OLED Partition Protrusion Measurement via Optical Microscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of display devices with organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) faces reliability issues due to inadequate techniques for measuring and controlling the protrusion of partitions, which affects the proper division of organic layers and electrical connections between sub-pixels, leading to inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of a partition with a lower portion on a base and an upper portion protruding from its side surface, measured using an optical microscope from a second surface opposed to the first surface of the base, allowing for accurate analysis and measurement of protrusion to ensure appropriate division and contact between sub-pixel electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the partition protrusion is not properly controlled, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the reliability of the display device decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay device reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement and control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the partition protrusion height during the manufacturing process itself, before final assembly. The measurement device captures images of the partition structure in-situ, allowing protrusion control to be performed as a preliminary step that ensures reliability without adding complex post-manufacturing control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical imaging approach. Instead of using mechanical probes or contact-based measurement devices, the system uses an image capturing device to photograph the partition structure and calculate protrusion height through image processing, thereby simplifying the measurement and control mechanism while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the partition protrusion is not properly controlled, then the manufacturing process is less complex, but the organic layer division and electrical connections become inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartition protrusion precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with an optical imaging approach. Instead of using mechanical probes or contact-based measurement devices, the system uses an image capturing device to photograph the partition structure and calculate protrusion height through image processing, thereby simplifying the measurement and control mechanism while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the partition structure for measurement purposes. The image capturing device produces a visual replica of the partition protrusion, which is then processed to determine the actual dimensions. This copying approach allows precise measurement without physical contact or complex mechanical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used, then the measurement system is simpler, but the measurement precision and consistency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotrusion measurement precisionVSAvoidautomated measurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement methods with an automated optical imaging system. The image capturing device and image processing unit automatically determine partition protrusion height from captured images, eliminating manual measurement errors and improving precision and consistency without requiring complex automated measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 enables the precise measurement and control of protrusion, enhancing the reliability of OLED display devices by ensuring proper organic layer division and electrical connections, thereby improving the manufacturing process and device performance.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring a first image including the partition observed from a second surface side opposed to the first surface of the base by an optical microscope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240099059A1Measuring method and measuring device

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a measuring method includes forming a partition including a lower portion arranged on a first surface side of a base and an upper portion protruding from a side surface of the lower portion, acquiring a first image including the partition observed from a second surface side opposed to the first surface of the base by an optical microscope, analyzing the acquired first image, and measuring an amount of protrusion by which an end portion of the upper portion protrudes from the side surface of the lower portion, based on the analysis result.