Pixel Opening Anti-Reflection Layout for Windshield Glare Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices, such as navigation systems in vehicles, face the issue of images being reflected onto windshields, obstructing the driver's view.

Innovation Solution

A display device is designed with an anti-reflection layer that overlaps the pixel defining layer along a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface and is disposed along a portion of the edge of the pixel opening, preventing light from being reflected to undesired angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional display device is used in a vehicle, then the display function is provided, but the displayed image is reflected onto the windshield obstructing the driver's view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay functionVSAvoidimage reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-reflection layer is selectively disposed only along a portion of the edge of the pixel opening (specifically one side facing the windshield), rather than uniformly across the entire pixel structure. This localized application prevents image reflection toward the windshield while maintaining display functionality and avoiding excessive light blocking in other directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-reflection layer acts as an intermediary element between the emission layer and the external environment (windshield). It intercepts and absorbs light emitted toward the windshield, preventing the light from reaching and reflecting off the windshield surface back to the driver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an anti-reflection layer is added to prevent image reflection, then reflection obstruction is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage reflectionVSAvoidlayer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-reflection layer is selectively disposed only along a portion of the edge of the pixel opening (specifically one side facing the windshield), rather than uniformly across the entire pixel structure. This localized application prevents image reflection toward the windshield while maintaining display functionality and avoiding excessive light blocking in other directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying anti-reflection treatment to the entire pixel opening or all edges, the invention applies it partially only to the specific edge facing the windshield. This partial action is sufficient to solve the reflection problem without the excessive complexity of full-coverage anti-reflection structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the anti-reflection layer covers the entire pixel opening, then reflection is fully prevented, but light transmittance to the viewer is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage reflectionVSAvoidlight transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-reflection layer is selectively disposed only along a portion of the edge of the pixel opening (specifically one side facing the windshield), rather than uniformly across the entire pixel structure. This localized application prevents image reflection toward the windshield while maintaining display functionality and avoiding excessive light blocking in other directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel opening edge is segmented into different regions: the edge facing the windshield receives the anti-reflection layer to prevent reflection, while other edges remain uncovered to maintain light transmittance to the viewer. This segmentation allows differential treatment of different spatial zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The anti-reflection layer effectively blocks light emitted towards undesirable directions, preventing image reflections that could obstruct the driver's view, while maintaining the overall transmittance of the display device.

Implementation Method 1

an anti-reflection layer that overlaps the pixel defining layer along a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate and is disposed along a portion of an edge of the pixel opening... Light emitted from the emission layer toward the first direction may be blocked by the anti-reflection layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12238972B2Display device

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a substrate; a pixel defining layer disposed on the substrate and that includes a pixel opening; an emission layer that overlaps the pixel opening of the pixel defining layer; and an anti-reflection layer that overlaps the pixel defining layer along a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate and is disposed along a portion of an edge of the pixel opening.