Transparent Display Electrode Routing for Light Transmittance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent display devices experience increased light loss rates due to dark spots caused by shorts between anode and cathode electrodes, and suffer from reduced transparency due to repair lines, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A transparent display device design featuring a substrate with transmissive areas and subpixels, including first and second anode electrodes connected by a first connection electrode, a driving transistor, and a second connection electrode that can be formed outside the first connection electrode to minimize light loss and improve transparency by allowing for targeted repair of shorts through laser cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection electrodes are used to connect anode electrodes and driving transistors, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but light transmittance is reduced due to the electrode area blocking light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the second connection electrode in the same layer as the light-shielding layer, utilizing the vertical stacking dimension to route signals without adding horizontal electrode area that would block light. This layered arrangement maintains electrical connectivity while preserving light transmittance in the transparent display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-shielding layer serves dual functions: it blocks light in non-transmissive areas and simultaneously provides a pathway for the second connection electrode to connect the driving transistor with the first connection electrode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate electrode structures that would otherwise block light.
2Reliability
If repair lines are added to fix shorts between electrodes, then device reliability is improved, but transparency is deteriorated due to additional opaque structures
Solution Approach 1:
The anode electrode is divided into first and second anode electrodes that can be independently connected and repaired. The first connection electrode connects the first anode electrode, while the second connection electrode (positioned in the light-shielding layer) connects the driving transistor to the first connection electrode, enabling segmented repair of shorts without requiring comprehensive repair lines across the entire display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The first connection electrode acts as an intermediary between the anode electrodes and the second connection electrode. This intermediate structure allows for targeted repair of shorts by providing multiple connection pathways, reducing the need for extensive repair lines that would compromise transparency.
3Illumination intensity
If the light emission area is made smaller to improve transparency, then light transmittance is enhanced, but light loss rate from dark spots increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the second connection electrode in the same layer as the light-shielding layer (vertical dimension), the patent enables proper electrical connectivity without increasing the horizontal footprint of electrodes in the light emission area. This allows the light emission area to remain small for high transparency while maintaining reliable connections to prevent dark spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions: in the light emission area, electrodes are minimized to maintain transparency, while in the non-transmissive area, the light-shielding layer provides robust connection pathways. This local differentiation allows small light emission areas without compromising connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent display device may minimize or reduce coupling occurring between signal lines and apply a repair structure to a scan line. The transparent display device comprises a substrate provided with a transmissive area and a plurality of subpixels disposed between the transmissive areas, first and second anode electrodes provided in each of the plurality of subpixels, a first connection electrode connecting the first anode electrode with the second anode electrode, a driving transistor provided in each of the plurality of subpixels, and a second connection electrode provided below the driving transistor, electrically connecting the driving transistor with the first connection electrode.