Series-Parallel Pixel Circuit for Low-Grayscale Color Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices face challenges in accurately representing low-grayscale images due to limitations in controlling the number of light emitting elements and current flow, which affects color gamut and display quality.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a pixel structure that includes a series and parallel connection of light emitting elements, a driving transistor, and switching transistors, along with a data processor and driver to adjust the number of emitting elements based on grayscale values, ensuring accurate representation of low-grayscale images by optimizing current flow and color coordinates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the number of light emitting elements is increased to improve display quality, then the color gamut and brightness are enhanced, but the control precision for low-grayscale images deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidlow-grayscale representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting element array is divided into multiple groups that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the array into different controllable units, the system can selectively activate specific groups to achieve precise grayscale control while maintaining overall display quality. This segmentation enables independent control of different element groups, allowing fine-grained adjustment for low-grayscale accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different connection configurations (series and parallel) of light emitting elements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt the number of active elements and current flow paths based on the required grayscale level, thereby maintaining both high display quality and precise low-grayscale representation through real-time adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If series connection of light emitting elements is used to improve current control, then the voltage distribution is optimized, but the flexibility in adjusting the number of emitting elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent controlVSAvoidadjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both series and parallel connection configurations within the same light emitting element array. This merging of different connection topologies allows the system to leverage the current control advantages of series connections while simultaneously gaining the adjustment flexibility provided by parallel connections. The hybrid configuration enables dynamic reconfiguration between series and parallel modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between series and parallel connection configurations based on the required grayscale level and display conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration provides adaptability in adjusting the number of emitting elements while maintaining optimized current control through series connections when needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between current control and adjustment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If switching transistors are added to control individual light emitting elements, then the precision of grayscale control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrayscale control precisionVSAvoidtransistor quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of controlling each light emitting element individually, the patent segments the elements into groups that are controlled by fewer switching transistors. This group-based control reduces the total number of transistors required while still maintaining precise grayscale control through the selective activation of different element groups. The segmentation approach balances control precision with device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching transistors are designed to perform multiple functions: controlling the activation of light emitting element groups, managing current distribution, and enabling dynamic reconfiguration between series and parallel connections. This multi-functionality reduces the overall transistor count while maintaining grayscale control precision, as each transistor serves multiple control purposes rather than dedicated single functions.

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

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

Enhances the representation performance and display quality of low-grayscale images by adjusting the number of emitting elements and current flow, minimizing color gamut changes and maintaining accurate color coordinates.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode, a second electrode, and an intermediate electrode; light emitting elements, at least some of the light emitting elements being connected in series with each other through the intermediate electrode between the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20230361262A1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.11.09 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20230361262A1 patent drawing
  • US20230361262A1 patent drawing
  • US20230361262A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device may include a pixel. The pixel may include: a first electrode, a second electrode, and an intermediate electrode; light emitting elements, at least some of the light emitting elements being connected in series with each other through the intermediate electrode between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving transistor configured to provide a driving current to the light emitting elements between a first power line and a second power line; and a first switching transistor connected in parallel with some of the light emitting elements and connected in series with remaining ones of the light emitting elements.