OLED Black Matrix Segmentation for Reflectivity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic light-emitting display devices face challenges in maintaining consistent luminance and reducing reflectivity and color separation, especially when viewed from different angles.

Innovation Solution

The organic light-emitting display device incorporates a black matrix with specifically designed openings and an encapsulation layer of controlled height, along with an input sensing layer and anti-reflection panel, to manage reflectivity and viewing angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a black matrix with openings and encapsulation layer are added to control reflectivity and viewing angle, then luminance consistency and visibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The black matrix is segmented into multiple regions with different opening sizes and patterns. First openings are provided in a first region and second openings are provided in a second region, allowing different areas to have different optical properties. This segmentation enables precise control of reflectivity and viewing angle in different zones while maintaining overall luminance consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the black matrix are assigned different local qualities through varying opening sizes, shapes, and distributions. The first region has different opening characteristics compared to the second region, allowing each area to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving improved luminance consistency across the entire display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If anti-reflection panel and sensing layer are added to reduce reflectivity, then visibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereflectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-reflection function and touch sensing function are merged into a single integrated structure. The black matrix serves dual purposes: it provides anti-reflection properties through its opening patterns while simultaneously serving as the touch sensing layer. This merging eliminates the need for separate anti-reflection coating processes and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The black matrix is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support, provides anti-reflection properties through controlled openings, serves as a touch sensing element, and defines the display region. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and manufacturing steps required.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If encapsulation layer height is optimized for viewing angle, then color separation is minimized, but touch sensitivity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor separationVSAvoidtouch sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulation layer height is precisely controlled within a specific range (5μm to 20μm) to optimize the viewing angle and minimize color separation. By adjusting this critical parameter, the optical path difference for oblique viewing is reduced, preventing color fringing while maintaining adequate distance for touch sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for dynamic optimization where the encapsulation layer height can be adjusted based on specific application requirements. Within the specified range, the system can be tuned to achieve the desired balance between viewing angle performance and touch sensitivity, providing flexibility for different use cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces reflectivity to less than 4.66%, minimizes color separation, and enhances visibility while maintaining touch sensitivity by optimizing the overlap area ratio between sensing lines and the common electrode.

Implementation Method 1

The organic light-emitting display device displays an image using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which generate light through the recombination of electrons and holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

an anti-reflection panel, to manage reflectivity and viewing angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-reflection: Anti-Reflective Coating

Data Source

PatentEP3525241B1Organic light-emitting display device
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3525241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525241B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525241B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An organic light-emitting display device including: a substrate (110); a pixel electrode (130) on the substrate; a pixel defining film (140) on the pixel electrode and having a first opening at least partially exposing the pixel electrode; an organic light-emitting layer (150) on the exposed portion of the pixel electrode; a common electrode (160) on the organic light-emitting layer and the pixel defining film; an encapsulation layer (170) on the common electrode; a black matrix (BM) on the encapsulation layer and having a second opening overlapping the first opening; and a plurality of first sensing lines (SPL1) on the black matrix and surrounding the pixel electrode in a plan view to define a pixel region. At least portions of the first sensing lines defining the pixel region do not overlap the common electrode (160) in the pixel region.