OLED Display IR Light Source Integration Abnormal Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

In OLED display devices, the integration of IR light sources within the pixel area leads to abnormal light emission phenomena, affecting image quality and visibility, as the IR light sources can cause pixels to be perceived as brighter than adjacent pixels, thereby degrading display performance.

Innovation Solution

The OLED display device incorporates an IR light source in a specific display area where pixels are set to a non-emission state during IR light source operation, using controlled light emission control signals to prevent undesired luminance, allowing the IR light source to operate without affecting the image displayed by other pixels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If IR light sources are integrated within the pixel area, then dead space is minimized, but abnormal light emission phenomena occur affecting image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedead spaceVSAvoidabnormal light emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is divided into a first display area containing pixels and an IR light source, and a second display area containing only pixels. This segmentation allows the IR light source to be integrated within the pixel area without causing abnormal light emission in the visible display region, as the light emission control signals are applied selectively to the first display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different display areas are assigned different light emission control characteristics. The first display area receives light emission control signals during IR light source operation to prevent abnormal light emission, while the second display area maintains normal light emission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying control only where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If IR light sources are operated in pixel area, then device functionality is enhanced, but pixels are perceived as brighter than adjacent pixels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpixel brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Light emission control signals are applied to pixels in the first display area before or during IR light source operation to preemptively prevent abnormal brightness. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of IR light on pixel visibility, allowing the IR light source to function without degrading image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harmful effect of IR light causing abnormal pixel brightness is converted into a beneficial control mechanism. By applying light emission control signals, the system transforms the IR light operation from a source of image degradation into an opportunity for enhanced device functionality without compromising display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If light emission control signals are applied to prevent abnormal luminance, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormal luminanceVSAvoidcontrol signal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light emission control is segmented by display area, with control signals applied only to the first display area during IR light source operation. This segmented approach reduces the overall complexity compared to controlling all pixels, as only a portion of the display area requires special control management.

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 approach minimizes dead space and improves image quality by preventing abnormal light emission, ensuring that the IR light source operation does not impact the visible image, thus enhancing the overall display performance and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

The organic light emitting display device includes an organic light emitting diode that is a self-luminous element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

an IR light source disposed in the first display area so as to overlap the first pixels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3291217B1Display device and driving method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3291217B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3291217B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3291217B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a display device whose image quality is improved. A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first display area configured to include a plurality of first pixels which are disposed at least one horizontal line; a second display area configured to include a plurality of second pixels which are disposed in a plurality of horizontal lines; and an infrared (IR) light source configured to overlap the first display area in a plan view. The plurality of first pixels are set to be in a non-emission state during a period when the IR light source is driven.