OLED Subpixel Arrangement for High Density Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OLED displays face limitations in increasing display density due to the process accuracy of organic light-emitting layer fabrication and the planar structure, which restricts resolution and requires significant space between subpixels to avoid layer overlap.
Innovation Solution
A subpixel arrangement where subpixels of different colors are alternately arranged in every three adjacent rows, staggered with each other, and offset by specific units in the horizontal and vertical axes, along with a driving circuit layer to drive these subpixels, optimizing the distance between subpixels and reducing the number of subpixels needed in a display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of individual subpixel is reduced to increase display density, then display resolution is improved, but the process accuracy limitation of organic light-emitting layer fabrication prevents further reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar subpixel arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement. Subpixels are organized into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) where each layer contains subpixels of different colors. This vertical stacking enables higher display density and resolution without further reducing the lateral size of individual subpixels, thereby avoiding the limitations of FMM patterning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is segmented into multiple independent layers, each containing a subset of color subpixels. For example, the first layer may contain red and green subpixels, while the second layer contains blue and white subpixels. This segmentation allows each layer to be fabricated with relaxed spacing requirements, as not all color subpixels need to be present in each lateral position, thus overcoming the single-layer resolution limitation.
2Reliability
If sufficient spaces are maintained between adjacent subpixels to avoid overlapping of organic light-emitting layers, then manufacturing reliability is improved, but display density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By moving to a three-dimensional stacked architecture, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension to increase subpixel density. Multiple layers are stacked with controlled spacing, allowing sufficient separation between organic light-emitting layers for reliable fabrication while achieving high overall density through vertical stacking rather than lateral packing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple subpixel layers are combined in a stacked configuration where each layer contributes different color components. The layers are positioned at different vertical levels with appropriate spacing to prevent overlap during fabrication, yet when viewed from the front, they collectively form complete color pixels, achieving both manufacturing reliability and high display density.
3Ease of manufacture
If the planar structure of OLEDs is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but resolution is limited by process accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the ease of manufacturing OLEDs by using standard deposition techniques, but extends the architecture to three dimensions with multiple stacked layers. Each layer can be fabricated using conventional OLED processes, and the vertical stacking is achieved through additional structural elements, thereby preserving manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is divided into multiple independently fabricable layers, each containing specific color subpixels. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured using standard OLED processes with relaxed spacing requirements, and the layers are subsequently assembled into a stacked configuration, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high resolution through the multi-layer structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a display panel. In one example, the display panel includes an array of subpixels in a first, a second, and a third colors. Subpixels in the first, second, and third colors are alternatively arranged in every three adjacent rows of the array of subpixels. Every two adjacent rows of the array of subpixels are staggered with each other. A first subpixel in one of the first, second, and third colors and a second subpixel in a same color as the first subpixel are offset by 3 units in the horizontal axis and 4 units in the vertical axis. The first and second subpixels have a minimum distance among subpixels in the same color.