Shared Emission Transistor Pixel Layout for Higher-Density Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in improving display quality as they become thinner and more versatile, requiring innovative designs to enhance functionality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a pixel structure where adjacent pixels share emission control transistors and driving transistors, with symmetrical configurations to optimize channel widths and connections, enhancing display quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each pixel is equipped with separate emission control transistors, then each pixel can be independently controlled, but the number of transistors per pixel increases and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent pixel controlVSAvoidnumber of transistors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Adjacent pixels share common emission control transistors (Em1, Em2) located at their boundaries. For example, pixel PX1 and pixel PX2 share transistor Em1, while pixel PX2 and pixel PX3 share transistor Em2. This merging approach reduces the total number of transistors required while maintaining independent control capability through selective activation of shared transistors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The emission control transistors serve multiple functions: they control emission for their own pixel and also serve as shared control transistors for adjacent pixels. Transistor Em1 functions as the right-side emission control for pixel PX1 and simultaneously as the left-side emission control for pixel PX2, enabling one transistor to perform multiple control roles.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If pixel density is increased to improve display quality, then visual performance improves, but available space for transistor placement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidspace for transistors
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging emission control transistors at pixel boundaries, the patent reduces the total transistor count, thereby freeing up space that can be utilized for increasing pixel density. The shared transistors are positioned at the interfaces between adjacent pixels, optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The emission control transistors are strategically positioned at the boundary regions between pixels, utilizing the interstitial space between adjacent pixels. This boundary placement approach allows the transistors to serve dual purposes while minimizing the area consumed, effectively using the two-dimensional pixel grid to accommodate control elements.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4693270A1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4693270A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4693270A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4693270A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The display device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels comprising a first pixel and a second pixel which are arranged adjacent to each other in the same row. The first pixel and the second pixel share a light emission control transistor. The light emission control transistor is connected to a driving voltage line and a common node which is connected to first terminals of driving transistors of the first and second pixels.