Display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device. The display device includes: a display panel partitioned into pixel rows, and including pixels and a fingerprint sensor disposed on the pixel rows; a panel driver for driving the pixels; and a sensor driver for detecting a user fingerprint based on a sensing signal from the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor may include first fingerprint sensors on odd pixel rows and second fingerprint sensors on even pixel rows, and an area of an anode electrode of a light receiving element in each of the first fingerprint sensors may be equal to an area of an anode electrode of a light receiving element included in each of the second fingerprint sensors.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0100671, filed on August 1, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments described herein relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] As information technology develops, the importance of display devices as a connection medium between users and information increases. Therefore, display devices such as liquid crystal display devices and organic light emitting display devices are increasingly used.

[0005] Research has recently been conducted to develop a technology for integrating a fingerprint sensor (for recognizing a fingerprint, etc.) with a display panel having a large area in a display device. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments may provide a display device having a fingerprint sensor capable of eliminating a difference between a current sensed in an odd-numbered pixel row of the fingerprint sensor and a current sensed in an even-numbered pixel row of the fingerprint sensor.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, including: a display panel, which is partitioned into a plurality of pixel rows, the display panel including a plurality of pixels arranged on the plurality of pixel rows and a plurality of fingerprint sensors; a panel driver, configured to drive the plurality of pixels; and a sensor driver, configured to detect a user's fingerprint based on a sensing signal generated in the plurality of fingerprint sensors, wherein the plurality of fingerprint sensors include a plurality of first fingerprint sensors arranged on odd pixel rows and a plurality of second fingerprint sensors arranged on even pixel rows, and wherein an area of ​​an anode electrode of a light receiving element included in each of the plurality of first fingerprint sensors is equal to an area of ​​an anode electrode of the light receiving element included in each of the plurality of second fingerprint sensors.

[0008] The shape of an anode electrode of a light receiving element included in each of the plurality of first fingerprint sensors may be different from the shape of an anode electrode of a light receiving element included in each of the plurality of second fingerprint sensors.

[0009] The plurality of pixels may include a plurality of first pixels emitting red light, a plurality of second pixels emitting green light, and a plurality of third pixels emitting blue light.

[0010] The plurality of first pixels may be respectively included in each of the plurality of first pixel units, each of which further includes one of the second pixels. The plurality of third pixels may be respectively included in each of the plurality of second pixel units, each of which further includes one of the second pixels.

[0011] The first fingerprint sensor may be included in second pixel units arranged on odd-numbered pixel rows.

[0012] The second fingerprint sensor may be included in a second pixel unit arranged on an even-numbered pixel row.

[0013] The first pixel units and the second pixel units may alternate with each other along the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] The first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor may be arranged in a diagonal direction.

[0015] A distance between the first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor may be kept constant over a plurality of pixel rows.

[0016] Each of the plurality of pixels may include: a first pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to a first node, a second electrode connected to a second node, and a gate electrode connected to a third node; a second pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to a data line, a second electrode connected to a first node, and a gate electrode connected to a first scan line; a third pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to a second node, a second electrode connected to a third node, and a gate electrode connected to a second scan line; a fourth pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to a third node, a second electrode connected to a first initialization power line, and a gate electrode connected to a third scan line; a fifth pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to a first power line, a second electrode connected to a first node, and a gate electrode connected to an emission control line; a sixth pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to a second node, a second electrode connected to a fourth node, and a gate electrode connected to an emission control line; a seventh pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to a fourth node, a second electrode connected to a second initialization power line, and a gate electrode connected to a fourth scan line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode connected to the first power line and a second electrode connected to the third node; and a light-emitting element including a first electrode connected to the fourth node and a second electrode connected to the second power line.

[0017] Each of the multiple fingerprint sensors may include: a first sensing transistor including a first electrode connected to a second initialization power line, a second electrode connected to a sixth node, and a gate electrode connected to a fifth node; a second sensing transistor including a first electrode connected to the sixth node, a second electrode connected to a readout line, and a gate electrode connected to the first scan line; a third sensing transistor including a first electrode connected to a reset power line, a second electrode connected to a fifth node, and a gate electrode connected to the reset line; and a light receiving element including an anode electrode connected to the fifth node and a cathode electrode connected to the second power line.

[0018] The parasitic capacitance caused by the anode electrodes arranged on the odd-numbered pixel rows may be equal to the parasitic capacitance caused by the anode electrodes arranged on the even-numbered pixel rows.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, including a display panel partitioned into a plurality of pixel rows, wherein the display panel includes: a base layer; a sensor circuit layer disposed on the base layer; a plurality of anode electrodes disposed on the sensor circuit layer; a pixel defining layer including a plurality of openings exposing a portion of each of the plurality of anode electrodes; and a cathode electrode disposed on the pixel defining layer, wherein an area of ​​each of the plurality of anode electrodes arranged on odd-numbered pixel rows is equal to an area of ​​each of the plurality of anode electrodes arranged on even-numbered pixel rows.

[0020] The shape of each of the plurality of anode electrodes arranged on odd-numbered pixel rows may be different from the shape of each of the plurality of anode electrodes arranged on even-numbered pixel rows.

[0021] The parasitic capacitance formed between the plurality of anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes arranged on the odd-numbered pixel rows may be equal to the parasitic capacitance formed between the plurality of anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes arranged on the even-numbered pixel rows.

[0022] A first semiconductor layer, a light receiving layer, and a second semiconductor layer may be disposed in each of the plurality of openings. The first semiconductor layer may be disposed on the anode electrode, the light receiving layer may be disposed on the first semiconductor layer, and the second semiconductor layer may be disposed on the light receiving layer and connected to the cathode electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0025] Figure 2A display area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A fingerprint sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 A layout of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 It is shown along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a section taken along line AA′ shown in FIG.

[0030] Figure 7 It is shown along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a section taken along line BB′ shown in FIG.

[0031] Figure 8 A layout of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Fig. 9 It is shown along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a section taken along line CC' shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Specific embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings that illustrate the embodiments. However, other embodiments may take many different forms, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey an understanding of the disclosed subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0034] In describing the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements. In the drawings, the dimensions of the structures may be exaggerated or changed in order to more clearly illustrate the illustrated embodiments.

[0035] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the present disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0036] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. As used herein, "one (a)", "a kind of (an)", "the (the)" and "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "one (a) element" has the same meaning as "at least one element", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "one (a)" or "a kind of (an)". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes one or more any and all combinations in the relevant listed items. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the term "including" and / or "including" or "including" and / or "including" specifies the existence of stated features, regions, entireties, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, regions, entireties, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0037] In the following description, when the first part is “connected” to the second part, this includes not only the case where the first part is directly connected to the second part but also the case where the third part is interposed between the first part and the second part and they are connected to each other.

[0038] In addition, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in one drawing is turned over, the element described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements will then be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements. Therefore, depending on the specific orientation of the accompanying drawings, the term "lower" can include both "lower" and "upper" orientations. Similarly, if the device in one drawing is turned over, the element described as being "below" or "below" the other elements will then be oriented "above" the other elements. Therefore, the term "below" or "below" can include both upper and lower orientations.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly so defined herein.

[0040] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 A display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 1 In particular, the display panel 100 and the driving circuit 200 are shown as being separated from each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, all or part of the driving circuit 200 may be implemented in the display panel 100 in one piece.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 1000 may include a display panel 100 and a driving circuit 200 for driving the display panel 100 .

[0043] The display device 1000 may be a device that is activated according to an electrical signal and displays an image. For example, the display device 1000 may be used as a display screen of a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, and an ultra-mobile PC. In addition, the display device 1000 may be used as a display screen of various products such as a television, a notebook computer, a monitor, an advertising board, and an Internet of Things (IOT) device.

[0044] The display device 1000 may be implemented as a self-luminous display device including a plurality of self-luminous elements. In particular, the display device 1000 may be an organic light-emitting display device including an organic light-emitting element. However, this is merely exemplary, and the display device 1000 may be implemented as a display device including an inorganic light-emitting element, a display device including a light-emitting element configured with a combination of an inorganic material and an organic material, and the like. Alternatively, the display device 1000 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display device, a quantum dot display device, and the like.

[0045] The display device 1000 may be a flat display device, a flexible display device, a curved display device, a foldable display device, or a bendable display device. In addition, the display device 1000 may be applied to a transparent display device, a head-mounted display device, a wearable display device, and the like.

[0046] The display panel 100 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NA. The display area AA is a region in which a plurality of pixels PX are disposed and may be referred to as an active region. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include at least one light emitting element LD (see Figure 3 ). For example, the light emitting element may include a light emitting layer. The display device 1000 may drive a plurality of pixels PX corresponding to image data input from the outside, thereby displaying an image in the display area AA.

[0047] A plurality of fingerprint sensors FX may be included in the display area AA. Each of the plurality of fingerprint sensors FX may include a light receiving element PD including a light receiving layer (see Figure 4 ). Light receiving element PD (see Figure 4 ) can be connected to the light emitting element LD (see Figure 3 )'s light-emitting layers are spaced apart.

[0048] A plurality of fingerprint sensors FX may be distributed spaced apart from each other throughout the entire area of ​​the display area AA. However, this is merely exemplary. Only a portion of the display area AA may be set as a sensing area, and the fingerprint sensor FX may be disposed only in the sensing area. In addition, the fingerprint sensor FX may be included in at least a portion of the non-display area NA.

[0049] The plurality of fingerprint sensors FX may sense light emitted from a light source (e.g., a pixel PX, etc.) and reflected to the fingerprint sensor FX by an external object such as a user's finger. The light sensed by each fingerprint sensor FX may depend on the light reflected by the corresponding area of ​​the user's fingerprint, and the pattern of light sensed by the plurality of fingerprint sensors FX indicates the user's fingerprint. However, this is merely exemplary, and the plurality of fingerprint sensors FX may sense various biometric information such as irises and veins. In addition, the plurality of fingerprint sensors FX may sense external light and perform the functions of a gesture sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an image sensor, and the like.

[0050] The non-display area NA may be an area disposed at the periphery of the display area AA. For example, the non-display area NA may refer to an area including the display panel 100 other than the display area AA. The non-display area NA may include a line area, a pad area, various dummy areas, and the like.

[0051] The driving circuit 200 may include a panel driver 210 and a sensor driver 220 . Figure 1 The panel driver 210 and the sensor driver 220 are shown as being separated from each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least a portion of the sensor driver 220 may be included in the panel driver 210, or may operate in conjunction or in cooperation with the panel driver 210.

[0052] The panel driver 210 may scan the plurality of pixels PX in the display area AA and provide data signals corresponding to image data to the plurality of pixels PX. Then, the display panel 100 may display an image corresponding to the data signal.

[0053] The panel driver 210 may provide a driving signal for fingerprint sensing to a plurality of pixels PX. The driving signal may allow or cause a plurality of pixels PX to emit light and thereby operate as a light source for a plurality of fingerprint sensors FX. The panel driver 210 may provide the above-mentioned driving signal for fingerprint sensing and / or another driving signal to a plurality of fingerprint sensors FX. However, this is merely exemplary, and the sensor driver 220 may provide a driving signal for fingerprint sensing.

[0054] The sensor driver 220 may detect biometric information including a user's fingerprint, etc. based on the sensing signals received from the plurality of fingerprint sensors FX. For example, the sensor driver 220 may include an analog-to-digital converter that converts the sensing signals in the form of current (or voltage) received from the plurality of fingerprint sensors FX into digital signals (or digital codes).

[0055] Figure 2 A display area AA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 , multiple pixels PX and multiple fingerprint sensors FX can be set in the display area AA.

[0057] The plurality of pixels PX may be divided into first, second, and third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 according to the color of emitted light. For example, the first pixel PX1 may emit red light, the second pixel PX2 may emit green light, and the third pixel PX3 may emit blue light.

[0058] The sizes of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 may be different from each other. For example, the size of the third pixel PX3 emitting blue light may be larger than the size of the first pixel PX1 emitting red light. In addition, the size of the first pixel PX1 emitting red light may be larger than the size of the second pixel PX2 emitting green light. However, this is merely exemplary, and the sizes of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 may be the same or related in other ways. The size of each of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 may mean the size of the emission area (or opening area) of the pixel PX.

[0059] The display area AA may be divided into a plurality of pixel rows each including a plurality of pixels PX and a plurality of fingerprint sensors FX. The plurality of pixel rows may include odd pixel rows R odd and even pixel row R even . Odd pixel row R odd and even pixel row R even The pixels PX of each row of the plurality of pixel rows may be connected to the same scan line and controlled by the same scan signal.

[0060] Odd pixel row R odd The pixels PX on the even-numbered pixel rows R may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1 in the order of a first pixel PX1, a second pixel PX2, a third pixel PX3, and another second pixel PX2. even The pixels PX on the odd pixel row R may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1 in the order of a third pixel PX3, a second pixel PX2, a first pixel PX1, and another second pixel PX2. odd The arrangement of pixels PX and even pixel rows R even The arrangement of the pixels PX may be alternately repeated along the second direction DR2. However, this is merely exemplary, and the arrangement of the pixels PX is not limited thereto.

[0061] The plurality of fingerprint sensors FX may be divided into first fingerprint sensors FX1 and second fingerprint sensors FX2 according to pixel rows on which the fingerprint sensors FX are arranged. For example, the first fingerprint sensor FX1 may be arranged in odd pixel rows R odd The second fingerprint sensor FX2 can be arranged on the even pixel row R even superior.

[0062] Each odd pixel row R odd The first fingerprint sensors FX1 on each even pixel row R may be spaced apart from each other. even The first and second fingerprint sensors FX1 and FX2 on the adjacent rows may be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the first and second fingerprint sensors FX1 and FX2 in adjacent rows may be offset from each other in a diagonal direction relative to the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. The distance between the first and second fingerprint sensors FX1 and FX2 adjacent to each other may remain constant along the second direction DR2. The distance between the first and second fingerprint sensors FX1 and FX2 may mean the distance between the light receiving area (or opening area) of the first fingerprint sensor FX1 and the light receiving area (or opening area) of the second fingerprint sensor FX2.

[0063] The display area AA may include a plurality of first pixel units PU1 and a plurality of second pixel units PU2. The first pixel units PU1 and the second pixel units PU2 may be repeated alternately along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of first pixel units PU1 may include a first pixel PX1 and a second pixel PX2. Each of the plurality of second pixel units PU2 may include a second pixel PX2, a third pixel PX3, and a fingerprint sensor FX. Odd pixel rows R odd Each of the second pixel units PU2 may include a first fingerprint sensor FX1, and the even-numbered pixel rows R evenEach of the second pixel units PU2 may include a second fingerprint sensor FX2.

[0064] Figure 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel PX according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 , the pixel PX may include a pixel circuit PXC and a light emitting element LD. The pixel circuit PXC may include pixel transistors ST1 to ST7 and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0066] A first electrode of the first pixel transistor ST1 may be connected to the first node N1, a second electrode of the first pixel transistor ST1 may be connected to the second node N2, and a gate electrode of the first pixel transistor ST1 may be connected to the third node N3. The first pixel transistor ST1 may control a driving current flowing from the first power voltage VDD to the second power voltage VSS via the light emitting element LD so that the driving current corresponds to the voltage of the third node N3.

[0067] A first electrode of the second pixel transistor ST2 may be connected to the data line DL, a second electrode of the second pixel transistor ST2 may be connected to the first node N1, and a gate electrode of the second pixel transistor ST2 may be connected to the first scan line GWL. When a first scan signal GW having a gate-on level is supplied to the first scan line GWL, the second pixel transistor ST2 may be turned on so that the second pixel transistor ST2 electrically connects the data line DL and the first electrode of the first pixel transistor ST1 to each other.

[0068] A first electrode of the third pixel transistor ST3 may be connected to the second node N2, a second electrode of the third pixel transistor ST3 may be connected to the third node N3, and a gate electrode of the third pixel transistor ST3 may be connected to the second scan line GCL. When a second scan signal GC having a gate-on level is supplied to the second scan line GCL, the third pixel transistor ST3 may be turned on so that the third pixel transistor ST3 electrically connects the second electrode of the first pixel transistor ST1 and the third node N3 to each other. That is, when the third pixel transistor ST3 is turned on, the first pixel transistor ST1 may be a diode-connected transistor.

[0069] A first electrode of the fourth pixel transistor ST4 may be connected to the third node N3, a second electrode of the fourth pixel transistor ST4 may be connected to the first initialization power line to which the first initialization power voltage VINT is applied, and a gate electrode of the fourth pixel transistor ST4 may be connected to the third scan line GIL. When the third scan signal GI having a gate-on level is supplied to the third scan line GIL, the fourth pixel transistor ST4 may be turned on so that the fourth pixel transistor ST4 supplies the first initialization power voltage VINT to the third node N3.

[0070] A first electrode of the fifth pixel transistor ST5 may be connected to the first power line to which the first power voltage VDD is applied, a second electrode of the fifth pixel transistor ST5 may be connected to the first node N1, and a gate electrode of the fifth pixel transistor ST5 may be connected to the emission control line EML. The fifth pixel transistor ST5 may be turned off when an emission control signal EM having a gate-off level is supplied to the emission control line EML, and may be turned on in other cases.

[0071] A first electrode of the sixth pixel transistor ST6 may be connected to the second node N2, a second electrode of the sixth pixel transistor ST6 may be connected to the fourth node N4, and a gate electrode of the sixth pixel transistor ST6 may be connected to the emission control line EML. When the emission control signal EM having a gate-off level is supplied to the emission control line EML, the sixth pixel transistor ST6 may be turned off, and may be turned on in other cases.

[0072] A first electrode of the seventh pixel transistor ST7 may be connected to the fourth node N4, a second electrode of the seventh pixel transistor ST7 may be connected to the second initialization power line to which the second initialization power voltage AINT is applied, and a gate electrode of the seventh pixel transistor ST7 may be connected to the fourth scan line GBL. When the fourth scan signal GB having a gate-on level is supplied to the fourth scan line GBL, the seventh pixel transistor ST7 may be turned on so that the seventh pixel transistor ST7 supplies the second initialization power voltage AINT to the fourth node N4. The second initialization power voltage AINT may be set to a voltage lower than the data signal.

[0073] Some of the pixel transistors ST1 to ST7, ST2, ST5, ST6 and ST7, can be implemented with P-type (PMOS) transistors, and other transistors ST3 and ST4 can be implemented with N-type (NMOS) transistors. However, this is merely exemplary, and each of the pixel transistors ST1 to ST7 can be a P-type (PMOS) transistor or an N-type (NMOS) transistor.

[0074] A first electrode of the storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the first power line to which the first power voltage VDD is applied, and a second electrode of the storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the third node N3. The storage capacitor Cst may store a voltage corresponding to the data signal and a threshold voltage of the first pixel transistor ST1.

[0075] A first electrode of the light emitting element LD may be connected to the fourth node N4, and a second electrode of the light emitting element LD may be connected to a second power line to which a second power voltage VSS is applied. At least one light emitting element LD may be provided in the pixel PX, and the type of the light emitting element LD is not limited. For example, the light emitting element LD may be an organic light emitting element, an inorganic light emitting element such as a micro LED or a quantum dot LED, or a light emitting element including a combination of an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0076] Figure 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the fingerprint sensor FX according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] refer to Figure 4 , the fingerprint sensor FX may include a sensor circuit FXC and a light receiving element PD. The sensor circuit FXC may include sensing transistors FT1 to FT3.

[0078] The first electrode of the first sensing transistor FT1 may be connected to a second initialization power line to which a second initialization power voltage AINT is applied, the second electrode of the first sensing transistor FT1 may be connected to a second node FN2, and the gate electrode of the first sensing transistor FT1 may be connected to the first node FN1. The first sensing transistor FT1 may provide the second initialization power voltage AINT to the second node FN2 depending on the voltage of the first node FN1 and the conductivity of the second sensing transistor FT2. When the second sensing transistor FT2 is turned on, the first sensing transistor FT1 may control a sensing current flowing through the first sensing transistor FT1, the sensing current corresponding to the voltage of the first node FN1. The sensing current may be provided to the readout line ROL via the second sensing transistor FT2 as a sensing signal.

[0079] The first electrode of the second sensing transistor FT2 may be connected to the second node FN2, the second electrode of the second sensing transistor FT2 may be connected to the readout line ROL, and the gate electrode of the second sensing transistor FT2 may be connected to the first scan line GWL. That is, the same scan line, i.e., the first scan line GWL may be connected to the gate electrode of the second sensing transistor FT2 and the second pixel transistor ST2 (see Figure 3When the first scan signal GW having a gate-on level is supplied to the first scan line GWL, the second sensing transistor FT2 may be turned on so that the second sensing transistor FT2 electrically connects the second electrode of the first sensing transistor FT1 and the readout line ROL to each other.

[0080] The first electrode of the third sensing transistor FT3 may be connected to a reset power line to which a reset voltage VRST is applied, the second electrode of the third sensing transistor FT3 may be connected to the first node FN1, and the gate electrode of the third sensing transistor FT3 may be connected to the reset line RSL. When a reset signal RS having a gate-on level is supplied to the reset line RSL, the third sensing transistor FT3 may be turned on so that the third sensing transistor FT3 supplies the reset voltage VRST to the first node FN1. Therefore, the first node FN1, that is, the gate electrode of the first sensing transistor FT1 may be reset to the reset voltage VRST.

[0081] Some of the sensing transistors FT1 to FT3, FT1 and FT2, may be implemented with P-type (PMOS) transistors, and other of the sensing transistors FT1 to FT3, FT3, may be implemented with N-type (NMOS) transistors. However, this is merely exemplary, and each of the sensing transistors FT1 to FT3 may be a P-type (PMOS) transistor or an N-type (NMOS) transistor.

[0082] A first electrode of the light receiving element PD may be connected to a first node FN1, and a second electrode of the light receiving element PD may be connected to a second power line to which a second power voltage VSS is applied. The light receiving element PD may recognize a fingerprint pattern of a user based on light reflected from a finger of the user. For example, the light receiving element PD may convert the energy of light reflected by a ridge or valley on the finger of the user into an electrical signal (current or voltage) formed between a first electrode and a second electrode of the light receiving element PD. The converted electrical signal may flow into the second power line at the first node FN1. The light reflected by the ridge or valley on the finger of the user and then reaching the light receiving element PD may be light reflected from a pixel PX (see Figure 3 ) of the light emitting element LD (see Figure 3 ) and then reflected by the ridges or valleys on the user's finger.

[0083] The light receiving element PD may be configured as a phototransistor or a photodiode. The light receiving element PD may correspond to a photosensor that converts light energy into electric energy and uses a photovoltaic effect in which a flowing current changes according to the intensity of the converted light.

[0084] The first electrode of the light receiving element PD may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode of the light receiving element PD may be a cathode electrode. The parasitic capacitor CP may generate noise by attenuating or delaying an electrical signal generated in the light receiving element PD, and therefore, the parasitic capacitor CP may reduce the efficiency or reliability of the fingerprint sensor FX. The amount of noise generated by the parasitic capacitor CP may depend on the area of ​​overlap of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the light receiving element PD.

[0085] Figure 5 1 shows a layout of a display panel 100' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the first pixel electrode PE1 may be included in the first pixel PX1 (see Figure 2 ) in the light emitting element LD, the second pixel electrode PE2 may be included in the second pixel PX2 (see Figure 2 ) and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be an anode electrode of the light emitting element LD included in the third pixel PX3 (see Figure 2 ) is an anode electrode of the light emitting element LD. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the first sensor electrode SE1′ may be included in the first fingerprint sensor FX1 (see Figure 2 ) and the second sensor electrode SE2 may be an anode electrode of the light receiving element PD in the second fingerprint sensor FX2 (see Figure 2 ) is the anode electrode of the light receiving element PD.

[0086] refer to Figure 5 , the display panel 100' may be partitioned into a plurality of first pixel rows (ie, odd pixel rows R odd ) and a plurality of second pixel rows (ie, even pixel rows R even ). In odd pixel rows R odd On the even pixel rows R, the plurality of pixel electrodes PE1, PE2 and PE3 may be repeatedly arranged in the order of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, the third pixel electrode PE3 and the second pixel electrode PE2 along the first direction DR1. even In the embodiment, the plurality of pixel electrodes PE1, PE2, and PE3 may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1 in the order of the third pixel electrode PE3, the second pixel electrode PE2, the first pixel electrode PE1, and the second pixel electrode PE2. That is, the first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 may be included in each of the first pixel units PU1, and the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be included in each of the second pixel units PU2.

[0087] The opening region OP1 (or emission region) exposing a portion of the first pixel electrode PE1 may overlap with the region of the first pixel electrode PE1. The opening region OP2 (or emission region) exposing a portion of the second pixel electrode PE2 may overlap with the region of the second pixel electrode PE2. The opening region OP3 (or emission region) exposing a portion of the third pixel electrode PE3 may overlap with the region of the third pixel electrode PE3.

[0088] The first sensor electrode SE1' may be included in the second pixel unit PU2. An opening area OF1 (or a light receiving area) exposing a portion of the first sensor electrode SE1' may overlap with the first sensor electrode SE1'. The second sensor electrode SE2 may extend into both the first pixel unit PU1 and the second pixel unit PU2. An opening area OF2 (or a light receiving area) exposing a portion of the second sensor electrode SE2 may overlap with the second sensor electrode SE2.

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown in , the shapes of the first sensor electrode SE1' and the second sensor electrode SE2 may be different from each other, and the area A2 of the second sensor electrode SE2 may be larger than the area A1' of the first sensor electrode SE1'. In some cases, the second sensor electrode SE2 may extend from the second pixel unit PU2 into the first pixel unit PU1 to facilitate electrical connection to an underlying structure that may extend along the second direction DR2 and be connected to the first sensor electrode SE1' and the second sensor electrode SE2.

[0090] Figure 6 The display panel 100' is shown along Figure 5 A cross section taken along the line AA' shown in FIG. Figure 7 The display panel 100' is shown along Figure 5 A cross section taken along the line BB' shown in FIG.

[0091] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the display panel 100' may include a base layer BSL, a sensor circuit layer FXCL, light receiving elements PD1' and PD2, and a pixel defining layer PDL. The first fingerprint sensor FX1 may include a portion of the sensor circuit layer FXCL and the light receiving element PD1'. The second fingerprint sensor FX2 may include another portion of the sensor circuit layer FXCL and the light receiving element PD2.

[0092] The base layer BSL may be a member providing a base surface on which the sensor circuit layer FXCL is disposed. The base layer BSL may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the base layer BSL may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0093] The base layer BSL may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer BSL may have a three-layer structure of a synthetic resin layer, an adhesive layer, and a synthetic resin layer. In particular, the synthetic resin layer may include a polyimide-based resin. In addition, the synthetic resin layer may include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0094] The sensor circuit layer FXCL may be disposed on the base layer BSL. The sensor circuit layer FXCL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, etc. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on the base layer BSL by a process such as coating or deposition. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned by performing one or more photolithography processes.

[0095] Figure 6 The light receiving element PD1 ′ shown in FIG. 5 may include a first sensor electrode SE1 ′, a cathode electrode CE, and regions of a first semiconductor layer SL1 , a light receiving layer PL, and a second semiconductor layer SL2 . Figure 7 The light receiving element PD2 shown in FIG. 5 may include a second sensor electrode SE2 , a cathode electrode CE, and regions of the first semiconductor layer SL1 , the light receiving layer PL, and the second semiconductor layer SL2 .

[0096] The first sensor electrode SE1' and the second sensor electrode SE2 may be disposed on the sensor circuit layer FXCL. Each of the first sensor electrode SE1' and the second sensor electrode SE2 may be formed as a single layer of a conductive material such as molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al), or may be formed as a stack structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stack structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, or a stack structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO).

[0097] The first semiconductor layer SL1 may be disposed on the first sensor electrode SE1' and the second sensor electrode SE2. The first semiconductor layer SL1 may be an N-type semiconductor layer. The N-type semiconductor layer may provide electrons to the light receiving layer PL. For example, the first semiconductor layer SL1 may include an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] The light receiving layer PL may be disposed on the first semiconductor layer SL1. The light receiving layer PL may be depleted by the first semiconductor layer SL1 and the second semiconductor layer SL2, so that an electric field may be generated inside the light receiving layer PL. Incident light (e.g., light reflected by a user's finger and incident on the light receiving layer PL) may generate holes and electrons that drift in response to the electric field. Therefore, holes may be collected to the cathode electrode CE through the second semiconductor layer SL2, and electrons may be collected to the first sensor electrode SE1' through the first semiconductor layer SL1.

[0099] The second semiconductor layer SL2 may be disposed on the light receiving layer PL. The second semiconductor layer SL2 may be a P-type semiconductor layer. The P-type semiconductor layer may provide holes to the light receiving layer PL. For example, the second semiconductor layer SL2 may include a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0100] The cathode electrode CE may be disposed on the second semiconductor layer SL2 and the pixel defining layer PDL. The cathode electrode CE may include a transparent conductive material capable of allowing light to be transmitted therethrough. For example, the cathode electrode CE may include at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0101] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the first sensor electrode SE1' and the sensor circuit layer FXCL. In addition, the pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the second sensor electrode SE2 and the sensor circuit layer FXCL. The pixel defining layer PDL may include an opening exposing a portion of the first sensor electrode SE1'. In addition, the pixel defining layer PDL may include an opening exposing a portion of the second sensor electrode SE2. Figure 6 The opening formed in the pixel definition layer PDL shown in FIG. Figure 5 The opening area OF1 is shown in FIG. Figure 7 The opening formed in the pixel definition layer PDL shown in FIG. Figure 5 The pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic insulating material and / or an inorganic insulating material. In addition, the pixel defining layer PDL may include a light blocking material.

[0102] As described above, when the area A2 of the second sensor electrode SE2 is larger than the area A1′ of the first sensor electrode SE1′ (see Figure 5 ), the parasitic capacitance CP2 formed between the second sensor electrode SE2 and the cathode electrode CE may be greater than the parasitic capacitance CP1' formed between the first sensor electrode SE1' and the cathode electrode CE. That is, in the odd pixel rows R odd The first fingerprint sensor FX1 and the even-numbered pixel rows R evenTherefore, a difference may occur between the current sensed in the first fingerprint sensor FX1 and the current sensed in the second fingerprint sensor FX2, and thus the efficiency or reliability of fingerprint sensing may be deteriorated.

[0103] Figure 8 A layout of the display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 9 The display panel 100 is shown along Figure 8 The cross section is taken along the line CC' shown in FIG. Figure 8 , can be omitted or simplified with reference to Figure 5 Description of features similar or identical to those described. Fig. 9 , can be omitted or simplified with reference to Figure 6 Description of features that are similar or identical to those described.

[0104] refer to Figure 8 According to the illustrated embodiment, the first sensor electrode SE1 may extend from the first pixel unit PU1 to the adjacent second pixel unit PU2. That is, the first sensor electrode SE1 extends along the first direction DR1, so that the area A1 of the first sensor electrode SE1 may be increased. odd The area A1 of the first sensor electrode SE1 on the even pixel row R may be equal to the area A1 of the first sensor electrode SE1 on the even pixel row R even That is, the shape of the first sensor electrode SE1 may be different from that of the second sensor electrode SE2, but the first sensor electrode SE1 may have the same area as that of the second sensor electrode SE2.

[0105] refer to Fig. 9 , with the area A1 of the first sensor electrode SE1 (see Figure 8 ) increases, the parasitic capacitance CP1 formed between the first sensor electrode SE1 and the cathode electrode CE may increase. Therefore, the parasitic capacitance CP1 formed between the first sensor electrode SE1 and the cathode electrode CE may become equal to the parasitic capacitance CP2 formed between the second sensor electrode SE2 and the cathode electrode CE (see Figure 7 ). That is, the odd pixel rows R can be eliminated odd The first fingerprint sensor FX1 and the even-numbered pixel rows R even As a result, the difference between the current sensed in the first fingerprint sensor FX1 and the current sensed in the second fingerprint sensor FX2 is eliminated, so that the efficiency or reliability of fingerprint sensing can be improved.

[0106] According to the present disclosure, the difference between the current sensed in the fingerprint sensor of the odd-numbered pixel rows and the current sensed in the fingerprint sensor of the even-numbered pixel rows is eliminated, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of fingerprint sensing.

[0107] Although the present disclosure has been specifically described according to the above embodiments, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended to be examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs will understand that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0108] Therefore, the technical protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed description described in the specification, but should be determined by the attached claims. In addition, all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as included within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel is partitioned into a plurality of pixel rows, the display panel comprising a plurality of pixels and a plurality of fingerprint sensors arranged on the plurality of pixel rows; a panel driver configured to drive the plurality of pixels; as well as a sensor driver configured to detect a user's fingerprint based on sensing signals generated in the plurality of fingerprint sensors, The plurality of fingerprint sensors include a plurality of first fingerprint sensors arranged on odd pixel rows and a plurality of second fingerprint sensors arranged on even pixel rows, and Herein, an area of ​​an anode electrode of a light receiving element included in each of the plurality of first fingerprint sensors is equal to an area of ​​an anode electrode of a light receiving element included in each of the plurality of second fingerprint sensors.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A shape of the anode electrode of the light receiving element included in each of the plurality of first fingerprint sensors is different from a shape of the anode electrode of the light receiving element included in each of the plurality of second fingerprint sensors.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of pixels include a plurality of first pixels emitting red light, a plurality of second pixels emitting green light, and a plurality of third pixels emitting blue light.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first pixels are respectively included in first pixel units, each of the first pixel units includes one of the second pixels; and The third pixels are respectively included in second pixel units, and each of the second pixel units includes one of the second pixels.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first fingerprint sensor is in the second pixel unit arranged on the odd pixel row.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The second fingerprint sensor is in the second pixel unit arranged on the even-numbered pixel row.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first pixel units and the second pixel units alternate with each other along a first direction and a second direction.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor are arranged in a diagonal direction with respect to the plurality of pixel rows.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: A distance between the first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor is kept constant over the plurality of pixel rows.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of pixels comprises: a first pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to the first node, a second electrode connected to the second node, and a gate electrode connected to a third node; a second pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to the data line, a second electrode connected to the first node, and a gate electrode connected to the first scan line; a third pixel transistor comprising a first electrode connected to the second node, a second electrode connected to the third node, and a gate electrode connected to a second scan line; a fourth pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to the third node, a second electrode connected to the first initialization power line, and a gate electrode connected to a third scan line; a fifth pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to the first power line, a second electrode connected to the first node, and a gate electrode connected to the emission control line; a sixth pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to the second node, a second electrode connected to a fourth node, and a gate electrode connected to the emission control line; a seventh pixel transistor including a first electrode connected to the fourth node, a second electrode connected to the second initialization power line, and a gate electrode connected to the fourth scan line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode connected to the first power line and a second electrode connected to the third node; and The light emitting element includes a first electrode connected to the fourth node and a second electrode connected to the second power line.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of fingerprint sensors comprises: a first sensing transistor including a first electrode connected to the second initialization power line, a second electrode connected to the sixth node, and a gate electrode connected to the fifth node; a second sensing transistor including a first electrode connected to the sixth node, a second electrode connected to a readout line, and a gate electrode connected to the first scan line; a third sensing transistor including a first electrode connected to a reset power line, a second electrode connected to the fifth node, and a gate electrode connected to a reset line; and The light receiving element includes the anode electrode connected to the fifth node and a cathode electrode connected to the second power line.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The parasitic capacitance caused by the anode electrodes arranged on the odd-numbered pixel rows is equal to the parasitic capacitance caused by the anode electrodes arranged on the even-numbered pixel rows.

13. A display device comprising a display panel partitioned into a plurality of pixel rows, in, The display panel comprises: Base layer; A sensor circuit layer, disposed on the base layer; A plurality of anode electrodes are disposed on the sensor circuit layer; a pixel defining layer including a plurality of openings exposing a portion of each of the plurality of anode electrodes; and a cathode electrode, disposed on the pixel defining layer, The area of ​​each of the anode electrodes arranged on the odd pixel rows among the plurality of anode electrodes is equal to the area of ​​each of the anode electrodes arranged on the even pixel rows among the plurality of anode electrodes.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: A shape of each of the plurality of anode electrodes arranged on the odd-numbered pixel rows is different from a shape of each of the plurality of anode electrodes arranged on the even-numbered pixel rows.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: A parasitic capacitance formed between the plurality of anode electrodes and the cathode electrode arranged on the odd-numbered pixel rows is equal to a parasitic capacitance formed between the plurality of anode electrodes and the cathode electrode arranged on the even-numbered pixel rows.

16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: A first semiconductor layer, a light receiving layer, and a second semiconductor layer are provided in each of the plurality of openings, and Wherein, the first semiconductor layer is arranged on the anode electrode, The light receiving layer is provided on the first semiconductor layer, and The second semiconductor layer is disposed on the light receiving layer and is connected to the cathode electrode.

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