Display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device. The display device includes a first display section and a second display section each configured to display an image. The second display component is configured to selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode. Under the operation of the first mode, the second display component displays an image at a first visual angle. And under the operation of the second mode, the second display component displays the image at a second visual angle smaller than the first visual angle.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0094967, filed on Jul. 21, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having a plurality of display components configured to provide a selective viewing angle. Background Art

[0004] Display devices used in various devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, and vehicles are being developed. Depending on the usage environment requiring information protection or security regulations, it is necessary to limit the viewing angle of the display device. Therefore, research on limiting the viewing angle is being conducted. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a display device configured to display content at a selective viewing angle. Thus, embodiments provide enhanced privacy for users by enabling a portion of the display to act as a privacy screen for sensitive information such as banking notifications.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a display device having a first display component and a second display component. The first display component is configured to display a first image. The second display component is configured to selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the second display component displays a second image at a first viewing angle, and in the second mode, the second display component displays the second image at a second viewing angle that is smaller than the first viewing angle, and wherein in the second mode, the second image displayed by the second display component has a resolution lower than a resolution of the first image displayed by the first display component.

[0007] The first display component may include a plurality of first pixels, the second display component may include a plurality of second pixels, and the plurality of second pixels include a plurality of first type pixels having the first viewing angle and a plurality of second type pixels having the second viewing angle. In some embodiments, only the plurality of second type pixels operate in the second mode.

[0008] The first display component may include a plurality of first pixels, the second display component may include a plurality of second pixels, and a pixel density of the plurality of second pixels may be lower than a pixel density of the plurality of first pixels. The resolution of the second image displayed by the second display component in the second mode may be lower than a resolution of the second image displayed by the second display component in the first mode. In some embodiments, the resolution of the second image displayed by the second display component in the second mode may be substantially the same as a resolution of the second image displayed by the second display component in the first mode.

[0009] The display device may further include a first display panel including the first display component and a second display panel including the second display component and separated from the first display panel. The second display panel may be smaller than the first display panel.

[0010] The first display panel may include a folding area configured to be folded and unfolded, and further include a plurality of non-folding areas spaced apart from each other, and the folding area is between the plurality of non-folding areas. The second display panel may overlap one of the plurality of non-folding areas in a thickness direction of the display device.

[0011] The first display panel may display a first image in a first direction, and the second display panel may display the second image in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The display device may further include a display panel including the first display component and the second display component. The display device may further include at least one sensor arranged to overlap with the second display component. The sensor may include, but is not limited to, a camera, a light sensor, or an infrared projector. The second display component may be smaller than the first display component.

[0012] The first display component may have a viewing angle greater than the second viewing angle. In other words, the first display component may display the first image at a viewing angle wider than the second viewing angle, and the second display component is configured to display at the second viewing angle when operating in the second mode.

[0013] An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a display device, comprising: a first display component having a first size and configured to display an image at a first viewing angle; and a second display component having a second size smaller than the first size and configured to selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode. During operation in the first mode, the second display component displays the image at the first viewing angle, and during operation in the second mode, the second display component displays the image at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle.

[0014] The display device may further include a display panel including the first display component and the second display component, and the first display component and the second display component of the display panel may display an image in the same direction. In some embodiments, the display device further includes a first display panel including the first display component and a second display panel including the second display component, and the second display panel may overlap a portion of the first display panel.

[0015] The portion of the first display panel may display the image in a first direction, and the second display panel may display the image in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The image displayed by the second display component in the second mode may have a resolution lower than a resolution of the image displayed by the first display component, and the resolution of the image displayed by the second display component in the second mode may be equal to or less than a resolution of the image displayed by the second display component in the first mode.

[0016] The first display component may include a plurality of first pixels, the second display component may include a plurality of second pixels, the plurality of second pixels may include a plurality of first type pixels having the first viewing angle and a plurality of second type pixels having the second viewing angle. In some embodiments, only the plurality of second type pixels operate in the second mode.

[0017] According to the above, the display device includes a first display component and a second display component, wherein the second display component selectively operates in a first mode in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle or in a second mode in which an image is displayed at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle. The user can manually switch between the first mode and the second mode, or the first mode can be switched to the second mode when a specific application is executed. As an example, when a notification with a risk of exposing personal information (such as a message, a call notification, a deposit / withdrawal message, a security message, etc.) pops up, the notification can be displayed in the second display component, and the operating mode of the second display component can be switched from the first mode to the second mode. Therefore, sensitive information can be displayed at a narrower viewing angle to prevent unintended viewers from seeing the information, while other non-sensitive information is displayed at a wider viewing angle. Since the user optionally uses the second display component as a personal image display area where the viewing angle is limited, the embodiment thereby enhances user privacy and improves user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a front view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 is a plan view of a first display component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 is a plan view of a second display component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6B is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 6A The second sub-display component and Figure 6B a plan view of a second display component;

[0027] Figure 8 is a plan view of a second sub-display component or a second display component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig.11A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 11B is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Displays are ubiquitous in electronic devices. Users can view various images and videos in the display and interact with some electronic devices through touch input. In some cases, users may wish to hide the displayed content of their personal devices by limiting their viewing angles. Conventional methods for achieving limited viewing angles include, for example, attaching privacy filters to the device.

[0035] However, limiting the viewing angle of all content in the display may reduce the user experience. For example, such a privacy filter may reduce the brightness of all displayed content. In some cases, a user may wish to display sensitive information only at a limited viewing angle. Sensitive information may include, for example, bank notifications, email notifications, and other content containing personally identifiable information.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a display device having a first display component and a second display component. The first display component is configured to display content at a default wide viewing angle. The second display component is configured to selectively operate in two modes: a first mode, displaying content at a wide viewing angle; and a second mode, displaying content at a narrow viewing angle (for example, acting as a "privacy screen"). Switching between the two modes can be performed at will by the user, or can be configured to be automatically performed for some applications in the device. Therefore, the embodiment improves the user experience by allowing the remaining information to be displayed at a wide viewing angle while hiding a portion of the information displayed in the display device from unintended viewers.

[0037] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element or layer (or region or portion) is referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0038] The same reference numerals always indicate the same elements. The description of the elements has been omitted to some extent, and it is understood that the elements are at least similar to the corresponding elements described elsewhere in the specification. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of the components may be exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0039] It will be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "one", "one (kind / person)" and "the (the)" are also intended to include plural forms.

[0040] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under," "beneath," "lower," "over," and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature from a particular angle or perspective (for example, as shown in the accompanying drawings).

[0041] It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include” and / or “comprises” indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0042] The terms "component" or "unit" as used herein are intended to represent a software component or a hardware component that performs a specific function. A hardware component may include, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some cases, a hardware component includes a general purpose processor configured to execute a set of instructions. A software component may indicate executable code and / or data used by the executable code in an addressable storage medium. Therefore, a software component may be, for example, an object-oriented software component, a class component, and a task component, and may include a process, a function, a property, a program, a subroutine, a program code segment, a driver, firmware, microcode, a circuit, data, a database, a data structure, a table, an array, or a variable.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technical field, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a front view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display devices described herein may be the same display device throughout the figures, or may be different embodiments that share one or more features.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device DD can be activated in response to the electrical signal. For example, the display device DD can be driven according to one or more drivers such as a display driver and / or a touch signal driver. The display device DD can be applied to electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, computers (such as tablet computers and notebook computers), smart TVs, etc.

[0047] The display device DD includes a display panel DP. The display panel DP can display images IM1 and IM2 through a display area DA. The display area DA may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display area DA may correspond to a front surface of the display device DD. Each of the images IM1 and IM2 may be a still image or a video. The third direction DR3 may be a surface normal direction of the display area DA (i.e., a thickness direction of the display device DD). Hereinafter, the front (or upper) surface and the rear (or lower) surface of each layer or each unit of the display device DD may be distinguished from each other in the third direction DR3.

[0048] The display area DA of the display panel DP may be an area in which an image may be displayed. A user may view the image within the display area DA. In the present embodiment, the display area DA may have a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners. However, this is merely an example, and the display area DA may have different shapes according to different embodiments, and is not necessarily limited to a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners.

[0049] In addition, the display panel DP may further include a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may have a predetermined color. For example, the non-display area NDA may have a color or pattern predetermined in a manufacturing process. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. Therefore, the shape of the display area DA may be substantially determined by the non-display area NDA. However, this is merely an example, and the non-display area NDA may be provided to be adjacent to only one side of the display area DA or may be omitted (e.g., a "borderless" display).

[0050] According to an embodiment, the display area DA may include a first display part DA1 and a second display part DA2. The second display part DA2 may be defined as a portion of an upper end of the display panel DP. As an example, the area of ​​the second display part DA2 may be smaller than that of the first display part DA1.

[0051] The first display part DA1 may display a first image IM1, and the second display part DA2 may display a second image IM2. The first image IM1 and the second image IM2 may be displayed in substantially the same direction. For example, both images may be displayed substantially in a third direction DR3. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A widget displaying time, date, and weather information and application icons are shown as examples of the first image IM1. Figure 1 An incoming call alarm notification is shown as an example of the second image IM2. However, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are not limited to these examples.

[0052] The second display component DA2 can selectively operate in the first mode or the second mode. As an example, the first mode may be a regular mode for displaying an image at a first viewing angle, and the second mode may be a "privacy mode" for displaying an image at a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle. The first display component DA1 may be referred to as a regular display component, a main display component, a first display component, a first display area, or a first area. The second display component DA2 may be referred to as a variable display component, a privacy display component, a second display component, a second display area, or a second area.

[0053] The first viewing angle and the second viewing angle can each be defined as an angle relative to the normal direction of the display area DA at which the image is viewed without distortion. For example, an image viewed from an angle greater than the configuration viewing angle relative to the normal direction of the display area DA may have reduced brightness. In some cases, the brightness reduction makes the image viewed at an angle greater than the configuration viewing angle invisible. The brightness at the second viewing angle in the second mode can be set in various ways. As an example, the second viewing angle can be approximately 45 degrees, and the brightness at an angle of approximately 45 degrees can be approximately 10% of the maximum brightness. The first viewing angle can be an angle larger (e.g., wider) than the second viewing angle. However, these values ​​are merely examples and may vary depending on the embodiment. Reference will be made to Fig. 9 An example of a first perspective and a second perspective is described.

[0054] Figure 1 is a front view of the display device DD operating in the first mode or the second mode. Figure 2 is a side surface perspective view of the display device DD operating in the second mode. Figure 1 When the display device DD is viewed from the front (or in a direction parallel to the normal direction or the third direction DR3) in the first mode or the second mode, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 generated by the display device DD can be viewed by the user at full brightness and / or full quality. Figure 2When the display device DD is viewed at an angle greater than the second viewing angle while in the second mode, the second image IM2 (eg, Figure 1 In some cases, when the display device DD is viewed at an angle greater than the second viewing angle (e.g., an angle greater than the second viewing angle but less than the first viewing angle) while in the first mode, the second image IM2 may be visible to the user.

[0055] The operation of the second display component DA2 of the display device DD (e.g., the switching operation between the first mode and the second mode) can be set by the user. For example, the user can switch between the first mode and the second mode via a touch input on the display device or via a button. Alternatively, the first mode can be switched to the second mode when a specific application is executed. As an example, when an alert pop-up with a risk of exposing personal information (such as a message, a call notification, a deposit / withdrawal message, a security message, etc.) is displayed in the second display component DA2, the operation mode of the second display component DA2 can be switched from the first mode to the second mode. In this way, the display device DD can automatically hide sensitive information from potential viewers. Therefore, the embodiment enhances the user's privacy and improves the user experience by using the second display component DA2 as a personal image display area with a limited viewing angle.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the sensor area SA may overlap with at least one sensor (such as the first sensor SR1, the second sensor SR2, or both the first sensor SR1 and the second sensor SR2). As an example, the sensor area SA may be an area through which an image is not displayed. In some embodiments, the transmittance of the sensor area SA may be higher than the transmittance of each of the first display part DA1 and the second display part DA2.

[0057] Each of the sensors SR1 and SR2 may receive an external input through the sensor area SA or may output a signal through the sensor area SA. As an example, each of the sensors SR1 and SR2 may be a camera module, a sensor that measures a distance (such as a proximity sensor), a sensor that recognizes a part of a user's body (such as a fingerprint, an iris, or a face), a small lamp that outputs light, an infrared projector, or some combination thereof. However, the sensors SR1 and SR2 are not necessarily limited to these examples.

[0058] The second display part DA2 may surround the sensor area SA. The sensor area SA may have various shapes. As an example, the sensor area SA may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a quadrilateral shape (such as a rounded rectangular shape), or the like. Figure 2A structure in which the sensor area SA overlaps two sensors SR1 and SR2 is shown as a representative example, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. As an example, the sensor area SA may overlap one sensor.

[0059] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The display device DD may include a display panel DP and an optical path control layer OSL. A protective film, a window or a functional coating layer may be further disposed on the optical path control layer OSL as a front surface of the display device DD.

[0060] The display panel DP may include a display layer DPL and a sensor layer ISL. The display layer DPL may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140. The display layer DPL is configured to generate an image. The display layer DPL may be a light emitting display layer. For example, the display layer DPL may be an organic light emitting display layer, an inorganic light emitting display layer, an organic-inorganic light emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro light emitting diode (LED) display layer, or a nano LED display layer.

[0061] The sensor layer ISL can sense external input applied thereto from the outside. For example, the external input can be a user input. The user input can include various forms of external inputs such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. The sensor layer ISL can be referred to as a sensor, an input sensor layer, or an input sensing panel. The sensor layer ISL can be formed on the display layer DPL by one or more manufacturing processes. For example, the sensor layer ISL can be formed on the display layer DPL by a continuous etching process or a photolithography process, or can be formed separately and coupled to the display layer DPL. As an example, the sensor layer ISL can be coupled to the display layer DPL by an adhesive layer.

[0062] The optical path control layer OSL may control the path of light provided from the display layer DPL. The optical path control layer OSL may include a structure that controls the path of light. The optical path control layer OSL may be disposed on the sensor layer ISL. In some embodiments, the optical path control layer OSL is formed together with the display layer DPL and the sensor layer ISL through a continuous process and is directly disposed on the sensor layer ISL. However, the formation of the optical path control layer OSL is not necessarily limited to this. As an example, the optical path control layer OSL may be coupled to the sensor layer ISL through an adhesive layer.

[0063] Figure 4 is a plan view of a first display component DA1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , the first display part DA1 may include a plurality of first pixels PX1. Figure 4Twelve first pixels PX1 arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are shown. Each of the first pixels PX1 may include a plurality of light emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B. Figure 4 A structure in which one first pixel PX1 includes three emission regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B is shown as a representative example, however, the present disclosure should not be particularly limited. As an example, one first pixel PX1 may include two or less emission regions or four or more emission regions.

[0064] The light-emitting regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may include a first light-emitting region PXA-R, a second light-emitting region PXA-G, and a third light-emitting region PXA-B. The first light-emitting region PXA-R, the second light-emitting region PXA-G, and the third light-emitting region PXA-B may display light of different wavelengths. The first light-emitting region PXA-R may display a first light having a red wavelength, the second light-emitting region PXA-G may display a second light having a green wavelength, and the third light-emitting region PXA-B may display a third light having a blue wavelength.

[0065] The first light emitting region PXA-R, the second light emitting region PXA-G, and the third light emitting region PXA-B may have different sizes depending on the wavelength of light emitted therefrom. Figure 4 As shown in , the third light emitting region PXA-B emitting blue light may have the largest size, and the first light emitting region PXA-R emitting red light may have the smallest size. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the first light emitting region PXA-R, the second light emitting region PXA-G, and the third light emitting region PXA-B may have substantially the same size as each other, or the first light emitting region PXA-R, the second light emitting region PXA-G, and the third light emitting region PXA-B may be defined as having the same size as each other. Figure 4 The first light emitting region PXA-R, the second light emitting region PXA-G, and the third light emitting region PXA-B may emit light having a different color from the above-mentioned red wavelength light, green wavelength light, and blue wavelength light.

[0066] The shapes and arrangements of the first light emitting region PXA-R, the second light emitting region PXA-G, and the third light emitting region PXA-B are not necessarily limited to Figure 4 As an example, when viewed in a plane, each of the first light emitting area PXA-R, the second light emitting area PXA-G, and the third light emitting area PXA-B may have various shapes such as a diamond shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a quadrilateral shape with rounded vertices, or an irregular shape.

[0067] Figure 5 is a plan view of a second display component DA2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the second display part DA2 may include a plurality of second pixels PX2. Figure 5 Twelve second pixels PX2 arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are shown as a representative example.

[0068] The second pixel PX2 may include a first type pixel PX2a and a second type pixel PX2b. The image displayed by the first type pixel PX2a may have a first viewing angle, and the image displayed by the second type pixel PX2b may have a second viewing angle. The second viewing angle may be smaller than (e.g., narrower than) the first viewing angle. As an example, the first type pixel PX2a may have a substantially same structure as the first pixel PX1 included in the first display part DA1. For example, the image displayed by the first display part DA1 may have a first viewing angle.

[0069] Both the first type pixel PX2a and the second type pixel PX2b may be arranged in the second direction DR2. The first type pixel PX2a may be arranged alternately with the second type pixel PX2b in the first direction DR1. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the first type pixel PX2a and the second type pixel PX2b is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the first type pixel PX2a may be arranged alternately with the second type pixel PX2b in the second direction DR2.

[0070] Each of the first type pixels PX2a may include a first light emitting area PXA-R, a second light emitting area PXA-G, and a third light emitting area PXA-B. Each of the second type pixels PX2b may include a first light emitting area PXA-Ra, a second light emitting area PXA-Ga, a third light emitting area PXA-Ba, and a barrier wall SW. The barrier wall SW may overlap each of the first light emitting area PXA-Ra, the second light emitting area PXA-Ga, and the third light emitting area PXA-Ba. For example, when viewed in a plan view, the barrier wall SW may overlap each of the first light emitting area PXA-Ra, the second light emitting area PXA-Ga, and the third light emitting area PXA-Ba. The barrier wall SW may control the path of light emitted from the first light emitting area PXA-Ra, the second light emitting area PXA-Ga, and the third light emitting area PXA-Ba.

[0071] When the second display component DA2 is operated in the second mode, the first type pixel PX2a may not operate, and only the second type pixel PX2b may operate. The path of the light generated by the second type pixel PX2b may be controlled via the barrier wall SW so that the composite image generated by the second type pixel PX2b has a relatively narrow viewing angle. Therefore, the image displayed by the second display component DA2 may have a limited viewing angle. As an example, in Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, only pixels arranged in odd-numbered rows may operate, and pixels arranged in even-numbered rows may not operate.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, in the second mode, the resolution of the image displayed by the second display component DA2 may be lower than the resolution of the image displayed by the first display component DA1. For example, in the second mode, the image displayed by the second display component DA2 may have a lower pixel density than the image displayed by the first display component DA1. In addition, the resolution of the image displayed by the second display component DA2 in the second mode may be lower than the resolution of the image displayed by the second display component DA2 in the first mode. For example, in the second mode, the image displayed by the second display component DA2 may be scaled down with reference to the image displayed by the first display component DA1 to accommodate fewer pixels in the second display component DA2 than are available in the first mode.

[0073] As an example, in the case where the second display part DA2 operates in the first mode, both the first type pixel PX2a and the second type pixel PX2b can operate. Figure 5 In the embodiment, all pixels arranged in odd-numbered rows and pixels arranged in even-numbered rows can be operated. Therefore, in this case, more pixels can be operated in the first mode than in the second mode, and the resolution of the image displayed by the second display part DA2 in the second mode can be smaller than the resolution of the image displayed by the second display part DA2 in the first mode.

[0074] In another example, in the case where the second display element DA2 operates in the first mode, only the first type pixel PX2a can operate. Figure 5 In this case, the same or similar number of pixels may be operated in the first mode and the second mode, and the resolution of the image displayed by the second display part DA2 in the second mode may be substantially the same as the resolution of the image displayed by the second display part DA2 in the first mode.

[0075] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1and Fig. 6A , the display area DA may include a first display part DA1 and a second display part DA2 - 1 .

[0076] The second display part DA2-1 may include a first sub-display part DA2a and a second sub-display part DA2b. The first sub-display part DA2a may surround the second sub-display part DA2b, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. As an example, the second sub-display part DA2b may be adjacent to the non-display area NDA, and the first sub-display part DA2a may be provided to surround at least a portion of the second sub-display part DA2b.

[0077] The second sub display part DA2b may overlap with at least one sensor such as the first sensor SR1, the second sensor SR2, or a combination thereof. The second sub display part DA2b may have a transmittance higher than that of the first sub display part DA2a and the first display part DA1.

[0078] The first display component DA1 may display a first image IM1, and the second display component DA2-1 may display a second image IM2. The second display component DA2-1 may selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode. For example, a user may switch between the first mode or the second mode, or the display device DD-1 may automatically select between the first mode or the second mode according to logic, for example, from an application. As an example, in the case where the second display component DA2-1 operates in the second mode, Figure 1 The second image IM2 shown in Fig. 6A It cannot be viewed at the angle shown.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the first display part DA1 may include Figure 4 The first sub-display part DA2a may include a first pixel PX1 as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The second pixel PX2 shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second sub-display part DA2b is described in detail.

[0080] Figure 6B is a perspective view of a display device DD-2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 6B , the display area DA may include a first display part DA1 and a second display part DA2-2. The second display part DA2-2 may overlap with at least one sensor (such as the first sensor SR1, the second sensor SR2, or a combination thereof). The second display part DA2-2 may have a transmittance higher than that of the first display part DA1.

[0081] The first display component DA1 may display a first image IM1, and the second display component DA2-2 may display a second image IM2. The second display component DA2-2 may selectively operate in the first mode or the second mode. As an example, in the case where the second display component DA2-2 operates in the second mode, Figure 1 The second image IM2 shown in Figure 6B may not be viewed at the angles shown. For example, Figure 6B The angle and orientation of display device DD- 2 shown in may simulate the angle at which an unintended user would see display device DD- 2 .

[0082] According to an embodiment, the first display part DA1 may include Figure 4 The first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second display part DA2-2 is described in detail.

[0083] Figure 7 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 6A The second sub-display part DA2b and Figure 6B A plan view of the second display component DA2-2.

[0084] Reference Figure 7 , the second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 may include a second pixel PX2-1. The pixel density of the second pixel PX2-1 may be greater than that of the first pixel PX1 (eg, Figure 4 The transmission area TXA may be defined in an area in which the second pixel PX2-1 is not arranged.

[0085] Each of the second pixels PX2-1 may include a first light emitting region PXA-Ra, a second light emitting region PXA-Ga, a third light emitting region PXA-Ba, and a barrier wall SW. The barrier wall SW may overlap each of the first light emitting region PXA-Ra, the second light emitting region PXA-Ga, and the third light emitting region PXA-Ba in a plan view. The barrier wall SW may limit the path of light emitted from the first light emitting region PXA-Ra, the second light emitting region PXA-Ga, and the third light emitting region PXA-Ba. For example, the barrier wall SW may narrow the viewing angle of light generated from the first light emitting region PXA-Ra, the second light emitting region PXA-Ga, and the third light emitting region PXA-Ba.

[0086] The second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 may include only the second pixel PX2-1 at which the viewing angle is limited. Figure 5 Compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 7Each of the second sub display part DA2b and the second display part DA2-2 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 may be operated in the second mode.

[0087] The second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 may correspond to the sensors SR1 and SR2 (eg, Fig. 6A or Figure 6B Since the second pixel PX2-1 is arranged in the second sub-display part DA2b and the second display part DA2-2, the second sub-display part DA2b and the second display part DA2-2 can be used as an area for displaying sensitive information (such as an alarm pop-up, message, incoming call notification, deposit / withdrawal message, security message, etc. with a risk of exposing personal information).

[0088] Figure 8 2 is a plan view of a second sub-display part DA2b or a second display part DA2-2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 , the second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 may include a second pixel PX2-2. The pixel density of the second pixel PX2-2 may be greater than that of the first pixel PX1 (eg, Figure 4 As an example, the transmission area TXA may be defined in an area in which the second pixel PX2-2 is not arranged.

[0089] According to the present embodiment, the second pixel PX2-2 may include a first type pixel PX2a-1 and a second type pixel PX2b-1. An image displayed by the first type pixel PX2a-1 may have a first viewing angle, and an image displayed by the second type pixel PX2b-1 may have a second viewing angle. The second viewing angle may be smaller than (e.g., narrower than) the first viewing angle. As an example, the first type pixel PX2a-1 may be connected to a display element DA1 (e.g., Figure 1 The first pixel PX1 in FIG. 1 has substantially the same structure as that in FIG.

[0090] According to the present embodiment, when the second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 operates in the second mode, the first type pixel PX2a-1 may not operate, and only the second type pixel PX2b-1 may operate. Therefore, the image displayed by the second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 may have a limited viewing angle.

[0091] According to the present embodiment, when the second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 operates in the first mode, both the first type pixel PX2a-1 and the second type pixel PX2b-1 can operate. In the case where the second sub-display part DA2b or the second display part DA2-2 operates in the first mode, only the first type pixel PX2a-1 can operate.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 , the display panel DP may include a first display part DA1 and a second display part DA2. The first display part DA1 may display an image at a first viewing angle AG1, and the second display part DA2 may display an image at a first viewing angle AG1a or a second viewing angle AG2. The first viewing angle AG1 of the first display part DA1 may be substantially the same as the first viewing angle AG1a of the second display part DA2.

[0093] According to an embodiment, when the second display part DA2 operates in the first mode, both the image IMx having the first viewing angle AG1a and the image IMy having the second viewing angle AG2 may be displayed. In another example, when the second display part DA2 operates in the first mode, only the image IMx having the first viewing angle AG1a may be displayed. However, when the second display part DA2 operates in the second mode, only the image IMy having the second viewing angle AG2 narrower than the first viewing angle AG1a may be displayed.

[0094] Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 10A is the first display component DA1 (for example, Figure 1 ), and Fig. 10B is the second display component DA2 (for example, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0095] Reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the display layer DPL may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140. The base layer 110 may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer 120 is disposed. The base layer 110 may include a synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer may include a polyimide-based resin, however, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. The base layer 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic-inorganic composite material substrate.

[0096] One or more inorganic layers may be formed on the upper surface of the base layer 110. The inorganic layer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed into a plurality of layers. The inorganic layer may form a barrier layer and / or a buffer layer. In the present embodiment, the display layer DPL may include a buffer layer BFL.

[0097] The buffer layer BFL may increase the coupling force between the base layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. For example, the buffer layer BFL may have a structure in which silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers are alternately stacked on each other.

[0098] The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon, however, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. The semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon, low temperature polysilicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

[0099] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Only a portion of the semiconductor pattern is shown, and the semiconductor pattern may also be provided in other regions. The semiconductor pattern may be arranged in a specific configuration relative to the pixel. For example, the arrangement of the elements in the semiconductor pattern may define a pixel region. The semiconductor pattern may have different electrical characteristics depending on whether it is doped or whether it is doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region having a relatively high electrical conductivity and a second region having a relatively low electrical conductivity. The first region may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region may be a non-doped region or a region doped with a concentration lower than that of the first region.

[0100] The first region may have a conductivity greater than that of the second region. The first region may be used as an electrode or a signal line. The second region may correspond to an active region (or channel) of a transistor. In other words, a portion of the semiconductor pattern may be an active region of a transistor, another portion of the semiconductor pattern may be a source region or a drain region of the transistor, and the other portion of the semiconductor pattern may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line.

[0101] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B A transistor PXC-T and a light emitting element ED1 or ED2 included in a pixel are shown. A source region SC, an active region (or channel) AL, and a drain region DR of the transistor PXC-T may be formed of a semiconductor pattern. When viewed in a cross section, the source region SC and the drain region DR may extend from the active region AL in opposite directions to each other. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B A portion of a connection signal line SCL formed of a semiconductor pattern is shown. The connection signal line SCL may be connected to a drain region DR of the transistor PXC-T in a plane.

[0102] The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 may overlap with the pixel in common and may cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer 10 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, or a combination thereof. In the present embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 may have a single-layer structure of a silicon oxide layer. Not only the first insulating layer 10, but also the insulating layer of the circuit layer 120 described later may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above-mentioned materials, however, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0103] The gate electrode GT of the transistor PXC-T may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate electrode GT may be a portion of the metal pattern. The gate electrode GT may overlap the active area AL. The gate electrode GT may be used as a mask in a process of doping the semiconductor pattern.

[0104] The second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10 and may cover the gate electrode GT. The second insulating layer 20 may overlap with the pixel in common. The second insulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure. The second insulating layer 20 may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. In the present embodiment, the second insulating layer 20 may have a multilayer structure and may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0105] The third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The third insulating layer 30 may have a single layer or a multi-layer structure. In the present embodiment, the third insulating layer 30 may have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0106] The first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-1 defined through the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20, and the third insulating layer 30.

[0107] The fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may have a single-layer structure and may include a silicon oxide layer. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer.

[0108] The second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a contact hole CNT-2 defined through the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0109] The sixth insulating layer 60 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50 and may cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer.

[0110] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The stacking configuration of the layers of the circuit layer 120 shown in FIG. 1 is provided as an example, and the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. As an example, one of the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20, the third insulating layer 30, the fourth insulating layer 40, the fifth insulating layer 50, and the sixth insulating layer 60 may be omitted, or other insulating layers may be added.

[0111] The light emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 may include light emitting elements ED1 and ED2. The light emitting element layer 130 may include an organic light emitting material, an inorganic light emitting material, an organic-inorganic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro-LED, or a nano-LED. Hereinafter, the organic light emitting element will be described as the light emitting elements ED1 and ED2, however, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0112] Each of the light emitting elements ED1 and ED2 may include a first electrode AE, a light emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE. The first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT-3 defined through the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0113] The pixel defining layer 70 may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60 and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP may be defined through the pixel defining layer 70. At least a portion of the first electrode AE ​​may be exposed through the opening 70-OP of the pixel defining layer 70.

[0114] The display area DA (for example, Figure 1 ) may include light-emitting regions PXA1 and PXA2 and a non-light-emitting region NPXA. The non-light-emitting region NPXA may be disposed adjacent to the light-emitting regions PXA1 and PXA2. For example, in a plan view, the non-light-emitting region NPXA may surround each of the light-emitting regions PXA1 and PXA2. In the present embodiment, the light-emitting regions PXA1 and PXA2 may be defined as regions overlapping a portion of the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the opening 70-OP.

[0115] The light emitting regions PXA1 and PXA2 may include a first light emitting region PXA1 and a second light emitting region PXA2. The first light emitting region PXA1 may be Figure 4 or Figure 5 One of the first light emitting area PXA-R, the second light emitting area PXA-G, and the third light emitting area PXA-B shown in FIG, and the second light emitting area PXA2 may be Figure 5 One of the first light emitting region PXA-Ra, the second light emitting region PXA-Ga, and the third light emitting region PXA-Ba shown in FIG.

[0116] The light-emitting layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode AE. The light-emitting layer EL may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening 70-OP. For example, the light-emitting layer EL may be formed in each of the pixels after being divided into a plurality of parts. When the light-emitting layer EL is formed in each of the pixels after being divided into a plurality of parts, each of the light-emitting layers EL may emit light having at least one color of blue, red, and green, however, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. The light-emitting layer EL may be formed integrally and shared by the pixels. In this case, the light-emitting layer EL may provide blue light or white light. The second electrode CE may be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE may have an integral shape and may be commonly disposed on the pixel.

[0117] In some embodiments, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the light emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the light emitting regions PXA1 and PXA2 and the non-light emitting region NPXA. The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. The electron control layer may be disposed between the light emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. Each of the hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed in a plurality of pixels using an open mask.

[0118] The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may have a stacked structure and include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer sequentially stacked on each other. However, embodiments of the encapsulation layer 140 are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0119] The inorganic layer can protect the light emitting element layer 130 from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer can protect the light emitting element layer 130 from foreign matter such as dust particles. The inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include an acrylic-based organic layer, however, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0120] The sensor layer ISL may include a base layer 150, a first conductive layer 160, a sensing insulating layer 170, a second conductive layer 180, and a cover insulating layer 190. The base layer 150 may be an inorganic layer and include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the base layer 150 is an organic layer including an epoxy-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, or an imide-based resin. The base layer 150 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure stacked in the third direction DR3.

[0121] The first conductive layer 160 and the second conductive layer 180 may each have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure stacked in the third direction DR3. The conductive layer having a single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) or indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO). In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a metal nanowire or graphene, etc.

[0122] The conductive layer having a multi-layer structure may include a metal layer. The metal layer may have a three-layer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer having a multi-layer structure may include one or more metal layers and one or more transparent conductive layers.

[0123] At least one of the sensing insulating layer 170 and the capping insulating layer 190 may include an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0124] The sensing insulating layer 170 or the cover insulating layer 190 may include an organic layer. The organic layer may include acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, perylene resin, or a combination thereof.

[0125] The optical path control layer OSL may include a plurality of barrier walls SW and a transparent portion TRP disposed between the barrier walls SW. The barrier walls SW may include a light absorbing material or a light blocking material. As an example, light incident into the barrier walls SW may be absorbed by the barrier walls SW without being reflected. The transparent portion TRP may include a transparent organic material.

[0126] Fig. 10BA structure is shown in which each of the barrier walls SW has a quadrilateral shape when viewed in cross section. This is as a representative example, however, the shape of the barrier walls SW is not necessarily limited thereto. As an example, each of the barrier walls SW may have various shapes such as a trapezoidal shape or an inverted trapezoidal shape.

[0127] In this embodiment, the first light emitting region PXA1 (eg, Fig. 10A ) does not overlap with the barrier wall SW, and the second light emitting region PXA2 (eg, as shown in Fig. 10B ) overlaps with the barrier wall SW. Therefore, in this embodiment, the path of light provided from the first light emitting area PXA1 is not limited to a narrow viewing angle, and the path of light provided from the second light emitting area PXA2 is limited to a narrow viewing angle by the barrier wall SW. Therefore, the light emission of the first light emitting area PXA1 and the second light emitting area PXA2 can be limited to the display device DD (for example, as Figure 1 Thus, by means of the display device DD (e.g., Figure 1 An image displayed as a portion of the image shown in FIG. 1 can be displayed at various viewing angles. Therefore, user privacy can be enhanced and user experience can be improved.

[0128] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B An example structure for limiting the viewing angle is shown, however, the structure for limiting the viewing angle may vary according to different embodiments. As an example, the light path control layer OSL may be disposed between the display layer DPL and the sensor layer ISL, or may be embedded in the display layer DPL. According to an embodiment, the light path control layer OSL may be omitted, and in this case, a layer that blocks light may be added to an area adjacent to the second light emitting area PXA2. According to an embodiment, a layer or film that controls the viewing angle may be provided only to an area overlapping the second light emitting area PXA2.

[0129] Fig.11A is a perspective view of a display device DD-F according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 11B is a perspective view of a display device DD-F according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] Reference Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , the display device DD-F may operate in response to an electrical signal. As an example, the display device DD-F may display an image and may sense an external input applied thereto from the outside. The external input may be a user input. For example, the user may provide the user input via various forms such as by using a part of the user's body, a pen PN, light, heat, or pressure.

[0131] The display device DD-F may include a first display panel DP1 and a second display panel DP2. The first display panel DP1 and the second display panel DP2 may be separated from each other. The first display panel DP1 may be referred to as a main display panel, and the second display panel DP2 may be referred to as an auxiliary display panel or an external display panel. The second display panel DP2 may have a size smaller than that of the first display panel DP1.

[0132] The first display panel DP1 may include a first display component DA1-F, and the second display panel DP2 may include a second display component DA2-F. The first display component DA1-F may have a size larger than that of the second display component DA2-F. In some embodiments, the first display panel DP1 is disposed on an inner portion of the display device DD-F, and the second display panel DP2 is disposed on an outer portion of the display device DD-F. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second display panel DP2 is disposed on an opposite side of the first display panel DP1.

[0133] The first display panel DP1 or the first display part DA1-F may include a folding area FA configured to be in a folded state or an unfolded state and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 spaced apart from each other, and the folding area FA is interposed between the plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The folding area FA may be folded relative to a folding axis extending in a direction parallel to a long side of the display device DD-F (e.g., a direction parallel to the first direction DR1).

[0134] The second display panel DP2 may overlap one of the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. As an example, the second display panel DP2 may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1 in the third direction DR3.

[0135] The display direction of a portion of the first display panel DP1 (e.g., the first image IM1a displayed by the first non-folding area NFA1) may be opposite to the display direction of the second image IM2a of the second display panel DP2. As an example, the first image IM1a may be displayed in a third direction DR3, and the second image IM2a may be displayed in a fourth direction DR4 opposite to the third direction DR3. The fourth direction DR4 may be parallel to but opposite to the third direction DR3.

[0136] The first display panel DP1 may include Figure 4 The first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. 1 and the second display panel DP2 may include a first pixel PX1 as shown in FIG. Figure 5. The second display panel DP2 may be an external display panel facing outward when the display device DD-F is in the folded state, and the second display panel DP2 may operate in the first mode or the second mode. As an example, in the case where the second display panel DP2 operates in the second mode, the first type pixel PX2a (e.g., Figure 5 ) may not operate, and only the second type pixel PX2b (eg, as shown in FIG. 1 .... Figure 5 The first mode may be a normal mode in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle, and the second mode may be a viewing angle control mode in which an image is displayed at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle. Therefore, when in the second mode, the second display panel DP2 may operate as a “privacy display”.

[0137] During operation in the second mode, the resolution of the image displayed by the second display component DA2-F may be lower than the resolution of the image displayed by the first display component DA1-F. In addition, the resolution of the image displayed by the second display component DA2-F in the second mode may be equal to or lower than the resolution of the image displayed by the second display component DA2-F in the first mode.

[0138] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a display device DD-Fa according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 , the display device DD-Fa may operate in response to the electrical signal. The display device DD-Fa may include a first display panel DP1a and a second display panel DP2a. The first display panel DP1a and the second display panel DP2a may be separated from each other.

[0139] The first display panel DP1a may include a first display part DA1-Fa, and the second display panel DP2a may include a second display part DA2-Fa. The first display part DA1-Fa may be larger than the second display part DA2-Fa. The first display panel DP1a or the first display part DA1-Fa may include a folding area FAa configured to be in a folded or unfolded state and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1a and NFA2a spaced apart from each other, and the folding area FAa is disposed between the plurality of non-folding areas NFA1a and NFA2a. The folding area FAa may be folded relative to a folding axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to a short side of the display device DD-Fa (e.g., a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2).

[0140] The second display panel DP2a may overlap one of the non-folding areas NFA1a and NFA2a. As an example, the second display panel DP2a may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1a in the third direction DR3. The display direction IM-DR1 of a portion of the first display panel DP1a (e.g., the first image IM1b displayed by the first non-folding area NFA1a) may be opposite to the display direction IM-DR2 of the second image IM2b displayed by the second display panel DP2a.

[0141] The first display panel DP1a may include Figure 4 The first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. 1 and the second display panel DP2a may include a first pixel PX1 as shown in FIG. Figure 5 According to an embodiment, the second display panel DP2a exposed to the outside may selectively operate in the first mode or the second mode. As an example, in the case where the second display panel DP2a operates in the second mode, the first type pixel PX2a (e.g., Figure 5 ) may not operate, and only the second type pixel PX2b (eg, as shown in Figure 5 Therefore, the second display panel DP2a can act as a privacy screen when set to the second mode.

[0142] According to reference Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig.12 In the described embodiment, the second display panel DP2 or DP2a exposed to the outside of the display device DD-F or DD-Fa can be operated in the first mode or the second mode. The switching operation between the first mode and the second mode can be set by the user, or when a specific application is executed, the first mode can be switched to the second mode. The second display panel DP2 or DP2a includes a group of pixels with a barrier structure that limits the viewing angle of the content presented by the pixel. For example, when a notification or alarm including a risk of exposing personal information (such as a message, a call notification, a deposit / withdrawal message, a security message, etc.) is displayed in the second display panel DP2 or DP2a, the operating mode of the second display panel DP2 or DP2a can be automatically switched from the first mode to the second mode. Therefore, since the user can optionally use the second display panel DP2 or DP2a as a personal image display area where the viewing angle is limited, user privacy can be enhanced and the user experience can be improved.

[0143] The embodiments described herein are provided as examples, but are not intended to limit the display device to any one configuration. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the inventive concept should be determined according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A first display component configured to display a first image; and a second display component configured to selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the second display component displays a second image at a first viewing angle, and in the second mode, the second display component displays the second image at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle, and Wherein, in the second mode, the second image displayed by the second display component has a resolution lower than a resolution of the first image displayed by the first display component.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display component includes a plurality of first pixels, the second display component includes a plurality of second pixels, and the plurality of second pixels include a plurality of first type pixels configured to display at the first viewing angle and a plurality of second type pixels configured to display at the second viewing angle.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display component includes a plurality of first pixels, the second display component includes a plurality of second pixels, and a pixel density of the plurality of second pixels is lower than a pixel density of the plurality of first pixels.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The resolution of the second image displayed by the second display part in the second mode is lower than the resolution of the second image displayed by the second display part in the first mode.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The resolution of the second image displayed by the second display part in the second mode is the same as the resolution of the second image displayed by the second display part in the first mode.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes: A first display panel including the first display component; and The second display panel includes the second display component, wherein the second display panel is separated from the first display panel.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first display panel includes a folding area configured to be folded and unfolded, and also includes a plurality of non-folding areas spaced apart from each other, and the folding area is interposed between the plurality of non-folding areas, and wherein the second display panel overlaps one of the plurality of non-folding areas in a thickness direction of the display device, and The first display panel displays the first image in a first direction, and the second display panel displays the second image in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes at least one sensor disposed to overlap with the second display component.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second display component is smaller than the first display component.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display component displays the first image at a viewing angle greater than the second viewing angle.

Images