Display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device. The display device includes: a fingerprint sensor including a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes; a touch sensor including a plurality of third sensing electrodes and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes; a fingerprint sensor driver transmitting a first driving signal to the fingerprint sensor, and receiving a first sensing signal from the fingerprint sensor; a touch sensor driver transmitting a second driving signal to the touch sensor, and receiving a second sensing signal from the touch sensor; and a controller generating a vertical blanking signal having an on voltage during the vertical blanking period, and transmitting the vertical blanking signal to the fingerprint sensor driver. The fingerprint sensor driver drives the fingerprint sensor once during a turn-on voltage period of the vertical blanking signal.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0172735, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 1, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

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

[0004] Recently, the use of display devices has diversified. In addition, as display devices have become thinner and lighter, their range of use has gradually expanded.

[0005] A display device may include a touch sensing device as an input unit. The touch sensing device includes a touch sensor and a touch sensor driving circuit that drives the touch sensor and generates touch data.

[0006] In addition, a display device may include a fingerprint sensing device as an input unit that receives a user's fingerprint. The fingerprint sensing device includes a fingerprint sensor provided on the front surface of the display device, and a fingerprint sensor driving circuit that drives the fingerprint sensor and generates fingerprint data. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One or more embodiments include a display device including a fingerprint sensing device having enhanced fingerprint sensing performance.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a fingerprint sensor disposed in a first region, and the fingerprint sensor includes a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes; a touch sensor disposed in a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the touch sensor includes a plurality of third sensing electrodes and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes; a fingerprint sensor driver that sends a first driving signal to the fingerprint sensor, and the fingerprint sensor driver receives a first sensing signal from the fingerprint sensor; a touch sensor driver that sends a second driving signal to the touch sensor, and the touch sensor driver receives a second sensing signal from the touch sensor; and a controller that generates a vertical blanking signal having a conduction voltage during a vertical blanking period, and the controller transmits the vertical blanking signal to the fingerprint sensor driver. During the conduction voltage period of the vertical blanking signal, the fingerprint sensor driver drives the fingerprint sensor once.

[0009] The display device may further include: a plurality of signal lines connecting the fingerprint sensor to the fingerprint sensor driver. The plurality of first sensing electrodes, the plurality of third sensing electrodes, and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes may be disposed on different layers from the plurality of signal lines.

[0010] Among the multiple third sensing electrodes, the third sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in the first direction can be connected to each other through a bridging pattern. The bridging pattern can be disposed on the same layer as the multiple signal lines, and the multiple signal lines can bypass around the bridging pattern.

[0011] The multiple signal lines can overlap with the multiple third sensing electrodes and the multiple fourth sensing electrodes.

[0012] The display device may further include: a plurality of pixels disposed below the fingerprint sensor and the touch sensor, and the multiple signal lines can be disposed above the plurality of pixels.

[0013] The touch sensor driver further generates jitter data according to the second sensing signal, and transmits the jitter data to the controller, and the controller further determines whether the noise is within the reference range according to the jitter data. When the noise is within the reference range, the controller transmits a first control signal to the fingerprint sensor driver, and when the noise deviates from the reference range, the controller transmits a second control signal to the fingerprint sensor driver.

[0014] When receiving the first control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver can drive the fingerprint sensor at least once during the cut-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal, and when receiving the second control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver can keep the fingerprint sensor in an idle state during the cut-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal.

[0015] When receiving the first control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver can operate at a first reporting rate, and when receiving the second control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver can operate at a second reporting rate, and the first reporting rate can be greater than the second reporting rate.

[0016] The first reporting rate can be twice the second reporting rate.

[0017] The first reporting rate can be three times the second reporting rate.

[0018] The multiple first sensing electrodes and the multiple second sensing electrodes can be disposed on different layers from each other.

[0019] Each of the multiple first sensing electrodes can extend in the first direction, and each of the multiple second sensing electrodes can extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0020] The display device may further include: a plurality of first signal lines connecting the multiple first sensing electrodes to the fingerprint sensor driver; and a plurality of second signal lines connecting the multiple second sensing electrodes to the fingerprint sensor driver. The plurality of first signal lines and the plurality of second signal lines can be disposed on the same layer as the multiple second sensing electrodes.

[0021] Each of the plurality of second signal lines may be integrally formed with a corresponding one of the plurality of second sensing electrodes.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a fingerprint sensor disposed in a first region, and the fingerprint sensor includes a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes; a touch sensor disposed in a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the touch sensor includes a plurality of third sensing electrodes and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes; a fingerprint sensor driver that sends a first driving signal to the fingerprint sensor, and the fingerprint sensor driver receives a first sensing signal from the fingerprint sensor to generate fingerprint data; a touch sensor driver that sends a second driving signal to the touch sensor, and the touch sensor driver receives a second sensing signal from the touch sensor to generate touch data; and a controller that generates a vertical blanking signal having a conduction voltage during a vertical blanking period, and the controller transmits the vertical blanking signal to the fingerprint sensor driver. The cut-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal coincides with a first fingerprint driving period and a second fingerprint driving period, the conduction voltage period of the vertical blanking signal coincides with a third fingerprint driving period, and the fingerprint sensor driver drives the fingerprint sensor once for each of the first fingerprint driving period, the second fingerprint driving period, and the third fingerprint driving period.

[0023] The reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver may be about 360 Hz.

[0024] The display device may further include: a plurality of pixels disposed below the fingerprint sensor and the touch sensor; and a display driver that controls the light emission of the plurality of pixels. When the frame rate of the display driver is a first value, the reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver may be a second value, and the second value is three times the first value.

[0025] The display device may further include: a plurality of signal lines that connect the fingerprint sensor to the fingerprint sensor driver. The plurality of signal lines may be included in a first conductive layer, and the plurality of first sensing electrodes, the plurality of third sensing electrodes, and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes may be included in a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer.

[0026] The first conductive layer may include: bridging patterns that connect third sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in a first direction among the plurality of third sensing electrodes. The plurality of signal lines bypass around the bridging patterns.

[0027] The plurality of second sensing electrodes may be included in the first conductive layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is taken along line I-I' of Figure 1 the display panel shown in Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel shown in

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 a part of the display device shown in

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 is Figure 9 a plan view of region II of the display device shown in

[0039] Figure 12 is taken along Figure 11 line V-V' of Figure 11 the display device shown in

[0040] Figure 13 is Figure 9 a schematic plan view of region III of the display device shown in

[0041] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 15 is taken along Figure 14 line VI-VI' of Figure 14 the display device shown in

[0043] Figure 16 is taken along Figure 9 line IV-IV' of Figure 9Cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0044] Figure 17 Shows the driving signal of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 18 Shows the driving of a fingerprint sensing device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 19 Shows the driving of a fingerprint sensing device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 20 Shows the driving of a fingerprint sensing device according to an embodiment. Detailed Description

[0048] Now, embodiments will be described in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the descriptions set forth herein.

[0049] It will be further understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "on" another layer, region, or component, the layer, region, or component may be directly or indirectly on the other layer, region, or component.

[0050] It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "connected" to another layer, region, or component, the layer, region, or component may be "directly connected" to the other layer, region, or component, or may be "indirectly connected" to the other layer, region, or component, with other layers, regions, or components therebetween.

[0051] The x-axis (first direction DR1 or x-direction), y-axis (second direction DR2 or y-direction), and z-axis (third direction DR3 or z-direction) are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis (first direction DR1 or x-direction), y-axis (second direction DR2 or y-direction), and z-axis (third direction DR3 or z-direction) may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different orientations that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0052] In cases where an embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific process order may be executed in an order different from the described order.

[0053] In this specification, when a wiring is referred to as "extending in the first direction or the second direction", this means that the wiring extends not only in a straight shape in the first direction or the second direction, but also in a zigzag or curved shape in the first direction or the second direction.

[0054] In this specification, "in a plan view" means when observing the subject object in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the substrate, and "in a cross-sectional view" means when observing the subject object from the side in a vertically cut portion.

[0055] In this specification, when it is mentioned that a first element "overlaps" a second element, this means that the first element is disposed above or below the second element.

[0056] In the following embodiments, "ON" used in association with the state of an element may represent the activated state of the element, and "OFF" may represent the disabled state of the element. "ON" used in association with a signal received by an element may represent a signal that activates the element, and "OFF" may represent a signal that disables the element. An element may be activated by a high-level voltage or a low-level voltage. As an example, a P-channel transistor may be activated by a low-level voltage, and an N-channel transistor may be activated by a high-level voltage. Therefore, it should be understood that the conduction voltages of a P-channel transistor (P-type transistor) and an N-channel transistor (N-type transistor) are opposite (low vs. high) voltage levels.

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display panel 10 according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is taken along Figure 1 the line I-I' of Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel 10.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1 , in an embodiment, a display device includes a display panel 10. The display panel 10 includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA outside the display area DA. The display panel 10 displays an image by using light emitted from a plurality of pixels disposed in the display area DA. The non-display area NDA is disposed around the display area DA, and the non-display area NDA is an area where no pixels are disposed. The display area DA is completely surrounded by the non-display area NDA. Various wirings for transmitting electrical signals to the display area DA, and pads to which a printed circuit board or a driver integrated circuit (IC) chip is attached are located in the non-display area NDA.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2 , in an embodiment, a display device 1 includes a display panel 10, and the display panel 10 includes a substrate 100, a display layer 200, a packaging layer 300, and a touch sensor layer 400.

[0060] The substrate 100 includes at least one of insulating materials such as glass, quartz, and polymer resins. The substrate 100 can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable. For example, the substrate 100 includes a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate 100 can have a multilayer structure including a matrix layer and an inorganic layer, and the matrix layer includes a polymer resin. For example, the substrate 100 includes two matrix layers containing a polymer resin and an inorganic barrier layer interposed between the two matrix layers.

[0061] The display layer 200 is disposed on the substrate 100. The display layer 200 includes pixels and displays an image. The display layer 200 includes display elements and pixel circuits electrically connected to the display elements. In addition, the display layer 200 includes scan lines, data lines, power lines, a scan driver, and fan-out lines. The scan lines, data lines, and power lines are connected to the pixel circuits. The scan driver transmits scan signals to the scan lines, and the fan-out lines connect the data lines to the data driver.

[0062] The display elements include an emission layer. The emission layer of the display elements includes an organic material, an inorganic material, quantum dots, a combination of an organic material and quantum dots, a combination of an inorganic material and quantum dots, or a combination of an organic material, an inorganic material, and quantum dots. In an embodiment, the display element is an organic light-emitting diode.

[0063] The encapsulation layer 300 encapsulates the display elements and is disposed on the display layer 200. The encapsulation layer 300 includes at least one organic encapsulation layer that provides a planarized substrate surface for the touch sensor layer 400. Thus, even when the touch sensor layer 400 is formed by a continuous process, the defect rate is reduced.

[0064] The touch sensor layer 400 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 300. The touch sensor layer 400 includes touch sensors, fingerprint sensors, and signal lines. The display device 1 obtains the fingerprint data of a user by measuring the change amount of the capacitance of the sensing electrodes forming the fingerprint sensors. The display device 1 obtains whether a user has input a touch and the position of the touch by measuring the change amount of the capacitance of the sensing electrodes forming the touch sensors.

[0065] The touch sensor layer 400 is formed by a continuous process similar to the continuous process of the encapsulation layer 300. For example, the touch sensor layer 400 is directly formed on the substrate surface of the encapsulation layer 300.

[0066] The display device 1 further includes a cover window CW disposed above the display panel 10. The cover window CW protects the upper surface of the display panel 10. The cover window CW is attached to the display panel 10 using an optically clear adhesive OCA or an optically clear resin.

[0067] In an embodiment, at least one functional layer is disposed between the touch sensor layer 400 and the cover window CW. The functional layer may perform one or more of a color filtering function, a color conversion function, a polarization function, etc. The functional layer may be a sheet layer including a sheet, a film layer including a film, a thin film layer, a coating, a panel, a plate, etc. One functional layer may include a single layer or include a plurality of stacked thin films or coatings. For example, the functional layer is one of a color filter, an optical filter, an optical film, etc.

[0068] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3 and further referring to Figure 1 in an embodiment, the display device 1 includes a display panel 10 and a driving circuit portion DV that drives the display panel 10.

[0070] The display panel 10 includes a display layer 200 disposed on a substrate 100 and a touch sensor layer 400 disposed above the display layer 200. An encapsulation layer 300 (see Figure 2 ) is disposed between the display layer 200 and the touch sensor layer 400.

[0071] The display layer 200 includes pixels PX and wirings and pads electrically connected to the pixels PX. A display area DA is an area where a plurality of pixels PX are disposed. The display layer 200 displays an image using light emitted from the plurality of pixels PX arranged in the display area DA. A non-display area NDA is arranged around the display area DA. Various wirings and pads are disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0072] Each of the pixels PX includes a display element such as an organic light-emitting diode and a pixel circuit that controls the display element. The pixel circuit includes transistors, storage capacitors, etc.

[0073] The pixel circuit is electrically connected to a scan line SL extending in a first direction DR1 (x direction) and a data line DL extending in a second direction DR2 (y direction), etc. The pixel circuit controls the display element according to a data signal received through the data line DL and a scan signal received through the scan line SL. In an embodiment, each of the pixels PX emits one of red light, green light, and blue light. In an embodiment, each of the pixels PX emits one of red light, green light, blue light, and white light.

[0074] The touch sensor layer 400 includes a fingerprint sensor FS, a touch sensor TS, and signal lines. The fingerprint sensing area FSA is an area where sensing electrodes of the fingerprint sensor FS are arranged. The fingerprint sensor FS obtains fingerprint information of a user by measuring a change amount of capacitance of the sensing electrodes in the fingerprint sensing area FSA. The touch sensing area SA is an area where sensing electrodes of the touch sensor TS are arranged. The touch sensor TS obtains whether a user has input a touch and a position of the touch by measuring a change amount of capacitance of the sensing electrodes in the touch sensing area SA.

[0075] The fingerprint sensing area FSA is completely surrounded by the touch sensing area SA. A non-sensing area NSA is arranged around the touch sensing area SA. The touch sensing area SA is completely surrounded by the non-sensing area NSA. Wiring electrically connected to the fingerprint sensor FS and the touch sensor TS is provided in the non-sensing area NSA.

[0076] In a plan view, the touch sensing area SA and the fingerprint sensing area FSA overlap with the display area DA. Accordingly, pixels PX are provided below the touch sensor TS and the fingerprint sensor FS.

[0077] The fingerprint sensor FS includes a first driving electrode FTE (first sensing electrode) and a first sensing electrode FRE (second sensing electrode). The first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE extend in different directions from each other and cross each other, and form a grid structure in a plan view.

[0078] The touch sensor TS includes a second driving electrode TE (third sensing electrode), a second sensing electrode RE (fourth sensing electrode), and bridging patterns. The second driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in a first direction (x direction) are electrically connected to each other through a first bridging pattern, and the second sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in a second direction (y direction) are electrically connected to each other through a second bridging pattern.

[0079] The driving circuit portion DV includes a display driver DDV, a fingerprint sensor driver FDV, and a touch sensor driver TDV. In an embodiment, the driving circuit portion DV includes a single touch display driver integrated (TDDI) chip. In an embodiment, the driving circuit portion DV includes a plurality of integrated circuits.

[0080] The display driver DDV drives a plurality of pixels PX. For example, the display driver DDV transmits an electrical signal for controlling brightness of each of the pixels PX.

[0081] The fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS of the touch sensor layer 400. The fingerprint sensor driver FDV sends a fingerprint driving signal to the fingerprint sensor FS, receives a fingerprint sensing signal corresponding to the fingerprint driving signal from the fingerprint sensor FS, and converts the fingerprint sensing signal into fingerprint data as digital data.

[0082] The touch sensor driver TDV drives the touch sensor TS of the touch sensor layer 400. The touch sensor driver TDV sends a touch driving signal to the touch sensor TS, receives a touch sensing signal corresponding to the touch driving signal from the touch sensor TS, and converts the touch sensing signal into touch data as digital data.

[0083] In an embodiment, the touch sensor driver TDV and the fingerprint sensor driver FDV include the same sensor integrated chip (IC). In an embodiment, the touch sensor driver TDV and the fingerprint sensor driver FDV include separate ICs.

[0084] The display device 1 can operate in a fingerprint sensing mode or a touch sensing mode. When the display device 1 operates in the fingerprint sensing mode of obtaining the fingerprint information of the user from the fingerprint sensing area FSA, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS to obtain the fingerprint data of the user from the fingerprint sensing area FSA, and the touch sensor driver TDV drives the touch sensor TS to obtain the touch data of the user from the touch sensing area SA.

[0085] When the display device 1 operates in the touch sensing mode of sensing whether a user touch has occurred and the position of the touch in the touch sensing area SA, the touch sensor driver TDV drives the touch sensor TS to obtain the touch data of the user. When the display device 1 operates in the touch sensing mode, when the user inputs a touch in the fingerprint sensing area FSA, the touch sensor driver TDV senses whether the user has input a touch and the position of the touch based on the capacitance change amount of the second driving electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE adjacent to the fingerprint sensing area FSA.

[0086] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the display device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0087] Refer to Figure 4 In an embodiment, the display device 1 includes a display panel 10, a connection member 20, and a circuit board 30. Figure 4 The display layer 200 of the display panel 10 is schematically shown.

[0088] The display panel 10 includes a display area DA in which a plurality of pixels PX are arranged and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The non-display area NDA includes a pad area PDA.

[0089] The display pad DPD is provided in the pad region PDA, and the display pad DPD is electrically connected to the display driver DDV through the connection member 20 (see Figure 3 ). The display pad DPD is electrically connected to the pixel PX through wirings. The electrical signal provided by the display driver DDV is transmitted to the pixel PX through the display pad DPD.

[0090] The connection member 20 connects the display panel 10 to the circuit board 30. For example, one end of the connection member 20 is connected (or attached) to the pad region PDA of the display panel 10, and the other end of the connection member 20 is connected (or attached) to the circuit board 30. The connection member 20 includes a plurality of wirings and / or circuits on an insulating film such as polyimide. In an embodiment, the connection member 20 is provided as a chip-on-film, and an IC chip forming at least a part of the driving circuit portion DV (see Figure 3 ) is mounted on the connection member 20.

[0091] The circuit board 30 is a flexible printed circuit board. The circuit board 30 is connected to one end of the connection member 20 and is provided on the back side of the display panel 10. The circuit board 30 sends the electrical signal received from a host, an application processor, etc. to the driving circuit portion DV.

[0092] Although Figure 4 it is shown that the display panel 10 includes the connection member 20, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. In an embodiment, an IC chip forming at least a part of the driving circuit portion DV is mounted on the display panel 10, and one end of the display panel 10 is directly connected (or attached) to the circuit board 30.

[0093] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 shows the operations of the display layer 200 (see Figure 3 ) and the display driver DDV (see Figure 3 ).

[0094] Referring to Figure 5 , and also referring to Figure 4 , in an embodiment, the display device 1 includes a display 11, a gate driver 12, a data driver 13, a timing controller 14, and a voltage generator 15.

[0095] The display 11 includes pixels PX, such as the pixel PX located in the i-th row and the j-th column ij . For ease of understanding, although Figure 5 only one pixel PX is shown ij , m×n pixels PX are arranged in a matrix configuration, for example. Here, i is an integer between 1 and m, and j is an integer between 1 and n.

[0096] For illustrative purposes, Figure 5 the description will focus on pixel PX using a pixel circuit including two transistors and a capacitor. However, the embodiments are applicable not only to pixel PX using a specific pixel circuit, but also to pixel PX using another pixel circuit (such as a pixel circuit including, for example, three transistors and a capacitor) and pixel PX using a pixel circuit including seven transistors and a capacitor, etc.

[0097] Pixel PX is connected to scan lines SL_1, SL_2, …… and SL_m, data lines DL_1, DL_2, …… and DL_n, and a power line PL. For example, pixel PX located in the i-th row and the j-th column ij is connected to scan line SL_i, data line DL_j, and power line PL.

[0098] Each of data lines DL_1 to DL_n extends in the second direction (y direction) and is connected to pixel PX arranged in the corresponding same column. Each of scan lines SL_1 to SL_m extends in the first direction (x direction) and is connected to pixel PX arranged in the corresponding same row.

[0099] Power line PL includes a plurality of vertical power lines extending in the second direction (y direction), and each of the plurality of vertical power lines is connected to pixel PX in the corresponding same column.

[0100] Each of scan lines SL_1 to SL_m sends a corresponding one of scan signals Sn_1, Sn_2, …… and Sn_m received from gate driver 12 to pixel PX in the same row. Each of data lines DL_1 to DL_n sends a corresponding one of data signals Dm_1, Dm_2, …… and Dm_n received from data driver 13 to pixel PX in the same column. Pixel PX located in the i-th row and the j-th column ij receives scan signal Sn_i and data signal Dm_j.

[0101] Power line PL transmits a first driving voltage ELVDD generated by voltage generator 15 to pixel PX.

[0102] Pixel PX ij includes a display element and a driving transistor that controls the amount of current flowing through the display element based on data signal Dm_j. Data signal Dm_j is output from data driver 13 and received by pixel PX ij through data line DL_j. The display element is, for example, an organic light emitting diode. Since the display element emits light with a brightness corresponding to the amount of current received from the driving transistor, pixel PX ijcan express a gray level corresponding to the data signal Dm_j. The pixel PX corresponds to a part of a unit pixel that displays full color, such as a sub-pixel.

[0103] The voltage generator 15 generates a voltage for driving the pixel PX ij For example, the voltage generator 15 generates a first driving voltage ELVDD and a second driving voltage ELVSS. The level of the first driving voltage ELVDD is greater than the level of the second driving voltage ELVSS.

[0104] The voltage generator 15 generates an initialization voltage and transmits the initialization voltage to the pixel PX. The initialization voltage is transmitted to the gate of the driving transistor and / or the anode of the display element.

[0105] In addition, the voltage generator 15 generates an on-voltage and an off-voltage for a switching transistor that controls the pixel PX ij and transmits the on-voltage and the off-voltage to the gate driver 12. When the on-voltage is applied to the gate of the switching transistor, the switching transistor turns on, and when the off-voltage is applied to the gate of the switching transistor, the switching transistor turns off. The voltage generator 15 also generates a gamma reference voltage and transmits the gamma reference voltage to the data driver 13.

[0106] The timing controller 14 controls the display 11 by controlling the operation timings of the gate driver 12 and the data driver 13. The pixel PX of the display 11 displays an image of the image source data RGB corresponding to one frame by receiving a new data signal Dm for each frame period and emitting light with a brightness corresponding to the data signal Dm.

[0107] The timing controller 14 receives the image source data RGB and the control signal CONT from an external source. The timing controller 14 converts the image source data RGB into image data DATA based on the characteristics of the display 11 and the pixel PX. The timing controller 14 transmits the image data DATA to the data driver 13.

[0108] The control signal CONT includes a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a data enable signal, a clock signal, etc. The timing controller 14 uses the control signal CONT to control the operation timings of the gate driver 12 and the data driver 13. The timing controller 14 determines the frame period by counting the data enable signal in the horizontal scan period. The image source data RGB includes the brightness information of the pixel PX. The brightness includes a set number (such as 1024(=2 10 ), 256(=2 8 ) or 64(=2 6 )) of gray levels.

[0109] The timing controller 14 generates control signals including a gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver 12 and a data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data driver 13.

[0110] The gate timing control signal GDC includes a gate start pulse, a gate shift clock, a gate output enable signal, etc. The gate start pulse is transmitted to the gate driver 12 that generates the first scan signal at the start point of the scan period. The gate shift clock is commonly transmitted to the gate driver 12 and shifts the gate start pulse. The gate output enable signal controls the output of the gate driver 12.

[0111] The data timing control signal DDC includes a source start pulse, a source sampling clock, a source output enable signal, etc. The source start pulse controls the data sampling start point of the data driver 13 and is transmitted to the data driver 13 at the start point of the scan period. The source sampling clock controls the sampling operation of the data within the data driver 13 based on the rising edge or the falling edge. The source output enable signal controls the output of the data driver 13. In an embodiment, according to the data transmission method, the source start pulse supplied to the data driver 13 is omitted.

[0112] The gate driver 12 uses the on - voltage or off - voltage received from the voltage generator 15 and, in response to the gate timing control signal GDC received from the timing controller 14, sequentially generates scan signals Sn_1 to Sn_m. The gate driver 12 includes a plurality of transistors formed together with the pixels PX by a thin - film process. For example, the gate driver 12 can be installed in the non - display area NDA in the form of an amorphous silicon thin - film transistor (TFT) gate driver circuit (ASG) or an oxide semiconductor thin - film transistor (TFT) gate driver circuit (OSG).

[0113] The data driver 13 samples and latches the image data DATA received from the timing controller 14 in response to the data timing control signal DDC received from the timing controller 14, and converts the sampled and latched image data DATA into data in a parallel data system. When converting the image data DATA into data in a parallel data system, the data driver 13 converts the image data DATA into a gamma reference voltage and converts the image data DATA into an analog data signal. The data driver 13 transmits data signals Dm_1 to Dm_n to the pixels PX through data lines DL_1 to DL_n respectively. The pixels PX receive the data signals Dm_1 to Dm_n in response to the scan signals Sn_1 to Sn_m respectively.

[0114] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel PX in the display device according to the embodiment.

[0115] Reference Figure 6 , in the embodiment, the pixel PX includes a pixel circuit PC and a display element connected to the pixel circuit PC. Among them, the pixel circuit PC is connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL. The display element is an organic light-emitting diode OLED, and the organic light-emitting diode OLED includes a pixel electrode (anode) and a counter electrode (cathode). The counter electrode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED is a common electrode to which a second driving voltage ELVSS is applied.

[0116] The pixel circuit PC includes a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0117] The first transistor T1 is a driving transistor whose drain current magnitude is determined according to its gate-source voltage, and the second transistor T2 is a switching transistor that conducts / turns off according to the gate-source voltage. The first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 can each be implemented as a thin-film transistor.

[0118] The first transistor T1 can be represented as a driving transistor, and the second transistor T2 can be represented as a scan transistor.

[0119] The storage capacitor Cst is connected between a power line PL and the gate of the first transistor T1. The storage capacitor Cst includes a second electrode connected to the power line PL and a first electrode connected to the gate of the first transistor T1. The storage capacitor Cst stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the second transistor T2 and the first driving voltage ELVDD supplied to the power line PL.

[0120] The first transistor T1 includes a gate connected to the first electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, a first terminal connected to the power line PL, and a second terminal connected to the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The first transistor T1 controls the magnitude of the driving current I d flowing from the power line PL to the organic light-emitting diode OLED according to the gate-source voltage. The organic light-emitting diode OLED emits light with a brightness corresponding to the driving current I d .

[0121] The second transistor T2 includes a gate connected to the scan line SL, a drain connected to the data line DL, and a source connected to the gate of the first transistor T1. The second transistor T2 transmits the data signal Dm to the gate of the first transistor T1 in response to the scan signal Sn.

[0122] Although reference is made to Figure 6The pixel circuit PC is described as including two transistors T1 and T2 and a storage capacitor Cst, but the embodiments are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the pixel circuit PC includes three or more transistors and / or two or more capacitors. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC includes three transistors and one capacitor. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC includes seven transistors and one capacitor.

[0123] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0124] Referring to Figure 7 , and also referring to Figure 3 , in an embodiment, the display layer 200 (see Figure 2 ) and the encapsulation layer 300 are sequentially stacked on the substrate 100 in the display area DA. The organic light-emitting diode OLED and the pixel circuit PC electrically connected to the organic light-emitting diode OLED are provided in the display layer 200.

[0125] The substrate 100 includes an insulating material, such as one or more of glass, quartz, and polymer resins. The substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable.

[0126] The buffer layer 201 is provided on the substrate 100 to reduce or block the penetration of foreign substances, moisture, or external air from below the substrate 100 and to provide a flat surface for the semiconductor layer Act. The buffer layer 201 may include an inorganic material, an organic material, or an organic / inorganic composite material, and may include a single layer or multiple layers including an inorganic material and an organic material, wherein the inorganic material includes an oxide or a nitride.

[0127] The pixel circuit PC is provided above the buffer layer 201, and the pixel circuit PC includes a thin-film transistor TFT and a capacitor Cst. The thin-film transistor TFT corresponds to the first transistor T1 described with reference to Figure 6 .

[0128] The thin-film transistor TFT includes a semiconductor layer Act, a gate electrode GE, a drain electrode DE, and a source electrode SE.

[0129] The semiconductor layer Act is disposed on the buffer layer 201. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layer Act includes polysilicon. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layer Act includes amorphous silicon. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layer Act includes an oxide of at least one of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The semiconductor layer Act includes a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, and the source region and the drain region are doped with impurities. The source region and the drain region are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the channel region.

[0130] The first gate insulating layer 203 is disposed on the buffer layer 201 and covers the semiconductor layer Act. The first gate insulating layer 203 includes an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), and zinc oxide (ZnO x , which is ZnO or ZnO 2 ) and at least one of them. The first gate insulating layer 203 may include a single layer or multiple layers containing an inorganic insulating material.

[0131] The gate electrode GE is disposed on the first gate insulating layer 203 and overlaps with the semiconductor layer Act. The gate electrode GE includes at least one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may include a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the gate electrode GE includes a single molybdenum layer.

[0132] The second gate insulating layer 204 is disposed on the first gate insulating layer 203 and covers the gate electrode GE. The second gate insulating layer 204 includes an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), and zinc oxide (ZnO x , which is ZnO or ZnO 2 ) and at least one of them. The second gate insulating layer 204 may include a single layer or multiple layers containing an inorganic insulating material.

[0133] The second electrode CE2 of the storage capacitor Cst is disposed on the second gate insulating layer 204. The second electrode CE2 overlaps with the gate electrode GE. The gate electrode GE and the second electrode CE2 overlap with each other and the second gate insulating layer 204 is interposed therebetween, and the gate electrode GE and the second electrode CE2 form the storage capacitor Cst. For example, the gate electrode GE is the first electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0134] The second electrode CE2 includes at least one of aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above materials.

[0135] The interlayer insulating layer 205 is disposed on the second gate insulating layer 204 and covers the second electrode CE2. The interlayer insulating layer 205 includes silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), and zinc oxide (ZnO x , which is ZnO or ZnO 2 ), and is at least one of them. The interlayer insulating layer 205 may include a single layer or multiple layers including an inorganic insulating material.

[0136] The buffer layer 201, the first gate insulating layer 203, the second gate insulating layer 204, and the interlayer insulating layer 205 may be referred to as the inorganic insulating layer IIL.

[0137] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 205. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE each include a conductive material such as at least one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and titanium (Ti), and the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above materials. For example, the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE have a multi-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti. In an embodiment, one of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE is omitted. For example, adjacent thin film transistors TFT share the source region or the drain region of the semiconductor layer Act. The source region or the drain region is the source electrode SE or the drain electrode DE.

[0138] The planarization insulating layer 207 is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 205 and covers the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The planarization insulating layer 207 provides a flat substrate surface for the pixel electrode 210 disposed thereon.

[0139] The planarization insulating layer 207 may include an organic material or an inorganic material, and may include a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The organic materials of the planarization insulating layer 207 include general polymers (such as polystyrene (PS)), benzocyclobutene (BCB), hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polymer derivatives including phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers (such as polyimide), aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorine polymers, parylene polymers, or vinyl alcohol polymers. The inorganic insulating materials of the planarization insulating layer 207 include silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), and zinc oxide (ZnO x , which is one or more of ZnO or ZnO 2 ). After the planarization insulating layer 207 is formed, chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the upper surface of the planarization insulating layer 207 to provide a flat upper surface.

[0140] The pixel electrode 210 is disposed on the planarization insulating layer 207. The planarization insulating layer 207 includes a via hole that exposes one of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT. The pixel electrode 210 is electrically connected to the thin film transistor TFT by contacting the source electrode SE or the drain electrode DE through the via hole.

[0141] The pixel electrode 210 includes a conductive oxide, such as at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), indium gallium oxide (IGO), and aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The pixel electrode 210 includes a reflective layer, which includes at least one of silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), and their compounds. For example, the pixel electrode 210 has a structure including a layer on / under the reflective layer, where the layer includes ITO, IZO, ZnO, and In2 O 3 At least one of them. For example, the pixel electrode 210 has a stacked structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0142] The pixel defining layer 209 covers the edge of the pixel electrode 210 on the planarization insulating layer 207, and includes a pixel opening OP that exposes the central portion of the pixel electrode 210. The emission region EA (such as the size and shape of the pixel) of the organic light-emitting diode OLED is defined by the pixel opening OP.

[0143] The pixel defining layer 209 prevents the occurrence of arcs etc. at the edge of the pixel electrode 210 by increasing the distance between the edge of the pixel electrode 210 and the counter electrode 230 above the pixel electrode 210. The pixel defining layer 209 includes an organic insulating material (such as at least one of polyamide, acrylic resin, benzocyclobutene, and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)), and can be formed by spin coating etc.

[0144] The pixel defining layer 209 is black. The pixel defining layer 209 includes a black light-blocking material. The light-blocking material is at least one of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, a resin or paste including a black dye, metal (such as nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), or an alloy thereof) particles, metal oxide (such as chromium oxide) particles, and metal nitride (such as chromium nitride) particles. When the pixel defining layer 209 includes a light-blocking material, the external reflection of the metal structure disposed below the pixel defining layer 209 is reduced.

[0145] The intermediate layer 220 is disposed between the pixel electrode 210 and the counter electrode 230. The intermediate layer 220 includes a first functional layer 221, an emission layer 222, and a second functional layer 223.

[0146] The emission layer 222 is disposed in the pixel opening OP of the pixel defining layer 209 and corresponds to the pixel electrode 210. The emission layer 222 includes a polymer material or a low molecular weight material, and emits one of red light, green light, blue light, and white light.

[0147] The first functional layer 221 and the second functional layer 223 are respectively disposed below and / or above the emission layer 222. In an embodiment, unlike the emission layer 222 that is patterned for each pixel, the first functional layer 221 and the second functional layer 223 are provided integrally throughout the entire display area DA.

[0148] The first functional layer 221 may include a single layer or multiple layers. For example, when the first functional layer 221 includes a polymer material, the first functional layer 221 includes a hole transport layer having a single-layer structure and includes at least one of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT: poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) and polyaniline (PANI: polyaniline). When the first functional layer 221 includes a low molecular weight material, the first functional layer 221 includes a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer.

[0149] In an embodiment, the second functional layer 223 is omitted. For example, when the first functional layer 221 and the emission layer 222 include polymer materials, the second functional layer 223 is formed. The second functional layer 223 may include a single layer or multiple layers. The second functional layer 223 includes an electron transport layer and / or an electron injection layer. In an embodiment, at least one of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer is omitted.

[0150] The counter electrode 230 includes a conductive material having a relatively low work function. For example, the counter electrode 230 includes a (semi)transparent layer including at least one of silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), and alloys thereof. In an embodiment, the counter electrode 230 further includes a layer including at least one of ITO, IZO, ZnO, and In 2 O 3 formed on the (semi)transparent layer. In an embodiment, the counter electrode 230 includes silver (Ag) and magnesium (Mg).

[0151] The stacked structure of the pixel electrode 210, the intermediate layer 220, and the counter electrode 230 stacked in sequence forms an organic light-emitting diode OLED.

[0152] In an embodiment, a cover layer is provided on the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The cover layer improves the light-emitting efficiency of the organic light-emitting diode OLED based on the principle of constructive interference. The cover layer may be an organic cover layer including an organic material, an inorganic cover layer including an inorganic material, or a composite cover layer including an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0153] The encapsulation layer 300 is provided on the organic light-emitting diode OLED. In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer 300 includes at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. For example, the encapsulation layer 300 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, and an organic encapsulation layer 320.

[0154] Each of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 includes at least one inorganic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material is aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) or titanium oxide (TiO2 ) tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), zinc oxide (ZnO x , which is ZnO or ZnO 2 ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), and silicon oxynitride (SiON), at least one of which. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 can each be formed by chemical vapor deposition.

[0155] The organic encapsulation layer 320 includes at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), acrylic resin, and combinations thereof.

[0156] The encapsulation layer 300 covers the entire display area DA, extends toward the non-display area NDA, and covers at least a part of the non-display area NDA.

[0157] As described above, the encapsulation layer 300 includes an organic encapsulation layer 320 to provide a flatter substrate surface. Therefore, even when forming the elements of the touch sensor layer 400 by a continuous process, the defect rate is reduced.

[0158] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 9 shows Figure 8 a part of the display device 1 shown in

[0159] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , in an embodiment, the display device 1 includes a display panel 10, a connection member 20, and a circuit board 30. Figure 8 Schematically shows the touch sensor layer 400 of the display panel 10. Figure 9 Schematically shows the touch sensing area SA around the fingerprint sensing area FSA, where the touch sensing area SA is adjacent to the fingerprint sensing area FSA.

[0160] The display panel 10 includes a fingerprint sensing area FSA in which a fingerprint sensor FS is arranged, a touch sensing area SA in which sensing electrodes of a touch sensor TS are arranged, and a non-sensing area NSA. The fingerprint sensing area FSA is completely surrounded by the touch sensing area SA. The non-sensing area NSA is arranged around the touch sensing area SA. The touch sensing area SA is completely surrounded by the non-sensing area NSA. A pad area PDA is arranged on one side of the non-sensing area NSA.

[0161] In the plan view, the touch sensing area SA and the fingerprint sensing area FSA overlap with the display area DA (see Figure 3 ). In the plan view, the fingerprint sensing area FSA is arranged within the display area DA. Accordingly, the pixels PX (see Figure 3 ) are provided below the touch sensor TS and the fingerprint sensor FS.

[0162] The touch pads TPD1 and TPD2 and the fingerprint pads FTP and FRP are provided in the pad area PDA, and the touch pads TPD1 and TPD2 are electrically connected to the touch sensor driver TDV (see Figure 3 ) via the connection member 20, and the fingerprint pads FTP and FRP are electrically connected to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV (see Figure 3 ) via the connection member 20. The fingerprint pads FTP and FRP include a fingerprint driving pad FTP connected to the first driving electrode FTE of the fingerprint sensor FS and a fingerprint sensing pad FRP connected to the first sensing electrode FRE. The touch pads TPD1 and TPD2 include a touch driving pad TPD1 connected to the second driving electrode TE of the touch sensor TS and a touch sensing pad TPD2 connected to the second sensing electrode RE.

[0163] The connection member 20 connects the display panel 10 to the circuit board 30. In an embodiment, the connection member 20 is a chip-on-film, and an IC chip forming at least a part of the driving circuit portion DV (see Figure 3 ) is mounted on the connection member 20.

[0164] The circuit board 30 is a flexible printed circuit board. The circuit board 30 is connected to one end of the connection member 20, and the connection member 20 is bent and provided on the back side of the display panel 10.

[0165] The fingerprint sensor FS is arranged in the fingerprint sensing area FSA. The fingerprint sensor FS includes a plurality of sensing electrodes FTE and FRE. The fingerprint sensor FS includes a first driving electrode FTE and a first sensing electrode FRE. The first driving electrode FTE extends in a fourth direction DR4 that is obliquely intersecting with the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (y direction), and is spaced apart from each other in a fifth direction DR5 that intersects with the fourth direction DR4. The first sensing electrode FRE extends in the fifth direction DR5 and is spaced apart from each other in the fourth direction DR4. In the plan view, the first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE cross each other and form a grid structure.

[0166] The first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE are disposed on different layers from each other. For example, the first driving electrode FTE is disposed above the first sensing electrode FRE, and at least one insulating layer is disposed between the first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE. The first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE overlap each other and form a capacitor Cf.

[0167] The fingerprint sensor FS is electrically connected to the fingerprint pads FTP and FRP through signal lines FSL1 and FSL2. For example, the first driving electrode FTE is electrically connected to the fingerprint driving pad FTP through the first signal line FSL1. The first sensing electrode FRE is electrically connected to the fingerprint sensing pad FRP through the second signal line FSL2.

[0168] The first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are disposed on different layers from the first driving electrode FTE. For example, the first driving electrode FTE is disposed above the first signal line FSL1, and at least one insulating layer is disposed between the first driving electrode FTE and the first signal line FSL1. The first driving electrode FTE is electrically connected to the first signal line FSL1 through a contact hole CNP passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0169] The first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode FRE. In an embodiment, the first sensing electrode FRE and the second signal line FSL2 are provided integrally. The first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 span a part of the display area DA (see Figure 3 ), and pixels PX (see Figure 3 ) are disposed below the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2.

[0170] The touch sensor TS is disposed in the touch sensing area SA. The touch sensor TS includes a second driving electrode TE, a second sensing electrode RE, a first bridging pattern BP1, and a second bridging pattern BP2. The second driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the first direction (x direction) are electrically connected to each other through the first bridging pattern BP1. The second sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the second direction (y direction) are electrically connected to each other through the second bridging pattern BP2.

[0171] In an embodiment, the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the second bridging pattern BP2 are disposed on the same layer. The first bridging pattern BP1 is disposed on a different layer from the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the second bridging pattern BP2. For example, the second driving electrode TE is disposed above the first bridging pattern BP1, and at least one insulating layer is disposed between the second driving electrode TE and the first bridging pattern BP1. The second driving electrode TE is connected to the first bridging pattern BP1 through a contact hole passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0172] In an embodiment, the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are disposed on the same layer as the first bridging pattern BP1. The first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are spaced apart from the first bridging pattern BP1. For example, at least some of the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 extend in the second direction (y direction) and have a partially curved shape that wraps around the first bridging pattern BP1.

[0173] The second driving electrode TE is electrically connected to the touch driving pad TPD1 through the first touch signal line TSL1. The second sensing electrode RE is electrically connected to the touch sensing pad TPD2 through the second touch signal line TSL2. The first touch signal line TSL1 and the second touch signal line TSL2 are disposed in the non-sensing area NSA.

[0174] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0175] Referring to Figure 10 , in an embodiment, the display device 1 includes a timing controller 14, a touch sensor TS, a fingerprint sensor FS, a touch sensor driver TDV, a fingerprint sensor driver FDV, and a controller 47.

[0176] The fingerprint sensor driver FDV includes a fingerprint sensor driving signal part 48 and a fingerprint sensor sensing part 49. The fingerprint sensor driving signal part 48 sends a fingerprint driving signal FTx to the first driving electrode FTE of the fingerprint sensor FS through the first signal line FSL1. The fingerprint sensor sensing part 49 receives a fingerprint sensing signal FRx corresponding to the fingerprint driving signal FTx from the first sensing electrode FRE of the fingerprint sensor FS through the second signal line FSL2, and converts the fingerprint sensing signal FRx into a digital signal to obtain the fingerprint data FD of the user.

[0177] The fingerprint sensor sensing part 49 includes an analog front end that receives an analog signal, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the received analog signal into a digital signal.

[0178] The touch sensor driver TDV includes a touch driving signal part 42 and a touch sensing part 43. The touch driving signal part 42 sends a touch driving signal Tx to the second driving electrode TE of the touch sensor TS through the first touch signal line TSL1. The touch sensing part 43 receives a touch sensing signal Rx corresponding to the touch driving signal Tx from the second sensing electrode RE of the touch sensor TS through the second touch signal line TSL2, and converts the touch sensing signal Rx into a digital signal to obtain touch data TD including whether the user has input a touch and touch position information.

[0179] The touch sensing part 43 includes an analog front end that receives an analog signal, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the received analog signal into a digital signal.

[0180] Because the touch sensing area SA (see Figure 3 ) overlaps with the display area DA (see Figure 3 ), parasitic capacitance may occur between the touch sensor TS and the pixel PX (see Figure 3 ) below the touch sensor TS. Due to the coupling of the parasitic capacitance, the electrical signals (such as scan signals, data signals, etc.) that drive the pixel PX may be transmitted to the touch sensor TS. Due to this display noise, a jitter phenomenon may occur in the touch data TD. The touch sensing part 43 generates jitter data Djt based on the touch sensing signal Rx, and corrects the touch data TD based on the jitter data Djt.

[0181] The timing controller 14 receives a control signal CONT from an external source. The control signal CONT includes a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a data enable signal, a clock signal, etc. The timing controller 14 uses the control signal CONT to control the operation timing of the touch sensor driver TDV and the fingerprint sensor driver FDV.

[0182] The controller 47 is one of an application processor and an integrated circuit, etc., which is set independently of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. The controller 47 generates a vertical blanking signal Vb_sync, and sends the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync received from the timing controller 14. The vertical blanking signal Vb_sync is supplied as a conduction voltage during the vertical blanking period, and is supplied as a cut-off voltage during the period outside the vertical blanking period. The fingerprint sensor driver FDV divides one frame into four parts based on the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync.

[0183] In an embodiment, the controller 47 receives the jitter data Djt from the touch sensor driver TDV. The controller 47 determines whether the noise is within a reference range according to the jitter data Djt, and determines the driving mode of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV.

[0184] For example, when the noise is within the reference range, a first control signal FCS1 is transmitted to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. When the noise deviates from the reference range, the controller 47 transmits a second control signal FCS2 to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV.

[0185] When receiving the first control signal FCS1 from the controller 47, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during the conduction voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync and drives the fingerprint sensor FS at least once during the cutoff voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync, so as to drive the fingerprint sensor FS at least twice during one frame. The fingerprint sensor driver FDV driving the fingerprint sensor FS once means that the fingerprint sensor driver FDV generates fingerprint data FD by sequentially sending a fingerprint driving signal FTx to the first driving electrode FTE and receiving a fingerprint sensing signal FRx from the first sensing electrode FRE.

[0186] When receiving the second control signal FCS2 from the controller 47, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV remains idle without driving the fingerprint sensor FS during the cutoff voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync. For example, when receiving the second control signal FCS2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during the conduction voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync and keeps the fingerprint sensor FS in an idle state during the cutoff voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync, so as to drive the fingerprint sensor FS once during one frame.

[0187] Because the fingerprint sensing area FSA (see Figure 3 ) overlaps with the display area DA (see Figure 3 ), a parasitic capacitance may occur between the fingerprint sensor FS and the pixel PX (see Figure 3 ) below the fingerprint sensor FS. Due to the coupling of the parasitic capacitance, the electrical signal driving the pixel PX may be transmitted to the fingerprint sensor FS. In the display device 1 according to the embodiment, since the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS during the vertical blanking period, the influence of display noise can be reduced.

[0188] The display device 1 according to the embodiment can prevent or reduce the distortion of the fingerprint data FD caused by noise and improve the fingerprint sensing performance by changing the driving mode of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV based on the dither data Djt.

[0189] Figure 11 is Figure 9 a plan view of region II of the display device shown in Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along the line V-V' of Figure 11 and Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of region III of the display device shown in Figure 13 is Figure 9 shown in

[0190] Refer to Figure 11, in an embodiment, the touch sensor TS (see Figure 3 ) includes a second driving electrode TE, a second sensing electrode RE, a first bridging pattern BP1, and a second bridging pattern BP2. The first bridging pattern BP1 electrically connects second driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in a first direction (x direction). The second bridging pattern BP2 electrically connects second sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in a second direction (y direction).

[0191] In an embodiment, the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the second bridging pattern BP2 are disposed on the same layer, and the first bridging pattern BP1 is disposed on a different layer from the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the second bridging pattern BP2. The first bridging pattern BP1 is disposed below the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the second bridging pattern BP2. The second bridging pattern BP2 is integrally formed with the second sensing electrode RE. The first bridging pattern BP1 extends in the first direction (x direction), and the second bridging pattern BP2 extends in the second direction (y direction) and overlaps the first bridging pattern BP1.

[0192] Referring to Figure 12 , in an embodiment, the touch sensor layer 400 (see Figure 3 ) is disposed on the encapsulation layer 300. The touch sensor layer 400 includes a first conductive layer MTL1, a second conductive layer MTL2, and at least one insulating layer. In an embodiment, the touch sensor layer 400 includes a first insulating layer 401, a first conductive layer MTL1, a second insulating layer 403, a second conductive layer MTL2, and a third insulating layer 405.

[0193] The first insulating layer 401 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 300, and the first conductive layer MTL1 is disposed on the first insulating layer 401. The first insulating layer 401 prevents damage to the encapsulation layer 300 and reduces display noise that occurs when driving the display layer 200 (see Figure 3 ). The first conductive layer MTL1 includes the first bridging pattern BP1.

[0194] The second insulating layer 403 is disposed on the first insulating layer 401 and the first conductive layer MTL1, and the second conductive layer MTL2 is disposed on the second insulating layer 403. The second conductive layer MTL2 includes the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE (see Figure 11 ) and the second bridging pattern BP2.

[0195] The first conductive layer MTL1 and the second conductive layer MTL2 may each have a single-layer structure or a stacked multi-layer structure. The single-layer conductive layer includes a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer includes at least one of molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and their alloys. The transparent conductive layer includes a transparent conductive oxide, such as one of ITO, IZO, ZnO, and ITZO. In addition, the transparent conductive layer includes a conductive polymer (such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)), metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0196] In an embodiment, the multi-layer conductive layer includes a plurality of metal layers. The plurality of metal layers has, for example, a three-layer structure. The multi-layer conductive layer includes at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0197] The third insulating layer 405 is disposed on the second insulating layer 403 and the second conductive layer MTL2. The first insulating layer 401, the second insulating layer 403, and the third insulating layer 405 may each include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material and have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0198] The first bridging pattern BP1 is electrically connected to the second driving electrode TE through a contact hole CNT passing through the second insulating layer 403.

[0199] Referring to Figure 13 and also referring to Figure 11 In an embodiment, the second driving electrode TE has a grid (or lattice or grid) structure. The grid structure includes metal patterns that extend in a fourth direction DR4 intersecting with a first direction (x direction) and a second direction (y direction) and intersect with metal patterns extending in a fifth direction DR5 intersecting with the fourth direction DR4. Thus, the second driving electrode TE can define a plurality of electrode openings EOP.

[0200] Each of the electrode openings EOP overlaps with one pixel PX. For example, the pixel PX includes a first pixel PX1 that emits light of a first color, a second pixel PX2 that emits light of a second color, and a third pixel PX3 that emits light of a third color. In a plan view, the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 are each disposed within the electrode opening EOP.

[0201] In an embodiment, each of the electrode openings EOP overlaps with a unit pixel group. A unit pixel group may include a plurality of pixels PX. For example, a unit pixel group includes one first pixel PX1, two second pixels PX2, and one third pixel PX3. For example, a unit pixel group includes one first pixel PX1, one second pixel PX2, and one third pixel PX3.

[0202] The second sensing electrode RE, the first bridging pattern BP1, and the second bridging pattern BP2 may have a grid structure similar to or the same as the grid structure of the second driving electrode TE shown in Figure 13 . For example, the second sensing electrode RE, the first bridging pattern BP1, and the second bridging pattern BP2 define a plurality of electrode openings EOP. Due to the grid structure, light emitted from the pixel PX located below the touch sensor TS (see Figure 3 ) penetrates the touch sensor layer 400 (see Figure 3 ) through the electrode openings EOP.

[0203] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along the line Figure 14 VI-VI' of Figure 14 .

[0204] Referring to Figure 14 , in an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor FS (see Figure 3 ) is disposed in the fingerprint sensing area FSA. The fingerprint sensor FS includes a first driving electrode FTE extending in a fourth direction DR4 and a first sensing electrode FRE extending in a fifth direction DR5.

[0205] In an embodiment, the first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE are disposed on different layers from each other. For example, the first driving electrode FTE is disposed on the first sensing electrode FRE. In a plan view, the first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE cross each other and form a grid structure. Thus, in the plan view, the first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE define a plurality of holes FH. At the intersection points of the grid structure, the first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE overlap each other and form a capacitor Cf.

[0206] Each of the plurality of holes FH overlaps with a unit pixel group PXU. For example, the unit pixel group PXU includes one first pixel PX1, two second pixels PX2, and one third pixel PX3. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the pixels PX are arranged in various other configurations (such as a stripe configuration, configuration or a mosaic configuration) to display an image, and the unit pixel group PXU varies according to the configuration of the pixels PX.

[0207] In an embodiment, each of the holes FH overlaps with a pixel PX. For example, in a plan view, the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, or the third pixel PX3 is disposed within each hole FH.

[0208] Since the first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE have a mesh structure, light emitted by pixels PX located below the fingerprint sensor FS (see Figure 3 ) penetrates the touch sensor layer 400 (see Figure 3 ) through the holes FH.

[0209] Referring to Figure 15 , and also referring to Figure 11 , in an embodiment, the touch sensor layer 400 (see Figure 3 ) is disposed on the encapsulation layer 300. The touch sensor layer 400 includes a first conductive layer MTL1, a second conductive layer MTL2, and at least one insulating layer. In an embodiment, the touch sensor layer 400 includes a first insulating layer 401, a first conductive layer MTL1, a second insulating layer 403, a second conductive layer MTL2, and a third insulating layer 405.

[0210] The first insulating layer 401 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 300, and the first conductive layer MTL1 is disposed on the first insulating layer 401. The first conductive layer MTL1 includes the first sensing electrode FRE. As shown in Figure 12 , the first conductive layer MTL1 includes a first bridging pattern BP1 of the touch sensor TS (see Figure 3 ). For example, the first sensing electrode FRE and the first bridging pattern BP1 are disposed on the same layer.

[0211] The second insulating layer 403 is disposed on the first insulating layer 401 and the first conductive layer MTL1, and the second conductive layer MTL2 is disposed on the second insulating layer 403. The second conductive layer MTL2 includes the first driving electrode FTE. As shown in Figure 12 , the second conductive layer MTL2 includes a second driving electrode TE, a second sensing electrode RE, and a second bridging pattern BP2 of the touch sensor TS (see Figure 3 ). For example, the first driving electrode FTE, the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the second bridging pattern BP2 are disposed on the same layer.

[0212] The third insulating layer 405 is disposed on the second insulating layer 403 and the second conductive layer MTL2. The cover window CW is disposed on the third insulating layer 405.

[0213] The first driving electrode FTE and the first sensing electrode FRE overlap each other to form a capacitor Cf. When the user's finger F is adjacent to the cover window CW, the capacitance of each capacitor Cf changes due to the shape of the ridges FR and valleys FV of the finger F. The fingerprint sensor driver FDV (see Figure 3 ) obtains fingerprint data of the user's finger F based on each capacitance change amount.

[0214] Figure 16 is alongFigure 9 taken along line IV-IV' of Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0215] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 16 and also referring to Figure 1 In an embodiment, a first driving electrode FTE of a fingerprint sensor FS is electrically connected to a fingerprint driving pad FTP through a first signal line FSL1, and a first sensing electrode FRE is electrically connected to a fingerprint sensing pad FRP through a second signal line FSL2.

[0216] In an embodiment, the signal lines FSL1 and FSL2 are disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode FRE. The signal lines FSL1 and FSL2 are disposed on different layers from the first driving electrode FTE. For example, the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are included in a first conductive layer MTL1.

[0217] The signal lines FSL1 and FSL2 cross a part of a touch sensing area SA. A second driving electrode TE, a second sensing electrode RE, and a second bridging pattern BP2 are included in a second conductive layer MTL2, and the second driving electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the second bridging pattern BP2 are spaced apart from the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 in a third direction DR3 (z direction), and at least one insulating layer (such as a second insulating layer 403) is interposed therebetween. In a plan view, the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 overlap with the second driving electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE.

[0218] The first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are spaced apart from a first bridging pattern BP1 disposed on the same layer. The first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 bypass around an area where the first bridging pattern BP1 is disposed so as not to overlap with the first bridging pattern BP1. At least a part of the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 has a curved shape so as to bypass around the first bridging pattern BP1.

[0219] The first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are disposed below the second driving electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE, and fingerprint data of a user can be obtained in a fingerprint sensing area FSA located within the touch sensing area SA without affecting the touch sensitivity of a touch sensor TS (see Figure 3 ). In addition, since the shape of the sensing electrode of the touch sensor TS in an area where the first signal line FSL1 and the second signal line FSL2 are located is the same as the shape of the sensing electrode in other areas, deviation of the touch sensitivity is reduced.

[0220] Figure 17shows a driving signal of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 18 shows the driving of a fingerprint sensing device according to an embodiment. The fingerprint sensing device according to an embodiment includes the fingerprint sensor FS described above with reference to Figure 10 and a fingerprint sensor driver FDV that drives the fingerprint sensor FS and generates fingerprint data FD.

[0221] Referring to Figure 17 , in an embodiment, a control signal CONT (see Figure 10 ) received from an external source by a timing controller 14 (see Figure 10 ) includes a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal DE, a clock signal, and the like. A controller 47 (see Figure 10 ) generates a vertical blanking signal Vb_sync based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync received from the timing controller 14, and transmits the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV (see Figure 10 ).

[0222] The vertical synchronization signal Vsync is a reference signal indicating the start or end of a frame. The data enable signal DE indicates a part of a frame in which valid image data actually exists within one line time. For example, one pulse period of the data enable signal DE is one horizontal period, and one horizontal period is the time required to write data in one pixel row (i.e., pixels connected to the same scan line).

[0223] A first period t1 represents a conduction voltage period of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. A second period t2 represents a period from after the last pulse of the data enable signal DE in the previous frame to before the first period t1, and a third period t3 represents a period from after the first period t1 to before the first pulse of the data enable signal DE in the relevant frame. The second period t2 is a vertical front porch, and the third period t3 is a vertical back porch.

[0224] A fourth period t4 is a period in which there is no conduction voltage pulse of the data enable signal DE, and can be represented as a vertical blanking period. The fourth period t4 includes the first period t1, the second period t2, and the third period t3.

[0225] A fifth period t5 is a period in which conduction voltage pulses of the data enable signal DE are output at a predetermined interval, and can be represented as a display valid period.

[0226] The vertical blanking signal Vb_sync is supplied as a turn-on voltage during the fourth period t4 and as a turn-off voltage during the fifth period t5. For example, the turn-on voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync coincides with the vertical blanking period.

[0227] Referring to Figure 18 , in an embodiment, one frame 1F includes a fourth period t4 and a fifth period t5. During the fifth period t5, the scan signal Sn is transmitted to the pixel PX through the scan line SL (see Figure 3 ). The scan signal Sn and the data signal transmitted to the pixel PX may be used as display noise with respect to the fingerprint sensor FS (see Figure 3 ). Since the scan signal Sn and the data signal are not transmitted during the fourth period t4, display noise can be prevented or reduced. Figure 3 ).

[0228] Referring together to Figure 10 and Figure 18 , the controller 47 generates the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync, which is supplied as a turn-on voltage during the fourth period t4 and as a turn-off voltage during the fifth period t5, and the controller 47 transmits the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. The turn-on voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync coincides with the fourth period t4, and the turn-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync coincides with the fifth period t5. The fingerprint sensor driver FDV divides one frame 1F into a first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf and a second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf based on the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync in a time divide manner.

[0229] The touch sensing part 43 of the touch sensor driver TDV generates jitter data Djt based on the touch sensing signal Rx and transmits the jitter data Djt to the controller 47. The jitter data Djt includes display noise information.

[0230] The controller 47 determines whether the noise is within a reference range according to the jitter data Djt and determines the driving mode of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. When the noise is within the reference range based on the jitter data Djt, the controller 47 sends a first control signal FCS1 to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV, and when the noise deviates from the reference range, the controller 47 sends a second control signal FCS2 to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. When receiving the first control signal FCS1, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV is driven in a first driving mode FSM1, and when receiving the second control signal FCS2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV is driven in a second driving mode FSM2.

[0231] When driven in the first driving mode FSM1, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS twice during one frame 1F. For example, the fifth time period t5 includes the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf, and the fourth time period t4 includes the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf. During the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once, and during the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once.

[0232] When driven in the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during one frame 1F. For example, in the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV keeps the fingerprint sensor FS in an idle state during the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf, and drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf in the fourth time period t4.

[0233] When driven in the first driving mode FSM1, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV operates at a first reporting rate, and when driven in the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV operates at a second reporting rate. For example, the first reporting rate is greater than the second reporting rate. For example, the first reporting rate is twice the second reporting rate.

[0234] In an embodiment, when the frame rate of the display driver DDV (see Figure 3 ) is about 120 Hz, the first reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV is about 240 Hz, and the second reporting rate can be about 120 Hz.

[0235] Because in the first driving mode FSM1 and the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, the influence of display noise on the fingerprint data FD can be reduced. The fingerprint sensor driver FDV increases the reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV by driving the fingerprint sensor FS once again even during the fifth time period t5 which is a display valid period in the first driving mode FSM1. In the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV reduces the power consumption by reducing the driving time of the fingerprint sensor FS.

[0236] Figure 19 The driving of a fingerprint sensing device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0237] Referring to Figure 19 , in an embodiment, one frame 1F includes a fourth time period t4 and a fifth time period t5. During the fifth time period t5, the scan signal Sn passes through the scan line SL (see Figure 3) is transmitted to the pixel PX (see Figure 3 ). The scan signal Sn and the data signal transmitted to the pixel PX may be used as display noise with respect to the fingerprint sensor FS (see Figure 3 ). Since the scan signal Sn and the data signal maintain a cut-off voltage during the fourth period t4, display noise can be prevented or reduced.

[0238] Refer together to Figure 10 and Figure 19 , the controller 47 generates a vertical blanking signal Vb_sync, the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync is supplied as a conduction voltage during the fourth period t4 and is supplied as a cut-off voltage during the fifth period t5, and the controller 47 transmits the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV.

[0239] The fingerprint sensor driver FDV divides one frame 1F into a first fingerprint sensing period (first fingerprint driving period) 1Tf, a second fingerprint sensing period (second fingerprint driving period) 2Tf, and a third fingerprint sensing period (third fingerprint driving period) 3Tf in terms of time. For example, the fifth period t5 includes the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf and the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, and the fourth period t4 includes the third fingerprint sensing period 3Tf. The cut-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync is equal to the combined duration of the first fingerprint driving period 1Tf and the second fingerprint driving period 2Tf (the cut-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync coincides with the first fingerprint driving period 1Tf and the second fingerprint driving period 2Tf), and the conduction voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync coincides with the third fingerprint driving period 3Tf.

[0240] During each of the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf, the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, and the third fingerprint sensing period 3Tf, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once. Therefore, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS three times during one frame 1F.

[0241] When the frame rate of the display driver DDV (see Figure 3 ) has a first value, the reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV has a second value that is three times the first value. In an embodiment, when the frame rate of the display driver DDV is approximately 120 Hz, the reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV is approximately 360 Hz.

[0242] By driving the fingerprint sensor FS twice during the fifth period t5 which is a display effective period and driving the fingerprint sensor FS once during the fourth period t4, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV increases the reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV without degrading the display quality.

[0243] Figure 20 Shows the driving of a fingerprint sensing device according to an embodiment.

[0244] Referring to Figure 20 , in an embodiment, one frame 1F includes a fourth period t4 and a fifth period t5. During the fifth period t5, the scan signal Sn is transmitted to the pixel PX (see Figure 3 ) through the scan line SL (see Figure 3 ). The scan signal Sn and the data signal transmitted to the pixel PX may be used as display noise with respect to the fingerprint sensor FS (see Figure 3 ). Since the scan signal Sn and the data signal are kept at the cut-off voltage during the fourth period t4, display noise can be prevented or reduced.

[0245] Referring together to Figure 10 and Figure 20 , the controller 47 generates a vertical blanking signal Vb_sync, which is supplied as a conduction voltage during the fourth period t4 and as a cut-off voltage during the fifth period t5, and the controller 47 transmits the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. The fingerprint sensor driver FDV divides one frame 1F into a first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf, a second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, and a third fingerprint sensing period 3Tf in time. For example, the fifth period t5 includes the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf and the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, and the fourth period t4 includes the third fingerprint sensing period 3Tf. The cut-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync is equal to the combined duration of the first fingerprint driving period 1Tf and the second fingerprint driving period 2Tf, and the conduction voltage period of the vertical blanking signal Vb_sync coincides with the third fingerprint driving period 3Tf.

[0246] The touch sensing part 43 of the touch sensor driver TDV generates jitter data Djt based on the touch sensing signal Rx, and transmits the jitter data Djt to the controller 47. The jitter data Djt includes display noise information.

[0247] The controller 47 determines whether the noise is within the reference range according to the jitter data Djt, and determines the driving mode of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. When the noise is within the reference range based on the jitter data Djt, the controller 47 sends a first control signal FCS1 to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV, and when the noise deviates from the reference range, the controller 47 sends a second control signal FCS2 to the fingerprint sensor driver FDV. When receiving the first control signal FCS1, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV is driven in the first driving mode FSM1, and when receiving the second control signal FCS2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV is driven in the second driving mode FSM2.

[0248] When driven in the first driving mode FSM1, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS three times during one frame 1F. For example, during each of the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf, the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, and the third fingerprint sensing period 3Tf, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once.

[0249] When driven in the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during one frame 1F. For example, in the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV keeps the fingerprint sensor FS in an idle state during the first fingerprint sensing period 1Tf and the second fingerprint sensing period 2Tf, and drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during the third fingerprint sensing period 3Tf in the fourth period t4.

[0250] When driven in the first driving mode FSM1, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV operates at a first reporting rate, and when driven in the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV operates at a second reporting rate. For example, the first reporting rate is greater than the second reporting rate. For example, the first reporting rate is three times the second reporting rate.

[0251] In an embodiment, when the frame rate of the display driver DDV (see Figure 3 ) is about 120 Hz, the first reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV is about 360 Hz, and the second reporting rate is about 120 Hz.

[0252] Because in the first driving mode FSM1 and the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV drives the fingerprint sensor FS once during the third fingerprint sensing period 3Tf, the influence of display noise on the fingerprint data FD can be reduced. In the first driving mode FSM1, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV increases the reporting rate of the fingerprint sensor driver FDV by driving the fingerprint sensor FS two more times even during the fifth period t5 which is a display valid period. In the second driving mode FSM2, the fingerprint sensor driver FDV reduces the power consumption by reducing the driving time of the fingerprint sensor FS.

[0253] According to the embodiment with the above configuration, a display device including a fingerprint sensing device with enhanced fingerprint sensing performance can be realized. However, the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited by this effect.

[0254] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment is generally to be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A fingerprint sensor is disposed in the first area, and the fingerprint sensor includes a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes; a touch sensor disposed in a second area surrounding the first area, wherein the touch sensor includes a plurality of third sensing electrodes and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes; a fingerprint sensor driver that sends a first driving signal to the fingerprint sensor, and the fingerprint sensor driver receives a first sensing signal from the fingerprint sensor; a touch sensor driver that sends a second driving signal to the touch sensor, and receives a second sensing signal from the touch sensor; and a controller generating a vertical blanking signal having a turn-on voltage during a vertical blanking period, and the controller transmitting the vertical blanking signal to the fingerprint sensor driver, During the on-voltage period of the vertical blanking signal, the fingerprint sensor driver drives the fingerprint sensor once.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes: a plurality of signal lines connecting the fingerprint sensor to the fingerprint sensor driver, The plurality of first sensing electrodes, the plurality of third sensing electrodes and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes are arranged on different layers from the plurality of signal lines.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The third sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in the first direction among the plurality of third sensing electrodes are connected to each other through a bridge pattern, wherein the bridge pattern is disposed on the same layer as the plurality of signal lines and the plurality of signal lines surround the bridge pattern.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of signal lines overlap the plurality of third sensing electrodes and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The display device further includes: a plurality of pixels disposed below the fingerprint sensor and the touch sensor, wherein the plurality of signal lines are disposed above the plurality of pixels.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The touch sensor driver further generates jitter data in response to the second sensing signal and transmits the jitter data to the controller, and The controller further determines whether the noise is within a reference range based on the jitter data, the controller transmits a first control signal to the fingerprint sensor driver in response to the noise being within the reference range, and the controller transmits a second control signal to the fingerprint sensor driver in response to the noise deviating from the reference range.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: In response to receiving the first control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver drives the fingerprint sensor at least once during an off-voltage period of the vertical blanking signal, and In response to receiving the second control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver maintains the fingerprint sensor in an idle state during the off-voltage period of the vertical blanking signal.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: In response to receiving the first control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver operates at a first reporting rate, and In response to receiving the second control signal, the fingerprint sensor driver operates at a second reporting rate, and The first reporting rate is greater than the second reporting rate.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first reporting rate is twice the second reporting rate.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first reporting rate is three times the second reporting rate.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first sensing electrodes and the plurality of second sensing electrodes are disposed on different layers from each other.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes extends in a first direction, and each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes extends in a second direction crossing the first direction.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The display device further includes: a plurality of first signal lines connecting the plurality of first sensing electrodes to the fingerprint sensor driver; and a plurality of second signal lines connecting the plurality of second sensing electrodes to the fingerprint sensor driver, The plurality of first signal lines, the plurality of second signal lines and the plurality of second sensing electrodes are arranged on the same layer.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: Each of the plurality of second signal lines is integrally formed with a corresponding one of the plurality of second sensing electrodes.

15. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A fingerprint sensor is disposed in the first area, and the fingerprint sensor includes a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes; a touch sensor disposed in a second area surrounding the first area, wherein the touch sensor includes a plurality of third sensing electrodes and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes; a fingerprint sensor driver that sends a first driving signal to the fingerprint sensor, and the fingerprint sensor driver receives a first sensing signal from the fingerprint sensor to generate fingerprint data; a touch sensor driver that sends a second driving signal to the touch sensor, and receives a second sensing signal from the touch sensor to generate touch data; and a controller generating a vertical blanking signal having a turn-on voltage during a vertical blanking period, and the controller transmitting the vertical blanking signal to the fingerprint sensor driver, The cut-off voltage period of the vertical blanking signal is consistent with the first fingerprint driving period and the second fingerprint driving period, the on-voltage period of the vertical blanking signal is consistent with the third fingerprint driving period, and The fingerprint sensor driver drives the fingerprint sensor once for each of the first fingerprint driving period, the second fingerprint driving period, and the third fingerprint driving period.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The report rate of the fingerprint sensor driver is 360 Hz.

17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The display device further includes: a plurality of pixels disposed below the fingerprint sensor and the touch sensor; and a display driver that controls light emission of the plurality of pixels, Wherein, when the frame rate of the display driver is a first value, the report rate of the fingerprint sensor driver is a second value, and the second value is three times the first value.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The display device further includes: a plurality of signal lines connecting the fingerprint sensor to the fingerprint sensor driver, The plurality of signal lines are included in a first conductive layer, and the plurality of first sensing electrodes, the plurality of third sensing electrodes, and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes are included in a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The first conductive layer includes a bridge pattern connecting third sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in the first direction among the plurality of third sensing electrodes, and the plurality of signal lines surround the bridge pattern.

20. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of second sensing electrodes are included in the first conductive layer.

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