Variable Sampling Time for OELD Display Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic electroluminescent display (OELD) devices suffer from non-uniform display quality due to variations in threshold voltage and S-factor properties of driving transistors, leading to inconsistent diode currents and gray level representation.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for driving OELD devices that includes a gray level measuring circuit to adjust the sampling time based on the image's gray level, allowing for precise measurement and compensation of offset voltages for each pixel, thereby improving display uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed sampling time is used for all pixels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the display uniformity deteriorates due to threshold voltage and S-factor variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling control complexityVSAvoiddisplay uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sampling time variable rather than fixed. The sampling time is dynamically adjusted based on the gray level of each pixel, allowing the system to adapt to different threshold voltage and S-factor conditions. This is achieved through a sampling time control unit that selects different sampling time periods according to the measured gray level, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and display uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of sampling time based on gray level conditions. By categorizing gray levels into different ranges (first gray level range, second gray level range, third gray level range) and assigning different sampling time periods to each range, the system optimizes the sampling process for varying transistor characteristics. This parameter change approach improves display uniformity without requiring complete redesign of the sampling control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the sampling time is extended to compensate for S-factor variations, then the display uniformity for low gray levels is improved, but the productivity decreases due to longer sampling duration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay uniformity for low gray levelsVSAvoidsampling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameter of sampling time by matching it to the gray level range. For low gray levels where S-factor variations are more critical, a longer sampling time period is used to ensure accurate offset voltage sampling and improve display uniformity. For high gray levels where threshold voltage variations dominate, a shorter sampling time period is sufficient, thereby maintaining productivity. This conditional parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using extended sampling time only when necessary (for low gray levels), rather than continuously for all pixels. The sampling time control unit selectively applies longer sampling periods based on gray level measurements, avoiding unnecessary time extension for high gray levels where it would not provide additional benefit. This partial application maintains productivity while improving uniformity where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The solution ensures that images of various gray levels are displayed uniformly by adjusting sampling times according to the gray level, effectively compensating for threshold voltage and S-factor variations, thereby enhancing display quality and uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

an organic light emitting diode OLED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS7773059B2Organic electroluminescent display device and driving method thereof
Publication Date: 2010.08.10 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US7773059B2 patent drawing
  • US7773059B2 patent drawing
  • US7773059B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of driving an organic electroluminescent display device, including measuring a gray level of an image, turning on a sampling transistor connected to gate electrode and drain electrode of a driving transistor during a sampling time, applying a data voltage to operate the driving transistor, and supplying a current to an light emitting diode through the driving transistor.