Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a substrate; a display panel including a first display area having a first pixel, a second display area having a second pixel, and a third display area located between the first display area and the second display area and having a third pixel; and a component disposed between the substrate and the display panel, and overlapping the component with the second display area in a plan view. The first pixel and the third pixel are disposed in the first display area and the third display area, respectively, at a first density, the second pixel is disposed in the second display area at a second density less than the first density, and during a predetermined display period, less than all of the third pixels are controlled to emit light.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0102548, filed on August 21, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a method of driving the display device. Background Art

[0003] Flat panel display devices overcome the disadvantages of cathode ray tubes and thus advantageously have reduced weight and volume. Examples of flat panel display devices include liquid crystal displays ("LCDs"), field emission displays ("FEDs"), plasma display panels ("PDPs"), organic light emitting display devices, etc. Among flat panel display devices, organic light emitting display devices display images using organic light emitting diodes that generate light through recombination of electrons and holes.

[0004] Since the display area occupies most of the front surface of the mobile terminal or the like, a camera, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an illumination sensor, a near infrared sensor, etc. are overlapped with the display area. Summary of the invention

[0005] The density of pixels in the sensor area overlapping the display area is reduced to improve transmittance. In this case, the change in the density of pixels between the sensor area and the display area may be recognized by the user as image discontinuity. Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a method of driving the display device, which maximizes the display area by arranging a sensor on the rear surface of a display panel.

[0006] Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a method of driving the display device, the display device improving transmittance of a sensor area by reducing density of pixels in the sensor area, the sensor overlapping the sensor area.

[0007] Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device capable of reducing image discontinuity at a boundary between a sensor area and a display area by controlling brightness of a display area around the sensor area, and a method of driving the display device.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate; a display panel including a first display area having a first pixel, a second display area having a second pixel, and a third display area located between the first display area and the second display area and having a third pixel; and a component disposed between the substrate and the display panel, and in a plan view, the component overlaps with the second display area. The first pixel and the third pixel are respectively disposed in the first display area and the third display area at a first density, the second pixel is disposed in the second display area at a second density less than the first density, and during a predetermined display period, less than all of the third pixels are controlled to emit light.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the second display area may include: second unit pixel areas and transmission areas, wherein each second unit pixel area is composed of at least one of the second pixels, the transmission areas are arranged to alternate with the second unit pixel areas, and no second pixels are set in the transmission areas.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the third display region may include a first group of unit pixel regions and a second group of unit pixel regions arranged alternately with each other.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, during a predetermined display period, one of the first group of unit pixel regions and the second group of unit pixel regions may be controlled to emit light.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, during a first display period, a first group of unit pixel regions may be controlled to emit light; during a second display period after the first display period, a second group of unit pixel regions may be controlled to emit light, and the predetermined display period includes the first display period and the second display period.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the first display period and the second display period may be separated by a turn-off period during which the display panel is turned off.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first display period and the second display period may be a period constituting one frame.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pixel may be controlled to emit light at a first brightness, and the second pixel and the third pixel may be controlled to emit light at a second brightness.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling a display device, the display device comprising: a substrate; a display panel, comprising a first display area having a first pixel, a second display area having a second pixel, and a third display area located between the first display area and the second display area and having a third pixel; and a component, disposed between the substrate and the display panel to overlap with the second display area. The method comprises: receiving image data; determining an area on which the image data is to be displayed; correcting the image data; and providing the corrected image data to the corresponding display area. The correction step of the image data comprises: correcting the image data so that a first group of unit pixel areas of the third display area emit light during a first display period; and correcting the image data so that a second group of unit pixel areas of the third display area emit light during a second display period after the first display period.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the second display area may include: second unit pixel areas, each of which is composed of at least one of the second pixels; and transmission areas arranged to alternate with the second unit pixel areas, with no second pixels being provided in the transmission areas.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the first group of unit pixel regions and the second group of unit pixel regions may be arranged to alternate with each other and may each include at least one of the third pixels.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the first display period and the second display period may be separated by a turn-off period during which the display panel is turned off.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first display period and the second display period may be a period constituting one frame.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of correcting the image data may also include: correcting the image data so that the first pixel emits light at a first brightness for image data to be displayed on a first display area; and correcting the image data so that the second pixel emits light at a second brightness for image data to be displayed on a second display area, and the third pixel emits light at a second brightness for image data to be displayed on a third display area.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate; a display panel including a first display area having a first pixel, a second display area having a second pixel, and a third display area located between the first display area and the second display area and having a third pixel; and a component disposed between the substrate and the display panel, and in a plan view, the component overlaps with the second display area. The transmittance of the second display area is higher than the transmittance of the first display area, the transmittance of the first display area is equal to the transmittance of the third display area, and during a predetermined display period, less than all of the third pixels are controlled to emit light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a configuration of a display device according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a pixel shown in ;

[0025] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG.

[0027] Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing an exemplary embodiment of a first display area;

[0028] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 An enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of area EA2;

[0029] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 An enlarged view of another exemplary embodiment of area EA2;

[0030] Figure 8 is a plan view schematically showing an exemplary embodiment of a second display area;

[0031] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of area EA3;

[0032] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged view of another exemplary embodiment of area EA3;

[0033] Fig.11 is a plan view schematically showing another exemplary embodiment of a second display area;

[0034] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 An enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of area EA4;

[0035] Fig.13 is a plan view schematically showing still another exemplary embodiment of a second display area;

[0036] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 An exemplary enlarged view of area EA5;

[0037] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C are plan views showing various exemplary embodiments of a third display area;

[0038] Fig.16 yes Fig.15A An enlarged view of area EA1;

[0039] Fig.17 is a timing diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving a third display area according to the present disclosure; and

[0040] Fig.18 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the operation of a timing controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Details of various exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0042] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing it will be made clear by referring to the exemplary embodiments and drawings described in detail later. However, it will be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, but can be implemented in various other ways. In this specification, "connection / combination" refers to that a component is not only directly combined with another component, but also indirectly combined with another component through an intermediate component. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, parts irrelevant to the present disclosure have been omitted to clarify the description of the present disclosure, and the same reference numerals used throughout different drawings are used to specify the same or similar components. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as "on" another element, it can be directly on another element, or there can be an intermediate element therebetween. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as "directly on" another element, there is no intermediate element. It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used here 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 only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, the "first element", "first component", "first area", "first layer" or "first part" discussed below may be referred to as a second element, a second component, a second area, a second layer or a second part. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "one", "one (kind / person)", "the (described)" and "at least one (kind / person)" as used herein do not represent a limit to quantity and are intended to cover both the singular and the plural. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one (kind / person)" should not be interpreted as limiting "one" or "one (kind / person)". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or assemblies, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, assemblies, and / or groups thereof. In addition, relative terms (such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top") may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in one of the accompanying drawings is turned over, then the elements described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements would then be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements.Thus, depending on the particular orientation of the figures, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of "below" and "above." Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

[0043] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a configuration of a display device 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , a display device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100 including a plurality of pixels PXL, a scan driver 210 , a data driver 220 , an emission driver 230 , and a timing controller 240 .

[0045] The timing controller 240 may generate a scan drive control signal SCS, a data drive control signal DCS, and an emission drive control signal ECS based on a signal input from an external device. The scan drive control signal SCS, the data drive control signal DCS, and the emission drive control signal ECS generated from the timing controller 240 may be supplied to the scan driver 210, the data driver 220, and the emission driver 230, respectively.

[0046] The scan driving control signal SCS may include a scan start pulse and a clock signal. The scan start pulse may control the output timing of the first scan signal, and the clock signal may control the output timing of the scan signal.

[0047] The data driving control signal DCS may include a source start pulse and a clock signal. The source start pulse may control the sampling start time of the data, and the clock signal may be used to control the sampling operation.

[0048] The emission driving control signal ECS may include an emission start pulse and a clock signal. The emission start pulse may control the output timing of the first emission control signal, and the clock signal may control the output timing of the emission control signal.

[0049] The scan driver 210 may output a scan signal in response to the scan driving control signal SCS. The scan driver 210 may supply the scan signal to the scan lines S1 to Sn. The scan signal may be sequentially or simultaneously applied to the scan lines S1 to Sn.

[0050] The data driver 220 may supply data signals to the data lines D1 to Dm in response to the data driving control signal DCS. The data signals supplied to the data lines D1 to Dm may be applied to the pixels PXL of the pixel columns selected by the scan signal. To this end, the data driver 220 may supply data signals to the data lines D1 to Dm in synchronization with the scan signal.

[0051] The data driver 220 may apply data signals corresponding to image data provided from an external device to the data lines D1 to Dm during a display period in one frame.

[0052] The emission driver 230 may supply an emission control signal to the emission control lines E1 to EI in response to the emission drive control signal ECS. The emission control signal may be applied to the emission control lines E1 to EI sequentially or simultaneously. The pixels PXL receiving the emission control signal through the emission control lines E1 to EI may emit light at a brightness corresponding to the data signal applied from the data driver 220.

[0053] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels PXL coupled to the data lines D1 to Dm, the scan lines S1 to Sn, and the emission control lines E1 to EI. According to the circuit structure of the pixel PXL, a plurality of scan lines may be coupled to one pixel PXL.

[0054] The pixel PXL may be supplied with a voltage of a first driving power source ELVDD and a voltage of a second driving power source ELVSS from an external device. The voltage of the first driving power source ELVDD may be set to a value higher than the voltage of the second driving power source ELVSS. In various embodiments, the pixel PXL may also be supplied with a voltage of an initialization power source Vint, etc.

[0055] When a scan signal is supplied through a corresponding scan line during a display period, each of the pixels PXL may receive a data signal from a corresponding data line. The pixel PXL supplied with the data signal may control a current flowing from a first driving power source ELVDD to a second driving power source ELVSS via a light emitting element (not shown) in response to the data signal. When an emission control signal is applied from a corresponding emission control line, the light emitting element may generate light of a predetermined brightness in response to the current.

[0056] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 For ease of description, Figure 2 An active pixel PXL is shown which is coupled to an i-th scan line Si (i is a natural number) disposed on an i-th horizontal pixel row, an i-th emission control line Ei, and a j-th data line Dj (j is a natural number) disposed on a j-th vertical pixel column and includes seven transistors. However, the structure of the pixel PXL according to the present disclosure is not limited to Figure 2 The structure shown in .

[0057] Reference Figure 2 The pixel PXL according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pixel circuit PXC and a light emitting element LD, and the pixel circuit PXC includes first to seventh transistors M1 to M7 and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0058] A first electrode of the first transistor M1 (i.e., a driving transistor) may be coupled to the first driving power source ELVDD via the fifth transistor M5, and a second electrode of the first transistor M1 may be coupled to the anode electrode of the light emitting element LD via the sixth transistor M6. A gate electrode of the first transistor M1 may be coupled to the first node N1. The first transistor M1 may control a current flowing from the first driving power source ELVDD to the second driving power source ELVSS via the light emitting element LD in response to a voltage of the first node N1.

[0059] The second transistor M2 (i.e., a switching transistor) may be coupled between the jth data line Dj and the first electrode of the first transistor M1. In addition, the gate electrode of the second transistor M2 may be coupled to the ith scan line Si. When a scan signal is supplied to the ith scan line Si, the second transistor M2 may be turned on so that the first electrode of the first transistor M1 may be electrically coupled to the jth data line Dj.

[0060] The third transistor M3 may be coupled between the second electrode of the first transistor M1 and the first node N1. The gate electrode of the third transistor M3 may be coupled to the i-th scan line Si. When a scan signal of a gate-on voltage is supplied to the i-th scan line Si, the third transistor M3 may be turned on to electrically connect the second electrode of the first transistor M1 to the first node N1. Therefore, when the third transistor M3 is turned on, the first transistor M1 may function as a diode.

[0061] The fourth transistor M4 (i.e., initialization transistor) may be coupled between the first node N1 and the initialization power supply Vint. The gate electrode of the fourth transistor M4 may be coupled to the i-1th scan line Si-1. When the scan signal is supplied to the i-1th scan line Si-1, the fourth transistor M4 is turned on so that the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint may be supplied to the first node N1.

[0062] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the i-1 scan line Si-1 is used as an initialization control line to initialize the gate node (i.e., the first node N1) of the first transistor M1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, other control lines (e.g., the i-2 scan line Si-2) may be used as initialization control lines to initialize the gate node of the first transistor M1.

[0063] The fifth transistor M5 may be coupled between the first driving power source ELVDD and the first transistor M1. A gate electrode of the fifth transistor M5 may be coupled to the i-th emission control line Ei. The fifth transistor M5 may be turned off when an emission control signal of a gate-off voltage is supplied to the i-th emission control line Ei, and may be turned on in other cases.

[0064] The sixth transistor M6 may be coupled between the first transistor M1 and the light emitting element LD. The gate electrode of the sixth transistor M6 may be coupled to the i-th emission control line Ei. The sixth transistor M6 may be turned off when an emission control signal of a gate-off voltage (e.g., a high-level voltage) is supplied to the i-th emission control line Ei, and may be turned on in other cases.

[0065] The seventh transistor M7 may be coupled between the initialization power supply Vint and the first electrode (e.g., anode electrode) of the light emitting element LD. The gate electrode of the seventh transistor M7 may be coupled to the i+1th scan line Si+1. When a scan signal of a gate-on voltage (e.g., a low-level voltage) is supplied to the i+1th scan line Si+1, the seventh transistor M7 is turned on so that the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint may be supplied to the anode electrode of the light emitting element LD. The voltage of the initialization power supply Vint may be set to a voltage lower than the voltage of the data signal. In other words, the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint may be set to the minimum voltage of the data signal or less.

[0066] Figure 2 The case where the anode initialization control line coupled to the gate electrode of the seventh transistor M7 is the i+1th scan line Si+1 is shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the gate electrode of the seventh transistor M7 may be coupled to the i-th scan line Si. In this case, when the scan signal of the gate-on voltage is supplied to the i-th scan line Si, the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint may be supplied to the anode electrode of the light-emitting element LD via the seventh transistor M7.

[0067] The storage capacitor Cst may be coupled between the first driving power source ELVDD and the first node N1. The storage capacitor Cst may store a voltage corresponding to both the data signal and the threshold voltage of the first transistor M1.

[0068] The anode electrode of the light emitting element LD may be coupled to the first transistor M1 via the sixth transistor M6, and the cathode electrode thereof may be coupled to the second driving power source ELVSS. Such a light emitting element LD may emit light having a predetermined brightness corresponding to the current supplied from the first transistor M1. The voltage of the first driving power source ELVDD may be set to a value higher than the voltage of the second driving power source ELVSS to allow current to flow to the light emitting element LD.

[0069] The light emitting element LD may be, for example, an organic light emitting diode. The light emitting element LD may emit one of red, green, and blue light. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] The structure of the pixel PXL is not limited to Figure 2 In another exemplary embodiment, for example, various pixel circuits having a known structure may be applied to the pixel PXL.

[0071] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 10 according to the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The front surface of the display device 10 according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] The display device 10 may be completely or at least partially flexible. For example, the display device 10 may be flexible in its entire region, or may be flexible in a partial region corresponding to the flexible region.

[0073] Reference Figure 3A , the display panel 100 (see Figure 4 ) may be disposed on the front surface of the display device 10. The display panel 100 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NA surrounding the display area AA.

[0074] The display area AA is where a plurality of pixels (or sub-pixels, see Figure 2 ) The area of ​​the PXL and may be referred to as an active area (effective area). In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the display area AA may be set in a large screen to occupy most of the front surface of the display device 10.

[0075] like Figure 3A As shown in , the non-display area NA is an area disposed around the display area AA and may be disposed on an edge of the front surface of the display device 10. The non-display area NA may be referred to as a non-active area (non-effective area), a bezel area, or a black matrix ("BM") area. The non-display area NA may completely represent an area on the display panel 100 other than the display area AA.

[0076] The non-display area NA may include driving elements, wirings, and various dummy areas to apply driving signals to the display area AA. For example, to drive the pixels PXL in the display area AA, the pixels connected to Figure 1 The scan driver 210 , the data driver 220 , the emission driver 230 , the timing controller 240 , and various wirings of the pixels PXL shown in FIG. 2 may be disposed in the non-display area NA.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 3B As shown in , the display area AA may be provided on the entire front surface of the display device 10. Such a display device 10 may be referred to as a full front display (full front display, full front display). Since the display area AA is provided on the entire front surface of the display device 10, the non-display area NA may not be provided on the front surface or may be provided in a very small area on the front surface. In such an exemplary embodiment, the display area AA may be provided to contact with the side edge of the display device 10 or to be spaced apart from the side edge of the display device 10 by a distance of 1 mm or less.

[0078] although Figure 3A and Figure 3B The display area AA is shown to be provided only on the front surface of the display device 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in another exemplary embodiment, the display area AA may be provided at least in the area of ​​the side edge or the area of ​​the rear surface of the display device 10. A plurality of display areas AA may be provided on a plurality of surfaces of the display device 10 and provided to be at least partially connected or separated from each other.

[0079] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 10 may include a component (not shown) disposed to overlap with the display area AA. The component may be disposed under the pixel PXL and / or wiring arranged in the display area AA, and may be hidden in a plan view. If the component is disposed under the display area AA to overlap with the display area AA, the display device 10 (especially the front surface thereof) may have a good appearance, and a wider display area AA may be ensured.

[0080] The area not overlapping with the component may be defined as a first display area AA1, and the area overlapping with the component may be defined as a second display area AA2 (or sensor area). However, in various exemplary embodiments, the second display area AA2 may be set to have an area larger than the area overlapping with the component. For example, Figure 3C As shown in , the second display area AA2 may be formed to be located at an end of the display device 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the width of the first display area AA1 from the upper edge of the display device 10 may be in the range of 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0081] In another exemplary embodiment, the second display area AA2 may be located in the display area AA and may be surrounded by the first display area AA1. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Although Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe second display area AA2 is shown to have a substantially circular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the second display area AA2 may have various shapes, including polygonal shapes (such as Figure 3C rectangle shown in ), ellipse, etc.

[0082] although FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C It is shown that at least one second display area AA2 is only provided on the upper end of the front surface of the display device 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, one or more second display areas AA2 may be provided, and one or more second display areas AA2 may be provided adjacent to the display area AA or distributed in the display area AA. For example, in an exemplary embodiment in which the display area AA is formed on the side edge and / or the rear surface of the display device 10, some of the second display areas AA2 may be formed in the display area AA of the side edge and / or in the display area AA of the rear surface.

[0083] The component arranged to overlap with the second display area AA2 may be an optical component. That is, the component may receive or emit light. Examples of components may include a fingerprint sensor, an image sensor, a camera, a flash, a light sensor, an illumination sensor, a proximity sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, an indicator, a solar panel, and the like. However, the component is not limited to an optical component, and may include various components such as an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone, an environmental sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radioactive sensor, a thermal sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (a gas sensor, a dust sensor, an odor sensor, etc.), and the like.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in , each second display area AA2 may overlap with a component. For example, one of the second display areas AA2 may overlap with a camera, another second display area AA2 may overlap with a proximity sensor, and another second display area AA2 may overlap with an illumination sensor.

[0085] However, in another exemplary embodiment, Figure 3C As shown in , one second display area AA2 may overlap with a plurality of sensors. For example, a portion of the second display area AA2 may overlap with a camera and a proximity sensor arranged side by side, and another portion of the second display area AA2 may overlap with an illumination sensor.

[0086] The second display area AA2 may transmit a signal (e.g., light) input from the outside into the component. In order to enhance the transmittance (transmission rate) of the input signal, the second display area AA2 may have a higher transmittance per unit area than the first display area AA1. Therefore, the second display area AA2 may transmit the input signal better than the first display area AA1. The arrangement of the pixels PXL in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 , the display device 10 may include a substrate 110, at least one sensor 120, a display panel 100, and a window 130. The substrate 110, the sensor 120, the display panel 100, and the window 130 may form a structure stacked in a vertical direction.

[0089] The substrate 110 may support the display panel 100 and the sensor 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 may be a bracket, a housing, etc., and may include a plastic or metal material. The substrate 110 may form an outer shape of a rear surface of the display device 10 and may protect components in the display device 10 from external pressure.

[0090] The sensor 120 may be disposed on the substrate 110 in a surface mount device (SMD) manner. Such a sensor 120 may be disposed between the substrate 110 and the display panel 100. The sensor 120 may face at least one area of ​​the display panel 100, for example, the second display area AA2.

[0091] although Figure 4 An example in which the sensor 120 is provided on the substrate 110 as an example of a component is shown, but the sensor 120 may be replaced with various components, such as referring to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Described.

[0092] The display panel 100 may be a flat display panel or a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel 100 may include a rigid substrate layer or a flexible substrate layer such as a plastic film, and the rigid substrate layer may include or be formed of glass, plastic, etc. The display panel 100 may display an image using pixels disposed on the substrate layer. Figure 2As described, the pixel may include a pixel circuit formed in the circuit element layer and a light-emitting element formed in the light-emitting element layer. The light-emitting element may be, for example, an organic light-emitting diode. However, the light-emitting element is not limited to an organic light-emitting diode. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the light-emitting element may be an inorganic light-emitting element including an inorganic light-emitting material or a light-emitting element (e.g., a quantum dot display element) that emits light by changing the wavelength of light to be emitted using quantum dots. The display panel 100 may display an image using a pixel circuit and a light-emitting element.

[0093] The display panel 100 may include a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2 facing the sensor 120. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 are described. Pixels may be arranged in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0094] The first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may be different from each other in transmittance per unit area. For example, the transmittance per unit area of ​​the second display area AA2 may be higher than the transmittance per unit area of ​​the first display area AA1.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the pixels may be arranged at different densities in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. For example, the pixels may be arranged at a first density in the first display area AA1, and the pixels may be arranged at a second density in the second display area AA2. The second density may be less than the first density. Here, the material and layout of the pixels in the first display area AA1 may be the same as the material and layout of the pixels in the second display area AA2.

[0096] In this regard, density (i.e., pixel density) may be defined as the ratio (%) of the area where pixels are arranged to the total area of ​​the corresponding display area. The area where pixels are arranged may be the sum of the areas of the pixels. The area of ​​the pixels may represent the area of ​​the area including the pixel circuit and the light emitting element.

[0097] In another exemplary embodiment, the area of ​​a pixel may represent the area of ​​the emission surface of the light emitting element. For example, when the pixel includes an organic light emitting diode, the area of ​​the pixel may be the area of ​​the anode electrode exposed between the pixel defining layers or the area of ​​the emission layer.

[0098] Alternatively, density may be defined as the total number of pixels per unit area (eg, pixels per inch, “PPI”) of a corresponding display region.

[0099] In the following exemplary embodiments according to the technical features of the present disclosure, density is defined as the ratio of the area where pixels are arranged to the total area of ​​the corresponding display area, and the area of ​​the pixel is defined as the area of ​​the region including the pixel circuit and the light emitting element.

[0100] The density of pixels in the second display area AA2 may be lower than that in the first display area AA1. Since the pixels are arranged in the second display area AA2 at a relatively low density, the transmittance of the second display area AA2 may be higher than that of the first display area AA1.

[0101] Since the density of pixels in the second display area AA2 is lower than that in the first display area AA1, the image displayed in the second display area AA2 may be visually recognized as being relatively darker (i.e., having lower brightness) than the image displayed in the first display area AA1. To solve this problem, for the same image data, the pixels set in the second display area AA2 may be controlled to emit light at a higher brightness.

[0102] On the other hand, in another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the material and layout of the pixels in the first display area AA1 may be different from at least one of the material and layout of the pixels in the second display area AA2. Here, the density of the pixels in the first display area AA1 may be the same as the density of the pixels in the second display area AA2.

[0103] For example, the material of the pixels in the first display area AA1 may be different from the material of the pixels in the second display area AA2. For example, the anode electrodes of the pixels in the first display area AA1 may include or be formed of a reflective metal, and the anode electrodes of the pixels in the second display area AA2 may include or be formed of a transmissive metal. For example, the anode electrodes of the pixels in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may include or be formed of one of a reflective metal and a transmissive metal, and the proportion of the anode electrodes formed of the transmissive metal in the second display area AA2 may be higher than the proportion of the anode electrodes formed of the transmissive metal in the first display area AA1. The light transmittance of the transmissive metal may be higher than the light transmittance of the reflective metal.

[0104] For example, the specific wiring of the pixels in the first display area AA1 may include or be formed of a reflective metal, and the corresponding specific wiring of the pixels in the second display area AA2 may include or be formed of a transmissive metal. For example, the specific wiring of the pixels in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may include or be formed of one of a reflective metal and a transmissive metal, and the proportion of the specific wiring formed of the transmissive metal in the second display area AA2 may be higher than the proportion of the specific wiring formed of the transmissive metal in the first display area AA1.

[0105] The layout of the pixels in the first display area AA1 may be different from the layout of the pixels in the second display area AA2. For example, the area of ​​the specific wiring of the pixels in the second display area AA2 may be smaller than the area of ​​the corresponding specific wiring of the pixels in the first display area AA1. Therefore, as the distance between the specific wirings in the second display area AA2 increases, the transmittance of the second display area AA2 may increase.

[0106] By combining the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments with each other, at least one of the density, material and layout of the pixels of the second display area AA2 may be different from at least one of the density, material and layout of the pixels of the first display area AA1, so that the transmittance of the second display area AA2 is higher than the transmittance of the first display area AA1.

[0107] The window 130 may be provided in the outermost portion of the display device 10. The window 130 may be made of a glass material or a synthetic resin material. The window 130 may include a transparent material or be formed of a transparent material. The window 130 may be provided to protect components provided thereunder.

[0108] Figure 5 is a plan view schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the first display area AA1. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 An enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of area EA2. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of another exemplary embodiment of area EA2 .

[0109] Reference Figure 5 The first display area AA1 may include unit pixel areas PXA arranged in a matrix form. The unit pixel areas PXA may be arranged in a predetermined number along the first direction X and the second direction Y according to the resolution of the display device 10, such as Figure 5 The first direction X and the second direction Y may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0110] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in , the unit pixel region PXA may include pixels (or sub-pixels) PXL emitting light of the same or different colors. For example, the pixel PXL may emit red light R, green light G, and blue light B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pixels PXL included in the unit pixel region PXA may emit light of various colors as long as they can realize white light by combination.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the unit pixel area PXA may include first to third pixels PXL1 to PXL3 arranged along the first direction X. Figure 6 As shown in . The first to third pixels PXL1 to PXL3 may be arranged in a stripe pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 may emit red light R, the second pixel PXL2 may emit green light G, and the third pixel PXL3 may emit blue light B.

[0112] In another exemplary embodiment, the unit pixel area PXA may include first to fourth pixels PXL1 to PXL4 arranged along the first direction X. Figure 7 As shown in . The first to fourth pixels PXL1 to PXL4 may be arranged in a PenTile pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 may emit red light R, the second pixel PXL2 may emit green light G, the third pixel PXL3 may emit blue light B, and the fourth pixel PXL4 may emit green light G.

[0113] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The pixels PXL are shown to have a rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, the pixels PXL may have various shapes such as a square, a rhombus, a hexagon, or an octagon. In addition, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The pixels PXL are shown to have the same area, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, among the pixels PXL, the pixels PXL emitting light of a specific color (eg, red light R and / or blue light B) may have a larger area than other pixels PXL.

[0114] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the unit pixel area PXA, the pixels PXL are arranged at a first density in the first display area AA1. For example, the first density may be set so that the pixels PXL are compactly arranged in the first display area AA1, so that the total area of ​​the first display area AA1 is substantially equal to the area where the pixels PXL are arranged. For example, the first density may be about 100%.

[0115] Figure 8 is a plan view schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the second display area AA2. Fig. 9It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of area EA3. Fig.10 It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged view of another exemplary embodiment of area EA3. Fig.11 is a plan view schematically illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the second display area AA2. Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 An enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of area EA4.

[0116] Reference Figure 8 and Fig.11 , the second display area AA2 may include unit pixel areas PXA and transmission areas TA arranged in a matrix form. The unit pixel areas PXA and the transmission areas TA are alternately arranged in a first direction X. In addition, the unit pixel areas PXA and the transmission areas TA are alternately arranged in a second direction Y. The first direction X and the second direction Y may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figures 8 to 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , a unit pixel region PXA and a transmission region TA may be alternately arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of unit pixel regions PXA and one transmission region TA may be alternately arranged, or one unit pixel region PXA and a plurality of transmission regions TA may be alternately arranged in any one of the first direction X and the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.12 An exemplary embodiment in which one unit pixel area PXA and one transmission area TA are alternately arranged in the first direction X and two unit pixel areas PXA and one transmission area TA are alternately arranged in the second direction Y is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0118] like Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown in , the unit pixel area PXA may include pixels (or sub-pixels) PXL emitting the same or different colors of light. For example, the pixel PXL may emit red light R, green light G, and blue light B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pixels PXL included in the unit pixel area PXA may emit light of various colors as long as they can realize white light by combination. Optionally, each of the unit pixel areas PXA may include at least one pixel PXL.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the unit pixel area PXA may include first to third pixels PXL1 to PXL3 arranged along the first direction X. Fig. 9As shown in . The first to third pixels PXL1 to PXL3 may be arranged in a stripe pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 may emit red light R, the second pixel PXL2 may emit green light G, and the third pixel PXL3 may emit blue light B.

[0120] In another exemplary embodiment, the unit pixel area PXA may include first to fourth pixels PXL1 to PXL4 arranged along the first direction X. Fig.10 As shown in . The first to fourth pixels PXL1 to PXL4 may be arranged in a PenTile pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 may emit red light R, the second pixel PXL2 may emit green light G, the third pixel PXL3 may emit blue light B, and the fourth pixel PXL4 may emit green light G.

[0121] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The pixels PXL are shown to have a rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, the pixels PXL may have various shapes such as a square, a rhombus, a hexagon, or an octagon. In addition, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The pixels PXL are shown to have the same area, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, among the pixels PXL, the pixels PXL emitting light of a specific color (eg, red light R and / or blue light B) may have a larger area than other pixels PXL.

[0122] The transmission area TA may be a transparent window in which no pixel PXL is disposed. In other words, the transmission area TA may be an area in which no light emitting element and circuit element (pixel circuit) forming the pixel PXL exist. Since no circuit element and light emitting element exist in the transmission area TA, only a transparent insulating layer may be disposed in the absence of the circuit element and the light emitting element in the transmission area TA (the transparent insulating layer will be disposed between the circuit elements or between the circuit element and the light emitting element in the unit pixel area PXA).

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, some of the electrodes constituting the circuit element and the light emitting element are formed of transparent electrodes, while the other electrodes are formed of opaque electrodes. In this exemplary embodiment, the transmission area TA may be an area where no opaque electrode exists. For example, the transmission area TA may be an area where no opaque electrode (e.g., Figure 2 The anode electrode of the light emitting element LD shown in FIG. 1 and the region of the emission layer. Alternatively, the transmission region TA may be a region in which an opaque electrode constituting a circuit element also does not exist. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0124] like Figures 8 to 12 As shown in , the unit pixel areas PXA are arranged at a second density in the second display area AA2. The second density may be a ratio of an area of ​​the second display area AA2 excluding an area in which the transmission area TA is arranged to a total area of ​​the second display area AA2.

[0125] The second density is smaller than the first density which is the density of the pixels PXL arranged in the first display area AA1. Figures 10 to 12 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second density may be about 50%. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0126] Since the density of the pixels PXL in the second display area AA2 is lower than that of the pixels PXL in the first display area AA1, the image displayed in the second display area AA2 is visually recognized as being relatively darker (i.e., having a lower brightness) than the image displayed in the first display area AA1. To solve this problem, the pixels PXL arranged in the second display area AA2 may be controlled to emit light at a higher brightness relative to the same image data. For example, the pixels PXL arranged in the first display area AA1 are controlled to emit light at a first brightness, while the pixels PXL arranged in the second display area AA2 are controlled to emit light at a second brightness. Here, the second brightness may be higher than the first brightness.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, if the first density is about 100% and the second density is about 50%, the second brightness may be about twice as high as the first brightness. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0128] A significant change in the density and brightness of the pixels PXL between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may be recognized as image discontinuity by a viewer of the display device 10. According to the present disclosure, in order to reduce the visibility of the image discontinuity, the light emission of the pixels PXL in the portion of the first display area AA1 adjacent to the second display area AA2 (hereinafter, "third display area AA3") may be adjusted. Hereinafter, the technical features of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0129] Fig.13 is a plan view schematically showing still another exemplary embodiment of the second display area AA2. Fig.14 yes Fig.13 An exemplary enlarged view of area EA5.

[0130] Reference Fig.13, the second display area AA2 may include unit pixel areas PXA' arranged in a matrix form. Here, the second display area AA2 may not include a transmission area. As described above, at least one of the material and layout of the pixels PXL in the first display area AA1 may be different from at least one of the material and layout of the pixels PXL' in the second display area AA2.

[0131] For example, refer to Fig.14 , the anode electrodes of the pixels PXL1', PXL2' and PXL3' of the unit pixel area PXA' in the second display area AA2 may include a transmissive metal or be formed of a transmissive metal. Here, the anode electrodes of the pixels PXL1, PXL2 and PXL3 of the first display area AA1 may include a reflective metal or be formed of a reflective metal (see Figure 6 ). Therefore, even if the second display area AA2 has no transmission area and the density of the pixels PXL' in the second display area AA2 is equal to the density of the pixels PXL in the first display area AA1, the transmittance of the second display area AA2 may be higher than that of the first display area AA1.

[0132] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C 2 are plan views showing various exemplary embodiments of the third display area AA3.

[0133] Reference FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C , the third display area AA3 may be further disposed between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. Such a third display area AA3 may surround the second display area AA2 and contact the first display area AA1.

[0134] The third display area AA3 may surround the second display area AA2 and may be disposed on one side of the display area AA. Fig.15A As shown in , the third display area AA3 may surround the second display area AA2 disposed at the upper end of the display area AA, and thus may be disposed at the upper end of the display area AA. In this exemplary embodiment, the width of the lower edge of the third display area AA3 from the upper edge of the display device 10 may be in the range of 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0135] In another exemplary embodiment, the third display area AA3 may be an area surrounding the second display area AA2 and surrounded by the first display area AA1. Fig. 15B As shown in FIG. 1 , the third display area AA3 may surround a second display area AA2, or as shown in FIG. Fig. 15C As shown in , the third display area AA3 may surround a plurality of second display areas AA2.

[0136] exist Fig. 15BIn the exemplary embodiment shown in , the third display area AA3 may have a shape of a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a polygon, etc., to correspond to the shape of the second display area AA2. In addition, a plurality of third display areas AA3 may be provided to correspond to the number of second display areas AA2, so that each of the third display areas AA3 surrounds each of the second display areas AA2.

[0137] The unit pixel area PXA may be arranged in the third display area AA3 at the same density as that of the first display area AA1. In other words, referring to the above exemplary embodiment, the pixels PXL may be arranged in the third display area AA3 at the first density. If the pixels PXL are arranged in the third display area AA3 at the same density as that of the first display area AA1, there is no difference in reflectivity due to the difference in pixel density between the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3, so that the boundary visibility can be improved.

[0138] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various exemplary embodiments, the unit pixel area PXA may be arranged in the third display area AA3 at a density greater than that of the second display area AA2 and less than that of the first display area AA1. Alternatively, in various exemplary embodiments, the pixels PXL may be arranged in the third display area AA3 along a direction from the second display area AA2 to the first display area AA1, so that the density of the pixels PXL in the third display area AA3 gradually changes from the second density to the first density. Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described by taking an example in which the pixels PXL are arranged in the third display area AA3 at the same first density as that of the first display area AA1.

[0139] In order to improve the visibility of the boundary surface between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2, the brightness of the pixels PXL disposed in the third display area AA3 may be controlled. For example, when the pixels PXL of the first display area AA1 are controlled to emit light at a first brightness and the pixels PXL of the second display area AA2 are controlled to emit light at a second brightness, only at least some of the pixels PXL disposed in the third display area AA3 may emit light and may be controlled to emit light at the second brightness.

[0140] Hereinafter, a method of controlling the brightness of the pixel PXL provided in the third display area AA3 will be described in more detail.

[0141] Fig.16 yes Fig.15A Magnified view of area EA1. Fig.17 is a timing diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the third display area AA3 according to the present disclosure.

[0142] Reference Fig.16 In the third display area AA3, the unit pixel area PXA includes a first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and a second group of unit pixel areas PXA2. The first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and the second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 are alternately arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y. Adjacent first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 may form a pair.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, the first group of unit pixel regions PXA1 and the second group of unit pixel regions PXA2 may be controlled so that only one of the first group of unit pixel regions PXA1 and the second group of unit pixel regions PXA2 emits light during one display period DP. For example, during the first display period DP1, the first group of unit pixel regions PXA1 emits light to display an image. As described above, the first group of unit pixel regions PXA1 may emit light at a second brightness that is higher than the brightness of the first display area AA1 and the same as the brightness of the second display area AA2.

[0144] Subsequently, during the second display period DP2, the second group of unit pixel regions PXA2 emits light to display an image. Likewise, the second group of unit pixel regions PXA2 may emit light at a second brightness.

[0145] like Fig.17 As shown in , the first display period DP1 and the second display period DP2 may be periods separated by an off period OFF when the display panel 100 does not display an image. For example, the off period OFF may be a period during which the display panel 100 is controlled not to display an image by a user input button or the like provided on the display device 10. Alternatively, the off period OFF may be a period during which the power of the display device 10 itself is turned off so that no power is applied to the display panel 100.

[0146] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, each of the first display period DP1 and the second display period DP2 may be a driving period within one frame. That is, each of the first display period DP1 and the second display period DP2 may be a period constituting one frame.

[0147] The third display area AA3 is described as having two groups of unit pixel regions in the above exemplary embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various exemplary embodiments, the third display area AA3 may have a larger number of groups of unit pixel regions. In such exemplary embodiments, the unit pixel regions of each group may emit light alternately with each other sequentially.

[0148] The number of groups of unit pixel regions forming the third display area AA3 may be determined to correspond to the pixel density of the second display area AA2. For example, the number of groups of unit pixel regions included in the third display area AA3 may correspond to the number of unit pixel regions provided in the second display area AA2.

[0149] In the present disclosure, since the third display area AA3 physically has the same pixel density as the first display area AA1, the difference in reflectivity between the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3 is not visually recognized. On the other hand, since the third display area AA3 is configured to have the same transmittance as the first display area AA1, the difference in reflectivity between the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3 may not be visually recognized. For example, the pixels of the third display area AA3 and the first display area AA1 may have the same material and layout.

[0150] In terms of driving, the third display area AA3 is controlled so that the same number of unit pixel areas PXA as the second display area AA2 emit light at the same brightness as the second display area AA2. Therefore, the boundary visibility between the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3 can be improved. In this case, the unit pixel areas PXA that emit light in the third display area AA3 are arranged in the same shape as the unit pixel areas PXA arranged in the second display area AA2. Therefore, the boundary visibility between the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3 can be further improved.

[0151] According to the present disclosure, the third display area AA3 is controlled to emit light at a higher brightness than the first display area AA1. The number of the emitting unit pixel areas PXA in the third display area AA3 is smaller than the number of the emitting unit pixel areas PXA in the first display area AA1, but the brightness of the emitting unit pixel areas PXA in the third display area AA3 is increased compared with the brightness of the emitting unit pixel areas PXA in the first display area AA1. Therefore, the visibility of the boundary between the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3 can be improved. In other words, the significant change in brightness between the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3 is reduced. By controlling the first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and the second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 to emit light alternately, damage to the pixels PXL included in each unit pixel area PXA can be effectively prevented.

[0152] Fig.18 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the timing controller 240 .

[0153] Reference Fig.18, the timing controller 240 receives image data DATA from an external device. The image data DATA may be RGB values ​​for an image to be displayed on the display area AA. More specifically, the image data DATA may be RGB values ​​for each of the unit pixel areas PXA included in the display area AA. In an exemplary embodiment, the image data DATA includes RGB values ​​for the second display area AA2, from which some of the unit pixel areas PXA are omitted. The image data DATA may also include RGB values ​​corresponding to each of the transmission areas TA.

[0154] The timing controller 240 may correct the image data DATA based on the area where the RGB value included in the image data DATA is to be displayed. For example, when a certain RGB value corresponds to the transmission area TA of the second display area AA2, the timing controller 240 may remove the corresponding RGB value or convert it into a dummy value. For example, when a certain RGB value corresponds to the unit pixel area PXA of the second display area AA2, the timing controller 240 may correct the image data DATA so that the brightness in the corresponding unit pixel area PXA changes. For example, the timing controller 240 may correct the image data DATA so that the brightness in the corresponding unit pixel area PXA increases.

[0155] If a certain RGB value corresponds to the first display area AA1, the timing controller 240 may not correct the corresponding RGB value. If a certain RGB value corresponds to the third display area AA3, the timing controller 240 may select a group of unit pixel areas PXA on which an image will be displayed during the current display period. The timing controller 240 may correct the brightness of the image data DATA on each of the selected groups of the unit pixel areas PXA. For example, the timing controller 240 may correct the image data DATA so that the brightness in the selected group of the unit pixel areas PXA increases. On the other hand, the timing controller 240 may remove the image data DATA on each of the unselected groups of the unit pixel areas PXA, or may convert the image data into a dummy value.

[0156] The timing controller 240 may output the image data DATA1 or DATA2 thus corrected to the Figure 1 The data driver 220 shown in FIG.

[0157] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device can reduce image discontinuity at a boundary between a sensor area and a display area, and can improve user visibility of an image.

[0158] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be implemented in different specific forms without changing the technical ideas or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims, and various modifications, additions and substitutions derived from the meaning, scope and equivalent concepts of the appended claims fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: substrate; The display panel includes a first display area having a first pixel, a second display area having a second pixel, and a third display area located between the first display area and the second display area and having a third pixel; as well as A component is disposed between the substrate and the display panel, and in a plan view, the component overlaps with the second display area, The first pixels and the third pixels are respectively arranged in the first display area and the third display area at a first density, and the second pixels are arranged in the second display area at a second density smaller than the first density. During a predetermined display period, less than all of the third pixels are controlled to emit light, The third display area includes a first group of unit pixel areas and a second group of unit pixel areas arranged alternately with each other, and During the predetermined display period, one of the first group of unit pixel regions and the second group of unit pixel regions is controlled to emit light, and During a first display period, the first group of unit pixel regions are controlled to emit light; during a second display period after the first display period, the second group of unit pixel regions are controlled to emit light; and the predetermined display period includes the first display period and the second display period.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second display area includes: second unit pixel regions, each second unit pixel region being composed of at least one of the second pixels; and The transmission area is arranged to alternate with the second unit pixel area, and no second pixel is arranged in the transmission area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display period and the second display period are separated by a turn-off period during which the display panel is turned off.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first display period and the second display period is a period constituting one frame.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first pixel is controlled to emit light at a first brightness, and the second pixel and the third pixel are controlled to emit light at a second brightness.

6. A display device, comprising: substrate; The display panel includes a first display area having a first pixel, a second display area having a second pixel, and a third display area located between the first display area and the second display area and having a third pixel; as well as A component is disposed between the substrate and the display panel, and in a plan view, the component overlaps with the second display area, The transmittance of the second display area is higher than the transmittance of the first display area. The transmittance of the first display area is equal to the transmittance of the third display area, During a predetermined display period, less than all of the third pixels are controlled to emit light, The third display area includes a first group of unit pixel areas and a second group of unit pixel areas arranged alternately with each other, and During the predetermined display period, one of the first group of unit pixel regions and the second group of unit pixel regions is controlled to emit light, and During a first display period, the first group of unit pixel regions are controlled to emit light; during a second display period after the first display period, the second group of unit pixel regions are controlled to emit light; and the predetermined display period includes the first display period and the second display period.

Images