Optical Shift Register Circuit for Low-Noise Display Panel Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shift register circuits for flat display devices, such as LCD and OLED, require a large number of thin film transistors (TFTs) and capacitors to mitigate leakage current issues, leading to a bulky layout that hinders the miniaturization of display panels.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical coupler with an optical transmitter and receiver on the substrate, using an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) for signal transmission, which transforms electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa, allowing for signal transfer without electrical wires and reducing noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional TFTs and capacitors are used to mitigate leakage current, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage current mitigationVSAvoidnumber of TFTs and capacitors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission using OLEDs and optical receivers. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous electrical TFTs and capacitors required in conventional designs to manage leakage current, as optical signals are not affected by electrical leakage. The optical transmission method fundamentally changes the system from electrical to optical domain, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If additional TFTs and capacitors are used to mitigate leakage current, then reliability is improved, but the layout area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage current mitigationVSAvoidlayout area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission using OLEDs and optical receivers. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous electrical TFTs and capacitors required in conventional designs to manage leakage current, as optical signals are not affected by electrical leakage. The optical transmission method fundamentally changes the system from electrical to optical domain, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If electrical wires are used for signal transmission, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but electric noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission implementationVSAvoidelectric noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission using OLEDs and optical receivers. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous electrical TFTs and capacitors required in conventional designs to manage leakage current, as optical signals are not affected by electrical leakage. The optical transmission method fundamentally changes the system from electrical to optical domain, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables compact signal transmission with reduced electric noise, facilitating the integration of shift registers on display panels and enhancing the miniaturization of display devices.

Implementation Method 1

the optical transmitter comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED), the optical receiver comprises an optical thin film transistor (TFT)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the optical receiver comprises an optical thin film transistor (TFT), and the conductance of the optical thin film transistor is controlled by the optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20140093252A1Shift register circuit and display device using the same

Publication Date: 2014.04.03 INNOCOM TECH (SHENZHEN) CO LTD

AI summary

The display device according to the present invention comprises a substrate and at least one optical coupler having an optical receiver and an optical transmitter formed on the substrate, wherein the optical transmitter transmits an optical signal to the optical receiver.