Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device that allows independent control of the viewing angle in multiple regions. [Solution] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a display area comprising a first area and a second area whose viewing angle can be independently controlled, and a gate drive circuit disposed in a non-display area located outside the display area, wherein the gate drive circuit includes a first switching circuit connected to a first subpixel of the first area and a second switching circuit connected to a second subpixel of the second area, and each of the first and second switching circuits selectively outputs a first light emission control signal and a second light emission control signal in response to a first viewing angle control signal and a second viewing angle control signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a display device capable of controlling the viewing angle.

Background Art

[0002] Display devices can be used in various electronic devices.

[0003] Among display devices installed in automobiles, in the display device arranged in front of the passenger seat, it is necessary to limit the viewing angle for the driver according to the driving situation of the driver.

[0004] Also, for privacy protection and information protection, it is necessary to limit the viewing angle of the display device according to the user's request.

[0005] Using a security film, the viewing angle of the video displayed by the display device can be limited. However, the security film significantly reduces the brightness of the display device, and the viewing angle limitation becomes fixed, which may cause discomfort to the user.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This specification provides a display device capable of independently controlling the viewing angle in a plurality of regions.

[0007] The problems to be solved in various embodiments of this specification are not limited to the above problems, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the technical idea of this specification belongs from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a display area comprising a first display area and a second display area whose viewing angles can be independently controlled, and a gate drive circuit disposed in a non-display area located outside the display area, wherein each of a plurality of subpixels disposed in the display area includes a drive transistor, a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a first light-emitting control transistor that connects the drive transistor and the first light-emitting element in response to a first light-emitting control signal, and a second light-emitting control transistor that connects the drive transistor and the second light-emitting element in response to a second light-emitting control signal, wherein the gate drive circuit includes a first switching circuit connected to a first subpixel of the first display area and a second switching circuit connected to a second subpixel of the second display area, and each of the first and second switching circuits can selectively output a first light-emitting control signal and a second light-emitting control signal in response to a first viewing angle control signal and a second viewing angle control signal. A display device according to one embodiment of this specification comprises a first display area including a first subpixel and a second display area including a second subpixel. The first subpixel comprises a first light-emitting element that emits light of a first color, a first lens of a first shape that overlaps with the first light-emitting element in a cross-sectional view of the display device, a second light-emitting element that emits light of a first color, and a second lens of a second shape that overlaps with the second light-emitting element in a cross-sectional view. The second subpixel comprises a third light-emitting element that emits light of a first color, a third lens of a first shape that overlaps with the third light-emitting element in a cross-sectional view, a fourth light-emitting element that emits light of a first color, and a fourth lens of a second shape that overlaps with the fourth light-emitting element in a cross-sectional view. When the first display area is in a first mode, the first light-emitting element is in a first state and the second light-emitting element is in a second state. When the first display area is in a second mode, the first light-emitting element is in a second state and the second light-emitting element is in a first state. When the second display area is in the first mode, the third light-emitting element is in the first state and the fourth light-emitting element is in the second state. When the second display area is in the second mode, the third light-emitting element is in the second state and the fourth light-emitting element is in the first state. In the first mode, the first display area emits light in the first direction over a first viewing angle. In the second mode, the first display area emits light in the first direction over a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle. In the first mode, the second display area emits light in the first direction over a first viewing angle. In the second mode, the second display area emits light in the first direction over a second viewing angle. In the second mode, the second display area emits light along the first direction over a second viewing angle. The first lens transmits light across a first viewing angle in a first direction when the first display area is in a first mode. The second lens transmits light across a second viewing angle in a first direction when the first display area is in a second mode. The third lens transmits light across a first viewing angle in a first direction when the second display area is in a first mode. The fourth lens transmits light across a second viewing angle in a second direction when the second display area is in a second mode.

[0009] Specific details of various embodiments other than the means for solving the aforementioned problems are included in the following description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The display device according to one embodiment of this specification can not only drive the light-emitting elements of each subpixel separately to control the viewing angle according to the user's needs, but can also selectively output a first light emission control signal and a second light emission control signal to independently control the viewing angle of each of multiple regions.

[0011] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification can provide the user with an image of a desired size at a desired viewing angle by independently controlling the viewing angles of multiple regions within the display area to either a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle, thereby adjusting the ratio (area) of the wide viewing angle region to the narrow viewing angle region.

[0012] The effects described herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other effects not mentioned here will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a display panel according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3] This figure schematically shows a subpixel configuration according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4A] This figure illustrates the structures of a first optical control element and a second optical control element according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4B] This figure illustrates the structures of a first optical control element and a second optical control element according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates multiple regions in a display device according to one embodiment of this specification, where the viewing angle can be independently controlled. [Figure 6] This is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a subpixel according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 7] Figure 6 illustrates the driving waveform of a subpixel. [Figure 8] This figure schematically illustrates the configuration of a gate drive circuit according to one embodiment of this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The advantages and features of this specification, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become apparent by referring to the examples described below in detail with accompanying figures. However, this specification is not limited to the examples disclosed below, but can be embodied in a variety of different forms, and these examples are provided merely to complete the disclosure of this specification and to fully inform those who have ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs of the scope of the invention, and this specification is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0015] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the figures for explaining the embodiments of this specification are exemplary, and this specification is not limited to the matters shown in the figures. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in the description of this specification, when it is determined that a specific description of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of this specification, the detailed description thereof is omitted. When terms such as "including", "having", "consisting of", etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes the case of including a plurality unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0016] In interpreting a component, even if there is no separate explicit description of the error range, it is interpreted as including the error range.

[0017] In the case of an explanation of the positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is explained by "on ~", "above ~", "below ~", "beside ~", etc., unless the expressions "immediately" or "directly" are used, one or more other parts can also be located between the two parts.

[0018] In the case of an explanation of the time relationship, for example, when the chronological relationship is explained by "after ~", "subsequent to ~", "next to ~", "before ~", etc., unless the expressions "immediately" or "directly" are used, it can also include the case of not being continuous.

[0019] First, second, etc. are used to explain various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical idea of this specification.

[0020] In describing the components of this specification, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used. Such terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and do not limit the essence, order, sequence, or number of the components by such terms. When a component is described as "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to another component, that component can be directly connected to or linked to the other component, but it should be understood that other components may "intervene" between the components that can be indirectly connected to or linked without specific explicit description.

[0021] The term "at least one" should be understood to include all combinations of one or more of the related components. For example, the meaning of "at least one of the first, second, and third components" can include not only the first, second, or third components alone, but also all combinations of two or more of the first, second, and third components.

[0022] The features of each of several embodiments of this specification can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and various linkages and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other, or can be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The scale of the components shown in the drawings has a scale different from the actual one for the convenience of explanation, and thus is not limited to the scale shown in the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a display panel according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of sub-pixels according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the structures of first and second light control elements according to an embodiment.

[0025] A display device 1000 according to one embodiment can provide both a display function for displaying images and a touch sensing function for sensing whether or not a user touches the device and / or the touch coordinates.

[0026] The display device 1000 according to one embodiment may be an electroluminescent display device or a micro light-emitting diode display device including a touch sensor. The electroluminescent display device including a touch sensor may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device, a quantum-dot light-emitting diode display device, or an inorganic light-emitting diode display device.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, the display device 1000 may include a display panel 100, a display driver circuit 200 for driving the display panel 100, and a touch sensing circuit 300 for driving and sensing a touch sensor array built into the display panel 100. The display device 1000 may further include a power management circuit that generates and supplies multiple power voltages necessary for the operation of the display panel 100, the display driver circuit 200, and the touch sensing circuit 300.

[0028] The display panel 100 can be a rigid display panel or a flexible display panel that can change shape, such as a foldable, bendable, rollable, or stretchable display panel.

[0029] The display panel 100 may include a display area (DA) for displaying images and a non-display area (NDA), which is a bezel area located on the outer perimeter surrounding the display area (DA). The display panel 100 may further include a touch sensor array positioned in the display area (DA) for sensing user touch.

[0030] The display panel 100 can display images using a display area (DA) in which multiple subpixels are arranged in a matrix. The pixel matrix of the display area (DA) may include multiple row lines consisting of multiple subpixels arranged in a first direction (X) and multiple column lines consisting of multiple subpixels arranged in a second direction (Y). The display panel 100 may include multiple signal lines, such as multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, and multiple power lines connected to multiple subpixels.

[0031] Multiple subpixels may include red subpixels that emit red light, green subpixels that emit green light, and blue subpixels that emit blue light. Multiple subpixels may further include white subpixels that emit white light. A unit pixel may contain at least two subpixels.

[0032] The display driving circuit 200 may include a data driving circuit that supplies data signals to multiple data lines of the display panel 100, a gate driving circuit that supplies gate signals to multiple gate lines, and a timing controller that controls the operation of the data driving circuit and the gate driving circuit.

[0033] The touch sensing circuit 300 may include a touch drive circuit that supplies touch drive signals to a touch sensor array built into the display panel 100, receives readout signals from the touch sensor array and generates sensing data, and a touch controller that detects the presence or absence of a touch and the position of the touch coordinates based on the sensing data supplied from the touch drive circuit.

[0034] The touch sensor array can use either a self-capacitance method that senses changes in self capacitance due to touch, or a mutual capacitance method that senses changes in mutual capacitance due to touch.

[0035] In one embodiment, the display panel 100 may be capable of controlling the viewing angle by a viewing angle mode. The display area (DA) of the display panel 100 can display images in a first viewing angle mode, which has a relatively wide viewing angle in a first direction, or in a second viewing angle mode, which has a narrower viewing angle in a first direction than the first viewing angle mode. The first viewing angle mode may be expressed as a wide viewing angle mode or a shared mode. The second viewing angle mode may be expressed as a narrow viewing angle mode or a privacy mode. The display area (DA) of the display panel 100 can be driven in a switchable privacy mode (SPM) that can switch between shared mode and privacy mode.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2, a display panel 100 according to one embodiment may include a pixel array 140 comprising a circuit element layer 120 having a plurality of transistors and a plurality of signal lines, etc., arranged on a substrate 110, and a light-emitting element layer 130 having a plurality of light-emitting elements (EL1, EL2) arranged on the circuit element layer 120, and a sealing layer 150 arranged on the pixel array 140 to seal the light-emitting element layer 130. The display panel 100 may also include a touch sensor array 160 having a plurality of sensor electrodes arranged on the sealing layer 150, and an optical control array 170 having a plurality of optical control elements (L1, L2) arranged on the touch sensor array 160. The display panel 100 may further include a cover substrate 190 bonded to the optical control array 170 by an optical clear adhesive (OCA) 180.

[0037] A touch sensor array 160 according to one embodiment may include sensor electrodes, dummy electrodes, and a black matrix arranged to overlap with the non-emitting regions of the first and second light-emitting elements (EL1, EL2). At least one of the sensor electrodes, dummy electrodes, and black matrix according to one embodiment can act as a barrier to block light by overlapping with the edges of the light control elements (L1, L2), thereby preventing light leakage due to leaked or reflected light. At least one of the sensor electrodes, dummy electrodes, and black matrix according to one embodiment can avoid overlapping with the edges of the first light control element (L1) for wide viewing angles, thus preventing limitations on the wide viewing angle. A more detailed explanation of this will be given later.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a subpixel (SP) according to one embodiment capable of controlling the viewing angle includes a first light-emitting element (EL1), a second light-emitting element (EL2), and a pixel circuit 10 that separately drives the first and second light-emitting elements (EL1, EL2) according to the viewing angle mode. The first optical control element (L1, Figure 2) can be arranged so as to be superimposed on the first light-emitting element (EL1), and the second optical control element (L2, Figure 2) can be arranged so as to be superimposed on the second light-emitting element (EL2).

[0039] In one embodiment, a subpixel (SP) can drive a first light-emitting element (EL1) in a first viewing angle mode and emit light having a first viewing angle via a first light control element (L1). In a second viewing angle mode, the subpixel (SP) can drive a second light-emitting element (EL2) and emit light having a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle via a second light control element (L2).

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, a gate drive circuit according to one embodiment may include a plurality of scan drive circuits 210, 220, a light emission control drive circuit 230, and a switching circuit 240. The gate drive circuit may be located in at least one of a plurality of non-display areas (NDAs) of the display panel 100.

[0041] In one embodiment, a subpixel (SP) can receive a data voltage (Vdata) from a data drive circuit via any one of the data lines 22. The subpixel (SP) can also receive a first scan signal (SCAN1) and a second scan signal (SCAN2) from a first scan drive circuit 210 and a second scan drive circuit 220 via a first gate line 12 and a second gate line 14.

[0042] The light emission control drive circuit 230 can output an optical control signal (EM), and the switching circuit 240 can selectively output a first light emission control signal (EM1) and a second light emission control signal (EM2) to the third gate line 16 and the fourth gate line 18 according to the first and second viewing angle control signals (SH, PR).

[0043] The subpixel (SP) can receive a first light emission control signal (EM1) from the switching circuit 240 via the third gate line 16 and a second light emission control signal (EM2) via the fourth gate line 18.

[0044] The subpixel (SP) can selectively drive the first light-emitting element (EL1) and the second light-emitting element (EL2) in response to the first light-emitting control signal (EM1) and the second light-emitting control signal (EM2).

[0045] In one embodiment, a subpixel (SP) can receive a high potential power supply voltage (ELVDD) from a power management circuit via a first power supply line 32, a low potential power supply voltage (ELVSS) via the cathode electrode (CE) and a second power supply line 34, and a reference voltage (Vref) via a reference line 24.

[0046] Referring to Figure 4A, the first optical control element (L1) may have a half-cylindrical lens structure that is long in the first direction (X), but the present invention is not limited to this lens structure. Referring to Figure 4B, the second optical control element (L2) may have a half-spherical lens structure, but the present invention is not limited to this lens structure. In one embodiment, the first optical control element (L1) and the second optical control element (L2) can be controlled (limited) so that the field of view angles in the first direction (X) are different and the field of view angles in the second direction (Y) are the same.

[0047] According to the examples, the first and second optical control elements (L1, L2) may be formed from a fluid material, a semi-fluid material, or a solid. The material and configuration of the first and second optical control elements (L1, L2) are not limited to the examples described above. In some cases, the first and second optical control elements (L1, L2) may be referred to as an optical control layer, an optical control configuration, a lens, or a field of view control unit, but are not limited to these terms.

[0048] In Figures 4A and 4B, the first direction (X) represents the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the display panel 100, the second direction (Y) represents the up-down direction (vertical direction) of the display panel 100, and the third direction (Z) represents the front-to-back direction (thickness direction) of the display panel 100.

[0049] In the first viewing angle mode, each subpixel (SP) of the display panel 100 drives the first light-emitting element (EL1) and provides light with a wide viewing angle without restricting the propagation path of the light emitted from the first light-emitting element (EL1) via the first light control element (L1) to within a specific angle in the first direction (X).

[0050] In the second viewing angle mode, each subpixel (SP) of the display panel 100 drives a second light-emitting element (EL2) and, via a second light control element (L2), restricts the propagation path of light emitted from the second light-emitting element (EL2) to within a specific cutoff angle in the first direction (X), thereby providing light with a narrow viewing angle.

[0051] The first light control element (L1) and the second light control element (L2) can control the viewing angle to a narrow field of view by limiting the light propagation path in the second direction (Y) to within the cutoff angle. As a result, in one embodiment, when the display device 1000 is applied to an automobile, it is possible to prevent the image displayed on the display device 1000 from being reflected by the windshield of the automobile and obstructing the driver's view.

[0052] Multiple transistors arranged in the display area (DA) and non-display area (NDA) of the display panel 100, including the gate drive circuit, can be at least one of either LTPS transistors using low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) semiconductors or oxide transistors using metal oxide semiconductors. In one embodiment, the display panel 100 may be configured to have both LTPS transistors and oxide transistors coexist in order to reduce power consumption.

[0053] Figure 5 illustrates multiple regions in a display device according to one embodiment of this specification, where the viewing angle can be independently controlled.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5, a display device according to one embodiment may include a first display area (DA1) and a second display area (DA2) whose viewing angle can be independently controlled. The first and second display areas (DA1, DA2) can be divided in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

[0055] A gate drive circuit according to one embodiment may include a first switching circuit 240-1 connected to a first display area (DA1) and a second switching circuit 240-2 connected to a second display area (DA2).

[0056] The first switching circuit 240-1 may include a first switching element (SW1) and a second switching element (SW2) that selectively output a first light emission control signal (EM1-1) and a second light emission control signal (EM2-1) to a first display area (DA1) in response to first and second viewing angle control signals (SH1, PR1).

[0057] The second switching circuit 240-2 may include a first (SW1) and a second switching element (SW2) that selectively output a first light emission control signal (EM1-2) and a second light emission control signal (EM2-2) to a second display area (DA2) in response to first and second viewing angle control signals (SH2, PR2).

[0058] Each subpixel of the first display area (DA1) can be provided with a wide or narrow viewing angle via a first optical control element (L1) or a second optical control element (L2) by selectively driving a first light-emitting element (EL1) and a second light-emitting element (EL2) in response to a first light-emitting control signal (EM1-1) and a second light-emitting control signal (EM1-2).

[0059] Each subpixel of the second display region (DA2) can be provided with a wide or narrow viewing angle via a first optical control element (L1) or a second optical control element (L2) by selectively driving a first light-emitting element (EL1) and a second light-emitting element (EL2) in response to a first light-emitting control signal (EM2-1) and a second light-emitting control signal (EM2-2).

[0060] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a subpixel configuration according to one embodiment of this specification, Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the driving waveform of the subpixel shown in Figure 6, and Figure 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a gate driving circuit according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0061] Referring to Figure 6, a subpixel (SP) may include a first light-emitting element (EL1) and a second light-emitting element (EL2), and a pixel circuit 10 that time-division drives the first light-emitting element (EL1) and the second light-emitting element (EL2). In one embodiment, the pixel circuit 10 may include a drive transistor (DT), a plurality of switching transistors (T1 to T7), and a plurality of capacitors (C1, C2), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0062] The pixel circuit 10 can receive a first scan signal (SCAN1) from the first scan drive circuit 210 via the first gate line 12, and a second scan signal (SCAN2) from the second scan drive circuit 220 via the second gate line 14.

[0063] The pixel circuit 10 can receive a first light emission control signal (EM1) and a second light emission control signal (EM2) from the switching circuit 240 via the third gate line 16 and the fourth gate line 18.

[0064] The switching circuit 240 may include a first switching element (SW1) and a second switching element (SW2) that output a light emission control signal (EM) to either the first light emission control signal (EM1) or the second light emission control signal (EM2) in response to a first viewing angle control signal (SH) and a second viewing angle control signal (PR).

[0065] Referring to Figure 8, the gate drive circuit can include a first gate drive circuit (GIP1a) and a second gate drive circuit (GIP1b) located in the non-display areas (NDAs) on either side of the display area (DA). Each of the first gate drive circuit (GIP1a) and the second gate drive circuit (GIP1b) can include a first scan drive circuit 210, a second scan drive circuit 220, a light emission control drive circuit 230, and a switching circuit 240.

[0066] The pixel circuit 10 can receive a data voltage (Vdata) from the data drive circuit via the data line 22. The pixel circuit 10 can receive a high potential power supply voltage (ELVDD) from the power management circuit via the first power supply line 32, a low potential power supply voltage (ELVSS) via the second power supply line 34 and the cathode electrode (common electrode) (CE), and a reference voltage (Vref) via the reference line 24.

[0067] In the embodiment, the second light-emitting element (EL2) may include multiple light-emitting elements. For example, the second light-emitting element (EL2) may include a second-first light-emitting element and a second-second light-emitting element. In such a case, the second-first and second-second light-emitting elements may be connected in parallel. According to the embodiment, the second-first and second-second light-emitting elements may have a common anode, but are not limited to this. Depending on the embodiment, the second light-emitting element (EL2) may also include three or more light-emitting elements.

[0068] Referring to Figure 7, a subpixel (SP) can be driven to include an initialization period (t1), a sampling and writing period (t2), and an emission period (t3) for each frame period (N, N+1). For convenience of explanation, in Figure 7, N frame periods represent any one frame period of the first field of view mode, and N+1 frame periods represent any one frame period of the second field of view mode. In the first field of view mode, the first field of view control signal (SH) may have a gate-on voltage (VON). In the second field of view mode, the second field of view control signal (PR) may have a gate-on voltage (VON).

[0069] Each of the drive transistors (DT) and switching transistors (T1-T7) in the pixel circuit 10 includes a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The source electrode and drain electrode are not fixed and can be changed by the voltage and current direction applied to the gate electrode; therefore, one of the source electrode and drain electrode can be represented as the first electrode, and the other as the second electrode. The drive transistors (DT) and switching transistors (T1-T7) in the pixel circuit 10 can use at least one of polysilicon semiconductors, amorphous silicon semiconductors, or oxide semiconductors, and can be P-type, N-type, or a mixture of P-type and N-type semiconductors.

[0070] The first light-emitting element (EL1) and the second light-emitting element (EL2) may comprise anode electrodes (AE1, AE2) individually connected to the sixth switching transistor (T6) and the seventh switching transistor (T7), a cathode electrode (CE) that receives a low potential power supply voltage (ELVSS) from the second power supply line 34, and a light-emitting layer between the anode electrodes (AE1, AE2) and the cathode electrode (CE). When a drive current is supplied from the drive transistor (DT) via the sixth switching transistor (T6) and the seventh switching transistor (T7), electrons from the cathode electrode (CE) are injected into the light-emitting layer, and holes from the anode electrodes (AE1, AE2) are injected into the organic light-emitting layer. The recombination of electrons and holes in the light-emitting layer causes fluorescence or phosphorescence to be emitted, thereby emitting light with a brightness proportional to the value of the drive current.

[0071] The second node (N2), connected to the gate electrode of the drive transistor (DT), is connected to the first capacitor (C1). The third node (N3), connected to the first electrode of the drive transistor (DT), is connected to the first power supply line 32 that supplies a high potential power supply voltage (ELVDD). The fourth node (N4), connected to the second electrode of the drive transistor (DT), can be connected in common to the second switching transistor (T2), the sixth switching transistor (T6), and the seventh switching transistor (T7). A second capacitor (C2) can be further connected between the gate electrode of the drive transistor (DT) and the first power supply line 32 to stably maintain the gate voltage of the drive transistor (DT).

[0072] The drive transistor (DT) can drive the first light-emitting element (EL1) via the sixth switching transistor (T6) or the second light-emitting element (EL2) via the seventh switching transistor (T7). The drive transistor (DT) can control the light emission intensity of the first light-emitting element (EL1) and the light emission intensity of the second light-emitting element (EL2) by controlling the drive current with the drive voltage charged to the first capacitor (C1).

[0073] The first capacitor (C1) is connected between a first node (N1) connected to the second electrode of the first switching transistor (T1) and a second node (N2) connected to the gate electrode of the drive transistor (DT), and can charge a drive voltage corresponding to the data voltage (Vdata). The first capacitor (C1) can hold the charged drive voltage for the light emission period (t3) when the first switching transistor (T1) is turned off and supply it to the drive transistor (DT).

[0074] The first switching transistor (T1) can be turned on or turned off in response to the first scan signal (SCAN1) on the first gate line 12. During the sampling and writing period (t2) when the first scan signal (SCAN1) has a gate-on voltage (VON), the first switching transistor (T1) can supply the data voltage (Vdata) received via the data line 22 to the first electrode of the first capacitor (C1) via the first node (N1). The switching transistor (T1) can be turned off during the initialization period (t1) when the first scan signal (SCAN1) has a gate-off voltage (VOFF), during the period between the sampling and writing period (t2) and the light emission period (t3), and during the light emission period (t3).

[0075] The second switching transistor (T2), the 5-1 switching transistor (T51), and the 5-2 switching transistor (T52) can be turned on or turned off in response to the second scan signal (SCAN2) supplied to the second gate line 14. The second switching transistor (T2), the 5-1 switching transistor (T51), and the 5-2 switching transistors (T2, T51, T52) can be turned on during the initialization period (t1) and the sampling and writing period (t2) when the second scan signal (SCAN2) has a gate-on voltage (VON), and can be turned off during the period between the sampling and writing period (t2) and the light emission period (t3) when the second scan signal (SCAN2) has a gate-off voltage (VOFF), and during the light emission period (t3).

[0076] The second switching transistor (T2) can connect the drive transistor (DT) to a diode structure by connecting the gate electrode of the drive transistor (DT) to the second electrode during the initialization period (t1) and the sampling and writing period (t2) in response to the second scan signal (SCAN2). The second switching transistor (T2) can compensate the first capacitor (C1) by charging it with the threshold voltage (Vth) of the drive transistor (DT). As a result, the first capacitor (C1) can charge the data voltage, which is compensated for the threshold voltage (Vth) of the drive transistor (DT).

[0077] The 5-1 switching transistor (T51) and the 5-2 switching transistor (T52) can, in response to the second scan signal (SCAN2), supply a reference voltage (Vref) received via the reference line 24 to the anode electrodes (AE1, AE2) of the first and second light-emitting elements (EL1, EL2), respectively, during the initialization period (t1) and the sampling and writing period (t2).

[0078] The third switching transistor (T3) can be turned on or turned off during the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode in response to the first light emission control signal (EM1) supplied to the third gate line 16, and can be turned off during the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode. The third switching transistor (T3) can be turned on during the initialization period (t1) and light emission period (t3) of the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode, where the first light emission control signal (EM1) has a gate-on voltage (VON). The third switching transistor (T3) can be turned off during the sampling and lighting period (t2) of the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode, where the first light emission control signal (EM1) has a gate-off voltage (VOFF), during the period between the sampling and lighting period (t2) and the light emission period (t3), and during the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode. The third switching transistor (T3) can supply a reference voltage (Vref) supplied via the reference line 24 to the first electrode of the first capacitor (C1) during the initialization period (t1) and the light emission period (t3) of the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode in response to the light emission control signal (EM1).

[0079] The fourth switching transistor (T4) can be turned on or turned off during the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode in response to the second light emission control signal (EM2) supplied to the fourth gate line 18, and can be turned off during the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode. The fourth switching transistor (T4) can be turned on during the initialization period (t1) and light emission period (t3) of the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode, where the second light emission control signal (EM2) has a gate-on voltage (VON). The fourth switching transistor (T4) can be turned off during the sampling and lighting period (t2) of the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode, where the second light emission control signal (EM2) has a gate-off voltage (VOFF), during the period between the sampling and lighting period (t2) and the light emission period (t3), and during the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode. The fourth switching transistor (T4) can supply a reference voltage (Vref) received via the reference line 24 to the first electrode of the first capacitor (C1) during the initialization period (t1) and the light emission period (t3) of the driving period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode in response to the light emission control signal (EM2).

[0080] The sixth switching transistor (T6) (first light emission control transistor) can be turned on or turned off during the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode in response to the first light emission control signal (EM1) supplied to the third gate line 16, and can be turned off during the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode. The sixth switching transistor (T6) can be turned on during the initialization period (t1) and light emission period (t3) of the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode, where the first light emission control signal (EM1) has a gate-on voltage (VON), and can be turned off during the sampling and lighting period (t2) of the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode, where the gate-off voltage (VOFF) is present, the period between the sampling and lighting period (t2) and the light emission period (t3), and during the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode. The sixth switching transistor (T6) can, in response to the first light emission control signal (EM1), connect the drive transistor (DT) to the first light-emitting element (EL1) during the initialization period (t1) and the light emission period (t3) of the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode.

[0081] During the light emission period (t3) of the driving period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode, the drive transistor (DT) can drive the first light-emitting element (EL1) via the sixth switching transistor (T6). This allows the subpixel (SP) to provide light of the first viewing angle via the first light-emitting element (EL1) and the first light control element (L1, Figure 4A).

[0082] The seventh switching transistor (T7) (second light emission control transistor) can be turned on or turned off during the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode in response to the second light emission control signal (EM2) supplied to the fourth gate line 18, and can be turned off during the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode. The seventh switching transistor (T7) can be turned on during the initialization period (t1) and light emission period (t3) of the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode, which has a gate-on voltage (VON) when the second light emission control signal (EM2) is received, and can be turned off during the sampling and lighting period (t2) of the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode, which has a gate-off voltage (VOFF), the period between the sampling and lighting period (t2) and the light emission period (t3), and during the drive period (N frames) of the first viewing angle mode. The seventh switching transistor (T7) can connect the drive transistor (DT) to the second light-emitting element (EL2) during the initialization period (t1) and the light-emitting period (t3) of the drive period (N+1 frames) of the second viewing angle mode in response to the second light-emitting control signal (EM2).

[0083] During the light emission period (t3) of the driving period (N+1 frames) of the second field of view mode, the drive transistor (DT) can drive the second light-emitting element (EL2) via the seventh switching transistor (T7). This allows the subpixel (SP) to provide light of the second field of view via the second light-emitting element (EL2) and the second light control element (L2, Figure 4B).

[0084] As described above, the display device according to one embodiment of this specification can not only drive the light-emitting elements of each subpixel separately to control the viewing angle according to the user's needs, but can also selectively output a first light emission control signal and a second light emission control signal to independently control the viewing angle of each of the multiple regions.

[0085] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification can provide the user with an image of a desired size at a desired viewing angle by independently controlling the viewing angles of multiple regions within the display area to either a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle, thereby adjusting the ratio (area) of the wide viewing angle region to the narrow viewing angle region.

[0086] The features, structures, effects, etc., described in the various examples of this specification described above are included in, and not necessarily limited to, at least one example of this specification. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc., exemplified in at least one example of this specification can be combined or modified and implemented in other examples by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the technical idea of ​​this specification belongs. Accordingly, the content related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the technology or rights of this specification.

[0087] This specification, as described above, is not limited by the embodiments and accompanying figures, and it will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are possible without departing from the technical matters of this specification. Accordingly, the scope of this specification is indicated by the claims set forth below, and all modified or altered forms derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this specification. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 100: Display panel 210: First scan drive circuit 220: Second scan drive circuit 230: Light emission control drive circuit 240: Switching Circuits

Claims

1. A display area including a first display area and a second display area whose viewing angles can be controlled independently, and Includes a gate drive circuit located in a non-display area outside the display area, Each of the multiple subpixels arranged in the aforementioned display area is A drive transistor, a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a first light-emitting control transistor that connects the drive transistor and the first light-emitting element in response to a first light-emitting control signal, and A second light-emitting control transistor that connects the drive transistor and the second light-emitting element in response to a second light-emitting control signal. Includes, The gate drive circuit includes a first switching circuit connected to a first subpixel of the first display area and a second switching circuit connected to a second subpixel of the second display area. Each of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit selectively outputs the first light emission control signal and the second light emission control signal in response to the first viewing angle control signal and the second viewing angle control signal. Display device.

2. Each subpixel is A first lens disposed on the first light-emitting element, and Including a second lens disposed on the second light-emitting element, The first lens controls the field of view in the first direction to a wide field of view, The second lens controls the field of view in the first direction to a narrow field of view smaller than the wide field of view. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The first display area is When the first light-emitting element is driven in response to the first light-emitting control signal, a wide viewing angle is provided. When the second light-emitting element is driven in response to the second light-emitting control signal, a narrow viewing angle is provided. The display device according to claim 1.

4. The second display area is When the first light-emitting element is driven in response to the first light-emitting control signal, a wide viewing angle is provided. When the second light-emitting element is driven in response to the second light-emitting control signal, a narrow viewing angle is provided. The display device according to claim 1.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first display area and the second display area are divided in a second direction.

6. The gate drive circuit, A first scan drive circuit that supplies a first scan signal to a corresponding subpixel among the plurality of subpixels via a first gate line, A second scan drive circuit that supplies a second scan signal to a corresponding subpixel among the plurality of subpixels via a second gate line, Light-emitting control circuit that supplies light emission control signals, The system includes a switching circuit that, in response to the first and second viewing angle control signals, supplies the first light emission control signal to a corresponding subpixel among the plurality of subpixels via a third gate line, or supplies the second light emission control signal to a corresponding subpixel among the plurality of subpixels via a fourth gate line. The display device according to claim 1.

7. The gate drive circuit is, The first switching circuit is connected to the first display area and selectively outputs a first-1 light emission control signal and a first-2 light emission control signal to the first display area in response to a first-1 viewing angle control signal and a first-2 viewing angle control signal, and The second switching circuit is connected to the first display area and selectively outputs the second-first light emission control signal and the second-second light emission control signal to the second display area in response to the second-first viewing angle control signal and the second-second viewing angle control signal. The display device according to claim 1, including the following:

8. Each of the aforementioned subpixels The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are driven by a pixel circuit that drives them in a time-division manner. The aforementioned pixel circuit is A first capacitor is connected between the gate electrode of the drive transistor and the second electrode of the first switching transistor. The first switching transistor connects the data line and the first electrode of the first capacitor in response to the first scan signal of the first gate line. A second switching transistor that, in response to a second scan signal of the second gate line, connects the gate electrode of the drive transistor and the second electrode of the drive transistor to form a diode structure. The first light-emitting control transistor connects the drive transistor and the first light-emitting element during the light-emitting period of the drive period of the first viewing angle mode in response to the first light-emitting control signal of the third gate line, and The second light-emitting control transistor connects the drive transistor and the second light-emitting element during the light-emitting period of the drive period of the second viewing angle mode in response to the second light-emitting control signal of the fourth gate line. The display device according to claim 1, including the following:

9. The aforementioned pixel circuit A third switching transistor that connects the reference line and the first electrode of the first capacitor during the drive period of the first viewing angle mode in response to the first light emission control signal of the third gate line, and A fourth switching transistor connects the reference line and the first electrode of the first capacitor during the drive period of the second viewing angle mode in response to the second light emission control signal of the fourth gate line. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising:

10. The aforementioned pixel circuit A fifth-first switching transistor connects the reference line and the anode electrode of the first light-emitting element in response to the second scan signal of the second gate line, and A fifth-second switching transistor connects the reference line and the anode electrode of the second light-emitting element in response to the second scan signal of the second gate line. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising:

11. The display apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a second capacitor connected between a high-potential power supply line and the gate electrode of the drive transistor.

12. A first display area including the first subpixel, The second display area including the second subpixel and A display device including, The first subpixel is, A first light-emitting element that emits a first color of light, In a cross-sectional view of the display device, a first lens having a first shape that overlaps with the first light-emitting element, A second light-emitting element that emits the first color of light, A second lens having a second shape that overlaps with the second light-emitting element when viewed in cross-section, Includes, The aforementioned second subpixel is, A third light-emitting element that emits the first color of light, In the cross-sectional view, the third lens of the first shape overlaps with the third light-emitting element, A fourth light-emitting element that emits the first color of light, The fourth lens of the second shape overlaps with the fourth light-emitting element in the cross-sectional view, Includes, When the first display area is in the first mode, the first light-emitting element is in the first state, and the second light-emitting element is in the second state. When the first display area is in the second mode, the first light-emitting element is in the second state, and the second light-emitting element is in the first state. When the second display area is in the first mode, the third light-emitting element is in the first state, and the fourth light-emitting element is in the second state. When the second display area is in the second mode, the third light-emitting element is in the second state, and the fourth light-emitting element is in the first state. Display device.

13. When the first display area is in the first mode, it emits light in a first direction over a first viewing angle, When the first display area is in the second mode, it emits light in the first direction over a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle. When the second display area is in the first mode, it emits light in the first direction over a first viewing angle, The second display area, when in the second mode, emits light along the first direction over the second viewing angle. The display device according to claim 12.

14. The length of the first lens along the first direction is longer than the length of the second lens along the first direction. The length of the third lens along the first direction is longer than the length of the fourth lens along the first direction. The display device according to claim 13.

15. The first lens transmits light across the first viewing angle in the first direction when the first display area is in the first mode. The second lens transmits light across the second field of view in the first direction when the first display area is in the second mode. The third lens transmits light across the first viewing angle in the first direction when the second display area is in the first mode. The fourth lens transmits light across the second viewing angle in the first direction when the second display area is in the second mode. The display device according to claim 13.

16. The first light-emitting element enters the first state in response to a first control signal having a predetermined value. The second light-emitting element enters the first state in response to the second control signal having the predetermined value. The third light-emitting element enters the first state in response to the third control signal having the predetermined value. The fourth light-emitting element enters the first state in response to the fourth control signal having a predetermined value. The display device according to claim 12.

17. The first light-emitting control transistor of the first subpixel connects the first light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the first subpixel in response to a first control signal having a predetermined value. The second light-emitting control transistor of the first subpixel connects the second light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the first subpixel in response to a second control signal having a predetermined value. The first light-emitting control transistor of the second subpixel connects the third light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the second subpixel in response to a third control signal having a predetermined value. The second light-emitting control transistor of the second subpixel connects the fourth light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the second subpixel in response to a fourth control signal having a predetermined value. The display device according to claim 12.

18. A first switching circuit that, in response to a first control signal having a predetermined value, outputs a first light-emitting signal having a predetermined value to a first display area, and in response to a second control signal having a predetermined value, outputs a second light-emitting signal having a predetermined value to the first display area; A second switching circuit that, in response to the third control signal having the predetermined value, outputs a third light-emitting signal having the predetermined value to the second display area, and in response to the fourth control signal having the predetermined value, outputs a fourth light-emitting signal having the predetermined value to the second display area; The display device according to claim 17, comprising:

19. In response to the first control signal having a predetermined value and the first light-emitting signal having a predetermined value, the first switching transistor of the first switching circuit activates the first light-emitting control transistor of the first subpixel, which connects the first light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the first subpixel. In response to the second control signal having the predetermined value and the second light-emitting signal having the predetermined value, the second switching transistor of the first switching circuit activates the second light-emitting control transistor of the first subpixel, which connects the second light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the first subpixel. In response to the third control signal having the predetermined value and the third light-emitting signal having the predetermined value, the first switching transistor of the second switching circuit activates the first light-emitting control transistor of the second subpixel, which connects the third light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the second subpixel. In response to the fourth control signal having the predetermined value and the fourth light-emitting signal having the predetermined value, the second switching transistor of the second switching circuit activates the second light-emitting control transistor of the second subpixel, which connects the fourth light-emitting element to the drive transistor of the second subpixel. The display device according to claim 18.

20. The system further includes a light emission control drive circuit that outputs a first light emission control signal to the first switching circuit and a second light emission control signal to the second switching circuit, The first switching circuit, in response to the first control signal having a predetermined value, outputs the first light emission control signal as the first light emission signal to the first display area. The first switching circuit, in response to the second control signal having a predetermined value, outputs the first light emission control signal as the second light emission signal to the first display area. The second switching circuit, in response to the third control signal having a predetermined value, outputs the second light emission control signal as the third light emission signal to the second display area. The second switching circuit, in response to the fourth control signal having a predetermined value, outputs the second light emission control signal as the fourth light emission signal to the second display area. The display device according to claim 18.

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