Transparent Metal Pattern Layout for Under-Display Optical Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in enhancing the transmittance of optical areas, which affects the sensing capability of optical devices like cameras and sensors, while maintaining efficient power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transparent metal pattern in non-transmissive areas of the display panel to increase transmittance, with data lines extending over both transmissive and non-transmissive areas, and overlapping with transistors to enhance light transmission without compromising electrical connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a traditional opaque metal pattern is used in non-transmissive areas, then electrical connectivity and device functionality are maintained, but light transmittance in optical areas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidelectrical connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter of the metal pattern from opaque to transparent by selecting specific metal materials (such as tungsten, molybdenum, or platinum) and controlling their thickness and structure. This allows the metal pattern to maintain electrical conductivity while enabling light transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining transparent metal layers with dielectric materials. The transparent metal pattern is integrated with insulating layers and conductive structures to create a composite system that simultaneously provides electrical connectivity and optical transparency, eliminating the need for complete metal coverage and enabling light transmission through the display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the metal pattern covers the entire non-transmissive area, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but the transmittance of optical areas is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidoptical area transmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the metal pattern into discrete, localized regions rather than continuous coverage. The metal pattern is divided into separate segments that provide electrical connectivity where needed while leaving gaps in optical areas, allowing light transmission. This segmentation strategy enables the display panel to maintain electrical functionality while improving optical transmittance in designated areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the metal pattern coverage across different regions of the display panel. In non-transmissive areas, the metal pattern provides full coverage for electrical connectivity, while in optical areas, the metal pattern is reduced or eliminated to maximize light transmission. This spatially varying approach ensures each region has the appropriate properties for its function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If transparent metal is used to increase transmittance, then optical device sensing capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical area transmittanceVSAvoiddisplay panel fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the transparent metal pattern multi-functional by designing it to simultaneously serve as both an electrical conductor and an optical transparent element. The same metal layers used for electrode patterns and interconnects also function as light-transmitting structures, eliminating the need for separate transparent conductive oxide layers and simplifying the manufacturing process while enhancing optical transmittance.

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

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 design improves the transmittance of optical areas, allowing optical devices to function effectively while reducing power consumption and enabling seamless integration of cameras and sensors without visible notches or holes in the display panel.

Implementation Method 1

The metal pattern may include a transparent material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through transparent material: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4687404A1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4687404A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4687404A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4687404A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a display device. The display device includes a substrate (210), a metal pattern (820) disposed in a non-transmissive area (NTA2) and including a transparent material, a first data line (DL) disposed on the substrate (210) and disposed over the non-transmissive area (NTA2) and at least one of a plurality of transmissive areas (TA2), and a first active layer (ACT1) disposed on the metal pattern (820) and overlapping the metal pattern (820), thereby enhancing the transmittance of the optical area (OA2).