Display device and display driving method

Abstract

Embodiments of this disclosure relate to display devices and display driving methods, and more specifically, this disclosure provides a display device comprising: a display panel, wherein an optical region and a normal region outside the optical region are formed in the display region, wherein the optical region is divided into a transmission region and a light-emitting region, and wherein the normal region includes a plurality of light-emitting regions; a gating driving circuit configured to provide a gating signal to the display panel; a data driving circuit configured to convert image data into a data voltage and provide it to the display panel; and a display controller configured to, when the area displaying image data includes the optical region, control the movement path of the image data according to the structure of the optical region so that at least a portion of the image data moves over time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to display devices and display driving methods with improved readability. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, display devices can provide not only image display functions but also photographic functions and various detection functions. Therefore, display devices should include optical and electronic devices (also known as light receiving devices or sensors) such as cameras and detection sensors.

[0003] Since optoelectronic devices need to receive light from the front of the display device, they should be placed in a location that facilitates light reception. Therefore, in related technologies, cameras (camera lenses) and detection sensors need to be mounted to expose the front of the display device. For this reason, the bezel of the display panel is widened, or a notch or physical hole is formed in the display area of ​​the display panel, and the camera or detection sensor is placed there.

[0004] Therefore, since the display device incorporates optical and electronic devices such as cameras and detection sensors that perform predetermined functions by receiving light from the front, a bezel may be added to the front of the display device, or there may be limitations on the design of the front of the display device.

[0005] Therefore, in the field of display technology, a technology is being researched for providing optical electronic devices such as cameras and detection sensors without reducing the area of ​​the display area of ​​the display panel.

[0006] For example, a technique has been proposed in which optical electronics such as cameras and detection sensors are placed below the display area of ​​a display panel, but a local area of ​​the display area that overlaps with the optical electronics is used as a transmissive area without subpixels. Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, when the portion of the display area that overlaps with the optoelectronic device is used as a transmissive area without subpixels, the image corresponding to the transmissive area is not displayed, so the user cannot recognize it.

[0008] Therefore, the inventors of this disclosure have invented a display device and a display driving method, wherein a user can identify an image corresponding to the transmission area while using a local area of ​​the display area that overlaps with the optical electronic device as a transmission area.

[0009] In embodiments of this disclosure, in a structure where a local area of ​​the display region overlapping with the optical electronic device is used as a transmissive region without subpixels, an image including the transmissive region can be moved in units of specific time to provide a display device and display driving method with improved user readability.

[0010] In embodiments of this disclosure, in a structure in which a local area of ​​the display region overlapping with the optical electronic device is used as a transmissive region without subpixels, an image including the transmissive region can be moved in units of a specific time by reflecting the structure of the light-emitting region with subpixels and the transmissive region without subpixels, thereby providing a display device and display driving method with improved user readability.

[0011] A display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a display panel, wherein an optical region and a normal region outside the optical region are formed in the display region, wherein the optical region is divided into a transmission region and a light-emitting region, and wherein the normal region includes a plurality of light-emitting regions; a gating drive circuit configured to provide a gating signal to the display panel; a data drive circuit configured to convert image data into a data voltage and provide it to the display panel; and a display controller configured to control the movement path of the image data according to the structure of the optical region when the area displaying the image data includes the optical region, so that a portion of the image data moves over time.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display driving method is used to drive a display panel, wherein an optical region and a normal region outside the optical region are formed in the display region, wherein the optical region is divided into a transmission region and a light-emitting region, and wherein the normal region includes a plurality of light-emitting regions. The display driving method may include: a step of detecting the position of image data displayed on the display panel; a step of determining whether the region displaying the image data includes the optical region; a step of confirming the structure of the optical region when the region displaying the image data includes the optical region; a step of determining a movement path of the image data based on the structure of the optical region; and a step of displaying the image data on the display panel based on the movement path of the image data.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a display device and a display driving method are provided, wherein a user can identify an image corresponding to the transmission area while using a local area of ​​the display area that overlaps with the optical electronic device as a transmission area.

[0014] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by moving an image including the transmissive region in a structure in which a local area of ​​the display area overlapping with the optical electronic device is used as a transmissive region without sub-pixels, an image including the transmissive region can be provided in units of specific time. This provides a display device and display driving method with improved user readability.

[0015] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by moving an image including the transmissive region in units of a specific time by reflecting the structure of a light-emitting region provided with subpixels and a transmissive region not provided with subpixels, a display device and display driving method with improved user readability can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate various aspects of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C This is a plan view illustrating various aspects of a display device according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 System configurations of display devices according to various aspects of this disclosure are illustrated;

[0019] Figure 3 Equivalent circuitry for a subpixel in a display panel according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated;

[0020] Figure 4 An example is illustrated of the arrangement of subpixels in three regions included in the display area of ​​a display panel according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5A The arrangement of signal lines in each of the first optical region and the normal region of a display panel according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 5B The arrangement of signal lines in each of the second optical region and the normal region in a display panel according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of each of the first optical region, the second optical region and the normal region included in the display area of ​​the display panel according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the edge of the display panel according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 9 The structure of an optical region in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated, which repeats a light-emitting region and one or more transmissive regions.

[0026] Figure 10 An example is illustrated of a case in which image data is displayed in an optical area on a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 11 An example is given of a concept for determining the movement path of image data based on the structure of an optical region in a display device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12 An example is shown of the path of image data moving according to frames in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 13 An example is illustrated in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where image data is based on... Figure 12 The movement path is displayed as an image recognized by the user;

[0030] Figure 14 An example is illustrated of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the concept of determining the movement path of image data is reflected by the structure of an optical region including a light-emitting region and eight transmissive regions.

[0031] Figure 15 An example is illustrated of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the concept of determining the movement path of image data is reflected by the structure of an optical region including a light-emitting region and a transmissive region.

[0032] Figure 16 Another example is illustrated in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which determines the movement path of image data based on the structure of the optical region;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented are illustrated by way of example, and wherein the same reference numerals and designations may be used to denote the same or similar components, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components included herein will be omitted where it is determined that a detailed description of these well-known functions and components would obscure the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “constituting,” “forming,” “comprise,” and “form” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used herein to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but only to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0036] When referring to a first element being "connected or linked to" a second element, or "in contact or overlapping" with a second element, it should be interpreted as meaning that not only can the first element be "directly connected or linked to" the second element or "directly in contact or overlapping" with the second element, but a third element can also be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected or linked," "in contact or overlapping," etc., with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or linked," "in contact or overlapping," etc., with each other.

[0037] When using time-related terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” “before,” etc., to describe a process or operation of an element or configuration, or a flow or step in an operation, processing, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe a discontinuous or non-sequential process or operation, unless the terms “direct” or “immediate” are used together.

[0038] Furthermore, when referring to any scale, relative size, etc., the numerical or corresponding information of the component or feature (e.g., grade, range, etc.) should be taken into account, including tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, etc.), even if no relevant description is specified. In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0039] In the following, various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C This is a plan view illustrating a display device 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0041] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C The display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure may include a display panel 110 for displaying images, and one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12.

[0042] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying images and a non-display area NDA for not displaying images.

[0043] Multiple sub-pixels can be set in the display area DA, and several types of signal lines used to drive the multiple sub-pixels can be set therein.

[0044] The Non-Display Area (NDA) can refer to the area outside the Display Area (DA). Several types of signal lines can be placed in the Non-Display Area (NDA), and several types of drive circuits can be connected to it. 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 a housing (not shown). The Non-Display Area (NDA) can also be called a bezel or bezel area.

[0045] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C In the display device 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure, one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 may be located below or on the lower part of the display panel 110 (i.e., on the opposite side of its viewing surface).

[0046] 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, 12 located below the display panel 110 or on its lower part (opposite side of the viewing surface).

[0047] One or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 can receive or detect light transmitted through the display panel 110 and perform a predetermined function based on the received light. For example, one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 may include one or more image capture devices such as cameras (image sensors) and sensors such as proximity sensors, illuminance sensors, etc.

[0048] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C In the display panel 110 according to various aspects of this disclosure, the display area DA may include one or more optical areas OA1, OA2 and normal area NA.

[0049] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C One or more optical regions OA1, OA2 may be one or more regions that overlap with one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12.

[0050] 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.

[0051] according to Figure 1BFor example, the display area DA may include a first optical area OA1, a second optical area OA2, and a normal area NA. Figure 1B In the example, the normal region NA can be located between the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2. In this case, at least a portion of the first optical region OA1 can overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical region OA2 can overlap with the second optoelectronic device 12.

[0052] 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 the example, the normal region NA may not be located between the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2. That is, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may be in contact with each other. In this case, 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.

[0053] Both the image display structure and the light transmission structure need to be implemented in one or more optical regions OA1, OA2. That is, since one or more optical regions OA1, OA2 are part of the display area DA, sub-pixels for displaying the image need to be set in one or more optical regions OA1, OA2. Furthermore, in order for light to be transmitted to one or more optoelectronic devices 11, 12, a light transmission structure needs to be implemented in one or more optical regions OA1, OA2.

[0054] According to the above embodiment, although one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 are required to receive or detect light, one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 become located on the back side of the display panel 110 (below or below the display panel 110, i.e., on the opposite side of the viewing surface).

[0055] In other words, one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 are not exposed on the front surface (viewing surface) of the display panel 110. Therefore, when a user views the front of the display panel 110, the optical electronic devices 11, 12 are positioned as invisible to the user.

[0056] In this 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 or an illuminance sensor. For example, the sensor may be an infrared sensor capable of detecting infrared light.

[0057] In another embodiment, the first optical electronic device 11 may be a sensor, and the second optical electronic device 12 may be a camera.

[0058] In the following description, for ease of description, an embodiment in which the first optical electronic device 11 is a camera and the second optical electronic device 12 is a sensor such as a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. will be discussed. Here, 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.

[0059] In the case where the first optical electronic device 11 is a camera, the camera can be located on the back (below or under) of the display panel 110, and can be a front-facing camera capable of capturing objects in front of the display panel 110. Therefore, the user can capture images by means of a camera that is not visible on the viewing surface while viewing the viewing surface of the display panel 110.

[0060] Despite Figures 1A to 1C Each of the display areas DA includes a normal area NA and one or more optical areas OA1, OA2, which are areas where images can be displayed. However, the normal area NA is an area that does not need to achieve a light-transmitting structure, while one or more optical areas OA1, OA2 are areas that need to achieve a light-transmitting structure.

[0061] Therefore, one or more optical regions OA1, OA2 can have a transmittance greater than or equal to a predetermined level, i.e., relatively high transmittance, while the normal region NA can have no transmittance or a transmittance less than the predetermined level, i.e., relatively low transmittance.

[0062] For example, one or more optical regions OA1, OA2 may have different resolutions, subpixel arrangement structures, number of subpixels per unit area, electrode structures, line structures, electrode arrangement structures, line arrangement structures, etc. from the normal region NA.

[0063] In this implementation, the number of subpixels per unit area in one or more optical regions OA1, OA2 may be less than the number of subpixels per unit area in the normal region NA. That is, the resolution of one or more optical regions OA1, OA2 may be lower than the resolution of the normal region NA. Here, the number of subpixels per unit area can have the same meaning as resolution, pixel density, or pixel integration. For example, the unit for the number of subpixels per unit area may be pixels per inch (PPI), which represents the number of pixels per inch.

[0064] In one embodiment, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical region OA1 may be less than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal region NA. In another embodiment, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the second optical region OA2 may be greater than or equal to the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical region OA1, and less than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal region NA.

[0065] The first optical region OA1 can have various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. 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.

[0066] Reference Figure 1C When 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.

[0067] In the following discussion, for ease of description, embodiments based on each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 having a circular shape will be discussed.

[0068] When a display device 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure has a structure in which a first optical electronic device 11, such as a camera, is located below or at the bottom of the display panel 110 and is not exposed to the outside, such a display device 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure can be referred to as a display employing under-display camera (UDC) technology.

[0069] With this configuration, in the case of the display device 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure, since it is not necessary to form a notch or camera hole in the display panel 110 for exposing the camera, the reduction in the area of ​​the display area DA can be prevented.

[0070] In other words, since it is not necessary to form a notch or camera hole in the display panel 110 to expose the camera, the size of the bezel area can be reduced, and substantial design drawbacks can be eliminated or reduced, thereby increasing design freedom.

[0071] Although one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 in the display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure are located on the back (below or under) of the display panel 110, i.e., hidden and not exposed to the outside, one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 need to perform predefined functions normally and thus be able to receive or detect light.

[0072] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure, although one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 are located on the back (below or lower part) of the display panel 110 to be hidden and located overlapping with the display area DA, it is necessary to perform image display normally in one or more optical areas OA1, OA2 overlapping with one or more optical electronic devices 11, 12 in the display area DA.

[0073] Figure 2 The system configuration of the display device 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 The display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit as components for displaying images.

[0075] The display driver circuit is a circuit used to drive the display panel 110, and may include a data driver circuit 130, a gating driver circuit 120, a display controller 140, etc.

[0076] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying images and a non-display area NDA for not displaying images. The non-display area NDA may be an area outside the display area DA, and may also be referred to as 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 a curved area that is not visible from the front surface of the display device 100.

[0077] 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 to drive the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0078] The display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure may be a liquid crystal display device or a self-emissive display device that emits light from the display panel 110 itself. When the display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure is a self-emissive display device, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light-emitting element.

[0079] In one embodiment, the display device 100 according to various 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 various 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 various 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.

[0080] The structure of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP can vary depending on the type of display device 100. For example, when the display device 100 is a self-emissive display device that includes self-emissive sub-pixels SP, each sub-pixel SP may include a self-emissive light-emitting element, one or more transistors, and one or more capacitors.

[0081] For example, various types of signal lines may include multiple data lines DL for carrying data signals (also known as data voltages or image signals), multiple gating lines GL for carrying gating signals (also known as scan signals), etc.

[0082] Multiple data lines (DL) and multiple gating lines (GL) can intersect each other. Each of the multiple data lines (DL) can be configured to extend along a first direction. Each of the multiple gating lines (GL) can be configured to extend along a second direction.

[0083] Here, the first direction can be the column direction, and the second direction can be the row direction. Alternatively, the first direction can be the row direction, and the second direction can be the column direction.

[0084] The data driver circuit 130 is used to drive multiple data lines DL and can provide data signals to the multiple data lines DL. The gating driver circuit 120 is used to drive multiple gating lines GL and can provide gating signals to the multiple gating lines GL.

[0085] The display controller 140 is a device for controlling the data drive circuit 130 and the gating drive circuit 120, and can control the driving timing of multiple data lines DL and multiple gating lines GL.

[0086] The display controller 140 can provide the data drive control signal DCS to the data drive circuit 130 to control the data drive circuit 130, and provide the gating drive control signal GCS to the gating drive circuit 120 to control the gating drive circuit 120.

[0087] The display controller 140 can receive input image data from the host system 200 and provide image data Data to the data drive circuit 220 based on the input image data.

[0088] The data drive circuit 130 can provide data signals to multiple data lines DL according to the driving timing control of the display controller 140.

[0089] The data drive circuit 130 can receive digital image data Data from the display controller 140, convert the received image data Data into an analog data signal, and provide the obtained analog data signal to multiple data lines DL.

[0090] The gating drive circuit 120 can provide gating signals to multiple gating lines GL according to the timing control of the display controller 140. The gating drive circuit 120 can receive a first gating voltage corresponding to the on-level voltage and a second gating voltage corresponding to the off-level voltage, as well as various gating drive control signals GCS, generate gating signals, and provide the generated gating signals to the multiple gating lines GL.

[0091] In some implementations, the data drive circuit 130 may be connected to the display panel 110 in a tape auto-bonding (TAB) type, or to conductive pads such as bonding pads of the display panel 110 in a chip-on-glass (COG) type or chip-on-panel (COP) type, or to the display panel 110 in a chip-on-film (COF) type.

[0092] The gate drive circuit 120 can be connected to the display panel 110 in the tape auto-bonding (TAB) type, or to conductive pads such as bonding pads of the display panel 110 in the chip on glass (COG) type or chip on panel (COP) type, or to the display panel 110 in the chip on film (COF) type.

[0093] The gating drive circuit 120 can be provided in the non-display area NDA of the display panel 110 in a GIP (Gate In-Panel) type configuration. The gating drive circuit 120 can be provided on or above the substrate, or connected to the substrate. That is, in the case of the GIP type, the gating drive circuit 120 can be provided in the non-display area NDA of the substrate. In the case of chip-on-glass (COG) type, chip-on-film (COF) type, etc., the gating drive circuit 120 can be connected to the substrate.

[0094] At least one of the data driving circuit 130 and the gating driving circuit 120 may be disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110. For example, at least one of the data driving circuit 130 and the gating driving circuit 120 may be configured not to overlap with sub-pixels SP, or may be configured to overlap with one or more or all of the sub-pixels SP.

[0095] The data driving circuit 130 may also be located in one part (e.g., the upper or lower part) of the display panel 110. In some embodiments, depending on the driving scheme, panel design, etc., the data driving circuit 130 may be located in at least two of the four parts (e.g., the upper and lower parts) or the four parts (e.g., the upper, lower, left and right parts) of the display panel 110.

[0096] The gating drive circuit 120 may also be located in, but is not limited to, one part of the display panel 110 (e.g., the left or right part). In some embodiments, depending on the driving scheme, panel design scheme, etc., the gating drive circuit 120 may be located in, but is not limited to, two parts of the display panel 110 (e.g., the left and right parts) or at least two of the four parts of the display panel 110 (e.g., the upper, lower, left and right parts).

[0097] The display controller 140 can be implemented in a component separate from the data drive circuit 130, or integrated with the data drive circuit 130, and thus implemented in an integrated circuit.

[0098] The display controller 140 may be a timing controller used in typical display technologies, or a controller or control device capable of performing additional control functions beyond those of a typical timing controller. In some embodiments, the display controller 140 may be a controller or control device different from the timing controller, or may be a circuit or component included in a controller or control device. The display controller 140 may be implemented using various circuits or electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), processors, etc.

[0099] The display controller 140 can be mounted on a printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit, etc., and is electrically connected to the gating drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130 via the printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit board, etc.

[0100] The display controller 140 can send signals to and receive signals from the data drive circuit 220 via one or more predetermined interfaces. In some embodiments, such interfaces may include a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface, an EPI (Embedded Point-to-Point Interface), an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), etc.

[0101] To further provide touch sensing and image display functions, the display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure may include at least one touch sensor and a touch circuit capable of detecting whether a touch event has occurred by a touch object such as a finger or pen, or detecting the corresponding touch position, by sensing the touch sensor.

[0102] The touch circuit may include a touch driver circuit 160 that can generate and provide touch sensing data by driving and sensing touch sensors, a touch controller 170 that can use touch sensing data to detect the occurrence of touch events or detect touch positions, etc.

[0103] 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 160.

[0104] The touch sensor can be disposed within the touch panel, or disposed on the exterior of the display panel 110 in the form of a touch panel, or disposed inside the display panel 110. When the touch sensor is disposed within the touch panel, or disposed on the exterior of the display panel 110 in the form of a touch panel, this type of touch sensor is called an add-on type. When an add-on type touch sensor is used, the touch panel and the display panel 110 can be manufactured and assembled 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.

[0105] When the touch sensor is located inside the display panel 110, during the manufacturing process of the display panel 110, the touch sensor can be located on the substrate SUB together with the signal lines and electrodes related to the display drive.

[0106] The touch driving circuit 160 can provide a touch driving signal to at least one of a plurality of touch electrodes and sense at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes to generate touch sensing data.

[0107] Touch circuits can perform touch sensing using self-capacitance sensing or mutual capacitance sensing.

[0108] When a touch circuit performs touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing method, 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.).

[0109] According to the self-capacitance sensing method, 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 160 can drive all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0110] When the touch circuit performs touch sensing using the mutual capacitance sensing method, the touch circuit can perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between the touch electrodes.

[0111] According to the mutual capacitance sensing method, multiple touch electrodes are divided into driving touch electrodes and sensing touch electrodes. The touch driving circuit 160 can drive the driving touch electrodes and sense the sensing touch electrodes.

[0112] The touch controller 170 and touch driver circuit 160 included in the touch circuit can be implemented in separate devices or in a single device. Furthermore, the touch driver circuit 160 and data driver circuit 130 can be implemented in separate devices or in a single device.

[0113] The display device 100 may also include a power supply circuit for providing various types of power to the display driving circuit and / or touch circuit.

[0114] The display device 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure can be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, etc., or a monitor, television (TV), etc. Such a device can 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.

[0115] As described above, the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include a normal area NA and one or more optical areas OA1, OA2.

[0116] The normal region NA and one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 are areas where images can be displayed. However, the normal region NA is not an area that does not require a light-transmitting structure, while one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 are areas that require a light-transmitting structure.

[0117] As mentioned above Figures 1A to 1C As discussed in the examples, although the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include one or more optical areas OA1, OA2 in addition to the normal area NA, for ease of description, in the following discussion, it is assumed that the display area DA includes the first optical area OA1, the second optical area OA2, and the normal area NA.

[0118] Figure 3 An equivalent circuit of a sub-pixel SP in a display panel 110 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0119] Reference Figure 3 In the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each sub-pixel SP disposed in the normal area NA, the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 included in the display area DA may include a light-emitting element ED, a driving transistor DRT for driving the light-emitting element ED, a scanning transistor SCT for sending a data voltage Vdata to a first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT, a storage capacitor Cst for maintaining the voltage at an approximately constant level during a frame, etc.

[0120] The driving transistor DRT may include a first node N1 to which a data voltage Vdata 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 via a 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.

[0121] The light-emitting element ED may include an anode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a cathode CE. The anode 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 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 CE.

[0122] For example, the anode AE ​​can be a pixel electrode, while the cathode CE can be a common electrode. In another example, the anode AE ​​can be a common electrode, while the cathode CE can be a pixel electrode. For ease of description, in the following discussion, unless otherwise explicitly stated, it will be assumed that the anode AE ​​is a pixel electrode and the cathode CE is a common electrode.

[0123] 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. When an organic light-emitting diode is used as the light-emitting element (ED), its light-emitting layer (EL) can include an organic light-emitting layer containing organic materials.

[0124] The scanning transistor SCT can be turned on and off by the scanning signal SCAN, which is a 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.

[0125] The storage capacitor Cst can be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0126] like Figure 3 As shown, each sub-pixel SP may include two transistors (2T: DRT and SCT) and one capacitor (1C: Cst) (referred to as "2T1C structure"), and in some cases, each sub-pixel SP may also include one or more transistors, or one or more capacitors.

[0127] The storage capacitor Cst can be an external capacitor that is intentionally designed to be located outside the driving transistor DRT, rather than an internal capacitor such as a parasitic capacitor (e.g., Cgs, Cgd) that may exist between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0128] Each of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT can be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0129] Since the circuit elements (especially the light-emitting elements 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 (especially the light-emitting elements ED). The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be configured to cover the light-emitting elements ED.

[0130] Figure 4 An example is illustrated of the arrangement of subpixels SP in the three regions NA, OA1, and OA2 included in the display area DA of a display panel 110 according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0131] Reference Figure 4 Multiple sub-pixels SP can be set in each of the normal area NA, the first optical area OA1, and the second optical area OA2 included in the display area DA.

[0132] 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).

[0133] Therefore, each of the normal 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).

[0134] The normal region NA may not include light-transmitting structures, but it may include the light-emitting region EA.

[0135] However, 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.

[0136] Therefore, the first optical region OA1 may include the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1, and the second optical region OA2 may include the light-emitting region EA and the second transmission region TA2.

[0137] The luminescent region EA and the transmissive regions TA1 and TA2 can be distinguished based on whether light transmission is permitted. That is, the luminescent region EA can be a region where light transmission is not permitted, while the transmissive regions TA1 and TA2 can be regions where light transmission is permitted.

[0138] The luminescent region EA and the transmission regions TA1 and TA2 can also be distinguished based on whether or not a specific metal layer CE is included. For example, the cathode CE can be disposed in the luminescent region EA, and the cathode CE may not be disposed in the transmission regions TA1 and TA2. In addition, a light-shielding layer can be disposed in the luminescent region EA, and the light-shielding layer may not be disposed in the transmission regions TA1 and TA2.

[0139] 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.

[0140] In one embodiment, the transmittance of the first optical region OA1 and the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 can be substantially equal.

[0141] In this context, in one 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 in the first optical region OA1 and the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be substantially equal.

[0142] In another embodiment, the transmittance (transmittance) of the first optical region OA1 and the transmittance (transmittance) of the second optical region OA2 may be different.

[0143] In this context, in one 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 in the first optical region OA1 and the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be different from each other.

[0144] For example, if the first optical electronic device 11 overlapping with the first optical region OA1 is a camera and the second optical electronic device 12 overlapping with the second optical region OA2 is a sensor for detecting images, the camera may require a greater amount of light than the sensor.

[0145] Therefore, in this case, the transmittance of the first optical region OA1 can be greater than that of the second optical region OA2.

[0146] Furthermore, in this case, 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 equal sizes, the ratio of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can be greater than the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0147] For ease of description, the following discussion is based on an implementation where the transmittance (transmittance) of the first optical region OA1 is greater than that of the second optical region OA2.

[0148] also, Figure 4 The transmission regions TA1 and TA2 shown can be called transparent regions, and the term transmittance can be referred to as transparency.

[0149] 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 region DA of the display panel 110, and are configured to be horizontally adjacent to each other, such as... Figure 4 The settings shown are in the direction of the upper edge extension, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0150] See Figure 4 The horizontal display area in which the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are set is called the first horizontal display area HA1, and the horizontal display area in which the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are not set is called the second horizontal display area HA2.

[0151] Reference Figure 4 The first horizontal display area HA1 may include the normal area NA, the first optical area OA1, and the second optical area OA2. The second horizontal display area HA2 may include only the normal area NA.

[0152] Figure 5A The arrangement of signal lines in each of the first optical region OA1 and normal region NA of the display panel 110 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, and Figure 5B The arrangement of signal lines in each of the second optical region OA2 and normal region NA of a display panel 110 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0153] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the display panel 110 disclosed herein, Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe first horizontal display area HA1 shown corresponds to a portion of the first horizontal display area HA1 of the display panel 110, and the second horizontal display area HA2 therein corresponds to a portion of the second horizontal display area HA2 of the display panel 110.

[0154] Figure 5A The first optical region OA1 corresponds to a portion of the first optical region OA1 of the display panel 110, while Figure 5B The second optical region OA2 corresponds to a portion of the second optical region OA2 of the display panel 110.

[0155] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first horizontal display area HA1 may include a normal area NA, a first optical area OA1, and a second optical area OA2. The second horizontal display area HA2 may include the normal area NA.

[0156] Various types of horizontal lines HL1, HL2 and various types of vertical lines VLn, VL1, VL2 can be set in the display panel 110.

[0157] 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 may, for example, refer to the direction in which a gate line GL is set to extend, and the vertical direction may, for example, refer to the direction in which a data line DL is set to extend. Thus, the terms horizontal and vertical are used to represent two directions.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The vertical lines set in the display panel 110 may include a typical vertical line VLn set only in the normal area NA, a first vertical line VL1 that crosses both the first optical area OA1 and the normal area NA, and a second vertical line VL2 that crosses both the second optical area OA2 and the normal area NA.

[0161] 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 to say, a typical vertical line VLn, a first vertical line VL1, and a 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.

[0162] In some implementations, it should be noted that the term "horizontal" in the second horizontal line HL2 may simply mean that the signal is carried 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 exactly horizontal direction. For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In this context, although the second horizontal line HL2 is shown as a straight line, one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 may include one or more curved or bent portions that differ from their construction. Similarly, one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 may also include one or more curved or bent portions.

[0163] In some implementations, it should be noted that the term "vertical" in a typical vertical line VLn may simply mean that the signal is carried from the top to the bottom (or from the bottom to the top) of the display panel, and may not mean that the typical vertical line VLn extends in a straight line only in the exactly vertical direction. For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the diagram, although a typical vertical line VLn is shown as a straight line, one or more of the typical vertical lines VLn may include one or more curved or bent portions that differ from their construction. Similarly, one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 and one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 may also include one or more curved or bent portions.

[0164] Reference Figure 5A The first optical region OA1, included in the first horizontal region HA1, may include a light-emitting region EA and a first transmission region TA1. Within the first optical region OA1, the corresponding outer region of the first transmission region TA1 may include the corresponding light-emitting region EA.

[0165] Reference Figure 5A In order to improve the transmittance of the first optical region OA1, the first horizontal line HL1 can pass through the first optical region OA1 by avoiding the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0166] Therefore, each first horizontal line HL1 traversing the first optical region OA1 may include one or more curves or bends extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more first transmission regions TA1.

[0167] Therefore, the first horizontal line HL1 set in the first horizontal region HA1 and the second horizontal line HL2 set in the second horizontal region HA2 can have different shapes or lengths. That is, the first horizontal line HL1 that crosses the first optical region OA1 and the second horizontal line HL2 that does not cross the first optical region OA1 can have different shapes or lengths.

[0168] Furthermore, in order to improve the transmittance of the first optical region OA1, the first vertical line VL1 can pass through the first optical region OA1 by avoiding the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0169] Therefore, each first vertical line VL1 traversing the first optical region OA1 may include one or more curves or bends extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more first transmission regions TA1.

[0170] Therefore, the first vertical line VL1 that crosses the first optical region OA1 and the typical vertical line VLn that is set in the normal region NA but does not cross the first optical region OA1 can have different shapes or lengths.

[0171] Reference Figure 5A The first transmission region TA1, which is included in the first optical region OA1 in the first horizontal region HA1, can be arranged along the diagonal direction.

[0172] 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.

[0173] Reference Figure 5A Each of the first horizontal lines HL1 set in the first horizontal region HA1 (i.e., the first horizontal line HL1 that crosses the first optical region OA1) may include one or more curves or bends extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more first transmission regions TA1.

[0174] 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. Within the second optical region OA2, the corresponding outer region of the second transmission region TA2 may include the corresponding light-emitting region EA.

[0175] In the implementation, 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 positions and arrangements of the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 are basically equal.

[0176] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5B As shown, 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 positions and arrangements of the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 are different.

[0177] For example, refer to Figure 5B The second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be arranged in a horizontal direction (from left to right (or from right to left)). The light-emitting region EA may not be positioned between two adjacent second transmission regions TA2 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, one or more light-emitting regions EA in the second optical region OA2 can be positioned between adjacent second transmission regions TA2 in the vertical direction (from top to bottom (or from bottom to top)). That is, one or more light-emitting regions EA can be positioned between two rows of second transmission regions.

[0178] When traversing the second optical region OA2 within the first horizontal region HA1 and the normal region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2, in one embodiment, the first horizontal line HL1 may have the same characteristics as... Figure 5A The layout is basically the same.

[0179] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5B As shown, when traversing the second optical region OA2 in the first horizontal region HA1 and the normal region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2, the first horizontal line HL1 can have a different shape than the second optical region OA2. Figure 5A The arrangement.

[0180] 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.

[0181] Reference Figure 5B When the first horizontal line HL1 crosses the second optical region OA2 in the first horizontal region HA1 and the normal region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2, the first horizontal line HL1 can extend in a straight line between the vertically adjacent second transmission regions TA2 without any curves or bends.

[0182] In other words, a first horizontal line HL1 may have one or more curves or bends in the first optical region OA1, but may not have curves or bends in the second optical region OA2.

[0183] In order to improve the transmittance of the second optical region OA2, the second vertical line VL2 can pass through the second optical region OA2 by avoiding the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0184] Therefore, each second vertical line VL2 traversing the second optical region OA2 may include one or more curves or bends extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more second transmission regions TA2.

[0185] Therefore, the second vertical line VL2 that crosses the second optical region OA2 and the typical vertical line VLn that is set in the normal region NA and does not cross the second optical region OA2 can have different shapes or lengths.

[0186] like Figure 5A As shown, each or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 that traverse the first optical region OA1 may have one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more first transmission regions TA1.

[0187] Therefore, the length of the first horizontal line HL1 that crosses the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be slightly longer than the length of the second horizontal line HL2 that is only set in the normal region NA and does not cross the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0188] Therefore, the resistance of the first horizontal line HL1 that crosses the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (referred to as the first resistance) can be slightly greater than the resistance of the second horizontal line HL2 that is only set in the normal region NA and does not cross the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (referred to as the second resistance).

[0189] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B According to the light-transmitting 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 number of sub-pixels per unit area of ​​the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be less than that of the normal region NA.

[0190] Therefore, the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 that cross the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be different 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 normal region NA and do not cross the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0191] The number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 that cross 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 that are only set in the normal region NA and do not cross the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (referred to as the second number).

[0192] The difference between the first quantity and the second quantity 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 normal 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 normal region NA increases, the difference between the first quantity and the second quantity can increase.

[0193] As described above, since the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 that cross 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 normal region NA and do not cross 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 smaller 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.

[0194] Therefore, the parasitic capacitance formed between the first horizontal line HL1 and one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the first horizontal line HL1 (referred to as the first capacitance) can be much smaller than the parasitic capacitance formed between the second horizontal line HL2 and one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the second horizontal line HL2 (referred to as the second capacitance).

[0195] Considering the magnitude relationship between the first resistor and the second resistor (first resistor ≥ second resistor) and the magnitude relationship between the first capacitor and the second capacitor (first capacitor << second capacitor), the resistance-capacitance (RC) value of the first horizontal line HL1 that crosses the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (called the first RC value) can be much smaller than the RC value of the second horizontal line HL2 that is only set in the normal region NA and does not cross the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (called the second RC value). In other words, the result is: first RC value << second RC value.

[0196] Due to this difference between the first RC value of the first horizontal line HL1 and the second RC value of the second horizontal line HL2 (which is called the RC load difference), the signal transmission characteristics through the first horizontal line HL1 can be different from the signal transmission characteristics through the second horizontal line HL2.

[0197] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of each of the first optical region OA1, the second optical region OA2 and the normal region NA in the display area DA of the display panel 110 according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0198] Figure 6 The display panel 110 is shown in a configuration where the touch sensor is located outside the display panel 110 in the form of a touch panel, and... Figure 7 The display panel 110 is shown with the touch sensor TS located inside the display panel 110.

[0199] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the figures shows a cross-sectional view of the normal region NA, the first optical region OA1, and the second optical region OA2 included in the display area DA.

[0200] The corresponding light-emitting regions EA included in the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can have the same stacked structure as the light-emitting regions EA in the normal region NA.

[0201] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 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 located 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 moisture penetration. 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 secondary PI substrate.

[0202] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Various types of patterns ACT, SD1, GATE for setting one or more transistors such as driving transistor 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.

[0203] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 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.

[0204] The first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2 can be disposed on the first active buffer layer ABUF1. The first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2 can be, for example, a light-shielding layer LS for light blocking.

[0205] 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.

[0206] The gate insulating layer GI can be set to cover the active layer ACT.

[0207] The gate electrode (GATE) of the driving transistor (DRT) can be disposed on the gate insulating layer (GI). In this case, the gate material layer (GM) can be disposed together with the gate electrode (GATE) of the driving transistor (DRT) on the gate insulating layer (GI) at a location different from where the driving transistor (DRT) is disposed.

[0208] 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 the driving transistor DRT. A second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 can be disposed to cover the metal pattern TM on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1.

[0209] Two first source-drain electrode patterns SD1 can be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. One of the two first source-drain electrode 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.

[0210] The two first source-drain electrode 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.

[0211] The portion of the active layer ACT that overlaps with the gate electrode GATE can be the channel region. One of the two first source-drain electrode patterns SD1 can be connected to a first side of the channel region of the active layer ACT, and the other of the two first source-drain electrode patterns SD1 can be connected to a second side of the channel region of the active layer ACT.

[0212] The passivation layer PAS0 is configured to cover two first source-drain electrode 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.

[0213] The first planarization layer PLN1 can be set on the passivation layer PAS0.

[0214] The second source-drain electrode pattern SD2 can be disposed on the first planarization layer PLN1. The second source-drain electrode pattern SD2 can be connected to one of the two first source-drain electrode patterns SD1 (corresponding to) through contact holes formed in the first planarization layer PLN1. Figure 3 The second node N2 of the driving transistor SP of the sub-pixel SP.

[0215] The second planarization layer PLN2 can be configured to cover the second source-drain electrode pattern SD2. The light-emitting element ED can be disposed on the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0216] Looking at the stacked structure of the light-emitting element ED, the anode AE ​​can be disposed on the second planarization layer PLN2. The anode AE ​​can be electrically connected to the second source-drain electrode pattern SD2 through the contact holes of the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0217] A dam can be set to cover a portion of the anode (AE). The portion of the dam corresponding to the luminous area (EA) of the sub-pixel (SP) can be turned on.

[0218] A portion of the anode (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 dam sections.

[0219] In the opening of the bank, the light-emitting layer EL can contact the anode AE. The cathode CE can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL.

[0220] As described above, a light-emitting element (ED) can be formed by including an anode (AE), a light-emitting layer (EL), and a cathode (CE). The light-emitting layer (EL) may include an organic layer.

[0221] The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be placed on the stack of light-emitting elements (EDs).

[0222] The ENCAP encapsulation layer can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may include a first encapsulation layer PAS1, a second encapsulation layer PCL, and a third encapsulation layer PAS2.

[0223] The first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be inorganic layers, for example, and the second encapsulation layer PCL can be an organic layer, for example. 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 is used as a planarization layer.

[0224] The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be disposed on the cathode 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 oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), etc. Because the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere, it can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, including organic materials susceptible to high-temperature atmospheres, during the deposition process.

[0225] The second encapsulation layer PCL can have a smaller area than the first encapsulation layer PAS1. In this case, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be configured to expose both ends or both edges of the first encapsulation layer PAS1. The second encapsulation layer PCL can act as a buffer layer to relieve stress between corresponding layers when the display device 100 is bent or flexed, and can also be used to enhance planarization 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. For example, an inkjet printing method can be used to configure the second encapsulation layer PCL.

[0226] The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be disposed above the substrate SUB on which the second encapsulation layer PCL is disposed, to cover the corresponding top and side surfaces of the second encapsulation layer PCL and the first encapsulation layer PAS1. The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can reduce 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 oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), etc.

[0227] Reference Figure 7 When the touch sensor TS is embedded in the display panel 110, the touch sensor TS can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The structure of the touch sensor will be described in detail below.

[0228] The touch buffer layer (T-BUF) can be placed on the encapsulation layer (ENCAP). The touch sensor (TS) can be placed on the touch buffer layer (T-BUF).

[0229] The touch sensor TS may include a touch sensor metal TSM located in different layers and at least one bridging metal BRG.

[0230] The interlayer insulating layer (T-ILD) can be placed between the touch sensor metal (TSM) and the bridging metal (BRG).

[0231] 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 on different layers. The bridging metal BRG can be insulated from the third touch sensor metal TSM through a touch interlayer insulating layer (T-ILD).

[0232] When the touch sensor TS is placed on the display panel 110, chemical solutions (developers or etchants, etc.) used in the corresponding processes or moisture from the outside may be generated or introduced. By placing the touch sensor TS on the touch buffer layer T-BUF, 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 T-BUF can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which is susceptible to chemical solutions or moisture.

[0233] To prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials affected by high temperatures, the touch buffer layer T-BUF can be formed at a temperature less than or equal to a predetermined temperature (e.g., a low temperature of 100 degrees Celsius) and using an organic insulating material with a low dielectric constant of 1 to 3. For example, the touch buffer layer T-BUF may include acrylic-based, epoxy-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 T-BUF may crack or break. Even when the display device 100 is bent, the touch buffer layer T-BUF, as an organic insulating material with planarization properties, can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer ENCAP and / or cracking or breakage of the metal (TSM, BRG) included in the touch sensor TS.

[0234] A protective layer PAC can be provided to cover the touch sensor TS. The protective layer PAC can be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0235] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describe the stacked structure of the first optical region OA1.

[0236] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The luminescent region EA in the first optical region OA1 can have the same stacked structure as the stacked structure in the normal region NA. Therefore, in the following discussion, instead of repeating the description of the luminescent region EA in the first optical region OA1, the stacked structure of the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 will be described in detail below.

[0237] The cathode CE can be located in the light-emitting region EA included in the normal region NA and the first optical region OA1, but it can be located outside the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1. That is, the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can correspond to the opening of the cathode CE.

[0238] Furthermore, 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 normal region NA and the light-emitting region EA included in the first optical region OA1, but may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1. That is, the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 may correspond to the opening of the light-shielding layer LS.

[0239] The substrates SUB1 and SUB2, which are disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the normal region NA and the first optical region OA1, and various types of insulating layers MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0, PLN (PLN1, PLN2), BANK, ENCAP (PAS1, PCL, PAS2), T-BUF, T-ILD, and PAC, can be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 in an equal, substantially equal, or similar manner.

[0240] However, all or at least a portion of one or more electrically functional material layers (e.g., metal material layers, semiconductor layers, etc.) disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the normal region NA and the first optical region OA1 may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1.

[0241] For example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 All or at least a portion of the metal material layers ML1, ML2, GATE, GM, TM, SD1, and SD2 associated with at least one transistor and semiconductor layer ACT may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1.

[0242] In addition, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The anode AE ​​and cathode CE included in the light-emitting element ED may not be located in the first transmission region TA1. In this case, it should be noted that the light-emitting layer EL of the light-emitting element ED may or may not be located in the first transmission region TA1, depending on the design requirements.

[0243] In addition, refer to Figure 7 The touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG included in the touch sensor TS may not be set in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0244] Therefore, since the material layer with electrical properties (e.g., a metal material layer, a semiconductor layer, etc.) 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 receive light transmitted through the first transmission region TA1 and perform corresponding functions (e.g., image sensing).

[0245] Since all or part of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 overlaps with the first optical electronic device 11, in order for the first optical electronic device 11 to operate normally, it is necessary to increase the transmittance of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0246] Therefore, in the display panel 110 of the display device 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure, a transmittance enhancement structure (TIS) can be provided to the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0247] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The multiple insulating layers included in the display panel 110 may include buffer layers MBUF, ABUF1, and ABUF2 between at least one substrate SUB1, SUB2 and at least one transistor DRT, SCT, planarization layers PLN1 and PLN2 between the transistor DRT and the light-emitting element ED, and encapsulation layer ENCAP on the light-emitting element ED, etc.

[0248] Reference Figure 7 The multiple insulating layers included in the display panel 110 may also include a touch buffer layer T-BUF and a touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0249] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can have the following structure as a transmittance enhancement structure (TIS): wherein the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 have recessed portions extending downward from their respective surfaces.

[0250] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Among the multiple insulating layers, the first planarization layer PLN1 may include at least one recess (or groove, depression, protrusion, etc.). The first planarization layer PLN1 may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0251] With the first planarization layer PLN1 having a recessed portion extending downward from its surface, the second planarization layer PLN2 can be substantially used for planarization. In an embodiment, the second planarization layer PLN2 may also have a recessed portion extending downward from its surface. In this case, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be substantially used for planarization.

[0252] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The recessed portions of the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 can pass through insulating layers used to form transistor DRT, such as the first interlayer insulating layer ILD, the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, and the gate insulating layer GI, as well as buffer layers such as the first active buffer layer ABUF1, the second active buffer layer ABUF2, and the multi-buffer layer MBUF located below the insulating layers, and can extend to the upper part of the second substrate SUB2.

[0253] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The substrate SUB may include at least one recessed or sunken portion as a transmittance enhancement structure (TIS). For example, in the first transmission region TA1, the upper part of the second substrate SUB2 may be recessed or sunken downwards, or the second substrate SUB2 may be perforated.

[0254] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL included in the encapsulation layer ENCAP may also have a transmittance enhancement 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.

[0255] Reference Figure 7 To protect the touch sensor TS, a protective layer PAC can be set to cover the touch sensor TS on the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0256] Reference Figure 7 The protective layer PAC may have at least one recess (or groove, depression, protrusion, etc.) in the portion overlapping with the first transmission region TA1 as a transmittance-enhancing structure (TIS). The protective layer PAC may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0257] Reference Figure 7 The touch sensor TS may include one or more touch sensor metal TSMs having a grid type. When the touch sensor metal TSM is formed in a grid type, multiple openings may exist within the touch sensor metal TSM. Each of the multiple openings may be positioned to correspond to the light-emitting area EA of the sub-pixel SP.

[0258] In order to make the first optical region OA1 have a higher transmittance than the normal region NA, the area of ​​the touch sensor metal TSM per unit area in the first optical region OA1 can be smaller than the area of ​​the touch sensor metal TSM per unit area in the normal region NA.

[0259] Reference Figure 7 The touch sensor TS can be set in the light-emitting area EA in the first optical area OA1, but it can be set out of the first transmission area TA1 in the first optical area OA1.

[0260] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describe the stacked structure of the second optical region OA2.

[0261] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The emitting region EA in the second optical region OA2 can have the same stacked structure as the stacked structure in the normal region NA. Therefore, in the following discussion, instead of repeating the description of the emitting region EA in the second optical region OA2, the stacked structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 will be described in detail below.

[0262] The cathode CE can be located in the light-emitting region EA included in the normal region NA and the second optical region OA2, but it can be located outside the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2. That is, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can correspond to the opening of the cathode CE.

[0263] Furthermore, 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 second optical region OA2, but may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2. That is, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may correspond to the opening of the light-shielding layer LS.

[0264] When 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] When 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 different from at least a part of the stacked structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0266] For example, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when 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). Consequently, the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 may not be recessed or sunken. Furthermore, 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] The substrates SUB1 and SUB2, and various types of insulating layers MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0, PLN (PLN1, PLN2), BANK, ENCAP (PAS1, PCL, PAS2), T-BUF, T-ILD, and PAC, which are disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the normal region NA and the second optical region OA2, may be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 in an equal, substantially equal, or similar manner.

[0268] However, all or at least a portion of one or more electrically functional material layers (e.g., metal material layers, semiconductor layers, etc.) disposed in the light-emitting region EA, which is included in the normal 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 6 and Figure 7 All or at least a portion of the metal material layers ML1, ML2, GATE, GM, TM, SD1, and SD2 associated with at least one transistor and semiconductor layer ACT may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0270] In addition, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The anode AE ​​and cathode CE included in the light-emitting element ED may not be located in the second transmission region TA2. In this case, it should be noted that the light-emitting layer EL of the light-emitting element ED may or may not be located in the second transmission region TA2, depending on the design requirements.

[0271] In addition, refer to Figure 7 The touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG included in the touch sensor TS may not be set in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0272] Therefore, since the material layer with electrical properties (e.g., a metal material layer, a semiconductor layer, etc.) is not disposed in the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2, the light 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 receive light transmitted through the second transmission region TA2 and perform corresponding functions (e.g., object or human proximity detection, external illuminance detection, etc.).

[0273] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the edge of the display panel according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0274] exist Figure 8 The diagram shows a single substrate SUB representing a combination of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2, and also briefly shows a layer or portion located below the embankment BANK. Figure 8 In this diagram, the first planarization layer PLN1 and the second planarization layer PLN2 are represented as a planarization layer PLN, and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 and the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 below the planarization layer PLN are represented as an interlayer insulating layer INS.

[0275] Reference Figure 8 The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be disposed on the cathode CE and positioned closest to the light-emitting element ED. The second encapsulation layer PCL can have a smaller area than the first encapsulation layer PAS1. In this case, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be configured to expose both ends or edges of the first encapsulation layer PAS1.

[0276] The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be disposed above the substrate SUB on which the second encapsulation layer PCL is disposed, so as to cover the corresponding top and side surfaces of the second encapsulation layer PCL and the first encapsulation layer PAS1.

[0277] The third encapsulation layer, PAS2, can reduce or prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the first inorganic encapsulation layer, PAS1, and the organic encapsulation layer, PCL.

[0278] Reference Figure 8 To prevent the encapsulation layer ENCAP from collapsing, the display panel 110 may include one or more dams DAM1, DAM2 located at or near the end or edge of the inclined surface (or slope) SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP. One or more dams DAM1, DAM2 may exist at or near the boundary point between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA.

[0279] One or more dams DAM1, DAM2 may include DFP made of the same material as the embankment BANK.

[0280] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment, the second encapsulation layer PCL, comprising organic material, may be located only inside the first dam DAM1, which is closest to the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP. That is, the second encapsulation layer PCL may not be located on all dams DAM1 and DAM2. In another embodiment, the second encapsulation layer PCL, comprising organic material, may be located at least on the first dam DAM1 of the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2.

[0281] The second encapsulation layer PCL may extend only to all or at least a portion of the upper portion of the first dam DAM1. In another embodiment, the second encapsulation layer PCL may extend beyond the upper portion of the first dam DAM1 and extend to all or at least a portion of the upper portion of the second dam DAM2.

[0282] Reference Figure 8 The touch pad TP, which is electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 160, can be disposed on a portion of the substrate SUB, which corresponds to the outer side of one or more dams DAM1, DAM2.

[0283] The touch line TL can electrically connect the touch sensor metal TSM or bridging metal BRG included in the touch electrodes set in the display area DA to the touch pad TP.

[0284] One end or edge of the touch line TL can be electrically connected to the touch sensor metal TSM or the bridging metal BRG, and the other end or edge of the touch line TL can be electrically connected to the touch pad TP.

[0285] The touch line TL can descend along the inclined surface SLP of the ENCAP package layer, pass through the upper part of the dams DAM1 and DAM2, and extend to the touch pad TP located at its outer edge.

[0286] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment, the touch line TL can be a bridging metal BRG. In another embodiment, the touch line TL can be a touch sensor metal TSM.

[0287] One or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 overlapping with one or more optoelectronic devices 11 and 12 can be formed as a pattern in which the light-emitting region EA and one or more transmission regions TA are repeated.

[0288] Figure 9 The structure of an optical region comprising a repeating light-emitting region and one or more transmissive regions in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0289] Reference Figure 9 In the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 overlapping with one or more optical devices 11 and 12 can be formed as a repeating pattern of a unit optical region UOA including a light-emitting region EA and one or more transmission regions TA.

[0290] For example, one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 may be repeated in a unit optical region UOA with the same pattern, and the unit optical region UOA may include a light-emitting region EA and three transmission regions TA.

[0291] In this case, a light-emitting area EA included in the unit optical area UOA can correspond to a pixel area including red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, blue sub-pixels, and white sub-pixels.

[0292] On the other hand, the three transmission regions TA may not include the light-emitting sub-pixels SP. In this case, although the light-emitting sub-pixels are not set in the transmission regions TA, the transmission regions TA can have a size or area corresponding to the light-emitting regions EA, so the size or area of ​​the transmission regions TA can correspond to the pixel area.

[0293] When the luminescent region EA and the transmissive region TA are physically divided, the structure of a unit optical region UOA can be expressed as the number of luminescent regions EA and transmissive regions TA.

[0294] In this configuration, the three transmission regions TA can be arranged adjacent to each other or at regular intervals. Furthermore, each of the three transmission regions TA can have an area corresponding to a light-emitting region EA, and in this case, the area occupied by the three transmission regions TA can correspond to three times the area occupied by a single light-emitting region EA.

[0295] Therefore, when it is difficult to physically distinguish between the luminescent region EA and the transmissive region TA, the structure of the unit optical region UOA can be represented based on the area of ​​the luminescent region EA and the transmissive region TA.

[0296] In this way, when the optical region OA, which includes the light-emitting region EA and the transmission region TA, is used as the display region DA, the image data displayed in the optical region OA can be located in the transmission region TA in the optical region OA.

[0297] Figure 10 An example is illustrated of a case in which image data is displayed in an optical area on a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0298] Reference Figure 10 When the display panel 110 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure uses the optical region OA as the display region DA, the image data Data displayed on the display panel 110 can be located in the optical region OA, which includes the light-emitting region EA and the transmission region TA.

[0299] In this case, a portion of the image data Data located in the optical region OA can be located in the transmission region TA within the optical region OA.

[0300] In this way, when a portion of the image data Data is located in the transmission region TA within the optical region OA, the readability of the image data Data may be degraded because the quality of the image data Data corresponding to the transmission region TA is not displayed on the display panel 110.

[0301] In particular, when image data is formed along the transmission region TA array in the optical region OA, readability may be very poor and users may not be able to recognize the image data.

[0302] For example, if the unit optical region UOA, which constitutes the optical region OA and consists of one emitting region EA and three transmitting regions TA, is located at the upper left corner of the unit optical region UOA, then the transmitting regions TA are distributed along the upper, lower and right ends of the unit optical region UOA.

[0303] In this situation, when the image data Data displayed on the display panel 110 is a straight line extending in the horizontal direction, and the straight line portion of the image data is set along the lower end of the unit optical area UOA corresponding to the transmission area TA, the readability becomes very poor.

[0304] In particular, when the image data Data is thin-width character text, and when thin-width character text including straight lines is set in the optical area OA, the thin-width character text is not displayed on the display panel 110, thus readability may be further degraded. This phenomenon becomes more severe when the width of the character text is equal to or less than the width of the transmission area OA.

[0305] To prevent such quality degradation, when the image data Data is located in the optical region OA, the display device 100 of this disclosure can improve readability by displaying the image data Data along a moving path that reflects the structure of the optical region OA.

[0306] Figure 11 As an example, this invention illustrates the concept of determining the movement path of image data based on the structure of the optical region in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0307] Reference Figure 11 In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical region OA of the display panel 110 may include a plurality of unit optical regions UOA arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0308] A unit optical area (UOA) may include one or more light-emitting areas (EA) and one or more transmission areas (TA), and the movement path of the image data (Data) to be displayed on the screen can be determined based on the structure of the unit optical area (UOA).

[0309] For example, if the unit optical region UOA is a 2×2 square structure including a light-emitting region EA and three transmission regions TA, and when the light-emitting region EA is located in the upper left, the light-emitting region EA can be set as the first position, the transmission region TA to its right can be set as the second position, the transmission region TA below the light-emitting region EA can be set as the third position, and the transmission region TA diagonally opposite the light-emitting region EA can be set as the fourth position.

[0310] In this state, the luminous area EA is selected as the reference position, and as the frames progress, the movement path of the image data Data displayed on the optical area OA can be determined.

[0311] Here, the reference position may correspond to at least one pixel position that serves as a reference for determining the positional relationship of image data Data displayed in the optical region OA. For example, the image data Data displayed in the optical region OA may be represented by a light-emitting pixel that emits light at a constant illuminance among a plurality of pixels including the optical region OA, and the position of the light-emitting pixel may be represented by a plurality of pixels that are spaced at a specific distance from the reference position selected in the optical region OA.

[0312] In this case, when the target is image data Data displayed on display panel 110, one or more arbitrary pixels with constant illuminance in display panel 110 can be regarded as reference positions. Alternatively, when the target is some image data Data displayed in optical region OA, constant pixels selected from the luminous region EA and the transmissive region TA in optical region OA can be regarded as reference positions.

[0313] In other words, in the first frame, image data Data is displayed at a first position corresponding to the luminous area EA, and in the second frame, image data Data is displayed at a second position corresponding to the right side of the luminous area EA. In the third frame, image data Data is displayed at a third position corresponding to the lower part of the luminous area EA, and in the fourth frame, image data Data is displayed at a fourth position corresponding to the diagonal part of the luminous area EA.

[0314] In this case, the direction of the data voltage Vdata applied to the display panel 110 and the strobe signal can be considered to determine the movement path of the image data Data displayed in the optical region OA.

[0315] In other words, when a strobe signal is applied from left to right and a data voltage Vdata is applied from top to bottom on the display panel 110, the movement path of the image data displayed on the optical area OA can be set from left to right and from top to bottom.

[0316] In the case where the unit optical area UOA has a 2×2 square structure, the light-emitting area EA can be displayed in the first frame at the first position relative to the upper left, in the second frame it can be moved to the second position on the right, in the third frame it can be moved to the third position at the lower left, and in the fourth frame it can be moved to the fourth position again to the right.

[0317] Figure 12 An example is illustrated of the path by which image data moves according to frames in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 13 An example is illustrated in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when... Figure 12 The image data is displayed when the user identifies the image's movement path.

[0318] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 At least a portion of the image data Data displayed on the display panel 110 of the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be located in the optical region OA.

[0319] When at least a portion of the image data Data is located in the optical region OA, the path of the image data Data can be moved according to the frame based on the structure of the unit optical region UOA.

[0320] When the unit optical region UOA is a 2×2 square structure consisting of one emitting region EA and three transmitting regions TA, and the emitting region EA is located in the upper left, the unit optical region UOA can be divided into four regions.

[0321] In this scenario, the image data (Data) can be displayed at the location by reflecting the movement path of each frame over four frames.

[0322] In other words, the image data can be displayed in the first frame based on the first position in the upper left, can be moved to the second position to the right of the reference position in the second frame, can be moved to the third position to the lower left of the second position in the third frame, and can be moved to the fourth position to the right of the third position in the fourth frame.

[0323] When image data Data is displayed in the optical region OA according to the movement path, the part that is difficult to identify through the transmission region TA is also displayed in the light-emitting region EA, thus improving the readability of image data Data located in the optical region OA.

[0324] The display device 100 disclosed herein can improve readability by determining the movement path of image data Data by reflecting the structure of various optical regions OA.

[0325] Figure 14An example is illustrated of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which uses a structure reflecting an optical region including a light-emitting region and eight transmissive regions to determine the movement path of image data.

[0326] Reference Figure 14 In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical region OA of the display panel 110 may include a plurality of unit optical regions UOA arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0327] A unit optical area (UOA) may include one or more light-emitting areas (EA) and one or more transmission areas (TA), and the movement path of the image data (Data) to be displayed on the screen can be determined based on the structure of the unit optical area (UOA).

[0328] For example, if the unit optical region UOA is a 3×3 square structure comprising one emitting region EA and eight transmitting regions TA, and the emitting region EA is located in the upper left corner, then EA can be set as the first position. The transmitting regions TA to the right of EA can be set as the second and third positions, respectively. Furthermore, the transmitting regions TA below EA can be set as the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions from the left. Additionally, the transmitting regions TA in the last row can be set as the seventh, eighth, and ninth positions from the left.

[0329] In this state, the movement path of the image data Data displayed on the optical region OA can be determined as the frame moves with the luminous region EA as the reference position.

[0330] In other words, in the first frame, image data Data is displayed based on the first position corresponding to the light-emitting area EA; in the second frame, image data Data is displayed based on the second position corresponding to the right side of the light-emitting area EA; and in the third frame, image data is displayed based on the third position corresponding to the right side of the second position.

[0331] Image data Data is displayed sequentially from the fourth to the sixth position in the lower row of the luminous region EA in frames four through six, and image data Data is displayed sequentially from the seventh to the ninth position in the lower row of frames seven through nine.

[0332] In this case, the direction of the data voltage Vdata applied to the display panel 110 and the strobe signal can be considered to determine the movement path of the image data Data displayed in the optical region OA.

[0333] In other words, when the turn signal is applied from the left to the right side of the display panel 110 and the data voltage Vdata is applied from the top to the bottom side of the display panel 110, the movement path of the image data Data displayed on the optical area OA can be set from left to right and from top to bottom.

[0334] Figure 15 An embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a concept for determining the movement path of image data by reflecting the structure of an optical region including a light-emitting region and a transmission region.

[0335] Reference Figure 15 In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical region OA of the display panel 110 may include a plurality of unit optical regions UOA arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0336] A unit optical area (UOA) may include one or more light-emitting areas (EA) and one or more transmission areas (TA), and the movement path of the image data (Data) to be displayed on the screen can be determined based on the structure of the unit optical area (UOA).

[0337] For example, if the unit optical region UOA has a 1×2 structure including a light-emitting region EA and a transmission region TA, and the light-emitting region EA is located on the left, the light-emitting region EA can be set in the first position and the transmission region TA on the right side of the light-emitting region EA can be set in the second position.

[0338] In this state, the movement path of the image data Data displayed on the optical region OA can be determined as the frame moves with the luminous region EA as the reference position.

[0339] In other words, in the first frame, image data Data is displayed based on the first position corresponding to the luminous area EA, and in the second frame, image data Data is displayed based on the second position corresponding to the right side of the luminous area EA.

[0340] In this case, the direction of the strobe signal applied to the display panel 110 can be considered to determine the movement path of the image data Data displayed in the optical area OA.

[0341] In other words, when a strobe signal is applied from the left to the right of the display panel 110, the movement path of the image data displayed on the optical area OA can be set from left to right.

[0342] Furthermore, in order to improve the readability of image data Data displayed on the optical region OA, the display device 100 of this disclosure may set the number of times image data Data is displayed based on the light-emitting region EA to be greater than the number of times image data is displayed based on the transmission region TA.

[0343] Figure 16 Another example is illustrated in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the movement path of image data is determined based on the structure of the optical region.

[0344] Reference Figure 16 In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical region OA of the display panel 110 may include a plurality of unit optical regions UOA arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0345] A unit optical area (UOA) may include one or more light-emitting areas (EA) and one or more transmission areas (TA), and the movement path of the image data (Data) to be displayed on the screen can be determined based on the structure of the unit optical area (UOA).

[0346] For example, if the unit optical region UOA is a 2×2 square structure including a light-emitting region EA and three transmission regions TA, and when the light-emitting region EA is located in the upper left, the light-emitting region EA can be set as the first position, the transmission region TA to its right can be set as the second position, the transmission region TA below the light-emitting region EA can be set as the third position, and the transmission region TA diagonally opposite the light-emitting region EA can be set as the fourth position.

[0347] In this state, the luminous area EA is selected as the reference position, and as the frames progress, the movement path of the image data Data displayed on the optical area OA can be determined.

[0348] In this case, to improve the readability of the image data Data displayed on the optical region OA, the number of times the image data Data is displayed based on the luminous region EA can be set to be greater than the number of times the image data Data is displayed based on the transmissive region TA.

[0349] In other words, in the first frame, image data Data is displayed based on the first position corresponding to the luminous area EA, and in the second frame, image data Data is displayed based on the second position corresponding to the right side of the luminous area EA.

[0350] Then, in the third frame, image data Data is displayed again based on the first position corresponding to the luminous area EA, and in the fourth frame, image data Data is displayed based on the third position corresponding to the lower position of the luminous area EA.

[0351] In the fifth frame, image data Data is displayed again based on the first position corresponding to the luminous area EA, and in the sixth frame, image data Data is displayed based on the fourth position corresponding to the diagonal of the luminous area EA.

[0352] In this way, by setting the number of times image data Data is displayed on the luminous region EA to be greater than the number of times image data Data is displayed on the transmissive region TA, image data Data can be displayed on the luminous region EA more frequently.

[0353] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0354] Reference Figure 17 The display driving method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a step S100 of detecting the position of image data Data displayed on the display panel 110, a step S200 of determining whether the image data Data includes an optical region OA, a step S300 of confirming the structure of a unit optical region UOA, a step S400 of determining the movement path of the image data Data based on the structure of the unit optical region UOA, and a step S500 of displaying the image data on the display panel 110.

[0355] Step S100, which detects the position of the image data Data displayed on the display panel 110, is a process of checking the position of the image data Data on the display panel 110 transmitted from the host system 200.

[0356] The display controller 140 can temporarily store the image data Data sent from the host system 200 in the memory, and can check the position of the image data Data displayed on the display panel 110 before providing the image data Data to the data drive circuit 130.

[0357] Step S200, which determines whether the image data includes the optical region OA, is a step in the display controller 140 that compares the position of the image data Data with the position of the optical region OA to determine whether the image data is displayed in the optical region OA.

[0358] In this situation, even if the area displaying image data Data includes the optical area OA, the user may not have difficulty recognizing the image data Data when only a portion of the image data Data is located in the optical area OA.

[0359] On the other hand, readability may be particularly degraded when image data (Data) consists of narrow-width character text arranged in a straight line within the optical region (OA). This phenomenon may become even more pronounced when the width of the character text is equal to or less than the width of the transmission region (TA).

[0360] Therefore, it can be determined whether image data Data, consisting of character text with a narrow width, is arranged in a straight line in the optical region OA, and only in this case can the movement path of the image data be determined in units of frames.

[0361] When the area displaying image data Data includes the optical area OA, step S300 of checking the structure of the unit optical area UOA is a process of checking the structure of the unit optical area UOA constituting the optical area OA of the display panel 110.

[0362] In this case, the structure of the unit optical area UOA can be confirmed from the information entered during the manufacturing process of the display panel 110, or the structure of the unit optical area UOA can be determined by examining the arrangement of the light-emitting area EA and the transmission area TA included in the optical area OA.

[0363] Step S400, which determines the movement path of image data based on the structure of the unit optical area UOA, is a process of determining the movement path of image data in frames so that the display controller 140 can reflect the structure of the unit optical area UOA and improve the readability of image data.

[0364] In this configuration, the display controller 140 can determine a movement path frame by frame to move the entire image data Data displayed on the display panel 110. Alternatively, the movement path can be determined to fix the portion of image data in the normal region NA of the entire image data Data displayed on the display panel 110, and only the portion of image data in the optical region OA can be selected for movement frame by frame.

[0365] Step S500, which displays image data Data on display panel 110, is a process of controlling the image data Data to be displayed at a fixed position when the image data Data does not include the optical area OA, but displaying the image data according to a movement path determined by the frame when the image data Data includes the optical area OA.

[0366] As described above, when the image data Data is located in the optical region OA, the display device 100 of this disclosure can improve readability by displaying the image data Data according to a movement path that reflects the structure of the optical region OA.

[0367] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above will now be briefly described.

[0368] A display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display panel 110, wherein an optical region OA and a normal region NA outside the optical region OA are formed in a display region DA, wherein the optical region OA is divided into a transmission region TA and a light-emitting region EA, and wherein the normal region NA includes a plurality of light-emitting regions EA; a gating drive circuit 120 configured to provide a gating signal to the display panel 110; a data drive circuit 130 configured to convert image data Data into a data voltage Vdata and provide it to the display panel 110; and a display controller 140 configured to control the movement path of the image data Data according to the structure of the optical region OA when the area displaying the image data Data includes the optical region OA, such that at least a portion of the image data Data moves over time.

[0369] The structure of the optical region OA is determined based on the structure of the unit optical region UOA, which is composed of the same pattern.

[0370] The structure of the optical region OA is determined based on the number of light-emitting regions EA and the number of transmission regions TA.

[0371] The structure of the optical region OA is determined based on the area of ​​the luminescent region EA and the area of ​​the transmissive region TA.

[0372] The movement path of the image data is controlled to change the reference position of the displayed image data in frames within the luminescent area EA and the transmissive area TA included in the unit optical area UOA.

[0373] The movement path of the image data is controlled to change the reference position of the displayed image data in the luminescent area EA and the transmissive area TA included in the unit optical area UOA once per frame.

[0374] The movement path of the image data Data is controlled such that the number of times the reference position of the displayed image data Data corresponds to the number of times the luminous region EA included in the unit optical area UOA is greater than the number of times the reference position corresponds to the number of times the transpiration region TA ... is greater than the number of times the reference position corresponds to the number of times the transpiration region TA is greater than the

[0375] The movement path of the image data Data is determined by reflecting the direction of the applied strobe signal and the data voltage Vdata.

[0376] The movement path of the image data is controlled so that the portion of the image data located in the normal region NA is fixed and the portion of the image data located in the optical region OA is moved.

[0377] The display device 100 also includes a memory (not shown) configured to store information about the structure of the optical region OA.

[0378] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display driving method for driving a display panel 110 includes an optical region OA and a normal region NA outside the optical region OA, which are formed in a display region DA. The optical region OA is divided into a transmission region TA and a light-emitting region EA, and the normal region NA includes a plurality of light-emitting regions EA. The display driving method includes: a step S100 of detecting the position of image data Data displayed on the display panel 110; a step S200 of determining whether the region displaying the image data Data includes the optical region OA; a step S300 of confirming the structure of the optical region OA when the region displaying the image data Data includes the optical region OA; a step S400 of determining the movement path of the image data Data based on the structure of the optical region OA; and a step S500 of displaying the image data Data on the display panel 110 based on the movement path of the image data Data.

[0379] Step S200: Determine whether the area displaying image data Data includes the optical area OA. Determine whether the image data Data consists of narrow-width character text and whether the narrow-width character text is placed in a straight line within the optical area OA.

[0380] The foregoing description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the technical ideas of the invention, and has been provided in the context of specific applications and their requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The foregoing description and drawings provide examples of the technical ideas of the invention for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical ideas of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection of the invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0381] Cross-reference to related applications

[0382] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0170802, filed in Korea on December 2, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display panel in which an optical region and a normal region outside the optical region are formed in the display region, the optical region comprising a plurality of unit optical regions, wherein each of the unit optical regions comprises at least one transmissive region and one emitting region, and wherein the normal region comprises a plurality of emitting regions; and A display controller is configured to control a movement path of image data such that: in a first frame, the image data is displayed based on a first position corresponding to the luminescent area of ​​the unit optical region; in a second frame, the image data is displayed based on a second position corresponding to a first transmissive area of ​​the unit optical region; in a third frame, the image data is displayed based on the first position corresponding to the luminescent area of ​​the unit optical region; and in a fourth frame, the image data is displayed based on a third position corresponding to a second transmissive area of ​​the unit optical region.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, A transmittance enhancement structure is disposed in the transmission region included in the optical region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: A passivation layer is disposed in the optical region and the normal region; as well as A planarization layer is disposed on the passivation layer. The passivation layer and the planarization layer have recessed portions extending downward from their respective surfaces as the transmittance-enhancing structure.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The optical region is formed by repeating the same pattern of unit optical regions.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the unit optical regions includes one emitting region and three transmitting regions.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The light-emitting area includes red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, blue sub-pixels, and white sub-pixels, and The three transmission regions do not include any sub-pixels.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, Within the unit optical region, the size of the emitting region is equal to the size of the transmitting region.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A gating drive circuit, configured to provide a gating signal to the display panel; as well as A data driving circuit configured to convert the image data into a data voltage and provide the data voltage to the display panel. The movement path of the image data is determined by reflecting the direction in which the strobe signal and the data voltage are applied.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The movement path of the image data is controlled such that the portion of image data located in the normal region is fixed and the portion of image data located in the optical region is moved.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A memory configured to store information about the structure of the optical region.

11. A display driving method for driving a display panel, wherein an optical region and a normal region outside the optical region are formed in a display region in the display panel, the optical region comprising a plurality of unit optical regions, wherein, Each of the unit optical regions includes at least one transmission region and one light-emitting region, and wherein the normal region includes a plurality of light-emitting regions, the display driving method comprising the following steps: The step of detecting the position of image data displayed on the display panel; The step of determining whether the area displaying the image data includes the optical area; The step of confirming the structure of the unit optical region when the area displaying the image data includes the optical region; The step of displaying the image data in the first frame based on a first position corresponding to the light-emitting area of ​​the unit optical region; The step of displaying the image data in the second frame based on a second position corresponding to a first transmission region of the unit optical region; The step of displaying the image data in the third frame based on the first position corresponding to the luminous area of ​​the unit optical region; and The step of displaying the image data in the fourth frame based on a third position corresponding to the second transmission region of the unit optical region.

12. The display driving method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of determining whether the area displaying the image data includes the optical area determines whether the image data consists of narrow-width character text and whether the narrow-width character text is placed in a straight line in the optical area.

13. The display driving method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of determining whether the area displaying the image data includes the optical area also determines whether the width of the narrow-width character text is equal to or less than the width of the transmissive area.

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