Organic Light Emitting Display Mirror Function via Reflective Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic light emitting displays lack a efficient solution for transitioning between image display and mirror functions while maintaining structural simplicity and productivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mirror-type organic light emitting display with a light-shielding reflective layer on a substrate, which reflects external light when the display is not in use, and includes a pixel circuit with thin film transistors and a storage capacitor to manage light emission and reflection, along with a flexible printed circuit board for voltage supply, allowing for both image display and mirror functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light-shielding reflective layer is added to enable mirror function, then the display can function as both image display and mirror, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding reflective layer serves dual purposes: it acts as a reflective surface for mirror mode and as a light-shielding layer to prevent external light from reaching the transistor active layers. This multi-functional design enables the display to switch between image display and mirror functions without requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light-shielding function and the reflective function into a single integrated layer structure. The reflective layer is positioned to simultaneously block external light from reaching sensitive areas and reflect ambient light for mirror functionality, merging what could be separate functions into one cohesive structural element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional layers and components are added for mirror functionality, then mirror function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding reflective layer is integrated into the existing display stack during the same manufacturing process, combining the formation of the reflective layer with the light-shielding function in a single fabrication step. This approach avoids the need for separate manufacturing processes for adding mirror functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The same layer structure serves multiple functions (light-shielding and reflection), meaning that a single manufacturing process achieves what would otherwise require multiple separate processes, thereby maintaining productivity while enabling dual functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflective layer is positioned to overlap transistor active layers, then external light is blocked, but the device complexity increases due to additional buffer films and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer film positioned between the reflective layer and transistor active layers serves dual purposes: it provides electrical isolation to prevent short circuits while also allowing the reflective layer to maintain its light-shielding function. This multi-functional element reduces the need for additional complex isolation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer film acts as an intermediary layer that mediates between the reflective layer and the transistor active layers, providing necessary electrical isolation while maintaining the light-shielding effectiveness of the reflective layer. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall design compared to more complex isolation schemes.
4Ease of manufacture
If the display uses a simple structure without additional reflective layers, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot function as a mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding reflective layer is designed to perform both light-shielding and mirror reflection functions simultaneously. By positioning this layer to overlap with non-emission areas and route connections properly, the same basic structure enables dual functionality without requiring entirely separate manufacturing processes for mirror capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display can switch between image display mode and mirror mode by controlling the light emitting device state. In mirror mode, the light emitting device is turned off or set to a dark state, allowing the reflective layer to reflect ambient light effectively, while in image display mode, the light emitting device is activated. This parameter change (light emission state) enables functional switching without structural changes.
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 stable operation as both an image display and a mirror without requiring additional reflective layers or polarizing plates, simplifying the structure and manufacturing process, and improving productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a light-shielding reflective layer on the substrate overlapping a non-emission area of the substrate to reflect external light incident through the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting device disposed in an emission area of a substrate. The light emitting device emits internal light through the emission area of the substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
Disclosed is an organic light emitting display having a mirror function. In an embodiment, a light-shielding reflective layer overlaps areas of the organic light emitting display except for emission areas provided with light emitting devices formed therein. The light-shielding reflective layer prevents light from entering channel regions of active layers and reflects external light, for example, when the organic light emitting device is not operated to display an image, and thus the organic light emitting display may stably implement a mirror function.