Display Devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device. The display device includes a substrate. The substrate includes a first display area, a second display area, a plurality of first pixels, a plurality of second pixels, and a plurality of diffraction patterns. The plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display area. The plurality of second pixels are arranged on the second display area. The plurality of diffraction patterns are arranged on the second pixels. When observed in a planar orientation, the array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than the array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0012995, filed on February 4, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having increased visibility in a display area in which a sensor is arranged. Background Art

[0004] Display devices are used to display images to a user through a display screen. Mobile phones, digital cameras, computers, navigation units, and televisions are examples of display devices. Display devices may include a display area and a non-display area. The display area includes a display panel through which images are provided to the user, and the non-display area may refer to a border area around the display area.

[0005] Reducing the size of the border area of ​​a display device can increase the size of the display panel. As the size of the display panel increases, multiple display panels can be used for general image viewing and various touch input options. However, in some cases, the use of multiple display panels results in reduced display quality between display panels. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method of increasing visibility in a display area when using multiple display panels. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a display device having enhanced visibility in display areas in which sensors are arranged between display areas.

[0007] An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a display device, comprising: a substrate, comprising a first display area and a second display area; a plurality of first pixels, arranged on the first display area; a plurality of second pixels, arranged on the second display area; and a plurality of diffraction patterns, arranged on the second pixels. When viewed in a plane, an array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than an array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area.

[0008] An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a display device, comprising: a substrate, comprising a first display area and a second display area; a plurality of first pixels, arranged on the first display area; a plurality of second pixels, arranged on the second display area; and a plurality of diffraction patterns, arranged on the second pixels. When viewed in a plane, the array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than the array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area, and the height of the diffraction pattern changes as the distance from the first display area increases.

[0009] An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a display device, comprising: a substrate, comprising a first display area and a second display area; a plurality of first pixels, arranged on the first display area; a plurality of second pixels, arranged on the second display area; and a plurality of diffraction patterns, arranged on the second pixels. The first pixels are grouped into a plurality of first pixel groups, the second pixels are grouped into a plurality of second pixel groups, the array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than the array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area when viewed in a plane, and the distance between the second pixel groups changes as the distance from the first display area increases.

[0010] According to the above, the diffraction pattern is provided on the second display area where the sensor is provided, and thereby the difference in definition between the first display area and the second display area is reduced. As a result, the display quality of the display device can be improved.

[0011] In addition, the definition of the second display area can be changed according to the diffraction pattern or the second pixel group, and the diffraction pattern or the second pixel group has a variety of arrangements. Therefore, the definition difference between the first display area and the second display area can be further reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present disclosure will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of a display device shown in ;

[0015] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 An exemplary cross-sectional view of a display module shown in ;

[0016] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the display panel shown in ;

[0017] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 An enlarged view of the area A1 shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a first pixel shown in ;

[0019] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 An enlarged view of area A2 shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 8 It shows that the setting Figure 7 A plan view of a diffraction pattern on a second pixel shown in ;

[0021] Fig. 9 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0022] Figures 10 to 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a display device including a display area and a non-display area. The display area may include a plurality of panels located in a first display area and a second display area. Various sensors may be located in the second display area (e.g., on a rear surface). The pixel density in the first display area may be greater than the pixel density in the second display area. The diffraction pattern located in the second display area may be used to diffract light incident to the second display area. Therefore, the visibility of the second display area may be improved.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a display device includes a substrate having a first display area, a second display area, a plurality of first pixels, a plurality of second pixels, and a plurality of diffraction patterns. The plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display area. The plurality of second pixels are arranged on the second display area. The plurality of diffraction patterns are arranged on the second pixels. When viewed in a planar orientation, the array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than the array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area.

[0025] In the present disclosure, it should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0026] The same reference numerals always represent the same elements. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, ratio and size of the components are exaggerated in order to effectively describe the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0027] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements here, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted in a sense consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0030] It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include” and / or “comprises” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , the display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a rectangular shape defined by a long side extending along a first direction D1 and a short side extending along a second direction D2 crossing the first direction D1. However, the shape of the display device DD should not be limited to a rectangular shape. The display device DD may have various shapes, such as a circle or a polygon.

[0034] Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may be referred to as a 'third direction D3'.

[0035] The upper surface of the display device DD may be referred to as a “display surface DS” and may be a plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. An image IM generated by the display device DD may be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

[0036] The display device DD can be applied to large electronic products and small or medium electronic products, wherein the large electronic products are such as televisions, monitors or outdoor billboards. Small or medium electronic products can be considered as personal computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, car navigation units, game units, smart phones, tablet computers and cameras. However, these are only exemplary. Therefore, if other electronic devices do not deviate from the concept of the present disclosure, the display device DD can be applied to other electronic devices.

[0037] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of a display device DD is shown in FIG.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a display module DM, a power supply module PM, a first electronic module EM1, and a second electronic module EM2. The display module DM, the power supply module PM, the first electronic module EM1, and the second electronic module EM2 may be electrically connected.

[0039] The power supply module PM may provide power for the overall operation of the display device DD. The power supply module PM may include a conventional battery module.

[0040] The first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2 may include various functional modules for driving the display device DD. The first electronic module EM1 may be directly mounted on a main board, wherein the main board is electrically connected to the display module DM. Additionally or alternatively, the first electronic module EM1 may also be electrically connected to the main board via a connector (not shown) after being mounted on a separate substrate.

[0041] The first electronic module EM1 may include a control module CM, a wireless communication module TM, an image input module IIM, an audio input module AIM, a memory MM, and an external interface IF. Some of the modules may be electrically connected to the main board through a flexible circuit board without being mounted on the main board.

[0042] The control module CM may control the overall operation of the display device DD. The control module CM may enable or disable the display module DM. The control module CM may control other modules based on a touch signal provided from the display module DM. Other modules that may be controlled may be an image input module IIM or an audio input module AIM. The control module CM may perform a user authentication mode using fingerprint information provided from the display module DM.

[0043] The wireless communication module TM can send / receive wireless signals to / from other terminals using a Bluetooth or WiFi link. The wireless communication module TM can send / receive voice signals using a general communication line. The wireless communication module TM can include a transmitter TM1. The transmitter TM1 can modulate the signal to be transmitted, and can transmit the modulated signal, and the receiver TM2 demodulates the signal applied thereto.

[0044] The image input module IIM may process an image signal and may convert the image signal into image data that may be displayed through the display module DM. The audio input module AIM may receive an external sound signal through a microphone in a recording mode or a voice recognition mode and may convert the external sound signal into electrical voice data.

[0045] The external interface IF may be used as an interface between the control module CM and external devices such as an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a card socket (eg, a memory card and a SIM / UIM card), and the like.

[0046] The second electronic module EM2 may include an audio output module AOM, a light transmitting module LM, a light receiving module LRM, and a camera module CMM. The module may be directly mounted on the mainboard, may be electrically connected to the display module DM through a connector (not shown) after being mounted on a separate substrate, or may be electrically connected to the first electronic module EM1.

[0047] The audio output module AOM can convert the audio data provided from the wireless communication module TM or the audio data stored in the memory MM, and can output the converted audio data to the outside. The light emitting module LM can generate light and can output light. The light emitting module LM can emit infrared rays and can include an LED element. The light receiving module LRM can sense infrared rays. When infrared rays with a predetermined level or higher are sensed, the light receiving module LRM can be enabled. The light receiving module LRM may include a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

[0048] The infrared rays generated by and output from the light emitting module LM may be reflected by an external object, such as a finger or face of a user. The reflected infrared rays may be incident into the light receiving module LRM. The camera module CMM may capture an image of an external object.

[0049] The display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit ISP, and a sensor SS. As an example, the display panel DP, the input sensing unit ISP, and the sensor SS are shown. However, the display module DM may further include a window.

[0050] The display panel DP may display an image using image data provided from the control module CM. The control module CM may drive the display module DM in an initial mode and a main mode after the initial mode.

[0051] The initial mode may be defined as a user authentication mode. When the user is authenticated as a registered user in the initial mode, the control module CM may drive the display panel DP in the main mode. In the main mode, the display panel DP may display various images desired by the user. The user authentication method may be performed in various ways, such as a fingerprint authentication method, a password authentication method, and a facial recognition authentication method. Hereinafter, the fingerprint authentication method will be described as the user authentication method.

[0052] The input sensing unit ISP may sense an external input, such as a user's hand or a touch pen. Additionally or alternatively, the input sensing unit ISP may send the sensed signal as an input signal to the control module CM. The control module CM may control the operation of the display panel DP and the fingerprint sensing unit FSP in response to the input signal.

[0053] The input sensing unit ISP may include a plurality of sensing electrodes to sense an external input. The sensing electrodes may sense the external input by using a capacitive method.

[0054] The sensor SS may include various sensors such as an illumination sensor, a camera sensor, a motion sensor, and a fingerprint sensor. The sensor SS may recognize information input by a user using external light. To this end, an optical path through which external light is transmitted may be defined in an area where the sensor SS is disposed above the display panel DP.

[0055] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 An exemplary cross-sectional view of a display module DM is shown in FIG.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 The input sensing unit ISP may be disposed on the display panel DP. The window WIN may be disposed on the input sensing unit ISP.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel. However, the display panel DP should not be particularly limited. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and / or quantum rods. Hereinafter, the organic light-emitting display panel will be described as a representative example of the display panel DP.

[0058] The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the substrate SUB to cover the pixel layer PXL. The substrate SUB may be a transparent substrate and may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the substrate SUB may include polyimide (PI).

[0059] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA defined around the display area DA. The display area DA may be defined as a region through which a screen is implemented. The non-display area NDA may be defined as an edge of the display device DD.

[0060] A detailed description about the pixel layer PXL and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the substrate SUB will be described later.

[0061] The window WIN can protect the display panel DP and the input sensing unit ISP from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN can be attached to the input sensing unit ISP by an adhesive OCA. The adhesive OCA can include various adhesives, such as an optically transparent adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The image generated by the display panel DP can be provided to the user through the window WIN.

[0062] When manufacturing the display module DM, the input sensing unit ISP may be directly manufactured on the display panel DP. However, the input sensing unit ISP should not be limited to or restricted thereto. For example, the input sensing unit ISP may be manufactured as an input sensing panel separated from the display panel DP. Additionally or alternatively, the input sensing unit ISP may be attached to the display panel DP by an adhesive.

[0063] Although not shown in the figure, the sensor SS (reference Figure 2 ) may be disposed under the display panel DP. The sensor SS may be disposed in a predetermined area of ​​the display panel DP. For example, an illumination sensor, a motion sensor, a camera sensor, etc. may be disposed under the display panel DP.

[0064] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the display panel DP shown in FIG.

[0065] For ease of explanation, Figure 4 The pixels and the non-display area NDA disposed on the substrate SUB are omitted.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 , the display area DA of the substrate SUB may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 may be defined as a general display area. The second display area DA2 may be defined as an area in which sensors are arranged. In some examples, the sensors arranged in the second display area DA2 may include sensors other than touch input sensors, and the touch input sensors may overlap with the first display area DA1. In some embodiments, different display panels are used in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0067] The first display area DA1 may include long sides along the first direction D1 and short sides along the second direction D2. When viewed in a plane, the first display area DA1 may have a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the first display area DA1 is wider than the second display area DA2.

[0068] The second display area DA2 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the first display area DA1. The second display area DA2 may include a short side along the first direction D1 and a long side along the second direction D2. The length of the long side of the second display area DA2 may be the same as the length of the short side of the first display area DA1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0069] A sensor (not shown) may be disposed in the second display area DA2. For example, the sensor may include an illumination sensor, a motion sensor, a camera sensor, etc. The sensor may be disposed under the substrate SUB and may be disposed to overlap the second display area DA2.

[0070] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the non-display area NDA (refer to Figure 3 ) can be implemented to be quite thin compared to the size of the display area DA. The pixels can be arranged in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Therefore, the display device DD can display an image in the first display area DA1 corresponding to the general display area and in the second display area DA2 in which the sensor is arranged.

[0071] Therefore, the display device DD according to the present exemplary embodiment can provide a wider display screen to the user.

[0072] However, the shape of the second display area DA2 should not be limited to the above shape. The second display area DA2 may be defined at any position on the substrate SUB according to the type of sensors, the number of sensors, the arrangement positions of sensors arranged in the display device DD, and the like.

[0073] The number of pixels arranged in a unit area of ​​the first display area DA1 may be greater than the number of pixels arranged in a unit area of ​​the second display area DA2. Hereinafter, the pixels arranged in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 will be described in more detail.

[0074] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the first area A1 shown in FIG. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first pixel PX1 shown in FIG.

[0075] Reference Figure 5 , a plurality of first pixels PX1 may be arranged in the first display area DA1. The first pixels PX1 may be arranged along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first pixels PX1 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0076] The first pixels PX1 may have long sides along the first direction D1 and short sides along the second direction D2. Each of the first pixels PX1 may have a rectangular shape when viewed in a plane.

[0077] Each of the first pixels PX1 may include a plurality of red pixels PX_R, a plurality of green pixels PX_G, and a plurality of blue pixels PX_B. That is, each pixel may include a plurality of sub-pixels having a plurality of colors. Each pixel or sub-pixel may include a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or another suitable electronic component capable of emitting light.

[0078] The first pixels PX1 may be grouped into a plurality of first pixel groups PXG1. For example, the first pixel group PXG1 may include a red pixel PX_R, a green pixel PX_G, and a blue pixel PX_B.

[0079] The first pixel group PXG1 may be arranged in the first area A1 of the first display area DA1. The first area A1 may represent a unit area. For example, the first area A1 may have a size of 1 inch by 1 inch.

[0080] The first pixel groups PXG1 may be arranged in a matrix in the first area A1. For example, the first pixel groups PXG1 may be arranged in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 to be spaced apart from each other.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, eight first pixel groups PXG1 are arranged in the first area A1. However, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. The number of first pixel groups PXG1 arranged in the first area A1 may be greater than eight.

[0082] For ease of description, the first pixel PX1 having a rectangular shape is shown. However, this is merely exemplary, and the first pixel PX1 may have various shapes. For example, the first pixel PX1 may include a light emitting element and a transistor. The region in which the light emitting element and the transistor are disposed should not be limited to a quadrilateral shape.

[0083] Reference Figure 6 , the first pixel PX1 may include a light emitting element OLED and a transistor TR connected to the light emitting element OLED. The light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic light emitting layer OEL. The organic light emitting layer OEL may be disposed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. The first electrode E1 may be an anode, and the second electrode E2 may be a cathode. The transistor TR may be a light emitting control transistor.

[0084] The first display area DA1 may include a light emitting area PA and a non-light emitting area NPA surrounding the light emitting area PA. The non-light emitting area NPA may surround the light emitting area PA. The light emitting element OLED of the first pixel PX1 may be disposed in the light emitting area PA. The transistor TR may be disposed in the non-light emitting area NPA. The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic material.

[0085] The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM may include an inorganic semiconductor, such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon or an organic semiconductor. Additionally or alternatively, the semiconductor layer SM may include an oxide semiconductor. Figure 6 Although not shown in the drawings, the semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region defined between the source region and the drain region.

[0086] The first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL to cover the semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 may include an inorganic material. The gate electrode GE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to overlap the semiconductor layer SM. The gate electrode GE may be disposed to overlap the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0087] The second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0088] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to be separated from each other. The source electrode SE may be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through the first contact hole CH1. The first contact hole CH1 may be defined to penetrate the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through the second contact hole CH2. The second contact hole CH2 may be defined to penetrate the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0089] The third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 may be defined as a planarization layer to provide a planar upper surface, and may include an organic material.

[0090] The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through a third contact hole CH3 defined through the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be defined as a pixel electrode. The first electrode E1 may include a transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode.

[0091] A pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3 to expose a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1. A pixel opening PX_OP may be defined by the pixel defining layer PDL to expose a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1.

[0092] A light emitting layer such as an organic light emitting layer OEL may be disposed on the first electrode E1 in the pixel opening PX_OP. The organic light emitting layer OEL may generate light having red, green, or blue colors. However, the organic light emitting layer OEL should not be limited thereto or thereby. The organic light emitting layer OEL may generate white light by a combination of organic materials that generate red, green, and blue colors.

[0093] The second electrode E2 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the organic light emitting layer OEL. The second electrode E2 may be defined as a common electrode. The second electrode E2 may include a transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode.

[0094] When the display panel DP is a front surface light-emitting organic light-emitting display panel, the first electrode E1 may be a reflective electrode. The second electrode E2 may be a transmissive electrode. When the display panel DP is a rear surface light-emitting organic light-emitting display panel, the first electrode E1 may be a transmissive electrode, and the second electrode E2 may be a reflective electrode. The first electrode E1 may be an anode electrode, which may be a hole injection electrode. The second electrode E2 may be a cathode electrode, which may be an electron injection electrode.

[0095] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the light emitting element OLED to cover the light emitting element OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation layer EN1, a second encapsulation layer EN2, and a third encapsulation layer EN3. The first encapsulation layer EN1 may be disposed on the light emitting element OLED. The second encapsulation layer EN2 may be disposed on the first encapsulation layer EN1. The third encapsulation layer EN3 may be disposed on the second encapsulation layer EN2.

[0096] Each of the first encapsulation layer EN1 and the third encapsulation layer EN3 may include an inorganic material. The second encapsulation layer EN2 may include an organic material. The thickness of the second encapsulation layer EN2 may be greater than the thickness of each of the first encapsulation layer EN1 and the third encapsulation layer EN3.

[0097] A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1. A second voltage may be applied to the second electrode E2. Holes and electrons injected into the organic light emitting layer OEL may be recombined to generate excitons. The organic light emitting element OLED may emit light by returning the excitons from the excited state to the ground state. Therefore, the organic light emitting element OLED emits red light, green light, and blue light according to the current, thereby displaying an image.

[0098] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 An enlarged view of the second area A2 is shown in FIG.

[0099] Reference Figure 7 , a plurality of second pixels PX2 may be disposed in the second area A2 of the second display area DA2. The second area A2 may include the second pixels PX2 and a plurality of openings OP. The pixels may not be disposed in the openings OP. In a cross-sectional view, the second pixels PX2 may have substantially the same structure.

[0100] The second pixels PX2 may be grouped into a plurality of second pixel groups PXG2. For example, the second pixel group PXG2 may include a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel.

[0101] The second area A2 may be defined as a unit area similar to the first area A1. For example, the second area A2 may have substantially the same size as that of the first area A1.

[0102] Two second pixel groups PXG2 may be provided in the second area A2. The area of ​​the second area A2, except for the area where the second pixel group PXG2 is located, may be defined as an opening OP. The opening OP may be an optical path through which external light passes. Therefore, the sensor provided in the second display area DA2 may sense the light passing through the opening OP and may sense the input information of the user.

[0103] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7, when viewed in a plane, the array density of the first pixels PX1 arranged in the first display area DA1 may be greater than the array density of the second pixels PX2 arranged in the second display area DA2.

[0104] For example, 24 first pixels PX1 may be arranged in the first area A1 of the first display area DA1. Six second pixels PX2 may be arranged in the second area A2 of the second display area DA2. The first area A1 and the second area A2 may correspond to a unit area. For example, the first pixels PX1 arranged in the first display area DA1 may be arranged at a higher density than the second pixels PX2 arranged in the second display area DA2.

[0105] However, the array density of pixels may be changed according to the size of the unit pixel rather than the number of pixels. For example, the number of first pixels arranged in the first area may be the same as the number of second pixels arranged in the second area. However, in the case where the area of ​​each of the first pixels is larger than the area of ​​each of the second pixels when viewed in a plane, the array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area may be higher than the array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area.

[0106] Figure 8 It shows that the setting Figure 7 0 is a plan view of the diffraction pattern DIP on the second display area DA2 shown in . Fig. 9 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0107] For ease of explanation, set Figure 6 The layer between the buffer layer BFL and the first electrode E1 of the light emitting element OLED in the embodiment may be defined as Fig. 9 The component layer EL in.

[0108] Reference Figure 8 , the diffraction pattern DIP may be disposed on the second display area DA2. In more detail, the diffraction pattern DIP may be disposed on the second pixel PX2. The diffraction pattern DIP may diffract light incident on the second display area DA2 to increase visibility of an image displayed thereon.

[0109] For example, as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases, the clarity of the second display area DA2 may decrease. Reducing the clarity of the display of the second display area DA2 may improve the overall visibility of the display device DD.

[0110] The diffraction pattern DIP may have a cylindrical shape extending in the third direction D3. Therefore, the diffraction pattern DIP may have a predetermined height in the third direction D3 and may have a circular shape when viewed in a plane.

[0111] However, the shape of the diffraction pattern DIP should not be limited thereto or thereby. The diffraction pattern DIP may have a polygonal column shape. For example, the diffraction pattern DIP may have various shapes, such as a square column, a pentagonal column, or a hexagonal column.

[0112] The diffraction pattern DIP may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. In some examples, the diffraction pattern DIP may include an inorganic material. For example, Figure 8 The diffraction pattern DIP shown in FIG. 4 may be formed by etching an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride.

[0113] The diffraction patterns DIP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In detail, the diffraction pattern DIP may include first to n-th diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn. The first diffraction pattern DIP1 may be a diffraction pattern adjacent to the first display area DA1 among the diffraction patterns DIP in the first direction D1. The n-th diffraction pattern DIPn may be a diffraction pattern farthest from the first display area DA1 among the diffraction patterns DIP in the first direction D1. The first to n-th diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn may include a plurality of diffraction patterns arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2.

[0114] Reference Fig. 9 , the first pixel group PXG1 and the second pixel group PXG2 may be disposed on the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, respectively. The distance between the first pixel groups PXG1 adjacent to each other may be smaller than the distance between the second pixel groups PXG2 adjacent to each other. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the first pixel group PXG1 and the second pixel group PXG2.

[0115] The first to n-th diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn may be disposed on the second display area DA2. The first to n-th diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn may be Figure 8 Among the diffraction patterns DIP shown in , the diffraction patterns arranged in a column.

[0116] The diffraction pattern DIP may be disposed on the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. Although not shown in the figure, an insulating layer may be disposed on the diffraction pattern DIP. The input sensing unit ISP (refer to Figure 3 ) may be disposed on the insulating layer. However, the diffraction pattern DIP may not be disposed on the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The diffraction pattern DIP may be disposed regardless of a specific position as long as the diffraction pattern DIP is disposed on the second pixel PX2. For example, the diffraction pattern DIP may be disposed on the input sensing unit ISP (reference Figure 3)superior.

[0117] The distance between the diffraction patterns DIP may be uniform. In detail, the distance d between the diffraction patterns DIP adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 may be uniform. Although not shown in the figure, the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 may be uniform.

[0118] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the diffraction pattern DIP may be disposed to overlap with the second pixel PX2. The diffraction pattern DIP may diffract light provided from the second pixel PX2 to expand a light emission area on the second display area DA2.

[0119] In detail, part of the light emitted from the second pixel PX2 may be provided to the diffraction pattern DIP. The other part of the light emitted from the second pixel PX2 may be provided between the diffraction patterns DIP. In the second display area DA2, due to the interference phenomenon of the light provided to the diffraction pattern DIP and the light provided between the diffraction patterns DIP, the effective light emission area and clarity of the second display area DA2 may be increased.

[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device DD may include a diffraction pattern DIP disposed on the second display area DA2. Therefore, a definition difference between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 is reduced. As a result, the display quality of the display device DD may be improved.

[0121] Figures 10 to 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 15 Display panels according to other exemplary embodiments are described. Figures 10 to 15 In the present invention, features different from those of the above-described embodiment will be described in detail, and detailed descriptions of elements identical to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0123] The distances between the diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn may vary with increasing distance from the first display area DA1.

[0124] Reference Fig.10 , the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn may vary based on the distance from the first display area DA1. For example, the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn may decrease as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases. The change in distance may be sufficiently gradual so that the user will not notice the change in clarity caused by the diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn.

[0125] The distance d1 between the first diffraction pattern DIP1 and the second diffraction pattern DIP2 may be greater than the distance d2 between the second diffraction pattern DIP2 and the third diffraction pattern DIP3. The distance d2 between the second diffraction pattern DIP2 and the third diffraction pattern DIP3 may be greater than the distance d3 between the third diffraction pattern DIP3 and the fourth diffraction pattern DIP4. For example, the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP may decrease as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases. As a result, the distance dn-1 between the (n-1)th diffraction pattern DIPn-1 and the nth diffraction pattern DIPn may be the smallest of the distances between adjacent diffraction patterns DIP.

[0126] The clarity of the second display area DA2 may vary according to the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP adjacent to each other. In more detail, when the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP adjacent to each other varies with the increase of the distance from the first display area DA1, the clarity of the second display area DA2 may increase or decrease with the increase of the distance from the first display area DA1.

[0127] According to the present exemplary embodiment, as the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP varies, the clarity of the second display area DA2 may be changed. Therefore, a difference in clarity between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may not be observed.

[0128] Reference Fig.11 , the distances between the diffraction patterns DIP1 to DIPn may increase as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases.

[0129] The distance d1 between the first diffraction pattern DIP1 and the second diffraction pattern DIP2 may be smaller than the distance d2 between the second diffraction pattern DIP2 and the third diffraction pattern DIP3. The distance d2 between the second diffraction pattern DIP2 and the third diffraction pattern DIP3 may be smaller than the distance d3 between the third diffraction pattern DIP3 and the fourth diffraction pattern DIP4. For example, the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP adjacent to each other may increase as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases. Therefore, the distance dn-1 between the (n-1)th diffraction pattern DIPn-1 and the nth diffraction pattern DIPn may be the largest among the distances between the adjacent diffraction patterns DIP.

[0130] Reference Fig.12 , the heights of the diffraction patterns DIP1 ′ to DIPn′ may vary as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases.

[0131] The heights of the diffraction patterns DIP1' to DIPn' may increase from the boundary between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 to the first point P1 of the second display area DA2, and may decrease from the first point P1 to the end of the second display area DA2. In this case, the distances between the diffraction patterns DIP1' to DIPn' may be uniformly maintained.

[0132] In detail, the height h1 of the first diffraction pattern DIP1' may be smaller than the height h2 of the second diffraction pattern DIP2'. The height h2 of the second diffraction pattern DIP2' may be smaller than the height h3 of the third diffraction pattern DIP3'. For example, the heights of the diffraction patterns DIP1' to DIPn' may increase from the first diffraction pattern DIP1' to the third diffraction pattern DIP3'. The position where the third diffraction pattern DIP3' is disposed may be defined as the first point P1.

[0133] The height h3 of the third diffraction pattern DIP3' may be greater than the height h4 of the fourth diffraction pattern DIP4'. The height h4 of the fourth diffraction pattern DIP4' may be greater than the height h5 of the fifth diffraction pattern DIP5'. The height hn-1 of the (n-1)th diffraction pattern DIPn-1' may be greater than the height hn of the nth diffraction pattern DIPn'.

[0134] like Fig.12 As shown in , the height of the first diffraction pattern DIP1' adjacent to the first display area DA1 can be designed to be low. This is because the first diffraction pattern DIP1' adjacent to the first display area DA1 may have an impact on the clarity of the first display area DA1. In detail, the first diffraction pattern DIP1' may diffract the light provided from the second pixel group PXG2 disposed in the second display area DA2 and the light provided from some first pixel groups PXG1 disposed in the first display area DA1, thereby causing the clarity of the first display area DA1 to change. The first diffraction pattern DIP1' can be designed to have a height that reduces the above phenomenon.

[0135] Reference Fig.13 , the heights of the diffraction patterns DIP1' to DIPn' may increase as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases. The distances between the diffraction patterns DIP1' to DIPn' disposed on the second pixel PX2 may be uniformly maintained.

[0136] The heights of the diffraction patterns DIP1' to DIPn' may increase from the first diffraction pattern DIP1' to the nth diffraction pattern DIPn'. Among the heights of the diffraction patterns DIP1', the height h1 of the first diffraction pattern DIP1' is the smallest. The height hn of the nth diffraction pattern DIPn' is the largest. In this case, since the height h1 of the first diffraction pattern DIP1' is the smallest, the clarity of the first display area DA1 may not be affected.

[0137] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the difference in definition between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be first reduced by the diffraction pattern DIP′. Therefore, the display quality may be improved.

[0138] In addition, as the height of the diffraction pattern DIP' changes, the clarity of the second display area DA2 may be changed. Therefore, the clarity difference between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may not be observed.

[0139] Reference Fig.14 , the distance between the second pixel groups PXG2 may vary as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases.

[0140] In detail, a plurality of second pixel groups PXG2 may be arranged in the second display area DA2. For example, the second pixel groups PXG2 may include a first group PXG2_1, a second group PXG2_2, a third group PXG2_3, and a fourth group PXG2_4. The groups may be arranged in the first direction D1 to be spaced apart from each other.

[0141] The first group PXG2_1 may be defined as a pixel group adjacent to the first display area DA1 among the second pixel groups PXG2 in the first direction D1. The fourth group PXG2_4 may be defined as a pixel group farthest from the first display area DA1 among the second pixel groups PXG2 in the first direction D1.

[0142] The distance X1 between the first group PXG2_1 and the second group PXG2_2 may be smaller than the distance X2 between the second group PXG2_2 and the third group PXG2_3. The distance X2 between the second group PXG2_2 and the third group PXG2_3 may be smaller than the distance X3 between the third group PXG2_3 and the fourth group PXG2_4. For example, the distance between the second pixel groups PXG2 adjacent to each other may increase as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases. Additionally or alternatively, as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases, the number of pixels set per unit area of ​​the second display area DA2 may decrease.

[0143] In this case, the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP disposed above the second pixels PX2 can be uniformly maintained. Therefore, as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases, the sharpness of the second display area DA2 can be reduced.

[0144] According to the present disclosure, the sharpness difference between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be reduced by the diffraction pattern DIP provided on the second display area DA2. Therefore, the display quality can be improved.

[0145] In addition, as the distance between the second pixel groups PXG2 changes, the sharpness of the second display area DA2 can be changed. Therefore, the sharpness difference between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may not be observed.

[0146] Referring to Fig.15 , the above embodiments can be combined with each other. For example, the distance between the diffraction patterns DIP1" to DIPn" can decrease as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases. For example, the distances can have the relationship d1>d2>d3>...>dn-1.

[0147] The height of the diffraction patterns DIP1" to DIPn" can increase from the boundary between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 to the first point P1' of the second display area DA2, and can decrease from the first point P1' to the end of the second display area DA2. For example, the heights of the first diffraction pattern DIP1" to the third diffraction pattern DIP3" can satisfy the relationship h1<h2<h3. The heights of the third diffraction pattern DIP3" to the nth diffraction pattern DIPn" can satisfy the relationship h3>h4>h5>...>hn-1>hn.

[0148] The distance between the second pixel groups PXG2 can increase as the distance from the first display area DA1 increases. For example, the distance between the second pixel groups PXG2 can satisfy the relationship X1<X2<X3.

[0149] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the diffraction pattern is provided in the second display area DA2 in which the sensor is provided, the sharpness difference between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be reduced. Therefore, the display quality can be improved.

[0150] Additionally or alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the sharpness of the second display area DA2 can vary according to the diffraction patterns DIP, DIP' and DIP" or the second pixel groups PXG2 having various arrangements. Therefore, the sharpness difference between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may not be observed.

[0151] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, due to the presence of a sensor (or additional sensor) in one area of ​​the display (e.g., the second display area DA2) compared to another area of ​​the display, the pixel density in that area can be reduced. In order to mitigate the effects that may be caused by the difference in pixel density, a diffraction pattern can be formed over the area with reduced pixel density to reduce the clarity of the display in the area with reduced pixel density. In some cases, the diffraction pattern can be gradually adjusted over the length of the area by the reduced pixel density so that the user will not notice the reduced number of pixels and the change in clarity.

[0152] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments, but can be variously changed and modified by those of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the inventive concept should be determined according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. Display equipment, including: A substrate including a first display area and a second display area; A plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display area; A plurality of second pixels, arranged on the second display area; as well as A plurality of diffraction patterns are arranged on the second pixels and do not overlap with the first pixels in a plane, wherein an array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than an array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The distances between the plurality of diffraction patterns vary based on the distance from the first display area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The distance between the diffraction patterns decreases as the distance from the first display area increases.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The height of the diffraction pattern increases from a boundary between the first display area and the second display area to a first point of the second display area, and decreases from the first point to an edge of the second display area.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The second pixels are grouped into a plurality of pixel groups, and distances between the plurality of pixel groups increase as distances from the first display area increase.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The distances between the plurality of diffraction patterns increase as the distance from the first display area increases.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The diffraction pattern includes an inorganic material.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the diffraction patterns has a cylindrical shape.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the diffraction patterns has a polygonal column shape.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A thin film encapsulation layer is disposed on the first pixel and the second pixel, wherein the diffraction pattern is disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one sensor is disposed under the substrate and overlaps the second display area.

12. Display equipment, including: A substrate including a first display area and a second display area; A plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display area; A plurality of second pixels, arranged on the second display area; as well as A plurality of diffraction patterns are arranged on the second pixels, wherein, when viewed in a plane, an array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than an array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area, and a height of the diffraction pattern varies with an increase in the distance from the first display area.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The height of the diffraction pattern increases from a boundary between the first display area and the second display area to a first point of the second display area, and decreases from the first point to an end of the second display area.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The height of the diffraction pattern increases as the distance from the first display area increases.

15. The display device according to claim 12, further comprising: A thin film encapsulation layer is disposed on the first pixel and the second pixel, wherein the diffraction pattern is disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer.

16. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The distances between the plurality of diffraction patterns are uniformly maintained.

17. Display equipment, including: A substrate including a first display area and a second display area; A plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display area; A plurality of second pixels, arranged on the second display area; as well as A plurality of diffraction patterns are arranged on the second pixels, wherein the first pixels are grouped into a plurality of first pixel groups, the second pixels are grouped into a plurality of second pixel groups, the array density of the first pixels arranged in the first display area is greater than the array density of the second pixels arranged in the second display area when observed in a plane, and the distance between the plurality of second pixel groups changes with increasing distance from the first display area.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The distances between the plurality of second pixel groups increase as the distance from the first display area increases.

19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The distances between the plurality of diffraction patterns are uniformly maintained.

20. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The distances between the plurality of diffraction patterns vary based on the distance from the first display area.

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