Display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device, which includes: a display panel configured to be driven in an initial mode or a main mode; an input sensing unit located on the display panel and configured to be driven in a mutual sensing mode or a self-sensing mode; a fingerprint sensing unit located under the display panel; and a control module configured to control the operations of the display panel, the input sensing unit, and the fingerprint sensing unit. The display panel is located between the fingerprint sensing unit and the input sensing unit. When the display panel is driven in the initial mode, the control module drives the input sensing unit in the self-sensing mode and controls the fingerprint sensing unit to detect a fingerprint touching the input sensing unit.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2019 - 0106775, filed on August 29, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a driving method thereof. Background art

[0004] Electronic products such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs include a display device for displaying an image. The display device includes a display panel for generating an image, an input device such as an input sensing unit, and an authentication device such as a fingerprint sensing unit.

[0005] The input sensing unit is located on the display panel and detects a user's touch. A signal detected in the input sensing unit is converted into an input signal. The display panel provides an image corresponding to the input signal of the input sensing unit to the user.

[0006] The fingerprint sensing unit detects the fingerprint of a finger touching the input sensing unit. The display device compares the stored fingerprint of the user with the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensing unit. When the detected fingerprint matches the stored fingerprint, the display panel can be driven in a normal mode. Summary of the invention

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device and a driving method thereof capable of reducing power consumption.

[0008] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a display panel configured to be driven in an initial mode or a main mode; an input sensing unit located on the display panel and configured to be driven in a mutual sensing mode or a self - sensing mode; a fingerprint sensing unit located below the display panel; and a control module configured to control operations of the display panel, the input sensing unit, and the fingerprint sensing unit. The display panel is located between the fingerprint sensing unit and the input sensing unit. When the display panel is driven in the initial mode, the control module may drive the input sensing unit in the self - sensing mode and may activate the fingerprint sensing unit to detect the fingerprint of a finger touching the input sensing unit.

[0009] When the input sensing unit detects a touch of a fingerprint, the control module may activate the fingerprint sensing unit to detect the fingerprint.

[0010] The control module may calculate the position information of a fingerprint based on the touch information of the fingerprint provided by the input sensing unit. The control module may drive a part of the fingerprint sensing unit based on the position information of the fingerprint. This part of the fingerprint sensing unit may overlap with the fingerprint.

[0011] The fingerprint sensing unit may include: a plurality of sensing units arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and a plurality of lines connected to the sensing units. Each of the plurality of lines may be connected to the sensing units arranged in the corresponding row. The control module may apply a driving signal to a first group of lines among the plurality of lines that are connected to a first group of sensing units overlapping with the fingerprint.

[0012] The fingerprint sensing unit may further include a plurality of common lines connected to the plurality of lines. A second group of lines among the plurality of lines may be commonly connected to the corresponding common line. The second group of lines among the plurality of lines may be connected to a second group of sensing units arranged in h rows. h may be a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

[0013] Based on the position information of the fingerprint, the control module may drive a first part of the display panel and may not drive a second part of the display panel. The first part may overlap with the fingerprint. The second part may surround the first part.

[0014] The fingerprint may include a plurality of fingerprints, and the fingerprint sensing unit may detect a plurality of fingerprints.

[0015] The input sensing unit may include: a first sensing electrode; and a second sensing electrode that is insulated from and crosses the first sensing electrode. When the input sensing unit is driven in the self-sensing mode, the control module may operate the first sensing electrode as a driving electrode and as a sensing electrode. When the input sensing unit is driven in the mutual-sensing mode, the control module may operate the first sensing electrode as a driving electrode and may operate the second sensing electrode as a sensing electrode.

[0016] The fingerprint sensing unit may include an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0017] When the detected fingerprint matches the user's fingerprint, the control module may drive the display panel in the main mode and may drive the input sensing unit in the mutual-sensing mode.

[0018] The control module may include: a main controller for outputting a first control signal, a second control signal, a third control signal, a fourth control signal, and a fifth control signal; a display panel controller configured to drive the display panel in an initial mode in response to the first control signal and drive the display panel in a main mode in response to the second control signal; an input sensing controller for driving the input sensing unit in a self-sensing mode in response to the third control signal and driving the input sensing unit in a mutual-sensing mode in response to the fourth control signal; and a fingerprint sensing controller for activating the fingerprint sensing unit in response to the fifth control signal and providing the detected fingerprint to the main controller. The main controller may compare the detected fingerprint with the user's fingerprint.

[0019] When the main controller is turned on, the main controller may output a first control signal and a third control signal. When the input sensing unit is driven in the self-sensing mode and a touch of a fingerprint is detected, the input sensing controller may calculate the position information of the fingerprint based on the touch information of the fingerprint provided by the input sensing unit and may provide the position information to the main controller. The main controller may output a fifth control signal in response to the position information. In response to determining that the detected fingerprint matches the user's fingerprint, the main controller may output a second control signal and a fourth control signal.

[0020] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a driving method of a display device may include: driving a display panel in an initial mode; driving an input sensing unit in a self-sensing mode; detecting a touch of a fingerprint through the input sensing unit; controlling a fingerprint sensing unit to detect a fingerprint; driving the display panel in a main mode in response to determining that the detected fingerprint matches the user's fingerprint; and driving the input sensing unit in a mutual-sensing mode.

[0021] Detecting a touch of a fingerprint may include calculating the position information of the fingerprint based on the touch information of the fingerprint. Controlling the fingerprint sensing unit may include driving a part of the fingerprint sensing unit based on the position information of the fingerprint. This part of the fingerprint sensing unit may overlap with the fingerprint.

[0022] The fingerprint sensing unit may include: a plurality of sensing units arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and a plurality of lines connected to the sensing units. Each of the plurality of lines may be connected to the sensing units arranged in the corresponding row. Driving a part of the fingerprint sensing unit may include applying a plurality of driving signals to a first group of lines among the plurality of lines that are connected to a first group of sensing units overlapping with the fingerprint.

[0023] The fingerprint sensing unit may further include a plurality of common lines connected to the plurality of lines. A second group of lines among the plurality of lines may be commonly connected to the corresponding common line. The second group of lines may be connected to a second group of sensing units arranged in h rows, where h may be a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

[0024] The driving method may further include: driving a first portion of the display panel based on the fingerprint position information, without driving a second portion of the display panel. The first portion may overlap with the fingerprint. The second portion may surround the first portion.

[0025] Detecting the fingerprint may include detecting a plurality of fingerprints.

[0026] The input sensing unit may include: a first sensing electrode; and a second sensing electrode, which is insulated from the first sensing electrode and crosses the first sensing electrode. When the input sensing unit is driven in a self-sensing mode, the first sensing electrode may operate as a driving electrode and as a sensing electrode. When the input sensing unit is driven in a mutual-sensing mode, the first sensing electrode may operate as a driving electrode, and the second sensing electrode may operate as a sensing electrode.

[0027] The fingerprint sensing unit may include an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. Description of the Drawings

[0028] The drawings, together with the description, illustrate embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 Shows a display Figure 1 of the display device.

[0031] Figure 3 Shows a display Figure 2 of the display module in an exploded perspective view.

[0032] Figure 4 Shows a display Figure 3 of the display panel in a plan view.

[0033] Figure 5 Shows a display Figure 4 of the pixel in a simplified cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 6 Shows a display Figure 3 of the input sensing unit in a plan view.

[0035] Figure 7 Shows a display Figure 6 of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit in a plan view.

[0036] Figure 8 Shows a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 7 line I-I' of.

[0037] Figure 9 Shows the display Figure 2 block diagram of the control module of.

[0038] Figure 10 Shows a cross-sectional view of the display where a fingerprint touches the display module.

[0039] Figure 11 Shows the display where the fingerprint touch is at Figure 10 plan view of the portion on the plane of the display panel shown.

[0040] Figure 12 Shows the display Figure 11 schematic diagram of the position of the fingerprint on the plane of the fingerprint sensing unit.

[0041] Figure 13 Shows a flowchart of the driving method of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 14 Shows a schematic diagram of a fingerprint sensing unit according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 15 Shows a plan view of the operation of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 16 Shows a plan view of the operation of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0045] In the present disclosure, when a specific component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another component, the specific component may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other component, or there may be at least one intervening component therebetween.

[0046] The same reference numerals and symbols denote the same components. Further, in the drawings, for the purpose of effectively explaining the technical content, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated.

[0047] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0048] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form.

[0049] In addition, terms such as "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. are used herein to describe the relationship of one component to other components as shown in the accompanying drawings. Except for the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to also include different orientations.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0051] It should be understood that the terms "comprising", "including", "having", etc. are used to indicate the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 A perspective view of a display device showing some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Referring Figure 1 , a display device DD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may have a rectangular shape having a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the display device DD may have any suitable shape, such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

[0055] A third direction DR3 is defined as a direction that intersects substantially perpendicularly to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0056] The display device DD may have a top surface including (e.g., as) a display surface DS, and the top surface may have (e.g., may be) a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface DS may provide an image IM generated from the display device DD to a user.

[0057] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image IM, but the non-display area NDA may not display the image IM. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA and may provide an edge printed (e.g., having) a specific color to the display device DD.

[0058] In some embodiments, the display device DD may be used for large electronic products such as televisions, monitors, or outdoor billboards. In some embodiments, the display device DD may be used for small and medium-sized electronic products such as personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, automotive navigation systems, game consoles, smart phones, tablet computers, or cameras. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and without departing from the present disclosure, the display device DD may be used for any suitable electronic product.

[0059] Figure 2 A block diagram of a display device showing Figure 1 is shown.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a display module DM, a power module PM, a first electronic module EM1, and a second electronic module EM2. The display module DM, the power module PM, the first electronic module EM1, and the second electronic module EM2 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0061] The power module PM may provide the power required for the overall operation of the display device DD. The power module PM may include any suitable battery module.

[0062] The first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2 may include various functional modules for operating the display device DD. The first electronic module EM1 may be directly mounted on a motherboard electrically connected to the display module DM, or the first electronic module EM1 may be mounted on a separate board electrically connected to the motherboard through a connector or the like.

[0063] The first electronic module EM1 may include a control module CM, a wireless communication module TM, an image input module IIM, a sound input module AIM, a memory MM, and an external interface IF. One or more of the modules (e.g., one or more of the modules included in the first electronic module EM1) may be electrically connected to the motherboard through a flexible circuit board instead of being mounted on the motherboard.

[0064] The control module CM can control the overall operation of the display device DD. The control module CM can activate or deactivate the display module DM. Based on the touch signal received from the display module DM, the control module CM can control other modules, such as the image input module IIM and the audio input module AIM. In addition, the control module CM can use the fingerprint information received from the display module DM, and thereby can implement a user authentication mode (e.g., can operate in a user authentication mode). As used herein, the terms "use" and "utilize" may be synonyms.

[0065] The wireless communication module TM can use Bluetooth and / or WiFi communication to transmit and receive wireless signals with other terminals. As used herein, the term "transmit and receive" may mean transmit and / or receive. The wireless communication module TM can use a general communication system to transmit and receive voice signals. The wireless communication module TM can include a transmitter TM2 that modulates and transmits a signal to be transmitted (e.g., to be sent) and a receiver TM1 that demodulates the received signal.

[0066] The image input module IIM can process an image signal and convert the image signal into image data that can be displayed on the display module DM (e.g., can be used to display an image IM). The audio input module AIM can receive an external audio signal through a microphone in a recording mode or a voice recognition mode, and can convert the received audio signal into electrical voice data.

[0067] The external interface IF can be used as an interface for connecting to, for example, an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, or a card socket (e.g., a memory card socket or a SIM / UIM card socket).

[0068] The second electronic module EM2 can include an audio output module AOM, a light emitting module LM, a light receiving module LRM, and a camera module CMM. The above components (e.g., the modules included in the second electronic module EM2) can be directly mounted on the motherboard, can be mounted on a separate board and electrically connected to the display module DM through a connector or the like, or can be electrically connected to the first electronic module EM1.

[0069] The audio output module AOM can convert and output audio data received from the wireless communication module TM or stored in the memory MM. The light emission module LM can generate and output light. The light emission module LM can output infrared rays (e.g., infrared light). The light emission module LM can include a light emitting diode (LED) element. The light receiving module LRM can sense infrared rays. The light receiving module LRM can be activated when infrared rays at a certain level or higher are detected. For example, when the light receiving module LRM senses infrared rays having a certain energy or intensity level or a higher energy or intensity level, the light receiving module LRM can be activated. The light receiving module LRM can include a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

[0070] After the light emission module LM generates and outputs infrared rays, the infrared rays can be reflected from an external surface or object (e.g., a user's finger or face), and the light receiving module LRM can receive the reflected infrared rays. The camera module CMM can capture an external image.

[0071] The display module DM can include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit ISP, and a fingerprint sensing unit FSP. In some embodiments, the display module DM can include a window.

[0072] The display panel DP can display an image using image data provided (e.g., received from) the control module CM. The control module CM can control the display panel DP to operate in an initial mode and in a main mode that is adjacent to or follows the initial mode (e.g., after the initial mode).

[0073] The initial mode can be a user authentication mode. When the user is authenticated in the initial mode (e.g., after the user is authenticated in the initial mode), the control module CM can drive the display panel DP in the main mode. In the main mode, the display panel DP can display various images that the user can view. User authentication can be achieved through fingerprint authentication, passcode authentication, face recognition authentication, or any other suitable means of authenticating a user. Fingerprint authentication will be discussed in more detail below.

[0074] The input sensing unit ISP can detect an external input (e.g., a user's hand, a stylus, etc.), and the detected signal can be converted into an input signal and then sent to the control module CM. In response to the input signal from the input sensing unit ISP, the control module CM can control the operations of the display panel DP and the fingerprint sensing unit FSP.

[0075] The input sensing unit ISP may include a plurality of sensing electrodes for detecting an external input. The sensing electrodes may use a capacitive method to detect the external input. The input sensing unit ISP may be driven in a self-sensing mode or in a mutual-sensing mode. The self-sensing mode and the mutual-sensing mode will be discussed in more detail below.

[0076] When the display panel DP is driven in an initial mode, the fingerprint sensing unit FSP may detect a fingerprint that is in close proximity to or in contact with the display module DM. As used herein, "fingerprint" may refer to the surface of a fingertip. The control module CM may receive information about the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensing unit FSP.

[0077] The control module CM may compare the detected fingerprint information with the fingerprint information of the user stored in the control module CM. When the detected fingerprint information is consistent with the user's fingerprint information (e.g., matches, substantially matches, or corresponds), the control module CM may drive the display panel DP to convert the initial mode to a main mode.

[0078] Figure 3 The display Figure 2 exploded perspective view of the display module is shown.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3 , the input sensing unit ISP may be located on the display panel DP, and the window WIN may be located on the input sensing unit ISP. The fingerprint sensing unit FSP may be located below the display panel DP.

[0080] The display panel DP according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be, but is not limited to, an emissive display panel. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The emission layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The emission layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots or quantum rods. An example in which the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel will be described below.

[0081] The window WIN may protect the display panel DP and the input sensing unit ISP from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN may be attached to the input sensing unit ISP by an adhesive. The adhesive may include an optically clear adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or any other suitable adhesive. An image generated from the display panel DP (e.g., by the display panel DP) may pass through the window WIN and then may be provided to the user.

[0082] The input sensing unit ISP can be directly located on the display panel DP. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the display module DM, the input sensing unit ISP can be directly manufactured on the display panel DP. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the input sensing unit ISP can be an input sensing panel attached to the display panel DP by an adhesive. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the display module DM, the input sensing unit ISP is separately manufactured as an input sensing panel and then attached to the display panel DP by an adhesive.

[0083] The fingerprint sensing unit FSP can be entirely located under the display panel DP. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the fingerprint sensing unit FSP can be partially (e.g., only partially) located under the display panel DP. For example, in some embodiments, the fingerprint sensing unit FSP is located under the display panel DP and completely overlaps with the display panel DP. In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensing unit FSP is located under the display panel DP and only overlaps with a part of the display panel DP.

[0084] Figure 4 A display is shown Figure 3 a plan view of the display panel DP shown therein.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4 , the display device DD can include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV.

[0086] The display panel DP can be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP can include a plurality of electronic components on a flexible substrate. The display panel DP can have a rectangular shape having a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2. Like the display surface DS of the display device DD, the display panel DP can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. In some embodiments, the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP can respectively correspond to (e.g., can be the same as, can overlap with, or can substantially overlap with) the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display surface DS.

[0087] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, and a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm. The subscripts "m" and "n" are natural numbers. The pixels PX may be located in the display area DA (e.g., in rows and columns), and may be connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm. For example, in some embodiments, the scan lines SL1 to SLm and the emission lines EL1 to ELm are connected to the pixels PX of the corresponding row, and the data lines DL1 to DLn are connected to the pixels PX of the corresponding column.

[0088] The scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be located in the non-display area NDA. The scan driver SDV may be located in the non-display area NDA adjacent to one of the long sides of the display panel DP. The emission driver EDV may be located in the non-display area NDA adjacent to the other long side of the display panel DP. The data driver DDV may be an integrated circuit chip and may be located in the non-display area NDA adjacent to one of the short sides of the display panel DP.

[0089] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 and be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 to be connected to the data driver DDV. The emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 and be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0090] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals, and the scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX. For example, in some embodiments, the scan signals are sequentially provided to the scan lines SL1 to SLm to sequentially apply the scan signals to the pixels PX of the corresponding row. The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages, and the data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn (e.g., the data lines DL1 to DLn may apply the data voltages to the pixels PX of the corresponding column). The emission driver EDV may generate a plurality of light emission signals, and the light emission signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the emission lines EL1 to ELm (e.g., the emission lines EL1 to ELm may apply the light emission signals to the pixels PX of the corresponding row).

[0091] The control module CM can control the operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV. The display panel DP can be connected to the control module CM, and the control module CM can provide control signals for controlling the operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV, respectively.

[0092] In response to a scan signal, a data voltage can be provided to the pixel PX. In response to a light emission signal, the pixel PX can emit light corresponding to the data voltage, thereby displaying an image. The light emission time of the pixel PX can be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0093] Figure 5 Shows the display Figure 4 of a simplified cross-sectional view of a pixel.

[0094] Referring to Figure 5 , the pixel PX can include an organic light-emitting element OLED and a transistor TR connected to the organic light-emitting element OLED. The organic light-emitting element OLED can include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic emission layer OEL between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

[0095] The pixel PX can include a pixel region PA and a non-pixel region NPA surrounding (e.g., adjacent to) the pixel region PA. The organic light-emitting element OLED can be located in the pixel region PA, and the transistor TR can be located in the non-pixel region NPA. The transistor TR and the organic light-emitting element OLED can be located on a substrate SUB. A buffer layer BFL can be located on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL can include an inorganic material.

[0096] The buffer layer BFL (e.g., on the substrate SUB) can have a semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR thereon. For example, in some embodiments, the semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR can be located on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM can include an organic semiconductor and / or an inorganic semiconductor, such as amorphous silicon and / or polysilicon. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer SM can include an oxide semiconductor. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer SM can include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region between the source region and the drain region.

[0097] A buffer layer BFL (e.g., on a substrate) may have, on it, a first insulating layer INS1 covering a semiconductor layer SM. For example, in some embodiments, the first insulating layer INS1 may be located on the buffer layer BFL and may cover the semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 may include an inorganic material. The first insulating layer INS1 (e.g., on the buffer layer BFL) may have, on it, a gate electrode GE of a transistor TR, and the gate electrode GE may overlap with the semiconductor layer SM. For example, in some embodiments, the gate electrode GE of the transistor TR may be located on the first insulating layer INS1. The gate electrode GE may overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0098] The first insulating layer INS1 (e.g., on the buffer layer BFL) may have, on it, a second insulating layer INS2 covering the gate electrode GE. For example, in some embodiments, the second insulating layer INS2 may be located on the first insulating layer INS1 and may cover the gate electrode GE of the transistor TR. The second insulating layer INS2 may be an interlayer dielectric layer. The second insulating layer INS2 may include one or more selected from an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0099] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR may be spaced apart from each other on the second insulating layer INS2. The source electrode SE may be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1 penetrating the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2 penetrating the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0100] The second insulating layer INS2 (e.g., on the first insulating layer INS1) may have, on it, a third insulating layer INS3 covering the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. For example, in some embodiments, the third insulating layer INS3 may be located on the second insulating layer INS2 and may cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 may be a planarized layer (e.g., a planarization layer) that provides a flat top surface and may include an organic material.

[0101] A first electrode E1 may be located on the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through a third contact hole CH3 penetrating the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be a pixel electrode. The first electrode E1 may include a transparent electrode or a reflective electrode.

[0102] The first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3 (e.g., on the second insulating layer INS2) may have a pixel defining layer PDL thereon, and the pixel defining layer PDL exposes an exposed portion of the first electrode E1. For example, in some embodiments, the pixel defining layer PDL may be located on the third insulating layer INS3 and may cover a covered portion of the first electrode E1. The pixel defining layer PDL may have an opening PX_OP that exposes a portion of the first electrode E1.

[0103] The organic emission layer OEL may be located on the first electrode E1 and may be located in the opening PX_OP. The organic emission layer OEL may emit light of a color selected from red, green, and blue. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the organic emission layer OEL may emit white light. In some embodiments, white light may be generated by a combination of organic materials that emit red light, green light, and blue light.

[0104] The second electrode E2 may be located on the pixel defining layer PDL and on the organic emission layer OEL. The second electrode E2 may be a common electrode. The second electrode E2 may include a transparent electrode or a reflective electrode.

[0105] The second electrode E2 (e.g., on the pixel defining layer PDL and on the organic emission layer OEL) may have a thin film encapsulation layer TFE thereon that covers the organic light emitting element OLED. For example, in some embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be located on the second electrode E2. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation layer EN1 located on the second electrode E2, a second encapsulation layer EN2 located on the first encapsulation layer EN1, and a third encapsulation layer EN3 located on the second encapsulation layer EN2.

[0106] Each of the first encapsulation layer EN1 and the third encapsulation layer EN3 may include an inorganic material, and the second encapsulation layer EN2 may include an organic material. The thickness of the second encapsulation layer EN2 may be greater than the thickness of each of the first encapsulation layer EN1 and the third encapsulation layer EN3.

[0107] A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1, and a second voltage may be applied to the second electrode E2. Holes and electrons injected into the organic emission layer OEL may combine with each other to generate excitons, and when the excitons return to the ground state, the organic light emitting element OLED may emit light. The organic light emitting element OLED may emit red light, green light, or blue light based on current to display an image.

[0108] Figure 6 A plan view of the input sensing unit of the display Figure 3 is shown.

[0109] Referring to Figure 6, the input sensing unit ISP may include a plurality of sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2, a plurality of signal lines SLL1 and SLL2, and a plurality of pads PD. The sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2, the signal lines SLL1 and SLL2, and the pads PD may be located on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0110] The input sensing unit ISP may include an active area AA and an inactive area NAA surrounding the active area AA. The active area AA may overlap with the display area DA, while the inactive area NAA may overlap with the non-display area NDA. The sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 may be located in the active area AA, and the pads PD may be located in the inactive area NAA. The signal lines SLL1 and SLL2 may be connected to the sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 and may extend along the inactive area NAA to be connected to the pads PD.

[0111] The plurality of sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes SE1 extending in a second direction DR2 (e.g., extending in rows along the second direction DR2) and arranged in a first direction DR1 (e.g., arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction DR1). The plurality of sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 may further include a plurality of second sensing electrodes SE2 extending in the first direction DR1 (e.g., extending in rows along the first direction DR1) and arranged in the second direction DR2 (e.g., arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction DR2). The plurality of signal lines SLL1 and SLL2 may include a plurality of first signal lines SLL1 connected to the first sensing electrodes SE1 and a plurality of second signal lines SLL2 connected to the second sensing electrodes SE2.

[0112] The second sensing electrode SE2 may extend (e.g., may extend in the first direction DR1) to cross the first sensing electrode SE1 while being insulated from the first sensing electrode SE1. The first sensing electrode SE1 may be an input sensing electrode, and the second sensing electrode SE2 may be an output sensing electrode.

[0113] A capacitance may be formed between the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2. The X coordinate and the Y coordinate may be used to divide the positions of the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2 (e.g., to define their positions). The first sensing electrode SE1 may represent (e.g., may correspond to) the X coordinate, while the second sensing electrode SE2 may represent (e.g., may correspond to) the Y coordinate.

[0114] The input sensing unit ISP can be connected to the control module CM and can be driven by the control module CM (e.g., through the control of the control module CM). When the control module CM drives the input sensing unit ISP in the self-sensing mode, the control module CM operates the first sensing electrode SE1 as a driving electrode and as a sensing electrode. For example, the control module CM can apply a driving signal to the first sensing electrode SE1 through the first signal line SLL1 and can receive a sensing signal from the first sensing electrode SE1. For example, in some embodiments, the control module CM can receive a sensing signal from the first sensing electrode SE1 through the first signal line SLL1.

[0115] When the control module CM drives the input sensing unit ISP in the mutual-sensing mode, the control module CM can operate each of the first sensing electrodes SE1 as a driving electrode and can operate each of the second sensing electrodes SE2 as a sensing electrode. For example, the control module CM can apply a driving signal to the first sensing electrode SE1 through the first signal line SLL1 and can receive a sensing signal from the second sensing electrode SE2 through the second signal line SLL2.

[0116] The first sensing electrode SE1 can be used in the self-sensing mode, and the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2 can be used in the mutual-sensing mode. Therefore, when the input sensing unit ISP is driven in the self-sensing mode rather than the mutual-sensing mode, the input sensing unit ISP can consume less power (e.g., compared to when the input sensing unit ISP is driven in the mutual-sensing mode).

[0117] Each of the first sensing electrodes SE1 can include a plurality of first sensor portions SP1 arranged in the second direction DR2 and a plurality of first connection portions CP1 connecting the first sensor portions SP1. Each of the first sensor portions SP1 can have a diamond shape, but the shape of the first sensor portion SP1 is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the first sensor portion SP1 can have a diamond shape with a grid pattern. Each of the first connection portions CP1 can be located between two adjacent first sensor portions SP1 to electrically connect the two first sensor portions SP1.

[0118] Each of the second sensing electrodes SE2 can include a plurality of second sensor portions SP2 arranged in the first direction DR1 and a plurality of second connection portions CP2 connecting the second sensor portions SP2. Each of the second sensor portions SP2 can have a diamond shape, but the shape of the second sensor portion SP2 is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the second sensor portion SP2 can have a diamond shape and a grid pattern. Each of the second connection portions CP2 can be located between two adjacent second sensor portions SP2 to electrically connect the two second sensor portions SP2.

[0119] The first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2 may be spaced apart from each other and alternate with each other while not overlapping each other. The second connection portion CP2 may extend (e.g., may extend in the first direction DR1) to cross the first connection portion CP1 while being insulated from the first connection portion CP1.

[0120] The first sensor unit SP1, the second sensor unit SP2, and the first connection portion CP1 may be located on the same layer. The second connection portion CP2 may be located on a layer different from the layer on which the first sensor unit SP1, the second sensor unit SP2, and the first connection portion CP1 are located.

[0121] Figure 7 A plan view showing Figure 6 the first and second sensor units is shown. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along Figure 7 line I-I' is shown.

[0122] Figure 7 Exemplarily, two adjacent first sensor units SP1 and two adjacent second sensor units SP2 are shown.

[0123] Referring to Figure 7 , the first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2 may have a mesh shape. For example, each of the first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2 may include a plurality of first branches BP1 extending in the first diagonal direction DDR1 and a plurality of second branches BP2 extending in the second diagonal direction DDR2.

[0124] The first diagonal direction DDR1 may be a direction intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second diagonal direction DDR2 may be a direction intersecting the first diagonal direction DDR1 in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2 bisects the angle between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may intersect perpendicularly to each other (e.g., may intersect at a right angle or may be perpendicular to each other), and the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2 may intersect perpendicularly to each other (e.g., may intersect at a right angle or may be perpendicular to each other).

[0125] Each of the first branch BP1 and the second branch BP2 of the first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2 may intersect each other and may be integrated in a single body (e.g., may form a single body). The first branch BP1 and the second branch BP2 of each of the first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2 may define a diamond-shaped opening TOP. The first branch BP1 and the second branch BP2 may be defined by grid lines, and each of the grid lines may have a line width of several micrometers.

[0126] The pixel region PA may have a diamond shape and may overlap with the diamond-shaped opening TOP. The first branch BP1 and the second branch BP2 of each of the first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2 may overlap with the non-pixel region NPA. The pixel region PA may be an emission region, and the non-pixel region NPA may be a non-emission region. Since the first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2 are in the non-pixel region NPA, the light generated from the pixel region PA can be normally emitted without being affected by the first sensor unit SP1 and the second sensor unit SP2.

[0127] The first connection part CP1 may connect the first sensor units SP1 to each other (e.g., electrically connect). In some embodiments, the first sensor unit SP1 and the first connection part CP1 may be integrated in a single body (e.g., may form a single body). The first connection part CP1 may have a grid shape and may extend from the first sensor unit SP1.

[0128] The second connection part CP2 may electrically connect the second sensor units SP2 to each other. In some embodiments, the second connection part CP2 is not integrated with the second sensor unit SP2. The second connection part CP2 may be connected to the second sensor unit SP2 through a plurality of contact holes TS-CH.

[0129] Refer to Figure 8, the second connection portion CP2 may be located on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE (e.g., on the second electrode E2) may have a first dielectric layer TS-IL1 thereon that covers the second connection portion CP2. For example, in some embodiments, the first dielectric layer TS-IL1 may be located on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE and may cover at least a portion of the second connection portion CP2. The first connection portion CP1 and the second sensor portion SP2 may be located on the first dielectric layer TS-IL1. The first sensor portion SP1 integrated with the first connection portion CP1 may also be located on the first dielectric layer TS-IL1. The first dielectric layer TS-IL1 (e.g., on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE) may have a second dielectric layer TS-IL2 thereon that covers the first connection portion CP1 and the second sensor portion SP2. For example, in some embodiments, the second dielectric layer TS-IL2 may be located on the first dielectric layer TS-IL1 and may cover the first connection portion CP1 and the second sensor portion SP2.

[0130] The second connection portion CP2 may be connected to the second sensor portion SP2 through a plurality of contact holes TS-CH located in the first dielectric layer TS-IL1. The second connection portion CP2 may have regions on opposite sides (e.g., opposite sides along a horizontal direction (such as along the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2)) that are connected to the second sensor portion SP2 through the contact holes TS-CH.

[0131] An additional dielectric layer may be located on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and the input sensing portion ISP may be located on the additional dielectric layer.

[0132] Figure 9 A block diagram of the display Figure 2 control module is shown. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view showing a fingerprint touch on the display module is shown. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view showing where the fingerprint touch is Figure 10 on the plane of the display panel shown is shown. Figure 12 A display Figure 11 schematic diagram of the position of the fingerprint on the plane of the fingerprint sensing portion is shown.

[0133] Referring to Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the control module CM may control the operations of the display panel DP, the input sensing portion ISP, and the fingerprint sensing portion FSP. When driving the display panel DP in the initial mode ITM, the control module CM may drive the input sensing portion ISP in the self-sensing mode.

[0134] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11, when the finger FIN touches the input sensing unit ISP, the input sensing unit ISP can detect the touch of the fingerprint FP of the finger FIN (e.g., the touch of the fingertip of the finger FIN). The self-sensing mode can have a higher touch sensitivity than the mutual-sensing mode. When the fingerprint FP of the finger FIN touches the input sensing unit ISP in the self-sensing mode, the touch of the fingerprint FP can be detected, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, even when the fingerprint FP is very close to the input sensing unit ISP without contacting the input sensing unit ISP, the touch of the fingerprint FP can be detected.

[0135] When the input sensing unit ISP detects the touch of the fingerprint FP, the control module CM can activate the fingerprint sensing unit FSP. The activated fingerprint sensing unit FSP can detect the fingerprint FP. For example, the light L generated from the display panel DP can be provided (e.g., irradiated) to the fingerprint FP, and the reflected light RL reflected from the fingerprint FP can be provided to the fingerprint sensing unit FSP (e.g., the fingerprint sensing unit FSP can receive the reflected light RL reflected from the fingerprint FP). The fingerprint sensing unit FSP can use the reflected light RL to detect the fingerprint FP and can provide the detected fingerprint information to the control module CM.

[0136] When the input sensing unit ISP detects the touch of the fingerprint FP, the touch position of the fingerprint FP can be detected. For example, based on the touch information of the fingerprint FP received from the input sensing unit ISP, the control module CM can calculate (e.g., determine) the touch position of the fingerprint FP. Based on the information about the touch position of the fingerprint FP, the control module CM can drive the portion of the fingerprint sensing unit FSP that overlaps with the fingerprint FP. This operation will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figure 12 More detailed discussion of this operation.

[0137] When the fingerprint information detected from the fingerprint sensing unit FSP is consistent (e.g., matches, substantially matches, or corresponds) with the user's fingerprint information, the control module CM can drive the display panel DP in the main mode from the initial mode ITM (e.g., after or instead of the initial mode ITM), and the control module CM can also drive the input sensing unit ISP in the mutual-sensing mode. The main mode can represent the state of displaying various images IM on the display surface DS as Figure 1 shown.

[0138] The fingerprint sensing unit FSP can include a plurality of optical sensors to detect the fingerprint FP using light (e.g., the reflected light RL). Each of the optical sensors can include a photodiode. Although the fingerprint sensing unit FSP is shown as using light, the fingerprint sensing unit FSP can include an ultrasonic (e.g., supersonic) sensor that uses ultrasonic (e.g., supersonic) waves to detect the fingerprint FP.

[0139] Refer toFigure 11 Since the fingerprint sensing unit FSP can be entirely located under the display panel DP, fingerprints FP can be detected at various positions in the display area DA. For example, Figure 10 illustrates the detection of a fingerprint FP touched at the lower right portion of the display area DA, but when the fingerprint FP touches another position in the display area DA, the detection of the fingerprint FP can also be achieved.

[0140] Referring to Figure 9 , for the operations discussed above, the control module CM may include a main controller MC, a display panel controller DPC for controlling the operation of the display panel DP, an input sensing controller ISC for controlling the operation of the input sensing unit ISP, and a fingerprint sensing controller FSC for controlling the operation of the fingerprint sensing unit FSP.

[0141] When the display device DD is turned on due to power (e.g., due to Figure 2 the power module PM shown), the main controller MC can be turned on. The turned-on main controller MC can control the operations of the display panel controller DPC, the input sensing controller ISC, and the fingerprint sensing controller FSC. The main controller MC can output a first control signal CS1 to a fifth control signal CS5 to control the operations of the display panel controller DPC, the input sensing controller ISC, and the fingerprint sensing controller FSC. For example, in some embodiments, the main controller MC can output the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 to the display panel controller DPC, can output the third control signal CS3 and the fourth control signal CS4 to the input sensing controller ISC, and can output the fifth control signal CS5 to the fingerprint sensing controller FSC.

[0142] In response to the first control signal CS1 received from the main controller MC, the display panel controller DPC can drive the display panel DP in an initial mode ITM. In response to the second control signal CS2 received from the main controller MC, the display panel controller DPC can drive the display panel DP in a main mode.

[0143] In response to the third control signal CS3 received from the main controller MC, the input sensing controller ISC can drive the input sensing unit ISP in a self-sensing mode. In response to the fourth control signal CS4 received from the main controller MC, the input sensing controller ISC can drive the input sensing unit ISP in a mutual-sensing mode.

[0144] When the main controller MC is turned on, the main controller MC can provide a first control signal CS1 and a third control signal CS3 to the display panel controller DPC and the input sensing controller ISC, respectively. When the input sensing unit ISP detects a touch of the fingerprint FP, the input sensing controller ISC can calculate (e.g., determine) information about the touch position of the fingerprint FP based on the touch information about the fingerprint FP. The input sensing controller ISC can provide the calculated position information FIM of the fingerprint FP to the main controller MC.

[0145] In response to the position information FIM of the fingerprint FP, the main controller MC can provide a fifth control signal CS5 to the fingerprint sensing controller FSC. In response to the fifth control signal CS5 received from the main controller MC, the fingerprint sensing controller FSC can activate the fingerprint sensing unit FSP and can provide the detected fingerprint SFP detected from the activated fingerprint sensing unit FSP to the main controller MC.

[0146] The main controller MC can compare the user's fingerprint (e.g., the stored user's fingerprint) with the detected fingerprint SFP detected from the fingerprint sensing unit FSP. When the detected fingerprint SFP matches the user's fingerprint, the main controller MC can provide a second control signal CS2 and a fourth control signal CS4 to the display panel controller DPC and the input sensing unit ISP, respectively.

[0147] Refer to Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 12 , the fingerprint sensing unit FSP can include an active area AA' and a non-active area NAA'. The active area AA' can overlap with the display area DA, while the non-active area NAA' can overlap with the non-display area NDA.

[0148] The fingerprint sensing unit FSP can include a plurality of sensing units SU and a plurality of signal lines DSL connected to the sensing units SU. The signal lines DSL can be connected to the fingerprint sensing controller FSC. Each of the sensing units SU can include an optical sensor.

[0149] The sensing units SU can be arranged in a matrix shape. For example, the sensing units SU can be arranged in multiple rows along the second direction DR2 and in multiple columns along the first direction DR1. Each of the signal lines DSL can be connected to the sensing units SU arranged in the corresponding row among the sensing units SU arranged in multiple rows.

[0150] In response to the position information FIM of the fingerprint FP received from the input sensing controller ISC, the control module CM may drive the portion of the fingerprint sensing unit FSP that overlaps with the fingerprint FP. For example, the input sensing controller ISC may provide the position information FIM of the fingerprint FP to the main controller MC, and the main controller MC may generate a fifth control signal CS5 corresponding to the position information FIM of the fingerprint FP. The fifth control signal CS5 may include a drive signal for driving the sensing unit SU that overlaps with the fingerprint FP.

[0151] In response to the fifth control signal CS5, the fingerprint sensing controller FSC may drive the sensing unit SU that overlaps with the fingerprint FP. For example, the fingerprint sensing controller FSC may apply a drive signal DSG through a signal line DSL_D connected to the sensing unit SU_D arranged in the row that overlaps with the fingerprint FP. The sensing unit SU_D may be driven by the drive signal DSG applied through the signal line DSL_D to detect the fingerprint FP.

[0152] The fingerprint sensing controller FSC may not apply the drive signal DSG to the signal line DSL connected to other sensing units SU (for example, the sensing units SU arranged in the rows that do not overlap with the fingerprint FP). Since the sensing unit SU that overlaps with the fingerprint FP is driven, the power consumption can be reduced. For example, in some embodiments, since only the sensing unit SU_D arranged in the row that overlaps with the fingerprint FP is driven, the power consumption can be reduced.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the display panel DP is driven in the initial mode ITM, the input sensing unit ISP may be driven in a self-sensing mode with low power consumption, and the fingerprint sensing unit FSP is driven at the portion where it overlaps with the fingerprint FP, which can result in a reduction in the power consumption of the display device DD.

[0154] Figure 13 A flowchart showing a driving method of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0155] Refer to Figure 13 , in step S110, the display panel DP may be driven in the initial mode ITM. In step S120, the input sensing unit ISP may be driven in a self-sensing mode. In step S130, the input sensing unit ISP may detect the touch of the fingerprint FP. As described above, since the touch of the fingerprint FP is detected, the position of the fingerprint FP can be detected. For example, when the touch of the fingerprint FP is detected, the position information FIM of the fingerprint FP may be calculated based on the touch information of the fingerprint FP.

[0156] In step S140, the fingerprint sensing unit FSP can be activated to detect the fingerprint FP. As described above, based on the position information FIM of the fingerprint FP, the fingerprint sensing unit FSP can be driven at the portion overlapping with the fingerprint FP of the fingerprint sensing unit FSP, and thereby the fingerprint FP can be detected.

[0157] In step S150, a fingerprint authentication operation can be performed. For example, when the detected fingerprint SFP obtained in step S140 does not match the user's fingerprint, step S120 can be executed. In step S120, the input sensing unit ISP can be driven in a self-sensing mode, and thereby the touch of the fingerprint FP can be detected again.

[0158] When the detected fingerprint SFP obtained in step S140 matches the user's fingerprint, the display panel DP can be driven in a main mode at step S160, and the input sensing unit ISP can be driven in a mutual-sensing mode.

[0159] According to the driving method of the display device DD described above, when the display panel DP is driven in the initial mode ITM, the input sensing unit ISP can be driven in a self-sensing mode, and the fingerprint sensing unit FSP is driven at the portion overlapping with the fingerprint FP thereof, which can result in a reduction in the power consumption of the display device DD.

[0160] Figure 14 The schematic diagram showing the fingerprint sensing unit according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0161] For ease of description, Figure 14 The plan view of the fingerprint sensing unit similar to Figure 12 is shown. The differences of the fingerprint sensing unit FSP will be described, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0162] Referring to Figure 14 , the fingerprint sensing unit FSP may include a plurality of common lines CSL connected to the signal lines DSL. The common lines CSL may be connected to the fingerprint sensing controller FSC. The number of the common lines CSL may be less than the number of the signal lines DSL.

[0163] In some embodiments, h signal lines DSL may be commonly connected to a corresponding one of the common lines CSL. The number h may be a natural number equal to or greater than 2. The sensing unit SU may be connected to the common line CSL through the signal line DSL.

[0164] Although in Figure 14 it is exemplarily shown that four signal lines DSL are commonly connected to a corresponding one of the common lines CSL (for example, the number h is 4), the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0165] A driving signal DSG can be provided to a sensing unit SU_D overlapping with a fingerprint FP through a common line CSL_D connected to the sensing unit SU_D. The use of the common line CSL can reduce the number of lines connected to a fingerprint sensing controller FSC.

[0166] Figure 15 A plan view showing the operation of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0167] For ease of description, Figure 15 is shown in relation to Figure 11 a plan view of a display panel DP corresponding to the display panel DP shown. The operation of the display panel DP shown will be discussed in more detail below Figure 15 and the operation of the control module CM shown Figure 9 will be discussed below.

[0168] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 15 , in some embodiments of detecting the position of a fingerprint FP when the fingerprint FP touches an input sensing part ISP, the display panel DP can be driven in a part thereof overlapping with the fingerprint FP. For example, based on the position information FIM of the fingerprint FP, a main controller MC can provide a control signal for driving a part of the display panel DP overlapping with the fingerprint FP to a display panel controller DPC.

[0169] In response to the control signal provided from the main controller MC, the display panel controller DPC can drive a first part PT1 of the display panel DP and can turn off (e.g., can not drive) a second part PT2 of the display panel DP. The first part PT1 can refer to the part of the display panel DP overlapping with the fingerprint FP. The second part PT2 can refer to the part of the display panel DP surrounding the first part PT1. For example, pixels PX of the first part PT1 can be driven to emit light, and pixels PX of the second part PT2 can not be driven to emit light.

[0170] Light generated from the first part PT1 can be reflected from the fingerprint FP and then can be provided to a fingerprint sensing part FSP (e.g., received by the fingerprint sensing part FSP), and the fingerprint sensing part FSP can detect the fingerprint FP by using the light reflected from the fingerprint FP. Since the display panel DP is driven at a first part PT1 thereof overlapping with the fingerprint FP (e.g., at its first part PT1 rather than at its second part PT2), the display device DD can have reduced power consumption.

[0171] Figure 16 A plan view showing the operation of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0172] For ease of description, Figure 16 is shown in relation toFigure 11 A plan view of the display panel DP corresponding to the illustrated display panel DP.

[0173] Referring to Figure 16 , a plurality of fingerprints FP1 and FP2 can touch the display panel DP in the initial mode ITM. Although some of the embodiments shown in Figure 16 show that the plurality of fingerprints FP1 and FP2 include two fingerprints, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the plurality of fingerprints can include any appropriate number of fingerprints. As described above, since the fingerprint sensing unit FSP is entirely located below the display panel DP (e.g., below the entire display panel DP), the fingerprints FP1 and FP2 can be detected together at various positions in the display area DA. Since the method of detecting the fingerprints FP1 and FP2 is the same as the method of detecting the fingerprint FP described above, it will not be repeated here.

[0174] When an authentication operation is performed on a plurality of fingerprints FP1 and FP2 instead of a single fingerprint, enhanced security can be provided.

[0175] According to some embodiments disclosed, when the display panel is driven in the initial mode, the input sensing unit can be driven in a self-sensing mode with low power consumption, and the fingerprint sensing unit is driven in a portion thereof that overlaps with the fingerprint, which can reduce the power consumption of the display device.

[0176] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure can be modified or changed in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the technical spirit within the claims, and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel configured to be driven in an initial mode or a main mode; An input sensing unit located on the display panel and configured to be driven in a mutual sensing mode or a self-sensing mode; A fingerprint sensing unit located below the display panel; And A control module configured to control the operations of the display panel, the input sensing unit, and the fingerprint sensing unit; Wherein the display panel is located between the fingerprint sensing unit and the input sensing unit, and When the display panel is driven in the initial mode, the control module drives the input sensing unit in the self-sensing mode and controls the fingerprint sensing unit to detect a fingerprint touched on the input sensing unit; Wherein, based on the position information of the fingerprint, the control module drives a first portion of the display panel and does not drive a second portion of the display panel, the first portion overlapping with the fingerprint, and the second portion surrounding the first portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When the input sensing unit detects a touch of the fingerprint, the control module activates the fingerprint sensing unit to detect the fingerprint.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The control module calculates the position information of the fingerprint based on the touch information of the fingerprint provided by the input sensing unit, and The control module drives a portion of the fingerprint sensing unit based on the position information of the fingerprint, the portion of the fingerprint sensing unit overlapping with the fingerprint.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The fingerprint sensing unit includes: A plurality of sensing units arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and A plurality of lines connected to the sensing units, Wherein each of the plurality of lines is connected to the sensing units arranged in a corresponding row, and The control module applies a driving signal to a first group of the plurality of lines, the first group of lines being connected to a first group of sensing units overlapping with the fingerprint.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The fingerprint sensing unit further includes a plurality of common lines connected to the plurality of lines, Wherein a second group of the plurality of lines are commonly connected to a corresponding common line, the second group of lines being connected to a second group of sensing units arranged in h rows, where h is a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The fingerprint includes a plurality of fingerprints, and The fingerprint sensing unit detects the plurality of fingerprints.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The input sensing unit includes: A first sensing electrode; and A second sensing electrode insulated from and crossing the first sensing electrode; Wherein, when the input sensing unit is driven in the self-sensing mode, the control module operates the first sensing electrode as a driving electrode and as a sensing electrode, and Wherein, when the input sensing unit is driven in the mutual sensing mode, the control module operates the first sensing electrode as the driving electrode and operates the second sensing electrode as the sensing electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the detected fingerprint matches the user's fingerprint, the control module drives the display panel in the main mode and drives the input sensing unit in the mutual sensing mode.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The control module includes: A main controller, configured to output a first control signal, a second control signal, a third control signal, a fourth control signal, and a fifth control signal; A display panel controller, configured to drive the display panel in the initial mode in response to the first control signal, and drive the display panel in the main mode in response to the second control signal; An input sensing controller, configured to drive the input sensing unit in the self-sensing mode in response to the third control signal, and drive the input sensing unit in the mutual-sensing mode in response to the fourth control signal; and A fingerprint sensing controller, configured to activate the fingerprint sensing unit in response to the fifth control signal, and provide the detected fingerprint to the main controller; Wherein, the main controller compares the detected fingerprint with the fingerprint of the user.

Images