Under-Panel Polarizer Layout for Camera-Integrated Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices with integrated cameras and functional modules face challenges in size augmentation due to the presence of these modules in non-display areas, leading to increased device size and image distortion issues caused by long light paths through polarizing layers.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a substrate with light emitting elements, an encapsulation substrate, and a polarizing layer with distinct polarization and non-polarization areas, where the polarizing layer is positioned under the encapsulation substrate to shorten light paths and reduce image distortion, and a functional area is placed under the non-polarization area to minimize size and operational impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cameras and functional modules are integrated into non-display areas of the display device, then the device can perform additional functions, but the size of the display device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the polarizing layer from its conventional location above the encapsulation substrate to a position below it, between the encapsulation substrate and the substrate. This dimensional reconfiguration allows functional modules to be integrated in non-display areas without increasing overall device size, as the polarizing layer no longer extends the light path in the vertical dimension where functional modules would be placed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the polarizing layer into distinct polarization areas and non-polarization areas. The non-polarization areas are strategically positioned to allow light transmission for functional modules like cameras, while polarization areas maintain display functionality. This segmentation enables multi-functional integration without compromising either display performance or device compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the polarizing layer is positioned above the encapsulation substrate, then the display structure is conventional and simple, but the light path becomes long causing image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional position of the polarizing layer by placing it below the encapsulation substrate instead of above it. This inversion shortens the light path length, reducing image distortion while maintaining structural feasibility. The encapsulation substrate itself serves as part of the optical path management, eliminating the need for additional spacing that would be required with the conventional configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are placed in non-display areas, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the width of the display device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule integrationVSAvoiddevice width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-polarization areas with specific optical properties (allowing light transmission) in strategic locations where functional modules need to be integrated. These localized non-polarization regions enable camera and sensor placement in non-display areas without requiring additional device width, as the polarizing layer's optical properties are modified only where needed rather than uniformly across the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration reduces the display device's width, minimizes image distortion, and allows for effective integration of functional modules like cameras without increasing the device's size, enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a polarizing layer between the light emitting elements and the encapsulation substrate and including a polarization area and a non-polarization area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

the non-polarization area may be formed by irradiating a laser having a wavelength of about 100 nm to about 1000 nm in the polarizing layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS11997875B2Display device and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device may include a substrate, a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate, an encapsulation substrate disposed on the light emitting elements and a polarizing layer disposed between the light emitting elements and the encapsulation substrate and including a polarization area and a non-polarization area.