Sensor Layer Wiring Layout to Reduce Display Pattern See-Through

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to prevent or reduce user's visual recognition of wirings of a sensor layer passing around an active area in display devices.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a sensor layer with specific wiring configurations and a light blocking member to minimize the visibility of wirings, utilizing multilayer wiring structures and a light blocking member to surround the active area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wirings are disposed in the non-active area to connect sensor electrodes, then electrical connection is achieved, but visual recognition of wirings occurs causing pattern see-through

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidvisual recognition of wirings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer wiring structure to a multi-layer wiring structure, adding the vertical dimension (thickness direction) to hide wirings. Specifically, the first wiring is disposed in a first wiring layer and the second wiring is disposed in a second wiring layer at a different position in the thickness direction, allowing wirings to be electrically connected while visually hidden beneath other layers.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing wiring layers within a stacked structure of multiple functional layers. The wiring layers are nested between insulating layers and other structural elements, with the first wiring layer positioned at a first position in the thickness direction and the second wiring layer at a second position, creating a nested configuration that hides wirings while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple wiring layers are used to hide wirings, then visual recognition is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of wiringsVSAvoidwiring structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the multi-layer wiring structure to serve dual purposes: (1) providing electrical connection between sensor electrodes and external terminals, and (2) hiding the wirings from visual recognition. The same wiring layers that conduct electricity also function as hidden elements when viewed from the front surface, eliminating the need for separate hiding structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function and the visual hiding function into a single integrated wiring structure. By disposing wirings in multiple layers within the display panel stack, the structure simultaneously achieves electrical connectivity and visual concealment, combining what could be separate functions into one unified solution.

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

Reduces the intensity and visibility of reflected light from wirings, preventing a pattern see-through phenomenon and enhancing user experience by minimizing wiring visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a light blocking member disposed in the non-active area to surround the active area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the first wiring includes a first wiring portion electrically connected to the first sensor electrode, having at least a part thereof extending in a first direction, and including at least two wiring layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection reduction: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4726511A1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4726511A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4726511A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4726511A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device according to one embodiment may comprise: a sensor layer including an active area and an inactive area at least partially surrounding the active area; a first sensor electrode disposed in the active area; and first wiring disposed in the inactive area. The first wiring may comprise: a first wiring portion which is electrically connected to the first sensor electrode, has at least one portion extending in a first direction, and includes at least two wiring layers; and a second wiring portion which is electrically connected to the first wiring portion, extends in a second direction crossing the first direction, and includes a single wiring layer.