Sensor-Embedded Display Panel With In-Plane Photosensor Layout

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in integrating biometric sensors effectively due to differences in performance and physical properties between sensors and display panels, leading to degraded performance and design limitations when sensors are embedded or mounted separately.

Innovation Solution

A sensor-embedded display panel is proposed, featuring a substrate with a light emitting element and a photosensor, where the photosensor includes a fluorine-containing p-type semiconductor and a non-fullerene n-type semiconductor forming a pn junction, with specific auxiliary layers for improved optical and electrical performance, allowing for integration of the sensor within the display panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the sensor is disposed under the display panel, then the display device can achieve an integrated structure, but the performance is degraded due to light absorption by the display panel and other films

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated structureVSAvoidsensor performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (sensor under display panel) to an in-plane integrated arrangement where the sensor and display elements share the same substrate plane. This dimensional reconfiguration allows light to reach the sensor through dedicated openings without passing through the entire display panel structure, thereby maintaining both integration and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is segmented into display regions and sensor regions, with light-blocking structures strategically positioned to direct light only to the sensor areas. This segmentation enables the coexistence of display functionality and sensor performance within an integrated structure by spatially separating their optical paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the sensor is manufactured as a separate module and mounted on the outside of the display panel, then the sensor performance can be maintained, but there are limitations in terms of design and usability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor performanceVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor module and display panel into a single integrated device manufactured on a common substrate. The sensor and display elements share the same manufacturing process and substrate, eliminating the need for separate module assembly while maintaining sensor performance through optimized light path design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated structure enables the display device to perform multiple functions simultaneously - display and biometric recognition - within a single component. This multi-functionality enhances design flexibility and usability while maintaining sensor performance through careful structural design.

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

3Measurement precision

If a separate light source is added for biometric recognition, then the sensor performance can be improved, but the power consumption increases and the form factor becomes thicker

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel's light emitting elements serve dual purposes: displaying information and providing illumination for biometric recognition. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a separate light source, reducing power consumption while maintaining sensor performance through optimized light extraction and directing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The light emitting elements of the display panel are designed to perform both display and illumination functions. By making the display structure multi-functional, the patent eliminates redundant components and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining effective sensor operation.

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

4Measurement precision

If a separate light source is added for biometric recognition, then the sensor performance can be improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor performanceVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source function into the existing display panel structure, eliminating the need for a separate light source layer. The light emitting elements are integrated within the display stack, and light is directed to the sensor through openings in the display structure, maintaining a slim form factor while enabling effective biometric recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration enhances the optical and electrical performance of the sensor, improves design and usability, and enables high-performance biometric recognition without the need for a separate light source, reducing power consumption and maintaining a slim form factor.

Implementation Method 1

the optical type sensor is a sensor that absorbs light and converts it into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The photosensitive layer may include a fluorine-containing p-type semiconductor and a non-fullerene n-type semiconductor. The non-fullerene n-type semiconductor may form a pn junction with the fluorine-containing p-type semiconductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240008351A1Sensor embedded display panel and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.01.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20240008351A1 patent drawing
  • US20240008351A1 patent drawing
  • US20240008351A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a sensor-embedded display panel and an electronic device including the sensor-embedded display panel. The sensor-embedded panel may include a light emitting element and a photosensor on a substrate. The light emitting element may include a light emitting layer and the photosensor may include a photosensitive layer in parallel with the light emitting layer along an in-plane direction of the substrate. The light emitting element and the photosensor include respective portions of a first common auxiliary layer. The first common auxiliary layer may be continuous along the in-place direction of the substrate and under each of the light emitting layer and the photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer may include a fluorine-containing p-type semiconductor and a non-fullerene n-type semiconductor. The non-fullerene n-type semiconductor may form a pn junction with the p-type semiconductor.