Optical Sensor Light-Blocking in Display Non-Display Area

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices with integrated optical sensors face challenges in minimizing the non-display area occupied by sensors, which affects the bezel size and overall design aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The configuration of a display device with a protective layer, light-blocking portions, and strategically positioned optical sensors within the non-display area, allowing for efficient light blocking and heat dissipation while maintaining a slim and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the optical sensor is disposed directly under the window or behind the display panel, then the non-display area occupied by the sensor is reduced, but the light blocking and heat dissipation requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-display area occupied by optical sensorVSAvoidlight interference and heat accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the non-display area into multiple functional zones: a first light-blocking portion positioned between the optical sensor and the display panel to block light, and a second light-blocking portion positioned at the rear to block light from the back. This segmentation allows each portion to address specific light interference directions, effectively resolving the light blocking requirement while maintaining compact sensor placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light-blocking portion as an intermediary element between the optical sensor and the display panel. This intermediary structure prevents direct light interference with the sensor while allowing the sensor to remain positioned behind the display panel, thus resolving the contradiction between compact placement and light blocking requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If the optical sensor is positioned behind the display panel to reduce bezel size, then the device becomes more compact, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel sizeVSAvoidheat accumulation at sensor location
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different functional properties to different locations: the first light-blocking portion is positioned adjacent to the optical sensor to provide localized heat blocking and light blocking, while the second light-blocking portion is positioned at the rear to block light from the back. This local differentiation allows heat dissipation and light blocking functions to be performed at specific locations without increasing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If light-blocking portions are added to block light from reaching the optical sensor, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical sensor measurement accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity of light-blocking configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light-blocking function with the existing structural elements of the display device. The first and second light-blocking portions are integrated into the device architecture, combining multiple functions (light blocking, heat blocking, structural support) into unified components, thereby improving sensor accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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 effectively reduces the visible footprint of optical sensors, enhancing the display device's aesthetic appeal and functionality by minimizing the non-display area and ensuring stable sensor operation.

Implementation Method 1

a first light-blocking portion positioned between the optical sensor and the display panel and configured to block light from reaching the optical sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the display panel and configured to block light from reaching the optical sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3605273B1Display device having an optical sensor
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3605273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3605273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3605273B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A display device (1) includes a display panel (10) having a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area. A panel support sheet (30) is disposed behind the display panel (10) and has a first hole (H2) exposing the display area of the display panel (10). An optical sensor (300) is disposed within the first hole. A first light-blocking portion (500) is disposed in a void area that is between the panel support sheet (30) and the optical sensor (300), within the first hole (H2).