Subpixel Repair Circuit Layout Using Dummy Lines and Dummy Pixels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern display panels suffer from defects in subpixels due to process variations, foreign matter, or circuit irregularities, leading to noticeable flaws and reduced yield, often requiring the entire panel to be discarded, thereby increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating dedicated 'dummy' circuits and specialized connection lines to detect and restore defective subpixels, allowing for the normalization of defective subpixels and improving manufacturing yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional display panels are manufactured without repair structures, then manufacturing process is simple, but defective subpixels cannot be repaired and entire panels must be discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is segmented into functional subpixels and non-functional dummy subpixels. The dummy subpixels are positioned adjacent to defective subpixels and contain dummy circuits that can be activated to compensate for defects in adjacent functional subpixels, allowing localized repair without affecting the entire panel.
Solution Approach 2:
Dummy subpixels act as intermediary elements between defective subpixels and the display output. These dummy subpixels receive signals through dummy connection control lines and emit light to compensate for defective subpixels, serving as a mediator that restores display functionality without requiring direct repair of the defective subpixel circuits.
2Productivity
If dummy circuits and connection lines are added to repair defective subpixels, then manufacturing yield improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repair structure is implemented with local quality by placing dummy subpixels and dummy connection control lines only in specific locations adjacent to potential defective subpixels, rather than throughout the entire display panel. This localized approach provides repair capability where needed while minimizing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Dummy subpixels function as disposable compensation elements that can be activated or deactivated as needed. When a defective subpixel is detected, the corresponding dummy subpixel is activated to compensate; when the defect is resolved or the panel is reconfigured, the dummy subpixel can be deactivated without causing harm to the display system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the entire panel is discarded when subpixel defects occur, then manufacturing is simpler, but material waste increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the entire panel when subpixel defects occur, the dummy subpixels recover and compensate for the defective subpixels by emitting light signals that mimic the function of the defective subpixels. This allows the defective panel to be recovered and reused, significantly reducing material waste and manufacturing costs.
4Area of stationary object
If dummy subpixels are positioned in non-display area, then display area is maximized, but repair function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy subpixels are positioned in the non-display area, utilizing the vertical or lateral dimension adjacent to the display area rather than occupying display space. This dimensional arrangement allows the dummy subpixels to serve as repair elements while the display area remains maximized for actual image output.
Solution Approach 2:
Dummy connection control lines serve as intermediaries that bridge the dummy subpixels in the non-display area with the defective subpixels in the display area. These control lines transmit signals from the dummy subpixels to the defective subpixel circuits, enabling repair functionality to be exercised across the boundary between non-display and display areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first and a second subpixel in a display area. The first subpixel includes a first subpixel circuit and a first light emitting element, a first common signal among a plurality of common signals is applied to the first subpixel circuit. The second subpixel includes a second subpixel circuit and a second light emitting element, a second common signal among the plurality of common signals is applied to the second subpixel circuit. A first dummy subpixel is disposed in a non-display area and includes a first dummy subpixel circuit. A first dummy signal line is disposed in the non-display area and is connected to the first dummy subpixel circuit. A dummy connection control line is disposed across the display area and the non-display area and disposed adjacent to the first dummy subpixel circuit, the first subpixel circuit, and the second subpixel circuit.