Display device including fingerprint recognition area

Abstract

A display device including a fingerprint recognition area is provided. The display device includes a light shielding layer having an opening. A fingerprint sensor is arranged in the opening of the light shielding layer or overlaps with the opening of the light shielding layer. An optical path control layer is arranged on the fingerprint sensor and the light shielding layer. The optical path control layer covers the opening of the light shielding layer. A display panel is arranged on the optical path control layer and includes a plurality of display elements. A window panel is arranged on the display panel.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0016911, filed on February 12, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device including a fingerprint recognition area. Background Art

[0003] Various types of display devices such as liquid crystal displays and organic light emitting displays are being used for various purposes.

[0004] Among these display devices, an organic light emitting display displays images using an organic light emitting diode that generates light through the recombination of electrons and holes. Such an organic light emitting display has a relatively fast response speed, high brightness, a wide viewing angle, and low power consumption. Summary of the invention

[0005] A display device includes a light shielding layer having an opening. A fingerprint sensor is arranged in the opening of the light shielding layer or overlaps with the opening of the light shielding layer. A light path control layer is arranged on the fingerprint sensor and the light shielding layer. The light path control layer covers the opening of the light shielding layer. A display panel is arranged on the light path control layer and includes a plurality of display elements. A window panel is arranged on the display panel.

[0006] A display device includes a display panel. A window panel is arranged on the display panel. The display panel includes a fingerprint recognition area. A light shielding layer is arranged below the display panel. The light shielding layer includes an opening overlapping the fingerprint recognition area. A light path control layer is arranged between the light shielding layer and the display panel and overlaps the opening of the light shielding layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its many attendant aspects will be more readily obtained as it becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device shown in ;

[0010] Figure 3 Shown in more detail Figure 2 Area 'A';

[0011] Figure 4is a diagram illustrating a fingerprint recognition method of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between an optical path control layer and a fingerprint sensor in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 6A to FIG. 8B is a photograph showing the degree of recognition of a fingerprint sensor in a display device at each angle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings, specific terms are used for clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it will be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner.

[0017] In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes. In addition, like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

[0018] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "bound to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, connected to or bound to another element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer and / or part from another element, another component, another region, another layer and / or another part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer and / or first part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer and / or second part.

[0019] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device 10 may be divided into a display area 11 and a non-display area 12 .

[0022] The display area 11 is defined as an area for displaying an image. In addition, the display area 11 may be used to include various detection sensors for detecting environmental conditions. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the display area 11 may be a fingerprint recognition area 13 configured to recognize a user's fingerprint. For example, the fingerprint recognition area 13 may be used to display an image and may be used as an area for recognizing (e.g., identifying) a user's fingerprint. Figure 2 In the window panel 400 described above, the fingerprint recognition area 13 is defined as the area overlapping the opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600. As used herein, the term "overlapping" should be understood to mean that the two elements are overlapped in the vertical direction as shown, and the vertical direction is perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the various layers and panels.

[0023] Refer to the following Figure 2 The fingerprint sensor 700 described above can be disposed in the fingerprint recognition area 13. In addition, the width "op" of the fingerprint recognition area 13 can be equal to the width "op" of the fingerprint recognition area 13 described below. Figure 2 The light shielding layer 600 described in Figure 2 ) The width of the opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600. Both the width of the fingerprint recognition area 13 and the width of the opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600 will be indicated by the reference numeral "op" and will be referred to below. Figure 2 The size and shape of the fingerprint recognition area 13 are not limited to Figure 1 The size and shape shown in FIG. 1 is assumed to be rectangular, and other shapes such as circular or arbitrary shapes may be used.

[0024] The non-display area 12 is disposed outside the display area 11, and the non-display area 12 is defined as an area where no image is displayed. The speaker module 14, the camera module 15, and the sensor module 16 may be disposed in the non-display area 12. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module 16 may include a brightness sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, and / or an ultrasonic sensor. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor module 16 may be configured to recognize (e.g., identify) an iris of a user. The arrangement of the speaker module 14, the camera module 15, and the sensor module 16 is not limited to Figure 1 The arrangement shown in , and other arrangements may be used.

[0025] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the display area 11 may be substantially flat. Alternatively, at least a portion of the display area 11 may be curved or bent. The display area 11 may also be disposed in an edge region of the display device 10 so as to span from edge to edge on the display device 10, and may even partially surround the display device 10 at the edge of the display device 10.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 10 shown in FIG.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 , the display device 10 may include a display panel 100, an input sensing layer 200, an anti-reflection layer 300, and a window panel 400. If used herein, a "panel" may be a prefabricated element bonded to another element by an adhesive. If used herein, a "layer" may be an element formed in situ on another element by a continuous process. The panel includes a base layer serving as a base surface. The layer may not have a base layer. For example, when an element is described as a "layer", the element may be disposed on a base surface provided by another element. Here, the base layer may include a synthetic resin film, a composite film, a glass substrate, and the like.

[0028] The display panel 100 is a panel configured to display an image. The display panel 100 includes a plurality of display elements. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display element may be an organic light emitting diode. For example, the display panel 100 may be an organic light emitting display panel. The display panel 100 will be described below as an organic light emitting display panel, but it will be understood that other forms of display panels may be used.

[0029] The input sensing layer 200 may be configured to sense a user's finger or a stylus pen in contact with the display device 10. The input sensing layer 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The input sensing layer 200 may be formed on the display panel 100 through a continuous process.

[0030] The anti-reflection layer 300 may be configured to reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from above the window panel 400. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection layer 300 may include a retarder and a polarizer. In addition, the anti-reflection layer 300 may include a color filter and a black matrix. Alternatively, the anti-reflection layer 300 may be omitted.

[0031] The window panel 400 may protect the display panel 100 and / or the input sensing layer 200 from being scratched, broken, or otherwise damaged. The window panel 400 may be disposed on the anti-reflection layer 300. For example, the window panel 400 may be bonded to the anti-reflection layer 300 by an adhesive 510. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive 510 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR) film.

[0032] The input sensing layer 200 may be an input sensing panel. In addition, the anti-reflection layer 300 may be an anti-reflection panel. In this case, the input sensing panel may be bonded to the display panel 100 by a separate adhesive, and the anti-reflection panel may be bonded to the input sensing panel by a separate adhesive.

[0033] The light path control layer 500 may selectively block the path of light incident from the outside to the display panel 100. The light path control layer 500 may be disposed below the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light path control layer 500 may be formed as an adhesive film and may be directly attached to the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light path control layer 500 may be attached to the display panel 100 by an adhesive. Figure 3 The light path control layer 500 is described in more detail.

[0034] The light shielding layer 600 may block light provided from below the display panel 100 from reaching the display panel 100. The light shielding layer 600 may be disposed below the light path control layer 500. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light shielding layer 600 may be formed as an adhesive film and may be directly attached to the light path control layer 500. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light path control layer 500 may be attached to the light path control layer 500 by an adhesive. The material of the light shielding layer 600 may be formed of any substance suitable for blocking light provided from below the display panel 100 from reaching the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light shielding layer 600 may include a dark pigment such as a black pigment, a black dye, a gray pigment, or a gray dye, or may be made of a light shielding material such as a photoresist.

[0035] The light shielding layer 600 may include an opening "op". The opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600 is defined as a region where the light shielding layer 600 is not formed. As described above, the width of the opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600 may be substantially equal to the width "op" of the fingerprint recognition region 13 (see Figure 1 ). The fingerprint sensor 700 described in detail below is disposed to overlap the opening “op” of the light shielding layer 600 in a direction perpendicular to the display panel 100 .

[0036] The fingerprint sensor 700 may be configured to recognize (eg, identify / verify) a user's fingerprint. A user fingerprint recognition method of the fingerprint sensor 700 will be described later with reference to FIG. Figure 4 to describe. The fingerprint sensor 700 overlaps with the opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600. The opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600 may expose at least a portion of the light path control layer 500. Therefore, the fingerprint sensor 700 may directly contact the exposed light path control layer 500. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when an element such as a protective layer is disposed between the light path control layer 500 and the light shielding layer 600, the fingerprint sensor 700 may directly contact the protective layer.

[0037] The fingerprint sensor 700 may be spaced apart from the light shielding layer 600 by a predetermined distance. For example, the fingerprint sensor 700 may be spaced apart from one side of the light shielding layer 600 by a first distance w1 and spaced apart from the other side of the light shielding layer 600 by a second distance w2. This spacing can prevent the light shielding layer 600 from being damaged due to misalignment that may occur during the process of forming the fingerprint sensor 700. Here, the first distance w1 and the second distance w2 are not necessarily the same.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 3 Elements of the display panel 100 , the light path control layer 500 , and the fingerprint sensor 700 are described in more detail.

[0039] Figure 3 Shown in more detail Figure 2 of area 'A'.

[0040] The display panel 100 may include a substrate 110 , a plurality of pixel electrodes 120 , a pixel defining layer 130 , a plurality of organic light emitting layers 140 , a common electrode 150 , and an encapsulation layer 160 .

[0041] The substrate 110 may be an insulating substrate. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 110 may include materials such as glass, quartz and / or a polymer resin. Here, the polymer material may be polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination of these materials. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate, such as a flexible substrate including polyimide (PI).

[0042] The pixel electrode 120 may be disposed on the substrate 110. A plurality of additional elements may be disposed between the substrate 110 and the pixel electrode 120. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the additional elements may include a buffer layer, a plurality of conductive wirings, an insulating layer, and a plurality of thin film transistors. Here, the thin film transistor may use amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS), an oxide semiconductor, or an organic semiconductor as a channel layer. The types of the respective channel layers of the thin film transistors may be different from each other. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, considering the role or process sequence of the thin film transistor, both a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor and a thin film transistor including a low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) may be formed in one pixel.

[0043] The pixel electrodes 120 may be anodes. When the pixel electrodes 120 are anodes, they may be transparent electrodes or semi-transparent electrodes, or may include a reflective material such as aluminum, silver, chromium, or alloys of these materials. The transparent or semi-transparent electrodes may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), indium gallium oxide (IGO) and / or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The reflective material may include silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), tungsten (W) and / or aluminum (Al).

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each pixel electrode 120 may be formed as a single film. Alternatively, each pixel electrode 120 may be formed as a multi-film structure in which two or more materials are stacked.

[0045] When formed into a multi-film structure, each pixel electrode 120 may include a reflective film and a transparent electrode or a semi-transparent electrode disposed on the reflective film. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each pixel electrode 120 may include a reflective film and a transparent electrode or a semi-transparent electrode disposed below the reflective film. For example, each pixel electrode 120 may have a three-layer structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0046] The pixel defining layer 130 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 120. The pixel defining layer 130 includes a plurality of openings that at least partially expose the pixel electrode 120. The pixel defining layer 130 may include an organic material or an inorganic material. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pixel defining layer 130 may include a material such as a photoresist, a polyimide resin, an acrylic resin, a silicon compound, or a polyacrylic resin.

[0047] The organic light emitting layer 140 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 120 and the pixel defining layer 130. For example, the organic light emitting layer 140 may be disposed on a region of the pixel electrode 120 exposed by the opening of the pixel defining layer 130. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the organic light emitting layer 140 may at least partially cover a sidewall of the pixel defining layer 130.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the organic light emitting layer 140 may emit red light, blue light, or green light. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the organic light emitting layer 140 may emit white light, or emit cyan light, magenta light, or yellow light. When the organic light emitting layer 140 emits white light, they may include a white light emitting material or may have a stack of a red light emitting layer, a green light emitting layer, and a blue light emitting layer. As used herein, Figure 5 , a front emission type light emitting layer in which light is emitted in an upward direction from the organic light emitting layer 140 is used. However, a bottom emission type light emitting layer or a double side emission type light emitting layer may also be used.

[0049] The common electrode 150 may be disposed on the organic light emitting layer 140 and the pixel defining layer 130. The common electrode 150 may be completely formed on the organic light emitting layer 140 and the pixel defining layer 130. The common electrode 150 may be a cathode. The common electrode 150 may include Li, Ca, LiF / Ca, LiF / Al, Al, Ag, and / or Mg. In addition, the common electrode 150 may be made of a material having a low work function. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the common electrode 150 may be a material including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), transparent or semi-transparent electrodes of indium gallium oxide (IGO) and / or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO).

[0050] The pixel electrode 120, the organic light emitting layer 140, and the common electrode 150 described above may constitute an organic light emitting diode OLED. However, the organic light emitting diode OLED is not limited to the above example, and may also be a multilayer structure further including a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0051] The encapsulation layer 160 may be disposed opposite to the substrate 110 and may cover the organic light emitting diode OLED. The encapsulation layer 160 may prevent moisture and air present in the environment from penetrating into the organic light emitting diode OLED. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer 160 may include a first inorganic layer 161, an organic layer 162, and a second inorganic layer 163.

[0052] The first inorganic layer 161 may be disposed on the common electrode 150. The first inorganic layer 161 may include silicon oxide (SiO x )、Silicon Nitride(SiN x ) and / or silicon oxynitride (SiON x ).

[0053] The organic layer 162 may be disposed on the first inorganic layer 161 . The organic layer 162 may include epoxy, acrylate, and / or urethane acrylate. The organic layer 162 may planarize a step formed by the pixel defining layer 130 .

[0054] The second inorganic layer 163 may be disposed on the organic layer 162. The second inorganic layer 163 may include silicon oxide (SiO x )、Silicon Nitride(SiN x ) and / or silicon oxynitride (SiON x ).

[0055] In the figure, each of the first inorganic layer 161, the organic layer 162, and the second inorganic layer 163 is shown as a single layer. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, at least one of the first inorganic layer 161, the organic layer 162, and the second inorganic layer 163 may be formed in a multilayer structure.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulation layer 160 may include a hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) layer. For example, the encapsulation layer 160 may include a first inorganic layer 161, a second inorganic layer 163, and an HMDSO layer disposed between the first inorganic layer 161 and the second inorganic layer 163. For example, the above-mentioned organic layer 162 may be replaced with a HMDSO layer.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the HMDSO layer may be formed in the same chamber in which the first inorganic layer 161 is formed after the first inorganic layer 161 is formed. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the process of forming the encapsulation layer 160. In addition, the encapsulation layer 160 may be made flexible by including the HMDSO layer capable of absorbing stress.

[0058] Alternatively, the encapsulation layer 160 may be a transparent insulating substrate. Here, the transparent insulating substrate may be a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a transparent resin substrate, etc. When the encapsulation layer 160 is a transparent insulating substrate, it may be bonded to the substrate 110 through a sealant.

[0059] The light path control layer 500 may include a plurality of viewing angle control patterns 501 and a plurality of light-transmitting regions 502 , and the plurality of light-transmitting regions 502 are defined as regions between the viewing angle control patterns 501 .

[0060] The viewing angle control pattern 501 may selectively block a path of light provided from the outside to the display panel 100. The viewing angle control pattern 501 may have a predetermined pitch p and a predetermined angle a The pitch p is defined as the distance between the viewing angle control patterns 501. Angle a It is defined as the degree to which the viewing angle control pattern 501 is inclined relative to the lower surface of the light path control layer 500. Pitch p and angle a The pitch p and the angle α may be set according to the desired viewing angle conditions of the display device 10. For example, the pitch p and the angle α may be set to values ​​that can prevent the fingerprint sensor 700 from being seen by the user at a certain angle. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pitch p may be set in a range of tens of nanometers (nm) to tens of micrometers (μm), for example, the pitch p may be set in a range of about 0.04 μm to about 0.2 μm. In addition, the angle a It can be set in the range of about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pitch p and angle of each of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns 501 are a can be equal to each other.

[0061] The material of the viewing angle control pattern 501 may be formed of any material capable of selectively blocking the path of light provided to the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the viewing angle control pattern 501 may be made of a dark pigment such as a black pigment, a black dye, a gray pigment, or a gray dye, or may be made of a light shielding material such as a photoresist.

[0062] For example, the light path control layer 500 including the viewing angle control pattern 501 can block light incident from the outside at an angle equal to or greater than a specific angle from reaching the display panel 100. In addition, the light path control layer 500 can transmit light incident from the outside to the display panel 100 at an angle less than a specific angle through the light-transmitting area 502 formed between the viewing angle control patterns 501.

[0063] The fingerprint sensor 700 may overlap at least some of the organic light emitting layer 140 in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 110. Here, the organic light emitting layer 140 overlapping the fingerprint sensor 700 is disposed in the fingerprint recognition area 13 (see Figure 1 ) of the plurality of organic light emitting layers 140, any number of organic light emitting layers 140 may be used. In addition, the fingerprint sensor 700 may have any size as long as the fingerprint sensor 700 can recognize the user's fingerprint. When light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 140 is reflected from the user's finger, the fingerprint sensor 700 can recognize the user's fingerprint through the reflected light.

[0064] Now refer to Figure 4 Describe the fingerprint recognition method in detail.

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a fingerprint recognition method of the display device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 , from the fingerprint recognition area 13 (see Figure 1 ) may be guided to the user's finger, and the user's finger may be in contact with or close to the window panel 400. The fingerprint sensor 700 may receive light reflected by the user's finger among the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 140. The fingerprint sensor 700 may recognize the user's fingerprint based on the received light. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fingerprint sensor 700 may create image information required for fingerprint recognition using the received light, and store the created image information in a memory of the fingerprint sensor 700 or in a memory of the display panel 100.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 5 The relationship between the fingerprint sensor 700 and the optical path control layer 500 is described in more detail.

[0068] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a light path control layer 500 and a fingerprint sensor 700 in a display device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 , the light path control layer 500 can block external light from reaching the display panel 100 at an angle equal to or greater than a certain angle. Therefore, the light path control layer 500 can prevent the fingerprint sensor 700 and the fingerprint recognition area 13 (see Figure 1 ) is seen by the user at a certain angle. For example, in the case where the fingerprint sensor 700 and the light shielding layer 600 are spaced apart from each other, the light path control layer 500 can prevent the space between the fingerprint sensor 700 and the light shielding layer 600 from being recognized due to external light incident on the space.

[0070] In addition, since the light path control layer 500 includes the light-transmitting region 502 (see Figure 3 ), thus making it possible to ensure a path through which light reflected from the user's finger among the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 140 can be received.

[0071] Therefore, in the display device 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the light path control layer 500 is formed to overlap the fingerprint sensor 700 disposed in the opening “op” of the light shielding layer 600 , it is possible to prevent the fingerprint sensor 700 from being recognized at a certain angle.

[0072] FIG. 6A to FIG. 8BThe degree of recognition of the fingerprint sensor 700 in the display device 10 at each angle is shown. Here, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B shows a situation where a user is viewing the display device from the front, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A case where a user views the display device at an angle of +45 degrees is shown. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A case where the user views the display device at an angle of -45 degrees is shown.

[0073] Reference FIG. 6A to FIG. 8B , the fingerprint recognition area is in the display device 10 ( Fig. 6A , Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A ) is higher than that in the display device according to the comparative example ( Figure 6B , Figure 7B and Figure 8B Here, the display device according to the comparative example does not include the light path control layer 500.

[0074] For example, in the display device 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the opening “op” (see FIG. 1 ) of the light shielding layer 600 for fingerprint recognition can be reduced. Figure 2 ) overlapped fingerprint recognition area 13 (see Figure 1 ) visibility.

[0075] Now refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 10 ′ according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device 10 ″ according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In describing the contents shown in these figures, to the extent that details are omitted, it can be assumed that the omitted details are at least similar to those described with reference to the Figures 1 to 8B Details of the corresponding components.

[0077] Reference Fig. 9 , the display device 10 ′ according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a protective layer 800 .

[0078] The protective layer 800 may be disposed under the light shielding layer 600. In addition, the protective layer 800 may include an opening overlapped with the opening "op" of the light shielding layer 600, and the fingerprint sensor 700 is disposed in the opening.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protective layer 800 may include a buffer capable of absorbing external impact and a heat sink capable of dissipating heat generated in the display device 10'. Fig. 9 Although shown as one layer in FIG. 8 , when the protective layer 800 includes both the buffer and the heat sink, the protective layer 800 may be formed as a stack of multiple layers.

[0080] The buffer may include a material capable of absorbing impact. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the buffer may include an elastic polymer resin such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyurethane or polypropylene. Alternatively, the buffer may be a sponge formed by foaming liquid rubber, urethane or acrylic materials.

[0081] Furthermore, the heat sink may include copper (Cu). In addition to copper (Cu), the heat sink may include a metal having excellent thermal conductivity such as silver (Ag), a copper alloy, or aluminum (Al), or a carbon-based material such as graphite or graphene. In this case, excellent thermal conductivity should be understood to mean thermal conductivity at least similar to that of copper.

[0082] Although not shown in the figure, the display device 10′ may further include a digitizer. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the digitizer may recognize the approach and / or touch of a stylus pen or the like through electromagnetic induction. The digitizer may include an opening in which the fingerprint sensor 700 is disposed, and the opening may correspond to the opening “op” of the light shielding layer 600.

[0083] Reference Fig.10 , the display device 10 ″ may include a light path control pattern 500 ′. For example, Fig.10 The display device 10 ″ shown in FIG. 1 is different in that the display device 10 ″ includes a light path control pattern 500 ′ instead of Figure 2 The light path control layer 500 is shown in FIG.

[0084] For example, the light path control pattern 500' may be formed only in the opening of the light shielding layer 610. Therefore, the cost of forming the light path control pattern 500' can be reduced.

[0085] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a user from recognizing a fingerprint recognition area at a certain angle while ensuring an optical path for fingerprint recognition.

[0086] The exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrative, and many changes may be introduced without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure or the scope of claims. For example, within the scope of this disclosure and claims, elements and / or features of different exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other and / or replaced with each other.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a light shielding layer, including an opening; A fingerprint sensor is disposed in the opening of the light shielding layer or overlapped with the opening of the light shielding layer; An optical path control layer, disposed on the fingerprint sensor and the light shielding layer, the optical path control layer covers the opening of the light shielding layer; A display panel, disposed on the light path control layer and comprising a plurality of display elements; as well as a window panel, arranged on the display panel, The light path control layer includes a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a plurality of viewing angle control patterns having a first angle relative to the display panel, each light-transmitting area is arranged between each of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns, Each of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns includes a light shielding material, and The light-shielding material includes black pigment, black dye, gray pigment or gray dye.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first angle is 30 degrees to 90 degrees.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The viewing angle control patterns of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns are spaced apart from each other at a first pitch, wherein the first pitch is 0.04 μm to 0.2 μm.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light path control layer completely covers the opening of the light shielding layer.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light path control layer completely covers the area between the light shielding layer and the fingerprint sensor.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The fingerprint sensor receives light emitted from the plurality of display elements of the display panel and then reflected from a user's finger in contact with or close to the window panel.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of display elements of the display panel include a plurality of organic light emitting layers.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a protective layer having an opening overlapping the opening of the light shielding layer, wherein: The light shielding layer is disposed on the protective layer and the protective layer includes a heat sink and / or a buffer.

9. A display device, comprising: Display panel; a window panel, disposed on the display panel, wherein the display panel includes a fingerprint recognition area; A light shielding layer, disposed below the display panel, the light shielding layer comprising an opening overlapping the fingerprint recognition area; as well as a light path control layer, disposed between the light shielding layer and the display panel and overlapping the opening of the light shielding layer, The light path control layer includes a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a plurality of viewing angle control patterns having a first angle relative to the display panel, each light-transmitting area is arranged between each of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns, Each of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns includes a light shielding material, and The light-shielding material includes black pigment, black dye, gray pigment or gray dye.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The light path control layer completely covers the opening of the light shielding layer.

11. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising a fingerprint sensor, wherein the fingerprint sensor is disposed below the optical path control layer, wherein: The fingerprint sensor is disposed in the opening of the light shielding layer or overlaps with the opening of the light shielding layer.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The optical path control layer completely covers the area between the fingerprint sensor and the light shielding layer.

13. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The viewing angle control patterns among the plurality of viewing angle control patterns are spaced apart from each other at a first interval.

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