capability for each subpixel.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control functions by combining multiple light emission control lines into fewer shared control lines. Multiple subpixels are connected to share common control lines, merging their control requirements into a unified control structure. This consolidation reduces the number of control lines and increases the aperture ratio while preserving the ability to control each subpixel independently through timing and signal coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If many light emission control lines are used to connect to each subpixel, then color display capability is maintained, but the display area is reduced due to limited aperture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor display capabilityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing light emission control lines that can serve multiple subpixels. Each control line is configured to control multiple subpixels of the same color through shared connections, allowing one control line to perform multiple functions. This reduces the total number of control lines required while maintaining full color display capability across all subpixels.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control line functions into fewer shared control lines. By combining the control requirements of multiple subpixels into unified control lines, the patent reduces the overall number of control lines needed. This merging strategy maintains color display versatility while significantly increasing the display area by reducing the space occupied by control lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If each subpixel has dedicated control lines, then light emission control precision is achieved, but the complexity of signal management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission control precisionVSAvoidsignal management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality where light emission control lines serve multiple subpixels, reducing the total number of control lines needed. This universal approach maintains control precision by enabling independent control of each subpixel through coordinated signal timing while reducing signal management complexity through fewer control lines and simplified routing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control function into temporal segments rather than spatial segments. Instead of having separate control lines for each subpixel, the system uses time-division multiplexing where control signals are applied sequentially to different subpixels. This segmentation approach maintains precise control over each subpixel's light emission while reducing the physical complexity of the control line network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration increases the aperture ratio by minimizing the area occupied by light emission control lines, allowing for a larger display area and improved light emission control efficiency with reduced complexity in signal management.

Implementation Method 1

an organic electroluminescent display device uses an organic electroluminescent element to display light emitted from an organic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrganic electroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS7800557B2Organic electroluminescent display device and driving method thereof
Publication Date: 2010.09.21 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US7800557B2 patent drawing
  • US7800557B2 patent drawing
  • US7800557B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An organic electroluminescent display device and the driving method thereof that can improve the aperture ratio. The organic electroluminescent display device according to the present invention includes first to third organic electroluminescent elements, first to third driving transistors to apply a driving current to the first to third organic electroluminescent elements, respectively, and first and second switches and a third switch group. A first light emission control line transfers a first light emission control signal, and a second light emission control line transfers a second light emission control signal. The first switch is turned on/off in response to the first light emission control signal, and the second switch and the third switch group are turned on/off in response to the first and second light emission control signals.