Shared Sub-Pixel Layout for Lower-FMM Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display technologies face high complexity and cost due to the need for Fine Metal Mask (FMM) techniques to achieve high display resolution, particularly when sub-pixel density exceeds the naked-eye resolution limit, especially for blue and red sub-pixels.

Innovation Solution

A pixel arrangement structure where sub-pixels are shared between adjacent pixels, with a 1.5:1 sub-pixel density ratio in both directions, reducing the overall sub-pixel density and complexity by evenly distributing green sub-pixels and using shared red and blue sub-pixels, allowing for smoother FMM processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional three sub-pixel mode (R, G, B) is used for each pixel to achieve high display resolution, then display resolution is improved, but FMM technique complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidFMM technique complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges sub-pixels from adjacent pixels by sharing red and blue sub-pixels between neighboring pixels. Specifically, each pixel shares its red sub-pixel with one adjacent pixel and its blue sub-pixel with another adjacent pixel, reducing the total sub-pixel count while maintaining visual resolution through the human eye's lower sensitivity to red and blue color boundaries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes sub-pixels serve multiple functions by having them shared across different pixels. A single red sub-pixel serves as the red component for two different pixels, and similarly for blue sub-pixels, thereby reducing the overall number of sub-pixels required in the display panel

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

2Manufacturing precision

If sub-pixel density is increased to exceed naked-eye resolution limit, then display resolution is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sub-pixel density parameter by reducing it to 1.5 times the pixel density instead of the conventional 3 times (for RGB triplets). This is achieved by sharing red and blue sub-pixels between adjacent pixels, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate visual resolution through human eye characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If red and blue sub-pixels are shared between adjacent pixels, then FMM complexity is reduced, but sub-pixel distribution uniformity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFMM complexityVSAvoidsub-pixel distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetric arrangement by placing green sub-pixels at the center of each pixel while red and blue sub-pixels are positioned at the edges for sharing. This asymmetric configuration ensures that green sub-pixels (to which the human eye is most sensitive) remain centrally located for optimal luminance perception, while red and blue sub-pixels are strategically positioned at boundaries where they can be shared between adjacent pixels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3832732B1Pixel arrangement structure and display panel
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3832732B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(a)
  • EP3832732B1 patent drawingFigure 2(b)
  • EP3832732B1 patent drawingFigure 2(c)

AI summary

Disclosed are a pixel arrangement structure, a display panel and a display device. The pixel arrangement structure comprises a plurality of repeating units, each repeating unit comprising one first sub-pixel (101), one second sub-pixel (102), and two third sub-pixels (103). The four sub-pixels in each repeating unit form two pixels, the first sub-pixel (101) and the second sub-pixel (102) being shared by the two pixels, respectively. In a first direction of the pixel array, the density of the sub-pixels is 1.5 times that of the pixels, and in a second direction of the pixel array, the density of sub-pixels is 1.5 times that of the pixels, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different directions. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, difficulties in an FMM process for preparing pixels in a display panel can be reduced.