Organic EL Pixel Deterioration Correction via Regional Reference Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging devices using organic EL elements face inefficiencies in detecting and correcting pixel deterioration, leading to prolonged detection times and reduced usability due to local brightness irregularities caused by burn-in.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves detecting a voltage based on a current value of a reference organic EL element, using the detected voltage as a reference to correct display signals for deteriorated pixels, thereby shortening the detection time and improving operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If deterioration detection is performed for each pixel individually, then measurement precision of pixel deterioration is improved, but loss of time increases due to the large number of detecting processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel deterioration detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is divided into multiple regions, with each region containing multiple pixels. Instead of detecting each pixel individually, the detection is performed on a regional basis by selecting a reference pixel from each region. This segmentation approach reduces the total number of detection processes while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage across the entire display panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a reference pixel within each region to represent the deterioration state of multiple pixels in that region. By copying the detection approach from individual pixel level to regional reference pixel level, the system reduces detection time while still capturing deterioration trends through the reference pixels that reflect regional characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If individual pixel deterioration detection is implemented, then reliability of image quality correction is improved, but productivity decreases due to reduced operation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality correction accuracyVSAvoidoperation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is divided into multiple regions, with each region containing multiple pixels. Instead of detecting each pixel individually, the detection is performed on a regional basis by selecting a reference pixel from each region. This segmentation approach reduces the total number of detection processes while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage across the entire display panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference pixel serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal display pixel for image output and simultaneously serves as a representative sample for deterioration detection of multiple pixels in its region. This multi-functionality improves productivity by eliminating the need for separate detection processes while maintaining reliable correction capabilities through the reference pixel's dual role.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive pixel deterioration detection is performed, then manufacturing precision of display quality is improved, but loss of time increases due to prolonged detection processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay quality control accuracyVSAvoiddetection process duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is divided into multiple regions, with each region containing multiple pixels. Instead of detecting each pixel individually, the detection is performed on a regional basis by selecting a reference pixel from each region. This segmentation approach reduces the total number of detection processes while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage across the entire display panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection using reference pixels to identify regions with deterioration issues before comprehensive correction is applied. This preliminary action using representative reference pixels allows for quick identification of problematic areas, enabling targeted correction processes that reduce overall detection and correction time while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8514153B2Imaging device and method of correction pixel deterioration thereof

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

In a display mode, a signal driving circuit (DAC) transmits image signals to the pixels selected by a scanning circuit for display and first switches of switch units. Then, a power supply circuit supplies a current corresponding to the transmitted signal to the pixels. Then, organic EL elements provided in the pixels are driven to emit light, thereby displaying an image. In order to correct the deterioration of the organic EL elements, first, a constant current flows from a current source to the organic EL elements of the pixels selected by a scanning circuit for detection and second switches and a voltage corresponding to the constant current applied to the organic EL element is detected. The detected voltage is input to an AD converter through a buffer amplifier, and the AD converter converts the voltage into a digital value, and transmits the digital value to a signal correction control unit. When the organic EL element deteriorates, the detected digital value varies. Therefore, the signal correction control unit corrects the signal from the signal driving circuit, thereby correcting the deterioration of the organic EL element.