OLED Scan Line Reduction via Vertical Common Coupling Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

As display panels enlarge, the switching speed of transistors in organic light emitting displays is reduced due to signal delay phenomena in horizontal signal lines, and there is a need to minimize the number of signal lines in this direction.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of common coupling units at crossing regions of scan and data lines, with first and second pixels on alternating horizontal lines, and control lines to reduce the number of scan lines and enhance switching speed by extending scan signal periods and using control signals to manage data signal delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If display panels are enlarged, then the display area increases, but the switching speed of transistors is reduced due to signal delay in horizontal signal lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidswitching speed of transistors
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control approach from horizontal scan lines to vertical common coupling units. Instead of controlling pixels row by row through horizontal scan lines, the invention uses vertical common coupling units that can control multiple pixels simultaneously, effectively transitioning the control dimension from horizontal to vertical, thereby reducing signal delay and improving switching speed in enlarged displays

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the display into groups of pixels that share common coupling units. By organizing pixels into sets that can be controlled through shared vertical coupling units rather than individual horizontal scan lines, the invention reduces the number of signal lines needed and minimizes signal delay, enabling faster transistor switching in larger display panels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transistors are included in pixels to improve functionality, then pixel capability increases, but the number of signal lines in horizontal direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel capabilityVSAvoidnumber of signal lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements common coupling units that serve multiple functions: they control multiple pixels simultaneously, provide threshold voltage compensation, and enable coordinated operation of transistors in different horizontal lines. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signal lines for each transistor, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced pixel capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control functions for multiple pixels into shared common coupling units. Instead of having separate signal lines for each transistor in every pixel, the invention combines these control functions into vertical coupling units that can manage multiple pixels, thereby reducing the total number of horizontal signal lines while preserving the enhanced functionality provided by multiple transistors per pixel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration reduces the number of horizontal signal lines, stabilizes transistor operation, and increases switching speed by allowing for efficient data signal transmission and reduced signal delays, even in larger display panels.

Implementation Method 1

Organic light emitting displays can display images using organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) that generate light by re-combination of electrons and holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9384692B2Organic light emitting display having a reduced number of signal lines
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An organic light emitting display includes common coupling units at crossing regions of scan lines and data lines; first pixels at the crossing regions and positioned on an ith horizontal line to be coupled to the common coupling units positioned at the same crossing regions, wherein i is a positive integer; second pixels at the crossing regions and positioned on an (i+1)th horizontal line to be coupled to the common coupling units positioned at the same crossing regions; first control lines coupled to the first pixels; and second control lines coupled to the second pixels.