Transparent OLED Pixel Structure with Segmented Control for Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent OLED displays typically have lower brightness and contrast due to the smaller active luminous region compared to the non-transparent region, resulting in a less effective viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
The OLED pixel structure incorporates a substrate with two regions: a first region for opaque display and a second region for transparent or translucent display, utilizing separate control components, electrode layers, and luminous layers to achieve independent image generation and control, allowing for higher contrast and brightness through distinct circuit paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a transparent OLED display uses a smaller active luminous region to maintain transparency, then the transparency is improved, but the brightness and contrast deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple sub-pixels (red, green, blue) with separate control components and electrode layers. Each sub-pixel can be independently controlled to emit light, allowing the transparent region to achieve sufficient brightness through combined emission while maintaining transparency when not actively displaying. The segmentation also allows different transparency levels for different color channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The display dynamically adjusts the transparency and brightness characteristics by controlling the activation state of different sub-pixels and electrode layers. The transparent region can switch between transparent and opaque states, and between different brightness levels, based on the display content requirements. This dynamic control resolves the fixed trade-off between transparency and brightness.
2Ease of manufacture
If a transparent OLED display uses a smaller active luminous region, then the transparency is improved, but the contrast deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contrast is improved through segmentation into multiple sub-pixels with independent control. The black state is achieved by controlling all sub-pixels to remain off, while the white state uses full emission from all sub-pixels. This segmentation allows for deeper blacks and brighter whites, improving contrast ratio without compromising transparency when the display is not active.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display have different optical properties. The transparent region uses transparent electrode layers and luminous materials with optimized local characteristics to enhance light emission efficiency and contrast. The local quality of materials and structures is tailored to improve contrast specifically in the transparent region without affecting overall transparency.
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 solution enhances the brightness and contrast of transparent OLED displays by enabling independent control of opaque and transparent regions, improving the overall image quality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode layer is located in the first region, is electrically coupled to the first control component, and includes a reflection layer
Data Source
AI summary
An OLED (organic light-emitting diode) pixel structure comprises a substrate, first and second control components, first, second, and complementary electrode layers, and first and second light-emitting layers. The first and second control components are disposed above the substrate and electrically coupled to, respectively, the first and second electrode layers. There are first and second neighborhoods defined in the pixel structure, and the substrate traverses both of the neighborhoods. The first electrode layer is disposed in the first neighborhood and comprises a reflective layer. The first light-emitting layer is disposed on and electrically coupled to the first electrode layer. The second electrode layer is transparent and disposed in the second neighborhood. The second light-emitting layer is disposed on and electrically coupled to the second electrode layer. The complementary electrode layer is disposed on and electrically coupled to the light-emitting layers.