Transparent Display Window Layout With Segmented Pixel Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices lack the ability to maintain high light transmittance while providing transparent functionality, which is essential for harmonizing with surrounding environments.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a sub-pixel area with pixel circuits and a light transmission area, where scan lines extend in different directions, and sub-pixels emit light of varying wavelength bands, with cathode electrodes positioned to overlap transistor semiconductor layers, allowing for a transparent window area without obstructing light transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a transparent display device is designed to allow light transmission through the substrate, then light transmittance is improved, but the placement of pixel circuits and conductive lines becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidpixel circuit arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is divided into distinct functional areas: a sub-pixel area containing pixel circuits and a window area allowing light transmission. This segmentation enables the pixel circuits to be positioned in specific regions while maintaining transparent areas, resolving the conflict between light transmittance and circuit placement by spatially separating these functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display device are assigned different functional properties: the sub-pixel area is designed for circuit placement and light emission, while the window area is optimized for light transmission. This local differentiation allows each area to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If pixel circuits are positioned to maximize light transmission areas, then light transmittance is improved, but the area available for circuit placement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidcircuit placement area
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes directional arrangement of scan lines (first direction) and power lines (second direction intersecting the first direction) to create a two-dimensional routing strategy. This dimensional approach allows circuits to be positioned efficiently while maintaining large window areas for light transmission, as lines extend in specific directions to minimize obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If scan lines and power lines are arranged to minimize light obstruction, then light transmittance is improved, but the electrical connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cathode electrodes are positioned in advance to overlap with the semiconductor layers of the transistors. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable electrical connections are established before final assembly, allowing the lines to be arranged optimally for light transmission while maintaining connection integrity through pre-planned overlapping positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4672218A1Display device and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4672218A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672218A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672218A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a pixel (PXL) comprising a sub-pixel area (SPA) in which a plurality of sub-pixels (SP1, SP2, SP3) are disposed on a substrate, and a window area (WDA) positioned adjacent to the sub-pixel area in a first direction (DR1) on the substrate and including an area through which light is transmitted through the substrate on a plane.