Display panel and fabrication method, and display device thereof

A display panel and fabrication method, and a display device are provided. The display panel includes a base substrate and a plurality of first units formed over the base substrate. A first unit includes an organic light-emitting diode, a fingerprint recognition unit, and a first micro-cavity. The organic light-emitting diode includes an anode, a cathode disposed opposite to the anode, and an organic light-emitting layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The display panel also includes a plurality of first film layers formed over the base substrate. A first film layer is disposed between two adjacent mutually insulated anodes. The cathode covers the anode and the first film layer, and the first micro-cavity is formed between the first film layer and the cathode. The fingerprint recognition unit is disposed over a side of the first film layer away from the cathode.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of Chinese patent application No. 201810840353.0, filed on Jul. 27, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of display technology and, more particularly, relates to a display panel and fabrication method, and a display device thereof.

BACKGROUND

An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is also known as an organic electro-laser display, or an organic light-emitting semiconductor. OLED display technology is featured with advantages such as self-illumination, wide viewing angle, nearly infinite contrast, low power consumption, and substantially high response speed, etc.

In an under-screen fingerprint recognition technology, the light emitted from the light source is reflected by a touch object to a fingerprint recognition unit for fingerprint recognition. Because the light desires to pass through at least part of the display panel, the intensity of the light has a great influence on the fingerprint recognition accuracy.

In an existing organic light-emitting display panel, in addition to the absorption and scattering of the film layer(s), because metal wiring has to occupy a large space, under the premise of limited process capability, the light-transmissive area of the display panel is substantially small, the intensity of the light received by the fingerprint recognition unit is substantially weak, and, thus, the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the display panel is substantially poor.

The disclosed display panel and fabrication method, and display device are directed to solve one or more problems set forth above and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a display panel. The display panel includes a base substrate and a plurality of first units formed over the base substrate. A first unit of the plurality of first units includes an organic light-emitting diode, a fingerprint recognition unit, and a first micro-cavity. The organic light-emitting diode includes an anode, a cathode disposed opposite to the anode, and an organic light-emitting layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The display panel also includes a plurality of first film layers formed over the base substrate. A first film layer of the plurality of first film layers is disposed between two adjacent mutually insulated anodes. The cathode covers the anode and the first film layer, and the first micro-cavity is formed between the first film layer and the cathode. The fingerprint recognition unit is disposed over a side of the first film layer away from the cathode.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a display device. The display device includes a display panel. The display panel includes a base substrate and a plurality of first units formed over the base substrate. A first unit of the plurality of first units includes an organic light-emitting diode, a fingerprint recognition unit, and a first micro-cavity. The organic light-emitting diode includes an anode, a cathode disposed opposite to the anode, and an organic light-emitting layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The display panel also includes a plurality of first film layers formed over the base substrate. A first film layer of the plurality of first film layers is disposed between two adjacent mutually insulated anodes. The cathode covers the anode and the first film layer, and the first micro-cavity is formed between the first film layer and the cathode. The fingerprint recognition unit is disposed over a side of the first film layer away from the cathode.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for forming a display panel. The method includes providing a base substrate and forming a plurality of first units over the base substrate. A first unit of the plurality of first units includes an organic light-emitting diode, a fingerprint recognition unit, and a first micro-cavity. The organic light-emitting diode includes an anode, a cathode disposed opposite to the anode, and an organic light-emitting layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The method also includes forming a plurality of first film layers over the base substrate. A first film layer of the plurality of first film layers is disposed between two adjacent mutually insulated anodes. The cathode covers the anode and the first film layer, and the first micro-cavity is formed between the first film layer and the cathode. The fingerprint recognition unit is disposed over a side of the first film layer away from the cathode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Similar reference numbers and letters represent similar terms in the following Figures, such that once an item is defined in one Figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent Figures.

The present disclosure provides a display panel.FIG. 1illustrates a schematic diagram of a display panel consistent with disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 2illustrates a schematic A-A′ sectional view of the display panel inFIG. 2. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the display panel may include a base substrate10and a plurality of first units20over the base substrate. The first unit20may include an organic light-emitting diode30, a fingerprint recognition unit40, and a first micro-cavity50. The organic light-emitting diode30may include an anode31, a cathode32disposed opposite to the anode31, and an organic light-emitting layer33disposed between the anode31and the cathode32.

The first unit20may further include a plurality of first film layers51disposed over the base substrate10, and a first film layer51may be disposed between two adjacent mutually insulated anodes31. The cathode32may cover the anode31and the first film layer51. The first micro-cavity50may be formed between the first film layer51and the cathode32. The fingerprint recognition unit40may be disposed over a side of the first film layer51away from the cathode32.

In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a region corresponding to the organic light-emitting diode30may be a light-emitting region of the display panel, and a region between two adjacent organic light-emitting diodes30may be a non-light-emitting region of the display panel. The first micro-cavity50may be formed between the first film layer51and the cathode32, and the intensity of light having a wavelength in a certain range may be enhanced by setting a cavity length of the first micro-cavity50.

The display panel in the disclosed embodiments may include the plurality of first units20. The first unit20may include the organic light-emitting diode30, the fingerprint recognition unit40, and the first micro-cavity50. The organic light-emitting diode30may be in a one-to-one relationship with the fingerprint recognition unit40, while which is not limited by the present disclosure. The fingerprint recognition unit40may desire to be disposed between adjacent organic light-emitting diodes30. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the fingerprint recognition unit40and the first micro-cavity50may be disposed between adjacent organic light-emitting diodes30in a row direction, which is not limited by the present disclosure and may be determined according to practical applications. In certain embodiments, the fingerprint recognition unit40and the first micro-cavity50may also be disposed between adjacent organic light-emitting diodes30in other directions.

The fingerprint identification unit40may generate fingerprint information according to received signal light. The intensity of the signal light may have a great influence on the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the fingerprint recognition unit40. The stronger the signal light, the higher the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the fingerprint recognition unit40. The fingerprint recognition unit40may be disposed over the side of the first film layer51away from the cathode32. In other words, after passing through the first micro-cavity50, the signal light may be transmitted to a corresponding fingerprint recognition unit40, and, thus, the intensity of the light transmitted to the fingerprint recognition unit40may effectively increase, thereby effectively improving the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the fingerprint recognition unit40.

The fingerprint recognition unit40inFIG. 2may adopt an external fingerprint identification unit. The fingerprint recognition unit40may be disposed over a side of the base substrate10facing away from the organic light-emitting diode30, while which is not limited by the present disclosure. The fingerprint recognition unit40may desire to be disposed over the side of the first film layer51away from the cathode32, and, thus, after passing through the first micro-cavity50, the signal light may be transmitted to the corresponding fingerprint recognition unit40.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, for the light having a wavelength in a λ range, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fingerprint recognition unit40is η, where 60%<η<100%, and 380 nm≤λ≤700 nm. The cavity length of the first micro-cavity50is L1, where L1=m×λ/2, and m is a positive integer. In one embodiment, to reduce material loss, m=1.

In one embodiment, for the light having a wavelength in a λ range, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fingerprint recognition unit is η, where 60%<η<100%, and 380 nm≤λ≤700 nm. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fingerprint recognition unit may refer to a ratio of a quantity of photo-generated carriers collected by the fingerprint recognition unit over a quantity of incident photoelectrons in a unit time. The photoelectric sensitivity of the fingerprint recognition unit may be related to the photoelectric conversion efficiency. The higher the photoelectric conversion efficiency, the higher the photoelectric sensitivity of the fingerprint recognition unit. For the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fingerprint recognition unit may be greater than 60%. In other words, the fingerprint recognition unit40may be sensitive to the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm, and, thus, the fingerprint recognition unit40may have a substantially high photoelectric sensitivity for the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm. The cavity length of the first micro-cavity50is L1, where L1=m×λ/2, m is a positive integer, and 380 nm≤λ≤700 nm. In other words, the first micro-cavity50may enhance the intensity of the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm in the light source. After passing through the first micro-cavity50to increase the light intensity thereof, the signal light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm may be transmitted to a corresponding fingerprint recognition unit40, and the fingerprint recognition unit40may generate corresponding fingerprint information.

In one embodiment, for the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fingerprint recognition unit40may be greater than 60%. The cavity length of the first micro-cavity50may be adjusted using the light having a wavelength λ in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm as an example to enhance the intensity of the light having high sensitivity for the fingerprint recognition unit40. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fingerprint recognition unit40may be greater than 60% for the light having a wavelength λ in a range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm, while which is not limited by the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the fingerprint recognition unit40may be greater than 60% for the light having a wavelength λ of other values, which is not repeated herein.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic B-B′ sectional view of the display panel inFIG. 1consistent with disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode30may provide a light source for the fingerprint recognition unit40. The fingerprint recognition unit40may be used to recognize fingerprint according to the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode30and reflected by a touch object to the fingerprint recognition unit40.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 3, because a ridge60in the fingerprint of a finger pressed on the display panel is in contact with a surface of the display panel, a valley70thereof may not be in contact with the surface of the display panel. Thus, the reflectance of the light illuminated onto the valley70and the ridge60of the fingerprint may be different, which may cause the intensities of the reflected light formed at the position of the ridge60and the reflected light formed at the position of the valley70that are received by the fingerprint recognition unit40to be different. Therefore, the reflected light formed at the position of the ridge60and the reflected light formed at the position of the valley70may be converted into photocurrents having different magnitudes, and the fingerprint may be recognized according to the magnitudes of the photocurrents.

The organic light-emitting diode30may provide the light source for the fingerprint recognition unit40, and, thus, an extra light source for the fingerprint recognition unit40may not be desired, which may reduce a thickness of the display panel and the process steps of the display panel.

In one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode30may provide the light source for the fingerprint recognition unit40, which is not limited by the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, other light sources may be used to provide the light source for the fingerprint recognition unit, and the intensity of the signal light having a wavelength in a certain range in the light source may be enhanced by the first micro-cavity50.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 2, the organic light-emitting diode30may further include a second micro-cavity34. The second micro-cavity34may include at least the organic light-emitting layer33. A cavity length of the second micro-cavity34is L2, where 0.9L1≤L2≤L1.

In one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode30may further include the second micro-cavity34. The intensity of the light having a wavelength in a certain range may be enhanced by setting a cavity length of the second micro-cavity34. Therefore, the intensity of the light having a wavelength in a certain range among the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode30may be enhanced by the second micro-cavity34.

The first micro-cavity50may be disposed between adjacent organic light-emitting diodes30, and the cavity length of the first micro-cavity50is L1. After passing through the first micro-cavity50to enhance the light intensity thereof, the signal light having a wavelength in a certain range may be transmitted to the corresponding fingerprint identification unit40, and the fingerprint recognition unit40may generate corresponding fingerprint information. The cavity length of the second micro-cavity34is L2, where 0.9L1≤L2≤L1. The cavity length of the second micro-cavity34may be close or equal to the cavity length of the first micro-cavity50. The intensity of the light having a wavelength in a certain range among the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode30may be enhanced by the second micro-cavity34. The light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode30may be reflected by the touch object to form the signal light. After passing through the first micro-cavity50, the signal light may be transmitted to the corresponding fingerprint recognition unit40. The first micro-cavity50may enhance the intensity of the light having a wavelength in a certain range among the signal light. The wavelength range of the light enhanced by the second micro-cavity34may be close or equal to the wavelength range of the light enhanced by the first micro-cavity50. In other words, the fingerprint recognition unit40may have a substantially high sensitivity to the light having a wavelength in a certain range. The intensity of the light of the wavelength in the certain range among the light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode30may be enhanced by the second micro-cavity34, and may be enhanced again by the first micro-cavity50. Therefore, the intensity of the light of the wavelength in the certain range among the light transmitted to the fingerprint recognition unit40may further effectively increase, thereby further improving the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the fingerprint recognition unit40.

FIG. 4illustrates a schematic diagram of another display panel consistent with disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 5illustrates a schematic C-C′ sectional view of a first unit in the display panel inFIG. 4. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the first unit20may include at least a first sub-unit21, a second sub-unit22, and a third sub-unit23.

In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the first sub-unit21may include a red organic light-emitting diode31and a first fingerprint recognition unit41. For the light having a wavelength in a λ range, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the first fingerprint recognition unit41is η, where 60%<η<100%, and 600 nm≤λ≤640 nm.

In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the first sub-unit21may include the red organic light-emitting diode31and the first fingerprint recognition unit41. The first fingerprint recognition unit41may recognize fingerprint according to the light source provided by a corresponding red organic light-emitting diode31.

The light emitted from the red organic light-emitting diode31may have a wavelength in a range of approximately 600 nm-640 nm. For the light having a wavelength λ in a range of approximately 600 nm-640 nm, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the first fingerprint recognition unit41may be greater than 60%. In other words, the first fingerprint recognition unit41may be sensitive to the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 600 nm-640 nm, and, thus, the first fingerprint recognition unit41may have a substantially high photoelectric sensitivity for the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 600 nm-640 nm. A cavity length of a first micro-cavity50ais L3, where L3=m×λ/2, m is a positive integer, and 600 nm≤λ≤640 nm. In other words, the first micro-cavity50amay enhance the intensity of the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 600 nm-640 nm in the light source. A cavity length of a second micro-cavity34ais L4, where 0.9L3≤L4≤L3. The second micro-cavity34aand the first micro-cavity50aeach may be used to enhance the intensity of the corresponding light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 600 nm-640 nm emitted from the red organic light-emitting diode31, which may further improve the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the first fingerprint recognition unit41.

FIG. 6illustrates a schematic D-D′ sectional view of the first unit in the display panel inFIG. 4. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, the second sub-unit22may include a green organic light-emitting diode32and a second fingerprint recognition unit42. For the light having a wavelength in a λ range, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the second fingerprint recognition unit42is η, where 60%<η<100%, and 500 nm≤λ≤540 nm.

In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, the second sub-unit22may include the green organic light-emitting diode32and the second fingerprint recognition unit42. The second fingerprint recognition unit42may recognize fingerprint according to the light source provided by a corresponding green organic light-emitting diode32.

The light emitted from the green organic light-emitting diode32may have a wavelength in a range of approximately 500 nm-540 nm. For the light having a wavelength λ in a range of approximately 500 nm-540 nm, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the second fingerprint recognition unit42may be greater than 60%. In other words, the second fingerprint recognition unit42may be sensitive to the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 500 nm-540 nm, and, thus, the second fingerprint recognition unit42may have a substantially high photoelectric sensitivity for the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 500 nm-540 nm. A cavity length of a first micro-cavity50bis L5, where L5=m×λ/2, m is a positive integer, and 500 nm≤λ≤540 nm. In other words, the first micro-cavity50bmay enhance the intensity of the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 500 nm-540 nm in the light source. A cavity length of a second micro-cavity34bis L6, where 0.9L5≤L6≤L5. The second micro-cavity34band the first micro-cavity50beach may be used to enhance the intensity of the corresponding light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 500 nm-540 nm emitted from the green organic light-emitting diode32, which may further improve the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the second fingerprint recognition unit42.

FIG. 7illustrates a schematic E-E′ sectional view of the first unit in the display panel inFIG. 4. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 4 and 7, the third sub-unit23may include a blue organic light-emitting diode33and a third fingerprint recognition unit43. For the light having a wavelength in a λ range, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the third fingerprint recognition unit42is η, where 60%<η<100%, and 440 nm≤λ≤480 nm.

In one embodiment, referring toFIGS. 4 and 7, the third sub-unit23may include the blue organic light-emitting diode33and the third fingerprint recognition unit43. The third fingerprint recognition unit43may recognize fingerprint according to the light source provided by a corresponding blue organic light-emitting diode33.

The light emitted from the blue organic light-emitting diode33may have a wavelength in a range of approximately 440 nm-480 nm. For the light having a wavelength λ in a range of approximately 440 nm-480 nm, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the third fingerprint recognition unit43may be greater than 60%. In other words, the third fingerprint recognition unit43may be sensitive to the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 440 nm-480 nm, and, thus, the third fingerprint recognition unit43may have a substantially high photoelectric sensitivity for the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 440 nm-480 nm. A cavity length of a first micro-cavity50cis L7, where L7=m×λ/2, m is a positive integer, and 440 nm≤λ≤480 nm. In other words, the first micro-cavity50cmay enhance the intensity of the light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 440 nm-480 nm in the light source. A cavity length of a second micro-cavity34cis L8, where 0.9L7≤L8≤L7. The second micro-cavity34cand the first micro-cavity50ceach may be used to enhance the intensity of the corresponding light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 440 nm-480 nm emitted from the blue organic light-emitting diode33, which may further improve the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the third fingerprint recognition unit43.

The display panel in the disclosed embodiments may include organic light-emitting diodes of different colors, and the organic light-emitting diodes of different colors may emit light of different wavelengths. According to the organic light-emitting diodes of different colors, corresponding cavity lengths of the first micro-cavities may be set to enhance the intensity of light of different wavelengths in a targeted manner, thereby improving the accuracy of the fingerprint recognition units corresponding to the organic light-emitting diodes of different colors.

In one embodiment, the first sub-unit21may include the red organic light-emitting diode31, the second sub-unit22may include the green organic light-emitting diode32, and the third sub-unit23may include the blue organic light-emitting diodes33. In certain embodiments, the organic light-emitting diodes in the first sub-unit21, the second sub-unit22, and the third sub-unit23may be organic light-emitting diodes of other colors, which is not limited by the present disclosure, and may be determined according to practical applications.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 2, the anode31may be a total reflection layer, and the first film layer51and the cathode32may be a semi-reflective layer (i.e., approximately 50% transmitted and 50% reflected).

In one embodiment, the anode31may be the total reflection layer, and the cathode32may be the semi-reflective layer. When the light propagates in the second micro-cavity34, the light may be totally reflected to continue to propagate when propagating to the anode31. When propagating to the cathode32, because the cathode32is the semi-reflective layer, part of the light may continue to be reflected, and part of the light may transmit through the cathode32to output. The light transmitted through the cathode32may be reflected by the touch object. When the reflected light propagates to the cathode32disposed opposite to the first film layer51, part of the light may continue to be reflected, and part of the light may transmit through the cathode32to the first film layer51. When the light transmitted through the cathode32disposed opposite to the first film layer51propagates to the first film layer51, part of the light may continue to be reflected, and part of the light may transmit through the first film layer51to output.

The first film layer51and the cathode32may be the semi-reflective layer. In one embodiment, the first film layer51and the cathode32may be made of a same material. The first film layer51and the cathode32may be formed by an evaporation process.

FIG. 8illustrates a schematic diagram of an organic light-emitting diode consistent with disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 8, the anode31may include a first sub-layer311and a second sub-layer312. The first sub-layer311may be disposed between the base substrate10and the second sub-layer312. The first sub-layer311may be made of silver, and the second sub-layer312may be made of a transparent conductive metal oxide film. The second micro-cavity34may include the second sub-layer312and the organic light-emitting layer33.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 8, the second micro-cavity34may include the second sub-layer312and the organic light-emitting layer33. The cavity length of the second micro-cavity34may be a sum of a thickness of the second sub-layer312and a thickness of the organic light-emitting layer33. The cavity length of the second micro-cavity34may be changed by changing the thickness of the second sub-layer312and/or the thickness of the organic light-emitting layer33.

FIG. 9illustrates a schematic diagram of a display device consistent with disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure. A display device1000in the disclosed embodiments may include any one of the display panels in the disclosed embodiments.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 9, the display device1000in the disclosed embodiments may be a mobile phone. The display device1000may include any one of the display panels in the disclosed embodiments. Further, those skilled in the art can understand that in addition to the display panel, the display device1000in the disclosed embodiments may include other well-known structures. The well-known structures will not be further described to avoid obscuring the scope of the present disclosure. The display device in the disclosed embodiments may be a computer, a television, or an electronic book, etc., which is not limited by the present disclosure.

FIG. 10illustrates a flow chart of a fabrication method for forming a display panel consistent with disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS. 1, 2 and 10, the fabrication method for forming the display panel in the disclosed embodiments may include the following:S81: Providing a base substrate10; andS82: Forming a plurality of first units20over the base substrate10, where a first unit20may include an organic light-emitting diode30, a fingerprint recognition unit40, and a first micro-cavity50.

The organic light-emitting diode30may include an anode31, a cathode32disposed opposite to the anode31, and an organic light-emitting layer33disposed between the anode31and the cathode32. A plurality of first film layers51may be formed over the base substrate10, and a first film layer51may be disposed between two adjacent mutually insulated anodes31. The cathode32may cover the anode31and the first film layer51. The first micro-cavity50may be formed between the first film layer51and the cathode32. The fingerprint recognition unit40may be disposed over a side of the first film layer51away from the cathode32.

In the display panel fabricated by the fabrication method in the disclosed embodiments, when recognizing the fingerprint, after passing through the first micro-cavity50, the signal light may be transmitted to a corresponding fingerprint recognition unit40. Thus, the intensity of the light transmitted to the fingerprint recognition unit40may effectively increase, thereby effectively improving the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the fingerprint recognition unit40.

In the display panel and fabrication method, and the display device in the disclosed embodiments, the first micro-cavity may be formed between the first film layer and the cathode. The intensity of the light having a wavelength in a certain range may be enhanced by setting the cavity length of the first micro-cavity. The fingerprint recognition unit may be disposed over the side of the first film layer away from the cathode. In other words, after passing through the first micro-cavity, the signal light may be transmitted to a corresponding fingerprint recognition unit. Therefore, the intensity of the light transmitted to the fingerprint recognition unit may effectively increase, thereby effectively improving the fingerprint recognition accuracy of the fingerprint recognition unit.

The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to illustrate the present invention to those skilled in the art. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.