Display panel, driving method thereof and display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose a display panel, a driving method thereof and a display device. The display panel comprises a first pixel unit and a first pixel driving unit. The first pixel unit is located in a first display area, and comprises at least one first sub-pixel and at least one dummy sub-pixel. The first pixel driving unit is located in a second display area, and comprises a plurality of first pixel circuits. The total number of the first pixel circuits is equal to the total number of the first sub-pixels and the dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit. The first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit are connected in sequence, and are electrically connected with the first sub-pixels in the corresponding first pixel unit to drive the corresponding first sub-pixels. The technical scheme of the present application helps to improve the light transmittance of the first display area, reduce the display effect difference between the first display area and the second display area, and further improve the overall display effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display panel, its driving method, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of display technology, people have increasingly higher requirements for the screen-to-body ratio of display panels. To achieve full-screen display, current technology typically divides the display panel into a main screen area and a sub-screen area. Both the main screen area and the sub-screen area are used for display, with the sub-screen area being the light-transmitting area used to house the photosensitive elements. Currently, existing display panels suffer from inconsistent display effects between the main screen area and the sub-screen area, affecting the overall display quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a display panel, its driving method, and a display device to improve the light transmittance of a first display area while reducing the difference in display effect between the first and second display areas, thereby enhancing the overall display effect.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel having a first display area and a second display area, wherein the light transmittance of the first display area is greater than the light transmittance of the second display area; the display panel includes:

[0005] A first pixel unit is located in the first display area, and the first pixel unit includes at least one first sub-pixel and at least one dummy sub-pixel;

[0006] A first pixel driving unit is located in the second display area. The first pixel driving unit includes a plurality of first pixel circuits, wherein the total number of the first pixel circuits is equal to the total number of the first sub-pixels and the dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit.

[0007] The first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit are connected in sequence and electrically connected to the first sub-pixels in the corresponding first pixel units, in order to drive the corresponding first sub-pixels.

[0008] Optionally, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is one, and the first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel to the first sub-pixel.

[0009] Optionally, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two;

[0010] The first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel and then electrically connected to each first sub-pixel in sequence; or, the first sub-pixel is connected to at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel in the corresponding first pixel driving unit.

[0011] Optionally, the display panel further includes a data line, and the first pixel circuits driving the same first sub-pixel are connected to the same data line.

[0012] Optionally, the display panel further includes:

[0013] The second pixel unit is located in the second display area, and the second pixel unit includes a plurality of second sub-pixels;

[0014] Multiple second pixel circuits are located in the second display area. The second pixel circuits are connected to the corresponding second sub-pixels and are used to drive the corresponding second sub-pixels. The first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit have the same structure.

[0015] Optionally, the total number of the first sub-pixels and the dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is equal to the total number of the second sub-pixels in the second pixel unit; the pixel arrangement of the first sub-pixels and the dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is consistent with the pixel arrangement of each second sub-pixel in the second pixel unit;

[0016] Each second sub-pixel in the same second pixel unit is any one of a first color sub-pixel, a second color sub-pixel, and a third color sub-pixel, wherein the emission colors of the first color sub-pixel, the second color sub-pixel, and the third color sub-pixel are different, and the emission color of each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit is the same as that of the second sub-pixel in the corresponding second pixel unit; or...

[0017] Each second sub-pixel in the same second pixel unit includes at least a first color sub-pixel, a second color sub-pixel, and a third color sub-pixel, wherein the first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit is any one of the first color sub-pixel, the second color sub-pixel, and the third color sub-pixel;

[0018] Preferably, a plurality of first pixel units are arranged in an array in the first display area, a plurality of second pixel units are arranged in an array in the second display area, and the arrangement of each first pixel unit in the first display area is consistent with the arrangement of each second pixel unit in the second display area.

[0019] Optionally, the first display area includes multiple pixel areas and multiple dummy pixel areas, and the display panel includes a first electrode layer, a light-emitting layer and a second electrode stacked sequentially, wherein the first electrode layer includes multiple first electrodes;

[0020] The first electrode is located in the pixel area, and the first electrode, the light-emitting layer and the second electrode in each pixel area constitute a first sub-pixel;

[0021] The first electrode is not provided in the dummy pixel area, and the light-emitting layer and the second electrode in each dummy pixel area constitute a dummy sub-pixel; or, the first electrode and the light-emitting layer are not provided in the dummy pixel area, and the second electrode in each dummy pixel area constitutes a dummy sub-pixel.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a driving method for a display panel, the display panel having a first display area and a second display area, wherein the light transmittance of the first display area is greater than the light transmittance of the second display area; the display panel includes: a first pixel unit located in the first display area, the first pixel unit including at least one first sub-pixel and at least one dummy sub-pixel; a first pixel driving unit located in the second display area, the first pixel driving unit including a plurality of first pixel circuits, wherein the first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit are sequentially connected and electrically connected to the first sub-pixel in the corresponding first pixel unit;

[0023] The driving method for the display panel includes:

[0024] Each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit drives each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit. Each first sub-pixel is driven by at least one first pixel circuit. The total number of first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit is equal to the total number of first sub-pixels and dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit.

[0025] Optionally, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is one, and the first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel to the first sub-pixel; driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes: driving one first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit simultaneously through each first pixel circuit connected in parallel in the first pixel driving unit.

[0026] Alternatively, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two, and each first pixel circuit in the corresponding first pixel driving unit is connected in parallel and then electrically connected to each first sub-pixel in sequence; the step of driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes: driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit simultaneously through each first pixel circuit connected in parallel in the first pixel driving unit.

[0027] Alternatively, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two, and the first sub-pixels are connected to at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel in the corresponding first pixel driving unit; the step of driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes: driving the corresponding first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit, and at least some of the first sub-pixels are driven by at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel.

[0028] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a display device, including the display panel described in the first aspect.

[0029] The display panel, driving method, and display device provided in this invention improve the light transmittance of the first display area by configuring a first pixel unit in the first display area to include at least one first sub-pixel and at least one dummy sub-pixel, allowing the dummy sub-pixel to replace the real sub-pixels in the first display area, thereby reducing the number of real sub-pixels in the first display area. Simultaneously, each first sub-pixel in the corresponding first pixel unit is driven by a first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit, and each first sub-pixel is driven by at least one first pixel circuit. The total number of first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit is equal to the total number of first sub-pixels and dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit. This improves the brightness of the first sub-pixels, making the overall brightness of the first sub-pixels and dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit close to the brightness when all sub-pixels in the first pixel unit are real sub-pixels. This compensates for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit, improving the brightness of the first display area, reducing the difference in display effect between the first and second display areas, and ultimately improving the overall display effect of the display panel.

[0030] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of region B1 in the image;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another magnified view of region B1 in the image;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of region B2 in the image;

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another magnified view of region B1 in the image;

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another magnified view of region B2 in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0040] As described in the background section, existing display panels suffer from inconsistent display effects between the main screen area and the secondary screen area, affecting the overall display quality. The inventors' research revealed the specific reasons for this problem as follows: To improve the light transmittance of the secondary screen area, existing technologies typically reduce the number of pixels in the secondary screen area. While this increases the light transmittance, it also results in lower brightness in the secondary screen area, creating a brightness difference between the main screen area and the secondary screen area. This inconsistency in display effects between the main screen area and the secondary screen area ultimately impacts the overall display quality.

[0041] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of region B1 in the image. Combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display panel has a display area and a non-display area NAA. The display area includes a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2. The light transmittance of the first display area AA1 is greater than that of the second display area AA2. The display panel includes a first pixel unit 10 and a first pixel driving unit 20.

[0042] The first pixel unit 10 is located in the first display area AA1, and includes at least one first sub-pixel 110 and at least one dummy sub-pixel 120. The first pixel driving unit 20 is located in the second display area AA2, and includes a plurality of first pixel circuits 210. The total number of first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 is equal to the total number of first sub-pixels 110 and dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10. The first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 are connected sequentially and electrically connected to the corresponding first sub-pixels 110 in the first pixel unit 10, for driving the corresponding first sub-pixels 110.

[0043] Specifically, the display panel provided in this embodiment of the invention can be an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel or a Micro-LED display panel, etc. The first display area AA1 may include multiple first pixel units 10, and the first sub-pixel 110 may include a light-emitting device, such as an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) or a Micro-LED, etc. A dummy sub-pixel 120 can be understood as follows: a dummy sub-pixel 120 replaces a real sub-pixel (e.g., first sub-pixel 110) in the first display area AA1, occupying the position of the real sub-pixel. The dummy sub-pixel 120 has the same shape and size as the corresponding real sub-pixel, but the dummy sub-pixel 120 does not emit light; that is, the position occupied by the dummy sub-pixel 120 in the first display area AA1 does not emit light. By setting a dummy sub-pixel 120 in the first display area AA1, the dummy sub-pixel 120 can replace the real sub-pixels in the first display area AA1, thereby reducing the number of real sub-pixels in the first display area AA1 and improving the light transmittance of the first display area AA1.

[0044] The first pixel driving unit 20 is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the first pixel unit 10. Setting the first pixel driving unit 20 in the second display area AA2 avoids it affecting the light transmittance of the first display area AA1. The first pixel circuit 210 can be composed of a thin-film transistor and a storage capacitor. The thin-film transistor includes a driving transistor and a switching transistor. The switching transistor can be connected to a data voltage. When the switching transistor is turned on, it can transmit the data voltage to the storage capacitor, which stores the data voltage. This allows the driving transistor to generate a driving current based on the data voltage stored in the storage capacitor, thereby driving the corresponding first sub-pixel 110 to emit light at a corresponding brightness. The second display area AA2 also includes multiple sub-pixels and pixel circuits for driving the sub-pixels. Figure 2 Not specifically shown. The second display area AA2 can be a normal display area, also known as the main screen area, and the first display area AA1 can be a light-transmitting display area, also known as the secondary screen area. A photosensitive element can be placed on the non-display side of the display panel corresponding to the first display area AA1. For example, the photosensitive element can be an under-display camera. In display mode, both the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 emit light normally. In camera mode, because the first display area AA1 has a higher light transmittance, light can pass through the first display area AA1 and enter the under-display camera, which then senses the light and takes a picture.

[0045] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the first pixel unit 10 may include one first sub-pixel 110 and three dummy sub-pixels 120. The total number of the first sub-pixel 110 and the dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 is four, which is equal to the total number of the first pixel circuits 210 in the corresponding first pixel driving unit 20. The four first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 are all connected to one first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10, so that the first sub-pixel 110 is driven by the four first pixel circuits 210. Since the first pixel unit 10 includes only one real sub-pixel, namely the first sub-pixel 110, and the three dummy sub-pixels 120 do not emit light, in order to make the overall brightness of the one first sub-pixel 110 and the three dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 close to the brightness of the four real sub-pixels, the four first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 can simultaneously drive the one first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 to increase the brightness of the first sub-pixel 110, thereby compensating for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit 10. This is beneficial to increase the overall brightness of the first display area AA1, thereby reducing the difference in display effect between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0046] In other embodiments, the total number of first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 can be set according to the actual number of first sub-pixels 110 and dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10, ensuring that each first sub-pixel 110 is driven by at least one first pixel circuit 210. The total number of first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 is equal to the total number of first sub-pixels 110 and dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10, so that the overall brightness of the first sub-pixels 110 and dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 is close to the brightness when each sub-pixel in the first pixel unit 10 is a real sub-pixel, thereby improving the overall brightness of the first display area AA1 and reducing the display effect difference between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0047] The technical solution of this invention provides that the first pixel unit in the first display area includes at least one first sub-pixel and at least one dummy sub-pixel, so that the dummy sub-pixel can replace the real sub-pixels in the first display area, thereby reducing the number of real sub-pixels in the first display area and improving the light transmittance of the first display area. Simultaneously, each first sub-pixel in the corresponding first pixel unit is driven by each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit, and each first sub-pixel is driven by at least one first pixel circuit. The total number of first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit is equal to the total number of first sub-pixels and dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit. This increases the brightness of the first sub-pixels, making the overall brightness of the first sub-pixels and dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit close to the brightness when all sub-pixels in the first pixel unit are real sub-pixels. This compensates for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit, thereby increasing the brightness of the first display area, reducing the difference in display effect between the first and second display areas, and ultimately improving the overall display effect of the display panel.

[0048] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the number of first sub-pixels 110 in the first pixel unit 10 can be set to one, and the first pixel circuits 210 in the corresponding first pixel driving unit 20 are connected in parallel to the first sub-pixel 110.

[0049] Specifically, each first pixel circuit 210 includes a driving current output terminal. The driving current output terminals of each first pixel circuit 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 are connected to the driving signal line 30, so that the first pixel circuits 210 are connected in parallel through the driving signal line 30, and connected to the first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 through the driving signal line 30. For example, when the first pixel unit 10 includes one first sub-pixel 110 and three dummy sub-pixels 120, the driving current output terminals of the four first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 can be connected in parallel through the driving signal line 30, and connected to the first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 through the driving signal line 30.

[0050] In this embodiment, each first pixel circuit 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 can be connected to the first sub-pixel 110 through only one driving signal line 30. This reduces the number of traces entering the first display area AA1, thus avoiding affecting the light transmittance of the first display area AA1. By simultaneously driving one first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 through all the parallel first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20, the overall brightness of the first sub-pixel 110 and the dummy sub-pixel 120 in the first pixel unit 10 is close to the brightness when all sub-pixels in the first pixel unit 10 are real sub-pixels. This compensates for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit 10, thereby improving the brightness of the first display area AA1, reducing the display effect difference between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2, and thus improving the overall display effect of the display panel. In addition, by increasing the driving current of the first sub-pixel 110 by connecting multiple first pixel circuits 210 in parallel, compared with driving the sub-pixel by increasing the driving current of a single pixel circuit, the driving capability requirements of the first pixel circuit 210 in this solution can be reduced.

[0051] In another embodiment, the number of first sub-pixels 110 in the first pixel unit 10 may also be set to at least two. Figure 2 (This case is not shown). In the corresponding first pixel driving unit 20, each first pixel circuit 210 is connected in parallel and then electrically connected to each first sub-pixel 110 in sequence. For example, when the first pixel unit 10 includes 2 first sub-pixels 110 and 2 dummy sub-pixels 120, the first pixel driving unit 20 includes 4 first pixel circuits 210. The 4 first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 are connected in parallel and then respectively connected to 2 first sub-pixels 110 in the first pixel unit 10, so that each first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 can be driven simultaneously through each parallel first pixel circuit 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20. This can increase the brightness of the two first sub-pixels 110 in the first pixel unit 10 respectively, so that the overall brightness of the two first sub-pixels 110 and the two dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 is close to the brightness of the four real sub-pixels, thereby compensating for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit 10, increasing the overall brightness of the first display area AA1, and reducing the difference in display effect between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0052] In another embodiment, when the number of first sub-pixels 110 in the first pixel unit 10 is at least two, the first sub-pixels can also be connected to at least two first pixel circuits 210 connected in parallel in the corresponding first pixel driving unit 20. For example, when the first pixel unit 10 includes two first sub-pixels 110 and two dummy sub-pixels 120, the first pixel driving unit 20 includes four first pixel circuits 210. One first pixel circuit 210 can be directly connected to one first sub-pixel 110, and the remaining three first pixel circuits 210 can be connected in parallel to another first sub-pixel 110. This allows one first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 to maintain its original brightness, while increasing the brightness of the other first sub-pixel 110, so that the overall brightness of the two first sub-pixels 110 and the two dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 is close to the brightness of the four real sub-pixels, thereby compensating for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit 10, increasing the overall brightness of the first display area AA1, and reducing the difference in display effect between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0053] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on the above embodiments, the display panel further includes a data line 40 and a scan line 50. The first pixel circuit 210 driving the same first sub-pixel 110 is connected to the same data line 40, and the scan line 50 connected to the first pixel circuit 210 driving the same row of first sub-pixels 110 is the same.

[0054] Specifically, data line 40 is used to transmit data voltage, and scan line 50 is used to transmit scan signals in the form of pulse signals. The gate of the switching transistor in the first pixel circuit 210 is connected to the scan line 50, and the first terminal of the switching transistor, which acts as a data writing transistor, is connected to the data line 40. When a scan signal in the form of a pulse signal is input to the scan line 50 connected to the first pixel circuit 210, the switching transistor, which acts as a data writing transistor, is turned on, transmitting the data voltage to the storage capacitor. The storage capacitor stores the data voltage, enabling the driving transistor to generate a driving current based on the data voltage stored in the storage capacitor, thereby driving the corresponding first sub-pixel 110 to emit light at a corresponding brightness. For example, taking the first pixel unit 10 as including one first sub-pixel 110 and three dummy sub-pixels 120, and the four first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 connected in parallel to the first sub-pixel 110 as an example, the four first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 are connected to the same data line 40, and the four first pixel circuits 210 are connected to the same scan line 50. In this way, the four first pixel circuits 210 in the first pixel driving unit 20 can generate driving current according to the same data voltage. When the driving current generated by each first pixel circuit 210 is I, the driving current input to the first sub-pixel 110 is 4I, so as to increase the brightness of the first sub-pixel 110 by about 4 times. This makes the overall brightness of one first sub-pixel 110 and three dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 close to the brightness of the four real sub-pixels, thereby compensating for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit 10, thereby increasing the overall brightness of the first display area AA1 and reducing the difference in display effect between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0055] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another magnified view of region B1 in the image; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of region B2 in the image. Combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Optionally, based on the above embodiments, the display panel further includes a second pixel unit 60 and a plurality of second pixel circuits (not shown in the figure). The second pixel unit 60 is located in the second display area AA2, and the second pixel unit 60 includes a plurality of second sub-pixels 610. The second pixel circuit is located in the second display area AA2, and the second pixel circuit is connected to the corresponding second sub-pixel 610 for driving the corresponding second sub-pixel 610. The first pixel circuit 210 and the second pixel circuit have the same structure.

[0056] Specifically, the second display area AA2 may include multiple second pixel units 60, and the second sub-pixel 610 may include a light-emitting device, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a micron-sized light-emitting diode (Micro-LED). The second pixel circuit can be configured one-to-one with the second sub-pixel 610 to drive the corresponding second sub-pixel 610 to emit light. The second pixel circuit is also composed of thin-film transistors and storage capacitors. The first pixel circuit 210 and the second pixel circuit have the same structure; specifically, the first pixel circuit 210 and the second pixel circuit have the same number of thin-film transistors, the same number of storage capacitors, the same connection relationship between the thin-film transistors and storage capacitors, and the same working principle. By setting the first pixel circuit 210 and the second pixel circuit to have the same structure, the driving voltage (i.e., the gamma voltage) for driving the first sub-pixel 110 and the second sub-pixel 610 to display the same brightness is closer, and the driving current generated by the first pixel circuit 210 and the second pixel circuit is also closer, which helps to reduce the difference in display effect between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0057] Preferably, the structures of the second pixel circuits driving the second sub-pixels 610 of different colors in the second display area AA2 can be the same or different, the structures of the first pixel circuits 210 driving the first sub-pixels 110 of different colors in the first display area AA1 can be the same or different, and the structures of the first pixel circuits 210 and the second pixel circuits driving the same color sub-pixels are the same.

[0058] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the total number of first sub-pixels 110 and dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 is equal to the total number of second sub-pixels 610 in the second pixel unit 60, and the pixel arrangement of the first sub-pixels 110 and dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 is consistent with the pixel arrangement of each second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60. Specifically, the consistency between the arrangement of the first sub-pixels 110 and dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 and the arrangement of each second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60 means that each first sub-pixel 110 and dummy sub-pixel 120 in the first pixel unit 10 can correspond to one second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60, and the arrangement of the first sub-pixels 110 in the first pixel unit 10 is consistent with the arrangement of each corresponding second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60. The aforementioned arrangement specifically includes the arrangement order and arrangement position of each sub-pixel.

[0059] Furthermore, combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, each second sub-pixel 610 in the same second pixel unit 60 may include at least a first color sub-pixel, a second color sub-pixel, and a third color sub-pixel. The first color sub-pixel, the second color sub-pixel, and the third color sub-pixel emit different colors. The first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 may be any one of the first color sub-pixel, the second color sub-pixel, and the third color sub-pixel. The first color sub-pixel may be a red sub-pixel R, the second color sub-pixel may be a green sub-pixel G, and the third color sub-pixel may be a blue sub-pixel B. Each second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60 includes a red sub-pixel R, a green sub-pixel G, and a blue sub-pixel B. The number of each color sub-pixel may be one or more. The first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 may be a red sub-pixel R, a green sub-pixel G, or a blue sub-pixel B.

[0060] For example, the second pixel unit 60 includes four second sub-pixels 610, and the first pixel unit 10 includes one first sub-pixel 110 and three dummy sub-pixels 120. For ease of distinction, the three first pixel units 10 in the first display area AA1 are respectively referred to as first pixel unit 10a, first pixel unit 10b, and first pixel unit 10c; the three second pixel units 60 in the second display area AA2 are respectively referred to as second pixel unit 60a, second pixel unit 60b, and second pixel unit 60c; and the three dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 are referred to as first dummy sub-pixel 120a, second dummy sub-pixel 120b, and third dummy sub-pixel 120c.

[0061] First pixel unit 10a corresponds to second pixel unit 60a, first pixel unit 10b corresponds to second pixel unit 60b, and first pixel unit 10c corresponds to second pixel unit 60c. Specifically, the first first sub-pixel 110 in the first column of first pixel unit 10a corresponds to the first second sub-pixel 610 in the first column of second pixel unit 60a, and both are red sub-pixels R. The second sub-pixel in the first column of first pixel unit 10a is a first dummy sub-pixel 120a, which corresponds to the second second sub-pixel 610 in the first column of second pixel unit 60a, i.e., the green sub-pixel G. First pixel unit 10a uses the first dummy sub-pixel 120a to replace the real green sub-pixel G. The first sub-pixel in the second column of first pixel unit 10a is a second dummy sub-pixel 120b, which corresponds to the first second sub-pixel 610 in the second column of second pixel unit 60a, i.e., the blue sub-pixel B. First pixel unit 10a uses the first dummy sub-pixel 120b to replace the real blue sub-pixel B. The second pixel in the second column of the first pixel unit 10a is the third dummy sub-pixel 120c, which corresponds to the second sub-pixel 610 in the second column of the second pixel unit 60a, i.e., the red sub-pixel R. The first pixel unit 10a replaces the real red sub-pixel R with the third dummy sub-pixel 120c. Similarly, the correspondence between the first sub-pixel 110 and the dummy sub-pixel 120 in the first pixel unit 10b and the second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60b can be determined, as can the correspondence between the first sub-pixel 110 and the dummy sub-pixel 120 in the first pixel unit 10c and the second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60c.

[0062] In this embodiment, the red sub-pixel R in the first pixel unit 10a corresponds to the red sub-pixel R in the second pixel unit 60a. A first dummy sub-pixel 120a, a second dummy sub-pixel 120b, and a third dummy sub-pixel 120c are used to replace the real sub-pixels corresponding to the green sub-pixel G, blue sub-pixel B, and red sub-pixel R in the second pixel unit 60a, respectively. The blue sub-pixel B in the first pixel unit 10b corresponds to the blue sub-pixel B in the second pixel unit 60b. The first dummy sub-pixel 120a, the second dummy sub-pixel 120b, and the third dummy sub-pixel 120c are used to... Instead of replacing the real sub-pixels corresponding to the green sub-pixel G, blue sub-pixel B, and red sub-pixel R in the second pixel unit 60b, the green sub-pixel G in the first pixel unit 10c is set to correspond to the green sub-pixel G in the second pixel unit 60c. The first dummy sub-pixel 120a, the second dummy sub-pixel 120b, and the third dummy sub-pixel 120c are used to replace the real sub-pixels corresponding to the green sub-pixel G, blue sub-pixel B, and red sub-pixel R in the second pixel unit 60c, respectively. While ensuring the consistency of the pixel arrangement of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2, the light transmittance of the first display area AA1 is improved.

[0063] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another magnified view of region B1 in the image; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another magnified view of region B2 in the image. Combined with... Figure 5 and Figure 6 In another embodiment, each second sub-pixel 610 in the same second pixel unit 60 may be set to be any one of a first color sub-pixel, a second color sub-pixel, and a third color sub-pixel, and each first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 may emit the same light color as the corresponding second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60.

[0064] For example, the second pixel unit 60 includes four second sub-pixels 610, and the first pixel unit 10 includes one first sub-pixel 110 and three dummy sub-pixels 120. The four second sub-pixels 610 in the second pixel unit 60 can all be red sub-pixels R, green sub-pixels G, or blue sub-pixels B. For instance, when all four second sub-pixels 610 in the second pixel unit 60 are red sub-pixels R, the first sub-pixel 110 in the corresponding first pixel unit 10 is also a red sub-pixel R, and the three dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit 10, i.e., the third dummy sub-pixels 120c, all correspond to the red sub-pixels R. In other words, the three third dummy sub-pixels 120c in the first pixel unit 10 replace three real red sub-pixels R. The first pixel unit 10 effectively deletes three out of every four real red sub-pixels R, leaving one. Accordingly, the first pixel driving unit 20 can be configured to include four parallel first pixel circuits 210, which drive one first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10. If the driving current generated by each first pixel circuit 210 is I, then the driving current input to the first sub-pixel 110 is 4I, so as to increase the brightness of the first sub-pixel 110 by about 4 times, making the overall brightness of one red sub-pixel R and three dummy sub-pixels 120 in the first pixel unit 10 close to the brightness of the four real sub-pixels, and close to the brightness of the four red sub-pixels R in the second pixel unit 60, thereby compensating for the overall brightness of the first pixel unit 10, thereby increasing the overall brightness of the first display area AA1 and reducing the display effect difference between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. Furthermore, when the structure of the first pixel circuit 210 driving the first sub-pixel 110 in the first display area AA1 is the same as that of the second pixel circuit driving the second sub-pixel 610 in the second display area AA2, when the first sub-pixel 110 and the second sub-pixel 610 are driven to display the same brightness, the gamma voltages of the first pixel circuit 210 and the second pixel circuit are closer, and the driving currents generated by the first pixel circuit 210 and the second pixel circuit are also closer, which helps to further reduce the difference in display effect between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0065] When all the second sub-pixels 610 in the same second pixel unit 60 are green sub-pixels G or blue sub-pixels B, the light emission color of each first sub-pixel 110 in the first pixel unit 10 is the same as that of the corresponding second sub-pixel 610 in the second pixel unit 60. The specific setting method can be understood by referring to the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] See Figure 6Based on the above embodiments, a plurality of first pixel units 10 are arranged in an array in the first display area AA1, and a plurality of second pixel units 60 are arranged in an array in the second display area AA2. The arrangement of each first pixel unit 10 in the first display area AA1 is consistent with the arrangement of each second pixel unit 60 in the second display area AA2. Specifically, the arrangement order and position of each first pixel unit 10 in the first display area AA1 can be consistent with the arrangement order and position of the second pixel units 60 in the second display area AA2. This helps to improve the pixel arrangement consistency between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2, thereby reducing the difference in display effect between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0067] Combination Figures 1 to 6 Optionally, the first display area AA1 includes multiple pixel areas and multiple dummy pixel areas. The display panel includes a first electrode layer, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer includes multiple first electrodes. The first electrodes are located in the pixel areas, and the first electrode, the light-emitting layer, and the second electrode in each pixel area constitute a first sub-pixel 110. In one embodiment, the dummy pixel areas may not include the first electrode, and the light-emitting layer and the second electrode in each dummy pixel area constitute a dummy sub-pixel 120. Specifically, the first electrode may be an anode, and the first sub-pixel 110 may be connected to the corresponding first pixel circuit 210 through the first electrode. The second electrode may be a cathode, and the second electrode may be a common electrode for each first sub-pixel 110 and the dummy sub-pixel 120. By setting the dummy sub-pixel 120 to consist only of the light-emitting layer and the second electrode, and the dummy pixel area where the dummy sub-pixel 120 is located does not include the first electrode, it helps to improve the light transmittance of the dummy pixel area, thereby improving the light transmittance of the first display area AA1.

[0068] In another embodiment, the dummy pixel area may be configured to exclude the first electrode and the light-emitting layer. The second electrode in each dummy pixel area constitutes a dummy sub-pixel 120. That is, the dummy sub-pixel 120 is composed only of the second electrode. The dummy pixel area where the dummy sub-pixel 120 is located does not include the first electrode and the light-emitting layer. This also helps to improve the light transmittance of the dummy pixel area, thereby improving the light transmittance of the first display area AA1.

[0069] This invention also provides a display device, including the display panel in any of the above embodiments, and thus possesses the corresponding functional structure and beneficial effects of the display panel, which will not be elaborated further here. The display device can be a mobile phone, or any electronic product with display functionality, including but not limited to the following categories: televisions, laptops, desktop monitors, tablets, digital cameras, smart bracelets, smart glasses, in-vehicle displays, medical devices, industrial control equipment, touch interactive terminals, etc. This invention does not impose any special limitations on these categories.

[0070] This invention also provides a method for driving a display panel, used to drive the display panel in any of the above embodiments to operate. The method specifically includes:

[0071] Each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit drives each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit. Each first sub-pixel is driven by at least one first pixel circuit. The total number of first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit is equal to the total number of first sub-pixels and dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit.

[0072] In one embodiment, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is one, and the first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel to the first sub-pixel; accordingly, driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes:

[0073] The first pixel in the first pixel driving unit is driven simultaneously by the first pixel circuits connected in parallel in the first pixel driving unit.

[0074] In another embodiment, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two, and the first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel and then electrically connected to each first sub-pixel in sequence; accordingly, driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes:

[0075] Each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit is simultaneously driven by the first pixel circuits connected in parallel in the first pixel driving unit.

[0076] In another embodiment, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two, and the first sub-pixels are connected to at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel in the corresponding first pixel driving unit; accordingly, driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes:

[0077] Each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit drives the corresponding first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit, and at least some of the first sub-pixels are driven by at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel.

[0078] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0079] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, The display panel has a first display area and a second display area, wherein the light transmittance of the first display area is greater than the light transmittance of the second display area; the display panel includes: A first pixel unit is located in the first display area, and the first pixel unit includes at least one first sub-pixel and at least one dummy sub-pixel; A first pixel driving unit is located in the second display area. The first pixel driving unit includes a plurality of first pixel circuits, wherein the total number of the first pixel circuits is equal to the total number of the first sub-pixels and the dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit. The first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit are connected in sequence and electrically connected to the first sub-pixels in the corresponding first pixel units, in order to drive the corresponding first sub-pixels.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is one, and the first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel to the first sub-pixel.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two; The first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel and then electrically connected to each first sub-pixel in sequence; or, the first sub-pixel is connected to at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel in the corresponding first pixel driving unit.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel also includes a data line, and the first pixel circuits driving the same first sub-pixel are connected to the same data line.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel also includes: The second pixel unit is located in the second display area, and the second pixel unit includes a plurality of second sub-pixels; Multiple second pixel circuits are located in the second display area. The second pixel circuits are connected to the corresponding second sub-pixels and are used to drive the corresponding second sub-pixels. The first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit have the same structure.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The total number of the first sub-pixels and the dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is equal to the total number of the second sub-pixels in the second pixel unit; the pixel arrangement of the first sub-pixels and the dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is consistent with the pixel arrangement of each second sub-pixel in the second pixel unit; Each second sub-pixel in the same second pixel unit is any one of a first color sub-pixel, a second color sub-pixel, and a third color sub-pixel, wherein the emission colors of the first color sub-pixel, the second color sub-pixel, and the third color sub-pixel are different, and the emission color of each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit is the same as that of the second sub-pixel in the corresponding second pixel unit; or... Each second sub-pixel in the same second pixel unit includes at least a first color sub-pixel, a second color sub-pixel, and a third color sub-pixel, wherein the first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit is any one of the first color sub-pixel, the second color sub-pixel, and the third color sub-pixel.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple first pixel units are arranged in an array in the first display area, and multiple second pixel units are arranged in an array in the second display area, and the arrangement of each first pixel unit in the first display area is consistent with the arrangement of each second pixel unit in the second display area.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first display area includes multiple pixel areas and multiple dummy pixel areas. The display panel includes a first electrode layer, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer includes multiple first electrodes. The first electrode is located in the pixel area, and the first electrode, the light-emitting layer and the second electrode in each pixel area constitute a first sub-pixel; The first electrode is not provided in the dummy pixel area, and the light-emitting layer and the second electrode in each dummy pixel area constitute a dummy sub-pixel; or, the first electrode and the light-emitting layer are not provided in the dummy pixel area, and the second electrode in each dummy pixel area constitutes a dummy sub-pixel.

9. A driving method for a display panel, characterized in that, The display panel has a first display area and a second display area, wherein the light transmittance of the first display area is greater than that of the second display area; the display panel includes: a first pixel unit located in the first display area, wherein the first pixel unit includes at least one first sub-pixel and at least one dummy sub-pixel; and a first pixel driving unit located in the second display area, wherein the first pixel driving unit includes a plurality of first pixel circuits, wherein the first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit are connected in sequence and electrically connected to the first sub-pixel in the corresponding first pixel unit; The driving method for the display panel includes: Each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit drives each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit. Each first sub-pixel is driven by at least one first pixel circuit. The total number of first pixel circuits in the first pixel driving unit is equal to the total number of first sub-pixels and dummy sub-pixels in the first pixel unit.

10. The driving method for a display panel according to claim 9, characterized in that, The number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is one, and the first pixel circuits in the corresponding first pixel driving unit are connected in parallel to the first sub-pixel; driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes: driving one first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit simultaneously through each first pixel circuit connected in parallel in the first pixel driving unit. Alternatively, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two, and each first pixel circuit in the corresponding first pixel driving unit is connected in parallel and then electrically connected to each first sub-pixel in sequence; the step of driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes: driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit simultaneously through each first pixel circuit connected in parallel in the first pixel driving unit. Alternatively, the number of first sub-pixels in the first pixel unit is at least two, and the first sub-pixels are connected to at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel in the corresponding first pixel driving unit; the step of driving each first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit includes: driving the corresponding first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit through each first pixel circuit in the first pixel driving unit, and at least some of the first sub-pixels are driven by at least two first pixel circuits connected in parallel.

11. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel described in any one of claims 1-8.

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