Sensor-Integrated Display Panel Layout for Full-Screen Input Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face a challenge in maximizing display area while incorporating various sensors such as optical, ultrasonic, and fingerprint sensors, as these sensors occupy space and reduce the available area for image display.
Innovation Solution
The integration of sensor devices into the display panel itself, utilizing a thin-film transistor layer and emission material layer with light-emitting and light-receiving elements, allows for the detection of light, fingerprints, and ultrasonic waves without additional space, using a substrate with a thin-film transistor layer, emission material layer, and sensor electrode layer to overlap sensor areas with display areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensor devices are added to the display device, then functionality is improved, but display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensor devices (optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, fingerprint sensor) directly into the display panel structure by forming sensor electrodes and semiconductor layers on the same substrate as the light-emitting elements. This merging of sensor and display functions into a single integrated structure allows both functionalities to coexist without occupying separate physical spaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and maintained display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a light-emitting display surface and a sensor array for detecting light, ultrasonic waves, and fingerprints. The sensor electrodes and semiconductor layers are configured to detect various physical quantities while the same structure emits light for display, creating a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for separate sensor components and preserves display area.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor devices are integrated into the display panel, then display area is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor portion of the display panel is divided into multiple pixel regions, each containing sensor electrodes and semiconductor layers configured for specific sensing functions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of different sensor types (optical, ultrasonic, fingerprint) within distinct pixel areas, managing complexity through modular organization while maintaining overall display area integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where sensor electrodes are formed within the same pixel regions as light-emitting elements, with sensor components embedded within the display panel layers. The sensor electrodes are positioned between or within the same structural layers as the display elements, creating a compact nested arrangement that integrates multiple functions without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 configuration enables a larger display area by embedding sensors within the display panel, allowing for efficient use of space and enabling the detection of multiple inputs without reducing the display area, enhancing user interaction and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
light-receiving elements each including a first light-receiving electrode, a light-receiving semiconductor layer, and a second light-receiving electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a thin-film transistor layer disposed on a substrate and including thin-film transistors; and an emission material layer disposed on the thin-film transistor layer. The emission material layer includes light-emitting elements each including a first light-emitting electrode, an emissive layer and a second light-emitting electrode, light-receiving elements each including a first light-receiving electrode, a light-receiving semiconductor layer and a second light-receiving electrode, and a first bank disposed on the first light-emitting electrode and defining an emission area of each of the light-emitting elements. The light-receiving elements are disposed on the first bank.