Display device, sensing unit and sensing method

Abstract

A sensing unit, a display device, and a method for sensing by the display device are provided. The sensing unit includes a substrate, a first electrode, an insulating layer, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The first electrode is arranged on the substrate, extends in a first direction, and is separated from each other in a second direction different from the first direction. The first insulating layer is arranged on the first electrode. The second electrode is electrically insulated from the first electrode by the insulating layer, extends in the second direction, and is separated from each other in the first direction. The third electrode is electrically insulated from the first electrode by the insulating layer, extends in the second direction, and is electrically insulated from the second electrode. The second electrode and the third electrode are alternately arranged in the first direction. The third electrode can receive a drive signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0095417 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 6, 2019; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0002] The technical field relates to a display device including a sensing unit and a sensing method. Background Art

[0003] The display device may be included in various electronic devices for displaying images to a user. The electronic devices may include, for example, smart phones, tablet computers, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigators, and televisions.

[0004] The display device may include a display panel for transmitting and / or emitting light to display an image. The display device may also include a sensor for performing one or more sensing functions, such as an optical sensor. The optical sensor may require a light source and thus may undesirably increase the power consumption and / or manufacturing cost of the display device. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments may relate to a sensing unit capable of sensing a heart rate without a light source. Embodiments may relate to a display device including the sensing unit.

[0006] Embodiments may relate to a sensing method of sensing heart rate without a light source.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a sensing unit includes: a substrate; a first electrode arranged on the substrate, extending in a first direction, and separated from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first insulating layer provided on the first electrode; a second electrode arranged on the first insulating layer, extending in a second direction, and separated from each other in the first direction; and a third electrode arranged on the first insulating layer, extending in the second direction, and arranged alternately with the second electrode in the first direction, wherein the third electrode is configured to receive a driving signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode.

[0008] In an embodiment, the sensing unit further includes: a sensing drive circuit that applies a signal to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode; a first line that connects the first electrode and the sensing drive circuit; a second line that connects the second electrode and the sensing drive circuit; and a third line that connects the third electrode and the sensing drive circuit; wherein each of the third lines is connected to the sensing drive circuit via a first switch and a second switch that are connected in parallel to each other.

[0009] In an embodiment, the sensing unit further includes: a controller which supplies a control signal to the first switch and the second switch.

[0010] In an embodiment, in a touch input and pressure sensing mode, the controller supplies a control signal to a first switch to turn on the first switch; wherein, in a heart rate sensing mode, the controller supplies a control signal to a second switch to turn on the second switch; and wherein, when the first switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit applies a drive signal to a third line; and when the second switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit receives a sensing signal from the third line.

[0011] In an embodiment, wherein, in touch input and pressure sensing modes, the sensing drive circuit receives a sensing signal from a first line and applies a driving signal to a second line; and wherein, in a heart rate sensing mode, the sensing drive circuit applies a ground voltage to the first line and applies a driving signal to the second line.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0013] In an embodiment, the sensing unit further includes: a second insulating layer disposed on the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein each of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer includes polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[0014] In an embodiment, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode include at least one of silver (Ag) nanowires, metal meshes, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

[0015] In an embodiment, the sensing unit further includes: a first auxiliary electrode arranged on one side of the second electrode; and a second auxiliary electrode arranged on one side of the third electrode; wherein the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode are alternately arranged and separated from each other, and a distance between the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode is about 10 μm to about 500 μm.

[0016] According to another disclosed embodiment, a display device includes: a display unit; a sensing unit disposed on the display unit; and a window member disposed on the sensing unit; wherein the sensing unit includes: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate, extending in a first direction, and separated from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first insulating layer disposed on the first electrode; a second electrode disposed on the first insulating layer, extending in a second direction, and separated from each other in the first direction; and a third electrode disposed on the first insulating layer, extending in the second direction, and alternately arranged with the second electrode in the first direction, wherein the third electrode is configured to receive a driving signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display device further includes: a sensing drive circuit that applies a signal to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode; a first line that connects the first electrode and the sensing drive circuit; a second line that connects the second electrode and the sensing drive circuit; and a third line that connects the third electrode and the sensing drive circuit; wherein each of the third lines is connected to the sensing drive circuit via a first switch and a second switch that are connected in parallel to each other.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display device further includes: a controller which supplies a control signal to the first switch and the second switch.

[0019] In an embodiment, in a touch input and pressure sensing mode, the controller supplies a control signal to the first switch to turn on the first switch; in a heart rate sensing mode, the controller supplies a control signal to the second switch to turn on the second switch; and when the first switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit applies a drive signal to the third line; and when the second switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit receives a sensing signal from the third line.

[0020] In an embodiment, in touch input and pressure sensing modes, the sensing drive circuit receives a sensing signal from the first line and applies a driving signal to the second line; and in heart rate sensing mode, the sensing drive circuit applies a ground voltage to the first line and applies a driving signal to the second line.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0022] In an embodiment, the display unit includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor layer disposed on the substrate; a light emitting element layer disposed on the thin film transistor layer; and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the light emitting element layer; wherein the base of the sensing unit is disposed on the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer.

[0023] According to another disclosed embodiment, a method of performing sensing by a display device includes: sensing a change in a first capacitance in a vertical direction to sense touch input and touch pressure; and sensing a change in a second capacitance to sense a heart rate, the second capacitance being an edge capacitance.

[0024] In an embodiment, a display device includes: a substrate; a first electrode arranged on the substrate, extending in a first direction, and separated from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first insulating layer provided on the first electrode; a second electrode arranged on the first insulating layer, extending in a second direction, and separated from each other in the first direction; and a third electrode arranged on the first insulating layer, extending in the second direction, and arranged alternately with the second electrode in the first direction; and the step of sensing touch input and touch pressure also includes: receiving a sensing signal from the first electrode; and applying a driving signal to the second electrode and the third electrode.

[0025] In an embodiment, the step of sensing the heart rate further comprises: applying a driving signal to the second electrode; and receiving a sensing signal from the third electrode.

[0026] In an embodiment, the step of sensing the heart rate further comprises: applying a ground voltage to the first electrode.

[0027] Embodiments may relate to a sensing unit. The sensing unit may include: a substrate, a first electrode, a first insulating layer, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The first electrode may be arranged on the substrate, may each extend longitudinally in a first direction, and may be separated from each other in a second direction different from the first direction. The first insulating layer may be provided on the first electrode. The second electrode may be electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, may each extend longitudinally in the second direction, and may be separated from each other in the first direction. The third electrode may be electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, may each extend longitudinally in the second direction, and may be electrically insulated from the second electrode. The second electrode and the third electrode may be arranged alternately in the first direction. The third electrode may receive a drive signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode.

[0028] The sensing unit may include the following elements: a sensing drive circuit that provides a signal to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode; a first line that electrically connects the first electrode and the sensing drive circuit; a second line that electrically connects the second electrode and the sensing drive circuit; and a third line that electrically connects the third electrode and the sensing drive circuit. The third line may be connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch. Each of the third lines may be connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch that may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0029] The sensing unit may include a controller which supplies a control signal to the first switch and the second switch.

[0030] In the touch input and pressure sensing mode, the controller may supply a first control signal to the first switch to turn on the first switch. In the heart rate sensing mode, the controller may supply a second control signal to the second switch to turn on the second switch. When the first switch may be turned on, the sensing drive circuit may provide a drive signal to the third line; and when the second switch may be turned on, the sensing drive circuit may receive a sensing signal from the third line.

[0031] In the touch input and pressure sensing modes, the sensing driving circuit may receive a sensing signal from the first line and may provide a driving signal to the second line. In the heart rate sensing mode, the sensing driving circuit may provide a ground voltage to the first line and may provide a driving signal to the second line.

[0032] The second electrode and the third electrode may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. A distance between the second electrode and an immediately adjacent third electrode may be in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0033] The sensing unit may include: a second insulating layer disposed on the second electrode and the third electrode. Each of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer may include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[0034] The first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode include at least one of silver nanowires, metal meshes, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

[0035] The sensing unit may include a first auxiliary electrode protruding from one of the second electrodes, and may include a second auxiliary electrode protruding from one of the third electrodes. The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode may be arranged alternately and may be spaced apart from each other. The distance between the first auxiliary electrode and the adjacent second auxiliary electrode may be in the range of about 10 μm to about 500 μm.

[0036] Embodiments may relate to a display device. The display device may include the following elements: a display unit; a sensing unit disposed on the display unit; and a window member disposed on the sensing unit. The sensing unit may include the following elements: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate, each extending longitudinally in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction; a first insulating layer disposed on the first electrode; a second electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; and a third electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction and electrically insulated from the second electrode. The second electrode and the third electrode may be alternately arranged in the first direction. The third electrode may receive a drive signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode.

[0037] The display device may include the following elements: a sensing drive circuit that provides a signal to a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode; a first line that electrically connects the first electrode and the sensing drive circuit; a second line that electrically connects the second electrode and the sensing drive circuit; and a third line that electrically connects the third electrode and the sensing drive circuit. The third line may be connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch, and each of the third lines may be connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch that may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0038] The display device may include a controller that supplies a control signal to the first switch and the second switch.

[0039] In the touch input and pressure sensing mode, the controller may supply a first control signal to the first switch to turn on the first switch. In the heart rate sensing mode, the controller may supply a second control signal to the second switch to turn on the second switch. When the first switch may be turned on, the sensing drive circuit may provide a driving signal to the third line, and when the second switch may be turned on, the sensing drive circuit may receive a sensing signal from the third line.

[0040] In the touch input and pressure sensing modes, the sensing driving circuit may receive a sensing signal from the first line and may provide a driving signal to the second line. In the heart rate sensing mode, the sensing driving circuit may provide a ground voltage to the first line and may provide a driving signal to the second line.

[0041] The second electrode and the third electrode may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. A distance between the second electrode and an immediately adjacent third electrode may be in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0042] The display unit may include the following elements: a substrate; a thin film transistor layer disposed on the substrate; a light emitting element layer disposed on the thin film transistor layer; and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed between the light emitting element layer and a base of the sensing unit.

[0043] Embodiments may be directed to a method for sensing by a display device. The method may include the following steps: sensing a change in a first capacitance in a vertical direction perpendicular to a surface of the display device for sensing a touch on the display device; and sensing a change in a second capacitance for sensing a heart rate, the second capacitance may be an edge capacitance.

[0044] The display device may include the following elements: a substrate; first electrodes arranged on the substrate, each extending longitudinally in a first direction different from the vertical direction, and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction and the vertical direction; a first insulating layer arranged on the first electrode; second electrodes electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction, and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; and third electrodes electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction, and electrically insulated from the second electrode. The second electrode and the third electrode may be arranged alternately in the first direction. The third electrode may receive a drive signal or a sense signal according to a sensing mode. The sensing of touch may include the following steps: receiving a sense signal from the first electrode; and providing a drive signal to the second electrode and the third electrode.

[0045] The sensing of the heart rate may include the steps of: providing a driving signal to the second electrode; and receiving a sensing signal from the third electrode.

[0046] The sensing of the heart rate may include the following steps: providing a ground voltage to the first electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 2 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3 According to the embodiment along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0050] Figure 4 According to the embodiment Figure 3 A floor plan of the display unit.

[0051] Figure 5 According to the embodiment Figure 3 A plan view of a sensing unit.

[0052] Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a sensing driving circuit according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 7 is a plan view schematically illustrating a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode of a sensing unit according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 8 is a plan view schematically illustrating a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode of a sensing unit according to an embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 9According to the embodiment along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0056] Fig.10 is a view schematically illustrating a touch input state according to an embodiment.

[0057] Fig.11 is a graph showing a change in a first capacitance when a touch is input according to an embodiment.

[0058] Fig.12 is a view schematically illustrating a touch input state according to an embodiment.

[0059] Fig.13 is a graph showing a change in a first capacitance when a touch is input according to an embodiment.

[0060] Fig.14 is a view schematically illustrating forming a second capacitor according to an embodiment.

[0061] Fig.15 is a view schematically illustrating a state of sensing a heart rate according to an embodiment.

[0062] Fig.16 is a graph showing a change in the second capacitance when a heart rate is detected according to an embodiment.

[0063] Fig.17 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.16 A graph of filtered heart rate areas in a graph of .

[0064] Fig.18 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.17 A graph of the peaks of the heart rate detected by Fourier transform in a graph of .

[0065] Fig.19 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a method of sensing a touch input, a touch pressure, and a heart rate according to an embodiment.

[0066] Fig. 20 is a view schematically showing an electrode structure according to an embodiment.

[0067] Fig.21 is a view schematically showing an electrode structure according to an embodiment.

[0068] Fig. 22 is a view schematically showing a structural relationship between pixels of a display unit and electrodes of a sensing unit according to an embodiment.

[0069] Fig.23 According to the embodiment along Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Example embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the described embodiments.

[0071] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element can be called the second element without departing from the teaching of one or more embodiments. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to distinguish different classes or groups of elements. For simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first class (or first group)", "second class (or second group)", etc.

[0072] When a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, the first element may be directly on the second element, or one or more intervening elements may be present between the first and second elements. When a first element is referred to as being "directly on" a second element, there are no intervening elements between the first and second elements (except for environmental elements (elements) such as air).

[0073] The term “connected” may refer to “electrically connected”. The term “insulated” may refer to “electrically insulated” or “electrically isolated”. The term “contacted” may refer to “directly in contact” or “indirectly in contact”. The expression “an element extends in a specific direction” may refer to that the length direction of the element is the specific direction.

[0074] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of a display device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 According to the embodiment along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0075] The display device 10 can display a moving image or a still image. The display device 10 can be used as a display screen of one of various products (such as a television, a notebook, a monitor, a billboard, an Internet of Things device, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, a watch phone, a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player, a navigator, and an ultra-mobile PC (UMP)). The display device 10 can be / include one of an organic light-emitting display device, a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, a field emission display device, an electrophoretic display device, an electrowetting display device, a quantum dot emission display device, and a micro LED display device. For example, the display device 10 can be / include an organic light-emitting display device.

[0076] The display device 10 includes a display unit DU (in Figure 3 ), the sensing unit SU (in Figure 3 ), a display driving circuit 200 for driving the display unit DU and the sensing unit SU, a circuit board 300, and a sensing driving unit (sensing driving circuit) 400.

[0077] The display device 10 may include a main area MA and a protrusion area PA protruding from one side of the main area MA.

[0078] The main area MA may have a generally rectangular shape having a short side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a long side in a second direction (Y-axis direction). The corner where the short side in the first direction (X-axis direction) meets the long side in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may have a circular shape with a predetermined curvature or have a right angle. The display device 10 may have another polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. The main area MA may be substantially flat and may include one or more curved portions. The curved portion may have a constant curvature or a variable curvature.

[0079] The main area MA may include a display area DA where pixels are formed to display an image and a non-display area NDA which is a surrounding area of ​​the display area DA.

[0080] In the display area DA, scan lines, data lines, and power lines connected to the pixels may be arranged. When the main area MA includes a curved portion, the display area DA may extend to the curved portion. In this case, the displayed image may be seen at the curved portion.

[0081] The non-display area NDA may range from the outside of the display area DA to the edge of the main area MA of the display device 10. In the non-display area NDA, a scan driver for applying a scan signal to a scan line and a connection line for connecting a data line to the display driving circuit 200 may be arranged.

[0082] The protruding area PA may protrude from one side of the main area MA. Figure 2 As shown in , the protrusion area PA may protrude from the short side of the main area MA. The length of the protrusion area PA in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be shorter than the length of the main area MA in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0083] The protruding area PA may include a bending area BEA and a pad area PDA. The pad area PDA may be disposed at one side of the bending area BEA, and the main area MA may be disposed at the other side of the bending area BEA. Figure 3The display unit DU and the sensing unit SU shown in the figure may be flexible and be able to be bent, twisted, folded or rolled. Therefore, the display unit DU and the sensing unit SU may be bent from the bending area BEA in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the pad area PDA may overlap the main area MA.

[0084] The pad area PDA may be provided with pads electrically connected to the display driving circuit 200 and the circuit board 300 .

[0085] The display driving circuit 200 outputs a signal and a voltage for driving the display unit DU. For example, the display driving circuit 200 can supply a data voltage to a data line. In addition, the display driving circuit 200 can supply a power supply voltage to a power line, and can supply a scan control signal to a scan driver. The display driving circuit 200 can be formed as an integrated circuit (IC), and can be mounted on a substrate SUB in a pad area PDA by a chip on glass (COG) method, a chip on plastic (COP) method. The display driving circuit 200 can be mounted on a circuit board 300.

[0086] The pad may include a display pad electrically connected to the display driving circuit 200 and a sensing pad electrically connected to a wire included in the sensing unit SU.

[0087] The circuit board 300 may be attached to the pad using an anisotropic conductive film. Thus, the leads of the circuit board 300 may be electrically connected to the pad. The circuit board 300 may be a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

[0088] The sensing drive circuit 400 can be connected to Figure 3 The sensing drive circuit 400 applies a driving signal to the electrodes of the sensing unit SU and measures the capacitance value of the electrodes. The driving signal may be a signal having a plurality of driving pulses. The sensing drive circuit 400 may determine touch input, touch pressure, heart rate, etc. according to the capacitance value.

[0089] The sensing driving circuit 400 may be provided on the circuit board 300. The sensing driving circuit 400 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC), and may be mounted on the circuit board 300.

[0090] Reference Figure 3 The display device 10 may include a display unit DU. The display unit DU may include a substrate SUB, and may include a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFEL sequentially disposed on the substrate SUB. The display device 10 may further include a sensing unit SU disposed on the display unit DU.

[0091] The substrate SUB may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz or a polymer resin. Examples of polymer resins may include 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) and combinations of some of the above materials. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate SUB may include a metal material.

[0092] The substrate SUB may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, rolled, etc. When the substrate SUB is a flexible substrate, it may be formed of polyimide (PI).

[0093] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be provided on the substrate SUB. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be provided with not only a thin film transistor of each pixel but also a scan line, a data line, a power line, a scan control line, and a connection line for connecting a pad and a data line. Each of the thin film transistors may include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. Figure 4 As shown in , when the scan driver 110 is formed in the non-display area NDA, the scan driver 110 may include a thin film transistor.

[0094] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. Specifically, thin film transistors corresponding to pixels, scan lines, data lines, and power lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the display area DA. In addition, scan control lines and connection lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0095] The light emitting element layer EML may be disposed on the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The light emitting element layer EML may include pixels and a pixel defining film defining the pixels, each pixel including a first electrode, a light emitting layer, and a second electrode. The light emitting layer may be an organic light emitting layer including an organic material. The light emitting layer may include a hole transport layer, an organic light emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrode through the thin film transistor of the thin film transistor layer TFTL and a cathode voltage is applied to the second electrode, holes and electrons are respectively transferred to the organic light emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer and are combined with each other to emit light. The pixels of the light emitting element layer EML may be arranged in the display area DA.

[0096] The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed on the light emitting element layer EML. The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL is used to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting element layer EML. For this purpose, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may be a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. In addition, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL is used to protect the light emitting element layer EML from foreign matter such as dust. For this purpose, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one organic film. The organic film may include an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0097] The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed in both the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. Specifically, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed to cover the light emitting element layer EML in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA, and to cover the thin film transistor layer TFTL in the non-display area NDA.

[0098] The sensing unit SU may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL. When the sensing unit SU is directly disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL, the thickness of the display device 10 may be advantageously reduced compared to a separate sensing panel including the sensing unit SU attached to the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0099] The sensing unit SU may include electrodes for sensing a user's touch input, touch pressure, heart rate, etc. by a capacitance method and wires for connecting the electrodes and pads. For example, the sensing unit SU may sense a user's touch by a self capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown in , the electrodes of the sensing unit SU may be arranged in the sensing area SA overlapping the display area DA. Figure 5 As shown in , the lines of the sensing units SU may be arranged in the non-sensing area NSA overlapping the non-display area NDA.

[0101] Although not shown in the drawings, a protective layer may be provided on the sensing unit SU. The protective layer may include, for example, a window member. The protective layer may be attached to the sensing unit SU by an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or the like. In addition, in some embodiments, the display device 10 may further include an optical member. For example, an optical member (such as a polarizing film) may be placed between the sensing unit SU and the protective layer. In some embodiments, a refractive index matching layer may be provided between the sensing unit SU and the protective layer.

[0102] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A plan view of the display unit DU.

[0103] To illustrate, Figure 4 A display unit DU including pixels P, scan lines SL, data lines DL, power lines PL, scan control lines SCL, a scan driver 110, a display driving circuit 200, and a display pad DP is shown.

[0104] Reference Figure 4 , the display unit DU may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0105] Scan lines SL, data lines DL, power lines PL, and pixels P are arranged in the display area DA. The scan lines SL may extend in parallel in a first direction (X-axis direction), and the data lines DL may extend in a second direction (Y-axis direction) different from (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction (X-axis direction). The power lines PL may include at least one line arranged in parallel to the data lines DL and a plurality of lines branched from the at least one line in the first direction (X-axis direction) and extending in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0106] Each of the pixels P may be connected to at least one of the scan lines SL, one of the data lines DL, and a power line PL. Each of the pixels P may include a thin film transistor, an organic light emitting diode, and a capacitor, and the thin film transistor includes a driving transistor and at least one switching transistor. When the pixel P receives a scan signal from the corresponding scan line SL, it may receive a data voltage from the corresponding data line DL, and may supply a driving current to the corresponding organic light emitting diode to emit light.

[0107] The scan driver 110 is connected to the display driving circuit 200 through at least one scan control line SCL. Therefore, the scan driver 110 may receive a scan control signal from the display driving circuit 200. The scan driver 110 may generate a scan signal according to the scan control signal and may supply the scan signal to the scan line SL.

[0108] Figure 4 The scan driver 110 is shown in the non-display area NDA located at the left outer side of the display area DA. The scan driver 110 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA located at the left and right outer sides of the display area DA.

[0109] The display driving circuit 200 is connected to the display pad DP arranged in the display pad area DPA to receive digital video data and timing signals. The display driving circuit 200 converts the digital video data into analog positive / negative data voltages, and supplies the analog positive / negative data voltages to the data lines DL through the connection lines LL. The display driving circuit 200 generates and supplies a scan control signal for controlling the scan driver 110 through the scan control line SCL. The pixel P to be supplied with the data voltage is selected by the scan signal of the scan driver 110, and the data voltage is supplied to the selected pixel P. The display driving circuit 200 may be an integrated circuit (IC) and may be attached to the substrate SUB by a chip on glass (COG) method, a chip on plastic method, or an ultrasonic bonding method.

[0110] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A plan view of the sensing unit SU.

[0111] Reference Figure 5 The sensing unit SU includes a sensing area SA for sensing a user's touch input, touch pressure, and heart rate, and includes a non-sensing area NSA disposed around the sensing area SA. The sensing area SA may overlap with the display area DA of the display unit DU, and the non-sensing area NSA may overlap with the non-display area NDA of the display unit DU.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sensing area SA may be divided according to the user's touch input, touch pressure, and heart rate. For example, a touch input may be detected in front of the sensing area SA, but touch pressure and heart rate may be detected only in a portion of the sensing area SA. In some embodiments, in the sensing area SA, biometric information other than heart rate may be recognized. For example, skin moisture may be detected.

[0113] The electrodes E may be arranged in the sensing area SA. The electrodes E may include a first electrode E1 (or a first type of electrode E1), a second electrode E2 (or a second type of electrode E2), and a third electrode E3 (or a third type of electrode E3). The first electrode E1 may be a sensing electrode, the second electrode E2 may be a driving electrode, and the third electrode E3 may be an electrode that serves as (switched to) a driving electrode or a sensing electrode according to a mode.

[0114] The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may be arranged on different layers. For example, the first electrode E1 may be insulated from the second electrode E2 by an insulating layer arranged between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. The third electrode E3 may be arranged on the same layer as the second electrode E2 (i.e., directly arranged on the same surface of the insulating layer).

[0115] The first electrodes E1 may each extend in the first direction (X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The second electrodes E2 and the third electrodes E3 may each extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0116] The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be alternately arranged, and in a plan view of the sensing unit SU, the first electrode E1 may cross the second electrode E2; in a plan view of the sensing unit SU, the first electrode E1 may cross the third electrode E3.

[0117] Each of the first electrode E1, the second electrode E2, and the third electrode E3 may include silver (Ag) nanowires, metal meshes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or polymer materials, or may be silver (Ag) nanowires, metal meshes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or polymer materials (made of silver (Ag) nanowires, metal meshes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or polymer materials). Each of the first electrode E1, the second electrode E2, and the third electrode E3 may be made of one or more materials having high light transmittance and low specific resistance.

[0118] The lines L may be arranged in the non-sensing area NSA. For example, the lines L may include a first (class) line L1, a second (class) line L2, and a third (class) line L3. The first line L1 may be electrically connected to the first electrode E1, the second line L2 may be electrically connected to the second electrode E2, and the third line L3 may be electrically connected to the third electrode E3. One end of the first line L1 may be connected to the first electrode E1, and the other end of the first line L1 may be connected to a sensing pad SP disposed in the sensing pad area SPA. One end of the second line L2 may be connected to the second electrode E2, and the other end of the second line L2 may be connected to the sensing pad SP. One end of the third line L3 may be connected to the third electrode E3, and the other end of the third line L3 may be connected to the sensing pad SP.

[0119] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a sensing driving circuit 400 according to an embodiment.

[0120] Reference Figure 6 , the sensing driving circuit 400 may include a first sensing driver 410, a second sensing driver 430, and a controller 450. The first sensing driver 410, the second sensing driver 430, and the controller 450 may be integrated in one readout integrated circuit (ROIC).

[0121] The first line L1 connected to the first electrode E1 may be connected to the first sensing driver 410 , the second line L2 connected to the second electrode E2 may be connected to the second sensing driver 430 , and the third line L3 connected to the third electrode E3 may be connected to the second sensing driver 430 through a switch.

[0122] The first switch SW1 (or the first type switch SW1) and the second switch SW2 (or the second type switch SW2) may be provided between each third line L3 and the second sensing driver 430, and the third line L3 may be connected to the corresponding third-first (type) line L3_1 and the corresponding third-second (type) line L3_2. For example, the third line L3 may be connected to the third-first line L3_1 through the first switch SW1, and the third line L3 may be connected to the third-second line L3_2 through the second switch SW2. Transistors may be provided as or may replace the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2.

[0123] A sensing signal may be received from the first line L1 , a driving signal may be applied to the second line L2 , a driving signal may be applied to the third-first line L3_1 , and a sensing signal may be received from the third-second line L3_2 .

[0124] Specifically, the first sensing driver 410 may select the first line L1 to receive the sensing signal under the control of the controller 450 , and may detect a capacitance change of the electrode based on the sensing signal received through the selected first line L1 .

[0125] The second sensing driver 430 may select the second line L2 to output a driving signal under the control of the controller 450, and may supply the driving signal to the selected second line L2. The second sensing driver 430 may sequentially supply the driving signal to the second lines L2.

[0126] The second sensing driver 430 may select the third-first line L3_1 to output a driving signal under the control of the controller 450, and may supply the driving signal to the selected third-first line L3_1. The second sensing driver 430 may sequentially supply the driving signal to the third-first line L3_1.

[0127] The second sensing driver 430 may select the third-second line L3_2 to receive a sensing signal under the control of the controller 450 , and may detect a capacitance change of the electrode based on the sensing signal received through the selected third-second line L3_2 .

[0128] The controller 450 may transmit (a copy / instance of) the first control signal CS1 to the first switch SW1 to connect the third line L3 to the third-first line L3_1, respectively, or may transmit (a copy / instance of) the second control signal CS2 to the second switch SW2 to connect the third line L3 to the third-second line L3_2, respectively. When the first control signal CS1 is output from the controller 450, the driving signal transmitted by the third-first line L3_1 may be provided to the third line L3. When the second control signal CS2 is output from the controller 450, the third line L3 may be connected to the third-second line L3_2 to receive the sensing signal.

[0129] Figure 6 It is shown that the sensing driving circuit 400 and the sensing unit SU are separate components. The sensing driving circuit 400 may be a component included in the sensing unit SU.

[0130] The third electrode E3 connected to the third line L3 may be driven as a sensing electrode or a driving electrode according to a mode of the sensing unit SU. The sensing unit SU may sense a touch input, a touch pressure, and a heart rate.

[0131] Figure 7 2 is a plan view schematically showing a first electrode E1 , a second electrode E2 , and a third electrode E3 of a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment. Figure 8 2 is a plan view schematically showing a first electrode E1 , a second electrode E2 , and a third electrode E3 of a sensing unit SU according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0132] Reference Figure 7 , the first electrode E1 may intersect the second electrode E2, and may intersect the third electrode E3. The first electrodes E1 may each extend in the first direction (X-axis direction), and may be separated from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may each extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and may be separated from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0133] The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be arranged alternately. The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (X-axis direction), and a distance W between the second electrode E2 and the adjacent third electrode E3 may be in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. The distance W may be configured according to the components stacked on the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3. Depending on the driving mode, the sensing unit SU may measure touch input and touch pressure by changes in capacitance formed in a vertical direction (or Z-axis direction) between the first electrode E1, the second electrode E2, and the third electrode E3. In addition, depending on the driving mode, the sensing unit SU may measure the heart rate by changes in edge capacitance formed by the edge field between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3.

[0134] Reference Figure 8 , the second electrode E2_1 may include a first portion E2a and a second portion E2b, and the third electrode E3_1 may include a first portion E3a and a second portion E3b. For example, the first portion E2a may extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the second portion E2b may be bent from the first portion E2a. The first portion E3a may extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the second portion E3b may be bent from the first portion E3a. The bending direction of the second electrode E2_1 may be the same as the bending direction of the third electrode E3_1, and the second portion E2b of the second electrode E2_1 and the second portion E3b of the third electrode E3_1 may have a first spacing distance W1.

[0135] The sensing unit SU may include a first (type) auxiliary electrode AE1 and a second (type) auxiliary electrode AE2. For example, the first auxiliary electrode AE1 may protrude from one side of the second portion E2b of the second electrode E2_1, and the second auxiliary electrode AE2 may protrude from one side of the second portion E3b of the third electrode E3_1 facing the second portion E2b of the second electrode E2_1. The first auxiliary electrode AE1 and the second auxiliary electrode AE2 may be arranged alternately. The first auxiliary electrode AE1 and the adjacent second auxiliary electrode AE2 may have a second spacing distance W2. The first auxiliary electrode AE1 may contact the second portion E2b of the second electrode E2_1, and the second auxiliary electrode AE2 may contact the second portion E3b of the third electrode E3_1.

[0136] The second spacing distance W2 may be smaller than the first spacing distance W1. For example, the first spacing distance W1 may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm, and the second spacing distance W2 may be in the range of about 10 μm to about 500 μm. The first auxiliary electrode AE1 and the second auxiliary electrode AE2 may be used to measure skin moisture. For example, the sensing unit SU may measure skin moisture by a change in fringe capacitance formed by a fringe field between the first auxiliary electrode AE1 and the second auxiliary electrode AE2.

[0137] Reference Fig. 9 , the sensing unit SU may include a base BA, a first electrode E1, a first insulating layer IL1, a second electrode E2, a third electrode E3, and a second insulating layer IL2.

[0138] The base BA may be a multilayer film in which two or more inorganic layers including a silicon nitride layer, a silicon nitride oxide layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer are stacked. The base BA may be provided at Figure 3 , so that the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be located between the base body BA and the thin film transistor layer TFTL.

[0139] The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the base BA. The first electrode E1 may include silver (Ag) nanowires, metal meshes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or polymer materials, or may be silver (Ag) nanowires, metal meshes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or polymer materials (made of silver (Ag) nanowires, metal meshes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or polymer materials). The first electrode E1 may be made of one or more materials having high light transmittance and low specific resistance.

[0140] The first insulating layer IL1 may be disposed on the first electrode E1. For example, the first insulating layer IL1 may contact the first electrode E1 and a portion of the base BA exposed between the first electrode E1. The first insulating layer IL1 may include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The first insulating layer IL1 may include one or more transparent and stretchable materials.

[0141] The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be alternately arranged and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0142] The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be made of the same material as the first electrode E1. The second insulating layer IL2 is disposed on the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3. The second insulating layer IL2 may contact the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3. The second insulating layer IL2 may contact a portion of the first insulating layer IL1 exposed between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3. The second insulating layer IL2 may be made of the same material as the first insulating layer IL1. For example, the second insulating layer IL2 may include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The second insulating layer IL2 may include one or more transparent and stretchable materials. The first electrode E1, the second electrode E2, and the third electrode E3 may be insulated from each other by the first insulating layer IL1 and the second insulating layer IL2.

[0143] Fig.10 is a view schematically illustrating a touch input state according to an embodiment. Fig.11 is a graph showing a change in a first capacitance when a touch is input according to an embodiment. Fig.12 is a view schematically illustrating a touch input state according to an embodiment. Fig.13 is a graph showing a change in a first capacitance when a touch is input according to an embodiment. Fig.14 is a view schematically illustrating forming a second capacitor according to an embodiment. Fig.15 is a view schematically illustrating a state of sensing a heart rate according to an embodiment. Fig.16 is a graph showing a change in the second capacitance when a heart rate is detected according to an embodiment. Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 A graph of filtered heart rate areas in a graph of . Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 A graph of the peaks of the heart rate detected by Fourier transform in a graph of . Fig.19 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a method of sensing a touch input, a touch pressure, and a heart rate according to an embodiment.

[0144] Reference Figure 6 , Fig.10 and Fig.19 , the controller 450 may determine whether the sensing unit SU is in the touch input and pressure sensing mode (S10). For example, the controller 450 may transmit the first control signal CS1 to the first switch SW1 in the touch input and pressure sensing mode (S20).

[0145] When the first switch SW1 is turned on, the third line L3 may be connected to the third-first line L3_1, a sensing signal may be received from the first electrode E1 connected to the first line L1, a driving signal may be applied to the second electrode E2 connected to the second line L2, and a driving signal may be applied to the third electrode E3 connected to the third-first line L3_1 (S30). Therefore, the sensing unit SU may sense / calculate the touch input and the touch pressure from the variation of the first capacitor C1 through the received sensing signal (S40).

[0146] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the touch input and pressure sensing mode, a first capacitance C1 is formed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 and between the first electrode E1 and the third electrode E3 in the vertical direction (or Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base BA, and when the user's finger F contacts the sensing unit SU (that is, when a touch input is generated), the first capacitance C1 at the point where the touch input is provided or the first capacitance C1 in the surrounding part of the point decreases. The first electrode E1 receives this change in the first capacitance C1, and the presence or absence of the touch input-position can be detected by using this change in the first capacitance C1.

[0147] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 In the touch input and pressure sensing mode, a first capacitor C1 is formed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 and between the first electrode E1 and the third electrode E3 in the vertical direction, and when a touch pressure P is input in the vertical direction / third direction (Z-axis direction) by the user's finger F, the thickness of the first insulating layer IL1 is reduced from the first thickness d1 to the second thickness d2, so that the first capacitor C1 at the point where the touch pressure P is provided or the first capacitor C1 in the surrounding part of the point increases. The first electrode E1 receives this change in the first capacitor C1, and the touch pressure P can be detected using this change in the first capacitor C1. Since the change in the first capacitor C1 changes according to the intensity of the pressure, the first pressure (mild pressure) and the second pressure (high pressure) can be distinguished and detected. The display device 10 can advantageously have different functions according to the first pressure (mild pressure) and the second pressure (high pressure).

[0148] Reference Figure 6 , Fig.14 , Fig.15 and Fig.19 , the controller 450 may determine whether the sensing unit SU is in the heart rate sensing mode (S50). For example, in the heart rate sensing mode, the second control signal CS2 may be transmitted to the second switch SW2 (S60).

[0149] When the second switch SW2 is turned on, the third line L3 may be connected to the third-second line L3_2, a driving signal may be applied to the second electrode E2 connected to the second line L2, and a sensing signal may be received from the third electrode E3 connected to the third-second line L3_2 (S70). In some embodiments, a ground voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1 connected to the first line L1. In some embodiments, a specific voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1 connected to the first line L1. A second capacitor C2 (which is a fringe capacitor formed by a fringe field) may be formed between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3. The change in the second capacitor C2 may be detected by the received sensing signal of the sensing unit SU, and the heart rate may be measured / calculated based on the change in the second capacitor C2 (S80).

[0150] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 , in the heart rate sensing mode, the second capacitor C2 is formed between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3, and when the user's finger F contacts the sensing unit SU, the second capacitor C2 at the point where the touch input is provided or the second capacitor C2 in the surrounding portion of the point increases. The reason is that the dielectric constant above the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 is increased by the finger F. The third electrode E3 can receive the change amount of the second capacitor C2.

[0151] exist Fig.16 In the graph, during contact, since the blood volume changes according to the dilation and contraction of the blood vessels of the finger F, thereby generating a small oscillation of the second capacitor C2, the second capacitor C2 can be used to measure the change in blood volume (that is, the second capacitor C2 can be used to measure the heart rate).

[0152] Reference Fig.17 , a bandpass filter with a range of 0.5 Hz to 3 Hz (30 bpm to 180 bpm), which is the heart rate range, is used to filter the tiny oscillation of the second capacitor C2. Therefore, a bandpass filter can be used to extract a peak-to-peak filtered signal with a peak-to-peak of 0.02 pF to 0.06 pF.

[0153] Reference Fig.18 ,exist Fig.17 In the filtered signal, a peak appears at a specific frequency through Fourier transform, and the heart rate can be detected by the corresponding peak ( Fig.18 74.66bpm shown in ). Through this process, the sensing unit SU can measure the heart rate. Filtering using a bandpass filter and Fourier transform can be performed by the second sensing driver 430, and the second sensing driver 430 may include a detector for filtering and Fourier transform.

[0154] Fig. 20 is a view schematically showing an electrode structure according to an embodiment. Fig.21 is a view schematically showing an electrode structure according to another embodiment. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 Examples and Fig. 9 The embodiment of the present invention is different in that a fourth electrode E4 is also included.

[0155] Reference Fig. 20 The second electrode E2, the fourth electrode E4, and the third electrode E3 may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The second electrode E2, the fourth electrode E4, and the third electrode E3 may be sequentially disposed along the first direction (X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0156] A distance W between the second electrode E2 and the fourth electrode E4 may be equal to a distance W between the fourth electrode E4 and the third electrode E3. The distance W may be in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0157] In the heart rate sensing mode, the second capacitor C2 may be formed between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 in a substantially horizontal direction. A drive signal may be applied to the second electrode E2, and a sensing signal may be applied to the third electrode E3. A ground voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1 and the fourth electrode E4. The fourth electrode E4 may be disposed between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 to increase the measurement range of the heart rate. Although not shown, in the touch input and pressure sensing modes, a drive signal may be provided to each of the second electrode E2, the fourth electrode E4, and the third electrode E3, and the first electrode E1 may receive the sensing signal.

[0158] Reference Fig.21 The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1, and two fourth electrodes E4 may be disposed between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3. The second electrode E2, the first fourth electrode E4, the second fourth electrode E4, and the third electrode E3 may be separated from each other.

[0159] The distance W between the second electrode E2 and the first fourth electrode E4, the distance W between the two fourth electrodes E4, and the distance W between the second fourth electrode E4 and the third electrode E3 may be equal to each other. The distance W may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0160] In the heart rate sensing mode, the second capacitor C2 may be formed between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 in a substantially horizontal direction. A drive signal may be applied to the second electrode E2, and a sensing signal may be applied to the third electrode E3. A ground voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1 and the fourth electrode E4. Two fourth electrodes E4 may be provided between the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 to increase the measurement range of the heart rate. Although not shown, in the touch input and pressure sensing modes, a drive signal may be provided to each of the second electrode E2, the fourth electrode E4, and the third electrode E3, and the first electrode E1 may receive the sensing signal.

[0161] Fig. 22 2 is a view schematically showing a structural relationship between a pixel P of a display unit and an electrode E of a sensing unit according to an embodiment. Fig.23 According to the embodiment along Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0162] Reference Fig. 22 , display unit (similar to Figure 4 The display unit DU) shown in FIG. 4 may include a plurality of pixels P. Each of the pixels P may include a light emitting area EMA and a non-light emitting area NEM.

[0163] The pixels P may include first color pixels R, second color pixels B, and third color pixels G. The pixels P may be arranged in various ways according to the embodiment. In an embodiment, the first color pixels R (e.g., red pixels) and the second color pixels B (e.g., blue pixels) are alternately arranged in the first class of rows, and the third color pixels G (e.g., green pixels) may be arranged in the second class of rows adjacent to (and between) the first class of rows. The pixels P belonging to the second class of rows may be staggered in the first direction relative to the pixels P belonging to the first class of rows. The number of the third color pixels G belonging to the second class of rows may be twice the number of the first color pixels R or the second color pixels B belonging to the first class of rows. The arrangement of the first class of rows and the second class of rows may be repeated along the second direction.

[0164] The sizes of the emission areas EMA in the respective pixels P may be different from each other. For example, the emission area (second emission area) EMA_B of the second color pixel B may be larger than the emission area (first emission area) EMA_R of the first color pixel R, and the emission area (third emission area) EMA_G of the third color pixel G may be smaller than the emission area EMA_R of the first color pixel R.

[0165] The shape of the light emitting area EMA of each pixel P may be a substantially octagonal shape. The shape of the light emitting area EMA of each pixel P may be a circle, a rhombus, a polygon, or a polygon with rounded corners.

[0166] The second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may be parallel to each other, and the second electrode E2 and the third electrode E3 may cross the first electrode E1 to form a hole H in a plan view of the display device 10 .

[0167] In a plan view of the display device 10, the hole H may include the light emitting area EMA, and the area of ​​the hole H may be larger than the area of ​​the light emitting area EMA. The electrode E may overlap the non-light emitting area NEM in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the display device 10, and the width of the electrode E may be smaller than the width of the non-light emitting area NEM. Through this structure, light output from the light emitting area EMA of the display unit DU can be effectively transmitted through the sensing unit SU.

[0168] Reference Fig.23 , the display device 10 may include a display unit DU and a sensing unit SU disposed on the display unit DU.

[0169] The display unit DU may include a substrate SUB, and a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFEL sequentially disposed on the substrate SUB.

[0170] Reference Figure 3 Describe the substrate SUB.

[0171] The thin film transistor layer TFTL is formed on the substrate SUB and includes a thin film transistor 120 , a gate insulating film 130 , an interlayer insulating film 140 , a protective film 150 , and a planarization film 160 .

[0172] The buffer layer BF may be formed on one surface of the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BF is formed on one surface of the substrate SUB to protect the thin film transistor 120 and the organic light emitting layer 172 of the light emitting element layer EML from moisture penetration through the substrate SUB susceptible to moisture penetration. The buffer layer BF may include a plurality of stacked inorganic films. For example, the buffer layer BF may be formed by a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic layers including a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer are stacked. The buffer layer BF may be optional.

[0173] The thin film transistor 120 is formed on the buffer layer BF. The thin film transistor 120 includes an active layer 121 , a gate electrode 122 , a source electrode 123 , and a drain electrode 124 . Fig.23 It is shown that the thin film transistor 120 may have a top gate structure in which the gate electrode 122 is located on the active layer 121. The thin film transistor 120 may have a bottom gate structure in which the gate electrode 122 is located below the active layer 121, or may have a double gate structure in which the gate electrode 122 is located on and below the active layer 121.

[0174] The active layer 121 is formed on the buffer layer BF. The active layer 121 may include polycrystalline silicon, single crystal silicon, low temperature polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor. Examples of oxide semiconductors may include a two-component compound (AB x ), three-component compound (AB x C y ) and four-component compounds (AB x C y D z ), wherein the two-component compound (AB x ), three-component compound (AB x C y ) and four-component compounds (AB x C y D z ) each includes indium (In), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr) or magnesium (Mg). For example, the active layer 121 may include ITZO (an oxide including indium, tin and titanium) or IGZO (an oxide including indium, gallium and tin). A light blocking layer for blocking external light from being incident on the active layer 121 may be formed between the buffer layer BF and the active layer 121.

[0175] The gate insulating film 130 may be formed on the active layer 121. The gate insulating film 130 may be formed of an inorganic layer, for example, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon nitride oxide layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0176] The gate electrode 122 and the gate line may be formed on the gate insulating film 130. The gate electrode 122 and the gate line may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including at least one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof.

[0177] An interlayer insulating film 140 may be formed on the gate electrode 122 and the gate line. The interlayer insulating film 140 may be / include an inorganic layer, for example, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0178] The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 may be formed on the interlayer insulating film 140. Each of the source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 may be connected to the active layer 121 through a contact hole penetrating the gate insulating film 130 and the interlayer insulating film 140. The source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including at least one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof.

[0179] A protective film 150 for insulating the thin film transistor 120 may be formed on the source electrode 123 and the drain electrode 124. The protective film 150 may be / include an inorganic layer, for example, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0180] A planarization film 160 for planarizing a step caused by the thin film transistor 120 may be formed on the protective film 150. The planarization film 160 may be / include an organic film including acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0181] The light emitting element layer EML is formed on the thin film transistor layer TFTL and includes a light emitting element 170 and a pixel defining film 180 .

[0182] The light emitting elements 170 and the pixel defining film 180 are formed on the planarization film 160. Each of the light emitting elements 170 may include an anode electrode 171, an organic light emitting layer 172, and a cathode electrode 173.

[0183] The anode electrode 171 may be formed on the planarization film 160. The anode electrode 171 is connected to the drain electrode 124 of the thin film transistor 120 through a contact hole penetrating the protection film 150 and the planarization film 160.

[0184] In a top emission structure in which light is emitted toward the cathode electrode 173 relative to the organic light emitting layer 172, the anode electrode 171 may be formed of a metal material having high reflectivity, such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti-Al-Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO-Al-ITO), an APC alloy, or a stacked structure of APC and ITO (ITO-APC-ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu).

[0185] In a bottom emission structure in which light is emitted toward the anode electrode 171 relative to the organic light emitting layer 172, the anode electrode 171 may be formed of a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO or IZO that can transmit light or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the anode electrode 171 is formed of a semi-transmissive conductive material, light emitting efficiency may be increased by a microcavity.

[0186] The pixel defining film 180 may be formed on the planarization film 160 to divide the anode electrode 171 to define the pixel P. The pixel defining film 180 may cover the edge of the anode electrode 171. The pixel defining film 180 may be / include an organic film including acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0187] The third emission region EMA_G refers to a region where an anode electrode 171 , an organic emission layer 172 , and a cathode electrode 173 are sequentially stacked, and holes from the anode electrode 171 are combined with electrons from the cathode electrode 173 to emit light. Each of the emission regions EMA_R, EMA_G, and EMA_B may include a light emitting element 170 .

[0188] The organic light emitting layer 172 is formed on the anode electrode 171 and the pixel defining film 180. The organic light emitting layer 172 may include an organic material to emit light of a predetermined color. For example, the organic light emitting layer 172 may include a hole transport layer, an organic material layer, and an electron transport layer.

[0189] The cathode electrode 173 is formed on the organic light emitting layer 172. The cathode electrode 173 may cover the organic light emitting layer 172. The cathode electrode 173 may be a common layer commonly formed in the light emitting regions EMA_R, EMA_G, and EMA_B. A covering layer may be formed on the cathode electrode 173.

[0190] In the top emission structure, the cathode electrode 173 may be formed of a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO or IZO that can transmit light or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the cathode electrode 173 is formed of a semi-transmissive conductive material, the light emitting efficiency may be increased by the microcavity.

[0191] In the bottom emission structure, the cathode electrode 173 may be formed of a metal material having high reflectivity, such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti-Al-Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO-Al-ITO), an APC alloy, or a stacked structure of APC and ITO (ITO-APC-ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu).

[0192] The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL is formed on the light emitting element layer EML and includes an encapsulation film 190 .

[0193] The encapsulation film 190 is disposed on the cathode electrode 173. The encapsulation film 190 may include at least one inorganic film to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating the organic light-emitting layer 172 and the cathode electrode 173. The encapsulation film 190 may include at least one organic film to protect the light-emitting element layer EML from foreign matter such as dust. For example, the encapsulation film 190 may include a first inorganic film disposed on the cathode electrode 173, an organic film disposed on the first inorganic film, and a second inorganic film disposed on the organic film. The first inorganic film and the second inorganic film may be / include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic film may be formed of an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0194] The sensing unit SU is disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL. For example, the base BA of the sensing unit SU may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL, so that the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be positioned between the base BA and the thin film transistor layer TFTL.

[0195] Many variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing substantially from the scope defined in the claims.The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A sensing unit, comprising: matrix; first electrodes, arranged on the substrate, each extending longitudinally in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction; A first insulating layer, disposed on the first electrode; second electrodes, electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; third electrodes, electrically insulated from the first electrodes by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction, and electrically insulated from the second electrodes; as well as A second insulating layer is disposed on the second electrode and the third electrode, and the second insulating layer and the first insulating layer are made of the same material, wherein the second electrodes and the third electrodes are arranged alternately in the first direction, and The third electrode is configured to receive a driving signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode.

2. The sensing unit according to claim 1, further comprising: A sensing driving circuit provides a signal to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode; a first line, electrically connecting the first electrode and the sensing drive circuit; a second line electrically connecting the second electrode and the sensing drive circuit; as well as A third line electrically connects the third electrode and the sensing drive circuit, The third line is connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch, and Each of the third lines is connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch electrically connected in parallel.

3. The sensing unit according to claim 2, further comprising: A controller supplies a control signal to the first switch and the second switch.

4. The sensing unit according to claim 3, in, In a touch input and pressure sensing mode, the controller supplies a first control signal to the first switch to turn on the first switch, Wherein, in the heart rate sensing mode, the controller supplies a second control signal to the second switch to turn on the second switch, and When the first switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit provides the drive signal to the third line; when the second switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit receives the sensing signal from the third line.

5. The sensing unit according to claim 4, in, In the touch input and pressure sensing mode, the sensing driving circuit receives the sensing signal from the first line and provides the driving signal to the second line, and Wherein, in the heart rate sensing mode, the sensing driving circuit provides a ground voltage to the first line and provides the driving signal to the second line.

6. The sensing unit according to claim 1, in, The second electrode and the third electrode are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and The distance between the second electrode and the adjacent third electrode is in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

7. The sensing unit according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer includes polydimethylsiloxane.

8. The sensing unit according to claim 1, in, The first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode include at least one of silver nanowires, metal meshes, and carbon nanotubes.

9. The sensing unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a first auxiliary electrode disposed on one side of some of the second electrodes; as well as a second auxiliary electrode arranged on one side of some of the third electrodes, wherein the first auxiliary electrodes and the second auxiliary electrodes are alternately arranged and spaced apart from each other, and The distance between the first auxiliary electrode and the adjacent second auxiliary electrode is in the range of 10 μm to 500 μm.

10. A display device, comprising: Display unit; A sensing unit, disposed on the display unit; as well as a window member, disposed on the sensing unit, Wherein, the sensing unit comprises: matrix; first electrodes, arranged on the substrate, each extending longitudinally in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction; A first insulating layer, disposed on the first electrode; second electrodes, electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; third electrodes, electrically insulated from the first electrodes by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction, and electrically insulated from the second electrodes; and A second insulating layer is disposed on the second electrode and the third electrode, and the second insulating layer and the first insulating layer are made of the same material, wherein the second electrodes and the third electrodes are arranged alternately in the first direction, and The third electrode is configured to receive a driving signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: A sensing driving circuit provides a signal to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode; a first line, electrically connecting the first electrode and the sensing drive circuit; a second line electrically connecting the second electrode and the sensing drive circuit; as well as A third line electrically connects the third electrode and the sensing drive circuit, The third lines are connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch, and each of the third lines is connected to the sensing drive circuit through a first switch and a second switch electrically connected in parallel.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: A controller supplies a control signal to the first switch and the second switch.

13. The display device according to claim 12, in, In a touch input and pressure sensing mode, the controller supplies a first control signal to the first switch to turn on the first switch, Wherein, in the heart rate sensing mode, the controller supplies a second control signal to the second switch to turn on the second switch, and When the first switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit provides the drive signal to the third line; when the second switch is turned on, the sensing drive circuit receives the sensing signal from the third line.

14. The display device according to claim 13, in, In the touch input and pressure sensing mode, the sensing driving circuit receives the sensing signal from the first line and provides the driving signal to the second line, and Wherein, in the heart rate sensing mode, the sensing driving circuit provides a ground voltage to the first line and provides the driving signal to the second line.

15. The display device according to claim 10, in, The second electrode and the third electrode are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and The distance between the second electrode and the adjacent third electrode is in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

16. The display device according to claim 15, in, The display unit comprises: substrate; A thin film transistor layer is disposed on the substrate; a light emitting element layer, disposed on the thin film transistor layer; and A thin film encapsulation layer is arranged between the light emitting element layer and the substrate of the sensing unit.

17. A method for performing sensing by a display device, the method comprising: sensing a change in a first capacitance in a vertical direction perpendicular to a surface of the display device by providing a drive signal to an electrode connected to at least one switch, for sensing a touch on the display device; as well as The change of the second capacitance is sensed by providing a sensing signal to the electrode connected to at least one switch, so as to sense the heart rate, wherein the second capacitance is a fringe capacitance.

18. The method according to claim 17, in, The display device includes: a substrate; first electrodes arranged on the substrate, each extending longitudinally in a first direction different from the vertical direction, and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction and the vertical direction; a first insulating layer provided on the first electrode; second electrodes electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction, and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; and third electrodes electrically insulated from the first electrode by the first insulating layer, each extending longitudinally in the second direction, and electrically insulated from the second electrode; wherein the second electrodes and the third electrodes are alternately arranged in the first direction, and wherein the third electrode is configured to receive a driving signal or a sensing signal according to a sensing mode, and Wherein, the step of sensing the touch further includes: receiving the sensing signal from the first electrode; and providing a driving signal to the second electrode and the third electrode.

19. The method according to claim 18, in, The step of sensing the heart rate further includes: providing the driving signal to the second electrode; and receiving the sensing signal from the third electrode.

20. The method according to claim 19, in, The step of sensing the heart rate further includes providing a ground voltage to the first electrode.

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