Pixel Memory Readout Circuit for Automated Defect Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The occurrence rate of pixel defects in display panels increases with higher resolution and bit number, making visual inspection inefficient and prone to overlooking defects.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a signal readout circuit that includes a data selector circuit and shift register circuit to detect pixel defects by reading data signals from memory in each pixel, allowing for external output without relying on the signal line drive circuit, thereby enabling accurate defect detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual inspection is used to detect pixel defects, then the inspection method is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the detection accuracy decreases and defects are easily overlooked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel defect detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection system with an automated electronic detection system. The readout circuit reads data signals from pixel memories, and the detection circuit automatically compares expected values with actual values to identify defects, substituting human visual inspection with electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel memories themselves store the data signals that are used for defect detection. The system uses the stored image data to detect defects without requiring external test patterns or additional storage resources, allowing the pixel array to serve both display and detection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the number of pixels is increased to achieve higher resolution, then the display quality is improved, but the occurrence rate of pixel defects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidpixel defect occurrence rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit provides feedback information about pixel defects to the manufacturing process. By reading data signals from pixel memories and comparing them with expected values, the system identifies defective pixels and provides information that can be used to improve manufacturing quality control in high-resolution displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If data signals are rewritten for all pixels to maintain image quality, then the display quality is maintained, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial rewriting of data signals by using pixel memories to store data for pixels that do not require frequent updates. The system selectively rewrites data signals only when necessary, reducing the overall number of write operations and power consumption while maintaining image quality for static or slowly changing displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11521571B2Display device, for memory in pixel (MIP) system and inspection machine automatically detecting pixel defect

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a display device including a plurality of pixels each of which includes a memory is provided. The display device includes a plurality of signal lines connected to the plurality of pixels, a signal line drive circuit configured to provide a data signal to one of the memories through one of the signal lines, a readout circuit configured to read the data signal in the memory through the signal line, and an output wire configured to externally output the data signal read by the readout circuit without passing through the signal line drive circuit.