Display device and control method thereof

Abstract

A display device (10) and a control method thereof relate to the field of display technology. During the process of rolling up or unfolding a slidable area (101a1) of a flexible display panel (101) of the display device (10), each detection circuit (103) can detect external ambient light in real time, and when detecting external ambient light, transmit a detection current to a detection signal line (106) based on an input signal provided by an input signal line (104). Thus, a driver integrated circuit (102) can detect the magnitude of the detection current transmitted by the detection circuit (103) from the detection signal line (106), and further determine the length of the effective display area along the first direction (X) in the flexible display panel (101) based on the corresponding relationship between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction (X). The driver integrated circuit (102) controls the effective display area to display an image based on the length of the effective display area along the first direction (X), thereby achieving high flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of display technology, flexible roll-up display devices have become a new development direction of display technology.

[0003] In related art, a roll-up display device includes a flexible display panel, wherein the display area of ​​the flexible display panel includes a slideable area and a fixed area. The flexible display panel is made of a flexible material, and the slideable area of ​​the flexible display panel can be gradually rolled up or unfolded. As the slideable area of ​​the flexible display panel gradually rolls up, the area on the flexible display panel capable of displaying an image gradually decreases; as the slideable area of ​​the flexible display panel gradually unfolds, the area on the flexible display panel capable of displaying an image gradually increases.

[0004] However, as the area of ​​the flexible display panel capable of displaying images gradually changes, the area of ​​the area of ​​the flexible display panel capable of displaying images cannot be determined in real time, and thus the image displayed on the flexible display panel cannot be controlled in real time, resulting in poor flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a display device and a control method thereof, which can solve the problem of poor flexibility of display devices in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, a display device is provided, comprising:

[0007] A flexible display panel having a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, wherein the display area includes a slidable area and a fixed area;

[0008] a driver integrated circuit, wherein the driver integrated circuit is located in the peripheral area;

[0009] a plurality of detection circuits, the plurality of detection circuits being located in a peripheral area adjacent to the slidable area;

[0010] at least one input signal line, one end of the at least one input signal line being electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit, and the other end of the at least one input signal line being electrically connected to the plurality of detection circuits;

[0011] at least one control signal line, one end of the at least one control signal line being electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit, and the other end of the at least one control signal line being electrically connected to the plurality of detection circuits;

[0012] and at least one detection signal line, one end of the at least one detection signal line being electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit, and the other end of the at least one detection signal line being electrically connected to the plurality of detection circuits;

[0013] In which, each of the detection circuits is used to be shut down under the control of the control signal provided by the control signal line, and when external ambient light is detected, transmit a detection current to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line; the driver integrated circuit stores a correspondence between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction, and the effective display area includes the fixed area and the expanded area in the sliding area, and the first direction is the arrangement direction of the sliding area and the fixed area; the driver integrated circuit is used to determine the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel along the first direction based on the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line and the corresponding relationship, and control the effective display area to display an image based on the length of the effective display area along the first direction.

[0014] Optionally, each of the detection circuits includes: at least one phototransistor;

[0015] The gate of the phototransistor is electrically connected to the control signal line, the first electrode of the phototransistor is electrically connected to the input signal line, and the second electrode of the phototransistor is electrically connected to the detection signal line.

[0016] Optionally, the multiple detection circuits are arranged along the first direction; each of the detection circuits includes a plurality of the phototransistors, and the plurality of phototransistors are arranged along a second direction, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0017] Optionally, each of the input signal lines includes: at least one first input line segment and a plurality of second input line segments, each of the second input line segments is connected to the at least one first input line segment;

[0018] Each of the first input line segments extends along the first direction, each of the second input line segments extends along the second direction, and the first electrode of each of the phototransistors is electrically connected to one of the second input line segments.

[0019] Optionally, each of the input signal lines includes: two first input line segments;

[0020] One end of each of the second input line segments is connected to one of the first input line segments, and the other end is connected to another of the first input line segments.

[0021] Optionally, each of the control signal lines includes: at least one first control line segment and a plurality of second control line segments, and each of the second control line segments is connected to the at least one first control line segment;

[0022] Each of the first control line segments extends along the first direction, each of the second control line segments extends along the second direction, and the gate of each of the phototransistors is electrically connected to one of the second control line segments.

[0023] Optionally, each of the control signal lines includes: two first control line segments;

[0024] One end of each of the second control line segments is connected to one of the first control line segments, and the other end is connected to another of the first control line segments.

[0025] Optionally, each of the detection signal lines includes: at least one first detection line segment and a plurality of second detection line segments, and each of the second detection line segments is connected to the at least one first detection line segment;

[0026] Each of the first detection line segments extends along the first direction, each of the second detection line segments extends along the second direction, and the gate of each of the phototransistors is electrically connected to one of the second detection line segments.

[0027] Optionally, each of the detection signal lines includes: two first detection line segments;

[0028] One end of each of the second detection line segments is connected to one of the first detection line segments, and the other end is connected to another of the first detection line segments.

[0029] Optionally, the flexible display panel includes: a base substrate, and an active layer, a first insulating layer, and a gate layer stacked in sequence in a direction away from the base substrate;

[0030] The active layer includes an active pattern of the phototransistor, the active pattern includes a channel region, the first electrode, and the second electrode, and an orthographic projection of the gate of the phototransistor on the substrate is located in the channel region.

[0031] Optionally, the flexible display panel further includes: a second insulating layer, a first metal layer, a third insulating layer, and a second metal layer stacked in sequence in a direction away from the gate layer;

[0032] Wherein, the at least one detection signal line is located in the gate layer, and the at least one detection signal line is electrically connected to the second electrode through at least one first via hole in the first insulating layer;

[0033] The at least one input signal line is located in the first metal layer, and the at least one input signal line is electrically connected to the first electrode through at least one second via hole in the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer;

[0034] The at least one control signal line is located in the second metal layer, and the at least one control signal line is electrically connected to the gate of the phototransistor through the first insulating layer, the second insulating layer, and at least one third via hole in the third insulating layer.

[0035] Optionally, the display device further includes: an array substrate row driving circuit integrated in the flexible display panel;

[0036] The array substrate row driving circuit is close to the slidable area relative to the multiple detection circuits, or the array substrate row driving circuit is far away from the slidable area relative to the multiple detection circuits.

[0037] Optionally, the display device includes: a touch panel located on the display side of the flexible display panel; the touch panel includes: a base substrate, and an active layer, a first insulating layer, and a gate layer stacked in sequence in a direction away from the base substrate;

[0038] The active layer includes an active pattern of the phototransistor, the active pattern includes a channel region, a first electrode and a second electrode, and an orthographic projection of the gate of the phototransistor on the substrate is located in the channel region.

[0039] Optionally, the flexible display panel further includes: a second insulating layer, a first metal layer, a third insulating layer, and a second metal layer stacked in sequence in a direction away from the gate layer;

[0040] Wherein, the at least one detection signal line is located in the gate layer, and the at least one detection signal line is electrically connected to the second electrode through at least one first via hole in the first insulating layer;

[0041] The at least one input signal line is located in the first metal layer, and the at least one input signal line is electrically connected to the first electrode through at least one second via hole in the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer;

[0042] The at least one control signal line is located in the second metal layer, and the at least one control signal line is electrically connected to the gate of the phototransistor through the first insulating layer, the second insulating layer, and at least one third via hole in the third insulating layer.

[0043] Optionally, the display device further includes: an array substrate row driving circuit integrated in the flexible display panel;

[0044] The orthographic projections of the plurality of detection circuits on the flexible display panel are located in the area where the row driving circuits of the array substrate are located.

[0045] Optionally, the plurality of detection circuits include a plurality of first detection circuits and a plurality of second detection circuits; the at least one input signal line includes a first input signal line and a second input signal line; the at least one control signal line includes a first control signal line and a second control signal line; the at least one detection signal line includes a first detection signal line and a second detection signal line;

[0046] The plurality of first detection circuits, the first input signal line, the first control signal line, and the first detection signal line are all located in a peripheral area near a first boundary of the slidable area, and the first detection circuit is electrically connected to the first input signal line, the first control signal line, and the first detection signal line;

[0047] The multiple second detection circuits, the second input signal line, the second control signal line, and the second detection signal line are all located in the peripheral area near the second boundary of the sliding area, the second detection circuit is electrically connected to the second input signal line, the second control signal line, and the second detection signal line, and the extension direction of the first boundary and the extension direction of the second boundary are both the first direction.

[0048] Optionally, the plurality of first detection circuits and the plurality of second detection circuits are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of the slidable area, and an extending direction of the axis is parallel to the first direction;

[0049] The first input signal line and the second input signal line are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis; the first control signal line and the second control signal line are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis; and the first detection signal line and the second detection signal line are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis.

[0050] Optionally, the display device further includes an input signal connection line, a control signal connection line, and a detection signal connection line;

[0051] The first input signal line and the second input signal line are connected via the input signal connection line, the first control signal line and the second control signal line are connected via the control signal connection line, and the first detection signal line and the second detection signal line are connected via the detection signal connection line;

[0052] The input signal connection line, the control signal connection line, and the detection signal connection line are all located in a peripheral area of ​​the slidable area on a side away from the fixed area.

[0053] In another aspect, a method for controlling a display device is provided. The method is used to control the display device according to the above aspect, and the method includes:

[0054] During the process of rolling up or unfolding the slidable area of ​​the flexible display panel, at least one target detection circuit among the plurality of detection circuits is turned on when detecting external ambient light, and the at least one target detection circuit transmits a detection current to the detection signal line based on an input signal provided by the input signal line; wherein each of the target detection circuits is located in a peripheral area of ​​the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel near the slidable area;

[0055] The driver integrated circuit determines a target current range within which the detection current in the detection signal line falls based on a correspondence between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction, and determines a target length corresponding to the target current range as the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel along the first direction;

[0056] The driving integrated circuit controls the effective display area to display an image based on the length of the flexible display panel along the first direction.

[0057] Optionally, the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line is positively correlated with the number of target detection circuits in the multiple detection circuits; and the length of the effective display area along the first direction is positively correlated with the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line.

[0058] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this application include at least:

[0059] The present application provides a display device and a control method thereof. In the process of rolling up or unfolding the slidable area of ​​a flexible display panel of the display device, each detection circuit is capable of detecting ambient light in real time. When ambient light is detected, the detection circuit transmits a detection current to a detection signal line based on an input signal provided by an input signal line. Thus, a driver integrated circuit can detect the magnitude of the detection current transmitted by the detection circuit from the detection signal line and, based on the corresponding relationship between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction, determine the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel along the first direction. Based on the length of the effective display area along the first direction, the driver integrated circuit controls the image displayed in the effective display area, providing high flexibility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0061] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a slidable area provided by an embodiment of the present application when at least part of it is rolled up;

[0063] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a slidable area provided by an embodiment of the present application when at least part of it is unfolded;

[0064] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application in which both slidable areas are rolled up;

[0065] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application in which both slidable areas are unfolded;

[0066] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of multiple detection circuits provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of multiple detection circuits, input signal lines, control signal lines, and detection signal lines provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of another plurality of detection circuits, input signal lines, control signal lines, and detection signal lines provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of another embodiment of the present application, including multiple detection circuits, input signal lines, control signal lines, and detection signal lines;

[0070] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of another flexible display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of another flexible display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of another display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 14 is a structural diagram of another display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a touch panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 16is a partial cross-sectional view of another touch panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of another touch panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figure 18 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 19 is a flow chart of a method for preparing a display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 20 This is a flow chart of a method for preparing a touch panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] The terms used in the embodiments of this application are intended solely to illustrate the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application should have the same ordinary meaning as those understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in this patent specification and claims do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish between different components. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "an" do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one. Terms such as "include" or "comprising" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects listed before "include" or "comprising" include the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprising," and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used solely to indicate relative positions. When the absolute position of the described objects changes, the relative positions may also change accordingly.

[0083] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a display device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 It can be seen that the display device 10 may include: a flexible display panel 101, a driving integrated circuit 102, a plurality of detection circuits 103, at least one input signal line 104, at least one control signal line 105, and at least one detection signal line 106. Figure 1An input signal line 104 , a control signal line 105 , and a detection signal line 106 are shown.

[0084] refer to Figure 1 The flexible display panel 101 may have a display area 101a and a peripheral area 101b surrounding the display area 101a. The display area 101a may include a slidable area 101a1 and a fixed area 101a2. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slidable area 101a1 when it is at least partially rolled up, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the slidable area 101a1 when it is partially unfolded. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The slidable area 101a1 may refer to an area of ​​the flexible display panel 101 that can be rolled or unfolded along a first direction X, and the fixed area 101a2 may refer to an area of ​​the flexible display panel 101 that cannot be rolled or unfolded. The first direction X is the arrangement direction of the slidable area 101a1 and the fixed area 101a2.

[0085] The driver integrated circuit 102 may be located in the peripheral area 101b, for example Figure 1 The driver integrated circuit 102 is located in the peripheral area 101b on the side of the fixed area 101a2 away from the slideable area 101a1. The plurality of detection circuits 103 can be located in the peripheral area 101b close to the slideable area 101a1, for example Figure 1 The plurality of detection circuits 103 are all located on the left side of the slidable area 101 a 1 .

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, one end of at least one input signal line 104 can be electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit 102, and the other end can be electrically connected to the multiple detection circuits 103. One end of at least one control signal line 105 can be electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit 102, and the other end can be electrically connected to the multiple detection circuits 103. One end of at least one detection signal line 106 can be electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit 102, and the other end can be electrically connected to the multiple detection circuits 103.

[0087] Optional, reference Figure 1 At least one input signal line 104 , at least one control signal line 105 and at least one detection signal line 106 are located in the peripheral area 101 b .

[0088] The driver integrated circuit 102 can provide input signals to the multiple detection circuits 103 via at least one input signal line 104. The driver integrated circuit 102 can provide control signals to the multiple detection circuits 103 via at least one control signal line 105. Furthermore, the driver integrated circuit 102 can receive detection currents transmitted by the multiple detection circuits 103 via at least one detection signal line 106.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present application, each detection circuit 103 can be used to shut down under the control of a control signal provided by a control signal line 105, and when external ambient light is detected, transmit a detection current to the detection signal line 106 based on the input signal provided by the input signal line 104. The driver integrated circuit 102 can store a correspondence between a current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction X. The driver integrated circuit 102 is used to determine the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel 101 along the first direction X based on the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line 106 and the correspondence, and control the effective display area to display an image based on the length. For example, the driver integrated circuit 102 can determine the size and display position of the image to be displayed based on the length, and then display the image in the effective display area based on the determined size and display position of the image. Among them, the image displayed in the flexible display panel 101 can fill the effective display area, and other areas of the display area 101a of the flexible display panel 101 except the effective display area will not display an image.

[0090] The effective display area may include the fixed area 101a2 and the area expanded in the slidable area 101a1. Figure 2 The area a1 shown in FIG and Figure 3 The area a2 shown in the figure is the effective display area.

[0091] In summary, embodiments of the present application provide a display device in which, during the process of rolling up or unfolding a slidable area of ​​a flexible display panel, each detection circuit is capable of detecting ambient light in real time. Upon detecting ambient light, the detection circuit transmits a detection current to the detection signal line based on an input signal provided by the input signal line. Consequently, a driver integrated circuit can detect the magnitude of the detection current transmitted by the detection circuit from the detection signal line and, based on the correspondence between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction, determine the length of the effective display area in the flexible display panel along the first direction. The driver integrated circuit controls the image displayed in the effective display area based on the length of the effective display area along the first direction, providing greater flexibility. Furthermore, the length of the effective display area along the first direction determined by the magnitude of the detection current transmitted by the multiple detection circuits is more accurate. Furthermore, because the detection circuit can be shut down under the control of a control signal provided by the control signal line and transmits a detection current to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line only when ambient light is detected, the accuracy and reliability of the detection current received by the driver integrated circuit can be ensured.

[0092] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the display area 101a of the flexible display panel 101 may include a slidable area 101a1 and a fixed area 101a2. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display area 101a may further include two slidable areas 101a1 and one fixed area 101a2, wherein the two slidable areas 101a1 may be located on both sides of one fixed area 101a2. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of two sliding areas rolled up. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing that both slidable areas are expanded.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present application, the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line 106 may be positively correlated with the number of target detection circuits in the plurality of detection circuits 103. The length of the effective display area along the first direction X may be positively correlated with the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line 106. The target detection circuit in the plurality of detection circuits 103 can detect external ambient light, while the other detection circuits in the plurality of detection circuits 103, except for the target detection circuit, cannot detect external ambient light.

[0094] Among them, the detection circuit 103 located in the rolled-up portion of the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101 (the area of ​​the slidable area 101a1 that does not belong to the effective display area) will not detect external ambient light, so the detection circuit 103 in the rolled-up portion will be turned off under the control of the control signal provided by the control signal line 105. However, the target detection circuit located in the effective display area of ​​the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101 is exposed to the outside. The target detection circuit can detect external ambient light, so the target detection circuit can transmit a detection current to the detection signal line 106 based on the input signal provided by the input signal line 104.

[0095] The longer the length of the effective display area in the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101 along the first direction X is (i.e., the more the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101 is unfolded), the more target detection circuits are exposed. These more exposed target detection circuits can transmit detection currents to the detection signal lines 106 based on the input signals. Furthermore, the detection current in the detection signal lines 106 detected by the driver integrated circuit 102 is larger.

[0096] Accordingly, the shorter the length of the effective display area in the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101 along the first direction X (i.e., the less the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101 is unfolded), the fewer target detection circuits are exposed, and only the smaller number of target detection circuits exposed can transmit detection current to the detection signal line 106 based on the input signal. Furthermore, the detection current in the detection signal line 106 detected by the driver integrated circuit 102 is smaller.

[0097] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of multiple detection circuits provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As can be seen, each detection circuit 103 may include: at least one phototransistor 1031. The gate of the phototransistor 1031 may be connected to the control signal line 105, the first electrode of the phototransistor 1031 may be electrically connected to the input signal line 104, and the second electrode of the phototransistor 1031 may be electrically connected to the detection signal line 106.

[0098] Optionally, a plurality of detection circuits 103 may be arranged along the first direction X. Each detection circuit 103 may include a plurality of phototransistors 1031 (eg Figure 6 Each detection circuit 103 includes six phototransistors 1031, and the multiple phototransistors 1031 included in each detection circuit 103 can be arranged along a second direction Y. The second direction Y intersects with the first direction X. For example, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0099] The greater the number of phototransistors 1031 included in each detection circuit 103, the greater the detection current transmitted by the detection circuit 103 to the driver integrated circuit 102 when ambient light is detected. Furthermore, the greater the change in the detection current that the driver integrated circuit 102 can detect (relative to the change in the detection current when the detection circuit 103 does not detect ambient light), the more conducive it is for the driver integrated circuit 102 to detect an accurate detection current. Furthermore, the driver integrated circuit 102 can more accurately determine the length of the effective display area along the first direction X, thereby improving the display flexibility of the display device.

[0100] Optionally, the number of phototransistors 1031 included in each detection circuit 103 may be positively correlated with the length of the peripheral area 101b near the first boundary A1 (or the second boundary A2) of the slidable area 101a1 along the second direction Y. That is, the longer the length of the peripheral area 101b near the first boundary A1 (or the second boundary A2) of the slidable area 101a1 along the second direction Y is, the more phototransistors 1031 may be included in each detection circuit 103; and the shorter the length of the peripheral area 101b near the first boundary A1 (or the second boundary A2) of the slidable area 101a1 along the second direction Y is, the fewer phototransistors 1031 may be included in each detection circuit 103.

[0101] Among them, reference Figure 1 The first boundary A1 and the second boundary A2 both extend in the first direction X. Furthermore, the slidable area 101a1, in addition to the first boundary A1 and the second boundary A2, also has a third boundary A3 and a fourth boundary A4. The third boundary A3 and the fourth boundary A4 both extend in the second direction Y. The third boundary A3 is farther from the fixed area 101a2 than the fourth boundary A4.

[0102] In the examples of this application, refer to Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 7 Each detection circuit 103 may include four phototransistors 1031, Figure 8 Each detection circuit 103 may include two phototransistors 1031, Figure 9 Each detection circuit 103 may include a phototransistor 1031. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The phototransistor 1031 of the detection circuit 103 has a larger width to length ratio, and Figure 7 The phototransistor 1031 of the detection circuit 103 has a small width-to-length ratio, where the width-to-length ratio of the phototransistor 1031 refers to the ratio of the width to the length of the channel region of the phototransistor 1031 .

[0103] Optional, due to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The phototransistor 1031 of the detection circuit 103 has a large width-to-length ratio. Therefore, even if the number of phototransistors 1031 designed in the detection circuit 103 is small, the change in the detection current that can be detected by the driver integrated circuit 102 can be large.

[0104] Therefore, when the length of the peripheral area 101 b close to the slidable area 101 a 1 along the second direction Y is short, the phototransistor 1031 with a larger width-to-length ratio may be preferentially selected to save the space occupied by the detection circuit 103 .

[0105] Optional, Figure 7 The width to length ratio of the phototransistor 1031 may be 1:1. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The width-to-length ratio of the phototransistor 1031 may be in the range of 5:1 to 10:1.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present application, each detection circuit 103 may also include other numbers of phototransistors 1031 , which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. It is only necessary to ensure that the driver integrated circuit 102 can accurately detect the detection current in the detection signal line 106 .

[0107] refer to Figures 7 to 9 It can also be seen that each input signal line 104 may include at least one first input line segment 1041 and multiple second input line segments 1042. Each second input line segment 1042 may be connected to at least one first input line segment 1041. Each first input line segment 1041 may extend along a first direction X, and each second input line segment 1042 may extend along a second direction Y. The first electrode of each phototransistor 1031 may be electrically connected to one second input line segment 1042. Furthermore, the driver integrated circuit 102 may be connected to the first input line segment 1041 and may provide an input signal to the first electrode of the phototransistor 1031 via the first input line segment 1041 and the second input line segment 1042.

[0108] Optional, reference Figures 7 to 9 Each input signal line 104 may include two first input line segments 1041 . One end of each second input line segment 1042 may be connected to one first input line segment 1041 , and the other end may be connected to another first input line segment 1041 .

[0109] By making the input signal line 104 include two first input line segments 1041, and the two first input line segments 1041 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second input line segment 1042, it is possible to avoid one end of each second input line segment 1042 being in a suspended state, which not only improves the symmetry of the input signal line 104, but also ensures the stability of the input signal transmitted by the input signal line 104.

[0110] Of course, each input signal line 104 may also include only one first input line segment 1041 , or include a greater number of first input line segments 1041 , which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0111] Optionally, the number of second input line segments 1042 included in each input signal line 104 may be the same as the number of detection circuits 103 connected to the input signal line 104. Of course, the number of second input line segments 1042 included in each input signal line 104 may also be different from the number of detection circuits 103 connected to the input signal line 104. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0112] refer to Figures 7 to 9 It can also be seen that each control signal line 105 may include: at least one first control line segment 1051 and multiple second control line segments 1052, and each second control line segment 1052 may be connected to at least one first control line segment 1051. Each first control line segment 1051 may extend along a first direction X, and each second control line segment 1052 may extend along a second direction Y. The gate of each phototransistor 1031 may be electrically connected to a second control line segment 1052. Furthermore, the driver integrated circuit 102 may be connected to the first control line segment 1051, and the driver integrated circuit 102 may provide a control signal to the gate of the phototransistor 1031 via the first control line segment 1051 and the second control line segment 1052.

[0113] Optional, reference Figures 7 and 8 Each control signal line 105 may include two first control line segments 1051 . One end of each second control line segment 1052 may be connected to one first control line segment 1051 , and the other end may be connected to another first control line segment 1051 .

[0114] By making the control signal line 105 include two first control line segments 1051, and the two first control line segments 1051 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second control line segment 1052, it is possible to avoid one end of each second control line segment 1052 being in a suspended state, which not only improves the symmetry of the control signal line 105, but also ensures the stability of the control signal transmitted by the control signal line 105.

[0115] Of course, each control signal line 105 may also include only one first control line segment 1051 , or include a greater number of first control line segments 1051 , which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0116] Optionally, the number of second control line segments 1052 included in each control signal line 105 may be the same as the number of detection circuits 103 connected to the control signal line 105. Of course, the number of second control line segments 1052 included in each control signal line 105 may also be different from the number of detection circuits 103 connected to the control signal line 105. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0117] refer to Figures 7 to 9 It can also be seen that each detection signal line 106 may include: at least one first detection line segment 1061 and multiple second detection line segments 1062, and each second detection line segment 1062 may be connected to at least one first detection line segment 1061. Each first detection line segment 1061 may extend along a first direction X, and each second detection line segment 1062 may extend along a second direction Y. The second electrode of each phototransistor 1031 may be electrically connected to a second detection line segment 1062. Furthermore, the driver integrated circuit 102 may be connected to the first detection line segment 1061, and the driver integrated circuit 102 may receive the detection current transmitted by the phototransistor 1031 through the second detection line segment 1062 and the first detection line segment 1061.

[0118] Optional, reference Figure 9 Each detection signal line 106 may include two first detection line segments 1061 . One end of each second detection line segment 1062 may be connected to one first detection line segment 1061 , and the other end may be connected to another first detection line segment 1061 .

[0119] By making the detection signal line 106 include two first detection line segments 1061, and the two first detection line segments 1061 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second detection line segment 1062, it is possible to avoid one end of each second detection line segment 1062 being in a suspended state, which not only improves the symmetry of the detection signal line 106, but also ensures the stability of the detection current transmitted by the detection signal line 106.

[0120] Of course, reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each detection signal line 106 may also include only one first detection line segment 1061 , or include a greater number of first detection line segments 1061 , which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0121] Optionally, the number of second detection line segments 1062 included in each detection signal line 106 may be the same as the number of detection circuits 103 connected to the detection signal line 106. Of course, the number of second detection line segments 1062 included in each detection signal line 106 may also be different from the number of detection circuits 103 connected to the detection signal line 106. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0122] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another flexible display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another flexible display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figures 10 to 12 The flexible display panel 101 may include: a first base substrate 1011, and a first active layer 1012, a first insulating layer 1013, a first gate layer 1014, a second insulating layer 1015, a first metal layer 1016, a third insulating layer 1017 and a second metal layer 1018 stacked in sequence in a direction away from the first base substrate 1011. Figure 10 Can be Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along direction BB. Figure 11 Can be Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along CC direction. Figure 12 Can be Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along DD direction.

[0123] The first active layer 1012 may include active patterns of phototransistors 1031, with gaps between the active patterns of the respective phototransistors 1031. The active pattern of each phototransistor 1031 may include a channel region, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The orthographic projection of the gate of the phototransistor 1031 on the first substrate 1011 may be located in the channel region, at least one first input signal line 104a may be electrically connected to the first electrode, and at least one detection signal line 106 may be electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0124] Combine Figures 9 to 12 At least one detection signal line 106 may be located in the first gate layer 1014, and at least one detection signal line 106 is electrically connected to the second electrode through at least one first via hole in the first insulating layer 1013. Figure 11 The middle detection signal line 106 is electrically connected to the second electrode through four first via holes in the first insulating layer 1013 .

[0125] The at least one detection signal line 106 being located in the first gate layer 1014 may mean that the at least one detection signal line 106 may be made of the same material as the gate of the phototransistor 1031 and may be produced by the same patterning process. Furthermore, since the phototransistor 1031 is integrated into the flexible display panel 101, the flexible display panel 101 also includes a sub-pixel located in the display area 101a. The at least one detection signal line 106 may also be made of the same material as the gate of the thin-film transistor of the pixel circuit in the sub-pixel and may be produced by the same patterning process.

[0126] Combine Figures 9 to 12 At least one input signal line 104 may be located in the first metal layer 1016, and at least one input signal line 104 may be electrically connected to the first electrode through at least one second via hole in the first insulating layer 1013 and the second insulating layer 1015. Figure 10 The middle input signal line 104 is electrically connected to the first electrode through four second via holes in the first insulating layer 1013 and the second insulating layer 1015 .

[0127] The first metal layer 1016 may refer to a first source-drain electrode layer. The thin-film transistor of the pixel circuit of the sub-pixel in the flexible display panel 101 also includes a source electrode and a drain electrode. The at least one input signal line 104 being located in the first metal layer 1016 may mean that the at least one input signal line 104 may be made of the same material as the source and drain electrodes of the thin-film transistor of the pixel circuit of the sub-pixel and may be produced by the same patterning process.

[0128] Combine Figures 9 to 12 At least one control signal line 105 may be located in the second metal layer 1018. At least one control signal line 105 is electrically connected to the gate of the phototransistor 1031 through at least one third via hole in the first insulating layer 1013, the second insulating layer 1015, and the third insulating layer 1017 (not shown).

[0129] The second metal layer 1018 may refer to a second source-drain electrode layer. The source electrode of the thin-film transistor of the pixel circuit of the sub-pixel in the flexible display panel 101 may be electrically connected to the data line of the second source-drain electrode layer. The at least one control signal line 105 being located in the second metal layer 1018 may mean that the at least one control signal line 105 can be made of the same material as the data line and produced by the same patterning process.

[0130] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another display device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 13, the display device 10 may further include: an array substrate row driving circuit 107 integrated in the flexible display panel 101. The array substrate row driving circuit 107 is close to the slidable area 101a1 relative to the multiple detection circuits 103. That is, the array substrate row driving circuit 107 is located between the multiple detection circuits 103 and the slidable area 101a1. Alternatively, the array substrate row driving circuit 107 is away from the slidable area 101a1 relative to the multiple detection circuits 103. That is, the array substrate row driving circuit 107 is located on the side of the multiple detection circuits 103 away from the slidable area 101a1, and the multiple detection circuits 103 are located between the array substrate row driving circuit 107 and the slidable area 101a1.

[0131] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of another display device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 14 The display device 10 may include: a touch panel 108 located on the display side of the flexible display panel 101.

[0132] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a touch panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 16 It is a partial cross-sectional view of another touch panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another touch panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figures 15 to 17 The touch panel 108 may include: a second base substrate 1081, and a second active layer 1082, a fourth insulating layer 1083, a second gate layer 1084, a fifth insulating layer 1085, a third metal layer 1086, a sixth insulating layer 1087 and a fourth metal layer 1088 stacked in sequence in a direction away from the second base substrate 1081. Figure 15 Can be Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along direction BB. Figure 16 Can be Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along CC direction. Figure 17 Can be Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along DD direction.

[0133] refer to Figure 18 The touch panel 108 may include a plurality of first touch electrodes b1 and a plurality of second touch electrodes b2 that are insulated from each other. The plurality of first touch electrodes b1 may be arranged along a first direction X, and the plurality of second touch electrodes b2 may be arranged along a second direction Y. The first touch electrodes b1 may include a plurality of touch patterns b11 arranged along the second direction Y and bridges b12 connecting the plurality of touch patterns b11.

[0134] Optionally, the multiple touch patterns b11 of the first touch electrode b1 and the second touch electrode b2 can be located in the first touch metal layer, and the bridge b12 can be located in the second touch metal layer. An insulating layer (e.g., the third insulating layer 1017) is located between the first touch metal layer and the second touch metal layer, and the bridge b12 can be connected to the multiple touch patterns b11 through vias in the insulating layer.

[0135] In addition, the touch panel 108 may further include a first touch trace b3 electrically connected to the first touch electrode b1, and a second touch trace b4 electrically connected to the second touch electrode b2. The other end of the first touch trace b3 and the other end of the second touch trace b4 are connected to different touch interfaces. Furthermore, the driver integrated circuit 102 may be connected to the first touch trace b3 and the second touch trace b4 via the touch interface. Figure 18 The touch interface is not shown.

[0136] Optionally, the first touch electrode b1 may be a driving (Tx) electrode, and the second touch electrode b2 may be a sensing (Rx) electrode. Alternatively, the first touch electrode b1 may be a sensing electrode, and the second touch electrode b2 may be a driving electrode. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0137] In an embodiment of the present application, the second active layer 1082 may include an active pattern of a phototransistor 1031, with gaps between the active patterns of each phototransistor 1031. The active pattern of each phototransistor 1031 may include a channel region, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The orthographic projection of the gate of the phototransistor 1031 on the second substrate 1081 may be located in the channel region, at least one first input signal line 104a may be electrically connected to the first electrode, and at least one detection signal line 106 may be electrically connected to the second electrode. The first active layer 1012 may be a newly added film layer of the touch panel 108.

[0138] refer to Figures 15 to 17 At least one detection signal line 106 may be located in the second gate layer 1084, and at least one detection signal line 106 is electrically connected to the second gate through at least one first via hole in the fourth insulating layer 1083. Figure 16 The detection signal line 106 is electrically connected to the second electrode through four first via holes in the fourth insulating layer 1083. The first gate layer 1014 can be a new film layer of the touch panel 108.

[0139] Combine Figure 9 ,as well as Figures 15 to 17 At least one input signal line 104 may be located in the third metal layer 1086, and at least one input signal line 104 may be electrically connected to the first electrode through at least one second via hole in the fourth insulating layer 1083 and the fifth insulating layer 1085. Figure 15 The middle input signal line 104 is electrically connected to the first electrode through four second via holes in the fourth insulating layer 1083 and the fifth insulating layer 1085 .

[0140] The third metal layer 1086 may be the first touch metal layer. The at least one input signal line 104 being located in the third metal layer 1086 may mean that the at least one input signal line 104 and the structures in the touch panel 108 located in the first touch metal layer (e.g., the multiple touch patterns b11 of the first touch electrode b1 and the second touch electrode b2) are made of the same material and are produced by the same patterning process.

[0141] Combine Figure 9 ,as well as Figures 15 to 17 At least one control signal line 105 may be located in the fourth metal layer 1088. At least one control signal line 105 is electrically connected to the gate of the phototransistor 1031 through at least one third via hole in the fourth insulating layer 1083, the fifth insulating layer 1085, and the sixth insulating layer 1087 (not shown).

[0142] The fourth metal layer 1088 may be the second touch metal layer. The at least one control signal line 105 being located in the fourth metal layer 1088 may mean that the at least one control signal line 105 and the structure located in the second touch metal layer of the touch panel 108 (e.g., the bridge b12 of the first touch electrode b1) are made of the same material and are produced by the same patterning process.

[0143] refer to Figure 14 The display device 10 may further include an array substrate row driver circuit 107 integrated into the flexible display panel 101. Since the phototransistors 1031 in the multiple detection circuits 103 are integrated into the touch panel 108, the orthographic projections of the multiple detection circuits 103 on the flexible display panel 101 may be located in the area where the array substrate row driver circuit 107 is located. Of course, the orthographic projections of the multiple detection circuits 103 on the flexible display panel 101 may not be located in the area where the array substrate row driver circuit 107 is located. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0144] refer to Figure 13 The plurality of detection circuits 103 may include a plurality of first detection circuits 103a and a plurality of second detection circuits 103b. The at least one input signal line 104 may include a first input signal line 104a and a second input signal line 104b. The at least one control signal line 105 may include a first control signal line 105a and a second control signal line 105b. The at least one detection signal line 106 may include a first detection signal line 106a and a second detection signal line 106b.

[0145] Among them, multiple first detection circuits 103a, first input signal lines 104a, first control signal lines 105a, and first detection signal lines 106a are all located in the peripheral area 101b near the first boundary A1 of the slidable area 101a1. The first detection circuit 103a is electrically connected to the first input signal lines 104a, the first control signal lines 105a, and the first detection signal lines 106a. As a result, the driver integrated circuit 102 can provide input signals to the first detection circuit 103a through the first input signal lines 104a and provide control signals to the first detection circuit 103a through the first control signal lines 105a. In addition, the driver integrated circuit 102 can also receive the detection current transmitted by the first detection circuit 103a through the first detection signal lines 106a.

[0146] In addition, multiple second detection circuits 103b, second input signal lines 104b, second control signal lines 105b, and second detection signal lines 106b are all located in the peripheral area 101b near the second boundary A2 of the slidable area 101a1. The second detection circuits 103b are electrically connected to the second input signal lines 104b, the second control signal lines 105b, and the second detection signal lines 106b. As a result, the driver integrated circuit 102 can provide input signals to the second detection circuits 103b via the second input signal lines 104b and provide control signals to the second detection circuits 103b via the second control signal lines 105b. Furthermore, the driver integrated circuit 102 can also receive detection currents transmitted by the second detection circuits 103b via the second detection signal lines 106b.

[0147] refer to Figure 13 As can be seen, the plurality of first detection circuits 103a and the plurality of second detection circuits 103b can be arranged symmetrically about the axis of the slidable area 101a1. The axis extends in a direction parallel to the first direction X. Optionally, the display device can include the same number of first detection circuits 103a as the number of second detection circuits 103b, and they can be arranged symmetrically one to one.

[0148] In the embodiment of the present application, by symmetrically arranging the plurality of first detection circuits 103 a and the plurality of second detection circuits 103 b , the symmetry of the structural design of the display device can be improved.

[0149] In addition, the first input signal line 104a and the second input signal line 104b can also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis. The first control signal line 105a and the second control signal line 105b can also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis. The first detection signal line 106a and the second detection signal line 106b can also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis. Of course, the first input signal line 104a and the second input signal line 104b, the first control signal line 105a and the second control signal line 105b, and the first detection signal line 106a and the second detection signal line 106b can also be arranged asymmetrically, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0150] In the examples of this application, refer to Figure 13 The display device 10 may further include an input signal connection line 109, a control signal connection line 110, and a detection signal connection line 111. The first input signal line 104a and the second input signal line 104b are connected via the input signal connection line 109, the first control signal line 105a and the second control signal line 105b are connected via the control signal connection line 110, and the first detection signal line 106a and the second detection signal line 106b are connected via the detection signal connection line 111.

[0151] Therefore, the first input signal line 104a and the second input signal line 104b set on both sides are connected through the input signal connecting line 109, the first control signal line 105a and the second control signal line 105b set on both sides are connected through the control signal connecting line 110, and the first detection signal line 106a and the second detection signal line 106b set on both sides are connected through the detection signal connecting line 111, which can ensure the consistency of the signals transmitted in the various signal lines set on both sides and ensure the detection accuracy of the detection circuit 103.

[0152] For example, the consistency of the signals transmitted by the first input signal line 104a and the second input signal line 104b, the consistency of the signals transmitted by the first control signal line 105a and the second control signal line 105b, and the consistency of the signals transmitted by the first detection signal line 106a and the second detection signal line 106b can be ensured.

[0153] The input signal connection lines 109, the control signal connection lines 110, and the detection signal connection lines 111 are all located in the peripheral area 101b on the side of the slidable area 101a1 away from the fixed area 101a2. In other words, the input signal connection lines 109, the control signal connection lines 110, and the detection signal connection lines 111 are all located in the peripheral area 101b close to the third boundary A3 of the slidable area 101a1.

[0154] refer to Figure 13It can also be seen that the display device 10 may further include a light emitting control circuit 112. The light emitting control circuit 112 may be connected to a plurality of sub-pixels in the flexible display panel 10 to provide light emitting control signals for the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0155] In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide a display device in which, during the process of rolling up or unfolding the slidable area of ​​the flexible display panel of the display device, each detection circuit is capable of detecting external ambient light in real time and, upon detecting external ambient light, transmitting a detection current to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line. Thus, the driver integrated circuit can detect the magnitude of the detection current transmitted by the detection circuit from the detection signal line and, based on the correspondence between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction, determine the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel along the first direction. Based on the length of the effective display area along the first direction, the driver integrated circuit controls the image displayed in the effective display area, providing high flexibility.

[0156] Figure 18 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a display device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is used to control the display device provided in the above embodiment. Figure 18 , the method may include:

[0157] Step 201: During the process of rolling up or unfolding the slidable area of ​​the flexible display panel, at least one target detection circuit among the multiple detection circuits is turned on when detecting external ambient light, and at least one target detection circuit transmits a detection current to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line.

[0158] In the embodiment of the present application, each target detection circuit is located in a peripheral area 101a2 near the slidable area 101a1 in the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel 101. Each target detection circuit can be an externally exposed detection circuit among the multiple detection circuits 103. These externally exposed target detection circuits can be turned on when they detect external ambient light and transmit a detection current to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line.

[0159] During the rolling process of the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101, the amount of the target detection circuit exposed to the outside continuously decreases; during the unfolding process of the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101, the amount of the target detection circuit exposed to the outside continuously increases. Therefore, during the rolling process of the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101, the amount of the detection current transmitted to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line can be gradually reduced; during the unfolding process of the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101, the amount of the detection current transmitted to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line can be gradually increased.

[0160] Step 202: The driver integrated circuit determines the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel along the first direction based on the correspondence between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction and the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line.

[0161] In the embodiment of the present application, the driver integrated circuit 102 may store a correspondence between a current range and a length of the effective display area along the first direction. The detection current transmitted by at least one target detection circuit to the detection signal line 106 based on the input signal provided by the input signal line 104 may be transmitted to the driver integrated circuit 102. The driver integrated circuit 102 may determine the target current range within which the magnitude of the detection current received from the detection signal line 106 falls based on the correspondence, and determine the target length corresponding to the target current range as the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel 101 along the first direction X.

[0162] Optionally, the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line 106 is positively correlated with the number of target detection circuits in the plurality of detection circuits 103. The length of the effective display area along the first direction X is positively correlated with the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line 106.

[0163] Therefore, during the rolling up of the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101, the number of target detection circuits continuously decreases, thereby causing the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line 106 to continuously decrease, thereby causing the length of the effective display area along the first direction X to continuously decrease. During the unfolding of the slidable area 101a1 of the flexible display panel 101, the number of target detection circuits continuously increases, thereby causing the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line 106 to continuously increase, thereby causing the length of the effective display area along the first direction X to continuously increase.

[0164] Step 203 : driving the integrated electrode to control the effective display area to display an image based on the length of the flexible display panel along the first direction.

[0165] In the embodiment of the present application, after determining the length of the flexible display panel 101 along the first direction X, the driver integrated circuit 102 can control the effective display area to display an image based on the length. In addition, the area other than the effective display area in the display area can be controlled not to display an image.

[0166] In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide a method for controlling a display device. During the process of rolling up or unfolding the slidable area of ​​the flexible display panel of the display device, each detection circuit is capable of detecting ambient light in real time. Upon detecting ambient light, the detection circuit transmits a detection current to the detection signal line based on an input signal provided by the input signal line. Thus, the driver integrated circuit can detect the magnitude of the detection current transmitted by the detection circuit from the detection signal line, and further determine the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel along the first direction based on the correspondence between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction. The driver integrated circuit controls the display of an image in the effective display area based on the length of the effective display area along the first direction, thus providing high flexibility.

[0167] Figure 19 1 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a display device provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method can be used to manufacture a display device in which multiple detection circuits 103 are integrated in a touch panel 108. Figure 19 , the method may include:

[0168] Step 301: Obtain a flexible display panel.

[0169] Step 302: forming an encapsulation film layer on the display side of the flexible display panel.

[0170] In an embodiment of the present application, the encapsulation film layer can be used to encapsulate a flexible display panel. The encapsulation film layer can include a first inorganic material layer, an organic material layer, and a second inorganic material layer stacked in sequence along a side away from the flexible display panel.

[0171] Step 303 : forming a touch panel on a side of the packaging film layer away from the flexible display panel.

[0172] In the examples of this application, refer to Figure 20 , the formation process of the touch panel may include:

[0173] Step 3031: Form a second active layer on one side of a second base substrate.

[0174] In the embodiment of the present application, an active film layer can be formed on one side of the second base substrate 1081 using a deposition process, and the active film layer can be patterned using a first mask to obtain a second active layer 1082. The second active layer 1082 can include active patterns of the phototransistors 1031 of the detection circuit 103, with gaps between the active patterns of the phototransistors 1031. The active pattern of each phototransistor 1031 can include a channel region, a first electrode, and a second electrode.

[0175] Step 3032: Form a fourth insulating layer on a side of the second active layer away from the substrate.

[0176] In the embodiment of the present application, a deposition process may be used to form the fourth insulating layer 1083 on a side of the second active layer 1082 away from the second base substrate 1081 .

[0177] Step 3033: forming a second gate layer on a side of the fourth insulating layer away from the base substrate.

[0178] In the embodiment of the present application, a gate film layer can be formed on a side of the fourth insulating layer 1083 away from the second base substrate 1081 using a deposition process, and the gate film layer can be patterned using a second mask to obtain a second gate layer 1081. The second gate layer 1081 can include a gate pattern of the phototransistor 1031 of the detection circuit 103. The orthographic projection of the gate pattern on the flexible display panel 101 is located in the channel region.

[0179] At least one detection signal line 106 may be located in the second gate layer 1084 and electrically connected to the second electrode through at least one first via hole in the fourth insulating layer 1083. For example, the detection signal line 106 is electrically connected to the second electrode through four first via holes in the fourth insulating layer 1083.

[0180] Step 3034: Form a fifth insulating layer on a side of the second gate layer away from the substrate.

[0181] In the embodiment of the present application, a deposition process may be used to form a fifth insulating layer 1085 on a side of the second gate layer 1081 away from the second base substrate 1081 .

[0182] Step 3035: Form a third metal layer on a side of the fifth insulating layer away from the second substrate.

[0183] In the embodiment of the present application, at least one input signal line 104 may be located in the third metal layer 1086, and the at least one input signal line 104 may be electrically connected to the first electrode through at least one second via in the fourth insulating layer 1083 and the fifth insulating layer 1085. For example, the input signal line 104 may be electrically connected to the first electrode through four second vias in the fourth insulating layer 1083 and the fifth insulating layer 1085.

[0184] The third metal layer 1086 may be the first touch metal layer. The at least one input signal line 104 being located in the third metal layer 1086 may mean that the at least one input signal line 104 and the structures in the touch panel 108 located in the first touch metal layer (e.g., the multiple touch patterns b11 of the first touch electrode b1 and the second touch electrode b2) are made of the same material and are produced by the same patterning process.

[0185] Step 3036: Form a sixth insulating layer on a side of the third metal layer away from the second substrate.

[0186] Step 3037: Form a fourth metal layer on a side of the sixth insulating layer away from the second substrate.

[0187] In the embodiment of the present application, at least one control signal line 105 may be located in the fourth metal layer 1088. The at least one control signal line 105 is electrically connected to the gate of the phototransistor 1031 through at least one third via hole in the fourth insulating layer 1083, the fifth insulating layer 1085, and the sixth insulating layer 1087.

[0188] The fourth metal layer 1088 may be the second touch metal layer. The at least one control signal line 105 being located in the fourth metal layer 1088 may mean that the at least one control signal line 105 and the structure located in the second touch metal layer of the touch panel 108 (e.g., the bridge b12 of the first touch electrode b1) are made of the same material and are produced by the same patterning process.

[0189] Step 3038: Form a protective layer on a side of the fourth metal layer away from the second substrate.

[0190] In the embodiment of the present application, the protective layer can be used to protect the touch panel 108. The material of the protective layer can be an insulating material.

[0191] Step 304 : performing a cutting process on the flexible display panel, the packaging film layer, and the touch panel to obtain a display device.

[0192] According to the above preparation method, when integrating multiple detection circuits 103 into the touch panel, two new mask plates are needed (a first mask plate for preparing the active layer and a second mask plate for preparing the gate layer) and four new deposition processes are needed (depositing the active film layer, depositing the gate film layer, depositing the first insulating layer and depositing the second insulating layer).

[0193] In summary, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a display device. During the process of rolling up or unfolding the slidable area of ​​the flexible display panel of the display device manufactured by this method, each detection circuit can detect external ambient light in real time and, when detecting external ambient light, transmit a detection current to the detection signal line based on the input signal provided by the input signal line. As a result, the driver integrated circuit can detect the magnitude of the detection current transmitted by the detection circuit from the detection signal line, and then determine the length of the effective display area along the first direction in the flexible display panel based on the corresponding relationship between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction. The driver integrated circuit controls the display of an image in the effective display area based on the length of the effective display area along the first direction, and has high flexibility.

[0194] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that: The display device (10) comprises: A flexible display panel (101), the flexible display panel (101) having a display area (101a) and a peripheral area (101b) surrounding the display area (101a), the display area (101a) comprising a slidable area (101a1) and a fixed area (101a2); A driver integrated circuit (102), the driver integrated circuit (102) being located in the peripheral area (101b); a plurality of detection circuits (103), the plurality of detection circuits (103) being located in a peripheral area (101b) close to the slidable area (101a1); at least one input signal line (104), one end of the at least one input signal line (104) being electrically connected to the driving integrated circuit (102), and the other end being electrically connected to the plurality of detection circuits (103); at least one control signal line (105), one end of the at least one control signal line (105) being electrically connected to the driving integrated circuit (102), and the other end being electrically connected to the plurality of detection circuits (103); and at least one detection signal line (106), one end of the at least one detection signal line (106) being electrically connected to the driving integrated circuit (102), and the other end being electrically connected to the plurality of detection circuits (103); Each of the detection circuits (103) is used to be turned off under the control of the control signal provided by the control signal line (105), and to transmit a detection current to the detection signal line (106) based on the input signal provided by the input signal line (104) when detecting external ambient light; the driver integrated circuit (102) stores a corresponding relationship between a current range and a length of an effective display area along a first direction (X), the effective display area including the fixed area (101a2) and an area expanded in the slidable area (101a1), the first direction (X) being the arrangement direction of the slidable area (101a1) and the fixed area (101a2); the driver integrated circuit (102) is used to determine the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel (101) along the first direction (X) based on the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line (106) and the corresponding relationship, and to control the effective display area to display an image based on the length.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the detection circuits (103) includes: at least one phototransistor (1031); The gate of the phototransistor (1031) is electrically connected to the control signal line (105), the first electrode of the phototransistor (1031) is electrically connected to the input signal line (104), and the second electrode of the phototransistor (1031) is electrically connected to the detection signal line (106).

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of detection circuits (103) are arranged along the first direction (X); each of the detection circuits (103) includes a plurality of phototransistors (1031), and the plurality of phototransistors (1031) are arranged along a second direction (Y), and the second direction (Y) intersects with the first direction (X).

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the input signal lines (104) comprises: at least one first input line segment (1041) and a plurality of second input line segments (1042), each of the second input line segments (1042) being connected to the at least one first input line segment (1041); Each of the first input line segments (1041) extends along the first direction (X), each of the second input line segments (1042) extends along the second direction (Y), the second direction (Y) intersects with the first direction (X), and the first electrode of each of the phototransistors (1031) is electrically connected to one of the second input line segments (1042).

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the input signal lines (104) comprises: two first input line segments (1041); One end of each of the second input line segments (1042) is connected to one of the first input line segments (1041), and the other end is connected to another of the first input line segments (1041).

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the control signal lines (105) comprises: at least one first control line segment (1051) and a plurality of second control line segments (1052), each of the second control line segments (1052) being connected to the at least one first control line segment (1051); Each of the first control line segments (1051) extends along the first direction (X), each of the second control line segments (1052) extends along the second direction (Y), the second direction (Y) intersects with the first direction (X), and the gate of each of the phototransistors (1031) is electrically connected to one of the second control line segments (1052).

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the control signal lines (105) comprises: two first control line segments (1051); One end of each of the second control line segments (1052) is connected to one of the first control line segments (1051), and the other end is connected to another of the first control line segments (1051).

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the detection signal lines (106) comprises: at least one first detection line segment (1061) and a plurality of second detection line segments (1062), each of the second detection line segments (1062) being connected to the at least one first detection line segment (1061); Each of the first detection line segments (1061) extends along the first direction (X), each of the second detection line segments (1062) extends along the second direction (Y), the second direction (Y) intersects with the first direction (X), and the gate of each of the phototransistors (1031) is electrically connected to one of the second detection line segments (1062).

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein Each of the detection signal lines (106) comprises: two first detection line segments (1061); One end of each of the second detection line segments (1062) is connected to one of the first detection line segments (1061), and the other end is connected to another of the first detection line segments (1061).

10. The display device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that: The flexible display panel (101) comprises: a first base substrate (1011), and a first active layer (1012), a first insulating layer (1013), and a first gate layer (1014) stacked in sequence in a direction away from the first base substrate (1011); The first active layer (1012) includes an active pattern of the phototransistor (1031), the active pattern including a channel region, the first electrode and the second electrode, and an orthographic projection of the gate of the phototransistor (1031) on the first substrate (1011) is located in the channel region.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The flexible display panel (101) further comprises: a second insulating layer (1015), a first metal layer (1016), a third insulating layer (1017), and a second metal layer (1018) stacked in sequence in a direction away from the first gate layer (1014); Wherein, the at least one detection signal line (106) is located in the first gate layer (1014), and the at least one detection signal line (106) is electrically connected to the second electrode through at least one first via hole in the first insulating layer (1013); The at least one input signal line (104) is located in the first metal layer (1016), and the at least one input signal line (104) is electrically connected to the first electrode through at least one second via hole in the first insulating layer (1013) and the second insulating layer (1015); The at least one control signal line (105) is located in the second metal layer (1018), and the at least one control signal line (105) is electrically connected to the gate of the phototransistor (1031) through the first insulating layer (1013), the second insulating layer (1015), and at least one third via hole in the third insulating layer (1017).

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The display device (10) further comprises: an array substrate row driving circuit (107) integrated in the flexible display panel (101); The array substrate row driving circuit (107) is close to the slidable area (101a1) relative to the multiple detection circuits (103), or the array substrate row driving circuit (107) is far away from the slidable area (101a1) relative to the multiple detection circuits (103).

13. The display device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that: The display device (10) comprises: a touch panel (108) located on the display side of the flexible display panel (101); the touch panel (108) comprises: a second base substrate (1081), and a second active layer (1082), a fourth insulating layer (1083), and a second gate layer (1084) stacked in sequence in a direction away from the second base substrate (1081); The second active layer (1082) includes an active pattern of the phototransistor (1031), the active pattern including a channel region, a first electrode and a second electrode, and the positive projection of the gate of the phototransistor (1031) on the second substrate (1081) is located in the channel region.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The touch panel (108) further comprises: a fifth insulating layer (1085), a third metal layer (1086), a sixth insulating layer (1087), and a fourth metal layer (1088) stacked in sequence in a direction away from the second gate layer (1084); The at least one detection signal line (106) is located in the second gate layer (1084), and the at least one detection signal line (106) is electrically connected to the second gate layer through at least one first via hole in the fourth insulating layer (1083); The at least one input signal line (104) is located in the third metal layer (1086), and the at least one input signal line (104) is electrically connected to the first electrode through at least one second via hole in the fourth insulating layer (1083) and the fifth insulating layer (1085); The at least one control signal line (105) is located in the fourth metal layer (1088), and the at least one control signal line (105) is electrically connected to the gate of the phototransistor (1031) through at least one third via hole in the fourth insulating layer (1083), the fifth insulating layer (1085), and the sixth insulating layer (1087).

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The display device (10) further comprises: an array substrate row driving circuit (107) integrated in the flexible display panel (101); The orthographic projections of the plurality of detection circuits (103) on the flexible display panel (101) are located in the area where the array substrate row drive circuit (107) is located.

16. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The plurality of detection circuits (103) include a plurality of first detection circuits (103a) and a plurality of second detection circuits (103b); the at least one input signal line (104) includes a first input signal line (104a) and a second input signal line (104b); the at least one control signal line (105) includes a first control signal line (105a) and a second control signal line (105b); the at least one detection signal line (106) includes a first detection signal line (106a) and a second detection signal line (106b); The plurality of first detection circuits (103a), the first input signal line (104a), the first control signal line (105a), and the first detection signal line (106a) are all located in a peripheral area (101b) close to a first boundary (A1) of the slidable area (101a1), and the first detection circuit (103a) is electrically connected to the first input signal line (104a), the first control signal line (105a), and the first detection signal line (106a); The plurality of second detection circuits (103b), the second input signal line (104b), the second control signal line (105b), and the second detection signal line (106b) are all located in a peripheral area (101b) close to the second boundary (A2) of the sliding area (101a1); the second detection circuit (103b) is electrically connected to the second input signal line (104b), the second control signal line (105b), and the second detection signal line (106b); and the extension direction of the first boundary (A1) and the extension direction of the second boundary (A2) are both the first direction (X).

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of first detection circuits (103a) and the plurality of second detection circuits (103b) are arranged symmetrically with the axis of the slidable area (101a1), and the extending direction of the axis is parallel to the first direction (X); The first input signal line (104a) and the second input signal line (104b) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis; the first control signal line (105a) and the second control signal line (105b) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis; and the first detection signal line (106a) and the second detection signal line (106b) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis.

18. The display device according to claim 16, wherein The display device (10) further includes an input signal connection line (109), a control signal connection line (110), and a detection signal connection line (111); The first input signal line (104a) and the second input signal line (104b) are connected via the input signal connection line (109), the first control signal line (105a) and the second control signal line (105b) are connected via the control signal connection line (110), and the first detection signal line (106a) and the second detection signal line (106b) are connected via the detection signal connection line (111); The input signal connection line (109), the control signal connection line (110), and the detection signal connection line (111) are all located in a peripheral area (101b) on a side of the slidable area (101a1) away from the fixed area (101a2).

19. A method for controlling a display device, characterized in that: The method is used to control the display device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and the method comprises: During the process of rolling up or unfolding the slidable area (101a1) of the flexible display panel (101), at least one target detection circuit among the plurality of detection circuits (103) is turned on when detecting external ambient light, and the at least one target detection circuit transmits a detection current to the detection signal line (106) based on an input signal provided by the input signal line (104); wherein each of the target detection circuits is located in a peripheral area (101b) close to the slidable area (101a1) in the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel (101); The driving integrated circuit (102) determines the length of the effective display area of ​​the flexible display panel (101) along the first direction (X) based on the corresponding relationship between the current range and the length of the effective display area along the first direction (X), and the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line (106); The driving integrated circuit (102) controls the effective display area to display an image based on the length of the flexible display panel (101) along the first direction (X).

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line (106) is positively correlated with the number of target detection circuits in the plurality of detection circuits (103); and the length of the effective display area along the first direction (X) is positively correlated with the magnitude of the detection current in the detection signal line (106).

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