Display device

Abstract

The disclosure provides a display device including a display panel including a display area and a non-display area, the display area including a first area, a third area surrounded by the first area, and a second area disposed between the first area and the third area, at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area including a plurality of light emitting areas and a plurality of transmission areas, and an optical electronic device located below or a lower portion of the display panel and overlapping at least a portion of the first area included in the display area. The display panel can include a light blocking layer disposed below a transistor in the plurality of light emitting areas and not disposed in the plurality of transmission areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more specifically, to display devices capable of increasing the transmittance of an area where optical devices are provided. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in display technology, display devices can offer additional functions beyond image display, such as image capture and sensing capabilities. To provide these functions, display devices may require optical and electronic devices such as cameras and sensors for image detection.

[0003] In order to receive light passing through the front surface of the display device, it may be desirable to have the optical electronics located in an area of ​​the display device that can advantageously receive or detect incident light from the front surface. Therefore, in such a display device, the optical electronics can be located in the front portion of the display device to allow the optical electronics to be effectively exposed to incident light. To mount the optical electronics in this implementation, an increased bezel can be designed for the display device, or a notch or hole can be formed in the display area of ​​the display panel of the display device.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable that the display device has high transmittance to perform the intended function even when an optical electronic device, such as a camera, sensor, and / or the like, is attached to the display device to receive or detect incident light and perform a predefined function. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors have developed a technique for providing or placing one or more optical electronic devices in a display device without reducing the area of ​​the display area of ​​the display panel. Through this development, the inventors have invented a display device including a light-transmitting structure, wherein the optical electronic devices can normally and correctly receive or detect light even when the optical electronic devices are located below the display area of ​​the display panel and are therefore not exposed in the front surface of the display device.

[0006] In addition, the inventors have invented a display device having a structure in which the region where the optoelectronic device is disposed is configured to have high transmittance and the structure can be formed by a simple process.

[0007] One or more embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device that can reduce the non-display area of ​​a display panel by placing the optical electronic device below or in the lower portion of the display area of ​​the display panel, and that the optical electronic device is not exposed in the front surface of the display panel.

[0008] One or more embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device with a light transmission structure in which an optical electronic device located below or in the lower portion of the display area of ​​a display panel has the ability to normally receive or detect light.

[0009] One or more embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device capable of properly performing display driving in an optical region that overlaps with an optoelectronic device and is included in the display area of ​​a display panel.

[0010] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area, the display area including a first area, a third area surrounded by the first area, and a second area disposed between the first area and the third area; and an optical electronic device located below or in a lower portion of the display panel and overlapping at least a portion of the third area included in the display area. At least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area may include a plurality of light-emitting areas and a plurality of transmissive areas. The display panel may include a light-shielding layer disposed below transistors in the plurality of light-emitting areas but not in the plurality of transmissive areas.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that can reduce the non-display area of ​​a display panel by placing the optical electronic device below or in the lower portion of the display area of ​​the display panel, and that the optical electronic device is not exposed in the front surface of the display panel.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device with a light transmission structure can be provided in which an optical electronic device located below or in the lower portion of the display area of ​​a display panel has the ability to normally receive or detect light.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that is capable of normally performing display driving in an optical region that overlaps with an optoelectronic device and is included in the display area of ​​a display panel.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided having a structure in which a region where an optoelectronic device is disposed is configured to have high transmittance and the structure can be formed by a simple process.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that prevents the driving transistors in the boundary region from being affected by light diffraction even when a laser beam irradiates the first optical region and the second optical region to form multiple transmission regions while the light-shielding layer is formed in the entire region of the boundary region.

[0016] Additional features and aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept provided herein. Other features and aspects of the inventive concept may be realized and obtained by means of the written description, its claims and drawings, or from structures deducible therefrom. Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon study of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are intended to be included within this specification, within the scope of this disclosure, and protected by the appended claims. Nothing in this section should be construed as limiting those claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description of this disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further illustration of the stated inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate aspects of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings: Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D This is a plan view illustrating an example display device according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 2 An example system configuration of a display device according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 3 An example equivalent circuit for a subpixel in a display panel according to an aspect of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 4A An example arrangement of subpixels in three regions included in the display area of ​​a display panel according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 4B Another example structure of the first optical region of a display panel according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 5A An example arrangement of signal lines in each of the first optical region and the general region of a display panel according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 5B An example arrangement of signal lines in each of the second optical region and the general region of a display panel according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 6A and Figure 6B These are schematic illustrations of example plan views and example cross-sectional views of the display area of ​​a display panel according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an example cross-sectional view of each of the ordinary area, boundary area, first optical area, and second optical area included in the display area of ​​a display panel according to aspects of this disclosure; and Figure 8 An example is shown of a light-shielding layer disposed in the display area of ​​a display panel according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Now, reference will be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the structures, embodiments, implementations, methods, and operations described herein are not limited to one or more specific examples set forth herein, and may be varied as is known in the art, unless otherwise specified. The names of the corresponding elements used in the following description are chosen merely for convenience in drafting the specification and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products.

[0019] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings for describing various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are given by way of example only. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrations in the figures. Similar reference numerals always designate similar elements unless otherwise specified. The advantages and features of this disclosure and its implementation methods will be illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete enough to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalents. In the following description, detailed descriptions of relevant known functions or configurations may be omitted where such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure aspects of this disclosure. Where terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “containing,” “constituting,” “made of,” “formed from,” etc., are used, one or more other elements may be added unless a term such as “only” is used. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, elements described in the singular are intended to include multiple elements, and vice versa. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form used herein is intended to include the plural form.

[0020] When interpreting an element, it will be understood as including a range of errors or tolerances, even if no explicit description of such a range of errors or tolerances is provided.

[0021] When describing positional relationships, such as using terms like "above," "over," "below," "on top," "below," "beside," or "immediately following" to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more other parts may be located between these two parts, unless further restrictive terms such as "exactly," "directly," or "closely" are used. For example, if an element or layer is placed "above" another element or layer, a third element or layer may be inserted in between. Furthermore, the terms "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "downward," "upward," "above," and "below" refer to any frame of reference. Temporal relative terms such as "after," "following," "next," and "before" used to describe temporal relationships between events, operations, etc., are generally intended to include events, situations, circumstances, operations, etc., that do not occur consecutively, unless terms such as "directly" or "exactly" are used.

[0022] When describing temporal relationships, discontinuous situations may be included when the temporal order is described as such as “after,” “following,” “next,” or “before,” unless further restrictive terms such as “right,” “exactly,” or “directly” are used.

[0023] Although the terms “first,” “second,” A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be construed as being limited by these terms, as they are not used to define a particular order or priority. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from others. The expressions “first element,” “second element,” and “ / or” “third element” should be understood as one of the first, second, and third elements, or any combination or all of the first, second, and third elements.

[0024] For example, A, B, and / or C can refer to only A, only B, or only C; any or some combination of A, B, and C; or all of A, B, and C. Therefore, in the technical concept of this disclosure, the first element mentioned below can be the second element. Furthermore, the term "may" fully encompasses all meanings of the term "may". The term "at least one" should be understood to include any combination or all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the meaning of "at least one of the first element, the second element, and the third element" encompasses combinations of all three listed elements, combinations of any two of the three elements, and each individual element (the first element, the second element, and the third element).

[0025] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D This is a plan view illustrating an example display device 100 according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D The display device 100 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a display panel 110 for displaying images and one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12).

[0028] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA in which an image is displayed and a non-display area NDA in which no image is displayed.

[0029] Multiple subpixels can be arranged in the display area DA, and several types of signal lines used to drive the multiple subpixels can be arranged therein.

[0030] The non-display area NDA can refer to the area outside the display area DA. Several types of signal lines can be arranged in the non-display area NDA, and several types of drive circuits can be connected to it. At least a portion of the non-display area NDA can be bent so that it is not visible from the front of the display panel, or it can be covered by the housing (not shown) of the display device 100 or the display panel 110. The non-display area NDA can also be referred to as a bezel or bezel area.

[0031] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D In the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure, one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) may be located below or in the lower portion of the display panel 110 (opposite to its viewing surface).

[0032] Light can enter the front surface (viewing surface) of the display panel 110, pass through the display panel 110, and reach one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) located below or in the lower portion of the display panel 110 (opposite side of the viewing surface).

[0033] One or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) may receive or detect light transmitted through the display panel 110 and perform predefined functions based on the received light. For example, one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) may include one or more of the following: an image capturing device such as a camera (image sensor) and / or the like; or a sensor such as a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor and / or the like.

[0034] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D In the display panel 110 according to aspects of this disclosure, the display area DA may include one or more optical areas (OA1 and / or OA2) and a general area NA. Hereinafter, the term "general area" NA is an area that does not overlap with one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12) when present in the display area DA, and may also be referred to as a non-optical area.

[0035] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D One or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may be one or more regions that overlap with one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12).

[0036] according to Figure 1A For example, the display area DA may include a first optical area OA1 and a normal area NA. In this example, at least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11.

[0037] Although Figure 1A An example is shown in which the first optical region OA1 has a circular shape, but the shape of the first optical region OA1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0038] For example, such as Figure 1B As shown, the first optical region OA1 can have an octagonal shape or various polygonal shapes.

[0039] according to Figure 1C For example, the display area DA may include a first optical area OA1, a second optical area OA2, and a normal area NA. Figure 1C In this example, at least a portion of the ordinary region NA may exist between the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2. In this example, at least a portion of the first optical region OA1 may overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical region OA2 may overlap with the second optoelectronic device 12.

[0040] according to Figure 1D For example, the display area DA may include a first optical area OA1, a second optical area OA2, and a normal area NA. Figure 1DIn this example, the ordinary region NA may not exist between the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2. For example, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may be in contact with each other (e.g., directly in contact with each other). In this example, at least a portion of the first optical region OA1 may overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical region OA2 may overlap with the second optoelectronic device 12.

[0041] In some implementations, it is desirable to form an image display structure and a light transmission structure within one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2). For example, since one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) are part of the display area DA, sub-pixels for displaying images need to be provided within one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2). Additionally, a light transmission structure is required to allow light to pass through one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12), thus forming a light transmission structure within one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2).

[0042] Even if one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) are required to receive or detect light, one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) may be located on the back of the display panel 110 (e.g., on the opposite side of the viewing surface). In this embodiment, one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) are located, for example, below or in the lower portion of the display panel 110 and are configured to receive light that has passed through the display panel 110.

[0043] For example, one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12) are not exposed on the front surface (viewing surface) of the display panel 110. Therefore, when a user looks in front of the display device 100, one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12) are positioned as invisible to the user.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first optical electronic device 11 may be a camera, and the second optical electronic device 12 may be a sensor such as a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an infrared sensor, and / or the like. For example, the camera may be a camera lens, an image sensor, or a unit that includes at least one of a camera lens and an image sensor. The sensor may be, for example, an infrared sensor capable of detecting infrared light.

[0045] In another embodiment, the first optical electronic device 11 may be a sensor, and the second optical electronic device 12 may be a camera.

[0046] In the following discussion, for convenience only, reference will be made to an embodiment in which the first optical electronic device 11 is a camera and the second optical electronic device 12 is a sensor. However, it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure includes embodiments in which the first optical electronic device 11 is a sensor and the second optical electronic device 12 is a camera. For example, the camera may be a camera lens, an image sensor, or a unit including at least one of a camera lens and an image sensor.

[0047] In an example where the first optical electronic device 11 is a camera, the camera may be located on the back of the display panel 110 (e.g., below or in the lower portion) and is a front-facing camera capable of capturing objects or images in the forward direction of the display panel 110. Therefore, a user can capture images or objects by means of a camera that is not visible on the viewing surface while looking at the viewing surface of the display panel 110.

[0048] Despite Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D In each of the display areas DA, the ordinary area NA and one or more optical areas (OA1 and / or OA2) are areas where images can be displayed. However, the ordinary area NA is the area where a light transmission structure does not need to be formed, while the one or more optical areas (OA1 and / or OA2) are the areas where a light transmission structure needs to be formed. Therefore, in some embodiments, the ordinary area NA is the area where a light transmission structure is not implemented or included, and the one or more optical areas (OA1 and / or OA2) are the areas where a light transmission structure is implemented or included.

[0049] Therefore, one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may have a transmittance greater than or equal to a predetermined level, i.e., relatively high transmittance, and the general region NA may have no transmittance or a transmittance less than a predetermined level, i.e., relatively low transmittance.

[0050] For example, one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may have different resolutions, subpixel arrangement structures, number of subpixels per unit area, electrode structures, line structures, electrode arrangement structures, line arrangement structures, or / and the like from ordinary region NA.

[0051] In one implementation, the number of subpixels per unit area in one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may be less than the number of subpixels per unit area in the non-optical region NA. For example, the resolution of one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may be lower than the resolution of the ordinary region NA. Here, the number of subpixels per unit area can be a unit used to measure resolution, for example, referred to as pixels per inch (or subpixels) (PPI), representing the number of pixels per inch.

[0052] In one implementation, Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D In each of the first optical regions OA1, the number of sub-pixels per unit area can be less than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the non-optical region NA. In one embodiment, in Figure 1C and Figure 1D In each of the first optical regions OA1, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the second optical region OA2 can be greater than or equal to the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical region OA1.

[0053] exist Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D In each of these, the first optical region OA1 can have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Figure 1C and Figure 1D In each of these regions, the second optical region OA2 can have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can have the same shape or different shapes.

[0054] Reference Figure 1C In the example where the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are in contact with each other, the entire optical region including the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can also have various shapes such as circles, ellipses, quadrilaterals, hexagons, octagons, etc.

[0055] In the following discussion, for ease of description, embodiments in which each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 has a circular shape will be provided. However, it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure includes embodiments in which one or both of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 have a shape other than a circular shape.

[0056] In this document, a display device 100 according to an aspect of this disclosure, having a first optical electronic device 11 positioned under or in the lower portion of the display panel 110 and not exposed to the outside, having a camera structure, may be referred to as a display (or display device) employing under-display camera (UDC) technology.

[0057] Since it is not necessary to form a notch or camera hole in the display panel 110 for exposing the camera, the display device 100 according to this configuration can have the advantage of preventing the size of the display area DA from decreasing.

[0058] Since it is not necessary to form a notch or camera hole in the display panel 110 for exposing the camera, the display device 100 can have other advantages such as increased design freedom and reduced bezel area size due to the elimination of such design constraints.

[0059] Although one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12) are positioned on the back (below or lower portion) of the display panel 110 in the display device 100 according to aspects of this disclosure, i.e., hidden and not exposed to the outside, one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12) are required to receive or detect light in order to properly perform predefined functions.

[0060] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to aspects of this disclosure, although one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) are positioned to cover the back (lower or lower portion) of the display panel 110 and to overlap with the display area DA, image display must be performed normally in one or more optical areas (OA1 and / or OA2) overlapping with one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) in the display area DA.

[0061] Figure 2 An example system configuration of a display device 100 according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 The display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit as components for displaying images.

[0063] The display driving circuit is a circuit used to drive the display panel 110, and may include a data driving circuit 220, a gating driving circuit 230, a display controller 240, and other components.

[0064] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA in which an image is displayed and a non-display area NDA in which no image is displayed. The non-display area NDA may be an area outside the display area DA, and may also be referred to as an edge area or a border area. All or part of the non-display area NDA may be an area visible from the front surface of the display device 100 or an area not visible from the front surface of the display device 100 when the corresponding part is bent.

[0065] The display panel 110 may include a substrate SUB and a plurality of sub-pixels SP disposed on the substrate SUB. The display panel 110 may also include various types of signal lines for driving the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0066] In some embodiments, the display device 100 herein may be a liquid crystal display device or a self-emissive display device in which light is emitted from the display panel 110 itself. In an example where the display device 100 according to an aspect of this disclosure is a self-emissive display device, each of the plurality of pixels SP may include a light-emitting element.

[0067] In one embodiment, the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure may be an organic light-emitting display device in which an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is used to realize the light-emitting element. In another embodiment, the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure may be an inorganic light-emitting display device in which an inorganic light-emitting diode based on an inorganic material is used to realize the light-emitting element. In yet another embodiment, the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure may be a quantum dot display device in which a quantum dot, as a self-emissive semiconductor crystal, is used to realize the light-emitting element.

[0068] The structure of each of the plurality of pixels SP can vary depending on the type of display device 100. In an example where the display device 100 is a self-emissive display device including self-emissive subpixels SP, each subpixel SP may include a self-emissive light-emitting element, one or more transistors and one or more capacitors.

[0069] The various types of signal lines arranged in the display device 100 may include, for example, multiple data lines DL for carrying data signals (which may be referred to as data voltage or image signals), multiple gating lines GL for carrying gating signals (which may be referred to as scan signals), etc.

[0070] Multiple data lines (DL) and multiple gating lines (GL) can intersect each other. Each of the multiple data lines (DL) can extend in a first direction. Each of the multiple gating lines (GL) can extend in a second direction.

[0071] For example, the first direction can be a column or a vertical direction, and the second direction can be a row or a horizontal direction. In another example, the first direction can be a row direction, and the second direction can be a column direction.

[0072] The data driving circuit 220 can be a circuit for driving multiple data lines DL, and can supply data signals to the multiple data lines DL. The gating driving circuit 230 can be a circuit for driving multiple gating lines GL, and can supply gating signals to the multiple gating lines GL.

[0073] The display controller 240 can be a device for controlling the data drive circuit 220 and the gating drive circuit 230, and can control the driving timing of multiple data lines DL and the driving timing of multiple gating lines GL.

[0074] The display controller 240 can supply the data drive control signal DCS to the data drive circuit 220 to control the data drive circuit 220, and supply the gating drive control signal GCS to the gating drive circuit 230 to control the gating drive circuit 230.

[0075] The display controller 240 can receive input image data from the host system 250 and supply image data Data to the data drive circuit 220 based on the input image data.

[0076] The data drive circuit 220 can supply data signals to multiple data lines DL according to the driving timing control of the display controller 240.

[0077] The data drive circuit 220 can receive digital image data Data from the display controller 240, convert the received image data Data into an analog data signal, and supply the resulting analog data signal to multiple data lines DL.

[0078] The gating drive circuit 230 can supply gating signals to multiple gating lines GL according to the timing control of the display controller 240. The gating drive circuit 230 can receive a first gating voltage corresponding to the on-level voltage and a second gating voltage corresponding to the off-level voltage, together with various gating drive control signals GCS, generate gating signals, and supply the generated gating signals to the multiple gating lines GL.

[0079] In some implementations, the data drive circuit 220 may be connected to the display panel 110 in a tape-on-board (TAB) type, or to conductive pads such as bonding pads on the display panel 110 in a chip-on-glass (COG) type or chip-on-board (COP) type, or to the display panel 110 in a chip-on-film (COF) type.

[0080] In some embodiments, the gate drive circuit 230 may be connected to the display panel 110 in a tape-on-board (TAB) type, or to conductive pads such as bonding pads on the display panel 110 in a chip-on-glass (COG) or chip-on-film (COP) type, or to the display panel 110 in a chip-on-film (COF) type. In another embodiment, the gate drive circuit 230 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel 110 in a gate-in-board (GIP) type. The gate drive circuit 230 may be disposed on or above the substrate, or connected to the substrate. That is, in the case of the GIP type, the gate drive circuit 230 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the substrate. In the cases of chip-on-glass (COG), chip-on-film (COF), etc., the gate drive circuit 230 may be connected to the substrate.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gating driving circuit 230 may be disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110. For example, at least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gating driving circuit 230 may be configured not to overlap with the sub-pixel SP, or may be configured to overlap with one or more or all of the sub-pixels SP.

[0082] The data driving circuit 220 may also be located in only one side or portion (e.g., the top edge or the bottom edge) of the display panel 110. In some embodiments, the data driving circuit 220 may be located in at least two of the four sides or portions (e.g., the top edge and the bottom edge) of the display panel 110, depending on the driving scheme, panel design, etc.

[0083] The gating drive circuit 230 may be located in only one side or portion (e.g., the left edge or the right edge) of the display panel 110. In some embodiments, the gating drive circuit 230 may be connected to two sides or portions (e.g., the left edge and the right edge) of the display panel 110, or to at least two of the four sides or portions (e.g., the top edge, the bottom edge, the left edge, and the right edge) of the display panel 110, depending on the driving scheme, panel design, etc.

[0084] The display controller 240 can be implemented in a component separate from the data drive circuit 220, or it can be integrated with the data drive circuit 220 and thus implemented in an integrated circuit.

[0085] Display controller 240 may be a timing controller used in typical display technologies or a controller or control device capable of performing other control functions in addition to those of a typical timing controller. In some embodiments, display controller 240 may be a controller or control device different from the timing controller, or a circuit or component included in a controller or control device. Display controller 240 may be implemented using various circuit or electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), processors, and / or the like.

[0086] The display controller 240 may be mounted on a printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit and / or similar object, and electrically connected to the gating drive circuit 230 and the data drive circuit 220 via the printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit and / or similar object.

[0087] The display controller 240 can send signals to and receive signals from the data drive circuit 220 via one or more predefined interfaces. In some implementations, such interfaces may include a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface, an embedded point-to-point clock interface (EPI), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, in order to provide touch sensing functionality in addition to image display functionality, the display device 100 may include at least one touch sensor and a touch sensing circuit capable of detecting whether a touch event occurs due to a touch object such as a finger or pen, or detecting the corresponding touch position by sensing the touch sensor.

[0089] The touch sensing circuit may include a touch driver circuit 260 capable of generating and providing touch sensing data by driving and sensing a touch sensor, a touch controller 270 capable of using the touch sensing data to detect the occurrence of a touch event or to detect the touch position, and one or more other components.

[0090] The touch sensor may include multiple touch electrodes. The touch sensor may also include multiple touch lines for electrically connecting the multiple touch electrodes to the touch driving circuitry 260.

[0091] The touch sensor can be implemented in the touch panel, or externally as part of the touch panel 110, or internally as part of the display panel 110. In the example where the touch sensor is implemented in the touch panel or externally as part of the touch panel 110, this type of touch sensor is referred to as add-on type. In examples where an add-on type touch sensor is provided, the touch panel and display panel 110 can be manufactured and coupled separately during the assembly process. The add-on type touch panel may include a touch panel substrate and multiple touch electrodes on the touch panel substrate.

[0092] In an example where the touch sensor is implemented inside the display panel 110, the process of manufacturing the display panel 110 may include placing the touch sensor together with signal lines and electrodes associated with driving the display device 100 above the substrate SUB.

[0093] The touch driving circuit 260 can supply touch driving signals to at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes to generate touch sensing data.

[0094] Touch sensing circuits can use self-capacitance sensing technology or mutual capacitance sensing technology to perform touch sensing.

[0095] In an example where the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using self-capacitance sensing technology, the touch sensing circuit can perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between each touch electrode and the touch object (e.g., a finger, a pen, etc.).

[0096] According to self-capacitance sensing technology, each of the plurality of touch electrodes can be used as both a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode. The touch driving circuit 260 can drive all or one or more of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense all or one or more of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0097] In an example where the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using mutual capacitance sensing technology, the touch sensing circuit can perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between the touch electrodes.

[0098] Based on mutual capacitance sensing technology, multiple touch electrodes are divided into driving touch electrodes and sensing touch electrodes. The touch driving circuit 260 can drive the driving touch electrodes and sense the sensing touch electrodes.

[0099] The touch driving circuit 260 and touch controller 270 included in the touch sensing circuit can be implemented in separate devices or in a single device. Additionally, the touch driving circuit 260 and data driving circuit 220 can be implemented in separate devices or in a single device.

[0100] The display device 100 may also include a power supply circuit for supplying various types of power to the display driving circuit and / or touch sensing circuit.

[0101] In some embodiments, the display device 100 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or a monitor or television (TV). Such a device may have various types, sizes, and shapes. The display device 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and includes displays of various types, sizes, and shapes for displaying information or images.

[0102] As described above, the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include, for example: Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D The diagram shows a general area NA and one or more optical areas (OA1 and / or OA2).

[0103] A normal region NA and one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) are areas in which images can be displayed. However, a normal region NA is a region in which a light transmission structure does not need to be implemented, and one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) are regions in which a light transmission structure needs to be implemented.

[0104] As mentioned above Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D For the purposes of this example discussion, although the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include one or more optical areas (OA1 and / or OA2) in addition to the ordinary area NA, for ease of description, in the following discussion, it is assumed that the display area DA includes the areas shown in the example. Figure 1C and Figure 1D The first optical region and the second optical region (OA1 and OA2) and the general region NA; and its general region NA includes Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D The ordinary region NA in the image, and its first optical region and second optical region (OA1 and / or OA2) respectively include Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D The first optical region OA1 and Figure 1C and Figure 1D The second optical region OA2 in the image, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0105] Figure 3 An example equivalent circuit of a sub-pixel SP in a display panel 110 according to an aspect of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0106] Each of the sub-pixels SP in the ordinary area NA, the first optical area OA1, and the second optical area OA2 included in the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include a light-emitting element ED, a driving transistor DRT for driving the light-emitting element ED, a scanning transistor SCT for transmitting the data voltage Vdata to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT, and a storage capacitor Cst for maintaining the voltage at an approximately constant level during a frame, etc.

[0107] The driving transistor DRT may include a first node N1 to which a data voltage is applied, a second node N2 electrically connected to a light-emitting element ED, and a third node N3 to which a driving voltage ELVDD is applied through the driving voltage line DVL. In the driving transistor DRT, the first node N1 may be a gate node, the second node N2 may be a source node or a drain node, and the third node N3 may be a drain node or a source node.

[0108] The light-emitting element ED may include an anode electrode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a cathode electrode CE. The anode electrode AE ​​may be a pixel electrode disposed in each sub-pixel SP and may be electrically connected to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT of each sub-pixel SP. The cathode electrode CE may be a common electrode disposed in multiple sub-pixels SP, and a base voltage ELVSS, such as a low-level voltage, may be applied to the cathode electrode CE.

[0109] For example, the anode electrode AE ​​can be a pixel electrode, and the cathode electrode CE can be a common electrode. In another example, the anode electrode AE ​​can be a common electrode, and the cathode electrode CE can be a pixel electrode. For ease of description, in the following discussion, it is assumed that the anode electrode AE ​​is a pixel electrode and the cathode electrode CE is a common electrode, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0110] The light-emitting element (ED) can be, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an inorganic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting element, etc. In an example where an organic light-emitting diode is used as the light-emitting element (ED), the light-emitting layer (EL) included in the light-emitting element (ED) may include an organic light-emitting layer containing organic materials.

[0111] The scanning transistor SCT can be turned on and off by the scanning signal SCAN, which is the gating signal applied through the gating line GL, and is electrically connected between the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT and the data line DL.

[0112] The storage capacitor Cst can be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0113] Each sub-pixel SP can be like Figure 3The diagram shows two transistors (2T: DRT and SCT) and one capacitor (1C: Cst) (which may be referred to as a "2T1C structure"), and in some cases, it may also include one or more transistors, or one or more capacitors.

[0114] In some implementations, the storage capacitor Cst that may exist between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT may be an external capacitor that is intentionally configured or designed to be located outside the driving transistor DRT, rather than an internal capacitor such as a parasitic capacitor (e.g., gate-source capacitance Cgs, gate-drain capacitance Cgd, etc.).

[0115] Each of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT can be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0116] In some embodiments, each of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT may be a low-temperature polysilicon transistor. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT may be an oxide thin-film transistor.

[0117] Since the circuit elements (e.g., in particular, the light-emitting element ED) in each sub-pixel SP are susceptible to external moisture or oxygen, an encapsulation layer ENCAP can be provided in the display panel 110 to prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the circuit elements (e.g., in particular, the light-emitting element ED). The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be configured to cover the light-emitting element ED.

[0118] Figure 4A An example arrangement of subpixels SP in three regions (NA, OA1, and OA2) included in the display area DA of a display panel 110 according to an aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 4B Another example structure of the first optical region of the display panel 110 according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0119] Reference Figure 4A In some implementations, multiple sub-pixels SP can be disposed in each of the ordinary area NA, the first optical area OA1, and the second optical area OA2 included in the display area DA.

[0120] Multiple subpixels SP may include, for example, a red subpixel that emits red light (red SP), a green subpixel that emits green light (green SP), and a blue subpixel that emits blue light (blue SP).

[0121] Therefore, each of the ordinary region NA, the first optical region OA1, and the second optical region OA2 may include one or more light-emitting regions EA of one or more red sub-pixels (red SP), one or more light-emitting regions EA of one or more green sub-pixels (green SP), and one or more light-emitting regions EA of one or more blue sub-pixels (blue SP).

[0122] Reference Figure 4A In some implementations, the ordinary region NA may not include a light-transmitting structure, but may include a light-emitting region EA.

[0123] In contrast, in some implementations, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 need to include both the light-emitting region EA and the light-transmitting structure.

[0124] Therefore, the first optical region OA1 may include one or more light-emitting regions EA and one or more first transmission regions TA1, and the second optical region OA2 may include one or more light-emitting regions EA and one or more second transmission regions TA2.

[0125] The luminescent area EA and the transmissive area (TA1 and / or TA2) can differ depending on whether light transmission is permitted. For example, the luminescent area EA can be an area where light transmission is not permitted (e.g., light transmission to the back of the display panel is not permitted), and the transmissive area (TA1 and / or TA2) can be an area where light transmission is permitted (e.g., light transmission to the back of the display panel is permitted).

[0126] The luminescent region EA and the transmissive region (TA1 and / or TA2) can also vary depending on whether a specific metal layer is included. For example, as Figure 3 The cathode electrode CE shown may be disposed in the light-emitting region EA, and the cathode electrode CE may not be disposed in the transmission regions (TA1 and / or TA2). In some embodiments, a light-shielding layer may be disposed in the light-emitting region EA, and the light-shielding layer may not be disposed in the transmission regions (TA1 and / or TA2).

[0127] Since the first optical region OA1 includes the first transmission region TA1 and the second optical region OA2 includes the second transmission region TA2, both the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are regions through which light can pass.

[0128] In one embodiment, the transmittance (transmission level) of the first optical region OA1 and the transmittance (transmission level) of the second optical region OA2 can be substantially equal.

[0129] For example, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 can have substantially the same shape or size. In another example, even when the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 have different shapes or sizes, the ratio of the first transmission region TA1 to the first optical region OA1 and the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 to the second optical region OA2 can be substantially equal. In the example, each of the first transmission regions TA1 has the same shape and size. In the example, each of the second transmission regions TA2 has the same shape and size.

[0130] In another embodiment, the transmittance (transmission level) of the first optical region OA1 and the transmittance (transmission level) of the second optical region OA2 may be different from each other.

[0131] For example, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 can have different shapes or sizes. In another example, even when the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 have substantially the same shape or size, the ratio of the first transmission region TA1 to the first optical region OA1 and the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 to the second optical region OA2 can be different from each other.

[0132] For example, in such Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D The first optical electronic device 11, which overlaps with the first optical region OA1, shown in the figure, is a camera and as... Figure 1C and Figure 1D The second optical electronics 12 shown, which overlaps with the second optical region OA2, is an example of a sensor used to detect an image. The camera may require a much larger amount of light than the sensor.

[0133] Therefore, the transmittance (transmission level) of the first optical region OA1 can be greater than that of the second optical region OA2.

[0134] For example, the size of the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 can be larger than the size of the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2. In another example, even when the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 have substantially the same size, the ratio of the first transmission region TA1 to the first optical region OA1 can be greater than the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 to the second optical region OA2.

[0135] In the implementation method, such as Figure 4A As shown, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 may have a circular shape in the cross-sectional view, but the structure of the first transmission region TA1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0136] In another embodiment, such as Figure 4B As shown, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 can have an octagonal shape. In some embodiments, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 can have an elliptical or polygonal shape.

[0137] In this way, by changing the shape of the first transmission region TA1, the transmittance of the first transmission region TA1 can be adjusted, and the area or size of the light-emitting region of the first optical region OA1 can be adjusted.

[0138] For ease of description, the following discussion is based on an implementation in which the transmittance (transmission level) of the first optical region OA1 is greater than the transmittance (transmission level) of the second optical region OA2.

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 4A The transmissive regions (TA1 and / or TA2) shown can be referred to as transparent regions, and the term transmittance can be referred to as transparency.

[0140] Furthermore, in the following discussion, it is assumed that the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are located at the upper edge of the display area DA of the display panel 110 and are set to be horizontally adjacent to each other, such as... Figure 4A The ground shown is positioned in the direction of extension of the upper edge, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0141] Reference Figure 4A The horizontal display area with a first optical region OA1 and a second optical region OA2 is referred to as the first horizontal display area HA1, and the other horizontal display area without the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 is referred to as the second horizontal display area HA2.

[0142] Reference Figure 4A The first horizontal display area HA1 may include a portion of the normal area NA, a first optical area OA1, and a second optical area OA2. The second horizontal display area HA2 may include only another portion of the normal area NA.

[0143] Figure 5A An example arrangement of signal lines in each of the first optical region OA1 and the ordinary region NA of a display panel 110 according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, and Figure 5BAn example arrangement of signal lines in each of the second optical region OA2 and the general region NA of a display panel 110 according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0144] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first horizontal display area HA1 shown is a portion of the first horizontal display area HA1 of the display panel 110. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The second horizontal display area HA2 shown is a portion of the second horizontal display area HA2 of the display panel 110.

[0145] Figure 5A The first optical region OA1 shown is a portion of the first optical region OA1 of the display panel 110, and Figure 5B The second optical region OA2 shown is a portion of the second optical region OA2 of the display panel 110.

[0146] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first horizontal display area HA1 may include a portion of the normal area NA, a first optical area OA1, and a second optical area OA2. The second horizontal display area HA2 may include another portion of the normal area NA.

[0147] Various types of horizontal lines (HL1 and HL2) and various types of vertical lines (VLn, VL1 and VL2) can be set in the display panel 110.

[0148] In some implementations, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used to refer to two directions intersecting the display panel; however, it should be noted that the horizontal and vertical directions can change depending on the viewing direction. The horizontal direction can refer to, for example, the extension direction of a gate line GL, and the vertical direction can refer to, for example, the extension direction of a data line DL. Thus, the terms horizontal and vertical are used to refer to two directions.

[0149] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The horizontal lines set in the display panel 110 may include a first horizontal line HL1 set in the first horizontal display area HA1 and a second horizontal line HL2 set in the second horizontal display area HA2.

[0150] The horizontal lines set in the display panel 110 can be gate lines GL. That is, the first horizontal line HL1 and the second horizontal line HL2 can be gate lines GL. Depending on the structure of one or more sub-pixels SP, the gate lines GL can include various types of gate lines.

[0151] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe vertical lines provided in the display panel 110 may include a typical vertical line VLn provided only in the normal area NA, a first vertical line VL1 extending through both the first optical area OA1 and the normal area NA, and a second vertical line VL2 extending through both the second optical area OA2 and the normal area NA.

[0152] The vertical lines provided in the display panel 110 may include data lines DL, driving voltage lines DVL, etc., and may also include reference voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc. That is, the typical vertical line VLn, the first vertical line VL1, and the second vertical line VL2 may include data lines DL, driving voltage lines DVL, etc., and may also include reference voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.

[0153] In some implementations, it should be noted that the term "horizontal" in the second horizontal line HL2 may simply mean that the signal is transported from the left side to the right side (or from the right side to the left side) of the display panel, and may not mean that the second horizontal line HL2 extends in a straight line only in the direct horizontal direction. For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the diagram, although the second horizontal line HL2 is illustrated as a straight line, one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 may include lines that are parallel to each other. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The configuration shown has one or more bends or folds. Similarly, one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 may also include one or more bends or folds.

[0154] In some implementations, it should be noted that the term "vertical" in a typical vertical line VLn may simply mean that the signal is transported from the upper portion of the display panel to the lower portion (or from the lower portion to the upper portion), and may not mean that the typical vertical line VLn extends in a straight line only in the directly vertical direction. For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the diagram, although a typical vertical line VLn is illustrated as a straight line, one or more typical vertical lines VLn can include lines that are parallel to each other. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The configuration shown has one or more bends or folds. Similarly, one or more of the first vertical lines VL1 and one or more of the second vertical lines VL2 may also include one or more bends or folds.

[0155] Reference Figure 5A The first optical region OA1 included in the first horizontal region HA1 may include, for example, Figure 4A The diagram shows the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1. In the first optical region OA1, the corresponding outer region of the first transmission region TA1 may include the corresponding light-emitting region EA.

[0156] Reference Figure 5A In order to improve the transmittance of the first optical region OA1, the first horizontal line HL1 can extend through the first optical region OA1 while avoiding the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0157] Accordingly, each of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 may include one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more of the first transmission regions TA1.

[0158] Accordingly, the first horizontal line HL1 disposed in the first horizontal region HA1 and the second horizontal line HL2 disposed in the second horizontal region HA2 can have different shapes or lengths. For example, the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second horizontal line HL2 not extending through the first optical region OA1 can have different shapes or lengths.

[0159] In addition, in order to improve the transmittance of the first optical region OA1, the first vertical line VL1 can extend through the first optical region OA1 while avoiding the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0160] Accordingly, each of the first vertical lines VL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 may include one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more of the first transmission regions TA1.

[0161] Therefore, the first vertical line VL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the typical vertical line VLn set in the ordinary region NA but not extending through the first optical region OA1 can have different shapes or lengths.

[0162] Reference Figure 5A The first transmission region TA1 included in the first optical region OA1 in the first horizontal region HA1 can be arranged in a diagonal direction.

[0163] Reference Figure 5A In the first optical region OA1 within the first horizontal region HA1, one or more light-emitting regions EA can be disposed between two horizontally adjacent first transmission regions TA1. In the first optical region OA1 within the first horizontal region HA1, one or more light-emitting regions EA can be disposed between two vertically adjacent first transmission regions TA1.

[0164] Reference Figure 5AEach of the first horizontal lines HL1 in the first horizontal region HA1 (e.g., each of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1) may include one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more of the corresponding outer edges of one or more of the first transmission regions TA1.

[0165] Reference Figure 5B The second optical region OA2 included in the first horizontal region HA1 may include a light-emitting region EA and a second transmission region TA2. In the second optical region OA2, the corresponding outer region of the second transmission region TA2 may include the corresponding light-emitting region EA.

[0166] In one embodiment, the light-emitting region EA and the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can have the same characteristics as... Figure 5A The luminescent region EA and the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 are in essentially the same position and arrangement.

[0167] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5B As shown, the emitting region EA and the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can have the same characteristics as... Figure 5A The first optical region OA1 has different positions and arrangements of the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1.

[0168] For example, refer to Figure 5B The second transmission regions TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be arranged horizontally (from left to right or right to left). In this example, no light-emitting region EA may be provided between two adjacent second transmission regions TA2 in the horizontal direction. However, one or more light-emitting regions EA in the second optical region OA2 may be provided between adjacent second transmission regions TA2 in the vertical direction (top to bottom or bottom to top). For example, one or more light-emitting regions EA may be provided between two rows of second transmission regions.

[0169] When the first horizontal line HL1 extends through the second optical region OA2 and the adjacent ordinary region NA in the first horizontal region HA1, in one embodiment, the first horizontal line HL1 may have the same characteristics as... Figure 5A The first horizontal line HL1 has a basically the same arrangement.

[0170] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5B As shown, when the first horizontal line HL1 extends through the second optical region OA2 and the ordinary region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2 in the first horizontal region HA1, the first horizontal line HL1 can have the same characteristics as... Figure 5A The first horizontal line HL1 has a different arrangement.

[0171] This is because, Figure 5B The luminescent region EA and the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 have the same characteristics as... Figure 5A The first optical region OA1 has different positions and arrangements of the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1.

[0172] Reference Figure 5B When the first horizontal line HL1 extends through the second optical region OA2 and the ordinary region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2 in the first horizontal region HA1, the first horizontal line HL1 can extend in a straight line between the vertically adjacent second transmission regions TA2 without any bends or turns.

[0173] For example, a first horizontal line HL1 may have one or more bends or bends in a first optical region OA1, but may not have any bends or bends in a second optical region OA2.

[0174] To improve the transmittance of the second optical region OA2, the second vertical line VL2 can extend through the second optical region OA2 while avoiding the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0175] Accordingly, each of the second vertical lines VL2 extending through the second optical region OA2 may include one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more of the second transmission regions TA2.

[0176] Therefore, the second vertical line VL2 extending through the second optical region OA2 and the typical vertical line VLn set in the ordinary region NA but not extending through the second optical region OA2 can have different shapes or lengths.

[0177] like Figure 5A As shown, each or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 may have one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more of the corresponding outer edges of the first transmission regions TA1.

[0178] Accordingly, the length of the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be slightly longer than the length of the second horizontal line HL2 which is only set in the ordinary region NA and does not extend through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0179] Accordingly, the resistance of the first horizontal line HL1, which is called the first resistor and extends through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2, can be slightly greater than the resistance of the second horizontal line HL2, which is called the second resistor and is only set in the ordinary region NA and does not extend through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0180] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B According to the light transmission structure, since the first optical region OA1, which at least partially overlaps with the first optical electronic device 11, includes a first transmission region TA1 and the second optical region OA2, which at least partially overlaps with the second optical electronic device 12, includes a second transmission region TA2, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can have a number of sub-pixels per unit area that is less than that of the non-optical region NA.

[0181] Accordingly, the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may differ from the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 that are only set in the ordinary region NA and do not extend through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0182] The number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2, referred to as the first number, may be less than the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2, referred to as the second number, which are only set in the ordinary region NA and do not extend through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0183] The difference between the first number and the second number can vary depending on the difference between the resolution of each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 and the resolution of the ordinary region NA. For example, as the difference between the resolution of each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 and the resolution of the ordinary region NA increases, the difference between the first number and the second number can increase.

[0184] As described above, since the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (the first number) is less than the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 that are only set in the ordinary region NA and do not extend through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (the second number), the area where the first horizontal line HL1 overlaps with one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the first horizontal line HL1 can be less than the area where the second horizontal line HL2 overlaps with one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the second horizontal line HL2.

[0185] Accordingly, the parasitic capacitance, referred to as the first capacitance, formed between the first horizontal line HL1 and one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the first horizontal line HL1 can be much smaller than the parasitic capacitance, referred to as the second capacitance, formed between the second horizontal line HL2 and one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the second horizontal line HL2.

[0186] Considering the magnitude relationship between the first and second resistors (first resistor ≥ second resistor) and the magnitude relationship between the first and second capacitors (first capacitor << second capacitor), the RC value of the first horizontal line HL1, which is referred to as the first resistance-capacitance (RC) value and extends through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2, can be significantly smaller than the RC value of the second horizontal line HL2, which is referred to as the second RC value and is only set in the ordinary region NA without extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2. Therefore, in this example, the first RC value is significantly smaller than the second RC value (i.e., the first RC value << the second RC value).

[0187] Due to this difference between the first RC value of the first horizontal line HL1, which is called the RC load difference, and the second RC value of the second horizontal line HL2, the signal transmission characteristics through the first horizontal line HL1 can be different from the signal transmission characteristics through the second horizontal line HL2.

[0188] Figure 6A and Figure 6B These are example plan views and example cross-sectional views illustrating the display area (e.g., display area DA in the figures discussed above) of the display panel 110 according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0189] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6BIn some embodiments, the boundary region BA may be located between a normal region (e.g., normal region NA in the figures discussed above) and one or more optical regions (first optical region OA1 and / or second optical region OA2 in the figures discussed above) within the display region DA. The display region DA may be defined to include a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region may surround the third region, and the second region may be located between the first and third regions. The first region may be the normal region NA, the second region may be the boundary region BA, and the third region may include one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2). Hereinafter, for ease of description, the first region is referred to as the normal region NA, the second region as the boundary region BA, and the third region as one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2).

[0190] The normal area (NA) occupies the largest proportion of the display area (DA) and can have a predetermined primary resolution. The normal area (NA) can be configured with a high density of unit pixels, and therefore has a high pixel density (PPI).

[0191] The boundary region BA can have a second resolution lower than the first resolution. The unit pixels in the boundary region BA can be a pixel type in which one of the multiple sub-pixels included in the unit pixels of the normal region NA has been removed. For example, in an example where the unit pixels of the normal region NA include one red sub-pixel, two green sub-pixels, and one blue sub-pixel, the unit pixels of the boundary region BA could include one red sub-pixel, one green sub-pixel, and one blue sub-pixel.

[0192] One or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may include areas overlapping with one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12) disposed below, on the back, or in the lower portion of the display panel 110. One or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may include one or more light-emitting regions (one or more light-emitting regions EA in the figures discussed above) and one or more transmissive regions (one or more first transmissive regions TA1 and / or one or more second transmissive regions TA2 in the figures discussed above). Compared to the normal region NA and the boundary region BA, one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may have a pixel arrangement structure configured to have a low PPI, thus having a lower pixel density. For example, one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may have a third resolution lower than the second resolution. The unit pixels disposed in the light-emitting regions of one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may correspond to the unit pixels of the normal region NA. For example, in an example where the unit pixel of a normal region NA includes one red sub-pixel, two green sub-pixels and one blue sub-pixel, the unit pixel of one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may include one red sub-pixel, two green sub-pixels and one blue sub-pixel.

[0193] One or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12) overlapping with one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) can receive light incident or emitted through the transmission regions (TA1 and / or TA2) to ensure sufficient transmittance. In an embodiment, to increase transmittance, the area of ​​each or all of the one or more transmission regions (TA1 and / or TA2) may be larger than the area of ​​each or all of the one or more light-emitting regions EA. Figure 1D As shown, the size of each or all of one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) may be larger than the size of each or all of one or more optoelectronic devices (11 and / or 12).

[0194] In implementations, one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) may be cameras or sensors, but are not limited thereto. For example, one or more optical electronic devices (11 and / or 12) may include at least one of a variety of optical sensors such as infrared sensors, illuminance sensors, RGB sensors or fingerprint sensors.

[0195] In some embodiments, the number of one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) disposed in the display area DA can vary, and their shapes can also vary. For example, one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2) can have circular, elliptical, or polygonal structures. For example, depending on the shape of one or more optical regions (OA1 and / or OA2), the boundary region BA can have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal structure. Furthermore, the substrate SUB may also include a third substrate SUB3 disposed above the first optoelectronic device 11. The third substrate SUB3 may overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11.

[0196] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This refers to the general area (e.g., the general area NA in the figures discussed above) and the boundary area (e.g., the display area DA in the figures discussed above) included in the display area (e.g., the display area DA in the figures discussed above) of the display panel 110 according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Example cross-sectional views of each of the boundary region BA, the first optical region (e.g., the first optical region OA1 in the figure discussed above), and the second optical region (e.g., the second optical region in the figure discussed above).

[0197] First, refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B Describe the stacked structure of the ordinary region NA. The corresponding light-emitting regions EA of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can have the same stacked structure as the light-emitting region EA of the ordinary region NA.

[0198] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The substrate SUB may include a first substrate SUB1, an interlayer insulating layer IPD, and a second substrate SUB2. The interlayer insulating layer IPD may be interposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. Because the substrate SUB includes the first substrate SUB1, the interlayer insulating layer IPD, and the second substrate SUB2, the substrate SUB can prevent or reduce the penetration of moisture. The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be, for example, polyimide (PI) substrates. The first substrate SUB1 may be referred to as the main PI substrate, and the second substrate SUB2 may be referred to as the auxiliary PI substrate.

[0199] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7BVarious types of patterns ACT, SD1, GATE for setting one or more transistors such as driving transistors DRT, various types of insulating layers MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0 and various types of metal patterns TM, GM, ML1, ML2 can be set on or above the substrate SUB.

[0200] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The multi-buffer layer MBUF can be disposed on the second substrate SUB2, and the first active buffer layer ABUF1 can be disposed on the multi-buffer layer MBUF.

[0201] A first metal layer ML1 and a second metal layer ML2 may be disposed on a first active buffer layer ABUF1. The first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2 may be, for example, a light-shielding layer LS for light blocking.

[0202] The second active buffer layer ABUF2 can be disposed on the first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2. The active layer ACT that drives the transistor DRT can be disposed on the second active buffer layer ABUF2.

[0203] The gate insulating layer GI can be configured to cover the active layer ACT.

[0204] The gate electrode (GATE) of the driving transistor (DRT) can be disposed on the gate insulating layer (GI). Alternatively, the gate material layer (GM) can be disposed together with the gate electrode (GATE) of the driving transistor (DRT) at a location on the gate insulating layer (GI) different from the location where the driving transistor (DRT) is disposed.

[0205] The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 can be configured to cover the gate electrode GATE and the gate material layer GM. A metal pattern TM can be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The metal pattern TM can be located at a different position than where the driving transistor DRT is formed. The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 can be configured to cover the metal pattern TM on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1.

[0206] Two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. One of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be the source node of the driving transistor DRT, and the other can be the drain node of the driving transistor DRT.

[0207] The two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be electrically connected to the first and second sides of the active layer ACT, respectively, through contact holes formed in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, and the gate insulating layer GI.

[0208] The portion where the active layer ACT overlaps with the gate electrode GATE can be used as a channel region. One of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be connected to the first side of the channel region of the active layer ACT, and the other of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be connected to the second side of the channel region of the active layer ACT.

[0209] The passivation layer PAS0 can be configured to cover two first source-drain patterns SD1. A planarization layer PLN can be disposed on the passivation layer PAS0. The planarization layer PLN may include a first planarization layer PLN1 and a second planarization layer PLN2.

[0210] The first leveling layer PLN1 can be set on the passivation layer PAS0.

[0211] The second source-drain pattern SD2 can be disposed on the first planarization layer PLN1. The second source-drain pattern SD2 can be connected to one of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 (corresponding to) through contact holes formed in the first planarization layer PLN1. Figure 3 The second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT in the sub-pixel SP.

[0212] The second planarization layer PLN2 can be configured to cover the second source-drain pattern SD2. The light-emitting element ED can be disposed on the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0213] According to the example stacked structure of the light-emitting element ED, the anode electrode AE ​​can be disposed on the second planarization layer PLN2. The anode electrode AE ​​can be electrically connected to the second source-drain pattern SD2 through contact holes formed in the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0214] The dam can be configured to cover a portion of the anode electrode AE. The portion of the dam corresponding to the light-emitting area EA of the sub-pixel SP can be open.

[0215] A portion of the anode electrode AE ​​can be exposed through an opening (open portion) in the dam bank. The luminescent layer EL can be located on the side surface of the dam bank and within the opening (open portion) of the dam bank. All or at least a portion of the luminescent layer EL can be located between adjacent dams.

[0216] In the opening of the dam BANK, the light-emitting layer EL can contact the anode electrode AE. The cathode electrode CE can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL.

[0217] The light-emitting element ED can be formed by including an anode electrode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a cathode electrode CE as described above. The light-emitting layer EL may include a layer of organic material.

[0218] The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be placed on the stack of light-emitting elements (EDs).

[0219] The ENCAP encapsulation layer can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may include a first encapsulation layer PAS1, a second encapsulation layer PCL, and a third encapsulation layer PAS2.

[0220] The first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be, for example, inorganic material layers, and the second encapsulation layer PCL can be, for example, an organic material layer. Among the first encapsulation layer PAS1, the second encapsulation layer PCL, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be the thickest and serves as a planarization layer.

[0221] The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be disposed on the cathode electrode CE and can be positioned closest to the light-emitting element ED. The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can include an inorganic insulating material that can be deposited using low-temperature deposition. For example, the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can include, but is not limited to, silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxide nitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), etc. Because the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere during the deposition process, it can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials susceptible to high-temperature atmospheres.

[0222] The second encapsulation layer PCL can have a smaller area or size than the first encapsulation layer PAS1. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be configured to expose both ends or edges of the first encapsulation layer PAS1. The second encapsulation layer PCL can serve as a buffer to reduce stress between corresponding layers when the display device 100 is bent or flexed, and also to enhance flatness performance. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL can include organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, silicon carbide (SiOC), etc. The second encapsulation layer PCL can be configured, for example, using an inkjet printing method.

[0223] The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be disposed above the substrate SUB on which the second encapsulation layer PCL is disposed, such that the third encapsulation layer PAS2 covers the corresponding top and side surfaces of the second encapsulation layer PCL and the first encapsulation layer PAS1. The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can minimize or prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL. For example, the third encapsulation layer PAS2 may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxide nitride (SiON), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

[0224] In this example, the touch sensor TS can be mounted on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The structure of the touch sensor will be described in detail below.

[0225] The touch buffer layer 610 can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The touch sensor TS can be disposed on the touch buffer layer 610.

[0226] The touch sensor TS may include a touch sensor metal TSM located in different layers and at least one bridging metal BRG.

[0227] The interlayer insulation layer 620 can be disposed between the touch sensor metal TSM and the bridging metal BRG.

[0228] For example, the touch sensor metal TSM may include a first touch sensor metal TSM, a second touch sensor metal TSM, and a third touch sensor metal TSM disposed adjacent to each other. In an embodiment where the third touch sensor metal TSM is disposed between the first and second touch sensor metal TSMs and the first and second touch sensor metal TSMs need to be electrically connected to each other, the first and second touch sensor metal TSMs can be electrically connected to each other through a bridging metal BRG located in different layers. The bridging metal BRG can be electrically insulated from the third touch sensor metal TSM through a touch layer interlayer insulating layer 620.

[0229] When the touch sensor TS is disposed on the display panel 110, chemical solutions (e.g., developers or etchants) used in the corresponding processes or moisture from the outside may be generated or introduced. In some embodiments, by disposing the touch sensor TS on the touch buffer layer 610, chemical solutions or moisture can be prevented from penetrating into the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials, during the manufacturing process of the touch sensor TS. Therefore, the touch buffer layer 610 can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which is susceptible to chemical solutions or moisture.

[0230] To prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials susceptible to high temperatures, the touch buffer layer 610 can be formed at a low temperature below or equal to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius) and using an organic insulating material with a low dielectric constant of 1 to 3. For example, the touch buffer layer 610 may include acrylic-based, resin-based, or siloxane-based materials. When the display device 100 is bent, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may be damaged, and the touch sensor metal located on the touch buffer layer 610 may break or crack. Even when the display device 100 is bent, the touch buffer layer 610, which includes organic insulating materials and has flattening properties, can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer ENCAP and / or breakage or cracking of the metal (TSM, BRG) included in the touch sensor TS.

[0231] The protective layer PAC can be configured to cover the touch sensor TS. The protective layer PAC can be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0232] In the normal region NA, the thickness T1 of the first insulating layer 610 is less than the thickness T2 of the second insulating layer 620.

[0233] Next, we will refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B Describe the stacked structure of the first optical region OA1.

[0234] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The emitting region EA of the first optical region OA1 can have the same stacked structure as the emitting region EA of the ordinary region NA. Accordingly, in the following discussion, the stacked structure of the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 will be described in detail, rather than repeating the description of the emitting region EA of the first optical region OA1.

[0235] In some embodiments, the cathode electrode CE may be disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the ordinary region NA and the first optical region OA1, but may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1. For example, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 may correspond to the opening of the cathode electrode CE.

[0236] Additionally, in some embodiments, a light-shielding layer LS comprising at least one of a first metal layer ML1 and a second metal layer ML2 may be disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the normal region NA and the first optical region OA1, but may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1. For example, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 may correspond to the opening of the light-shielding layer LS.

[0237] The substrate SUB and various types of insulating layers (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0, PLN (PLN1, PLN2), BANK, ENCAP (PAS1, PCL, PAS2), 610, 620, PAC) disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the ordinary region NA and the first optical region OA1 can be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 equally, substantially equally, or similarly.

[0238] However, in some embodiments, except for insulating materials or layers, all or one or more of the electrically conductive material layers (e.g., one or more metal material layers and / or one or more semiconductor layers) disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the ordinary region NA and the first optical region OA1 may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0239] For example, refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B All or one or more of the metal material layers (ML1, ML2, GATE, GM, TM, SD1, SD2) and semiconductor layer ACT associated with at least one transistor may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1.

[0240] Additionally, refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B In some embodiments, the anode electrode AE ​​and cathode electrode CE included in the light-emitting element ED may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1. In some embodiments, depending on design requirements, the light-emitting layer EL of the light-emitting element ED may or may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1.

[0241] Additionally, refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B In some embodiments, the touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG included in the touch sensor TS may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1.

[0242] Accordingly, because the material layer with electrical properties (e.g., one or more metal material layers and / or one or more semiconductor layers) is not disposed in the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1, the transmittance of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can be provided or improved. As a result, the first optoelectronic device 11 can perform a predefined function (e.g., image sensing) by receiving light transmitted through the first transmission region TA1.

[0243] In some embodiments, since all or one or more of the first transmission regions TA1 in the first optical region OA1 overlap with the first optical electronic device 11 so that the first optical electronic device 11 can operate normally, it is desirable to further increase the transmittance of the first transmission regions TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0244] To achieve the above, in the display panel 110 of the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure, a transmittance enhancement structure TIS can be provided for the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1.

[0245] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The multiple insulating layers included in the display panel 110 may include at least one buffer layer (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2) between at least one substrate (SUB1, SUB2) and at least one transistor (DRT, SCT), at least one planarization layer (PLN1, PLN2) between the transistor DRT and the light-emitting element ED, at least one encapsulation layer ENCAP on the light-emitting element ED, etc.

[0246] The multiple insulating layers included in the display panel 110 may also include a touch buffer layer 610, a touch interlayer insulating layer 620 located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP, etc.

[0247] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 may have the following structure: the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 have recessed portions extending downward from their respective surfaces as a transmittance enhancement structure TIS.

[0248] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B Among the multiple insulating layers, the first planarization layer PLN1 may include at least one recess (e.g., indentation, trench, recess, protrusion, etc.). The first planarization layer PLN1 may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0249] In an example where the first planarization layer PLN1 has a recessed portion extending downward from its surface, the second planarization layer PLN2 can be substantially used to provide planarization. In one embodiment, the second planarization layer PLN2 may also have a recessed portion extending downward from its surface. In this embodiment, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be substantially used to provide planarization.

[0250] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe recessed portions of the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 can pass through insulating layers such as the first interlayer insulating layer ILD, the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, and the gate insulating layer GI to form a transistor DRT located below the insulating layer and a buffer layer such as the first active buffer layer ABUF1, the second active buffer layer ABUF2, and the multi-buffer layer MBUF, and extend to the upper portion of the second substrate SUB2.

[0251] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The substrate SUB may include at least one recessed or recessed portion as a transmittance-enhancing structure (TIS). For example, in the first transmission region TA1, the upper portion of the second substrate SUB2 may be recessed or recessed downwards, or the second substrate SUB2 may be perforated.

[0252] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL included in the encapsulation layer ENCAP may also have a transmittance-enhancing structure TIS in which the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL have recessed portions extending downward from their respective surfaces. The second encapsulation layer PCL may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0253] In some embodiments, the substrate SUB may not include a recess in the first transmissive region TA1, and the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL included in the encapsulation layer ENCAP may also have a flat surface or a flat shape.

[0254] To protect the touch sensor TS, the protective layer PAC can be configured to cover the touch sensor TS on the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0255] The protective layer PAC may have at least one recess (e.g., indentation, trench, recess, protrusion, etc.) as a transmittance-enhancing structure TIS in the portion overlapping with the first transmission region TA1. The protective layer PAC may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0256] A touch sensor TS may include one or more touch sensor metal TSMs with a mesh pattern. In an example where the touch sensor metal TSM is formed as a mesh, multiple openings may be formed in the touch sensor metal TSM. Each of the multiple openings may be positioned as a light-emitting area EA corresponding to a sub-pixel SP.

[0257] In order to make the first optical region OA1 have a higher transmittance than the ordinary region NA, the area or size of the touch sensor metal TSM per unit area in the first optical region OA1 can be smaller than the area or size of the touch sensor metal TSM per unit area in the ordinary region NA.

[0258] In some embodiments, the touch sensor TS may be located in the light-emitting area EA of the first optical area OA1, but may not be located in the first transmission area TA1 of the first optical area OA1.

[0259] In some implementations, such as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in order to make the transmittance of the first optical region OA1 higher than that of the ordinary region NA, the thickness T3 of the first insulating layer 610 disposed in the first optical region OA1 can be less than the thickness T1 of the first insulating layer 610 disposed in the ordinary region NA, and the thickness T4 of the second insulating layer 620 disposed in the first optical region OA1 can be less than the thickness T2 of the second insulating layer 620 disposed in the ordinary region NA.

[0260] The boundary region BA can have the same stacking structure as the ordinary region NA. Next, we will refer to... Figure 7A and Figure 7B Describe the stacked structure of the second optical region OA2.

[0261] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The emitting region EA of the second optical region OA2 can have the same stacked structure as the emitting region EA of the ordinary region NA. Accordingly, in the following discussion, the stacked structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 will be described in detail, rather than repeating the description of the emitting region EA in the second optical region OA2.

[0262] In some embodiments, the cathode electrode CE may be disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the ordinary region NA and the second optical region OA2, but may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2. For example, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may correspond to the opening of the cathode electrode CE.

[0263] In an embodiment, a light-shielding layer LS comprising at least one of a first metal layer ML1 and a second metal layer ML2 may be disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the second optical region OA2, but may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2. For example, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may correspond to the opening of the light-shielding layer LS.

[0264] In an example where the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 is the same as that of the first optical region OA1, the stacked structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be the same as the stacked structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0265] In another example where the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 is different from that of the first optical region OA1, the stacked structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may be at least partially different from the stacked structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0266] For example, such as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in an example where the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 is lower than that of the first optical region OA1, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may not have a transmittance enhancement structure TIS. As a result, the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 may not be recessed or sunken. In an embodiment, the width of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may be smaller than the width of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0267] Various types of insulating layers (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0, PLN (PLN1, PLN2), BANK, ENCAP (PAS1, PCL, PAS2), 610, 620, PAC) and substrate SUB disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the ordinary region NA and the first optical region OA2 can be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 in an equal, substantially equal, or similar manner.

[0268] However, in some embodiments, except for insulating materials or layers, all or one or more of the electrically conductive material layers (e.g., one or more metallic material layers and / or optical region semiconductor layers) disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the ordinary region NA and the second optical region OA2 may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0269] For example, refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B All or one or more of the metal material layers (ML1, ML2, GATE, GM, TM, SD1, SD2) and semiconductor layer ACT associated with at least one transistor may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0270] Additionally, refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn some embodiments, the anode electrode AE ​​and cathode electrode CE included in the light-emitting element ED may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2. In some embodiments, depending on design requirements, the light-emitting layer EL of the light-emitting element ED may or may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2.

[0271] The touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG included in the touch sensor TS may not be located in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0272] Accordingly, because the material layer with electrical properties (e.g., one or more metal material layers and / or one or more semiconductor layers) is not disposed in the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2, the transmittance of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be provided or improved. As a result, the second optoelectronic device 12 can perform a predefined function (e.g., object or human body detection or external lighting detection) by receiving light transmitted through the second transmission region TA2.

[0273] Figure 8 An example is shown of a light-shielding layer LS disposed in the display area (display area DA in the figures discussed above) of a display panel 110 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0274] Reference Figure 8 The light-shielding layer LS can be disposed in a normal region (e.g., normal region NA in the figure discussed above), a boundary region (e.g., boundary region BA in the figure discussed above), a first optical region (e.g., first optical region OA1 in the figure discussed above), and a second optical region (e.g., second optical region OA2 in the figure discussed above).

[0275] Multiple transmission regions (e.g., one or more first transmission regions TA1 and / or one or more second transmission regions TA2 in the figures discussed above) can be set in the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 with a predefined level of transmittance.

[0276] To achieve the above, a cathode electrode CE may not be provided in multiple transmission regions (TA1 and TA2) of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2. For example, the multiple transmission regions (TA1 and TA2) may be formed in at least a portion of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 by a laser patterning process.

[0277] A light-shielding layer LS can be provided to protect the drive transistors DRT located in the display area DA from the laser beam incident from below the display area DA during the laser patterning process.

[0278] In the example where the display panel 110 is implemented as a transparent display, the general area NA needs to have a predefined level or greater transmittance, and to achieve this, the light-shielding layer LS can be placed only below the driving transistor DRT.

[0279] In this respect, since the boundary region BA is adjacent to the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 in which multiple transmission regions TA1 and TA2 are formed, the driving transistor DRT may be affected by the diffraction (i.e., optical diffraction) of the laser beam incident on the portion where the light-shielding layer LS is not located during the laser patterning process, when the light-shielding layer LS is only disposed below the driving transistor DRT. As a result, a defect of threshold voltage shift of the driving transistor DRT may occur, and consequently, the corresponding light-emitting element ED may emit light incorrectly.

[0280] Therefore, the light-shielding layer LS can be set throughout the boundary region BA to prevent defects in the drive transistor DRT caused by the laser patterning process.

[0281] The light-shielding layer LS of the boundary region BA can be formed by extending the light-shielding layer LS of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2. That is, the light-shielding layer LS of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be continuously extended to the boundary region BA to form the light-shielding layer LS of the boundary region BA.

[0282] Because a light-shielding layer LS is formed throughout the boundary region BA, the driving transistor DRT in the boundary region BA will not be affected by light diffraction even when the laser beam irradiates the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 to form multiple transmission regions TA1 and TA2.

[0283] The above description has been prepared to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and has been provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While exemplary embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure. For example, specific components of the exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways. The above description and drawings provide examples of the technical concepts of the invention for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is given the widest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure shall not be construed in accordance with the claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0284] Cross-references to related applications

[0285] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0155711, filed on November 12, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display panel includes a display area comprising a first area and a third area surrounded by the first area, wherein the third area includes a plurality of light-emitting areas and a plurality of transmissive areas; and An optical electronic device located below the display panel or in the lower portion of the display panel, and overlapping with at least a portion of the third region included in the display area. The display panel includes a light-shielding layer disposed in the plurality of light-emitting areas but not in the plurality of transmissive areas. The display area further includes a second area disposed between the first area and the third area. Each of the first region, the second region, and the third region includes multiple sub-pixels, and In the first region and the third region, the light-shielding layer is disposed only below the transistors in the plurality of sub-pixels, and in the second region, the light-shielding layer is disposed throughout the entire area of ​​the second region.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-shielding layer is continuously disposed from the second region to the third region.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first region corresponds to a first resolution; the second region corresponds to a second resolution lower than the first resolution; and the third region corresponds to a third resolution lower than the second resolution.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area includes a driving transistor and at least one scanning transistor.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one scanning transistor is an oxide thin-film transistor.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The light-shielding layer is disposed below the driving transistor in the first region.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third region includes the first optical region and the second optical region, and The first optical electronic device is disposed below the first optical region, and the second optical electronic device is disposed below the second optical region.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first optical electronic device is a camera.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The second optical electronic device is a sensor.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes a cathode electrode disposed in the plurality of light-emitting regions included in the first region, the second region, and the third region, but not disposed in the plurality of transmissive regions in the third region.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of transmission regions has an elliptical or polygonal shape.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of transmission regions has a circular shape.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third region has an elliptical or polygonal shape.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third region has a circular shape.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second region has an elliptical or polygonal shape to surround the third region.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second region has a circular shape.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​each of the plurality of light-emitting regions is smaller than the area of ​​each of the plurality of transmission regions.

18. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, At least one layer in the display panel has a recess in the plurality of transmissive regions.

19. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The transmittance of the first optical region is greater than that of the second optical region.

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