Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a display panel displaying an image, a light blocking layer disposed below the display panel and including a plurality of holes, a fingerprint sensing layer disposed below the light blocking layer and including a plurality of fingerprint sensors receiving reflected light passing through the plurality of holes and generating a sensing signal, and a sensor driver controlling an operation of the plurality of fingerprint sensors. The sensor driver compares fingerprint data generated based on the sensing signal generated from the reflected light caused by a fingerprint of a user with pre-stored reference data to generate a fingerprint image.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0131237, filed on October 22, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to display devices, and more particularly to display devices having a fingerprint sensor and a touch screen. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images has increased in various forms. For example, display devices are used in various electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigators, and smart TVs. Display devices can be flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays, field emission displays, or organic light-emitting diode displays.

[0005] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) use organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to display images, which generate light through the recombination of electrons and holes. OLEDs offer advantages such as fast response times, high brightness, wide viewing angles, and low power consumption.

[0006] Recently, research and development have been conducted on technologies for integrating sensors used for fingerprint recognition with display panels that occupy the largest area in display devices.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concept, and therefore, the above information may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Various aspects of the present invention are intended to provide a display device capable of acquiring high-quality fingerprint images using a low-resolution fingerprint sensor.

[0009] However, the aspects of the invention are not limited to the one aspect set forth herein. These and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description of the invention.

[0010] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0011] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel for displaying an image; a light-blocking layer disposed below the display panel and including a plurality of holes; a fingerprint sensing layer disposed below the light-blocking layer and having a plurality of sensing areas, the plurality of sensing areas including a plurality of fingerprint sensors that receive reflected light passing through the plurality of holes and generate sensing signals; and a sensor driver for controlling the operation of the plurality of fingerprint sensors. The sensor driver compares fingerprint data generated based on sensing signals from reflected light caused by a user's fingerprint with pre-stored reference data to generate a fingerprint image.

[0012] The sensor driver can receive the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint and can combine data from the sensing areas of the plurality of fingerprint sensors corresponding to each of the plurality of holes to generate the fingerprint data.

[0013] The sensor driver can receive sensing signals generated from reflected light caused by the reference member, and can combine data from the sensing areas of the plurality of fingerprint sensors corresponding to each of the plurality of holes to generate the reference data.

[0014] Each of the plurality of sensing regions includes: a central region containing information about the user's fingerprint; and a peripheral region surrounding the central region.

[0015] The sensor driver can receive the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint, and can combine the data of the peripheral area of ​​each of the plurality of sensing areas with the data of the central area of ​​another sensing area adjacent to the corresponding sensing area to generate the fingerprint data.

[0016] The sensor driver can receive the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member, and can combine the data of the peripheral region of each of the plurality of sensing regions with the data of the central region of another sensing region adjacent to the corresponding sensing region to generate the reference data.

[0017] The sensing area may include a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area. The sensor driver may receive the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint, and may combine data from the peripheral area of ​​the first sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the second sensing area, and may also combine data from the peripheral area of ​​the second sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the first sensing area to generate the fingerprint data.

[0018] The sensing area may include a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area. The sensor driver may receive the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member, may combine data from the peripheral area of ​​the first sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the second sensing area, and may combine data from the peripheral area of ​​the second sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the first sensing area to generate the reference data.

[0019] Each of the plurality of sensing regions may include: a central region containing information about the user's fingerprint; a peripheral region surrounding the central region; and an extended region surrounding the peripheral region, and including data generated based on the data from the central region and the data from the peripheral region.

[0020] The sensor driver can receive the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint, and can combine the data of the peripheral area and the extended area of ​​each of the plurality of sensing areas with the data of the central area of ​​another sensing area adjacent to the corresponding sensing area to generate the fingerprint data.

[0021] The sensor driver can receive the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member, and can combine the data of the peripheral region and the extended region of each of the plurality of sensing regions with the data of the central region of another sensing region adjacent to the corresponding sensing region to generate the reference data.

[0022] The sensor driver may include a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area. The sensor driver may receive the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint, and may combine data from the peripheral and extended areas of the first sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the second sensing area, and may also combine data from the peripheral and extended areas of the second sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the first sensing area to generate the fingerprint data.

[0023] The sensor driver includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area. The sensor driver can receive the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member, can combine data from the peripheral and extended areas of the first sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the second sensing area, and can combine data from the peripheral and extended areas of the second sensing area with data from the central area of ​​the first sensing area to generate the reference data.

[0024] The data in the extended region can be generated based on the average of the differences between the data in the central region and the data in the peripheral region of each of the plurality of sensing regions.

[0025] The width of the outer region can be equal to the width of the extended region.

[0026] The sensor driver may include a memory that generates the reference data from reflected light caused by the reference member prior to a user's touch, and the memory stores the reference data.

[0027] When the user touches the device, the sensor driver can identify the user's fingerprint pattern based on the difference between the reference data stored in the memory and the fingerprint data generated from the user's fingerprint.

[0028] The sensor driver may further include a comparator, which includes a first input terminal for receiving reference data from the memory, a second input terminal for receiving fingerprint data, and an output terminal for outputting the difference between the reference data and the fingerprint data.

[0029] The reference member may be made of silicone or paper, and the surface of the reference member facing the fingerprint sensing layer is flat.

[0030] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel for displaying an image; a fingerprint sensing layer attached to a surface of the display panel and including a plurality of fingerprint sensors for receiving reflected light and generating sensing signals; and a sensor driver for controlling the operation of the plurality of fingerprint sensors. The sensor driver generates fingerprint data based on the sensing signals generated from the reflected light caused by a user's fingerprint, and generates a fingerprint image based on pre-stored reference data and the fingerprint data.

[0031] It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fingerprint sensing layer in a display device.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a view illustrating the connection relationships between sub-pixels and lines in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a view showing the connection relationship between the fingerprint sensor and the wire in the display device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a switching transistor and a fingerprint sensor in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the path of reflected light in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating the fingerprint pixels and sensor pixels in the display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the light-blocking layer of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the fingerprint sensing layer of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating a sensor driver for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 A diagram of the comparator for the sensor driver.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a view showing the arrangement of reference components for generating reference data in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a fingerprint sensing layer that receives reflected light in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 16 This is to explain from Figure 15 The image shows multiple sensing areas extracted from the fingerprint sensing layer.

[0049] Figure 17This is to explain from Figure 16 A graph of fingerprint data or reference data generated from data from multiple sensing areas.

[0050] Figure 18 This is a view illustrating the process of generating a fingerprint image in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a fingerprint sensing layer that receives reflected light in a display device according to another embodiment.

[0052] Figure 20 This is to explain from Figure 19 The image shows multiple sensing areas extracted from the fingerprint sensing layer.

[0053] Figure 21 This is to explain from Figure 20 A diagram of the extended area generated by each of the multiple sensing regions.

[0054] Figure 22 This is to explain from Figure 21 A graph of fingerprint data or reference data generated from data from multiple sensing areas.

[0055] Figure 23 This is a view illustrating the process of generating a fingerprint image in a display device according to another embodiment.

[0056] Figure 24 This is a view illustrating the quality of a fingerprint image generated from a display device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “embodiment” and “implementation” are interchangeable terms for non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or in one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, the specific shape, configuration, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0058] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of variable details that may be implemented in practice to carry out the inventive concept. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, areas and / or aspects of various embodiments (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0059] Crosshairs and / or shading are typically used in accompanying drawings to clearly define the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, scale, commonalities between the elements shown, or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the elements. Furthermore, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated in the drawings for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. A particular process sequence may be performed differently than the described sequence when exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Additionally, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0060] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component or layer, the component or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other component or layer, or there may be intermediate components or layers present. However, when a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another component or layer, there are no intermediate components or layers present. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without intermediate components. Furthermore, the D1, D2, and D3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system such as the x, y, and z axes, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1, D2, and D3 axes can be perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0062] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein to describe the relationship between one or more elements(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are thus used to explain the inherent biases in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0064] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views, which are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes shown in the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances will be expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be interpreted as limited to the specific shapes of the areas shown, but will include, for example, deviations in shape due to manufacturing processes. In this way, the areas shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and this is not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Unless expressly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0067] In this specification, "on," "above," "top," "upper side," or "upper surface" refers to the upward direction relative to the display device 10, i.e., the Z-axis direction, and "below," "under," "bottom," "lower side," or "lower surface" refers to the downward direction relative to the display device 10, i.e., the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, "left," "right," "up," and "down" refer to the direction when the display device 10 is viewed from a plane. For example, "left" refers to the direction opposite to the X-axis direction, "right" refers to the X-axis direction, "up" refers to the Y-axis direction, and "down" refers to the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 The display device 10, as a device for displaying moving or still images, can be used as a display screen for various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards and the Internet of Things, and can also be used as a display screen for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smartwatches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic laptops, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators and super mobile PCs.

[0069] The display device 10 may include a first region DR1 and a second region DR2. The first region DR1 may be formed as a flat area, and the second region DR2 may extend from the left and right sides of the first region DR1. For example, the second region DR2 may be formed as a flat area or as a curved area. When the second region DR2 is formed as a flat area, the angle formed by each of the first region DR1 and the second region DR2 may be an obtuse angle. When the second region DR2 is formed as a curved area, each of the second regions DR2 may have a constant curvature or a variable curvature.

[0070] although Figure 1The diagram shows a second region DR2 extending from the left and right sides of the first region DR1, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second region DR2 may extend from only one of the left and right sides of the first region DR1. As another example, the second region DR2 may extend from only one of the upper and lower sides of the first region DR1, and from only one of the left and right sides of the first region DR1.

[0071] The display device 10 includes a display panel 100 for displaying images. The display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The second display area DA2 may be disposed on one side of the first display area DA1, for example, above the first display area DA1. For example, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be disposed in a first area DR1 formed in a planar shape and a second area DR2 formed in a curved shape.

[0072] The display area DA is an area used to display images and may include multiple sub-pixels SP. The display area DA can also be used as a detection component for detecting the external environment. For example, the display area DA may correspond to a fingerprint recognition area for identifying a user's fingerprint. Therefore, the display area DA may include multiple sub-pixels SP and multiple fingerprint sensor FPS. The display area DA can be used as an area for displaying images and identifying a user's fingerprint. For example, a display panel 100 in which multiple sub-pixels SP are arranged may overlap with a fingerprint sensing layer in the third direction (Z-axis direction) on which multiple fingerprint sensor FPS are arranged.

[0073] For example, the first display area DA1 may correspond to a main display area comprising multiple sub-pixels SP. The second display area DA2 may include a pixel area comprising multiple sub-pixels SP and a light transmission area for transmitting light. The second display area DA2 may correspond to a sensor area, wherein the number of sub-pixels SP per unit area is less than the number of sub-pixels SP per unit area of ​​the first display area DA1. As the area of ​​the light transmission area of ​​the second display area DA2 increases, the number of sub-pixels SP per unit area of ​​the second display area DA2 may be less than the number of sub-pixels SP per unit area of ​​the first display area DA1.

[0074] The non-display area NDA can be defined as the area of ​​the display panel 100 other than the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. For example, the non-display area NDA may include a scan driver for applying scan signals to scan lines, a fan-out line connecting data lines and display drivers, and pads connected to the circuit board.

[0075] For example, the non-display area NDA can be opaque. The non-display area NDA can be formed as a decorative layer, in which a pattern visible to the user can be formed.

[0076] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fingerprint sensing layer in a display device.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device 10 may include a first substrate SUB1, a light blocking layer PHL, a display panel 100, a cover window CW, and a fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. The display panel 100 may include a back plane BP, a first thin film transistor layer TFTL1, a light-emitting element layer EML, a first thin film encapsulation layer TFEL1, and a touch sensor layer TSL.

[0078] The first substrate SUB1 may be a matrix substrate and may include an insulating material such as a polymeric resin. For example, the first substrate SUB1 may include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAC), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CTA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or combinations thereof.

[0079] For example, the first substrate SUB1 can be a rigid substrate. As another example, the first substrate SUB1 can be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or rolled up. When the first substrate SUB1 is a flexible substrate, the first substrate SUB1 can be formed of polyimide PI, but its material is not limited to this.

[0080] A light-blocking layer PHL can cover the lower surface of the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1. The light-blocking layer PHL can be disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1 to block light incident on the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1 and the light-emitting element layer EML.

[0081] For example, the light-blocking layer PHL can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers, each containing any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or alloys thereof. As another example, the light-blocking layer PHL can be formed from a black matrix and can be formed from various materials with light-blocking properties.

[0082] The light-blocking layer PHL may include a plurality of apertures H. The plurality of apertures H may serve as optical paths for a second light L2, which is converted by reflection of a first light L1 emitted from the light-emitting element layer EML toward the user's body and travels to the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. For example, each of the plurality of apertures H may correspond to a space surrounded by a first substrate SUB1, the inner wall of the aperture H of the light-blocking layer PHL, and a back plane BP. As another example, during the formation of the back plane BP on the light-blocking layer PHL, the plurality of apertures H may be filled with the material constituting the back plane BP. Even in this case, the plurality of apertures H may still serve as optical paths for the second light L2, which is converted by reflection of the first light L1 emitted from the light-emitting element layer EML toward the user's body and travels to the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL.

[0083] The multiple apertures H may not overlap with the multiple thin-film transistors of the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1, and the photoblocking layer PHL may overlap with the multiple thin-film transistors of the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1. For example, the multiple apertures H may be arranged along a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction). The size of each of the multiple apertures H may be determined based on the path of the second light L2.

[0084] The back plane BP can be disposed on the light-blocking layer PHL to support the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1. For example, the back plane BP may include an insulating material such as a polymeric resin.

[0085] For example, the back plane BP can be a rigid substrate. As another example, the back plane BP can be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or rolled up. When the back plane BP is a flexible substrate, it can be formed of polyimide PI, but the material is not limited to this.

[0086] The first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1 may be disposed on the back plane BP. The first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1 may include at least one thin-film transistor for driving each of a plurality of sub-pixels SP. The at least one thin-film transistor of the sub-pixel SP may include a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode. For example, the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1 may also include scan lines, data lines, power lines, and scan control lines connected to the at least one thin-film transistor of the sub-pixel SP, as well as wiring for connecting pads and data lines.

[0087] A light-emitting element layer (EML) may be disposed on a first thin-film transistor layer (TFTL1). The EML may include a light-emitting element comprising at least one thin-film transistor connected to the first TFTL1. The light-emitting element may include a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode. For example, the light-emitting layer may be an organic light-emitting layer comprising organic materials, but is not limited thereto. When the light-emitting layer corresponds to an organic light-emitting layer, when the thin-film transistor of the first TFTL1 applies a predetermined voltage to the first electrode of the light-emitting element, and the second electrode of the light-emitting element receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, holes and electrons may move to the organic light-emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and holes and electrons may combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to emit light.

[0088] The light-emitting element layer (EML) may include a pixel-defining film that defines a plurality of sub-pixels (SPs). The first electrode of the light-emitting element and the light-emitting layer may be spaced apart from each other and insulated from each other by the pixel-defining film.

[0089] A first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer EML to cover the first thin-film transistor layer TFTL1 and the light-emitting element layer EML. The first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 can prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting element layer EML. For example, the first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 may include at least one inorganic layer. The first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 may include an inorganic layer such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] The first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 can protect the light-emitting element layer EML from foreign matter such as dust. For example, the first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 may include at least one organic layer. The first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 may include an organic layer comprising acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0091] The touch sensor layer TSL can be disposed on the first thin film encapsulation layer TFEL1. Since the touch sensor layer TSL is disposed directly on the first thin film encapsulation layer TFEL1, the thickness of the display device 10 can be reduced compared to the case where a separate touch panel including the touch sensor layer TSL is attached to the first thin film encapsulation layer TFEL1.

[0092] The touch sensor layer (TSL) may include touch electrodes for sensing user touches and touch electrode lines for connecting pads and touch electrodes. The touch electrodes of the touch sensor layer (TSL) may be located in a touch sensing area that overlaps with the display area (DA) of the display panel 100.

[0093] The overlay window CW can be disposed on the display panel 100. The overlay window CW can be disposed on the touch sensor layer TSL of the display panel 100. For example, the overlay window CW can be attached to the touch sensor layer TSL via a transparent adhesive member. The overlay window CW can directly contact the user's finger F.

[0094] The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can be disposed below the display panel 100. For example, the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can be attached to the lower surface of the first substrate SUB1 via an adhesive member OCA. For example, the adhesive member OCA can be an optically transparent adhesive member, but is not limited thereto. The upper surface of the first substrate SUB1 can face the display panel 100 or the light blocking layer PHL, and the lower surface of the first substrate SUB1 can face the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL.

[0095] The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can include Figure 1 The diagram illustrates multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs, which can be connected to a sensor driver. The multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs can be optical fingerprint sensors. For example, the multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs may include photodiodes, CMOS image sensors, CCD cameras, and phototransistors, but are not limited thereto. The multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs can identify fingerprints by sensing light reflected from the ridge FR and the valley FV between the ridges FR and FR of the finger F.

[0096] For example, when a user's finger F touches the upper surface of the covering window CW, the first light L1 emitted from the light-emitting element layer EML can be reflected by the ridge FR or valley FV of finger F, and the reflected second light L2 can pass through the aperture H of the light-blocking layer PHL to reach the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL disposed under the first substrate SUB1. The sensor driver can distinguish between the second light L2 reflected from the ridge FR of finger F and the second light L2 reflected from the valley FV of finger F to generate a fingerprint image, thereby recognizing the pattern of the user's fingerprint. Therefore, the multiple apertures H of the light-blocking layer PHL can be the path of the second light L2 reflected by the user's finger F.

[0097] In the display device 10, the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can be disposed below the display panel 100 to simplify the process, and the fingerprint sensor FPS can be disposed outside the path through which the first light L1 is output (e.g., above the light-emitting element layer EML) to prevent a reduction in resolution.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may include a second substrate SUB2, a buffer layer 410, a second thin film transistor layer TFTL2, a light receiving element layer PDL, and a second thin film encapsulation layer TFEL2.

[0099] The second substrate SUB2 can be the base substrate of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL and can include an insulating material such as a polymeric resin. For example, the second substrate SUB2 can be a rigid substrate. As another example, the second substrate SUB2 can be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or rolled up. When the second substrate SUB2 is a flexible substrate, the second substrate SUB2 can be formed of polyimide PI, but its material is not limited to this.

[0100] A buffer layer 410 may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The buffer layer 410 may be formed of an inorganic layer capable of preventing the penetration of air or moisture. For example, the buffer layer 410 may comprise a plurality of alternately stacked inorganic layers. The buffer layer 410 may be formed as a multilayer film in which at least one of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer is alternately stacked, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] The second thin-film transistor layer TFTL2 may be disposed on the buffer layer 410. The second thin-film transistor layer TFTL2 may include at least one thin-film transistor for driving each of the plurality of fingerprint sensor FPS. The at least one thin-film transistor of the fingerprint sensor FPS may include a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode. For example, the second thin-film transistor layer TFTL2 may also include a scan line, a readout line, and a common voltage line connected to at least one thin-film transistor of the fingerprint sensor FPS.

[0102] A light-receiving element layer (PDL) may be disposed on a second thin-film transistor layer (TFTL2). The PDL may include a light-receiving element of at least one thin-film transistor connected to the TFTL2. The light-receiving element may include a first electrode, a light-receiving layer, and a second electrode. For example, the light-receiving layer may be an organic light-receiving layer comprising organic materials, but is not necessarily limited thereto. When the light-receiving layer corresponds to an organic light-receiving layer, the organic light-receiving layer can receive second light L2 to combine holes and electrons, and can convert the energy of the second light L2 into an electrical signal (current or voltage) formed between the first and second electrodes.

[0103] The light-receiving element layer (PDL) may include a sensor-defining film defining multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs. The first electrode of the light-receiving element and the light-receiving layer may be spaced apart from each other and insulated from each other by the sensor-defining film.

[0104] The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 can be disposed on the light-receiving element layer PDL. The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 can cover the upper surface of the light-receiving element layer PDL and can prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-receiving element layer PDL. For example, the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include at least one inorganic layer. The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include an inorganic layer such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0105] The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 can protect the light-receiving element layer PDL from foreign matter such as dust. For example, the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include at least one organic layer. The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include an organic layer comprising acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0106] The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may also include an encapsulation substrate ENC disposed on the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2. The encapsulation substrate ENC may cover the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 to prevent air or moisture from penetrating the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. For example, the encapsulation substrate ENC may be a light-transmitting substrate such as a glass substrate. Figure 3 As shown, the encapsulation substrate ENC can be located at the top of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL, but is not limited to this. For example, the encapsulation substrate ENC can be flexible, transparent, semi-transparent, or even omitted.

[0107] Figure 4 This is a view illustrating the connection relationships between sub-pixels and lines in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0108] Reference Figure 4 The display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0109] The display area DA may include multiple sub-pixels SP and voltage supply lines VL, scan lines SL, emission lines EL and data lines DL connected to the multiple sub-pixels SP.

[0110] Each subpixel SP can be connected to at least one scan line SL, at least one data line DL, at least one emitter line EL, and at least one voltage supply line VL. Figure 4 In this invention, each of the sub-pixels SP can be connected to two scan lines SL, one data line DL, one emitter line EL, and one voltage supply line VL, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the sub-pixels SP can be connected to three or more scan lines SL.

[0111] Each of the sub-pixels SP may include a driving transistor, at least one switching transistor, a light-emitting element, and a capacitor. In response to a data voltage applied to the gate electrode, the driving transistor can emit light by supplying a driving current to the light-emitting element. For example, the driving transistor and at least one switching transistor may be thin-film transistors. The light-emitting element can emit light with a predetermined brightness depending on the magnitude of the driving current of the driving transistor. For example, the light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting diode including a first electrode, an organic light-emitting layer, and a second electrode. The capacitor can maintain the data voltage applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor.

[0112] The sub-pixel SP can receive a driving voltage (VDD) through the voltage supply line VL. Here, the driving voltage (VDD) can be a high potential voltage used to drive the light-emitting element of the sub-pixel SP.

[0113] Multiple voltage supply lines VL can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (X-axis direction) and can extend in a second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, each of the multiple voltage supply lines VL can be arranged along a column of sub-pixels SP arranged in the display area DA. Each of the multiple voltage supply lines VL can be connected to the sub-pixels SP arranged in the same column and can supply a driving voltage (VDD) to the sub-pixels SP.

[0114] The scan line SL and the emission line EL can extend in a first direction (X-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects the first direction (X-axis direction). The scan line SL and the emission line EL can be formed parallel to each other.

[0115] The data lines DL can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (X-axis direction) and can extend in a second direction (Y-axis direction). The data lines DL can be formed parallel to the voltage supply lines VL.

[0116] The non-display area NDA can be defined as the area of ​​the display panel 100 other than the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may include a scan driver 300 for applying scan signals to scan lines SL, a fan-out line FL connecting data lines DL and display driver 200, and a pad DP connected to the circuit board. Compared to the display driver 200, the pad DP can be positioned closer to one edge of the display panel 100.

[0117] Display driver 200 can be connected to pad DP to receive digital video data and timing signals. Display driver 200 can convert digital video data into analog positive / negative data voltages and supply the analog positive / negative data voltages to data line DL via fan-out line FL.

[0118] For example, the display driver 200 can be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and can be attached to the first substrate SUB1 by a glass-on-chip (COG) method, a plastic-on-chip (COP) method, or an ultrasonic bonding method. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0119] The display driver 200 can generate a scan control signal and supply the scan control signal to the scan driver 300 through the scan control line SCL.

[0120] The scan driver 300 may be located on one side of the non-display area NDA. The scan driver 300 may include a plurality of thin-film transistors for generating scan signals in response to scan control signals. The scan driver 300 may supply scan signals to sub-pixels SP based on scan control signals to select sub-pixels SP to be supplied with data voltage.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the fingerprint sensor and the wires in a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a switching transistor and a fingerprint sensor in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0122] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can include a fingerprint recognition area (FPA) and a non-fingerprint recognition area (NFPA).

[0123] The fingerprint recognition area (FPA) may include multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs, multiple scan lines (SCLs) connected to the fingerprint sensor FPSs, multiple readout lines (ROLs), and multiple common voltage lines (VCLs). For example, the distance between the multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs may be 5 μm to 50 μm, and one fingerprint pixel on the overlay window (CW) may correspond to 20 to 30 fingerprint sensor FPSs in the fingerprint sensing layer (FPSL). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0124] Each of the multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs can be connected to the scan driver SCU via a scan line SCL and can receive a scan signal from the scan driver SCU. The scan lines SCL can extend in a first direction (X-axis direction) and can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction). The scan driver SCU can supply scan signals to the multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs, thereby selecting the fingerprint sensor FPS to sense changes in the sensing signal.

[0125] Each of the multiple fingerprint sensor FPS can be connected to the sensor driver 500 via a readout line ROL and can supply sensing signals to the sensor driver 500. The readout lines ROL can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (X-axis direction) and can extend in a second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0126] The non-fingerprint recognition area (NFPA) can be located outside the fingerprint recognition area (FPA). The NFPA can be defined as the area other than the fingerprint recognition area (FPA). For example, the scan driver (SCU) can be located on one side of the NFPA and connected to the scan line (SCL) extending into the fingerprint recognition area (FPA).

[0127] The sensor driver 500 can be located on the opposite side of the non-fingerprint recognition area NFPA, perpendicular to one side of the non-fingerprint recognition area NFPA, and the sensor driver 500 can be connected to a readout line ROL extending to the non-fingerprint recognition area NFPA. The sensor driver 500 can supply a sensing drive voltage to multiple fingerprint sensors FPS and can identify the user's fingerprint pattern by receiving the sensing signal caused by the touch of the user's finger F.

[0128] For example, when a user's finger F touches the cover window CW, the sensing signal of the fingerprint sensor FPS, which receives the scanning signal, can change. The sensing signal of the fingerprint sensor FPS that receives light reflected from the ridge FR of finger F can be different from the sensing signal of the fingerprint sensor FPS that receives light reflected from the valley FV of finger F. The sensor driver 500 can identify the difference between the sensing signals to determine whether the ridge FR of finger F touches the fingerprint pixel corresponding to the fingerprint sensor FPS in the cover window CW, or whether the valley FV of finger F touches the fingerprint pixel in the cover window CW. Therefore, the sensor driver 500 can recognize the pattern of the user's fingerprint based on the sensing signals.

[0129] The non-fingerprint recognition area NFPA may also include a fingerprint recognition pad FP disposed at one edge of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. The fingerprint recognition pad FP may be connected to the sensor driver 500 to supply signals applied from an external integrated circuit to the sensor driver 500.

[0130] exist Figure 6 In a fingerprint sensor, the FPS may include a switching transistor ST and a light receiving element PD.

[0131] A switching transistor ST can supply a sensing drive voltage to a photodetector PD based on a scan signal applied to its gate electrode. For example, the gate electrode of the switching transistor ST can be connected to the scan line SCL, the first electrode can be connected to the readout line ROL, and the second electrode can be connected to the first electrode of the photodetector PD. The first electrode of the switching transistor ST can be the source electrode, and its second electrode can be the drain electrode. When the source-gate voltage (Vsg) of the switching transistor ST exceeds the threshold voltage (Vth) of the switching transistor ST, a drive current can flow through the channel of the switching transistor ST.

[0132] A light-receiving element PD can identify a user's fingerprint pattern based on a second light L2 reflected by the user's finger F. The first electrode of the light-receiving element PD can be connected to the second electrode of a switching transistor ST, and its second electrode can be connected to a common voltage line VCL. For example, the second electrodes of multiple light-receiving elements PD can be formed as a common electrode and connected to the common voltage line VCL. The common voltage line VCL can supply a low-potential voltage to the second electrodes of the light-receiving elements PD.

[0133] For example, when there is no user's physical contact on the coverage window CW, the light receiving element PD may not receive light. When the light receiving element PD does not receive light, it can output the drive current input to the first electrode to the second electrode.

[0134] When a user's finger F touches the cover window CW, the light receiving element PD can receive the second light L2 reflected by the ridge FR or valley FV of the finger F. The first light L1 output from the light-emitting element layer EML can be reflected by the ridge FR or valley FV of the finger F, and the reflected second light L2 can reach the light receiving element PD of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. The light receiving element PD can convert the energy of the second light L2 into an electrical signal (current or voltage) formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the converted electrical signal can be supplied to the sensor driver 500 as a sensing signal. For example, when a reverse bias is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode of the light receiving element PD, a current opposite to the driving current can flow proportionally to the amount of light L2. Therefore, when the light receiving element PD receives the second light L2, the reverse current output from the light receiving element PD can flow into the switching transistor ST and can be applied to the sensor driver 500 as a sensing signal.

[0135] The sensor driver 500 determines whether the sensing signal received from the fingerprint sensor FPS corresponds to the ridge FR of finger F or the valley FV of finger F, thereby recognizing the pattern of the user's fingerprint.

[0136] For example, a light-receiving element (PD) can be implemented as a phototransistor or a photodiode, but is not limited to these. A PD can correspond to an optical sensor that converts light energy into electrical energy, and can utilize the photoelectric effect in which the current changes according to the light intensity.

[0137] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0138] Reference Figure 7 The display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a display driver 200, a fingerprint sensing layer FPSL, and a sensor driver 500.

[0139] The display driver 200 can supply image driving signals to the display panel 100 to control the image display operation of the display panel 100. The display driver 200 can generate image driving signals based on digital video data and timing signals supplied from an external source. For example, the display driver 200 can receive digital video data and timing signals from a host (not shown), and the timing signals may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a clock signal. In addition, the image driving signals may include scan signals, transmission signals, and data signals.

[0140] The sensor driver 500 can identify a user's fingerprint by controlling the operation of multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. For example, the sensor driver 500 can supply a sensing drive voltage to the multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs and receive sensing signals by the touch of a finger F. The fingerprint sensor FPSs can supply different sensing signals to the sensor driver 500 based on the energy of light reflected by each of the ridges FR and valleys FV of the finger F. The sensor driver 500 can identify the user's fingerprint based on the sensing signal corresponding to each of the multiple fingerprint pixels FPPs of the overlay window CW.

[0141] For example, the display driver 200 and the sensor driver 500 can be integrated into a single configuration. The display driver 200 and the sensor driver 500 can be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC), but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0142] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the path of reflected light in a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 9 This is a view showing the fingerprint pixels and sensor pixels in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0143] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The display device 10 may include a cover window CW, a display panel 100, a light blocking layer PHL, and a fingerprint sensing layer FPSL.

[0144] The overlay window (CW) may include multiple sampling regions (SPRs), each of which includes a fingerprint pixel (FPP). The fingerprint sensing layer (FPSL) may include multiple sensing regions (SSRs), each of which includes multiple fingerprint sensors (FPS) and corresponds to a fingerprint pixel (FPP) and a hole (H).

[0145] Each of the plurality of fingerprint pixels (FPPs) can correspond to an aperture H in the light-blocking layer (PHL). Each of the plurality of sensing regions (SSRs) can correspond to an aperture H in the PHL. For example, when a user's finger F touches the cover window (CW), each of the plurality of sampling regions (SPRs) can reflect a first light L1 emitted from the display panel 100, and a second light L2 reflected from each of the plurality of sampling regions (SPRs) can pass through the aperture H of the PHL to reach the sensing region SSR of the fingerprint sensing layer (FPSL). The plurality of apertures H in the PHL can be the path of the second light L2 reflected by the user's finger F. Therefore, the plurality of fingerprint sensors (FPS) can sense the second light L2 reflected by the ridge FR or valley FV of the finger F that touches the sampling region SPR on the cover window (CW).

[0146] Multiple fingerprint sensors (FPS) can generate sensing signals by sensing a second light L2 reflected from the ridges (FR) or valleys (FV) of the finger F, and can supply these sensing signals to a sensor driver (F1). The sensor driver (F1) can distinguish between the sensing signals corresponding to the ridges (FR) and the sensing signals corresponding to the valleys (FV) of the finger F. Therefore, the sensor driver (F1) can identify the fingerprint pattern of the finger F that is in contact with the sampling area (SPR) by combining the sensing signals from each of the multiple fingerprint sensors (FPS).

[0147] Each of the sensing areas SSR may include a central area CR and a peripheral area SR. The central area CR may include at least one fingerprint sensor FPS disposed at the center of the sensing area SSR. Secondary light L2 reflected by the user's finger F can be concentrated to the central area CR. Therefore, at least one fingerprint sensor FPS in the central area CR can concentrate the user's fingerprint information.

[0148] The peripheral region SR may surround the central region CR. The peripheral region SR may include at least one fingerprint sensor FPS surrounding the central region CR. For example, some fingerprint sensor FPS in the peripheral region SR may receive reflected second light L2, while other fingerprint sensor FPS in the peripheral region SR may not receive reflected second light L2. As another example, the average intensity of second light L2 reaching the fingerprint sensor FPS in the peripheral region SR may be lower than the average intensity of second light L2 reaching the fingerprint sensor FPS in the central region CR. Therefore, a relatively small amount of reflected second light L2 may reach the peripheral region SR. The fingerprint sensor FPS in the peripheral region SR may include the user's fingerprint information, but may include relatively less information than the fingerprint sensor FPS in the central region CR.

[0149] The display device 10 can adjust the ratio of fingerprint distance OD to sensor distance ID to sense light reflected by the user's finger F through the fingerprint sensor FPS. Here, fingerprint distance OD can correspond to the distance between the surface of the cover window CW and the center point of the aperture H of the light blocking layer PHL, the surface of the cover window CW being the surface that directly contacts the user's finger F. Sensor distance ID can correspond to the distance between the center point of the aperture H of the light blocking layer PHL and the fingerprint sensor FPS of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. For example, light reflected from one end of the fingerprint pixel FPP on the cover window CW can pass through the center point of the aperture H to reach the other end of the fingerprint sensor FPS. Furthermore, light reflected from the other end of the fingerprint pixel FPP on the cover window CW can pass through the center point of the aperture H to reach one end of the fingerprint sensor FPS. Therefore, the shape of the fingerprint directly contacting the fingerprint pixel FPP and the image formed on the fingerprint sensor FPS may have 180° opposite shapes. The sensor driver 500 can invert the image formed on the fingerprint sensor FPS to generate a fingerprint image. The display device 10 can adjust the ratio of fingerprint distance OD to sensor distance ID, and can adjust the arrangement and shape of the holes in the light blocking layer PHL, thereby improving the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor FPS.

[0150] Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the light-blocking layer of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0151] Reference Figure 10 The light-blocking layer PHL may include multiple apertures H (e.g., a first aperture H1, a second aperture H2, a third aperture H3, and a fourth aperture H4). For example, the planar shape of each of the multiple apertures H may correspond to a circle. The diameter r of each of the multiple apertures H may be from 3 μm to 20 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0152] Multiple holes H can be arranged with a first spacing P1 in a first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the first spacing P1 can be 1.3 to 1.5 times the sensor distance ID, and preferably 1.3 times the sensor distance ID. Here, the sensor distance ID can correspond to the distance between the center point of the hole H of the light blocking layer PHL and the fingerprint sensor FPS of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL.

[0153] Multiple holes H can be arranged with a second spacing P2 in a second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the second spacing P2 can be the same as the first spacing P1. As another example, the second spacing P2 can be different from the first spacing P1.

[0154] For example, multiple holes H can be arranged parallel to each other along a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction). As another example, multiple holes H can be arranged along a first spacing P1 and a second spacing P2 while being aligned in directions other than the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0155] For example, the first spacing P1 or the second spacing P2 can be proportional to the thickness of the first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1. When the thickness of the first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 increases, the fingerprint distance OD can increase, and the area of ​​the fingerprint pixel FPP and the sampling area SPR can also increase. Therefore, the first spacing P1 or the second spacing P2 of the multiple holes H can be proportional to the thickness of the first thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL1 to adjust the ratio of the fingerprint distance OD to the sensor distance ID.

[0156] For example, the first spacing P1 or the second spacing P2 can be proportional to the distance between light-emitting elements in the light-emitting element layer EML or the distance between sub-pixels SP. When the distance between light-emitting elements increases, the distance between the second light L2 reflected by the finger F can also increase. Therefore, the first spacing P1 or the second spacing P2 can be proportional to the distance between light-emitting elements or the distance between sub-pixels SP so that multiple apertures H serve as paths for the second light L2.

[0157] The light-blocking layer PHL may include a first aperture H1, a second aperture H2, a third aperture H3, and a fourth aperture H4 that are adjacent to each other. For example, the first aperture H1, the second aperture H2, the third aperture H3, and the fourth aperture H4 of the light-blocking layer PHL may be arranged adjacent to each other, and the sensing areas SSR corresponding to each of the first aperture H1, the second aperture H2, the third aperture H3, and the fourth aperture H4 of the light-blocking layer PHL may also be arranged adjacent to each other. Therefore, the second light L2 reflected by the user's finger F can pass through the first aperture H1, the second aperture H2, the third aperture H3, and the fourth aperture H4 and reach the adjacent sensing areas SSR in a concentrated manner.

[0158] The shape of multiple holes H is not limited to Figure 5 The circular shape is shown in the figure. For example, multiple holes H can be formed into various shapes such as elliptical and polygonal shapes. As another example, multiple holes H can have different shapes in a light-blocking layer PHL.

[0159] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the fingerprint sensing layer of a display device according to an embodiment. For example, Figure 11 The encapsulation substrate ENC of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL shown can be attached to the lower surface of the display panel 100. As another example, the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can be flipped up and down, and thus the second substrate SUB2 of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL is attached to the lower surface of the display panel 100.

[0160] Reference Figure 11 The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may include a second substrate SUB2, a buffer layer 410, a second thin film transistor layer TFTL2, a light receiving element layer PDL, and a second thin film encapsulation layer TFEL2.

[0161] The second substrate SUB2 can be a matrix substrate and can include an insulating material such as a polymeric resin. For example, the second substrate SUB2 can be a rigid substrate. As another example, the second substrate SUB2 can be a flexible substrate capable of being bent, folded, or rolled up. When the second substrate SUB2 is a flexible substrate, the second substrate SUB2 can be formed of polyimide PI, but its material is not limited to this.

[0162] The buffer layer 410 may include a first buffer layer 411 and a second buffer layer 412. The first buffer layer 411 may be provided on the second substrate SUB2. The first buffer layer 411 may be formed of an inorganic layer capable of preventing the penetration of air or moisture. The first buffer layer 411 may be formed of at least one inorganic layer selected from silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0163] A second buffer layer 412 may be disposed on the first buffer layer 411 to cover the light-blocking pattern 420 formed on the first buffer layer 411. The second buffer layer 412 may be formed of an inorganic layer capable of preventing the penetration of air or moisture. For example, the second buffer layer 412 may work together with the first buffer layer 411 to improve the function of preventing moisture from penetrating into the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL.

[0164] The light-blocking pattern 420 can be disposed between the first buffer layer 411 and the second buffer layer 412 to overlap with the switching transistor ST. For example, the light-blocking pattern 420 can be formed by depositing a light-absorbing material on the first buffer layer 411 and then performing exposure patterning. The light-blocking pattern 420 can be made of metals such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), or silver (Ag) or alloys thereof, but its material is not limited to these.

[0165] A second thin-film transistor layer (TFTL2) may be provided on the buffer layer 410. The second TFTL2 may include a switching transistor ST for driving each of the plurality of fingerprint sensor FPSs. The second TFTL2 may also include a gate insulating film 440, an interlayer insulating film 450, a protective layer 460, and a planarization layer 470. The switching transistor ST of the fingerprint sensor FPS may include a semiconductor layer 431, a gate electrode 432, a source electrode 433, and a drain electrode 434.

[0166] Semiconductor layer 431 may be provided on buffer layer 410. Semiconductor layer 431 may be configured to overlap with gate electrode 432, source electrode 433 and drain electrode 434. Semiconductor layer 431 may be in direct contact with source electrode 433 and drain electrode 434 and may face gate electrode 432, with gate insulating film 440 between semiconductor layer 431 and gate electrode 432.

[0167] The gate electrode 432 can be disposed on the gate insulating film 440. The gate electrode 432 can overlap with the semiconductor layer 431, and the gate insulating film 440 is located between the gate electrode 432 and the semiconductor layer 431.

[0168] The source electrode 433 and the drain electrode 434 can be spaced apart from each other on the interlayer insulating film 450. The source electrode 433 can contact one end of the semiconductor layer 431 through a first contact hole provided in the gate insulating film 440 and the interlayer insulating film 450. The drain electrode 434 can contact the other end of the semiconductor layer 431 through a second contact hole provided in the gate insulating film 440 and the interlayer insulating film 450. The drain electrode 434 can directly contact the first electrode 481 of the photoreceiving element PD through a third contact hole in the protective layer 460.

[0169] A gate insulating film 440 may be provided on the semiconductor layer 431. For example, the gate insulating film 440 may be disposed on the semiconductor layer 431 and the buffer layer 410, and may insulate the semiconductor layer 431 from the gate electrode 432. The gate insulating film 440 may be formed together with the first contact hole through which the source electrode 433 passes and the second contact hole through which the drain electrode 434 passes.

[0170] An interlayer insulating film 450 may be disposed on the gate electrode 432. For example, the interlayer insulating film 450 may include a first contact hole through which the source electrode 433 passes and a second contact hole through which the drain electrode 434 passes. Here, the first contact hole and the second contact hole of the interlayer insulating film 450 may be connected to the first contact hole and the second contact hole of the gate insulating film 440, respectively.

[0171] A protective layer 460 may be provided on the switching transistor ST to protect the switching transistor ST. For example, the protective layer 460 may include a third contact hole through which the first electrode 481 of the light receiving element PD passes.

[0172] A planarization layer 470 may be provided on the protective layer 460 to planarize the upper end of the switching transistor ST. For example, the planarization layer 470 may include a third contact hole through which the first electrode 481 of the light receiving element PD passes. Here, the third contact hole of the protective layer 460 and the third contact hole of the planarization layer 470 may be connected to each other so as to pass through the first electrode 481 of the light receiving element PD.

[0173] A light-receiving element layer PDL can be provided on a second thin-film transistor layer TFTL2. The light-receiving element layer PDL may include a light-receiving element PD connected to a switching transistor ST of the second thin-film transistor layer TFTL2. The light-receiving element PD may be configured not to overlap with the light-blocking pattern 420.

[0174] The light receiving element PD may include a first electrode 481, a light receiving layer 482, and a second electrode 483.

[0175] A first electrode 481 may be provided on the planarization layer 470. For example, the first electrode 481 may be configured to overlap with an opening region of the light-receiving element layer PDL defined by the sensor-defined film 490. The first electrode 481 may contact the drain electrode 434 of the switching transistor ST via a third contact hole provided in the planarization layer 470 and the protective layer 460. For example, the first electrode 481 may be made of a transparent conductive material to transmit the second light L2 reflected by the finger F, and may serve as the anode of the light-receiving element PD.

[0176] A light-receiving layer 482 may be provided on the first electrode 481. The light-receiving layer 482 may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-receiving layer, an electron blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. For example, the light-receiving layer 482 may be an organic light-receiving layer made of organic materials, but is not limited thereto. When the light-receiving layer 482 corresponds to an organic light-receiving layer, the organic light-receiving layer can receive the second light L2 to combine holes and electrons, and can convert the energy of the second light L2 into an electrical signal (current or voltage) formed between the first electrode 481 and the second electrode 483.

[0177] A second electrode 483 may be provided on the light-receiving layer 482. For example, the second electrode 483 may be implemented as an electrode shared by all fingerprint sensor FPSs, rather than being partitioned for each fingerprint sensor FPS. When a driving voltage is applied to the first electrode 481 and a common voltage is applied to the second electrode 483, holes and electrons can move to the light-receiving layer 482 to combine with each other. The second electrode 483 may serve as the cathode of the light-receiving element PD.

[0178] The light-receiving element layer (PDL) may include a sensor defining film 490 defining a plurality of fingerprint sensor FPSs. The sensor defining film 490 may be provided on a planarization layer 470. The sensor defining film 490 may be provided between adjacent first electrodes 481 and may separate the plurality of first electrodes 481. The sensor defining film 490 may define an opening region of the light-receiving element layer (PDL) by electrically insulating the adjacent first electrodes 481 and the light-receiving layer 482.

[0179] A second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 can be provided on the light-receiving element layer PDL. The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 can cover the light-receiving element layer PDL and can prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-receiving element layer PDL. For example, the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include at least one inorganic layer. The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include an inorganic layer such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0180] The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 can protect the light-receiving element layer PDL from foreign matter such as dust. For example, the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include at least one organic layer. The second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 may include an organic layer comprising acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0181] The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may also include an encapsulation substrate ENC disposed on the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2. The encapsulation substrate ENC may cover the second thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL2 to prevent air or moisture from penetrating the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. For example, the encapsulation substrate ENC may be a light-transmitting substrate such as a glass substrate. Figure 11 As shown, the encapsulation substrate ENC can be located at the top of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL, but it is not limited to this. For example, the encapsulation substrate ENC can be omitted.

[0182] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating the sensor driver of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 A diagram of the comparator for the sensor driver.

[0183] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The sensor driver 500 may include a data extractor 510, a data merger 520, a memory 530, a comparator 540, and an image generator 550.

[0184] The data extractor 510 can receive sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP from multiple fingerprint sensor FPS. The data extractor 510 can receive sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP from multiple fingerprint sensor FPS via the readout line ROL.

[0185] When there is no reflective material (e.g., the user's body or a reference component) in contact with the cover window CW, the multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs may not receive light. When the light receiving element PD of the fingerprint sensor FPS does not receive light, the light receiving element PD can output the drive current input to the first electrode to the second electrode.

[0186] When the reference member contacts the cover window CW, each of the multiple fingerprint sensors FPS can supply a modified sensing signal SE_REF to the data extractor 510. For example, the surface of the reference member facing the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can be flat. Therefore, the sensing signal SE_REF generated from the reflected light caused by the reference member can include information about the characteristics of the fingerprint sensor FPS.

[0187] When a user's finger touches the overlay window CW, each of the multiple fingerprint sensor FPS can supply a modified sensing signal SE_FP to the data extractor 510. The sensing signal SE_FP of the fingerprint sensor FPS that receives light reflected from the ridge FR of the finger F can be different from the sensing signal SE_FP of the fingerprint sensor FPS that receives light reflected from the valley FV of the finger F. The sensor driver 500 can identify the difference between the sensing signals SE_FP to determine whether the ridge FR of the finger F touches the fingerprint pixel of the overlay window CW corresponding to the fingerprint sensor FPS, or whether the valley FV of the finger F touches the fingerprint pixel of the overlay window CW. Therefore, the sensor driver 500 can generate a fingerprint image based on the sensing signal SE_FP to identify the pattern of the user's fingerprint.

[0188] Data extractor 510 can extract important data from sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP. For example, a fingerprint pixel FPP on the overlay window CW can correspond to a hole H in the light-blocking layer PHL and a sensing region SSR in the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. A sensing region SSR can include multiple fingerprint sensor FPS. The data from sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP can be concentrated in multiple sensing regions SSR. The data from sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP can be more concentrated in the central region CR than in the peripheral region SR. Data extractor 510 can extract data from multiple sensing region SSRs corresponding to each hole H and supply the extracted data to data merger 520.

[0189] Data merger 520 can merge data from multiple sensing areas (SSRs) to generate reference data (REFD) or fingerprint data (FPD). Data extractor 510 can remove unnecessary data or non-critical information from the data of sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP, and data merger 520 can merge necessary data or critical information from the data of sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP.

[0190] When the reference component contacts the cover window CW, the data extractor 510 receives the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component, extracts the data of the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_REF, and supplies the extracted data to the data merger 520. The data merger 520 merges the data of the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component to generate reference data REFD. The generated reference data REFD can be supplied to the memory 530 and stored in the memory 530 until fingerprint data FPD is generated.

[0191] When a user's finger F touches the overlay window CW, the data extractor 510 receives the sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint, extracts data from the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_FP, and supplies the extracted data to the data merger 520. The data merger 520 merges the data from the sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint in the sensing area SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD. The data merger 520 then supplies the fingerprint data FPD to the comparator 540.

[0192] The memory 530 can store reference data REFD generated using a reference component prior to a user's touch. When a user's touch occurs, the memory 530 can supply the stored reference data REFD to the comparator 540.

[0193] When a user touches the screen, comparator 540 can receive reference data REFD from memory 530 and fingerprint data FPD from data merger 520. Comparator 540 can output the difference between the reference data REFD and the fingerprint data FPD and supply the difference to image generator 550.

[0194] exist Figure 13 In this design, comparator 540 may include a first input terminal IN1, a second input terminal IN2, and an output terminal OUT. The first input terminal IN1 of comparator 540 can be connected to memory 530, its second input terminal IN2 can be connected to data merger 520, and its output terminal OUT can be connected to image generator 550. Therefore, comparator 540 can supply the difference between reference data REFD received from memory 530 and fingerprint data FPD received from data merger 520 to image generator 550.

[0195] Image generator 550 can receive the output of comparator 540 to generate a fingerprint image IMG. Image generator 550 can use image information (or optical information and fingerprint information) from the output of comparator 540 to generate fingerprint image IMG. For example, image generator 550 can generate fingerprint image IMG from the output of comparator 540 by reverse-engineering or calculating the optical characteristics used to calculate the data value of the sensing signal SE_FP from the image of the emitting material (e.g., the user's body).

[0196] Figure 14 This is a view showing the arrangement of reference components for generating reference data in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 14 In the display device shown, the reference member RM is in contact with the surface of the cover window CW, and... Figure 2 In the display device shown, finger F contacts the surface of the cover window CW, so that the same configuration as described above will be briefly described or omitted.

[0197] Reference Figure 14 A reference component RM can be set on the overlay window CW. The reference component RM can be temporarily set on the overlay window CW to generate reference data REFD before a user touch occurs. After the reference data REFD can be generated and stored in the memory 530, the reference component RM can be removed, and the surface of the overlay window CW can be exposed to contact the user's finger F.

[0198] For example, the reference member RM can be made of silicone or paper, but its material is not limited to these. The reference member RM can transmit and reflect light. For example, the reference member RM can transmit a portion of the first light L1 and reflect other portions of the first light L1 to generate a second light L2, and supply the second light L2 to the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL. The surface of the reference member RM facing the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL can be flat. Therefore, the sensing signal SE_REF generated from the reflected light (i.e., the second light) L2 caused by the reference member RM can include information about the characteristics of the fingerprint sensor FPS.

[0199] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a fingerprint sensing layer that receives reflected light in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 16 This is to explain from Figure 15 The fingerprint sensing layer extracts images of multiple sensing areas, and Figure 17 This is to explain from Figure 16 A graph of fingerprint data or reference data generated from data from multiple sensing areas.

[0200] Reference Figures 15 to 17 The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may include multiple fingerprint sensors FPS, and the multiple fingerprint sensors FPS can receive reflected light to generate sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP. The data extractor 510 can receive the sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP from the multiple fingerprint sensors FPS via the readout line ROL.

[0201] When the reference component RM contacts the cover window CW, the data extractor 510 receives the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component RM, extracts data from the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_REF, and supplies the extracted data to the data merger 520. The data merger 520 merges the data from the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component RM in the sensing area SSR to generate reference data REFD. The generated reference data REFD can be supplied to the memory 530 and stored in the memory 530 until fingerprint data FPD is generated.

[0202] When a user's finger F touches the overlay window CW, the data extractor 510 receives the sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint, extracts data from the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_FP, and supplies the extracted data to the data merger 520. The data merger 520 merges the data from the sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint in the sensing area SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD. The data merger 520 then supplies the fingerprint data FPD to the comparator 540.

[0203] For example, the method of extracting data using data extractor 510 when the reference component RM contacts the cover window CW and when the user's finger F contacts the cover window CW can be the same as the method of merging data using data merger 520. However, data extractor 510 and data merger 520 can receive a sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component RM to generate reference data REFD, and can receive a sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint to generate fingerprint data FPD. The process of generating fingerprint data FPD will be described below, and the process of generating reference data REFD will be briefly described or omitted.

[0204] Reference Figure 15 as well as Figure 8 and Figure 10 The light-blocking layer PHL may include a first aperture H1, a second aperture H2, a third aperture H3, and a fourth aperture H4, and the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may include a first sensing region SSR1, a second sensing region SSR2, a third sensing region SSR3, and a fourth sensing region SSR4. The first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4 of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may correspond to the first aperture H1, the second aperture H2, the third aperture H3, and the fourth aperture H4 of the light-blocking layer PHL, respectively. Therefore, the second light L2 reflected by the user's finger F can pass through the first aperture H1, the second aperture H2, the third aperture H3, and the fourth aperture H4, and concentrate on reaching the first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4.

[0205] The first sensing area SSR1 may include a first central area CR1 and a first peripheral area SR1, the second sensing area SSR2 may include a second central area CR2 and a second peripheral area SR2, the third sensing area SSR3 may include a third central area CR3 and a third peripheral area SR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4 may include a fourth central area CR4 and a fourth peripheral area SR4.

[0206] For example, the first sensing area SSR1 may include an mn fingerprint sensor Amn (where m is a natural number from 1 to 8, and n is a natural number from 1 to 8). The first central area CR1 may include an ij fingerprint sensor Aij (where i is a natural number from 3 to 6, and j is a natural number from 3 to 6). The mn fingerprint sensor Amn can be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Amn; the ij fingerprint sensor Aij can be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Aij. Furthermore, the first peripheral area SR1 may include fingerprint sensors other than the fingerprint sensor Aij in the first central area CR1, which are located within the fingerprint sensor Amn of the first sensing area SSR1.

[0207] The second sensing area SSR2 may include a fingerprint sensor Bmn (mn). The second central area CR2 may include a fingerprint sensor Bij (ij). The fingerprint sensor Bmn (mn) can be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Bmn; the fingerprint sensor Bij (ij) can be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Bij. Furthermore, the second peripheral area SR2 may include fingerprint sensors other than the fingerprint sensor Bij in the second central area CR2, which are located within the fingerprint sensor Bmn of the second sensing area SSR2.

[0208] Thus, the third sensing area SSR3 and the fourth sensing area SSR4 may also include multiple fingerprint sensors Cmn and Dmn. In the following text, the common description of the first sensing area SSR1, the second sensing area SSR2, the third sensing area SSR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4 will be omitted.

[0209] The first central region CR1 can be located at the center of the first sensing region SSR1. Reflected light passing through the first aperture H1 can reach the first central region CR1 in a concentrated manner. Therefore, the multiple fingerprint sensors Aij in the first central region CR1 can have concentrated user fingerprint information.

[0210] The first peripheral region SR1 may surround the first central region CR1. For example, the average intensity of the second light L2 reaching the fingerprint sensor Amn (excluding the fingerprint sensor Aij) in the first peripheral region SR1 may be lower than the average intensity of the second light L2 reaching the fingerprint sensor Aij in the first central region CR1. Therefore, a relatively small amount of reflected light can reach the first peripheral region SR1 compared to the first central region CR1. Consequently, the fingerprint sensor Amn (excluding the fingerprint sensor Aij) in the first peripheral region SR1 may have relatively less fingerprint information than the fingerprint sensor Aij in the first central region CR1.

[0211] Data extractor 510 can extract data including the user's fingerprint information from multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs from the sensing signal SE_FP. Data extractor 510 can extract data from the fingerprint sensor FPS arranged in the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL where reflected light through the aperture H is concentrated. Data extractor 510 can extract... Figure 15 The diagram shows data from multiple fingerprint sensor FPS corresponding to the first sensing area SSR1, second sensing area SSR2, third sensing area SSR3, and fourth sensing area SSR4, respectively, for the first hole H1, second hole H2, third hole H3, and fourth hole H4. It also shows that... Figure 16 The extracted data shown in the figure is supplied to the data merger 520.

[0212] Data Merger 520 can merge Figure 16 The data shown in the figure is used to generate Figure 17 The fingerprint data FPD or reference data REFD shown is illustrated. For example, the data merger 520 can merge the data of the peripheral region SR of each of the sensing regions SSR and the data of the central region CR of another sensing region SSR adjacent to the corresponding sensing region SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD.

[0213] The data merger 520 can merge data from the first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4 to generate fingerprint data FPD or reference data REFD. The fingerprint data FPD or reference data REFD may include a core merging region CMR and peripheral merging regions SMR. For example, the core merging region CMR of the fingerprint data FPD can be formed by arranging the data from the first central region CR1, the second central region CR2, the third central region CR3, and the fourth central region CR4 in parallel and merging the data from the first peripheral region SR1, the second peripheral region SR2, the third peripheral region SR3, and the fourth peripheral region SR4 with the data from the adjacent central region.

[0214] For example, data from the first central region CR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 can be merged with data from the second peripheral region SR2, the third peripheral region SR3, and the fourth peripheral region SR4. The core merging region CMR's 1-3 data CM13 can be generated by merging the data from the 3-5 fingerprint sensor A35 of the first central region CR1 and the 3-1 fingerprint sensor B31 of the second peripheral region SR2. The core merging region CMR's 3-1 data CM31 can be generated by merging the data from the 5-3 fingerprint sensor A53 of the first central region CR1 and the 1-3 fingerprint sensor C13 of the third peripheral region SR3. The core merging region CMR's 3-3 data CM33 can be generated by merging the data from the 5-5 fingerprint sensor A55 of the first central region CR1, the 5-1 fingerprint sensor B51 of the second peripheral region SR2, the 1-5 fingerprint sensor C15 of the third peripheral region SR3, and the 1-1 fingerprint sensor D11 of the fourth peripheral region SR4.

[0215] For example, data from the second central region CR2 of the second sensing region SSR2 can be merged with data from the first peripheral region SR1, the third peripheral region SR3, and the fourth peripheral region SR4. Data CM16 (1-6) of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging data from the 3-4 fingerprint sensor B34 of the second central region CR2 and data from the 3-8 fingerprint sensor A38 of the first peripheral region SR1. Data CM38 (3-8) of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging data from the 5-6 fingerprint sensor B56 of the second central region CR2 and data from the 1-6 fingerprint sensor D16 of the fourth peripheral region SR4. Data CM36 (3-6) of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging data from the 5-4 fingerprint sensor B54 of the second central region CR2, data from the 5-8 fingerprint sensor A58 of the first peripheral region SR1, data from the 1-8 fingerprint sensor C18 of the third peripheral region SR3, and data from the 1-4 fingerprint sensor D14 of the fourth peripheral region SR4.

[0216] For example, data from the third central region CR3 of the third sensing region SSR3 can be merged with data from the first peripheral region SR1, the second peripheral region SR2, and the fourth peripheral region SR4. The core merging region CMR's 6-1 data CM61 can be generated by merging the data from the 4-3 fingerprint sensor C43 of the third central region CR3 and the data from the 8-3 fingerprint sensor A83 of the first peripheral region SR1. The core merging region CMR's 8-3 data CM83 can be generated by merging the data from the 6-5 fingerprint sensor C65 of the third central region CR3 and the data from the 6-1 fingerprint sensor D61 of the fourth peripheral region SR4. The core merging region CMR's 6-3 data CM63 can be generated by merging the data from the 4-5 fingerprint sensor C45 of the third central region CR3, the data from the 8-5 fingerprint sensor A85 of the first peripheral region SR1, the data from the 8-1 fingerprint sensor B81 of the second peripheral region SR2, and the data from the 1-4 fingerprint sensor D14 of the fourth peripheral region SR4.

[0217] For example, data from the fourth central region CR4 of the fourth sensing region SSR4 can be merged with data from the first peripheral region SR1, the second peripheral region SR2, and the third peripheral region SR3. The 6-8 data CM68 of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging the data from the 4-6 fingerprint sensor D46 of the fourth central region CR4 and the 8-6 fingerprint sensor B86 of the second peripheral region SR2. The 8-6 data CM86 of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging the data from the 6-4 fingerprint sensor D64 of the fourth central region CR4 and the 6-8 fingerprint sensor C68 of the third peripheral region SR3. The 6-6 data CM66 of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging the data from the 4-4 fingerprint sensor D44 of the fourth central region CR4, the 8-8 fingerprint sensor A88 of the first peripheral region SR1, the 8-4 fingerprint sensor B84 of the second peripheral region SR2, and the 4-8 fingerprint sensor C48 of the third peripheral region SR3.

[0218] The peripheral merged region (SMR) of fingerprint data FPD can be generated by merging data from adjacent peripheral regions (SR). For example, the 1-1 data SM11 of the peripheral merged region SMR can be generated by merging the data from the 1-5 fingerprint sensor A15 of the first peripheral region SR1 and the 1-1 fingerprint sensor B11 of the second peripheral region SR2. The 3-1 data SM31 of the peripheral merged region SMR can be generated by merging the data from the 5-1 fingerprint sensor A51 of the first peripheral region SR1 and the 1-1 fingerprint sensor C11 of the third peripheral region SR3.

[0219] As described above, the data merger 520 can merge data from multiple sensing regions (SSRs) to emphasize important information in the sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP and remove unimportant information. Furthermore, the data merger 520 can use not only the data from the central region (CR) of the sensing regions (SSRs) but also the data from the peripheral regions (SRs) to generate reference data (REFD) or fingerprint data (FPD). Therefore, in the process of merging data from multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs, the sensor driver 500 can extensively utilize the data from the central region (CR) and the peripheral region (SR), thereby naturally merging the data from multiple sensing regions (SSRs) and obtaining a high-quality fingerprint image from a low-resolution fingerprint sensor.

[0220] Figure 18 This is a view illustrating the process of generating a fingerprint image in a display device according to an embodiment. Here, Figure 18 A method for merging data from the first sensing region SSR1 and the second sensing region SSR2 is shown, but Figure 18 The methods and references shown in the figure Figures 15 to 17The methods of description are basically the same. Therefore, Figure 18 The configuration shown can be used as in the process of merging data from four or more sensing area SSRs.

[0221] Reference Figure 18 The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may include a first sensing area SSR1 and a second sensing area SSR2. The first sensing area SSR1 may include a first central area CR1 and a first peripheral area SR1, and the second sensing area SSR2 may include a second central area CR2 and a second peripheral area SR2.

[0222] When the reference component RM contacts the cover window CW, the data extractor 510 can receive the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component RM, extract the data of the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_REF, and supply the extracted data to the data merger 520.

[0223] Data combiner 520 can combine data from the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference member RM in the sensing area SSR to generate reference data REFD. Data combiner 520 can combine data from the peripheral area SR of each of the sensing areas SSR and data from the central area CR of another sensing area SSR adjacent to the corresponding sensing area SSR to generate reference data REFD.

[0224] For example, the data combiner 520 can receive the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component RM, and can combine the data of the first peripheral region SR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 with the data of the second central region CR2 of the second sensing region SSR2 to form a combined region SR1+CR2. Furthermore, the data combiner 520 can combine the data of the second peripheral region SR2 of the second sensing region SSR2 with the data of the first central region CR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 to form a combined region CR1+SR2. The data combiner 520 can combine data from multiple sensing regions SSR to generate reference data REFD.

[0225] The memory 530 can store reference data REFD generated using the reference component RM prior to a user's touch. When a user's touch occurs, the memory 530 can supply the stored reference data REFD to the comparator 540.

[0226] When the user's finger F touches the cover window CW, the data extractor 510 can receive the sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint, extract the data of the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_FP, and supply the extracted data to the data merger 520.

[0227] Data merger 520 can merge data from sensing signals SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint from sensing regions SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD. Data merger 520 can merge data from the peripheral region SR of each sensing region SSR and data from the central region CR of another sensing region SSR adjacent to the corresponding sensing region SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD.

[0228] For example, the data merger 520 can receive a sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to a user's fingerprint, and can merge data from the first peripheral region SR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 with data from the second central region CR2 of the second sensing region SSR2 to form a merged region SR1+CR2. Furthermore, the data merger 520 can merge data from the second peripheral region SR2 of the second sensing region SSR2 with data from the first central region CR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 to form a merged region CR1+SR2. The data merger 520 can merge data from multiple sensing regions SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD.

[0229] When a user touches the screen, comparator 540 can receive reference data REFD from memory 530 and fingerprint data FPD from data merger 520. Comparator 540 can output the difference between reference data REFD and fingerprint data FPD, REFD-FPD, and supply the difference REFD-FPD to image generator 550.

[0230] Image generator 550 can receive the output of comparator 540 to generate a fingerprint image IMG. Image generator 550 can use image information (or optical information and fingerprint information) from the output of comparator 540 to generate fingerprint image IMG. For example, image generator 550 can generate fingerprint image IMG from the output of comparator 540 by reverse-engineering or calculating the optical characteristics used to calculate the data value of the sensing signal SE_FP from an image of a reflective material (e.g., a user's body).

[0231] The sensor driver 500 can generate a fingerprint image IMG based on the difference between reference data REFD and fingerprint data FPD, thereby reflecting the characteristics of multiple fingerprint sensor FPS to improve the quality of the fingerprint image IMG. Therefore, the display device 10 according to this application can obtain a high-quality fingerprint image from a low-resolution fingerprint sensor.

[0232] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a fingerprint sensing layer that receives reflected light in a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 20 This is to explain from Figure 19 The image shows multiple sensing regions extracted from the fingerprint sensing layer. Figure 21 This is to explain from Figure 20 The map of the extended area generated by each of the multiple sensing areas, and Figure 22 This is to explain from Figure 21 A graph of fingerprint data or reference data generated from data from multiple sensing areas. Figures 19 to 22 The first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4 shown may also include [missing information - likely related to sensors]. Figures 15 to 17 The diagram shows extended regions ER1, ER2, ER3, and ER4 extending from the first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4. Therefore, configurations identical to those described above will be briefly described or omitted.

[0233] Reference Figures 19 to 22 The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may include multiple fingerprint sensors FPS, and the multiple fingerprint sensors FPS can receive reflected light to generate sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP. The data extractor 510 can receive the sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP from the multiple fingerprint sensors FPS via the readout line ROL.

[0234] Reference Figure 19 as well as Figure 8 and Figure 10 The light-blocking layer (PHL) may include a first aperture H1, a second aperture H2, a third aperture H3, and a fourth aperture H4, and the fingerprint sensing layer (FPSL) may include a first sensing region SSR1, a second sensing region SSR2, a third sensing region SSR3, and a fourth sensing region SSR4. The first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4 of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may correspond to the first aperture H1, the second aperture H2, the third aperture H3, and the fourth aperture H4 of the light-blocking layer PHL, respectively. Therefore, the second light L2 reflected by the user's finger F can pass through the first aperture H1, the second aperture H2, the third aperture H3, and the fourth aperture H4, and concentrate on reaching the first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4.

[0235] The first sensing area SSR1 may include a first central area CR1 and a first peripheral area SR1, the second sensing area SSR2 may include a second central area CR2 and a second peripheral area SR2, the third sensing area SSR3 may include a third central area CR3 and a third peripheral area SR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4 may include a fourth central area CR4 and a fourth peripheral area SR4.

[0236] For example, the first sensing area SSR1 may include a pq fingerprint sensor Apq (where p is a natural number from 2 to 7 and q is a natural number from 2 to 7). The first central area CR1 may include an ij fingerprint sensor Aij (where i is a natural number from 3 to 6 and j is a natural number from 3 to 6). The pq fingerprint sensor Apq may be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Apq; the ij fingerprint sensor Aij may be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Aij. Furthermore, the first peripheral area SR1 may include fingerprint sensors other than the fingerprint sensor Aij in the first central area CR1, which are part of the fingerprint sensor Apq in the first sensing area SSR1.

[0237] The second sensing area SSR2 may include a pq fingerprint sensor Bpq. The second central area CR2 may include an ij fingerprint sensor Bij. The pq fingerprint sensor Bpq can be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Bpq; the ij fingerprint sensor Bij can be simply referred to as fingerprint sensor Bij. Furthermore, the second peripheral area SR2 may include fingerprint sensors other than the fingerprint sensor Bij in the second central area CR2, specifically the fingerprint sensor Bmn within the second sensing area SSR2.

[0238] Thus, the third sensing area SSR3 and the fourth sensing area SSR4 can also include multiple fingerprint sensors Cpq and Dpq. In the following text, the common description of the first sensing area SSR1, the second sensing area SSR2, the third sensing area SSR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4 will be omitted.

[0239] The first central region CR1 can be located at the center of the first sensing region SSR1. Reflected light passing through the first aperture H1 can reach the first central region CR1 in a concentrated manner. Therefore, the multiple fingerprint sensors Aij in the first central region CR1 can have concentrated user fingerprint information.

[0240] The first peripheral region SR1 may surround the first central region CR1. For example, the average intensity of the second light L2 reaching the fingerprint sensor Apq (excluding the fingerprint sensor Aij) in the first peripheral region SR1 may be lower than the average intensity of the second light L2 reaching the fingerprint sensor Aij in the first central region CR1. Therefore, a relatively small amount of reflected light can reach the first peripheral region SR1 compared to the first central region CR1. Consequently, the fingerprint sensor Apq (excluding the fingerprint sensor Aij) in the first peripheral region SR1 may have relatively less fingerprint information compared to the fingerprint sensor Aij in the first central region CR1.

[0241] The first sensing region SSR1 may further include a first extended region ER1 surrounding the first peripheral region SR1, the second sensing region SSR2 may further include a second extended region ER2 surrounding the second central region CR2, the third sensing region SSR3 may further include a third extended region ER3 surrounding the third central region CR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4 may further include a fourth extended region ER4 surrounding the fourth central region CR4.

[0242] Data extractor 510 can generate data for the first extended region ER1 based on data from the first central region CR1 and data from the first peripheral region SR1. The first extended region ER1 data can be generated based on the average difference between the data from the central region CR and the data from the peripheral region SR of each of the sensing regions SSR. For example, data extractor 510 can calculate the average ratio or average profile of the data from the central region CR and the data from the peripheral region SR of each of the multiple sensing regions SSR, and can apply the average ratio or average profile to the extended region ER of all sensing regions SSR. Therefore, data extractor 510 can calculate the data value of the first extended region ER1 based on the average ratio or average profile of the multiple sensing regions SSR.

[0243] For example, the width of the first peripheral region SR1 can be the same as the width of the first extended region ER1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0244] Data extractor 510 can extract data including the user's fingerprint information from multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs from the sensing signal SE_FP. Data extractor 510 can extract data from the fingerprint sensor FPS arranged in the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL where reflected light through the aperture H is concentrated. Data extractor 510 can extract data from... Figure 19 Data extraction from multiple fingerprint sensor FPS shown in the figure Figure 20 The data of the first sensing area SSR1, the second sensing area SSR2, the third sensing area SSR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4 shown in the figure can be obtained from... Figure 20 Data generation in the first sensing area SSR1, the second sensing area SSR2, the third sensing area SSR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4 shown in the figure Figure 21 The data shown are from the first sensing area SSR1, the second sensing area SSR2, the third sensing area SSR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4. The data extractor 510 can extract the data from these areas. Figure 21 Data from the first sensing area SSR1, the second sensing area SSR2, the third sensing area SSR3, and the fourth sensing area SSR4 shown in the figure are supplied to the data combiner 520.

[0245] Data Merger 520 can merge Figure 21 The data shown in the figure is used to generate Figure 22 The fingerprint data FPD or reference data REFD shown is illustrated. For example, the data merger 520 can merge the data of the peripheral region SR and the extended region ER of each of the sensing regions SSR and the data of the central region CR of another sensing region SSR adjacent to the corresponding sensing region SSR to generate the fingerprint data FPD.

[0246] The data merger 520 can merge data from the first sensing region SSR1, the second sensing region SSR2, the third sensing region SSR3, and the fourth sensing region SSR4 to generate fingerprint data FPD or reference data REFD. The fingerprint data FPD or reference data REFD may include a core merging region CMR and peripheral merging regions SMR. For example, the core merging region CMR of the fingerprint data FPD can be formed by arranging the data from the first central region CR1, the second central region CR2, the third central region CR3, and the fourth central region CR4 in parallel and merging the data from the first peripheral region SR1, the second peripheral region SR2, the third peripheral region SR3, and the fourth peripheral region SR4, along with the data from the first extended region ER1, the second extended region ER2, the third extended region ER3, and the fourth extended region ER4, with the data from the adjacent central region.

[0247] For example, data from the first central region CR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 can be merged with data from the second peripheral regions SR2, the third peripheral regions SR3, and the fourth peripheral regions SR4, and data from the first extended regions ER1, the second extended regions ER2, the third extended regions ER3, and the fourth extended regions ER4. Data CM13 (1-3) of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging data from fingerprint sensor A35 (3-5) of the first central region CR1 and fingerprint sensor B31 (3-1) of the second extended region ER2. Data CM14 (1-4) of the core merging region CMR can be generated by merging data from fingerprint sensor A36 (3-6) of the first central region CR1 and fingerprint sensor B32 (3-2) of the second peripheral region SR2.

[0248] The core merging area CMR's 3-1 data CM31 can be generated by merging the data from the 5-3 fingerprint sensor A53 in the first central region CR1 and the data from the 1-3 fingerprint sensor C13 in the third extended region ER3. The core merging area CMR's 4-1 data CM41 can be generated by merging the data from the 6-3 fingerprint sensor A63 in the first central region CR1 and the data from the 2-3 fingerprint sensor C23 in the third peripheral region SR3.

[0249] The core merging area CMR's 3-3 data CM33 can be generated by merging the data from the 5-5 fingerprint sensor A55 in the first central region CR1, the 5-1 fingerprint sensor B51 in the second extended region ER2, the 1-5 fingerprint sensor C15 in the third extended region ER3, and the 1-1 fingerprint sensor D11 in the fourth extended region ER4. The core merging area CMR's 4-4 data CM44 can be generated by merging the data from the 6-6 fingerprint sensor A66 in the first central region CR1, the 6-2 fingerprint sensor B62 in the second peripheral region SR2, the 2-6 fingerprint sensor C26 in the third peripheral region SR3, and the 2-2 fingerprint sensor D22 in the fourth peripheral region SR4.

[0250] The peripheral merged region (SMR) of fingerprint data FPD can be generated by merging the data of the peripheral regions (SR) or extended regions of adjacent sensing regions (SSR). For example, the 1-1 data SM11 of the peripheral merged region SMR can be generated by merging the data of fingerprint sensor A15 (1-5) in the first extended region ER1 and the data of fingerprint sensor B11 (1-1) in the second extended region ER2. The 2-2 data SM22 of the peripheral merged region SMR can be generated by merging the data of fingerprint sensor A26 (2-6) in the first extended region ER1 and the data of fingerprint sensor B22 (2-2) in the second extended region ER2.

[0251] As described above, the data merger 520 can merge data from multiple sensing regions (SSRs) to emphasize important information in the sensing signals SE_REF and SE_FP and remove unimportant information. Furthermore, the data merger 520 can generate reference data REFD or fingerprint data FPD using not only the data from the central region CR of the sensing regions (SSRs) but also the data from the peripheral region SR and the extended region ER. Therefore, in the process of merging data from multiple fingerprint sensor FPSs, the sensor driver 500 can extensively utilize the data from the central region CR, the peripheral region SR, and the extended region ER, thereby naturally merging the data from multiple sensing regions (SSRs) and obtaining a high-quality fingerprint image from a low-resolution fingerprint sensor.

[0252] Figure 23 This is a view illustrating the process of generating a fingerprint image in a display device according to another embodiment. Here, Figure 23 A method for merging data from the first sensing region SSR1 and the second sensing region SSR2 is shown, but Figure 23 The methods and references shown in the figure Figures 19 to 22 The methods of description are basically the same. Therefore, Figure 23The configuration shown can be used as in the process of merging data from four or more sensing area SSRs. Furthermore, Figure 23 The first sensing region SSR1 and the second sensing region SSR2 shown in the figure may also include from Figure 18 The first sensing area SSR1 and the second sensing area SSR2 are shown as extended areas ER1 and ER2. Therefore, configurations identical to those described above will be briefly described or omitted.

[0253] Reference Figure 23 The fingerprint sensing layer FPSL may include a first sensing region SSR1 and a second sensing region SSR2. The first sensing region SSR1 may include a first central region CR1, a first peripheral region SR1 and a first extended region ER1, and the second sensing region SSR2 may include a second central region CR2, a second peripheral region SR2 and a second extended region ER2.

[0254] When the reference component RM comes into contact with the cover window CW, the data extractor 510 can extract the data of the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component RM.

[0255] Data combiner 520 can combine data from the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference member RM in the sensing area SSR to generate reference data REFD. Data combiner 520 can combine data from the peripheral area SR and extended area ER of each of the sensing areas SSR and data from the central area CR of another sensing area SSR adjacent to the corresponding sensing area SSR to generate reference data REFD.

[0256] For example, the data combiner 520 can receive the sensing signal SE_REF corresponding to the reference component RM, and can combine the data of the first peripheral region SR1 and the data of the first extended region ER1 of the first sensing region SSR1 with the data of the second central region CR2 of the second sensing region SSR2 to form combined regions SR1+CR2 and ER1+CR2, respectively. Furthermore, the data combiner 520 can combine the data of the second peripheral region SR2 and the data of the second extended region ER2 of the second sensing region SSR2 with the data of the first central region CR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 to form combined regions CR1+SR2 and CR1+ER2, respectively. The data combiner 520 can combine data from multiple sensing regions SSR to generate reference data REFD.

[0257] The memory 530 can store reference data REFD generated using the reference component RM prior to a user's touch. When a user's touch occurs, the memory 530 can supply the stored reference data REFD to the comparator 540.

[0258] When the user's finger F touches the cover window CW, the data extractor 510 can extract the data of the sensing area SSR from the sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint.

[0259] Data merger 520 can merge data from sensing signals SE_FP corresponding to the user's fingerprint from sensing regions SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD. Data merger 520 can merge data from the peripheral regions SR and extended regions of each sensing region SSR and data from the central region CR of another sensing region SSR adjacent to the corresponding sensing region SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD.

[0260] For example, the data merger 520 can receive a sensing signal SE_FP corresponding to a user's fingerprint, and can merge the data of the first peripheral region SR1 and the data of the first extended region ER1 of the first sensing region SSR1 with the data of the second central region CR2 of the second sensing region SSR2 to form merged regions SR1+CR2 and ER1+CR2, respectively. Furthermore, the data merger 520 can merge the data of the second peripheral region SR2 and the data of the second extended region ER2 of the second sensing region SSR2 with the data of the first central region CR1 of the first sensing region SSR1 to form merged regions CR1+SR2 and CR1+ER2, respectively. The data merger 520 can merge data from multiple sensing regions SSR to generate fingerprint data FPD.

[0261] When a user touches the screen, comparator 540 can receive reference data REFD from memory 530 and fingerprint data FPD from data merger 520. Comparator 540 can output the difference between reference data REFD and fingerprint data FPD, REFD-FPD, and supply the difference REFD-FPD to image generator 550.

[0262] Image generator 550 can receive the output of comparator 540 to generate a fingerprint image IMG. Image generator 550 can use image information (or optical information and fingerprint information) from the output of comparator 540 to generate fingerprint image IMG. For example, image generator 550 can generate fingerprint image IMG from the output of comparator 540 by reverse-engineering or calculating the optical characteristics used to calculate the data value of the sensing signal SE_FP from an image of a reflective material (e.g., a user's body).

[0263] Figure 24 This is a view illustrating the quality of a fingerprint image generated from a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 24 The X-axis in the image corresponds to the position of the fingerprint sensor FPS in the fingerprint image IMG, and Figure 24The Y-axis in the diagram corresponds to the grayscale level of the fingerprint image IMG. Here, the first structure, Structure 1, corresponds to a display device that generates a low-resolution fingerprint image without using reference data, and the second structure, Structure 2, corresponds to... Figures 12 to 18 The steps shown in the diagram generate a low-resolution fingerprint image using a display device. The quality of the fingerprint image generated by the display device according to this application is not limited to... Figure 24 The result can be changed depending on the configuration of the fingerprint sensing layer FPSL and the operation of the sensor driver 500.

[0264] The low-resolution fingerprint image generated by the display device of the first structure 1 may include a first drop region (Drop 1) and a second drop region (Drop 2). Therefore, the display device of the first structure 1 may have large differences in the grayscale values ​​of pixels in adjacent fingerprint images. Each of the first drop region (Drop 1) and the second drop region (Drop 2) may generate a grid pattern on the fingerprint image and may degrade the quality of the fingerprint image.

[0265] In the low-resolution fingerprint image IMG generated by the display device of the second structure Structure 2, the grayscale values ​​of adjacent pixels may not change rapidly. Therefore, the fingerprint image IMG generated by the display device of the second structure Structure 2 does not include quality-degrading elements such as grid patterns, and thus, the display device of the second structure Structure 2 can obtain a high-quality fingerprint image. The display device of the second structure Structure 2 can prevent fingerprint image distortion by using a low-resolution fingerprint sensor and can generate a fingerprint image that can clearly distinguish the ridges (FR) and valleys (FV) of a user's fingerprint.

[0266] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but is limited to the broader scope of the appended claims and the various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; displays images. A light-blocking layer is disposed beneath the display panel and includes multiple holes; A fingerprint sensing layer having multiple sensing areas is disposed below the light blocking layer, and the multiple sensing areas include multiple fingerprint sensors that receive reflected light passing through the multiple holes and generate sensing signals; as well as The sensor driver controls the operation of the multiple fingerprint sensors. The sensor driver compares fingerprint data generated based on sensing signals from reflected light caused by the user's fingerprint with pre-stored reference data to generate a fingerprint image. The plurality of sensing areas do not overlap with each other. Each of the plurality of sensing regions includes: a central region having concentrated information about the user's fingerprint; and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint and combines data from the peripheral region of each of the plurality of sensing regions with data from the central region of another sensing region adjacent to the corresponding sensing region to generate the fingerprint data.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The sensor driver receives a sensing signal generated from reflected light caused by the reference member and combines the data from the sensing areas of the plurality of fingerprint sensors, each corresponding to one of the plurality of holes, to generate the reference data.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member and combines data from the peripheral region of each of the plurality of sensing regions with data from the central region of another sensing region adjacent to the corresponding sensing region to generate the reference data.

4. The display device according to claim 2, in, The sensing area includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area, and The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint, merges the data of the peripheral area of ​​the first sensing area with the data of the central area of ​​the second sensing area, and merges the data of the peripheral area of ​​the second sensing area with the data of the central area of ​​the first sensing area to generate the fingerprint data.

5. The display device according to claim 2, in, The sensing area includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area, and The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member, merges the data of the peripheral region of the first sensing region with the data of the central region of the second sensing region, and merges the data of the peripheral region of the second sensing region with the data of the central region of the first sensing region to generate the reference data.

6. The display device according to claim 2, in, Each of the plurality of sensing regions also includes: An extended region, surrounding the outer region and including data generated based on the data from the central region and the data from the outer region.

7. The display device according to claim 6, in, The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint and combines data from the peripheral and extended regions of each of the plurality of sensing regions with data from the central region of another sensing region adjacent to the corresponding sensing region to generate the fingerprint data.

8. The display device according to claim 6, in, The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member, and The sensor driver combines data from the peripheral and extended regions of each of the plurality of sensing regions with data from the central region of another sensing region adjacent to the corresponding sensing region to generate the reference data.

9. The display device according to claim 6, in, The sensor driver includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area, and The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint, merges the data of the peripheral area and the extended area of ​​the first sensing area with the data of the central area of ​​the second sensing area, and merges the data of the peripheral area and the extended area of ​​the second sensing area with the data of the central area of ​​the first sensing area to generate the fingerprint data.

10. The display device according to claim 6, in, The sensor driver includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area disposed on one side of the first sensing area, and The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the reference member, merges the data of the peripheral region and the extended region of the first sensing region with the data of the central region of the second sensing region, and merges the data of the peripheral region and the extended region of the second sensing region with the data of the central region of the first sensing region to generate the reference data.

11. The display device according to claim 6, in, The data in the extended region is generated based on the average of the differences between the data in the central region and the data in the peripheral region of each of the plurality of sensing regions.

12. The display device according to claim 6, in, The width of the outer region is equal to the width of the extended region.

13. The display device according to claim 2, in, The sensor driver also includes a memory, and The sensor driver generates the reference data from the reflected light caused by the reference member prior to a user's touch, and the memory stores the reference data.

14. The display device according to claim 13, in, When the user touches the device, the sensor driver identifies the user's fingerprint pattern based on the difference between the reference data stored in the memory and the fingerprint data generated from the user's fingerprint.

15. The display device according to claim 13, in, The sensor driver further includes a comparator, which includes a first input terminal for receiving reference data from the memory, a second input terminal for receiving fingerprint data, and an output terminal for outputting the difference between the reference data and the fingerprint data.

16. The display device according to claim 2, in, The reference component is made of silicone resin or paper, and The surface of the reference member facing the fingerprint sensing layer is flat.

17. A display device, comprising: Display panel; displays images. A fingerprint sensing layer having multiple sensing areas, attached to a surface of the display panel, and including multiple fingerprint sensors that receive reflected light and generate sensing signals; as well as The sensor driver controls the operation of the multiple fingerprint sensors. The sensor driver generates fingerprint data based on a sensing signal generated from reflected light caused by the user's fingerprint, and generates a fingerprint image based on the difference between pre-stored reference data and the fingerprint data. The plurality of sensing areas do not overlap with each other. Each of the plurality of sensing regions includes: a central region having concentrated information about the user's fingerprint; and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The sensor driver receives the sensing signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint and combines data from the peripheral region of each of the plurality of sensing regions with data from the central region of another sensing region adjacent to the corresponding sensing region to generate the fingerprint data.

Images