Display device and head-mounted electronic device including the same

Abstract

A display device and a head-mounted electronic device including the display device are provided. The display device includes: a substrate including a plurality of pixel regions separated from each other and a plurality of non-pixel regions respectively located between adjacent pixel regions among the plurality of pixel regions; a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively located in the plurality of pixel regions; a scattering layer located above the plurality of pixel electrodes, the scattering layer having: a plurality of non-scattering regions respectively located at central portions of corresponding pixel regions among the plurality of pixel regions; and a plurality of scattering regions respectively located between adjacent non-scattering regions among the plurality of non-scattering regions; and a light-shielding layer located between the plurality of pixel electrodes and the scattering layer and having a plurality of openings respectively overlapping the plurality of non-scattering regions of the scattering layer.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of November 24, 2017, an application number of 201711193669.7, and an invention title of "Display Device and Head-Mounted Electronic Device Including the Same". Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate to a display device capable of displaying an image and improving the light efficiency of a head-mounted display (HMD), and a head-mounted electronic device including the display device. Background Art

[0003] A head-mounted display (HMD) device refers to a display device that is worn on a user's head or eyes and displays an image to the user. In recent years, with the increasing attention to wearable devices, HMD devices in which a micro display device is mounted on the front side of glasses or a helmet have been developed. The HMD device can allow a user to perceive a stereoscopic effect and can realistically implement virtual reality or augmented reality.

[0004] Generally, in order to manufacture an HMD, a display device for displaying an image and a lens for magnifying the image to be recognized by the user are used. As a result, a wide viewing angle can be achieved with a relatively small display device.

[0005] However, in a conventional display device, when a lens is used to implement a magnified image, a "screen door" effect occurs, and thus the area between adjacent pixels is displayed as black. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One or more embodiments include a display device capable of displaying high-quality images and improving the light efficiency of a head-mounted display (HMD), and a head-mounted electronic device including the display device. However, this is only an example, and the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0007] Additional aspects will be partially set forth in the description below, and will be partially apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a substrate including a plurality of pixel regions spaced apart from each other and a plurality of non-pixel regions respectively located between adjacent pixel regions; a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively located in at least a part of the plurality of pixel regions; and a scattering layer located on the plurality of pixel electrodes and including a plurality of non-scattering regions respectively located at central portions of each of the plurality of pixel regions and a plurality of scattering regions respectively located between adjacent non-scattering regions.

[0009] The display device may further include: a plurality of emission layers respectively located on a plurality of pixel electrodes; a counter electrode located on the plurality of emission layers and corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes; and an encapsulation layer disposed between the counter electrode and the scattering layer.

[0010] The encapsulation layer may include an insulating layer having a stacked structure, and the layer of the insulating layer closest to the scattering layer may include an inorganic layer.

[0011] The inorganic layer may include silicon nitride.

[0012] The display device may further include a buffer layer located between the encapsulation layer and the scattering layer.

[0013] The encapsulation layer includes an insulating layer having a stacked structure, and the layer of the insulating layer closest to the buffer layer may include an inorganic layer having a refractive index greater than that of the buffer layer.

[0014] At least a part of the buffer layer may be in direct contact with the encapsulation layer.

[0015] The display device may further include a light-shielding layer located between the encapsulation layer and the buffer layer and defining a plurality of openings configured to respectively overlap a plurality of non-scattering regions of the scattering layer.

[0016] The light-shielding layer may include a light-absorbing material.

[0017] The scattering region may have a light scattering rate higher than that of the non-scattering region.

[0018] The scattering layer may include scattering particles configured to scatter incident light and not located in the non-scattering region or located in the non-scattering region at a concentration lower than that in the scattering region.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a substrate including a plurality of pixel regions separated from each other and a plurality of non-pixel regions respectively located between adjacent pixel regions; a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively located in at least a part of the plurality of pixel regions; a scattering layer located on the plurality of pixel electrodes; an encapsulation layer located on the plurality of pixel electrodes and including an insulating layer having a stacked structure; and a buffer layer located between the encapsulation layer and the scattering layer, wherein the layer of the insulating layer closest to the buffer layer includes an inorganic layer having a refractive index greater than that of the buffer layer.

[0020] The display device may further include: a plurality of emission layers respectively located on a plurality of pixel electrodes; and a counter electrode located on the plurality of emission layers and corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes.

[0021] The inorganic layer may include silicon nitride.

[0022] At least a part of the buffer layer may be in direct contact with the encapsulation layer.

[0023] The scattering layer may include: a plurality of non-scattering regions, respectively located at the central portions of each of the plurality of pixel regions; and a plurality of scattering regions, respectively located between adjacent non-scattering regions and having a light scattering rate higher than that of the non-scattering regions.

[0024] The scattering layer may include scattering particles configured to scatter incident light and not located in the non-scattering regions or located in the non-scattering regions at a concentration lower than that in the scattering regions.

[0025] The display device may further include a light-shielding layer between the encapsulation layer and the buffer layer and defining a plurality of openings configured to respectively overlap with the plurality of non-scattering regions of the scattering layer.

[0026] The light-shielding layer may include a light-absorbing material.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, a head-mounted electronic device includes: a display device including a substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes, and a scattering layer, the substrate including a plurality of pixel regions separated from each other and a plurality of non-pixel regions respectively located between adjacent pixel regions, the plurality of pixel electrodes respectively located in at least a part of the plurality of pixel regions, the scattering layer located on the plurality of pixel electrodes and including a plurality of non-scattering regions respectively located at the central portions of each of the plurality of pixel regions and scattering regions respectively located between adjacent non-scattering regions; a lens unit facing the display device and configured to magnify an image displayed by the display device and refract the magnified image in the direction of the user's eyeball; and a frame configured to accommodate the display device and the lens unit and configured to be worn on the user's head. Description of the Drawings

[0028] These and / or other aspects will become apparent and easier to understand by the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is according to an embodiment of Figure 1 a diagram of the optical path in one pixel of the display device;

[0031] Figure 3 is according to an embodiment of Figure 2 an enlarged view of part A;

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment;

[0033] Figures 5A to 5C is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment and its variant;

[0034] Figure 6is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a head-mounted electronic device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The features of the inventive concept and the method of implementing the same can be more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals always denote like elements. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and these embodiments will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise indicated, like reference numerals throughout the drawings and the written description denote like elements, and thus their description will not be repeated. In the drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0037] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it is apparent that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0038] It will be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion described below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0039] For purposes of easier explanation, spatial relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "beneath", "above", and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "under" or "below" or "beneath" another element or feature will then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the example terms "under" and "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, it can be directly on, directly connected or coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or there can be one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components. Further, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0041] For purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted to mean only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, by way of example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. Like reference numerals always denote like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] In the following examples, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0043] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When an expression such as "at least one of..." is placed after a list of elements, it modifies the entire list of elements and not just the individual elements of the list.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Further, when describing embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" means "one or more embodiments of the present invention". As used herein, the terms "use" and its variants may be considered to be synonymous with "utilize" and its variants, respectively. Further, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an example or illustration.

[0045] When a particular embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific process order can be performed in an order different from that described. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to that described.

[0046] Herein, various embodiments are described with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic diagrams of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations in the shape of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes shown in the regions, but rather include, for example, shape deviations resulting from manufacturing. For example, an implantation region shown as rectangular will generally have rounded or curved features and / or a gradient in the implantation concentration at its edges, rather than a binary change from the implanted region to the non-implanted region. Similarly, a buried region formed by implantation can result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation occurs. Thus, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shape of the regions of the device and are not intended to be limiting.

[0047] The electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices can be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. Additionally, the various components of these devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. Further, the various components of these devices can be processes or threads running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, executing computer program instructions, and interacting with other system components for performing the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory, which can be implemented in a computing device using a standard storage device such as, for example, random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as, for example, a CD-ROM or a flash drive. Moreover, those skilled in the art should recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the functions of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device can be distributed over one or more other computing devices.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in a general dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and / or the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0049] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device 1000 according to an embodiment.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device 1000 according to an embodiment can include a substrate 100, a plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B, and a scattering layer 600.

[0051] The substrate 100 can include various materials such as a glass material, a metal material, or a plastic material, and includes a plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB, and a plurality of non-pixel regions NPA. The plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB are separated from each other on the substrate 100 and are regions where the central portions of the pixels are located. The plurality of non-pixel regions NPA are regions located between the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB.

[0052] A plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B are located in a plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB of the substrate 100. The plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B may be located in a region wider than the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB. At least central portions of the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B are respectively located in the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB. The pixel defining layer 180 is formed to overlap at least a part of each of the plurality of non-pixel regions NPA. The pixel defining layer 180 may have a shape protruding in the +Z direction from the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B with the substrate 100 as the center.

[0053] In addition to the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B and the pixel defining layer 180, the substrate 100 may further include various components. For example, according to an embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, a thin film transistor TFT or a capacitor Cap may be located on the substrate 100. A buffer layer 110 formed to prevent impurities from penetrating into the semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor TFT, a gate insulating layer 130 for insulating the semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor TFT from the gate electrode, an interlayer insulating layer 150 for insulating the source electrode / drain electrode of the thin film transistor TFT from the gate electrode, a planarization layer 170 covering the thin film transistor TFT and having a substantially flat top surface, and other components may be provided.

[0054] The plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B may be a translucent electrode or a reflective electrode. When the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B are translucent electrodes, each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), and / or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). When the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B are reflective electrodes, each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B may include a reflective layer containing silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), and / or a compound thereof, and a film formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, and / or In2O3. However, the configuration and material of the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B are not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0055] The pixel defining layer 180 may have openings defining pixels R, G, and B (e.g., openings exposing the central portions or all of each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B). In addition, the pixel defining layer 180 may prevent arcing at the ends of the pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B by increasing the distance between the ends of each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B and the counter electrode 230.

[0056] The intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B are respectively located on the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B. Each of the intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B may have a multi-layer structure including an emission layer. In such an embodiment, different from Figure 1 this, each of the intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B may have a structure in which some of the layers are common layers corresponding approximately to the entire surface of the substrate 100 and other layers may be patterned layers corresponding to the patterns in which the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B are patterned. The intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B may be formed of a low molecular weight material or a high molecular weight material, and may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emission layer, an electron transport layer, and / or an electron injection layer. Various methods such as a vapor deposition method, a spin coating method, an inkjet printing method, and / or a laser thermal transfer method may be used.

[0057] The counter electrode 230 is located on the intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B. The counter electrode 230 may be a semi-transparent electrode or a reflective electrode. When the counter electrode 230 is a semi-transparent electrode, the counter electrode 230 may include a layer containing a metal having a small work function such as Li, Ca, lithium fluoride (LiF) / Ca, LiF / Al, Al, Ag, Mg, or a compound thereof and a semi-transparent conductive layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, and / or In2O3. When the counter electrode 230 is a reflective electrode, the counter electrode 230 may include a layer containing Li, Ca, LiF / Ca, LiF / Al, Al, Ag, Mg, and / or a compound thereof. However, the structure and material of the counter electrode 230 are not limited thereto and may vary.

[0058] As a result, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) including the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B, the counter electrode 230 corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B, and the intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B respectively disposed between the plurality of pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B and the counter electrode 230 may be used in a display device or a liquid crystal display device, etc. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the display device 1000 according to the embodiment will be regarded as an organic light emitting display device.

[0059] The encapsulation layer 300 is located on the counter electrode 230. The encapsulation layer 300 protects display elements including pixel electrodes 210R, 210G, and 210B, intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B, and the counter electrode 230 from impurities such as external oxygen and moisture.

[0060] The encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. The encapsulation layer 300 may have a structure in which at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer are alternately and repeatedly stacked. In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer 300 may include a first inorganic layer 311, a second inorganic layer 312, and a third inorganic layer 313 according to the stacking order. In addition, a first organic layer 321 may be disposed between the first inorganic layer 311 and the second inorganic layer 312, and a second organic layer 322 may be disposed between the second inorganic layer 312 and the third inorganic layer 313. However, the structure of the encapsulation layer 300 is not limited thereto, and the stacking order of the inorganic layer and the organic layer, as well as the number of inorganic layers and the number of organic layers, may be appropriately modified according to the design.

[0061] The organic layers 321 and 322 of the encapsulation layer 300 may include polymers and may be a single layer or a stacked layer including any one of polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, polyethylene, and / or polyacrylate. The inorganic layers 311, 312, and 313 of the encapsulation layer 300 may be a single layer or a stacked layer including metal oxides, metal nitrides, and / or metal oxynitrides, etc. The uppermost layer of the encapsulation layer 300 may include an inorganic layer to effectively prevent the penetration of moisture, oxygen, etc. into the device. For example, Figure 1 the uppermost layer of the encapsulation layer 300 may include silicon nitride, etc.

[0062] The light-shielding layer 400 is located on the encapsulation layer 300. The light-shielding layer 400 has a plurality of openings respectively located at the central portions or all of each of the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB, and the regions between the plurality of openings are filled with a light-absorbing material, etc. Therefore, the light-shielding layer 400 prevents some light emitted from one of the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB from traveling to adjacent pixel regions, thereby preventing color mixing and also preventing a blurring phenomenon. When the blurring phenomenon occurs, the emitted light of adjacent pixel regions emitting the same color light is affected and the image is blurred.

[0063] The light-absorbing material for forming the light-shielding layer 400 may include an organic material containing a black pigment. However, the light-shielding layer 400 does not have to include a light-absorbing material, but may include a metal such as chromium or a metal oxide such as chromium oxide to reflect light. When the light-shielding layer 400 includes a metal or a metal oxide, the light-shielding layer 400 may be formed in a single layer or a stacked layer by sputtering or electron beam evaporation.

[0064] The buffer layer 500 is located on the light-shielding layer 400. In an embodiment, an interlayer may not be located between the buffer layer 500 and the light-shielding layer 400, so the buffer layer 500 may be in direct contact with the third inorganic layer 313, which is the uppermost layer of the encapsulation layer 300, through a plurality of openings formed in the light-shielding layer 400.

[0065] The buffer layer 500 is located between the light-shielding layer 400 and the scattering layer 600, and provides free space for light passing through a pixel region of the light-shielding layer 400 to travel to adjacent pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB and / or to travel to an adjacent non-pixel region NPA of the scattering layer 600. The buffer layer 500 may include a transparent material to allow light to pass through, and may have an appropriate thickness so that light travels obliquely in the light-shielding layer 400 toward the scattering layer 600.

[0066] In an embodiment, the buffer layer 500 may be a planarization layer that planarizes the unevenness of the light-shielding layer 400, so that the scattering layer 600 can be easily located on the light-shielding layer 400 having a plurality of openings. Therefore, the buffer layer 500 may be an organic layer including a transparent material. In another embodiment, the buffer layer 500 may be used as an adhesive layer, so that the scattering layer 600 can be firmly attached to or bonded to the light-shielding layer 400. In this case, the buffer layer 500 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA), etc.

[0067] In addition, the buffer layer 500 may have a refractive index smaller than that of the third inorganic layer 313, which is the uppermost layer of the encapsulation layer 300. A detailed description thereof will be given with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 for details.

[0068] The scattering layer 600 is located on the buffer layer 500. The scattering layer 600 includes a plurality of scattering particles 610. When the light incident on the scattering layer 600 is visible light, the scattering particles 610 may have a diameter of 100 nm or more. This is because when the diameter of the scattering particles 610 is less than 100 nm, the light is not properly scattered, so the light is totally reflected and the light efficiency is reduced. In addition, if the size of the scattering particles 610 is too large, it is difficult to disperse the scattering particles 610 in the scattering layer 600. Therefore, considering the thickness of the scattering layer 600, the size of the scattering particles 610 should be adjusted not to be too large.

[0069] The scattering particles 610 may include any one of TiO2, ZrO2, CeO2, and / or TaO2. Here, the refractive index of the scattering particles 610 may be about 1.5 to about 3.0. When the refractive index of the scattering particles 610 is less than about 1.5, it is difficult to improve the light efficiency. When the refractive index of the scattering particles 610 is greater than about 3.0, the scattering particles 610 become opaque and the light efficiency is reduced.

[0070] Light that is incident obliquely through the buffer layer 500 onto adjacent pixel regions and / or adjacent non-pixel regions NPA of the scattering layer 600 by utilizing the scattering layer 600 can be scattered by the scattering particles 610. Accordingly, when light is uniformly emitted from the non-pixel region NPA, the "screen door" effect in which the non-pixel region NPA appears black can be improved, and the overall light efficiency can also be improved.

[0071] In an embodiment, the scattering layer 600 may include a plurality of non-scattering regions respectively located at central portions of each of the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB corresponding to the openings of the light-shielding layer 400, and a plurality of scattering regions located between adjacent non-scattering regions among the non-scattering regions. The non-scattering region is a region where the scattering rate of light in the scattering layer 600 is relatively low, and the scattering region is a region where the scattering rate of light in the scattering layer 600 is relatively high. The plurality of non-scattering regions of the scattering layer 600 may be superimposed on the plurality of openings of the above-described light-shielding layer 400. As a result, in the path of the front light emitted in the forward direction from the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB, neither an interlayer such as the light-shielding layer 400 nor any other inclusion such as the scattering particles 610 exists, thereby improving the light efficiency of the front light.

[0072] In an embodiment, the scattering layer 600 may be formed by forming the above-described non-scattering regions in the form of openings. More specifically, the scattering layer 600 may be formed in a strip shape having one or more openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of non-scattering regions by coating a scattering layer forming material on the buffer layer 500 in the form of a strip. Alternatively, the scattering layer 600 may be formed by applying a scattering layer forming material on the entire upper surface of the buffer layer 500 and then patterning portions corresponding to the plurality of non-scattering regions.

[0073] Figure 2 is according to an embodiment Figure 1 a diagram of an optical path in one pixel of the display device 1000 Figure 3 is according to an embodiment Figure 2 an enlarged view of part A

[0074] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB may include a red pixel region PAR, a green pixel region PAG, and a blue pixel region PAB. In addition, the non-pixel regions NPA are respectively located between the red pixel region PAR and the green pixel region PAG and between the green pixel region PAG and the blue pixel region PAB. There are various ways to distinguish the pixel region and the non-pixel region NPA. For ease of explanation, the regions of the intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B corresponding to the regions that emit light are defined as pixel regions, and the regions between adjacent intermediate layers among the intermediate layers 220R, 220G, and 220B are defined as non-pixel regions NPA.

[0075] For example, when emitting red light, first light L1 as front light and side lights L2, L3, L4, and L5 can be emitted from red intermediate layer 220R of red pixel region PAR. Here, first light L1 passes through the opening of light shielding layer 400 and is incident on buffer layer 500 substantially perpendicularly through encapsulation layer 300, and then travels through the non-scattering region of scattering layer 600 while maintaining the traveling direction of first light L1 to the upper part of display device 1000. Here, as described above, the opening of light shielding layer 400 and the non-scattering region of scattering layer 600 are respectively located approximately directly above pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB of substrate 100.

[0076] On the other hand, due to the difference in refractive index between buffer layer 500 and encapsulation layer 300, side lights L2, L3, L4, and L5 are incident on buffer layer 500 obliquely through encapsulation layer 300, and then are refracted in a direction different from the initial direction of side lights L2, L3, L4, and L5 incident on buffer layer 500.

[0077] More specifically, when side lights L2, L3, L4, and L5 are referred to as second light L2, third light L3, fourth light L4, and fifth light L5, then second light L2 and third light L3 passing through the opening of light shielding layer 400 are refracted at boundary surface BS1 between encapsulation layer 300 and buffer layer 500 to respectively form second refracted light L2' and third refracted light L3'. Second refracted light L2' is incident on a part of scattering layer 600 in the non-pixel region between red pixel region PAR and green pixel region PAG among adjacent non-pixel regions NPA and is scattered in the form of second scattered light L2". Similarly, third refracted light L3' is also incident on a part of scattering layer 600 in the non-pixel region between green pixel region PAG and blue pixel region PAB among adjacent non-pixel regions NPA and is scattered in the form of third scattered light L3". On the other hand, fourth light L4 and fifth light L5 passing through the part that is not the opening of light shielding layer 400 are absorbed or reflected by light shielding layer 400 and do not travel toward buffer layer 500.

[0078] Therefore, in display device 1000 according to the embodiment, first light L1 as front light passing through a plurality of openings of light shielding layer 400 is emitted without being scattered, and the light efficiency in the forward direction can be improved. In addition, second light L2 and third light L3 as side lights passing through a plurality of openings of light shielding layer 400 are emitted and scattered through adjacent non-pixel regions NPA of scattering layer 600, thereby reducing the moiré effect. In addition, fourth light L4 and fifth light L5 as side lights incident on the part that is not the opening of light shielding layer 400 are absorbed or reflected by light shielding layer 400 without being emitted, so as to prevent color mixing with the emitted light of adjacent pixel regions or image blurring, etc.

[0079] Meanwhile, for the second light L2 and the third light L3 that pass through the plurality of openings in the light-shielding layer 400 and smoothly propagate to the adjacent non-pixel regions NPA of the scattering layer 600, as Figure 3 shown, the second light L2 and the third light L3 can be appropriately refracted at a relatively large angle at the boundary surface BS1 between the third inorganic layer 313 and the buffer layer 500.

[0080] Equation 1

[0081]

[0082] where i is the incident angle of the light, r is the refraction angle of the light, n1 is the refractive index of the medium onto which the light is incident, and n2 is the refractive index of the medium from which the light is emitted.

[0083] According to Equation 1, in order to increase the refraction angle r of the light, n2, which is the refractive index of the medium from which the light is emitted, should be less than n1, which is the refractive index of the medium onto which the light is incident. Therefore, when the incident angles of the second light L2 and the third light L3 are the second incident angle i2 and the third incident angle i3, respectively, as Figure 3 shown, in order for the second refraction angle r2 and the third refraction angle r3 to be greater than the second incident angle i2 and the third incident angle i3, the refractive index n2 of the buffer layer 500 should be less than the refractive index n1 of the third inorganic layer 313, which is the medium onto which the light is incident. For example, the third inorganic layer 313 may include silicon nitride having a relatively high refractive index.

[0084] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display device 2000 according to another embodiment, Figures 5A to 5C is a cross-sectional view of display devices 3000, 3001, and 3002 according to another embodiment and its variations, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device 4000 according to another embodiment.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4 and according to Figure 4 the embodiment of the display device 2000 and according to Figure 1 and Figure 2The display device 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention differs in that the buffer layer 500 is omitted and the scattering layer 601 is directly located on the light shielding layer 400. For example, the scattering layer 601 can be formed by coating a transparent adhesive including a plurality of scattering particles 610 on the light shielding layer 400 in film form, or by applying a transparent adhesive to the entire surface of the light shielding layer 400 and then patterning it. The display device 2000 of this embodiment can be applied to situations where the size of the multiple pixel areas PAR, PAG, and PAB is small and the thickness of the encapsulation layer 300 is relatively large. That is, because the multiple pixel areas PAR, PAG, and PAB are formed relatively densely, light can easily reach adjacent pixel areas PAR, PAG, and PAB and / or adjacent non-pixel areas NPA. Since the encapsulation layer 300 provides free space for light diffusion, interlayers such as buffer layers can be omitted.

[0086] Reference Figures 5A to 5C , Figures 5A to 5C The display devices 3000, 3001 and 3002 can be used with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 1000 of the embodiment is different in that the scattering layers 602, 602' and 602" are located above the plurality of pixel areas PAR, PAG and PAB and the plurality of non-pixel areas NPA. For example, the scattering layers 602, 602' and 602" can be formed by coating a transparent film including a plurality of scattering particles 610 on the buffer layer 500.

[0087] according to Figure 5A The display device 3000 of the embodiment includes scattering particles 610 located in a plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB and a plurality of non-pixel regions NPA. Therefore, according to this embodiment, light efficiency in the forward direction is slightly reduced. However, if the thickness of the buffer layer 500 is appropriately controlled, and if the difference between the refractive index of the buffer layer 500 and the refractive index of the third inorganic layer 313 is appropriately controlled, light can further travel to adjacent pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB and / or adjacent non-pixel regions NPA, thereby improving overall light efficiency.

[0088] according to Figure 5B The display device 3001 of the embodiment is based on Figure 5AVariant of the display device 3000 according to the embodiment. That is, the scattering layer 602' of the present embodiment is divided into a portion including the scattering particles 610 and a portion not including the scattering particles 610. The portion of the scattering layer 602' including the scattering particles 610 represents the scattering region corresponding to the non-pixel region NPA of the substrate 100, and the portion of the scattering layer 602' not including the scattering particles 610 represents the non-scattering region corresponding to the pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB of the substrate 100. Therefore, the scattering region of the scattering layer 602' can have a light scattering rate higher than that of the non-scattering region of the scattering layer 602'.

[0089] According to Figure 5C The display device 3002 according to the embodiment of Figure 5A is also a variant of the embodiment of Figure 5B However, different from the display device 3001 according to the embodiment of

[0090] Therefore, in order to form the scattering layers 602' and 602" as shown in Figure 5B and Figure 5C respectively, the number of scattering particles 610 present in each of the scattering regions and non-scattering regions of the scattering layers 602' and 602" can vary. In addition, the number of scattering particles 610 can be appropriately changed according to the appropriate light efficiency in the scattering region or the non-scattering region.

[0091] Referring to Figure 6 According to Figure 6 The display device 4000 according to the embodiment of Figure 1 and Figure 2The display device 1000 of the embodiment is different in that the buffer layer is omitted, and the scattering layer 603 is located above the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB and the plurality of non-pixel regions NPA. For example, the scattering layer 603 can be formed by coating a transparent adhesive including a plurality of scattering particles 610 on the light-shielding layer 400 in the form of a thin film, or by applying a transparent adhesive on the entire surface of the light-shielding layer 400 and then patterning it. The display device 4000 of the present embodiment can be applied to a case where the sizes of the plurality of pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB are small and the thickness of the encapsulation layer 300 is relatively large. Although the light efficiency in the forward direction is slightly reduced, the overall light efficiency can be improved by reducing the light that further travels to the adjacent pixel regions PAR, PAG, and PAB and / or the adjacent non-pixel regions NPA.

[0092] Meanwhile, Figure 6 The embodiment of can also be similar to the above-mentioned Figure 5B and Figure 5C in that the number of scattering particles 610 in the scattering region and the number of scattering particles 610 in the non-scattering region can be adjusted to be different from each other in the scattering layer 603.

[0093] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the head-mounted electronic device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0094] Referring to Figure 7 According to an embodiment, the head-mounted electronic device 10 may include a front frame 1 including a display device as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6 and side frames 2 (e.g., bows or arms of glasses) located on both sides of the front frame 1 that can be mounted on a user's head. Here, the head-mounted electronic device 10 refers to a device that can be mounted on a user's body and can display an image. In addition, if the device allows the user to observe the image displayed on the device at a short distance, then the device can be referred to as a head-mounted electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, regardless of the general name or shape of the device. For example, smart glasses, a head-mounted display device, a computer-mediated reality device, a mixed reality device, a head-up display device, an ultra-thin near-eye display (NED) device, or a wearable display device may also be included in the inventive concept regardless of their names.

[0095] According to the above embodiments, a display device capable of displaying high-quality images by improving the moiré effect or image blurring, etc., and capable of improving light efficiency, and a head-mounted electronic device including the display device can be realized.

[0096] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of each feature or aspect in an embodiment is generally to be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments.

[0097] Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims and their functional equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: a substrate including a plurality of pixel regions separated from each other and a plurality of non-pixel regions respectively located between adjacent pixel regions among the plurality of pixel regions; a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively located in the plurality of pixel regions; a scattering layer located above the plurality of pixel electrodes, the scattering layer having: a plurality of non-scattering regions respectively located at central portions of corresponding pixel regions among the plurality of pixel regions; and a plurality of scattering regions respectively located between adjacent non-scattering regions among the plurality of non-scattering regions; a encapsulation layer located between the plurality of pixel electrodes and the scattering layer; a light-shielding layer located between the plurality of pixel electrodes and the scattering layer and having a plurality of openings respectively overlapping with the plurality of non-scattering regions of the scattering layer; and a buffer layer located between the encapsulation layer and the scattering layer, wherein the encapsulation layer includes an insulating layer having a stacked structure, and a layer of the insulating layer closest to the buffer layer includes an inorganic layer having a refractive index greater than that of the buffer layer; wherein the plurality of pixel regions include a red pixel region, a green pixel region, and a blue pixel region, and wherein the buffer layer is configured to cause light emitted from the red pixel region to travel to the scattering layer on the non-pixel regions between the red pixel region and the green pixel region and between the green pixel region and the blue pixel region.

2. The display device according to claim 1, the display device further comprising: a plurality of emission layers respectively located on the plurality of pixel electrodes; and a counter electrode located on the plurality of emission layers, wherein the encapsulation layer is disposed between the counter electrode and the scattering layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The inorganic layer includes silicon nitride.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer layer is located between the light-shielding layer and the scattering layer.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the buffer layer is in contact with the encapsulation layer.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The light-shielding layer is located between the encapsulation layer and the buffer layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light-shielding layer includes a light-absorbing material.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of scattering regions have a higher light scattering rate than the plurality of non-scattering regions.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The scattering layer includes scattering particles configured to scatter incident light, and the scattering particles are not located in the plurality of non-scattering regions or are located in the plurality of non-scattering regions at a concentration lower than that in the plurality of scattering regions.

10. A head-mounted electronic device, the head-mounted electronic device comprising: the display device according to claim 1; a lens unit facing the display device and configured to: magnify an image displayed by the display device to generate a magnified image; and refract the magnified image in the direction of the user's eyeball; and a frame configured to accommodate the display device and the lens unit and configured to be worn on the user's head.

11. A display device, the display device comprising: a substrate including a plurality of pixel regions separated from each other and a plurality of non-pixel regions respectively located between adjacent pixel regions among the plurality of pixel regions; a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively located in the plurality of pixel regions; an encapsulation layer located above the plurality of pixel electrodes and including an insulating layer having a stacked structure; A scattering layer, located above the encapsulation layer; A buffer layer, located between the encapsulation layer and the scattering layer; And A light-shielding layer, located between the encapsulation layer and the buffer layer and having a plurality of openings, wherein the layer of the insulating layer closest to the buffer layer includes an inorganic layer having a refractive index greater than that of the buffer layer; wherein the plurality of pixel regions include a red pixel region, a green pixel region, and a blue pixel region, and wherein the buffer layer is configured to cause light emitted from the red pixel region to travel to the scattering layer on the non-pixel regions between the red pixel region and the green pixel region and between the green pixel region and the blue pixel region.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the display device further comprises: A plurality of emission layers, respectively located on the plurality of pixel electrodes; And A counter electrode, located on the plurality of emission layers.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The inorganic layer includes silicon nitride.

14. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, At least a part of the buffer layer is in contact with the encapsulation layer.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The scattering layer includes: A plurality of non-scattering regions, respectively located at the central portions of the corresponding pixel regions in the plurality of pixel regions, and the plurality of non-scattering regions are respectively superimposed on the plurality of openings of the light-shielding layer; and A plurality of scattering regions, respectively located between adjacent non-scattering regions among the plurality of non-scattering regions and having a light scattering rate higher than that of the plurality of non-scattering regions.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The scattering layer includes scattering particles configured to scatter incident light, and the scattering particles are not located in the plurality of non-scattering regions or are located in the plurality of non-scattering regions at a concentration lower than that in the plurality of scattering regions.

17. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The light-shielding layer includes a light-absorbing material.

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