Seven-Subpixel Pixel Structure for Display Gamut Expansion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices using three primary colors (red, green, and blue) have limited color rendition and a small picture gamut, failing to meet increasing demands for higher display quality and richer color representation.

Innovation Solution

A pixel structure with seven subpixels arranged in a matrix, including additional subpixels of colors like yellow, white, or cyan between original pixels, allowing for enhanced color modulation and increased gamut by sharing these subpixels between adjacent pixels, thereby improving light transmittance and color representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If three primary colors (red, green, and blue) are used for subpixels, then the display device can achieve basic color representation, but the picture gamut is limited and color rendition is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of colorsVSAvoidpixel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel structure is segmented into seven independent subpixels (R1, G1, B1, Y, C, R2, G2, B2) instead of the conventional three, allowing each subpixel to contribute to the overall color output. This segmentation enables finer control over color composition and expansion of the color gamut while maintaining manageable structural complexity through systematic arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adjacent pixels share common subpixels (e.g., the yellow subpixel is shared between adjacent pixels), merging resources to reduce the total number of subpixels needed while expanding color capabilities. This merging approach increases color quantity without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If additional subpixels are added to expand color gamut, then color representation is improved, but light transmittance may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoiddisplay brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces subpixels with different color characteristics (yellow, cyan, magenta) that have complementary spectral properties to the primary colors. These color changes enable broader color gamut coverage while the selective arrangement and sharing of subpixels maintains adequate light transmittance by not simply adding more absorbing elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Each subpixel serves multiple functions: the yellow subpixel contributes to both yellow display and enhances red-green color mixing, the cyan subpixel aids in blue-green transitions, and so on. This multi-functionality allows the additional subpixels to expand color variety without proportionally increasing the total light-blocking elements

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If seven subpixels are arranged in each pixel unit, then color modulation capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor modulationVSAvoidpixel fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seven subpixels are arranged in an asymmetric pattern optimized for color modulation performance rather than simple symmetry. The yellow subpixel is positioned at the center with cyan and magenta subpixels strategically placed to maximize color mixing efficiency, creating an asymmetric layout that enhances versatility while providing a clear fabrication template

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from the conventional 3-subpixel arrangement to a 7-subpixel arrangement by adding dimensions of color variety (yellow, cyan, magenta in addition to red, green, blue). This dimensional expansion in color space provides enhanced color modulation capability while the systematic arrangement maintains manufacturability through established display fabrication processes

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

Data Source

PatentEP3190458B1Pixel structure and display device
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3190458B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3190458B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A pixel structure and a display device are provided. The pixel structure includes: a plurality of pixel units (101) arranged in a matrix, each pixel unit (101) including first to seventh subpixels arranged sequentially in a row direction, and the first subpixel, the second subpixel, the third subpixel and the fourth subpixel being different from one another in color. Each subpixel among the first to third subpixels has a same color as that of one subpixel among the fifth to the seventh pixels, respectively. The number of colors of the pixel structure becomes from original three to at least four, added subpixels are shared by pixels on both sides thereof, colors illustrated are more diversified by color modulation, and gamut of the display device is improved.