Pixel Electrode Target Pattern for Defective Pixel Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid crystal display devices face defects where short circuits between wires result in pixels unable to display images with normal luminance, requiring an effective method for repairing defective pixels.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a target pattern within each pixel, which is physically and electrically insulated from other conductors, allows for accurate identification and repair of defective pixels by using fine slits between adjacent fine branch portions connected to a connector, enabling precise disconnection of the pixel electrode from the data line to maintain a black state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a short circuit occurs between wires in the display panel, then the pixel connected to the corresponding wire cannot display an image with normal luminance, but the existing structure provides no means for identifying or repairing the defective pixel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefective pixel repairabilityVSAvoidpixel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a target pattern and fine slits in the pixel electrode structure before defects occur. These features are built into the manufacturing process, enabling future identification and repair of defective pixels without requiring structural changes during repair operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The target pattern serves as an intermediary element that facilitates the repair process. It provides a visual marker that allows repair equipment to locate and treat defective pixels accurately, acting as a mediator between the defect and the repair mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If wires are arranged to cross each other in the display panel, then the display can function with necessary signal pathways, but short circuits may occur between intersecting wires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidwire connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification and repair function from the overall display structure by introducing a separate target pattern system. This allows the wire crossing structure to maintain its functionality while the extracted target pattern system independently provides defect identification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If a target pattern is added to each pixel for identification purposes, then defective pixels can be accurately recognized and repaired, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefective pixel identification accuracyVSAvoidpattern formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The target pattern is designed with local quality by concentrating identification features in specific localized areas of the pixel structure. The fine slits and target pattern elements are positioned in specific locations rather than uniformly distributed, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11619850B2Display device
Publication Date: 2023.04.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11619850B2 patent drawing
  • US11619850B2 patent drawing
  • US11619850B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an exemplary embodiment, a display device includes: a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of data lines; and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate lines and the data lines, wherein each of the pixels includes: a transistor configured to include a gate electrode, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a channel semiconductor; a pixel electrode connected to the second electrode and including a plurality of fine branch portions and a connector connected to the second electrode; and a target pattern overlapping a fine slit dispose between adjacent fine branch portions. At least one of the adjacent fine branch portions is directly connected to the connector.