An electronic device and its display panel
By setting an under-display photosensitive element in the first display area of the display panel and placing the pixel circuits of some light-emitting elements outside the display area, and connecting them with a light-transmitting conductive layer, the manufacturing difficulty and mechanical strength problems caused by the light-transmitting through-hole are solved, achieving high light transmittance and a full-screen design.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
AI Technical Summary
In existing electronic devices, setting light-transmitting holes on the display panel to achieve front-facing light sensing increases manufacturing difficulty, affects mechanical strength, and prevents the realization of a full-screen design.
The under-display photosensitive element solution involves placing the photosensitive element in the first display area of the display panel and placing the pixel circuits of some of the light-emitting elements outside the display area. The light-emitting elements are connected by a light-transmitting conductive layer, which improves the light transmittance without the need for light-transmitting holes.
It improves the light-sensing ability of the photosensitive element, maintains the consistent lifespan of the light-emitting element, and achieves a full-screen design without any light-transmitting holes.
Smart Images

Figure CN115377170B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and more specifically, to an electronic device and its display panel. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous advancement of science and technology, more and more electronic devices with display functions are being widely used in people's daily lives and work, bringing great convenience to people's daily lives and work, and becoming an indispensable tool for people today.
[0003] The main component that enables the display function of electronic devices is the display panel. In existing electronic devices, to achieve front-facing light sensing, a photosensitive element (such as a front-facing camera) is placed on the back of the display panel. To allow sufficient light to enter the photosensitive element, a light-transmitting hole needs to be formed in the display panel.
[0004] Setting light-transmitting holes in the area corresponding to the photosensitive element on the display panel not only increases the difficulty of the display panel manufacturing process, but also affects the mechanical strength of the display panel. Furthermore, the area with light-transmitting holes cannot display images, preventing electronic devices from achieving a full-screen design. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the above, this application provides an electronic device and its display panel, the solution of which is as follows:
[0006] A display panel, comprising:
[0007] The display area includes: a first display area and a second display area, wherein a photosensitive element is disposed below the first display area, and the second display area surrounds at least a portion of the first display area, and both the first display area and the second display area are provided with multiple light-emitting elements;
[0008] in,
[0009] For the light-emitting elements in the first display area, the pixel circuit connected to the first part of the light-emitting elements is located outside the first display area, and the pixel circuit connected to the second part of the light-emitting elements is located inside the first display area. The pixel circuit is used to control the light-emitting elements to display images.
[0010] Preferably, in the above-described display panel, the portion of the pixel circuit connected to the second portion of the light-emitting element is located below the first portion of the light-emitting element.
[0011] Preferably, in the above-mentioned display panel, the pixel circuits connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements are all located in the border area of the display panel, and the border area is a non-display area surrounding the periphery of the display area.
[0012] Preferably, in the above-described display panel, the second display area has a transition area adjacent to the border area of the display panel, the border area being a non-display area surrounding the periphery of the display area; the pixel circuit connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements is located in the transition area.
[0013] Preferably, in the above-mentioned display panel, the pixel circuit connected to a portion of the first set of light-emitting elements is located in the border area of the display panel, and the border area is a non-display area surrounding the periphery of the display area;
[0014] The second display area has a transition area adjacent to the border area; the pixel circuit connected to another portion of the first portion of the light-emitting elements is located in the transition area.
[0015] Preferably, in the above-mentioned display panel, the second display area has a first side edge, and the border area of the display panel has a first border area adjacent to the first side edge;
[0016] At least a portion of the pixel circuits connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements are located in the first frame area, and the pixel circuits are arranged sequentially in the first frame area along the direction of the first side.
[0017] Preferably, in the above-mentioned display panel, the first portion of the light-emitting elements is connected to the corresponding pixel circuit via a connecting line;
[0018] Among them, the different connecting lines satisfy the condition of having the same impedance.
[0019] Preferably, in the above-mentioned display panel, the display panel includes a light-transmitting conductive layer, the light-transmitting conductive layer includes the connecting line and a pseudo-connecting line insulated from the connecting line.
[0020] Preferably, in the above-mentioned display panel, the pixel circuit connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements is connected to a compensation unit to reduce the display difference between the first portion of the light-emitting elements and the second portion of the light-emitting elements.
[0021] This application also provides an electronic device, including:
[0022] The display panel described in any of the above.
[0023] As described above, the electronic device and its display panel provided by this application include a display area, comprising a first display area and a second display area. A photosensitive element is disposed below the first display area, and the second display area surrounds at least a portion of the first display area. Both the first and second display areas are provided with multiple light-emitting elements. Specifically, for the light-emitting elements within the first display area, the pixel circuits connected to a first portion of the light-emitting elements are located outside the first display area, while the pixel circuits connected to a second portion of the light-emitting elements are located within the first display area. The pixel circuits are used to control the light-emitting elements to display images. This application's technical solution places the pixel circuits connected to a portion of the light-emitting elements within the first display area outside the first display area, thereby increasing the light-transmitting area of the first display area and thus improving its light transmittance. This facilitates light sensing by the photosensitive element located below the first display area and eliminates the need for light-transmitting holes in the display panel. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0025] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this application. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a conventional OLED display panel;
[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the pixel units in the OLED display panel shown;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light transmission effect of the display array in a conventional OLED display panel.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light transmission effect of the array layer in a conventional OLED display panel.
[0030] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the light transmission effect after the display array and array layer are superimposed in a conventional OLED display panel.
[0031] Figure 6 A top view of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel.
[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a section shown in the diagram;
[0034] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pixel circuit layout in the first display area of the display panel shown;
[0035] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of light-emitting elements in a first display area according to an embodiment of this application;
[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a pixel circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0037] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a pixel circuit layout in a first display area provided for the implementation of this application;
[0038] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another pixel circuit layout in the first display area provided for implementation of this application;
[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the light transmission effect of the array layer in the display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0040] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the light transmission effect of the display array and array layer superimposed in the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The embodiments of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0042] As described in the background section, the method of setting light-transmitting holes in the area corresponding to the photosensitive element on the display panel not only increases the difficulty of the display panel manufacturing process, but also affects the mechanical strength of the display panel. Furthermore, the area with light-transmitting holes cannot display images, and electronic devices cannot achieve a full-screen design.
[0043] To address the aforementioned issues, an under-display photosensitive element solution based on flexible organic light-emitting diode (P-OLED) technology can be employed. The first display area of the OLED display panel corresponding to the photosensitive element is configured to have a high light transmittance, facilitating the photosensitive element's ability to sense light. In this embodiment, light transmittance refers to ambient light passing through the display panel in the reverse direction of the display beam. The higher the light transmittance of the display panel in the area corresponding to the photosensitive element, the easier it is for the photosensitive element to sense ambient light.
[0044] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a conventional OLED display panel. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The image shows a top view of the pixel units in an OLED display panel. The OLED display panel includes:
[0045] substrate 11;
[0046] An array layer 12 located on the surface of substrate 11 includes pixel circuitry.
[0047] The display array 13, disposed on the array layer, includes multiple pixel units, each pixel unit including a red light-emitting element R, a green light-emitting element G, and a blue light-emitting element B; each light-emitting element has an independent anode on the side facing the array layer 12. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) and pixel circuitry are connected; a common cathode 14 is located above all light-emitting elements; the light-emitting elements are OLED devices;
[0048] A thin film encapsulation layer 15 is disposed above the common cathode 14;
[0049] A polarizer 16 is disposed above the thin film encapsulation layer 15;
[0050] The cover plate 18, which is disposed above the polarizer 16, is bonded and fixed to the polarizer 16 by an optical adhesive layer 17.
[0051] exist Figure 2 In this diagram, for the same light-emitting element, the inner rectangle represents the light-emitting area, and the outer rectangle represents the anode area. Both the anode and light-emitting areas are opaque, preventing ambient light from reaching the photosensitive element below.
[0052] The main factors affecting the light transmittance of OLED display panels include:
[0053] First, the polarizer 16 and the common cathode 14. The polarizer 16 and the common cathode 14 form a full-surface structure covering the entire display area of the display panel, and their light transmittance is both within 50%.
[0054] Second, the metal patterns in array layer 12. The metal patterns in array layer 12 are opaque. The metal patterns include the active layer of the thin-film transistor in the pixel circuit, the gate metal layer and the source and drain metal layers of the thin-film transistor, as well as the metal layer containing the plates of the storage capacitor in the pixel circuit. These patterned metal layers are all opaque.
[0055] Third, the anode of the light-emitting element. The anode is part of the light-emitting element. The larger the light-emitting aperture ratio of the light-emitting element, the larger the area required for the anode. The anode is opaque.
[0056] Fourth, in the direction perpendicular to the display panel, the area that does not overlap with the opaque areas mentioned in points two and three above is the area without metal patterns; this area is the array aperture area. In conventional OLED display panels, the transmittance in the array aperture area is less than 20%. Even if the size of the metal patterns in array layer 12 is compressed, the transmittance in the array aperture area will not exceed 30%. Considering that the transmittance of the multiple inorganic and organic layers in the array aperture area is generally less than 90%, the transmittance of the OLED display panel in the array aperture area is calculated to be less than 30% * 90% = 27%. Combining this with point one above, the transmittance of a conventional OLED panel is 50% * 27% = 6.75%.
[0057] refer to Figures 3-5 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light transmission effect of the display array in a conventional OLED display panel. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light transmission effect of the array layer in a conventional OLED display panel. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the light transmission effect after the display array and array layer are stacked in a conventional OLED display panel. Figures 3-5 The illustration uses two adjacent pixel units as an example. Figures 3-5 The black area is opaque, and the white area is translucent. As you can see, the translucent area accounts for a very small percentage of the total area.
[0058] To improve the light transmittance of the photosensitive area in an OLED display panel, the conventional approach is based on point three above: reducing the anode area and increasing the area of the array aperture region. However, this results in a smaller light-emitting element area and a smaller light-emitting aperture ratio, leading to a decrease in the lifespan of the light-emitting elements. Consequently, the lifespan of the light-emitting elements in the display area corresponding to the photosensitive element (hereinafter referred to as the first display area) of the OLED display panel is worse than that in other display areas (hereinafter referred to as the second display area). After prolonged use, this causes differences in brightness and color shift performance between the first and second display areas, ultimately affecting the quality of the displayed image.
[0059] To ensure sufficient light transmittance in the first display area, the area of the array opening region needs to be large. However, it is also necessary to ensure that the lifespan of the light-emitting elements in the first and second display areas does not differ significantly. This is a contradiction, and conventional technologies cannot achieve both objectives simultaneously.
[0060] As mentioned above, while conventional techniques reduce the aperture ratio of light-emitting elements and increase the area of the array aperture region can increase light transmittance, they also reduce the aperture ratio of light-emitting elements in the first display area, leading to a decrease in the lifespan of the light-emitting elements in the first display area. Although the light transmittance can be increased to about 13%, it still cannot adequately meet the light-sensing requirements of the photosensitive element.
[0061] Another common technique is to compress the pixel circuit layout in the first display area and reduce the metal linewidth to increase the array aperture area. This method results in different pixel circuit design specifications in the first and second display areas, leading to differences in the characteristics of thin-film transistors, the resistance of metals, and the capacitance characteristics in the two display areas. This causes significant differences in signal transmission delay, crosstalk, and leakage current in the two display areas, affecting the display effect of both areas.
[0062] In view of this, in the embodiments of this application, while ensuring an increase in the area of the array aperture region in the first display area, the light-emitting aperture in the display array is not changed to ensure that the lifespan of the light-emitting elements in the first display area is consistent with that of the light-emitting elements in the second display area. It is possible to increase the area of the array aperture region while maintaining the lifespan of the light-emitting elements in the first display area relative to that in the second display area, thereby increasing the light transmittance of the first display area.
[0063] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0064] refer to Figures 6-9 As shown, Figure 6 This is a top view of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 for Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel. Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a section shown in the diagram. Figure 9 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the pixel circuit layout of the first display area in the display panel. The display panel includes:
[0065] Display area AA, the display area AA includes: a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2, a photosensitive element 41 is disposed below the first display area AA1 (the photosensitive element 41 is located on the side away from the display surface), the second display area AA2 surrounds at least a portion of the first display area AA1, and both the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 are provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 42.
[0066] Specifically, for the light-emitting element 42 within the first display area AA1, the pixel circuit 43 connected to the first part of the light-emitting element is located outside the first display area AA1, while the pixel circuit 43 connected to the second part of the light-emitting element is located within the first display area AA1. The pixel circuit 43 is used to control the light-emitting element 42 to display images.
[0067] In this embodiment, the pixel circuit 43 connected to some of the light-emitting elements 42 in the first display area AA1 is disposed outside the first display area AA1. This can increase the area ratio of the array opening area in the first display area AA1, that is, increase the area ratio of the light-transmitting area in the first display area AA1, thereby increasing the light transmittance of the first display area AA1. Moreover, there is no need to reduce the opening ratio of the light-emitting elements 42 in the first display area AA1, and it will not affect its lifespan.
[0068] The light-emitting element 42 can be an under-display camera or other photosensitive elements, such as a light sensor for distance measurement or a light sensor for detecting ambient light. In this embodiment, the second display area AA2 surrounds the first display area AA1 as an example for illustration; obviously, the second display area AA2 can also partially surround the first display area AA1.
[0069] The display panel includes a red light-emitting element R, a green light-emitting element G, and a blue light-emitting element B. The light-emitting element 42 can be any one of the red light-emitting element R, the green light-emitting element G, and the blue light-emitting element B.
[0070] In the first part of the light-emitting elements, each light-emitting element 42 is connected to the corresponding pixel circuit 43 through a corresponding connecting line 44. In order to avoid the connecting line 44 affecting the light transmittance of the first display area AA1 along its extension path, the connecting line 44 can be made of a light-transmitting material, such as ITO or IZO.
[0071] like Figure 9 In the first display area AA1 shown, the pixel circuit 43 connected to the light-emitting element 42 in the upper half is located outside the first display area AA1, while the pixel circuit 43 connected to the light-emitting element 42 in the lower half is still located within the first display area AA1.
[0072] It should be noted that in the first display area AA1, the first part of the light-emitting element and the second part of the light-emitting element are not limited to... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the pixel circuit 43 connected to the upper part of the light-emitting element 42 can also be located within the first display area AA1, while the pixel circuit 43 connected to the lower part of the light-emitting element 42 remains outside the first display area AA1. Within the first display area AA1, the first part of the light-emitting elements and the second part of the light-emitting elements are not limited to being divided into two parts. Any number of light-emitting elements 42 within the first display area AA1 can be designated as the first part of the light-emitting elements, and the distribution of the first part of the light-emitting elements within the first display area AA1 is not limited; they can be located in a single area or in multiple separate areas.
[0073] refer to Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of light-emitting elements in a first display area according to an embodiment of this application, combined with... Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the first display area AA1 includes multiple pixel regions P arranged in an array. Each pixel region P can correspond to one or more light-emitting elements 42. Any two adjacent pixel regions P are configured such that one pixel region P is a first pixel region P1, used to house the first portion of the light-emitting elements, and the other pixel region P is a second pixel region P2, used to house the second portion of the light-emitting elements. That is, in the same row of pixel regions P, the first pixel region P1 and the second pixel region P2 are arranged alternately; in the same column of pixel regions P, the first pixel region P1 and the second pixel region P2 are arranged alternately. This method allows the first portion of the light-emitting elements in the first display area AA1 to be dispersed among multiple first pixel regions P1, thereby dispersing the increased light-transmitting area caused by moving the pixel circuit 43 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements outside the first display area AA1, improving the uniformity of the light-transmitting area distribution in the first display area AA1, and improving the light-sensing uniformity of the photosensitive element 41.
[0074] In order to better ensure the uniformity of the light-transmitting area distribution in the first display area AA1, each pixel area P can be set to have the same number of light-emitting elements 42.
[0075] refer to Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a pixel circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the pixel circuit is a 7T1C pixel circuit structure, including 7 transistors M1-M7 and 1 storage capacitor Cst.
[0076] Transistor M1 has its gate connected to the Emit control signal, its first terminal input to the positive power supply voltage PVDD, and its second terminal connected to node N2. Transistor M2 has its gate connected to the scan signal S2, its first terminal input to the data voltage Vdata, and its second terminal connected to node N2. Transistor M3 has its gate connected to node N1, its first terminal connected to node N2, and its second terminal connected to node N3. Transistor M4 has its gate connected to the scan signal S2, its first terminal connected to node N1, and its second terminal connected to node N3. Transistor M5 has its gate connected to the scan signal S2, its first terminal input to the reference voltage Vref, and its second terminal connected to node N1. Transistor M6 has its gate connected to the Emit control signal, its first terminal connected to node N3, and its second terminal connected to node N4. Transistor M7 has its gate connected to the scan signal S1, its first terminal input to the reference voltage Vref, and its second terminal connected to node N4. The anode of the light-emitting element is connected to node N4, and the cathode receives the negative power supply voltage PVEE.
[0077] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the pixel circuit 43 is not limited to... Figure 11 The 7T1C pixel circuit structure shown can also be an 8T1C pixel circuit structure, including 8 transistors and 1 storage capacitor, or a 6T1C pixel circuit structure, including 6 transistors and 1 storage capacitor, or other pixel circuit structures. This application does not specifically limit these embodiments.
[0078] The pixel circuit 43 has multiple transistors and a storage capacitor. The transistors, storage capacitor, and their interconnecting metal structures in the pixel circuit 43 are all made of opaque metal material. (Comparison) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the area occupied by these opaque metallic materials is much larger than the area occupied by the pixel opening of the light-emitting element 42. In this embodiment, by placing the pixel circuit 43 connected to the first part of the light-emitting element outside the first display area AA1, the light-transmitting area of the first display area AA1 can be greatly increased, thereby improving the light transmittance of the first display area AA1.
[0079] In this embodiment, since the pixel circuit 43 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting element is located outside the first display area AA1, the pixel circuit 43 connected to the second portion of the light-emitting element can be arranged in the area below the first portion of the light-emitting element to further increase the light-transmitting area of the first display area AA1, thereby improving the light transmittance of the first display area AA1. A portion of the pixel circuit 43 connected to the second portion of the light-emitting element is located below the first portion of the light-emitting element. Specifically, for the pixel circuit 43 connected to the second portion of the light-emitting element, in the direction perpendicular to the display panel, the transistors and / or storage capacitors of the pixel circuit 43 that were previously located outside the second portion of the light-emitting element are positioned below the first portion of the light-emitting element.
[0080] The display panel includes multiple periodically arranged pixel units, and each pixel unit includes multiple light-emitting elements 42 that do not emit completely identical colors. The pixel unit includes at least a red light-emitting element R, a green light-emitting element G, and a blue light-emitting element B. The number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 42 in the pixel unit are not limited. Figure 2 The pixel unit shown includes an arrangement of three light-emitting elements with different colors. The number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 42 in the pixel unit can be set according to requirements. For example, a pixel unit can be set to include two green light-emitting elements G, one blue light-emitting element B, and one red light-emitting element R. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements in the pixel unit.
[0081] In this embodiment, a plurality of photosensitive elements 41 may be provided, with each photosensitive element 41 located below a corresponding first display area AA1. When there are multiple photosensitive elements 41, there may be no second display area AA2 separating the different first display areas AA1, and the multiple first display areas AA1 may be a single integrated area.
[0082] The multiple photosensitive elements 41 have different light-sensing requirements. For the first display area AA1 corresponding to different photosensitive elements 41, the ratio of the first part of the light-emitting element to the second part of the light-emitting element can be set to be different, so as to suit the photosensitive elements 41 with different light-sensing requirements respectively. In different first display areas AA1, the layout of the connecting lines 44 can be the same or different.
[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the display panel has a border area BB, which is a non-display area surrounding the periphery of the display area AA.
[0084] refer to Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a pixel circuit layout in a first display area provided for implementation of this application. The second display area AA2 has a transition area AA3 adjacent to the border area BB, and the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first part of the light-emitting element 421 is located in the transition area AA3.
[0085] In the display panel, in order to avoid the edge effect from adversely affecting the performance of the light-emitting elements in the display area AA, a transition area AA3 needs to be set. The light-emitting elements 42 in the transition area are also called pseudo pixels. The light-emitting side of the pseudo pixels has a light-shielding layer so that the transition area AA3 and the border area BB are integrated into the non-display area in appearance. Figure 12 In the method shown, the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first part of the light-emitting element 421 is set in the transition area AA3, which does not affect the layout of the light-emitting element 421 in the normal display area AA used for image display, nor does it affect the circuit layout in the border area BB.
[0086] exist Figure 12 In the method shown, the light-emitting element 42 in the transition area AA3 is disconnected from the corresponding pixel circuit 43, and the pixel circuit 43 corresponding to the light-emitting element in the transition area AA3 is reused as the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first part of the light-emitting element 421. The first part of the light-emitting element 421 is then driven and controlled for display, thereby reducing the number of pixel circuits 43.
[0087] The pixel circuit 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting element 421 can be set in the transition area AA3 on one side edge of the display area AA, based on requirements. In order to reduce the length of the connecting line 44, the pixel circuit 431 can be set in the transition area AA3 on the side closest to the first display area AA1.
[0088] For example, when the photosensitive element 41 is an under-display camera on a mobile phone, the first display area AA1 is generally located near the top bezel. In this case, the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first part of the light-emitting element 421 can be located in the transition area AA3 adjacent to the top bezel. Alternatively, when the photosensitive element 41 is an under-display camera on a mobile phone, if the first display area AA1 is located near the upper left corner of the display area AA, the pixel circuit 431 can also be located in the transition area AA3 adjacent to the left bezel.
[0089] In this embodiment, the photosensitive element 41 is not limited to an under-display camera, but can also be a light sensor for detecting ambient light intensity or a photosensitive distance sensor for distance measurement. Specifically, the under-display camera or the light sensor for detecting ambient light intensity can be a photosensitive element 41 for sensing visible light, while the photosensitive distance sensor can be a photosensitive element 41 for sensing non-visible light.
[0090] When the photosensitive element 41 is used to sense visible light, for example, when the photosensitive element 41 is an under-display camera, and the display panel is in display mode, to avoid the impact of the light-emitting element 42 in the first display area AA1 emitting light on the image quality during the under-display camera's photo-taking process, the display panel is configured to control the light-emitting element 42 in the second display area AA2 to emit light, while controlling the light-emitting element 42 in the first display area AA1 to remain off. At this time, the first display area AA1 does not display an image; only the second display area AA2 displays the image. During non-photo-taking phases, the light-emitting elements 42 in both the first and second display areas AA1 and AA2 are controlled to emit light, and images are displayed simultaneously in both areas.
[0091] When the photosensitive element 41 is used to sense non-visible light, the light-emitting element 42 in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 can be controlled to emit light in both the working state and the non-working state of the photosensitive element 41, and the image can be displayed through the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.
[0092] refer to Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another pixel circuit layout in the first display area provided for implementation of this application. In this layout, the pixel circuit 431 connected to a portion of the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 is located in the border area BB of the display panel; the second display area AA has a transition area AA3 adjacent to the border area BB; and the pixel circuit 431 connected to another portion of the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 is located in the transition area AA3.
[0093] exist Figure 13 In the illustrated configuration, a portion of the pixel circuits 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 are placed in the transition area AA3, while another portion of the pixel circuits 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 are placed in the border area BB. In this way, the pixel circuits 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 are placed in both the transition area AA3 and the border area BB, which allows more light-emitting elements 42 in the first display area AA1 to serve as the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421, thereby significantly increasing the light-transmitting area of the first display area AA1 and thus significantly improving the light transmittance of the first display area AA1. Furthermore, it avoids placing the pixel circuits 431 at the end of the transition area AA3 that is far from the first display area AA1, thus avoiding the use of long connecting lines 44.
[0094] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the second display area AA2 is provided with a first side L1, and the border area BB of the display panel has a first border area BB1 adjacent to the first side L1; at least a portion of the pixel circuits 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 are located in the first border area BB1, and the pixel circuits 431 are arranged sequentially in the first border area BB1 along the direction of the first side L1, so as to avoid the pixel circuits 431 being arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first side L1, which would cause an increase in the width of the first border area BB1.
[0095] As described above, the first part of the light-emitting element 421 is connected to the corresponding pixel circuit 431 through a connecting line 44; wherein, different connecting lines 44 satisfy the condition of having the same impedance, so as to avoid display differences of the first part of the light-emitting element 421 due to different lengths of the connecting lines 44.
[0096] To prevent the connecting line 44 from blocking light from passing through the first display area AA1, the display panel includes a light-transmitting conductive layer for fabricating the connecting line 44. Although the connecting line 44 is light-transmitting, it is generally made of a semi-transparent, semi-reflective conductive material, which will also reflect ambient light. To ensure a more consistent appearance across different areas of the display panel when the screen is off, the light-transmitting conductive layer also includes pseudo-connecting lines insulated from the connecting line 44. These pseudo-connecting lines and the connecting line 44 are evenly distributed across the display area AA, resulting in a more consistent reflection effect across the entire display area AA, thus ensuring a more consistent appearance across different areas of the display panel when the screen is off.
[0097] Because the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting element 421 is located outside the first display area AA1, a longer connection line 44 is required between them. Therefore, compared to the light-emitting element 42 and the second portion of the light-emitting element in the second display area AA2, the connection impedance between the first portion of the light-emitting element 421 and the connected pixel circuit 431 is larger, resulting in display differences. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting element 421 is equipped with a compensation unit to reduce the display differences between the first portion of the light-emitting element 421 and the second portion of the light-emitting element.
[0098] The compensation unit may be a compensation capacitor connected to the storage capacitor in the pixel circuit 431, so that the pixel circuit 431 can store more electrical energy, or the compensation unit may be a signal enhancement circuit to provide a larger display driving signal to the pixel circuit 431 to compensate for the display difference between the light-emitting elements in the first display area AA1 and / or the second part of the light-emitting elements caused by the large impedance of the connecting line 44.
[0099] In the display panel described in this application embodiment, the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 in the first display area AA1 is disposed outside the first display area AA1. As mentioned above, the pixel circuit 431 is disposed in the border area BB and / or the transition area AA3, which can reduce the light obstruction by the pixel circuit 43 in the first display area AA1, increase the light-transmitting area of the array layer, and thus improve the light transmittance of the first display area AA1. The layout design of the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first portion of the light-emitting elements 421 does not need to be compressed, and can maintain the same design specifications as the conventional pixel circuit 43, ensuring the consistency of display performance.
[0100] The layout of the corresponding array layer is appropriately modified so that the layout of the pixel circuit 431 connected to the first part of the light-emitting element 421 is set with the corresponding border area BB and / or transition area AA3. The metal mask used can be a conventional design, and the process is simple and easy to implement.
[0101] Moreover, the technical solution of this application does not require compressing the aperture ratio of the light-emitting element 42 in the first display area AA1, so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 have the same aperture ratio, and the light-emitting element 42 in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 have the same lifespan.
[0102] Taking a 14-inch display panel with a resolution of 3200*200 as an example, a circular area with a diameter of 3.5mm is set as the first display area AA1 corresponding to the photosensitive element 41. The pixel unit size is 94.2μm, and the first display area AA1 includes 1083 pixels, with 37 pixel units in its diameter. If some pixel circuits 43 in the first display area AA1 are moved to the area of the upper bezel that is close to the first display area AA1, only a size of 84.2μm is needed in the width direction of the upper bezel, which has little impact on the size of the upper bezel. Within this size range, it has almost no impact on the width of the upper bezel.
[0103] The following is a further explanation of the effect of the display panel described in the embodiments of this application on improving the light transmittance of the first display area AA1.
[0104] In the embodiments of this application, for example, Figure 3 Six light-emitting elements 42, which are distributed in the same manner, are set as the first light-emitting element 421. The pixel circuit 43 connected to it is placed outside the first display area AA1. For the display array, since the light-emitting elements 42 are not changed, the light-transmitting area is the same as that of the first display area AA1. Figure 3 The method shown is the same.
[0105] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light transmission effect of the array layer in the display panel provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 15 This is a light transmission effect diagram of the display panel after the display array and array layer are superimposed in the embodiment of this application. The array layer is in the corresponding Figure 3 The light transmission effect of the same six light-emitting elements 42 in the area is as follows Figure 14 As shown, since the pixel circuit 43 connected to the six light-emitting elements 42 is located outside the first display area AA1, the array layer no longer has a metal pattern in the area of the six light-emitting elements 42. The light-transmitting area ratio of this area is close to 1, and its light transmittance depends on the superposition effect of the light transmittance of the inorganic layer and the organic layer in this area.
[0106] based on Figure 14 and Figure 5 As can be seen from the comparison of the light transmission effect, in this application, for the first light-emitting element 421, since the pixel circuit 43 connected to it is set outside the first display area AA1, the light-transmitting area after it is superimposed with the array layer is only affected by the light-emitting element 42, which greatly increases the area of the light-transmitting region.
[0107] If the pixel circuits 43 of all light-emitting elements 42 in a pixel unit are all located outside the first display area AA1, and the pixel unit is superimposed on the array layer below it that has no pixel circuits 43, the light-transmitting area of the area corresponding to the pixel unit is close to the area occupied by all light-emitting elements in that area. Figure 15 As shown, the light-transmitting area of the region corresponding to the same pixel unit accounts for 68%. Considering the influence of the common cathode and polarizer on light transmittance, the transmittance of the first display area AA1 can be above 17%. Further considering the transmittance of the insulating layer (90%) and the transmittance of the transparent conductive layer used to set the connecting lines 44 (85%) in the display panel, the transmittance of the first display area AA1 can reach above 13%, without affecting the lifespan of the light-emitting element 42 and other display performance in the first display area AA1.
[0108] correspond Figure 2 For the light-emitting elements arranged as shown, conventional solutions require reducing the size of the light-emitting area of the light-emitting elements in order to increase the light-transmitting area of the first display area. The design parameters of the light-emitting area of the light-emitting elements are shown in Table 1 below.
[0109] Table 1
[0110] Light-emitting element X-direction dimension of the luminescent region / μm Y-direction dimension of the luminescent region / μm Anode ratio R 25.12 17.66 5.00% G 25.12 26.54 7.51% B 19.08 37.2 8.00% Percentage of light-transmitting area 20.51%
[0111] Wherein, the X direction is Figure 2 The horizontal direction and the Y direction are Figure 2 Vertical in the middle.
[0112] The display panel described in this application embodiment does not require reducing the size of the light-emitting area in the first display area AA1. The design parameters of the light-emitting area and the aperture ratio of the light-emitting element are shown in Table 2 below.
[0113] Table 2
[0114] Light-emitting element X-direction dimension of the luminescent region / μm Y-direction dimension of the luminescent region / μm Slot ratio R 31.12 23.66 8.30% G 31.12 32.54 11.41% B 25.08 43.2 12.21% Percentage of light-transmitting area 68.08%
[0115] In the display panel described in this application embodiment, the structure of the pixel circuit 43 can be as follows: Figure 11 As shown. Corresponding to the first part of the light-emitting element 421, the first part of the light-emitting element 421 and the pixel circuit 43 located outside the first display area AA1 need to be connected by a connecting line 44. The connecting line connects node N4 in the pixel circuit 43 to the anode of the corresponding first part of the light-emitting element 421. The wiring method of the connecting line 44 includes, but is not limited to, as shown in the figure. Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown.
[0116] like Figure 8As shown, the connecting line 44 is located on the light-transmitting conductive layer 45. The display panel has a first metal layer M1 and a second metal layer M2. The first metal layer M1 is located above the active layer of the transistor and includes the gate of the transistor. The second metal layer M2 is located above the first metal layer M1 and includes the source and drain of the transistor. The light-emitting element 42 is located above the second metal layer M2. The light-transmitting conductive layer 45 is located between the light-emitting element 42 and the second metal layer M2.
[0117] In this embodiment, a light-transmitting conductive layer 45 needs to be added to facilitate the wiring of the connecting line 44. To ensure the flat surface required for the light-emitting element 42, a flattening layer needs to be added to the surface of the light-transmitting conductive layer 45.
[0118] Based on the above embodiments, another embodiment of this application provides an electronic device, the electronic device including as follows: Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display panel shown.
[0119] The electronic device described in this application embodiment can be a mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, all-in-one computer, or smart wearable device, or other electronic device with image display and light-sensing functions. The electronic device uses the display panel described in the above embodiment, which not only improves the light transmittance in the first display area AA1 but also maintains the consistency of the performance of the light-emitting elements 42 in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.
[0120] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive, parallel, or combined manner. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the electronic devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the display panels disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple, and relevant parts can be referred to the description of the display panels.
[0121] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the drawings and embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive. The same reference numerals throughout the embodiments identify the same structures. Additionally, for ease of understanding and description, the thicknesses of some layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated in the drawings. It is also understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element or there may be intermediate elements. Furthermore, "on" means positioning an element on or below another element, but does not inherently mean positioning it above another element according to the direction of gravity.
[0122] The terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. When a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a component positioned centrally in the middle.
[0123] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes the aforementioned element.
[0124] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A display panel, comprising: a display region, including: a first display region and a second display region, the first display region being provided with a light sensing element below, the second display region surrounding at least part of the first display region, the first display region and the second display region each being provided with a plurality of light emitting elements; wherein, for the light emitting elements in the first display region, a first part of the light emitting elements are connected with pixel circuits outside the first display region, and a second part of the light emitting elements are connected with pixel circuits inside the first display region, the pixel circuits being used to control the light emitting elements to display images; part of the pixel circuits connected with the second part of the light emitting elements is located below the first part of the light emitting elements, so as to layout the pixel circuits connected with the second part of the light emitting elements in the area below the first part of the light emitting elements.
2. The display panel according to claim 1, the pixel circuits connected with the first part of the light emitting elements are all located in a frame region of the display panel, the frame region being a non-display region surrounding a periphery of the display region.
3. The display panel according to claim 1, the second display region has a transition region adjacent to a frame region of the display panel, the frame region being a non-display region surrounding a periphery of the display region; the pixel circuits connected with the first part of the light emitting elements are located in the transition region.
4. The display panel according to claim 1, part of the pixel circuits connected with the first part of the light emitting elements are located in a frame region of the display panel, the frame region being a non-display region surrounding a periphery of the display region; the second display region has a transition region adjacent to the frame region, and another part of the pixel circuits connected with the first part of the light emitting elements are located in the transition region.
5. The display panel according to claim 1, the second display region has a first side edge, and a frame region of the display panel has a first frame region adjacent to the first side edge; at least part of the pixel circuits connected with the first part of the light emitting elements are located in the first frame region, and the pixel circuits are arranged in sequence along a direction of the first side edge in the first frame region.
6. The display panel according to claim 1, the first part of the light emitting elements are connected with the corresponding pixel circuits through connection lines; wherein different connection lines satisfy the same impedance condition.
7. The display panel according to claim 6, the display panel comprises a light-transmitting conductive layer, the light-transmitting conductive layer comprising the connection lines and dummy connection lines insulated from the connection lines.
8. The display panel according to claim 1, the pixel circuits connected with the first part of the light emitting elements are connected with compensation units, so as to reduce display differences between the first part of the light emitting elements and the second part of the light emitting elements.
9. An electronic device, comprising: the display panel according to any one of claims 1-8.
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