Semi-Transparent OLED Display with Solar Cell Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays face issues with high ambient light reflection, reduced contrast, and energy wastage due to the use of circular polarizers and opaque cathodes, as well as increased complexity and cost from integrated touch panels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional AMOLED display design integrating a semi-transparent OLED panel with a solar cell layer that absorbs ambient light and internal emissions to generate electrical energy, allowing for low ambient light reflection, reduced power consumption, and optical touch screen functionality without additional IR-LEDs or sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a circular polarizer is used to reduce ambient light reflection, then contrast is improved, but light absorption and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflected ambient light into useful electrical energy by placing a solar cell layer behind the OLED. The solar cell captures both ambient light and internal OLED emissions, transforming what would be wasted energy into power that can be stored and reused, thereby improving contrast without increasing energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces ambient light reflection by absorbing light, generates electrical energy from both ambient and internal light sources, and enables touch screen functionality. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by addressing both contrast improvement and energy efficiency in a single component
2Illumination intensity
If an opaque cathode is used to reduce ambient light reflection, then contrast is improved, but light emission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blocking light with an opaque cathode, the patent uses a transparent cathode that allows light to pass through, and places a solar cell layer behind it to capture the light that would otherwise be reflected. This converts the potential harm of light reflection into useful energy generation, maintaining both contrast and emission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the cathode from opaque to transparent, fundamentally altering how the device handles ambient light. This parameter change enables the cathode to transmit light rather than block it, while the solar cell layer compensates for reflection by capturing the transmitted light and converting it to electrical energy
3Adaptability or versatility
If a touch panel is integrated in front of the AMOLED, then touch functionality is provided, but light output and device simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell layer performs multiple functions: it reduces ambient light reflection, generates electrical energy, and provides touch screen functionality by detecting light changes when touched. This eliminates the need for a separate touch panel, maintaining light output efficiency while providing versatile functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the solar cell layer and touch panel into a single integrated component. The solar cell's light detection capability is used for touch sensing, combining energy generation and user interaction functions, thereby eliminating the need for an additional touch panel that would reduce light output
4Ease of manufacture
If standard OLED structure with transparent electrode and reflective electrode is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but ambient light reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the standard OLED structure by replacing the reflective electrode with a transparent cathode and adding a solar cell layer behind it. This conversion transforms the harmful reflected light into useful electrical energy, reducing ambient light reflection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard semi-transparent OLED materials and processes
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
This design enhances contrast and power efficiency by recycling ambient and internal light as electrical power, simplifies manufacturing, and provides effective touch screen functionality with reduced device complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell layer located behind the light emissive devices for converting both ambient light and internal light from the light emissive devices into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a semi-transparent layer of light emissive devices adjacent the rear side of the front sheet and forming a matrix of display pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional active matrix display comprises a transparent front sheet, a semi-transparent layer of light emissive devices adjacent the rear side of the front sheet and forming a matrix of display pixels, and a solar cell layer located behind the light emissive devices for converting both ambient light and internal light7 from the light emissive devices into electrical energy, the solar cell layer including an array of electrodes on the front surface of the solar cell layer for use in detecting the location of a change in the amount of light impinging on a portion of the front surface of the solar cell layer.