Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a first area in which one or more first pixels are disposed, and a second area surrounded by the first area in which one or more second pixels are disposed. The second area includes a first sensor area corresponding to a first sensor and a second sensor area corresponding to a second sensor, and the first sensor area includes a first barrier layer, and the second sensor area includes a second barrier layer different from the first barrier layer.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0181809, filed on December 23, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to display devices. Background Technology

[0004] Image display devices, configured to display various information or data on a screen, serve as core devices in the information and communication era. Display devices are becoming thinner and lighter, and are evolving to offer high performance while maintaining portability. The demand for display devices for displaying images is increasing, and recently, various types of display devices have been developed and utilized, such as liquid crystal displays, organic light-emitting displays, and quantum dot displays.

[0005] Furthermore, display devices are equipped with input units using touch sensors and optical units such as cameras and proximity sensors to provide users with more diverse application functions. However, the attachment of the optical units to the display device presents a challenge in its design. In particular, because the camera and proximity sensor need to be exposed to the outside for light incident and emitted, the effective area of ​​the display panel inevitably decreases.

[0006] Therefore, in some cases, display devices are designed to: i) have a large bezel for mounting and exposing the optical units; ii) allow a portion of the display area to be cut into a notch shape; or iii) allow the optical units to be exposed through apertures formed in the effective area. However, because the size of the display screen is still limited by the camera device, full-screen display is not easily achieved in practice. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To achieve full-screen display, a scheme has been proposed in which a sensor area with low-resolution pixels is allocated in the display screen, and a camera device and / or various sensors are arranged in a position or area below the display panel opposite to the sensor area. However, due to the structural limitations of the sensor area, the light transmittance is reduced, leading to a problem of performance degradation of various sensors. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a display device that can significantly improve the performance of sensors used in the display device. The issues or problems solved in this disclosure are not limited thereto, and other issues or problems will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0008] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a first region having one or more first pixels disposed therein; and a second region surrounded by the first region having one or more second pixels disposed therein. The second region includes a first sensor region corresponding to a first sensor and a second sensor region corresponding to a second sensor, wherein the first sensor region includes a first blocking layer, and the second sensor region includes a second blocking layer different from the first blocking layer.

[0009] Each of the first and second blocking layers may include one or more openings, and the remaining area, excluding the openings, may be used to block the laser beam.

[0010] The first sensor can be an image sensor, and the second sensor can be an infrared sensor.

[0011] The first barrier layer may be formed of a material having a visible light transmittance of 10% or less. In this case, the first barrier layer may include at least one or more of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or neodymium aluminum (AlNd).

[0012] The second barrier layer can be formed of a material with an infrared transmittance of 90% or more.

[0013] In this case, the second barrier layer may include at least one or more of amorphous silicon (a-Si), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), magnesium oxide (MgO), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or gallium phosphide (GaP).

[0014] The pixel density in the first sensor region can be smaller than the pixel density in the second sensor region. The pixel density in the second sensor region can be the same as the pixel density in the first region.

[0015] The first sensor region and the second sensor region include a light-transmitting region disposed between pixels, and the cathode of the light-emitting element included in each pixel may not be disposed in the light-transmitting region.

[0016] The light-transmitting areas of the first sensor region and the second sensor region can have different shapes. For example, the light-transmitting area of ​​the first sensor region can be circular or elliptical, and the light-transmitting area of ​​the second sensor region can have a strip shape extending in the horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction.

[0017] Various specific features, configurations, techniques, and processes are included in the detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings, and will be discussed in detail below.

[0018] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a display device equipped with various optical sensors or modules can be provided without reducing the display area. More specifically, according to the embodiments described herein, the performance of sensors disposed in the display area can be improved. According to various aspects of this disclosure, a display device with improved aesthetics and functionality can be provided. The effects of various aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and many more effects will become apparent in the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The display device is schematically shown according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel and an optical sensor included in a display device according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 The arrangement of pixels in the display area of ​​the display panel according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 The pixels and light-transmitting areas in the sensor region are shown according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of part A.

[0024] Figure 6 The cross-sectional structure of the pixel region and the light-transmitting region according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing various aspects of a display device according to this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8 The barrier layer is shown in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 9 The opening areas according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0028] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The cross-sectional structure of the sensor region according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing these advantages and features, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but can be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to fully disclose this disclosure and to inform those skilled in the art of its scope, and this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0030] Furthermore, the shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, numbers, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements. Additionally, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein are omitted where it is determined that such description might make the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure considerably unclear. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “consisting of,” and “composed of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein are intended to include the plural forms. In interpreting any element or feature of embodiments of this disclosure, it should be considered that any dimensions and relative sizes of layers, regions, and extents include tolerances or error ranges, even without specific description.

[0031] In this document, spatial relative terms such as “on,” “above,” “above,” “below,” “below,” “under,” “near,” “close to,” “adjacent,” etc., can be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings, and should be interpreted as meaning that, unless terms such as “directly” or “only” are used, one or more elements may also be “inserted” between these elements. The positioning, arrangement, or placement of a first element or layer “on” a second element or layer can include not only the first element or layer being directly positioned, arranged, or placed on the second element or layer, but also the insertion of a third element or layer between the first and second elements or layers. In this document, the connection, combination, coupling, contact, etc., of two or more elements included in the embodiments of this disclosure can include not only the direct or physical connection, combination, coupling, or contact between two or more elements, but also the insertion of another element between two or more elements.

[0032] When this document uses terms such as "first" or "second" to describe various elements or components, it should be understood that these elements or components are not limited thereto. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from other elements. Therefore, in the technical concept of this disclosure, the first element mentioned below can be the second element.

[0033] For ease of description, the dimensions and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, and therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 The display device is schematically shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the display panel and optical sensor included in the display device. Figure 3 The image shows pixels set in the display area of ​​the display panel.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The entire surface or a majority of the surface of the display device 100 can be used as a display area. The display area may include a first area DA and a second area CA. In this case, both the first area DA and the second area CA can display images, but they may have different resolutions. For example, the resolution of a plurality of second pixels disposed in the second area CA may be lower than the resolution of a plurality of first pixels disposed in the first area DA. Sufficient light corresponding to the degree of resolution reduction of the plurality of second pixels disposed in the second area CA can enter one or more sensors (41, 42) disposed in the second area CA. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, if the second area CA has sufficient light transmittance, or if an algorithm suitable for noise compensation is implemented, the resolution of the second area CA may be substantially equal to the resolution of the first area DA.

[0036] The second region CA can be an area in which one or more sensors (41, 42) are disposed. The second region CA is an area that overlaps with one or more sensors; therefore, the second region can have a smaller area than the first region DA in which most images are contained. Each sensor (41, 42) can include at least one of an image sensor, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, a gesture sensor, a motion sensor, a fingerprint sensor, and a biometric sensor. For example, the first sensor 41 can be an image sensor for capturing still or moving images, and the second sensor 42 can be an illumination sensor; however, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0037] The second region CA can be positioned where light incident is required. For example, the second region CA can be positioned in the upper left or upper right part of the display area, or across the entire upper part or most of the upper part of the display area. In these cases, the respective widths of these portions can be varied according to desired requirements. However, the embodiments described herein are not limited to this. For example, the second region CA can be positioned in the central or lower region of the display area. Hereinafter, the first region DA can be referred to as the display area, and the second region CA can be referred to as the sensor area.

[0038] The display area DA and the sensor area CA may each include one or more pixel arrays, in which pixels for writing pixel data are arranged. The number of pixels per unit area (e.g., pixels per inch, PPI) of the sensor area CA may be lower than that of the display area DA to ensure sufficient light transmittance.

[0039] Since both the display area DA and the sensor area CA include pixels, an input image can be reproduced on both the display area DA and the sensor area CA. Each pixel in the display area DA and the sensor area CA can include sub-pixels of different colors to achieve a colored image. Each sub-pixel can be one of a red sub-pixel (hereinafter referred to as "R sub-pixel"), a green sub-pixel (hereinafter referred to as "G sub-pixel"), and a blue sub-pixel (hereinafter referred to as "B sub-pixel"). Although not shown, each pixel P can also include a white sub-pixel (hereinafter referred to as "W sub-pixel"). Each sub-pixel can include pixel circuitry and a light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode, and more specifically, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0040] The display panel has a width in the X-axis direction, a length in the Y-axis direction, and a thickness in the Z-axis direction. The display panel may include a circuit layer 12 disposed on or above a substrate 10 and a light-emitting element layer 14 disposed on or above the circuit layer 12. A polarizing layer 18 may be disposed on or above the light-emitting element layer 14, and a cover glass 20 may be disposed on or above the polarizing layer 18.

[0041] Circuit layer 12 may include lines such as data lines, gate lines, and power lines, pixel circuitry connected to these lines, gate drivers connected to the gate lines, etc. Circuit layer 12 may include circuit elements, such as at least one transistor implemented as a thin-film transistor (TFT), capacitors, etc. The lines and circuit elements of circuit layer 12 may be implemented or disposed in a plurality of insulating layers, two or more metal layers separated by insulating layers therebetween, and an active layer comprising semiconductor material, or may be implemented or disposed through the plurality of insulating layers, the two or more metal layers, and the active layer.

[0042] The light-emitting element layer 14 may include a light-emitting element driven by pixel circuitry, such as a light-emitting diode, more specifically, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The light-emitting element may be implemented as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The OLED may include an organic material layer formed between the anode and cathode. The organic material layer may include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emissive layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL); however, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. When a voltage is applied to the anode and cathode of the OLED, holes passing through the hole transport layer (HTL) and electrons passing through the electron transport layer (ETL) can move to the emissive layer (EML) and then form excitons. Visible light can thus be emitted from the emissive layer (EML). The light-emitting element layer 14 may be disposed on or above pixels that selectively transmit red, green, and blue light of corresponding wavelengths, and may also include a color filter array.

[0043] The light-emitting element layer 14 can be covered by an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer can have a structure in which organic and inorganic films are alternately stacked. In this case, the inorganic film can be used to block the penetration of moisture or oxygen, and the organic film can be used to planarize the surface of the inorganic film. In a multilayer structure with stacked organic and inorganic films, the path for moisture or oxygen to travel can become longer than in a single-layer structure, and therefore, the penetration of moisture / oxygen affecting the light-emitting element layer 14 can be effectively prevented.

[0044] The polarization layer 18 can be bonded to the light-emitting element layer 14 or the encapsulation layer. The polarization layer 18 can be used to improve the outdoor visibility of the display device. The polarization layer 18 can be used to reduce light reflected from the surface of the display panel and block light reflected from the metal of the circuit layer 12 to improve pixel brightness. The polarization layer 18 can be implemented as a linear polarizer 18, a polarizer 18 with a phase retardation film bonded thereon, or a circular polarizer 18.

[0045] The display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure may include an optical sensor disposed below the display screen. The optical sensor can capture external images in capture mode and supply photographic image data or motion image data. The optical sensor may correspond to and be located below the sensor region CA. In this case, the lens 30 of the optical sensor may face the sensor region CA. External light can enter the lens of the optical sensor through the sensor region CA, and the lens 30 can converge the light to the image sensor. Simultaneously, while reducing the resolution of the sensor region CA to ensure light transmittance, an image quality compensation algorithm can be applied to compensate for the brightness and color coordinates of the pixels in the sensor region CA.

[0046] According to the implementation described herein, since pixels are also provided in the sensor area CA, full-screen display can be achieved without being limited by the display area caused by the optical sensor.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the display area DA can include pixels arranged in a matrix. Each pixel can be implemented as a real-type pixel comprising R, G, and B sub-pixels, the three primary colors that constitute a pixel. Each pixel can also include W sub-pixels (omitted in the diagram). Furthermore, subpixel rendering algorithms can be used to combine two subpixels into one pixel. For example, the first pixel PIX1 can be composed of R and G sub-pixels, and the second pixel PIX2 can be composed of B and G sub-pixels. Insufficient color representation in each pixel of PIX1 and PIX2 can be compensated for by averaging the corresponding color data between adjacent pixels.

[0048] Figure 4 The sensor area is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5 It is aimed at Figure 4 An enlarged view of part A.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sensor region CA may include: one or more pixel groups PG spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance D1, each pixel group comprising one or more pixels; and one or more light-transmitting regions AG disposed between adjacent pixel groups PG. The light-transmitting regions AG may be disposed between pixels. In this way, sufficient external light can enter the lens of the optical sensor through the light-transmitting regions AG. The shape of the light-transmitting regions AG is shown as circular; however, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, the light-transmitting regions AG may be designed in various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc.

[0050] The light-transmitting region AG may include one or more transparent materials with high light transmittance, allowing light to enter the light-transmitting region AG in a manner that minimizes the loss of incident light. For example, the light-transmitting region AG may include a transparent insulating material without including metal lines or pixels. In this case, the pixel lines TS may be disposed outside the light-transmitting region AG. However, the embodiments described herein are not limited to this; for example, metal electrode material may be retained in a portion of the light-transmitting region AG. In this way, the amount of light incident on the sensor through the light-transmitting region can be increased, and the light transmittance of the sensor region CA can increase with the increase of the light-transmitting region AG.

[0051] Each pixel group PG may include one or two pixels. Furthermore, each pixel within the pixel group may include two to four sub-pixels. For example, each pixel within each pixel group may include all R, G, and B sub-pixels, or may include two of the R, G, and B sub-pixels. Depending on the implementation, each pixel may also include a W sub-pixel.

[0052] The distance D3 between the light-transmitting areas AG can be smaller than the distance (e.g., spacing) D1 between pixel groups PG. The distance D2 between sub-pixels can be smaller than the distance D1 between pixel groups PG.

[0053] Figure 6 The cross-sectional structure of the pixel region and the light-transmitting region according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0054] The cross-sectional structure of the display device 100 according to the embodiments described herein is not limited to... Figure 6 The structure in. Figure 6 The driving transistor DT of the pixel circuit is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 6 In the pixel region (PIX), circuit layers, light-emitting element layers, etc., can be stacked on or above at least one substrate (PI1, PI2). The substrates may include a first PI substrate PI1 and a second PI substrate PI2. An inorganic film IPD can be disposed between the first PI substrate PI1 and the second PI substrate PI2. The inorganic film IPD can prevent moisture penetration.

[0055] A first buffer layer BUF1 can be disposed on a second PI substrate PI2. A first metal layer LS can be disposed on the first buffer layer BUF1, and a second buffer layer BUF2 can be disposed on the first metal layer LS. Each of the first buffer layer BUF1 and the second buffer layer BUF2 can be formed of an inorganic insulating material and can include one or more insulating layers.

[0056] The first metal layer LS can be patterned in a photolithography process. The first metal layer LS may include a light-shielding pattern. The light-shielding pattern can block external light, preventing light from reaching the active layer of a transistor, such as a thin-film transistor (TFT), thereby preventing photocurrent in the TFT located in the pixel region. The light-shielding pattern can also serve as a light-shielding layer when it is formed of a metal having a lower absorption coefficient than the metal layer (e.g., cathode electrode) to be removed from the sensor region CA, which has a lower absorption coefficient than the laser wavelength used in the laser ablation process. This light-shielding layer blocks the corresponding laser beam LB in the laser ablation process.

[0057] The active layer ACT can be formed from semiconductor material on the second buffer layer BUF2 and patterned by photolithography. The active layer ACT may include active patterns for each of one or more TFTs in the pixel circuit and one or more TFTs in the gate driver. A portion of the active layer ACT may be metallized by ion doping. The metallized portion can be used as a jumper pattern to connect the metal layer at some nodes of the pixel circuit, thereby connecting one or more elements of the pixel circuit.

[0058] A gate insulating layer GI can be disposed on the second buffer layer BUF2 to cover the active layer ACT. The gate insulating layer GI can be formed of an inorganic insulating material.

[0059] A second metal layer (GATE) can be formed on the second gate insulating layer (GI). The second metal layer (GATE) can be patterned using a photolithography process. The second metal layer (GATE) can be used as a gate line, gate electrode, the lower electrode of the storage capacitor (Cst1), a jumper pattern connecting the corresponding pattern of the first metal layer (LS) and the corresponding pattern of the third metal layer (TM), etc.

[0060] A first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 can be formed on the gate insulating layer GI to cover the second metal layer GATE. A third metal layer TM can be formed on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 can cover the third metal layer TM. The third metal layer TM can be patterned by a photolithography process. The third metal layer TM can include a metal pattern identical to the metal pattern of the upper electrode of the storage capacitor Cst1. The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 can include inorganic insulating materials.

[0061] A fourth metal layer SD1 may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, and an inorganic insulating layer PAS1 and a first planarization layer PLN1 may be stacked on or above at least one of the fourth metal layer SD1 and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. A fifth metal layer SD2 may be disposed on the first planarization layer PLN1.

[0062] One or more patterns of the fourth metal layer SD1 can be connected to the third metal layer TM through contact holes formed in the first planarization layer PLN1 and the inorganic insulating layer PAS1. The first planarization layer PLN1 and the second planarization layer PLN2 can be formed of an organic insulating material that planarizes the surface.

[0063] The fourth metal layer SD1 may include a first electrode and a second electrode of the TFT, which are connected to the active pattern of the TFT through contact holes formed in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. Data lines and power lines can be implemented using either the fourth metal layer SD1 or the fifth metal layer SD2.

[0064] An anode AND, serving as the first electrode layer of the OLED light-emitting element, can be disposed on the second planarization layer PLN2. The anode AND can be connected to an electrode driving the TFT through a contact hole formed in the second planarization layer PLN2. The anode AND can comprise a transparent electrode material or a semi-transparent electrode material.

[0065] The pixel-defining film (BNK) can cover the anode electrode (AND) of the OLED light-emitting element. The BNK can be patterned to define a light-emitting region (or opening region) through which light is transmitted from each pixel to the outside. Spacer components (SPCs) can be formed on the BNK. The same organic insulating material can be used to integrate the BNK and the SPC. The SPC ensures a gap between the fine metal mask (FMM) and the anode electrode (AND), preventing the FMM from contacting the anode electrode (AND) during the deposition process of the organic compound OLED.

[0066] Organic compound EL can be formed in the light-emitting region defined by the pixel-defining film BNK in each pixel. In the display device 100, the cathode electrode CAT, which is the second electrode layer of the light-emitting element OLED, can be configured to cover the pixel-defining film BNK, the spacer SPC, and the organic compound EL. The cathode electrode CAT can be connected to a VSS line formed through any of the lower metal layers. A capping layer CPL can cover the cathode electrode CAT. The capping layer CPL can be formed of an inorganic insulating material and can protect the cathode electrode CAT by preventing air and outgassing of the organic insulating material applied to the capping layer CPL from permeating into the cathode electrode CAT.

[0067] The encapsulation layer may include inorganic insulating layers PAS2 and PAS3, and a foreign matter compensation layer PCL disposed between the inorganic insulating layers PAS2 and PAS3. The lower inorganic insulating layer PAS2 may cover the capping layer CPL, and the foreign matter compensation layer PCL may be disposed on the lower inorganic insulating layer PAS2. The foreign matter compensation layer PCL may include an organic insulating material. The upper inorganic insulating layer PAS3 may be disposed on the foreign matter compensation layer PCL.

[0068] A polarizing plate 18 can be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer PAS3 to improve the outdoor visibility of the display device 100. The polarizing plate 18 can reduce light reflected from the surface of the display device 100 and block light reflected from the metal of the circuit layer 12, thereby improving pixel brightness. (See reference...) Figure 6 A first light-transmitting pattern 18d can be formed on the polarizer 18 in the light-transmitting region AG. The first light-transmitting pattern 18d can be formed due to the color change of the polarizer 18b caused by the laser, or it can be formed by partially removing the polarizer 18b.

[0069] An opening H1 can be formed in the cathode electrode CAT in the light-transmitting region AG. The opening H1 is formed by simultaneously etching the cathode electrode CAT and the pixel-defining film BNK after the cathode electrode CAT is formed on the pixel-defining film BNK. Therefore, a first groove RC1 can be formed in the pixel-defining film BNK, and the opening H1 of the cathode electrode CAT can be formed on the first groove RC1. However, the embodiments described herein are not limited to this. For example, a pixel-defining layer may not be provided in the light-transmitting region AG, and the cathode electrode CAT may be provided on the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0070] In some embodiments, a first light-transmitting pattern 18d may be disposed in the polarizing plate 18 in the light-transmitting region AG, and an opening H1 may be formed in the cathode electrode. This improves light transmittance. Therefore, since a sufficient amount of light can enter the imaging device module 400, the performance of the imaging device can be improved. Furthermore, noise in the captured image data can be reduced.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing various aspects of a display device according to this disclosure.

[0072] The display device 700 according to the embodiments described herein may include a first region DA and a second region CA, wherein the second region CA is a first sensor region CA1 and a second sensor region CA2. The first region DA, the first sensor region CA1, and the second sensor region CA2 are all regions in which an image is displayed. In one embodiment, the first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 are regions corresponding to corresponding sensors that are different from each other.

[0073] The first region DA and the second region CA are referenced above. Figure 6 The descriptions discussed are the same. All or each of the first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 may overlap with one or more sensors (image sensors, infrared sensors, etc.). To maximize the amount of light incident on at least one sensor below the substrate, the resolution of the first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 may be lower than the resolution of the first region DA.

[0074] In typical designs, when several sensors are arranged in the second region CA, the second region CA is designed so that the characteristics of each sensor do not need to be considered. That is, the entire second region CA is formed of the same material and structure. In such a structure, for example, a problem may occur where one sensor works fine, but the characteristics of another sensor deteriorate. For example, in a case where an image sensor and an infrared sensor are arranged together in the second region CA, if conditions such as transmittance are optimized for the image sensor, the infrared sensor may struggle to exhibit sufficient performance.

[0075] The inventors of this disclosure recognized this problem and invented a solution that enables all sensors to exhibit optimal performance by designing the various regions corresponding to the sensors to have different structures from each other. This solution includes uniquely designing the material and shape of the metals (barrier layer, cathode, etc.) disposed in each sensor region.

[0076] Typically, to improve the transmittance of the second region CA, it may be desirable to remove all metallic material from the light-transmitting region AG within the second region CA. Specifically, metal can be deposited across the entire second region CA to serve as the cathode, and then the region corresponding to the light-transmitting region AG can be removed in a laser ablation process. However, if the laser beam is irradiated onto the light-transmitting region AG in a point-to-point manner, the associated process time may be prolonged. Furthermore, transmittance may decrease due to residual metal film in the light-transmitting region AG, or noise included in the image may increase. To address this issue in the process, a barrier layer can be formed that exposes only the light-transmitting region AG. Figure 6 The first metal layer (LS) is used in the laser ablation process, which can employ a laser beam irradiated in the form of a line beam or a block beam. In this case, metal present in areas other than the transparent region AG may not be removed because this metal is protected from the laser beam by the blocking layer LS. In such a process, metal corresponding only to the transparent region AG can be removed with a single irradiation of the laser beam.

[0077] After removing the metal corresponding to the light-transmitting area AG of the sensor region CA, the blocking layer LS blocks external light from reaching the active layer ACT, thus preventing photocurrent from reaching the TFT.

[0078] The inventors of this disclosure recognize that when various sensors are arranged in a sensor region, if the entire second region CA is provided with a barrier layer LS of the same material and structure, such an implementation has little impact on the performance of at least one of the sensors. Furthermore, the inventors recognize that if the material and / or shape of the barrier layer LS are configured differently according to the individual sensors arranged in the respective regions, the corresponding performance of the sensors can be maximized.

[0079] In the display device 700 according to various aspects of this disclosure, a technique is provided for optimizing the function of each sensor by applying mutually separated blocking layers to each sensor region in the second region CA. Furthermore, the blocking layers can be used to pattern the associated cathode using a laser process employing a line beam or block beam as described above.

[0080] The display device 700 includes a first pixel disposed in a first region DA and a second pixel disposed in a second region CA surrounded by the first region DA. The second region CA includes a first sensor region CA1 corresponding to the first sensor 71 and a second sensor region CA2 corresponding to the second sensor 72. The first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 may have different blocking layers.

[0081] Figure 8 The barrier layer is shown in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure.

[0082] The blocking layers (LSL1, LSL2) may include at least one opening OP corresponding to the light-transmitting region AG. The opening OP is a region that does not overlap with the pixel PG, and no blocking layer is formed in this region. Figure 8 In this embodiment, although the blocking layers disposed in the first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 have the same opening shape, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. In a laser ablation process for removing metal present in the light-transmitting region AG, the blocking layers (LSL1, LSL2) can be used to block the laser beam from irradiating the remaining areas except for at least one opening OP. Therefore, the blocking layers (LSL1, LSL2) can be formed of a metal or inorganic film having a lower absorption coefficient of the laser beam wavelength compared to the metal being removed.

[0083] The first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 can have different blocking layers depending on the respective sensors. For example, the first sensor 71 can be an image sensor, and the second sensor 72 can be an infrared sensor that can be used to identify a user's face. In this case, the first blocking layer LSL1 of the first sensor region CA1 can be formed of a material having a visible light transmittance of 10% or less. This is to prevent image quality degradation due to visible light scattering and interference, and at least one of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or neodymium aluminum (AlNd) can be used as the first blocking layer LSL1.

[0084] Furthermore, when the second sensor 72 is an infrared sensor, the second blocking layer LSL2 in the second sensor region can be formed of a material with an infrared transmittance of 90% or greater. In this case, the second blocking layer LSL2 may include at least one or more of amorphous silicon (a-Si), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), magnesium oxide (MgO), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or gallium phosphide (GaP).

[0085] The first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 can be implemented at the same resolution (e.g., a lower resolution than the first region). In another embodiment, however, the first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 can be implemented at different resolutions. Since recognition rates can be maintained even when pixels are arranged to have higher resolution in areas where specific sensors (e.g., infrared sensors) are located, it may be more advantageous not to degrade display quality for such areas.

[0086] Therefore, in the display device 700 according to the embodiment described herein, the pixel density provided in the first sensor region CA1 can be lower than the pixel density provided in the second sensor region CA2. When an image sensor is provided in the first sensor region CA1 and an infrared sensor is provided in the second sensor region CA2, the PPI of the first sensor region CA1 can be lower than the PPI of the second sensor region CA2. Furthermore, the pixel density provided in the second sensor region CA2 can be the same as the pixel density provided in the first region DA. This is for ease of design / manufacturing.

[0087] Figure 9 The opening areas according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0088] The first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 include light-transmitting regions AG disposed between pixels, and the shape of the light-transmitting regions AG can be different in each region. (Refer to...) Figure 9The light-transmitting area AG1 of the first sensor area CA1 is circular or elliptical. The light-transmitting area AG2 of the second sensor area CA2 has a strip shape or a square shape extending in the horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction.

[0089] The cathode of the light-emitting element included in the second pixel may not be located in the light-transmitting areas AG1 and AG2. When the cathode is patterned, the opening OP can be formed in the blocking layers LSL1 and LSL2 in such a shape. When the light-transmitting area AG is as Figure 9 In the setup shown, the first blocking layer LSL1 of the first sensor region CA1 may have a circular opening, and the second blocking layer LSL2 of the second sensor region CA2 may have a diagonal strip-shaped opening.

[0090] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The cross-sectional structure of the sensor region according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0091] Figure 10A The first sensor region CA1, in which an image sensor 71 is disposed, is shown. Figure 10B The second sensor region CA2, in which an infrared sensor 72 is disposed, is shown. Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the structure shown, each layer except for barrier layers LSL1 and LSL2, and sensors 71 and 72, is connected to... Figure 6 The corresponding layers are the same; therefore, for the sake of convenience, the relevant discussion is omitted.

[0092] As described above, the blocking layers LSL1 and LSL2 in the first sensor region CA1 and the second sensor region CA2 can be formed of different materials depending on the corresponding sensor. That is, the blocking layer LSL1 of the first sensor region CA1 can be formed of a material with less interference and scattering of visible light to reduce noise in the image sensor. Similarly, the blocking layer LSL2 of the second sensor region CA2 can be formed of a material with high infrared transmittance to increase the recognition rate of the infrared sensor.

[0093] Each of the blocking layers LSL1 and LSL2 can block external light from entering the upper portion of the active layer ACT of the pixel region PG, thereby preventing photocurrent of the associated TFT.

[0094] Furthermore, each of the blocking layers LSL1 and LSL2 in the first and second sensor regions can have an opening OP, the opening OP having a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper portion of the light-transmitting region AG. Therefore, each sensor region can have a shape of the light-transmitting region AG designed according to its function.

[0095] In the display device according to the embodiments described herein, the recognition performance of each sensor can be improved by providing an environment suitable for each sensor through the above configuration.

[0096] The above description has been presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While exemplary embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the essential features of this disclosure. For example, various modifications may be made to specific portions of the exemplary embodiments. As will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, elements or features of the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be combined or integrated with each other in part or in whole, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various ways, and the various exemplary embodiments may be performed independently of each other or in relation to each other.

[0097] The scope of protection of this disclosure shall be interpreted in accordance with the claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of the claims shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A first region, wherein one or more first pixels are provided in the first region; as well as A second region surrounded by the first region, wherein one or more second pixels are disposed in the second region. The second region includes a first sensor region corresponding to the first sensor and a second sensor region corresponding to the second sensor. The first sensor region includes a first barrier layer, and the second sensor region includes a second barrier layer that differs from the first barrier layer in material and / or shape. Each of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes one or more openings.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The remaining area, excluding the one or more openings, is used to block the laser beam.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor is an image sensor, and the second sensor is an infrared sensor.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The first barrier layer is formed of a material having a visible light transmittance of 10% or less.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first barrier layer comprises at least one or more of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or neodymium aluminum (AlNd).

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The second barrier layer is formed of a material having an infrared transmittance of 90% or greater.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The second barrier layer includes at least one or more of amorphous silicon (a-Si), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), magnesium oxide (MgO), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or gallium phosphide (GaP).

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The density of the pixels in the first sensor region among the one or more second pixels is smaller than the density of the pixels in the second sensor region among the one or more second pixels.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The density of the pixels in the second sensor region among the one or more second pixels is equal to the density of the one or more first pixels in the first region.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the first sensor region and the second sensor region includes a light-transmitting region disposed between the first pixel or the second pixel, and the cathode of the light-emitting element included in each of the first pixel or the second pixel is not disposed in the light-transmitting region.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The first sensor area and the second sensor area have different light-transmitting area shapes.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The light-transmitting area of ​​the first sensor region is circular or elliptical, and the light-transmitting area of ​​the second sensor region has a strip shape extending in the horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction.

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