Transparent OLED Pixel Structure for Heads-Up Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OLED display apparatuses are opaque, preventing the viewing of objects behind the display, which is a limitation for applications like automobile heads-up displays and augmented reality glasses where seeing through the display is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A transparent display apparatus is designed with a pixel structure that includes a first area for light emission and a second area for transmitting external light, utilizing a thin film transistor and inorganic insulation layers to allow ambient light to pass through while maintaining image visibility, thereby enabling the display of images and visibility of objects behind the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an OLED display apparatus is used, then light emission function and excellent viewing angle characteristics are achieved, but transparency is lost and objects behind the display cannot be seen
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel structure is divided into two distinct areas: a first area for light emission containing the pixel circuit unit and emitting electrode, and a second area for light transmission containing only transparent insulation layers. This segmentation allows the display to simultaneously achieve both light emission functionality and transparency by spatially separating these two functions within each pixel.
2Illumination intensity
If the entire pixel area is used for light emission, then display brightness is improved, but transparency and ability to see objects behind the display deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel are assigned different functional properties: the first area has light-emitting properties with opaque insulation layers and emitting electrodes, while the second area has light-transmitting properties with only transparent insulation layers. This local differentiation of quality allows the display to maintain overall brightness while providing specific transmissive zones for seeing objects behind the display.
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
The solution allows for increased transmittance of ambient light and prevents image distortion, making it suitable for applications requiring both image display and transparency, such as heads-up displays and augmented reality glasses.
Implementation Method 1
a second area through which external light is transmitted
Implementation Method 2
An intermediate layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and the intermediate layer includes an emissive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a pixel having a first area emitting light and a second area transmitting light. A pixel circuit unit is in the first area and includes a thin film transistor. An inorganic insulation layer is in the second area. A first insulation layer covers the pixel circuit unit in the first area, and has an opening exposing the inorganic insulation layer in the second area. A first electrode is on the first insulation layer in the first area. The first electrode is electrically connected to the pixel circuit unit. A second insulation layer covers edges of the first electrode and is outside the opening formed in the first insulation layer. A second electrode is in the first area. An intermediate layer, including an emissive layer, is between the first electrode and the second electrode.