Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a substrate, a display panel including a first display area including first pixels, a second display area including second pixels, and a third display area disposed between the first display area and the second display area and including third pixels, and an assembly disposed between the substrate and the display panel to overlap the second display area. The transmittance of the second display area is higher than the transmittance of the first display area and the transmittance of the third display area, and the third pixels are controlled such that the luminance gradually changes according to the distance from the second display area.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and a bar prosequi of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0106715 filed on August 29, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus and a method of driving the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a display apparatus maximizing a display area by disposing a sensor on a rear surface of a display panel and a method of driving the same. BACKGROUND

[0004] A flat panel display apparatus has many advantages over a cathode ray tube. One of the advantages is that the flat panel display apparatus can have a weight and a volume smaller than those of the cathode ray tube. Such flat panel display apparatuses include a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus, a field emission display (FED) apparatus, a plasma display panel (PDP), and an organic light emitting display apparatus, etc. Among the flat panel display apparatuses, the organic light emitting display apparatus displays an image using an organic light emitting diode that generates light through recombination of electrons and holes.

[0005] Recently, a camera, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an illuminance sensor, a near-infrared sensor, and the like overlap with a display area, and the display area occupies most of a front surface of a mobile terminal or the like. The sensor area overlapping with the display area reduces the density of pixels to improve transmittance. At this time, a user can visually recognize the change in the density of pixels between the sensor area and the display area as discontinuity of an image. Therefore, there is a need for a novel way to maximize the display area and minimize the sensor area to improve display quality. SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides a display apparatus maximizing a display area by disposing a sensor on a rear surface of a display panel and a method of driving the same.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a display apparatus maximizing a display area by disposing a sensor on a rear surface of a display panel and a method of driving the same.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a display apparatus and a method of driving the same, which can reduce image discontinuity at a boundary between a sensor area and a display area by controlling the brightness of the display area around the sensor area.

[0009] A display device according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a substrate, a display panel including a first display area including a plurality of first pixels, a second display area including a plurality of second pixels, and a third display area disposed between the first display area and the second display area and including a plurality of third pixels, and a component disposed between the substrate and the display panel and overlapping the second display area. The transmittance of the second display area can be higher than the transmittance of the first display area and the transmittance of the third display area, and the plurality of third pixels can be controlled such that the luminance gradually changes according to the distance from the second display area.

[0010] According to an embodiment, each of the first pixels and the third pixels can be disposed at a first density, and the second pixels can be disposed at a second density less than the first density.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the transmittance of the first display area can be the same as the transmittance of the third display area.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the plurality of first pixels can be controlled to emit light at a first luminance, the plurality of second pixels can be controlled to emit light at a second luminance, and the plurality of third pixels can be controlled such that the luminance gradually changes from the first luminance to the second luminance or from the second luminance to the first luminance according to the distance from the second display area.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the second display area can include a plurality of second unit pixel areas each having at least one second pixel, and a plurality of transmissive areas disposed alternately with the plurality of second unit pixel areas, in which no second pixel is disposed.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the third display area can include a plurality of third unit pixel areas each having at least one third pixel.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the third unit pixel area can include a first group of unit pixel areas and a second group of unit pixel areas disposed alternately and independently controlled in luminance.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the first group of unit pixel areas can be controlled to gradually decrease the luminance as the distance from the second display area increases, and the second group of unit pixel areas can be controlled to gradually increase the luminance as the distance from the second display area increases.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the first group of unit pixel areas closest to the second display area can be disposed to be in contact with at least one of the plurality of second unit pixel areas.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the sum of the luminance of a pair of the first group of unit pixel areas and the second group of unit pixel areas adjacent to each other can be controlled to be an integer multiple of the first luminance.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the integer can be determined based on a ratio of the second luminance to the first luminance.

[0020] According to an embodiment, a width of the third display area can be variable based on a luminance range and a luminance variation rate of the third unit pixel area.

[0021] To achieve the object of the present application, a method of driving a display apparatus, the display apparatus including a substrate, a display panel including a first display area including a plurality of first pixels, a second display area including a plurality of second pixels, and a third display area disposed between the first display area and the second display area and including a plurality of third pixels, and a component disposed between the substrate and the display panel and overlapping the second display area, the method can include receiving image data, correcting a luminance of the image data according to a display area corresponding to the image data, and displaying an image based on the corrected image data, wherein correcting the luminance can include correcting the luminance of the image data according to a distance from the second display area when the arbitrary image data corresponds to the third display area.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the first pixels and the third pixels can be disposed at a first density, and the second pixels can be disposed at a second density less than the first density.

[0023] According to an embodiment, correcting the luminance can include correcting the image data to a first luminance when the image data corresponds to the first display area, correcting the image data to a second luminance when the image data corresponds to the second display area, and correcting the image data to an arbitrary luminance between the first luminance and the second luminance according to a distance from the second display area when the image data corresponds to the third display area.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the second display area can include a plurality of second unit pixel areas each having at least one second pixel, and a plurality of transmission areas disposed alternately with the plurality of second unit pixel areas, in which no second pixel is disposed.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the third display area can include a plurality of third unit pixel areas each having at least one third pixel, and the third unit pixel area can include a first group of unit pixel areas and a second group of unit pixel areas disposed alternately and independently controlled in luminance.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the first group of unit pixel areas can be controlled to gradually decrease the luminance according to a distance from the second display area, and the second group of unit pixel areas can be controlled to gradually increase the luminance according to the distance from the second display area.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the sum of the luminances of the pair of the first and second sets of unit pixel regions adjacent to each other can be controlled to be an integer multiple of the first luminance.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the integer can be determined based on a ratio of the second luminance to the first luminance.

[0029] A display device according to an embodiment of the disclosure can reduce image discontinuity at a boundary between a sensor region and a display region, and can improve user visibility of an image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other features of the disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a pixel according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C are top views of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 3A ;

[0035] Figure 5 is a top view schematically illustrating a first display region according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 is an enlarged view illustrating an EA2 region of Figure 5 according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 is an enlarged view illustrating an EA2 region of Figure 5 according to another embodiment;

[0038] Figure 8 is a top view schematically illustrating a second display region according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 9 is an enlarged view illustrating an EA3 region of Figure 8 according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 10 is an enlarged view illustrating an EA3 region of Figure 8 according to another embodiment;

[0041] Figure 11 is a top view schematically illustrating a second display area according to another embodiment;

[0042] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of an EA4 area of Figure 11

[0043] Figure 13 is a top view schematically illustrating a second display area according to another embodiment;

[0044] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of an EA5 area of Figure 13

[0045] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of an EA1 area of Figure 3A

[0046] Figure 16 is a diagram for describing a luminance control method for an EA1 area of Figure 3A

[0047] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of controlling luminance with respect to an EA1 area of Figure 3A

[0048] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of controlling luminance with respect to an EA1 area of Figure 3A

[0049] Figure 19 is a diagram for describing an operation of a timing controller of Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Advantages and features of the present disclosure and a method of achieving the same can be more clearly understood from the following embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments described and can be implemented in various forms. In the following description, it is assumed that a case where one component is connected with another component includes a case where they are connected with each other through another element interposed therebetween as well as a case where they are connected with each other directly. Also, in the drawings, components irrelevant to the present disclosure are omitted for the sake of clarity of description, and like components are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0052] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus 10 according to an embodiment.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 ​​​​​​​The display device 10 can include a display panel 100 including a plurality of pixels PXL, a scan driver 210, a data driver 220, a light emission driver 230, and a timing controller 240.

[0054] The timing controller 240 can generate a scan driving control signal SCS, a data driving control signal DCS, and a light emission driving control signal ECS based on a signal input from an external source. The scan driving control signal SCS, the data driving control signal DCS, and the light emission driving control signal ECS generated by the timing controller 240 can be supplied to the scan driver 210, the data driver 220, and the light emission driver 230, respectively.

[0055] The scan driving control signal SCS can include a scan start pulse and a clock signal. The scan start pulse can control the output timing of the first scan signal, and the clock signal can control the output timing of the scan signal.

[0056] The data driving control signal DCS can include a source start pulse and a clock signal. The source start pulse can control the sampling start time of the data, and the clock signal can be used to control the sampling operation.

[0057] The light emission driving control signal ECS can include a light emission start pulse and a clock signal. The light emission start pulse can control the output timing of the light emission control signal, and the clock signal can control the output timing of the light emission control signal.

[0058] The scan driver 210 can output a scan signal corresponding to the scan driving control signal SCS. The scan driver 210 can supply the scan signal to the scan lines S1, S2,..., Sn. The scan signal can be sequentially or simultaneously applied to the scan lines S1, S2,..., Sn.

[0059] The data driver 220 can supply a data signal to the data lines D1, D2,..., Dm corresponding to the data driving control signal DCS. The data signal supplied to the data lines D1, D2,..., Dm can be applied to the pixels PXL of the pixel column selected by the scan signal. To this end, the data driver 220 can supply the data signal to the data lines D1, D2,..., Dm in synchronization with the scan signal.

[0060] The data driver 220 can apply a data signal corresponding to image data provided from the outside to the data lines D1, D2,..., Dm during a display period within one frame.

[0061] The light emission driver 230 can supply light emission control signals to the light emission control lines E1, E2, and El in correspondence with a light emission driving control signal ECS. The light emission control signals can be sequentially or simultaneously applied to the light emission control lines E1, E2, and El. The pixels PXL to which the light emission control signals are supplied through the light emission control lines E1, E2, and El can emit light with luminance corresponding to the data signals applied from the data driver 220.

[0062] The display panel 100 can include a plurality of pixels PXL connected to the data lines D1, D2, and Dm, the scan lines S1, S2, and Sn, and the light emission control lines E1, E2, and El. The plurality of scan lines S1, S2, and Sn can be connected to each of the pixels PXL in correspondence with a circuit structure of each of the pixels PXL.

[0063] The pixels PXL can receive a first driving power source ELVDD and a second driving power source ELVSS from an external source. The first driving power source ELVDD can be set to have a voltage higher than that of the second driving power source ELVSS. In various embodiments, an initialization power source Vint can be further supplied to the pixels PXL.

[0064] Each of the pixels PXL can receive a data signal from a corresponding data line when a scan signal is supplied through a corresponding scan line during a display period. The pixel PXL receiving the data signal can control an amount of current flowing from the first driving power source ELVDD to the second driving power source ELVSS through a light emitting element (not shown) in correspondence with the data signal. The light emitting element can generate light of a predetermined luminance corresponding to the amount of current when a light emission control signal is applied from a corresponding light emission control line.

[0065] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a pixel PXL according to an embodiment. In Figure 2 , for convenience of description, an active type pixel PXL is illustrated, which is connected to an i-th (i is a natural number) scan line Si provided in an i-th horizontal pixel row and a j-th (j is a natural number) data line Dj provided in a j-th vertical pixel column and includes seven transistors. However, the structure of the pixel PXL is not limited to the structure illustrated in Figure 2 .

[0066] Referring to Figure 2 , the pixel PXL according to an embodiment can include a pixel circuit PXC including a first transistor M1 to a seventh transistor M7, a storage capacitor Cst, and a light emitting element LD.

[0067] The first electrode of the first transistor M1 (a drive transistor) can be connected to the first drive power supply ELVDD through the fifth transistor M5, and the second electrode of the first transistor M1 can be connected to the anode electrode of the light emitting element LD through the sixth transistor M6. In addition, the gate electrode of the first transistor M1 can be connected to the first node N1. The first transistor M1 can control the amount of current flowing from the first drive power supply ELVDD to the second drive power supply ELVSS through the light emitting element LD corresponding to the voltage of the first node N1.

[0068] The second transistor M2 (a switching transistor) can be connected 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 can be connected to the ith scan line Si. When a scan signal is supplied to the ith scan line Si, the second transistor M2 can be turned on to electrically connect the jth data line Dj and the first electrode of the first transistor M1 to each other.

[0069] The third transistor M3 (a compensation transistor) can be connected between the second electrode of the first transistor M1 and the first node N1. In addition, the gate electrode of the third transistor M3 can be connected to the ith scan line Si. When a gate-on voltage scan signal is supplied to the ith scan line Si, the third transistor M3 can be turned on to electrically connect the second electrode of the first transistor M1 and the first node N1 to each other. Thus, when the third transistor M3 is turned on, the first transistor M1 can be connected in a diode form.

[0070] The fourth transistor M4 (an initialization transistor) can be connected between the first node N1 and an initialization power supply Vint. In addition, the gate electrode of the fourth transistor M4 can be connected to the (i-1)th scan line Si-1. When a scan signal is supplied to the (i-1)th scan line Si-1, the fourth transistor M4 can be turned on to supply the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint to the first node N1.

[0071] Figure 2 An embodiment in which the (i-1)th scan line Si-1 is used as an initialization control line for initializing the gate node of the first transistor M1, that is, the first node N1, is shown. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, another control line such as the (i-2)th scan line Si-2 can be used as an initialization control line for initializing the gate node of the first transistor M1.

[0072] The fifth transistor M5 (an emission control transistor) can be connected between the first drive power supply ELVDD and the first transistor M1. In addition, the gate electrode of the fifth transistor M5 can be connected to the ith light emission control line Ei. When a gate-off voltage light emission control signal is supplied to the ith light emission control line Ei, the fifth transistor M5 can be turned off, and in other cases, the fifth transistor M5 can be turned on.

[0073] The sixth transistor M6 (emission control transistor) can be connected between the first transistor M1 and the light emitting element LD. In addition, the gate electrode of the sixth transistor M6 can be connected to the i-th light emission control line Ei. When a gate-off voltage light emission control signal is supplied to the i-th light emission control line Ei, the sixth transistor M6 can be turned off, and in other cases the sixth transistor M6 can be turned on.

[0074] The seventh transistor M7 (initialization transistor) can be connected between the initialization power supply Vint and the first electrode (for example, anode electrode) of the light emitting element LD. In addition, the gate electrode of the seventh transistor M7 can be connected to the (i+1)-th scan line Si+1. When a gate-on voltage (for example, a low voltage) scan signal is supplied to the (i+1)-th scan line Si+1, the seventh transistor M7 can be turned on to supply the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint to the anode electrode of the light emitting element LD. Here, the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint can be set to a voltage lower than the voltage of the data signal. That is, the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint can be set to be equal to or less than the lowest voltage of the data signal.

[0075] Figure 2 The case where the anode initialization control line connected to the gate electrode of the seventh transistor M7 is the (i+1)-th scan line Si+1 is shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the gate electrode of the seventh transistor M7 can be connected to the i-th scan line Si. In this case, when a gate-on voltage scan signal is supplied to the i-th scan line Si, the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint can be supplied to the anode electrode of the light emitting element LD through the seventh transistor M7.

[0076] The storage capacitor Cst can be connected between the first drive power supply ELVDD and the first node N1. The storage capacitor Cst can store the voltage corresponding to the data signal and the threshold voltage of the first transistor M1.

[0077] The anode electrode of the light emitting element LD can be connected to the first transistor M1 through the sixth transistor M6, and the cathode electrode can be connected to the second drive power supply ELVSS. The light emitting element LD generates light of a predetermined brightness corresponding to the amount of current supplied from the first transistor M1. The voltage value of the first drive power supply ELVDD can be set to be greater than the voltage value of the second drive power supply ELVSS so that current can flow to the light emitting element LD.

[0078] The light emitting element LD can be, for example, an organic light emitting diode. The light emitting element LD can emit light of one color among red, green, and blue.

[0079] On the other hand, the structure of the pixel PXL is not limited to Figure 2The pixel circuit of the pixel PXL can be variously configured. For example, a currently known pixel circuit of various structures can be applied to the pixel PXL.

[0080] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a plan view of the display device 10 according to an embodiment. In particular, Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C show the front surface of the display device 10.

[0081] The entire or at least some portions of the display device 10 can be flexible. For example, the display device 10 can have flexibility in the entire area, or can have flexibility in an area corresponding to a flexible area.

[0082] Referring to Figure 3A , the display panel 100 can be disposed on the front surface of the display device 10. The display panel 100 can include a display area AA and a non-display area NA surrounding the display area AA.

[0083] The display area AA is an area in which a plurality of pixels (or can be referred to as sub-pixels, see Figure 2 ) are disposed, and can be referred to as an active area. In various embodiments, the display area AA can be disposed in a large screen to occupy a large portion of the front surface of the display device 10.

[0084] As shown in Figure 3A , the non-display area NA is an area disposed around the display area AA, and can be disposed at the edge of the front surface of the display device 10. The non-display area NA can be referred to as a non-active area, a bezel area, or a black matrix (BM) area. The non-display area NA can collectively refer to the remaining area other than the display area AA on the display panel 100.

[0085] The non-display area NA can include driving elements for applying driving signals to the display area AA, lines, and various dummy areas. For example, in the non-display area NA, the scan driver 210, the data driver 220, the light emission driver 230, the timing controller 240, and various lines connected to the pixel PXL shown in Figure 1 may be disposed to drive the pixel PXL in the display area AA.

[0086] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3BAs shown in FIG. 1, the display area AA can be disposed on the entire front surface of the display device 10. Such a display device 10 can be referred to as a full-screen display. Since the display area AA is disposed on the entire front surface of the display device 10, the non-display area NA can not be disposed or can be disposed in a very small area on the front surface. In such an embodiment, the display area AA can be in contact with the side edges of the display device 10, or can be disposed at a distance of about 1 mm or less from the side edges.

[0087] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Embodiments in which the display area AA is disposed only on the front surface of the display device 10 are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various embodiments, the display area AA can be disposed on at least one area of the side edges or at least one area of the rear surface of the display device 10. At least some of the display areas AA disposed on the plurality of surfaces of the display device 10 can be connected to or separated from each other.

[0088] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 10 can include components (not shown) overlapping the display area AA. These components can be disposed under the pixels PXL and / or under the lines disposed in the display area AA, and can be hidden with respect to the front surface. When these components are disposed under the pixels PXL and / or under the lines disposed in the display area AA and overlap the display area AA as described above, the appearance of the display device 10, particularly the wider display area AA, can be obtained.

[0089] An area not overlapping these components can be defined as a first display area AA1, and an area overlapping these components can be defined as a second display area AA2 (or a sensor area). However, in various embodiments, the second display area AA2 can be disposed to have a wider area than the area overlapping these components. For example, as shown in Figure 3C As shown in FIG. 1, the second display area AA2 can be formed in a large range at one end of the display device 10. In such an embodiment, the width of the first display area AA1 from the upper end edge of the display device 10 can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 8 mm.

[0090] The second display area AA2 is located inside the display area AA, and can be surrounded by the first display area AA1. In Figure 3A and Figure 3B In FIGS. 1 and 2, the second display area AA2 has a substantially circular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the second display area AA2 can have various polygonal shapes including a rectangular shape (as shown in Figure 3C In FIG. 3, the second display area AA2 has an elliptical shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the second display area AA2 can have various polygonal shapes including a rectangular shape (as shown in

[0091] In addition, in Figure 3A、 Figure 3B And Figure 3C In the above, at least one second display area AA2 is provided only at the upper end of the front surface of the display device 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in each embodiment, one or more second display areas AA2 can be provided, and can be provided adjacent to the display area AA or distributed in the display area AA. For example, in an embodiment in which the display area AA is formed on the side edges and / or the rear side of the display device 10, a portion of the second display area AA2 can be provided in the display area AA of the side edges and / or the display area AA of the rear surface.

[0092] The components provided to overlap the second display area AA2 can be optical components. That is, the components can be parts that receive light or emit light. The components can include, for example, a fingerprint sensor, an image sensor, a camera, a flash, a light sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, an indicator, and a solar panel, etc. However, the components are not limited to optical components, and can include various components such as an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone, an environmental sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation sensing sensor, and a heat sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (a gas sensing sensor, a dust sensing sensor, an odor sensing sensor).

[0093] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3A And Figure 3B One second display area AA2 can overlap one component. For example, one of the second display areas AA2 can overlap a camera, another can overlap a proximity sensor, and another can overlap an illuminance sensor.

[0094] However, in another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3C One second display area AA2 can overlap multiple components. For example, a portion of the second display areas AA2 can overlap a camera and a proximity sensor provided side by side, and another portion can overlap an illuminance sensor.

[0095] The second display area AA2 can transmit a signal (e.g., light) input to the component. In order to improve the transmittance of the signal, the transmittance of the second display area AA2 can be higher than that of the first display area AA1. Here, each of the transmittance of the second display area AA2 and the transmittance of the first display area AA1 can be the degree of transmittance of light per unit area (a predetermined area or the same area). For example, the transmittance can be the ratio of light transmitted through the display panel 100 to light incident on the unit area of the display panel 100. Accordingly, the second display area AA2 having a relatively high transmittance can transmit a signal (e.g., light) better than the first display area AA1.

[0096] For example, in the second display area AA2, the pixels PXL can be disposed at a lower density than that of the first display area AA1. The gaps of the pixels PXL disposed at the lower density can form physical and / or optical openings, thereby allowing better transmission of signals. The disposition of the pixels PXL in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 will be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0097] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of Figure 3A

[0098] Referring to Figure 4 The display device 10 can 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 can form a structure stacked in a vertical direction.

[0099] The substrate 110 can support the display panel 100 and the sensor 120. In an embodiment, the substrate 110 can be a bracket or a case, etc., and can include a plastic or a metal material. The substrate 110 can form an appearance of a rear surface of the display device 10, and can protect electronic components inside the electronic device from external stress.

[0100] The sensor 120 can be disposed on the substrate 110 in a surface mount device (SMD) manner. The sensor 120 can be disposed between the substrate 110 and the display panel 100. The sensor 120 can face at least one area of the display panel 100, for example, the second display area AA2.

[0101] Meanwhile, in Figure 4 , an example of disposing an arbitrary sensor 120 on the substrate 110 is shown, but as described with reference to Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C , the sensor 120 can be replaced by various components.

[0102] The display panel 100 can be a flat panel display panel or a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel 100 can include a rigid base layer formed of glass or plastic, etc., or a flexible base layer such as a plastic film. The display panel 100 can display an image using pixels disposed on the base layer. As described with reference to Figure 2 ​As described, the pixel PXL can include a pixel circuit PXC formed in the circuit element layer and a light emitting element LD formed in the light emitting element layer. The light emitting element LD can be, for example, an organic light emitting diode. However, the light emitting element LD is not limited to the organic light emitting diode. For example, the light emitting element LD can be an inorganic light emitting element including an inorganic light emitting material or a light emitting element that emits light by changing a wavelength of light emitted using a quantum dot (quantum dot display element). The display panel 100 can display an image using the pixel circuit PXC and the light emitting element LD.

[0103] The display panel 100 can include the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 facing the sensor 120 described with reference to Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C and Figure 4 The pixels can be disposed in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0104] The transmittance per unit area of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 can be different from each other. For example, the transmittance per unit area of the second display area AA2 can be higher than the transmittance per unit area of the first display area AA1.

[0105] In an embodiment, the pixels can be disposed in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 at different densities. For example, the pixels can be disposed in the first display area AA1 at a first density, and the pixels can be disposed in the second display area AA2 at a second density. The second density can be set to be less than the first density. At this time, the material and layout of each pixel in the first display area AA1 can be the same as the material and layout of each pixel in the second display area AA2.

[0106] Here, the density (or pixel density) can be defined as a ratio (%) of an area of a region in which the pixels are disposed to an entire area of the corresponding display area. The area of the region in which the pixels are disposed can be a sum of areas of each pixel. The area of the pixel can refer to an area of a region including the pixel circuit and the light emitting element.

[0107] In another embodiment, the area of the pixel can refer to an area of a light emission surface of the light emitting element. For example, when the pixel includes an organic light emitting diode, the area of the pixel can be an area of an anode electrode exposed between pixel defining films, or an area of a light emission layer.

[0108] Alternatively, the density can be defined as a total number of pixels per unit area (pixels per inch (PPI)) of the corresponding display area.

[0109] In the following embodiments, the density is defined as a ratio of an area of a region in which a pixel is provided to an entire area of a display region, the area of the pixel is an area of a region including a pixel circuit and a light emitting element, and technical features of the present application will be described.

[0110] The area of the region in which the pixel is provided with respect to the entire area in the second display region AA2 can be smaller than the area of the region in which the pixel is provided with respect to the entire area in the first display region AA1. Since the pixel is provided at a relatively low density in the second display region AA2, the transmittance of the second display region AA2 can be higher than the transmittance of the first display region AA1.

[0111] Since the density of the pixel in the second display region AA2 is smaller than the density of the pixel in the first display region AA1, it can be visually recognized that an image displayed in the second display region AA2 is darker (i.e., lower luminance) with respect to an image displayed in the first display region AA1. In order to solve such a problem, the pixel provided in the second display region AA2 can be controlled to emit light at a higher luminance with respect to the same image data.

[0112] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, at least one of a material and a layout of the pixel in the first display region AA1 can be different from at least one of a material and a layout of the pixel in the second display region AA2. However, in this case, the density of the pixel in the first display region AA1 and the density of the pixel in the second display region AA2 can be the same.

[0113] For example, the material of the pixel in the first display region AA1 can be different from the material of the pixel in the second display region AA2. For example, an anode electrode of the pixel in the first display region AA1 can include a reflective metal, and an anode electrode of the pixel in the second display region AA2 can include a transmissive metal. For example, the anode electrode of the pixel in the first display region AA1 and the second display region AA2 can include one of a reflective metal and a transmissive metal, and a ratio of the anode electrode having the transmissive metal in the second display region AA2 can be greater than a ratio of the anode electrode having the transmissive metal in the first display region AA1. The light transmittance of the transmissive metal can be higher than the light transmittance of the reflective metal.

[0114] For example, a specific wire of the pixel in the first display region AA1 can include a reflective metal, and a corresponding specific wire of the pixel in the second display region AA2 can include a transmissive metal. For example, the specific wire of the pixel in the first display region AA1 and the second display region AA2 can include one of a reflective metal and a transmissive metal, and a ratio of the specific wire having the transmissive metal in the second display region AA2 can be greater than a ratio of the specific wire having the transmissive metal in the first display region AA1.

[0115] For example, the layout of the pixels in the first display area AA1 can be different from the layout of the pixels in the second display area AA2. For example, the area of the corresponding specific wire of the pixels in the second display area AA2 can be smaller than the area of the corresponding specific wire of the pixels in the first display area AA1. Accordingly, as the distance between the wires in the second display area AA2 increases, the transmittance of the second display area AA2 can be improved.

[0116] At least one of the density, material, and layout of the pixels of the second display area AA2 can be configured to be different from the density, material, and layout of the pixels of the first display area AA1, such that the pixels of the second display area AA2 have a transmittance higher than the transmittance of the pixels of the first display area AA1.

[0117] As shown in Figure 4 , the window 130 can be disposed at the uppermost portion of the display device 10. The window 130 can be a glass material or a synthetic resin material. The window 130 can include a transparent material. The window 130 can be provided to protect the components disposed thereunder.

[0118] Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing the first display area AA1 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a plan view schematically showing the second display area AA2 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the EA2 area of Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the EA2 area of Figure 5 according to another embodiment.

[0119] Referring to Figure 5 , the first display area AA1 can include unit pixel areas PXA disposed in a matrix form. The unit pixel areas PXA can be disposed in a predetermined number along a first direction X and a second direction Y according to the resolution of the display device 10. The first direction X and the second direction Y can be substantially perpendicular.

[0120] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the unit pixel area PXA can include pixels PXL (or sub-pixels) that emit light of the same color or different colors. For example, the pixels PXL can emit light of red R, green G, and blue B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, when the pixels PXL can realize white light through an arbitrary combination of the above-described colors, the pixels PXL included in the unit pixel area PXA can emit light of various colors.

[0121] As in Figure 6As illustrated in the drawing, in an embodiment, the unit pixel region PXA can include a first pixel PXL1, a second pixel PXL2, and a third pixel PXL3 arranged in the first direction X. The first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 can be arranged in a stripe pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 can emit light of red color R, the second pixel PXL2 can emit light of green color G, and the third pixel PXL3 can emit light of blue color B.

[0122] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 7 , the unit pixel region PXA can include a first pixel PXL1 to a fourth pixel PXL4 arranged in the first direction X. The first pixel PXL1 to the fourth pixel PXL4 can be arranged in a pentile pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 can emit light of red color R, the second pixel PXL2 can emit light of green color G, the third pixel PXL3 can emit light of blue color B, and the fourth pixel PXL4 can emit light of green color G.

[0123] Meanwhile, although the pixels PXL have a rectangular shape as illustrated in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various embodiments, the pixels PXL can have various shapes such as a square, a diamond, a hexagon, and an octagon. In addition, although the pixels PXL have the same area in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various embodiments, a pixel PXL that emits light of an arbitrary color (for example, light of red color R and / or light of blue color B) among the pixels PXL can have a larger area than the area of the other pixels PXL. Furthermore, each pixel can have a different shape and size compared to the other adjacent pixels.

[0124] As illustrated in Figure 5 , Figure 6 , and Figure 7 , the unit pixel region PXA in the first display region AA1, that is, the pixels PXL are provided at a first density. For example, because the pixels PXL are densely provided in the first display region AA1, the first density can be a density in which the entire area of the first display region AA1 is substantially the same as the area of the region in which the pixels PXL are provided. For example, the first density can be approximately 100%.

[0125] Figure 8 is a plan view schematically illustrating a second display region AA2 according to an embodiment. Figure 9 is an enlarged view illustrating an EA3 region of Figure 8 according to an embodiment. Figure 10 is an enlarged view illustrating an EA3 region of Figure 8 according to another embodiment.Figure 11 is a plan view schematically showing a second display area AA2 according to another embodiment. Figure 12 is a plan view showing an EA4 area according to an embodiment. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the EA4 area.

[0126] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 11 , the second display area AA2 can include unit pixel areas PXA and a transmissive area TA arranged in a matrix form. The unit pixel areas PXA and the transmissive area TA are alternately arranged along a first direction X. Also, the unit pixel areas PXA and the transmissive area TA are alternately arranged along a second direction Y. The first direction X and the second direction Y can be substantially perpendicular.

[0127] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , one unit pixel area PXA and one transmissive area TA can be alternately arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 , a plurality of unit pixel areas PXA and one transmissive area TA can be alternately arranged in one of the first direction X and the second direction Y, or one unit pixel area PXA and a plurality of transmissive areas TA can be alternately arranged in one of the first direction X and the second direction Y. In Figure 11 and Figure 12 , two unit pixel areas PXA and one transmissive area TA are alternately arranged in the second direction Y, and a unit pixel area composed of the two unit pixel areas PXA and one transmissive area TA are alternately arranged in the first direction X.

[0128] As shown in Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the unit pixel area PXA can include pixels PXL (or sub-pixels) that emit light having the same color or different colors. For example, the pixels PXL can emit light of red R, green G, and blue B. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, when the pixels PXL can implement white light by any combination of the above-described colors, the pixels PXL included in the unit pixel area PXA can emit light of various colors.

[0129] As shown in Figure 9As depicted in the middle, in an embodiment, the unit pixel region PXA can include a first pixel PXL1, a second pixel PXL2, and a third pixel PXL3 arranged in the first direction X. The first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 can be arranged in a stripe pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 can emit light of red color R, the second pixel PXL2 can emit light of green color G, and the third pixel PXL3 can emit light of blue color B.

[0130] As Figure 10 As depicted in the middle, in an embodiment, the unit pixel region PXA can include a first pixel PXL1, a second pixel PXL2, a third pixel PXL3, and a fourth pixel PXL4 arranged in the first direction X. The first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, the third pixel PXL3, and the fourth pixel PXL4 can be arranged in a pentile pattern. For example, the first pixel PXL1 can emit light of red color R, the second pixel PXL2 can emit light of green color G, the third pixel PXL3 can emit light of blue color B, and the fourth pixel PXL4 can emit light of green color G. Alternatively, the fourth pixel PXL4 can emit light of white color.

[0131] Meanwhile, although the pixel PXL has a rectangular shape as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various embodiments, the pixel PXL can have various shapes such as a square, a diamond, a hexagon, and an octagon. In addition, although the pixel PXL has the same area in Figure 9 and Figure 10 the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, in various embodiments, a pixel PXL that emits light of an arbitrary color (for example, light of red color R and / or light of blue color B) among the pixels PXL can have a larger area than that of the other pixels PXL.

[0132] The transmission region TA can be a transparent window in which the pixel PXL is not disposed. That is, the transmission region TA can be a region in which the circuit elements and the light emitting elements constituting the pixel PXL are removed. Due to the removal of the circuit elements and the light emitting elements, only a transparent insulating layer provided between the circuit elements and / or between the circuit elements and the light emitting elements can be disposed in the transmission region TA.

[0133] In an embodiment, when some of the electrodes constituting the circuit elements and the light emitting elements are formed of a transparent electrode, and the other electrodes constituting the circuit elements and the light emitting elements are formed of an opaque electrode, the transmission region TA can be a region in which only the opaque electrodes are removed. For example, the transmission region TA can be a region in which the opaque electrodes constituting the pixel PXL are removed (for example, refer to FIG. 2B). Figure 2The transmissive region TA is a region of the display panel 100 in which the light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting diode is not provided. The transmissive region TA is a region in which the light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting diode is further removed from the region of the display panel 100 in which the light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting diode is not provided. Alternatively, the transmissive region TA can be a region in which an opaque electrode constituting the circuit element is further removed.

[0134] As shown in Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the unit pixel region PXA, i.e., the pixel PXL, in the second display region AA2 is provided at a second density. The second density can be a ratio of an area of a region other than a region in which the transmissive region TA is provided to an entire area of the second display region AA2.

[0135] The second density is smaller than a first density, which is a density of the pixel PXL provided in the first display region AA1. In Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the second density can be approximately 50%.

[0136] Since the density of the pixel PXL in the second display region AA2 is smaller than the density of the pixel in the first display region AA1, it can be visually recognized that an image displayed in the second display region AA2 is relatively dark (i.e., has a lower brightness) compared to an image displayed in the first display region AA1. To address such a problem, the pixel PXL provided in the second display region AA2 can be controlled to emit light at a brighter brightness with respect to the same image data. For example, the pixel PXL provided in the first display region AA1 can be controlled to emit light at a first brightness, and the pixel PXL provided in the second display region AA2 can be controlled to emit light at a second brightness. Here, the second brightness can be greater than the first brightness.

[0137] In an embodiment, when the first density is approximately 100% and the second density is approximately 50%, the second brightness can be approximately twice the first brightness.

[0138] A user can visually recognize a rapid change in the density and brightness of the pixel PXL between the first display region AA1 and the second display region AA2 as a discontinuity of an image. To mitigate the visibility of the image discontinuity, the pixel PXL can be controlled to gradually change the brightness in a portion of the first display region AA1 adjacent to the second display region AA2. Hereinafter, technical features will be described in greater detail.

[0139] Figure 13 is a plan view schematically showing the second display region AA2 according to another embodiment. Figure 14 is Figure 13 an enlarged view of the EA5 region of

[0140] Referring toFigure 13 The second display area AA2 can include an arrangement of unit pixel areas PXA' that is substantially the same as that of the unit pixel areas PXA of the first display area AA1 of Figure 5 For example, the pixel density per predetermined unit area (or the total area of the anode electrodes included in the unit area) of the second display area AA2 can be substantially the same as the pixel density per unit area (or the total area of the anode electrodes included in the unit area) of the first display area AA1.

[0141] At this time, the second display area AA2 can not include a transmissive area. As described above, at least one of the material and the layout of the pixels in the first display area AA1 can be different from at least one of the material and the layout of the pixels in the second display area AA2.

[0142] For example, referring to Figure 14 The anode electrodes of the pixels PXL1', PXL2', and PXL3' of the unit pixel areas PXA' in the second display area AA2 can be formed of a transmissive metal. At this time, the anode electrodes of the pixels PXL1, PXL2, and PXL3 of the first display area AA1 can be formed of a reflective metal (see Figure 6 ). Thus, even if the second display area AA2 does include a transmissive area in which no pixel PXL' is disposed and the density of the pixels PXL' in the second display area AA2 (or the total area of the anode electrodes in the same area) is the same as the density of the pixels PXL in the first display area AA1 (or the total area of the anode electrodes in the same area), the transmittance of the second display area AA2 can be higher than that of the first display area AA1.

[0143] Figure 15 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the EA1 area of Figure 3A

[0144] Although not shown in Figure 3A , referring to Figure 15 , a third display area AA3 can be further provided between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. The third display area AA3 can be an area that surrounds the second display area AA2 and is surrounded by the first display area AA1.

[0145] The third display area AA3 can have a shape corresponding to that of the second display area AA2. For example, the third display area AA3 can internally include the second display area AA2 and can have a shape corresponding to that of the second display area AA2, such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or a polygonal shape, etc.

[0146] ​The width W of the third display region AA3, that is, the distance between the first end of the third display region AA3 that is adjacent to the first display region AA1 and the second end of the third display region AA3 that is adjacent to the second display region AA2, can be changed according to the luminance control in the third display region AA3 that will be described later.

[0147] The unit pixel region PXA, that is, the pixel PXL, in the third display region AA3 can be provided at the same density as the density of the first display region AA1. That is, when referring to the above-described embodiments, the pixel PXL can be provided in the third display region AA3 at the first density.

[0148] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments, the unit pixel region PXA, that is, the pixel PXL, in the third display region AA3 can be provided at a density greater than the density of the first display region AA1 and less than the density of the second display region AA2.

[0149] Alternatively, in various embodiments, the pixel PXL can be provided in the third display region AA3 such that the transmittance per unit area is gradually changed (or reduced) in a direction from the second display region AA2 to the first display region AA1. For example, the pixel PXL can be provided in the third display region AA3 such that the density is gradually changed from the second density to the first density in a direction from the second display region AA2 to the first display region AA1. Hereinafter, an example in which the pixel PXL is provided in the third display region AA3 at the first density equal to the density of the pixel PXL in the first display region AA1 will be described.

[0150] In order to improve the visibility of the interface between the first display region AA1 and the second display region AA2, the luminance of the pixel PXL provided in the third display region AA3 can be controlled. For example, when the pixel PXL of the first display region AA1 is controlled to emit light at the first luminance and the pixel PXL of the second display region AA2 is controlled to emit light at the second luminance, the pixel PXL provided in the third display region AA3 can be controlled to emit light at a luminance between the first luminance and the second luminance.

[0151] Hereinafter, the method of controlling the luminance of the pixel PXL provided in the third display region AA3 will be described in more detail.

[0152] Figure 16 is a diagram for describing Figure 3A a luminance control method of the EA1 region.

[0153] Referring to Figure 16The third display area AA3 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, respectively. Adjacent first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 can be paired.

[0154] In an embodiment, the first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and the second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 can be controlled to gradually change luminance according to a distance from the second display area AA2. At this time, the pixels of any one of the first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and the second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 are controlled to decrease luminance according to a distance from the second display area AA2, and the pixels of the other group of the first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and the second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 are controlled to increase luminance according to a distance from the second display area AA2. For example, the first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 is controlled to gradually decrease luminance as a distance from the second display area AA2 increases, and the second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 is controlled to gradually increase luminance as a distance from the second display area AA2 increases.

[0155] In an embodiment, the first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 is controlled to decrease luminance between a first luminance and a second luminance according to a distance from the second display area AA2. In addition, the second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 can be controlled to increase luminance between the first luminance and the second luminance according to a distance from the second display area AA2. The luminance increase rate between adjacent first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and the luminance increase rate between adjacent second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 can be the same as or different from each other. In various embodiments, a luminance range in which luminance of the third pixel PXL3 changes can include the first luminance and the second luminance, or can not include at least one of the first luminance and the second luminance.

[0156] The sum of luminance of a pair of first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 and second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 adjacent in the second direction Y can be set to k times the first luminance of the first display area AA1. This is represented by Equation 1 below.

[0157] [Equation 1]

[0158] b + c = a x k

[0159] Here, a is the first luminance, b is the luminance of the first group of unit pixel regions PXA1, and c is the luminance of a second group of unit pixel regions PXA2 adjacent to the first group of pixels PXL11 in the second direction Y. Here, k is an integer and can be selected as an appropriate value so as to mitigate the visibility of the border between the first display region AA1 and the second display region AA2 by the third display region AA3. For example, k can be determined in correspondence with the ratio of the second luminance to the first luminance. In an embodiment, when the second luminance is set to be about twice the first luminance, k can be determined to be 2.

[0160] As Figure 16 depicted in FIG. 6, since the luminance is controlled as described above, the first group of pixels PXL11 disposed closest to the second display region AA2 in the first group of unit pixel regions PXA1 can be controlled to have a luminance higher than that of the second group of pixels PXL21 disposed closest to the second display region AA2 in the second group of unit pixel regions PXA2. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first group of pixels PXL11 disposed closest to the second display region AA2 can be controlled to have a luminance higher than that of the second group of pixels PXL21 disposed closest to the second display region AA2.

[0161] In such an embodiment, the first group of pixels PXL11 controlled to have a relatively high luminance can be disposed adjacent to the unit pixel regions PXA of the second display region AA2, respectively, and the second group of pixels PXL21 controlled to have a relatively low luminance can be disposed adjacent to the transmissive regions TA of the second display region AA2, respectively. Accordingly, the luminance difference between the second display region AA2 and the third display region AA3 can not be visually recognized by the user.

[0162] According to the present disclosure described above, the visibility of the discontinuity of the image between the second display region AA2 and the first display region AA1 can be improved. In particular, while the luminance is gradually changed in the third display region AA3, the first group of unit pixel regions PXA1 is gradually changed from a high luminance to a low luminance and the second group of unit pixel regions PXA2 is gradually changed from a low luminance to a high luminance in correspondence with the arrangement of the unit pixel regions PXA and the transmissive regions TA disposed in the second display region AA2. Accordingly, the visibility of the border can be further improved.

[0163] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the luminance is controlled with respect to the EA1 region of Figure 3A . Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment in which the luminance is controlled with respect to the EA1 region of Figure 3A .

[0164] Referring to Figure 17The pixel PXL of the second display area AA2 can be controlled to have a luminance of about 100%, and the pixel PXL of the first display area AA1 can be controlled to have a luminance of about 50%. At this time, the pixel PXL of the third display area AA3 is controlled to have a luminance greater than about 50% and less than about 100%. The pixel PXL of the third display area AA3 can be controlled to gradually change the luminance between the luminance of about 50% and the luminance of about 100% according to the distance from the second display area AA2.

[0165] The first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 can gradually decrease from a luminance of about 90% to a luminance of about 60% by about 10% according to the distance from the second display area AA2. The second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 can gradually increase from a luminance of 10% to a luminance of 40% by about 10% according to the distance from the second display area AA2.

[0166] Similarly, referring to Figure 18 The pixel PXL of the second display area AA2 can be controlled to have a luminance of about 100%, and the pixel PXL of the first display area AA1 can be controlled to have a luminance of about 50%. At this time, the pixel PXL of the third display area AA3 is controlled to have a luminance greater than about 50% and less than about 100%. The pixel PXL of the third display area AA3 can be controlled to gradually change the luminance between the luminance of about 50% and the luminance of about 100% according to the distance from the second display area AA2.

[0167] The first group of unit pixel areas PXA1 can gradually decrease from a luminance of 90% to a luminance of 50% by about 20% according to the distance from the second display area AA2. The second group of unit pixel areas PXA2 can gradually increase from a luminance of 10% to a luminance of 50% by about 20% according to the distance from the second display area AA2.

[0168] In the case of controlling the luminance according to the embodiment shown in Figure 17 , and in the case of controlling the luminance according to the embodiment shown in Figure 18 The width W of the third display area AA3 is differently set. That is, the width W of the third display area AA3 can be determined corresponding to the difference between the first luminance and the second luminance, the range of luminance between the pixels PXL in the third display area AA3, and the amount of luminance change, etc.

[0169] Figure 19 is a diagram for describing the operation of the timing controller of Figure 1 .

[0170] Referring to Figure 19The timing controller 240 receives image data DATA from an external source. The image data DATA can be RGB values of an image to be displayed in the display area AA. Specifically, the image data DATA can be RGB values of each of the unit pixel areas PXA included in the display area AA. In an embodiment, the image data DATA includes RGB values of the second display area AA2 in which some of the unit pixel areas PXA are omitted. At this time, the image data DATA can also include RGB values corresponding to each of the transmission areas TA.

[0171] The timing controller 240 can correct the image data DATA based on an area in which the RGB values included in the image data DATA are to be displayed. For example, when the RGB values correspond to the transmission areas TA of the second display area AA2, the timing controller 240 can remove the corresponding RGB values or convert the corresponding RGB to a dummy value. Alternatively, for example, when the RGB values correspond to the unit pixel areas PXA of the second display area AA2, the timing controller 240 can correct the image data DATA so that the luminance is changed in the corresponding unit pixel areas PXA. For example, the timing controller 240 can correct the image data DATA to increase the luminance in the corresponding unit pixel areas PXA.

[0172] When the RGB values correspond to the first display area AA1, the timing controller 240 can not correct the corresponding RGB values. When the RGB values correspond to the third display area AA3, the timing controller 240 can control the luminance in the above-described manner according to a distance from the second display area AA2 in which the corresponding unit pixel areas PXA in which the corresponding RGB values are to be displayed.

[0173] The timing controller 240 can output the corrected image data DATA' (e.g., R'G'B' values) to the data driver 220 as shown in FIG. 2B. Figure 1

[0174] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be performed in other specific forms without changing the technical alert or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and are not limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the above detailed description, and all changes and modifications and equivalents thereof made from the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure.​

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising: a substrate; a display panel including a first display area including a plurality of first pixels, a second display area including a plurality of second pixels, and a third display area disposed between the first display area and the second display area and including a plurality of third pixels; and an assembly disposed between the substrate and the display panel and overlapping the second display area, wherein a transmittance of the second display area is higher than transmittances of the first display area and the third display area, wherein the plurality of third pixels are controlled such that a luminance gradually changes according to a distance from the second display area, wherein the first pixels and the third pixels are disposed at a first density, and the second pixels are disposed at a second density smaller than the first density, wherein the third display area includes a plurality of third unit pixel areas each having at least one third pixel, the third unit pixel areas include a first group of unit pixel areas and a second group of unit pixel areas alternately disposed and independently controlled in luminance, the first group of unit pixel areas are controlled to gradually decrease the luminance as the distance from the second display area increases, and the second group of unit pixel areas are controlled to gradually increase the luminance as the distance from the second display area increases.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the transmittance of the first display area is the same as the transmittance of the third display area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first pixels are controlled to emit light at a first luminance, the plurality of second pixels are controlled to emit light at a second luminance, and the plurality of third pixels are controlled such that the luminance gradually changes from the first luminance to the second luminance or from the second luminance to the first luminance according to the distance from the second display area.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the second display area includes: a plurality of second unit pixel areas each having at least one second pixel; and a plurality of transmissive areas alternately disposed with the plurality of second unit pixel areas, in which the second pixels are not disposed.

5. The display device of claim 4, wherein, the first group of unit pixel areas closest to the second display area are disposed in contact with at least one of the plurality of second unit pixel areas.

6. The display device of claim 5, wherein, the sum of the luminances of a pair of first group of unit pixel areas and second group of unit pixel areas adjacent to each other are controlled to be an integer multiple of the first luminance, and wherein the integer is determined based on a ratio of the second luminance to the first luminance.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a width of the third display area is variable based on a luminance range of the third unit pixel areas and a luminance change rate of the third unit pixel areas.

Images