Sloped Metal Layer Layout for In-Display Light Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to integrate a light detecting element into a display device without compromising its display performance, accuracy, or resolution, especially in ultra-narrow border designs where sensors need to be embedded within the display region.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an electronic device with a substrate, a first metal layer having a light shielding region and a light passing region, and a light detecting element that detects light passing through the light passing region. The first edge of the light shielding region has a slope less than 90°, allowing for efficient light guidance to the light detecting element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a light detecting element is integrated into the display region, then the display-to-body ratio is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of the sensor may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay-to-body ratioVSAvoidsensor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first metal layer is divided into a light shielding region and a light passing region, creating distinct functional zones that allow the light detecting element to receive sufficient light while the shielding region blocks unwanted light, thereby maintaining sensor accuracy within the display region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the first metal layer are assigned different optical properties (shielding vs. passing), allowing the light detecting element to function accurately at its specific location while the overall display structure maintains high display-to-body ratio

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the first edge of the light shielding region has a slope less than 90°, then the light guidance to the light detecting element is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight detection accuracyVSAvoidslope angle control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slope angle of the first edge is optimized to be less than 90°, which improves light guidance and detection accuracy. This parameter change balances manufacturing feasibility with performance optimization, as the slope requirement is less stringent than a precise 90° angle while still achieving the desired light guidance effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enhances the accuracy and resolution of the light detecting element while maintaining the display performance and improving the display-to-body ratio, allowing for a more compact and efficient display device design.

Implementation Method 1

a first metal layer, disposed on the substrate and having a light shielding region and a light passing region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a light detecting element for detecting a light passing through the light passing region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12283598B2Display device with metal layer having a slope

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

An electronic device is disclosed, which includes: a substrate; a first metal layer, disposed on the substrate and having a light shielding region and a light passing region; an electrode layer, disposed on the substrate, wherein the first metal layer is disposed between the substrate and the electrode layer; and a light detecting element for detecting a light passing through the light passing region; wherein a first edge of the light shielding region of the first metal layer has a first slope, and the first slope is less than 90°.