Sensor-Integrated Display Line Routing Without Data-Readout Overlap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in efficiently integrating optical sensors and signal lines without overlapping, which can lead to interference and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a base layer with distinct areas for display and non-display regions, featuring optical sensors and signal lines arranged in specific directions, with data and readout lines on different insulating layers to avoid overlap, and power lines positioned to not overlap with these lines, ensuring efficient signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical sensors and signal lines are integrated in the display device, then the functionality of the device is improved, but interference between signal lines and optical sensors occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional separation by arranging data lines and readout lines on different insulating layers (different vertical dimensions) in the non-display area. This layering approach allows both signal lines to coexist without overlapping, eliminating interference while maintaining integration of optical sensors and signal lines in the display device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the signal transmission paths by dividing readout lines into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) located on different insulating layers. This segmentation allows the signal lines to navigate around each other in three-dimensional space, preventing interference between data lines and readout lines while maintaining electrical connectivity to optical sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If data line and readout line are arranged on the same layer in the non-display area, then the device complexity is reduced, but interference between lines occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangement to three-dimensional layered arrangement by placing data lines and readout lines on different insulating layers. This vertical separation in the third dimension eliminates line interference while maintaining relatively simple routing paths, achieving low complexity without sacrificing electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If signal lines are arranged to avoid overlap, then interference is minimized, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments readout lines into multiple portions that can be formed on different insulating layers using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques. Each segment can be independently patterned and connected through contact holes, which are routine manufacturing steps. This segmentation approach minimizes interference while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces insulating layers as intermediary structures between data lines and readout lines. These insulating layers serve as both electrical isolation barriers and structural platforms for routing signals, simplifying the manufacturing process by providing a systematic method for achieving line separation without requiring complex direct patterning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If optical sensors are integrated with pixels in unit areas, then the sensor functionality is improved, but signal line routing becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidsignal line routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses vertical layering to route signal lines from optical sensors in the display area through the non-display area to external connections. By utilizing multiple insulating layers, the patent provides dedicated signal paths that do not interfere with pixel structures or other signal lines, simplifying the overall routing complexity despite the integrated sensor configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250366328A1Display device and electronic device having the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a base layer including display and a non-display areas, the display area including unit areas arranged in a first direction, and the non-display area includes a chip area and a pad area farther away from the display area than the chip area; a driver IC in the chip area; a pixel corresponding to each of the unit areas; an optical sensor corresponding to each of the unit areas; and signal line groups corresponding to the unit areas, respectively, wherein the signal line groups include: a data line extending from the chip area to the display area and electrically connect the pixel to the driver IC; and a readout line extending from the pad area to the display area and overlapping the chip area and electrically connected to the optical sensor, and wherein the data line and the readout line do not overlap each other.