Sub-Pixel Light Path Switching for Low-Power Display Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and luminance control in light-emitting elements, particularly in scenarios requiring low power modes without compromising image quality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display panel with sub-pixels containing first and second light-emitting elements, each with a driving transistor and a switch, allowing for selective control of light emission through different paths based on mode signals, enabling low power and normal operation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single light-emitting element is used per sub-pixel, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different power modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to power modesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides each sub-pixel into multiple light-emitting elements (first light-emitting element and second light-emitting element) that can be selectively driven. This segmentation allows the display to adapt to different power modes by choosing which element to activate, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a switch that dynamically connects or disconnects the second light-emitting element based on the operating mode. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt between low-power and normal-power modes without permanent structural changes, balancing adaptability with manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the second light-emitting element is always connected to the driving transistor, then the reliability of light emission is high, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreliability of light emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the second light-emitting element from the always-on configuration and makes it selectively connectable through a switch. This allows the system to take out the power-consuming component from active operation when not needed, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability when the element is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By making the connection of the second light-emitting element dynamic through the switch, the system can adapt its power consumption based on operational requirements. The reliability is maintained when needed by closing the switch, while power consumption is reduced by opening the switch during low-power modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a switch is added to selectively connect light-emitting elements, then the adaptability to power modes improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to power modesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch serves multiple functions: it controls the connection of the second light-emitting element, enables power mode selection, and facilitates selective driving of different light-emitting elements. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing substantial adaptability benefits that outweigh the increase in device complexity.

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

4Illumination intensity

If multiple light-emitting elements are connected in parallel, then the luminance output is high, but the power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance outputVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the parallel connection of light-emitting elements dynamic through the switch. In normal mode, both elements can be connected for high luminance output. In low-power mode, the switch disconnects the second element, reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability for high luminance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach reduces power consumption in low power modes while maintaining image quality by optimizing luminance control through selective driving of light-emitting elements, enhancing energy efficiency and display performance.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of the sub-pixels may include a first light-emitting element emitting light in a first mode for low power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

second light-emitting elements emitting light in a second mode different from the first mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4697310A1Electronic device and method for selectively driving light-emitting elements of display
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4697310A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4697310A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4697310A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The electronic device may comprise: a display panel comprising a plurality of sub-pixels; a processor; and a display driving circuit. Each of the plurality of sub-pixels may comprise: a first light-emitting element that emits light in a first mode for low power and second light-emitting elements that emit light in a second mode; a driving transistor; and a switch between the first and second light-emitting elements and the drain of the driving transistor. The display driving circuit may be configured to: receive, from the processor, a signal indicating a mode in which the display driving circuit is driven; allow the first light-emitting element to emit light by using a first path connecting between the first light-emitting element and the driving transistor, in the first mode on the basis of the signal; and allow the second light-emitting elements to emit light by using a second path connecting between the second light emitting elements and the driving transistor, in the second mode on the basis of the signal.