Transparent Pixel-Defining Layer for High Transmittance Display Component Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face challenges in maintaining high transmittance in areas where electronic components are integrated, as existing designs often compromise on light transmission to accommodate these components, leading to reduced functionality and image quality.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a display panel with a component area that includes a transmission area with a transparent pixel-defining layer and spacers, allowing for high light transmittance while maintaining image quality by using a color filter and black matrix only in the main display area, and minimizing their presence in the component area to maximize transmittance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a component area with electronic components is integrated into the display device, then the functionality of the device is enhanced, but the transmittance in that area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtransmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural configurations to different areas of the display device. The main display area uses a first pixel-defining layer with specific characteristics, while the component area uses a second pixel-defining layer with different characteristics optimized for transmittance. This local differentiation allows each area to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is segmented into distinct functional areas: a main display area and a component area. Each area has its own pixel-defining layer structure, allowing independent optimization. The component area is further segmented to include transmission areas where electronic components are positioned, enabling light transmission paths to be preserved in those specific zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If color filters and black matrices are used in the component area, then image quality is maintained, but light transmittance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidlight transmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Color filters and black matrices are selectively applied only in the main display area where image quality is critical, while the component area uses a simplified structure without these light-blocking elements. This localized application of optical components maintains image quality in the display area while maximizing transmittance in the component area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the pixel-defining layer is made opaque to define pixel boundaries, then pixel definition is improved, but light transmission is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel definitionVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel-defining layer is designed with spatially varying optical properties. In the main display area, the first pixel-defining layer provides adequate pixel definition. In the component area, the second pixel-defining layer is designed with enhanced transmittance characteristics, allowing light to pass through while still providing necessary pixel boundary definition where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The optical properties of the pixel-defining layer are made dynamic by using different material compositions and structural configurations in different areas. The second pixel-defining layer in the component area uses transparent or semi-transparent materials with optimized thickness and refractive index to balance pixel definition and light transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3920228B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3920228B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3920228B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3920228B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a main display area in which main display elements are arranged and a component area in which auxiliary display elements and a transmission area are arranged, the display device including: a first pixel-defining layer arranged in the main display area, the first pixel-defining being between first pixel electrodes of the main display elements; a second pixel-defining layer arranged in the component area, the second pixel-defining layer being between second pixel electrodes of the auxiliary display elements; a black matrix arranged on the main display elements, the black matrix being around emission areas of the main display elements; and color filters arranged on the main display elements and the auxiliary display elements, the color filters being arranged to correspond to the emission areas of the main display elements and emission areas of the auxiliary display elements, respectively.