Rollable OLED Display Area Shifting to Prevent Static Afterimages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image display apparatuses using organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) face issues with afterimages due to static images being displayed for extended periods, leading to deterioration of display elements and reduced image clarity.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus adjusts the size of the exposed area of the display by rolling up or down the flexible display panel using a roller and motor, changing the area exposed to the outside of the housing based on the image content to prevent afterimages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static image is displayed on the screen for a long time, then the image can be viewed clearly by the user, but the afterimage of the static image remains and deteriorates the display panel elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay panel element durabilityVSAvoidimage clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is periodically moved in the vertical direction at predetermined time intervals even when a static image is displayed. This periodic movement prevents afterimage formation and distributes stress on display elements without significantly affecting the user's viewing experience, as the movement occurs at intervals that maintain image stability from the user's perspective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel transitions from a static position to a dynamically movable state. By enabling vertical movement of the display panel, the system distributes stress on display elements and prevents afterimage formation while maintaining the ability to display stable images when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the display panel is moved downward and upward at predetermined time intervals, then stress on pixels is distributed and afterimage is prevented, but the display structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveafterimage preventionVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables display panel movement for afterimage prevention, facilitates rolling up and unfolding of the flexible display panel, and controls the exposed area size. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms and minimizes overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible display panel is used instead of a rigid display structure. This flexibility enables the panel to be rolled up and unfolded around the roller, simplifying the mechanical structure while enabling movement functionality for afterimage prevention and area control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the size of the exposed area is changed by rolling the display panel, then afterimage is prevented and device lifespan is extended, but the mechanism for rolling becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice lifespanVSAvoidrolling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables display panel movement for afterimage prevention, facilitates rolling up and unfolding of the flexible display panel, and controls the exposed area size. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms and minimizes overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display panel's inherent flexibility allows it to be rolled up and unfolded around the roller without requiring complex mechanical assistance. The material properties of the flexible panel itself enable the rolling function, reducing the complexity of the rolling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4087264B1Image display device and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4087264B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4087264B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4087264B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An image display apparatus includes: a housing; a display for displaying an image; a driving unit configured to change a size of a display area exposed to the outside of the housing among an entire area of the display; and a controller, wherein the controller determines whether an image displayed through at least a portion of the display area is a static image, when the size of the display area is smaller than the size of the entire area, determines whether the image is displayed for a certain time or longer, when the image is the static image, controls the driving unit to change the size of the display area, when the image is displayed for the certain time or longer, and controls the display so that the image is displayed in response to a degree of change in the size of the display area.