OLED Pixel Memory Layout for Smaller Image Forming Panels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light emitting devices, particularly those using OLEDs, face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction due to the arrangement of memory circuits, which are not adequately addressed in previous technologies.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device design that includes pixels arranged in rows and columns with data holding circuits corresponding to columns, featuring first and second memory circuits aligned in the row direction, reducing the size and cost by optimizing the layout of memory circuits and scanning circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If memory circuits are arranged in a conventional manner for each OLED pixel, then data holding capability is ensured, but device area increases and miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice areaVSAvoiddata holding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional pixel-by-pixel memory arrangement to a column-based one-dimensional arrangement where memory circuits are shared across multiple pixels in the same column. This dimensional reorganization reduces the overall memory circuit area while maintaining data holding capability for all pixels through shared resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universal memory circuits that serve multiple pixels within the same column. Instead of dedicating separate memory circuits to each pixel, the same memory circuit is reused across multiple pixels, reducing total memory circuit count and area while maintaining full data holding capability through time-multiplexed operation.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If more memory circuits are provided for each pixel, then data holding accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata holding accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing cost by implementing universal memory circuits that are shared across multiple pixels in the same column. This approach decreases the total number of memory circuits required, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining data holding accuracy through proper timing control and signal routing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple pixel control functions into a single memory circuit by implementing column-based sharing. This merging of functions reduces the total component count and manufacturing steps required, lowering production costs while maintaining the necessary data holding accuracy for each pixel through time-multiplexed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of moving object

If memory circuits are densely packed, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorganizes memory circuit arrangement from a dense pixel-by-pixel two-dimensional layout to a column-based one-dimensional layout. This dimensional change provides better spacing between shared memory circuits, improving manufacturability and yield while still achieving compact device size through efficient column utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the pixel array into multiple columns, with each column sharing a common memory circuit. This segmentation approach balances device compactness with manufacturing feasibility by creating manageable units that are easier to fabricate with high yield while maintaining overall small device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Length of moving object

If conventional pixel arrangement is used, then manufacturing process is simple, but device miniaturization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice lengthVSAvoidcircuit arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves device miniaturization by transitioning from conventional two-dimensional pixel arrangement to a column-based organizational structure. This dimensional reorganization reduces the device length in the row direction by sharing memory circuits across columns, while the increased circuit arrangement complexity is managed through systematic design patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of shared memory circuits through time-multiplexed operation and column selection signals. This dynamic approach allows the same physical memory circuit to serve multiple pixels at different times, reducing the number of required memory circuits and thereby reducing device length without requiring complex static circuit interconnections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250370364A1Light emitting device and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CANON KK
  • US20250370364A1 patent drawing
  • US20250370364A1 patent drawing
  • US20250370364A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light emitting device is provided. The light emitting device includes, on a rectangular substrate having long sides in a row direction and shot sides in a column direction, pixels arranged to form rows and columns and a scanning circuit. Each of the pixels includes a light emitting element and a driving circuit configured to drive the light emitting element, the scanning circuit includes data holding circuits provided so as to respectively correspond to the columns, each data holding circuit includes memory circuits each configured to hold data for controlling the driving circuits arranged in the pixels in a corresponding column, and the memory circuits in each data holding circuit include a first memory circuit and a second memory circuit arranged to align in the row direction.