Multi-display device and display panel

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a multi-display device and a display panel having a structure in which one controller drives and controls both a transparent display area and an opaque display area, the transparent display area and the opaque display area being integrated into the display panel, thereby having a cost saving effect.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0189336, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 22, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device having a display, and more particularly, to a multi - display device and a display panel. Background art

[0004] With the advancement of electronic device technology, various types of electronic devices are being developed and widely used. In particular, in recent years, display devices used in various places such as homes, offices, and public places have been increasingly developed.

[0005] As such display devices, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light - emitting diode (OLED) displays, micro - light - emitting diode (LED) displays, mini - light - emitting diode (LED) displays, plasma display panels (PDP) displays, quantum dot light - emitting diode (QLED) displays, etc. have been developed and increasingly used.

[0006] In addition, multi - display devices in which at least one display panel is implemented in various forms have been developed.

[0007] The multi - display device may include a type of multi - display device configured to implement a large screen by combining multiple display panels. An example of a multi - display device is a large - screen display device for display or advertising, in which multiple cathode ray tubes are connected to provide a large screen.

[0008] This type of multi - display device has the disadvantage of poor image quality because the image is unnaturally connected and disconnected at the connection area between the combined unit display panels.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of a multi - display device having a large window for display or advertising, since only one display is not sufficient, such a large window is usually achieved by arranging multiple displays in a tiled method.

[0010] With the development of the technology of multi - display devices, there is a need for a transparent multi - display device having a display function in order to provide an environment that is easy to view from the outside for display or advertising in stores, etc.

[0011] In addition, a multi-display device combining a transparent display and a normal display can be used in various ways, such as introducing products, advertising, etc. through store windows, entrance doors, etc. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To provide such advantages, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can provide a multi-display device having a structure in which a transparent display area (which may be referred to as a light-transmissive display area herein) and an opaque display area (which may be referred to as an opaque display area or a normal display area herein) are configured in one display panel, and capable of presenting a transparent display in one area of the display panel and a normal display in another area of the display panel.

[0013] One or more aspects of the present disclosure can provide a multi-display device having a structure in which a transparent display area and an opaque display area are configured in one display panel, and providing a wide range of uses, such as product display, entrance doors, windows, and customer consultation displays.

[0014] One or more aspects of the present disclosure can provide a multi-display device having a structure in which one controller drives and controls both the transparent display area and the opaque display area, thereby having a cost-saving effect.

[0015] One or more aspects of the present disclosure can provide a multi-display device configured with various types of displays, such as LCD, OLED display, micro-LED display, mini-LED display, PDP display, QLED display, etc.

[0016] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-display device can be provided, the multi-display device including: a display panel including a light-transmissive display area provided in a first area of the display panel and an opaque display area provided in a second area different from the first area, and the light-transmissive display area being configured to allow external light to transmit; a data driving circuit configured to drive a plurality of data lines extending across the display panel in a first direction; a gate driving circuit configured to drive a plurality of gate lines extending across the display panel in a second direction different from the first direction; and a controller configured to provide image data to the data driving circuit.

[0017] A plurality of first pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines can be arranged in a matrix form in the opaque display area.

[0018] A plurality of second pixels configured to present an image and a plurality of transmissive regions may be provided in the light transmissive display region, and each of the plurality of transmissive regions is provided on one side of at least one of the plurality of second pixels and configured to allow external light to transmit therethrough.

[0019] In another aspect, the light transmissive display region may be provided in an upper portion of the display panel, and the light non-transmissive display region is provided in a lower portion of the display panel.

[0020] In still another aspect, in the light transmissive display region, at least one of the plurality of second pixels and at least one of the plurality of transmissive regions may be alternately provided along one direction and provided adjacent to each other.

[0021] In another aspect, the gate driving circuit may be configured to sequentially drive one or more gate lines and the other one or more gate lines by sequentially providing gate signals having a conductive level voltage to one or more gate lines among the plurality of gate lines connected to one or more second pixels among the plurality of second pixels provided in the light transmissive display region and one or more other gate lines among the plurality of gate lines connected to one or more first pixels among the plurality of first pixels provided in the light non-transmissive display region.

[0022] In still another aspect, when a specific gate line is selected and driven, the data driving circuit may be configured to provide a data signal corresponding to image data to at least one data line among the plurality of data lines across the light transmissive display region and the light non-transmissive display region, and wherein the at least one data line connected to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels conveys the data signal to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel, and is not electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of transmissive regions provided in the same column or row as the at least one first pixel or the at least one second pixel.

[0023] In another aspect, a data sequence of the data signal may include image data provided to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels, and does not include image data for the at least one transmissive region.

[0024] In still another aspect, the controller may receive image data corresponding to an image to be displayed in an entire display region of the multi-display device and process the received image data.

[0025] On the other hand, in order to display different images based on the resolution difference between the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area, the controller may receive arrangement information regarding respective areas of the multi-display device that present different images, and process the image data based on the arrangement information.

[0026] On the other hand, the arrangement information regarding respective areas of the multi-display device may include at least one of the total number or respective numbers of the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area included in the multi-display device and the respective set positions of the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area.

[0027] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a display panel may be provided, the display panel including: a non-transmissive display area disposed in a first area, including a plurality of first pixels or pixel groups, each of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups including one or more first sub-pixels and configured to emit light; a transmissive display area disposed in a second area different from the first area, and including a plurality of second pixels or pixel groups, each of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups including one or more second sub-pixels and configured to present an image, and a plurality of transmissive areas, each of the plurality of transmissive areas disposed on one side of at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and configured to allow external light to transmit therethrough, a plurality of data lines extending along at least one of the plurality of first pixels and at least one of the plurality of transmissive areas, and a plurality of gate lines extending along one or more first or second pixels in a second direction different from a first direction.

[0028] On the other hand, the transmissive display area may be disposed in an upper portion of the display panel, and the non-transmissive display area may be disposed in a lower portion of the display panel.

[0029] On the other hand, one or more of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and one or more of the plurality of transmissive areas in the transmissive display area may be alternately disposed and adjacent to each other in one direction. In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of gate lines receives a gate signal that may have a conductive level voltage, and wherein one or more gate lines among the plurality of gate lines connected to one or more of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups disposed in the transmissive display area and one or more other gate lines among the plurality of gate lines connected to one or more of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups disposed in the non-transmissive display area are sequentially driven.

[0030] On the other hand, when a specific gate line is selected and driven, at least one of the plurality of data lines across the transmissive display region and the non-transmissive display region receives a data signal from a controller, and wherein at least one data line connecting at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups conveys the data signal to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel or pixel group and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel or pixel group, and is not electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of transmissive regions provided in the same column or row as the at least one first pixel or pixel group or the at least one second pixel or pixel group.

[0031] On the other hand, the data sequence of the data signal may include image data provided to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups, and does not include image data for the at least one transmissive region.

[0032] In yet another aspect, image data corresponding to an image to be displayed in the entire display region of the display panel may be received and processed by a controller.

[0033] On the other hand, in order to display different images based on the resolution difference between the transmissive display region and the non-transmissive display region, arrangement information about respective regions of the display panel presenting different images may be received by the controller, and the controller processes the image data based on the arrangement information.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the arrangement information about the respective regions of the display panel may include at least one of the total number or respective quantities of the transmissive display regions and non-transmissive display regions included in the multi-display device and the respective set positions of the transmissive display regions and the non-transmissive display regions.

[0035] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-display device can be provided, which has a structure in which a transparent display region and an opaque display region are configured in one display panel, can allow external light to transmit and present a low-resolution image in a region of the display panel, and can present a high-resolution image in another region of the display panel.

[0036] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-display device can be provided, which has a structure in which a transparent display region and an opaque display region are configured in one display panel, and has a wide range of uses, such as product display, entrance doors, windows, and customer consultation displays.

[0037] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-display device may be provided that has a structure in which one controller drives and controls both a transparent display area and an opaque display area, thereby having a cost-saving effect.

[0038] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-display device may be provided that is configured with various types of displays, such as LCD, OLED display, micro LED display, mini LED display, PDP display, QLED display, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 Schematically shows a configuration of an exemplary display device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 Shows an exemplary system configuration of a display device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 Shows an exemplary sub-pixel circuit in a display device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4 Schematically shows an exemplary multi-display device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figures 5 to 9 Shows an exemplary arrangement of an opaque display area and a light-transmissive display area in a multi-display device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 Schematically shows a configuration of an exemplary multi-display device implemented by including at least one LCD panel according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 11 Schematically shows a configuration of an exemplary multi-display device implemented by including at least one display panel that includes light-emitting elements, such as OLED, micro LED, mini LED, QLED, etc., according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12 Shows an exemplary data driving for a multi-display device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13 Schematically shows an exemplary arrangement of pixels in a micro LED display device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14Flowchart of an example image display method of a multi-display device according to aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation

[0049] Now, reference will be made in detail to example embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the structures, embodiments, implementations, methods, and operations described herein are not limited to one or more specific examples set forth herein and may be changed as known in the art. Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals always denote the same elements. The names of the various elements used in the following explanations are only selected for convenience in writing the specification and may thus be different from those used in actual products. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing them will be clarified by the following example embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure may be sufficiently comprehensive and complete to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the protected scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalent transformations. In the following description, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations may be omitted when they may unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings to describe various example embodiments of the present disclosure are given only as examples. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrations in the accompanying drawings. In cases where terms such as "comprising", "having", "including", "containing", "constituting", "consisting of", "formed by", etc. are used, one or more other elements may be added unless a term such as "only" is used. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, elements described in the singular are intended to include a plurality of elements and vice versa.

[0051] Although terms such as "first", "second", A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be construed as being limited by these terms because they are not used to define a specific order or priority. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element.

[0052] When referring to the first element and the second element being "connected or coupled", "in contact or overlapping", etc., it should be interpreted that not only can the first element be "directly connected or coupled" or "directly in contact or overlapping" with the second element, but also a third element can be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected or coupled", "in contact or overlapping", etc. with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can include at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled", "in contact or overlapping", etc. with each other.

[0053] In the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, in the case of using terms such as "on", "above", "below", "over", "under", "next to", etc. to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more other parts can be located between the two parts, unless more restrictive terms such as "immediately", "directly", or "proximally" are used. For example, in the case where an element or layer is disposed "on" another element or layer, a third element or layer can be inserted between them. In addition, the terms "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "downward", "upward", "upper", "lower", etc. refer to any reference system.

[0054] In addition, when referring to any dimension, relative size, etc., the numerical value or corresponding information (e.g., level, range, etc.) of an element or feature should be considered to include the tolerance or error range that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.) even when the relevant description is not specified. In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all meanings of the term "able to".

[0055] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 The configuration of an exemplary display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 , one or more exemplary embodiments, the display device 100 may include a display panel 110 provided with a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of gate lines GL, and a driving circuit 111 for driving the display panel 110, and a plurality of sub-pixels SP defined by the plurality of data lines DL and the plurality of gate lines GL are arranged in a matrix form.

[0058] The driving circuit 111 may include a data driving circuit 120 configured to drive the plurality of data lines DL, a gate driving circuit 130 configured to drive the plurality of gate lines GL, and a controller 140 configured to control the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130.

[0059] A plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of gate lines GL may be disposed to cross each other in the display panel 110. In an embodiment, the plurality of gate lines GL may be disposed in rows or columns, and the plurality of data lines DL may be disposed in columns or rows. Hereinafter, for ease of description and understanding, it is assumed that the plurality of gate lines GL are disposed in rows, and the plurality of data lines DL are disposed in columns.

[0060] In addition to the plurality of data lines DL and the plurality of gate lines GL, other types of lines may also be disposed in the display panel 110.

[0061] The controller 140 may provide image data DATA readable by the data driving circuit 120 to the data driving circuit 120 based on the input image data.

[0062] The controller 140 may control the operations of the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 by providing various types of control signals (DCS, GCS) required to operate or drive the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130.

[0063] The controller 140 may start a scanning operation according to a corresponding time processed for each frame, convert the image data input from the image providing source into a data signal form readable by the data driving circuit 120, then provide the converted image data DATA to the data driving circuit 120, and control the loading of data into at least one pixel at a predetermined time according to the scanning process.

[0064] To control the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130, the controller 140 may receive several types of timing signals including a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC, a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, an input data enable signal DE, a clock signal CLK, etc. from an internal or external timing signal providing source (e.g., a host system), generate several types of control signals (DCS and GCS), and output the generated signals (DCS and GCS) to the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130.

[0065] For example, to control the gate driving circuit 130, the controller 140 may output several types of gate control signals GCS including a gate start pulse GSP, a gate shift clock GSC, a gate output enable signal GOE, etc.

[0066] In addition, to control the data driving circuit 120, the controller 140 may output several types of data control signals DCS including a source start pulse SSP, a source sampling clock SSC, a source output enable (SOE) signal, etc.

[0067] The controller 140 can be a timing controller used in typical display technologies, or a control device / apparatus that can additionally perform other control functions in addition to the typical functions of a timing controller.

[0068] The controller 140 can be implemented as a component separate from the data driving circuit 120, or integrated with the data driving circuit 120 and thus implemented in a single integrated circuit.

[0069] The data driving circuit 120 can drive a plurality of data lines DL by supplying data voltages corresponding to the image data DATA received from the controller 140 to the plurality of data lines DL. Here, the data driving circuit 120 is sometimes referred to as a source driving circuit or a source driver.

[0070] The data driving circuit 120 or each source driver integrated circuit SDIC can include a shift register, a latch circuit, a digital-to-analog converter DAC, an output buffer, etc.

[0071] In one or more aspects, the data driving circuit 120 can also include one or more analog-to-digital converters ADC.

[0072] The gate driving circuit 130 can drive a plurality of gate lines GL in sequence by sequentially supplying scan signals to the plurality of gate lines GL. Here, the gate driving circuit 130 is sometimes referred to as a scan driving circuit or a scan driver.

[0073] The gate driving circuit 130 can include a shift register, a level shifter, etc.

[0074] The gate driving circuit 130 can sequentially supply scan signals having a conduction voltage level or a cutoff voltage level to the plurality of gate lines GL under the control of the controller 140.

[0075] When a specific gate line is selected and driven by a scan signal from the gate driving circuit 130, the data driving circuit 120 can convert the image data DATA received from the controller 140 into an analog data voltage and supply the obtained data voltage to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0076] The data driving circuit 120 can be located at and / or electrically connected to (but not limited to) only one side or part (e.g., the upper edge or the lower edge) of the display panel 110. In one or more aspects, depending on the driving scheme, the panel design scheme, or other design requirements, the data driving circuit 120 can be located at and / or electrically connected to (but not limited to) at least two of two sides or parts (e.g., the upper edge and the lower edge) or four sides or parts (e.g., the upper edge, the lower edge, the left edge, and the right edge) of the display panel 110.

[0077] The gate driving circuit 130 may be located on and / or electrically connected to (but not limited to) only one side or part (e.g., the left edge or the right edge) of the display panel 110. In one or more aspects, depending on the driving scheme, panel design scheme, or other design requirements, the gate driving circuit 130 may be located on and / or electrically connected to (but not limited to) at least two of two sides or parts (e.g., the left edge and the right edge) of the display panel 110 or four sides or parts (e.g., the right edge, the left edge, the upper edge, and the lower edge) of the display panel 110.

[0078] In one or more aspects, the data driving circuit 120 may include at least one source driver integrated circuit SDIC.

[0079] In one or more aspects, each source driver integrated circuit SDIC may be connected to the display panel 110 by tape automated bonding (TAB) technology, or connected to a conductive pad such as a bonding pad of the display panel 110 by chip on glass (COG) technology. In one or more aspects, each source driver integrated circuit SDIC may be integrated into one or more other components or circuits and disposed in the display panel 110. In one or more aspects, each source driver integrated circuit SDIC may be connected to the display panel 110 by chip on film (COF) technology. In this embodiment, each source driver integrated circuit SDIC may be mounted on a circuit film and electrically connected to the data line DL in the display panel 110 through the circuit film.

[0080] In one or more aspects, the gate driving circuit 130 may include at least one gate driver integrated circuit GDIC, and at least one gate driver integrated circuit GDIC is connected to the display panel 110 by tape automated bonding (TAB) technology, or connected to a conductive pad such as a bonding pad of the display panel 110 by chip on glass (COG) technology. In one or more aspects, the gate driving circuit 130 may be disposed in the display panel 110 by gate in panel (GIP) technology. For example, the gate driving circuit 130 may be embedded in the display panel 110 by gate in panel (GIP) technology. In one or more aspects, the gate driving circuit 130 may be connected to the display panel 110 by chip on film (COF) technology. In this embodiment, each gate driver integrated circuit GDIC included in the gate driving circuit 130 may be mounted on a circuit film and electrically connected to the gate line GL in the display panel 110 through the circuit film.

[0081] Figure 2 An example system configuration of the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] Note that Figure 2Shows an example where each source driver integrated circuit SDIC included in the data driving circuit 120 is implemented by chip - on - film (COF) technology among various technologies (TAB, COG, COF, etc.), and the gate driving circuit 130 is implemented by gate - in - panel (GIP) technology among various technologies (TAB, COG, COF, GIP, etc.).

[0083] Referring Figure 2 , each of the plurality of source driver integrated circuits SDICs included in the data driving circuit 120 can be mounted on a corresponding source - side circuit film SF among the plurality of source - side circuit films SF.

[0084] One side of each source - side circuit film SF can be electrically connected to the display panel 110.

[0085] One or more lines for electrically connecting each source driver integrated circuit SDIC and the display panel 110 can be provided on the corresponding source - side circuit film SF.

[0086] For the electrical connection between the source driver integrated circuit SDIC and one or more other components or devices, the display device 100 can include at least one source printed circuit board SPCB and a control printed circuit board CPCB, allowing the installation of control components and several types of electrical components or devices.

[0087] The first side of each source - side circuit film SF on which the corresponding source driver integrated circuit SDIC is mounted can be connected to at least one source printed circuit board SPCB.

[0088] That is, the second opposite side of the source - side circuit film SF on which the source driver integrated circuit SDIC is mounted can be electrically connected to the display panel 110, and the first side can be electrically connected to at least one source printed circuit board SPCB.

[0089] In one or more aspects, a controller 140 configured to control the operations of the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130, a power management integrated circuit PMIC, etc. configured to supply various voltages or currents to the display panel 110, the data driving circuit 120, the gate driving circuit 130, etc. or control the various voltages or currents to be supplied can be mounted on the control printed circuit board CPCB.

[0090] At least one source printed circuit board SPCB and the control printed circuit board CPCB can have a circuit connection through at least one connection member. For example, the connection member can include a flexible printed circuit FPC, a flexible flat cable FFC, etc.

[0091] In one or more aspects, at least one source printed circuit board SPCB and a control printed circuit board CPCB may be integrated and implemented as one printed circuit board.

[0092] The display device 100 may further include a setting board 230 electrically connected to the control printed circuit board CPCB. The setting board 230 may be referred to as a power distribution board.

[0093] The setting board 230 may include a main power management circuit 220 configured to manage all or some of the power (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) used in the display device 100.

[0094] In one or more aspects, the power management integrated circuit 210 may be a circuit configured to manage the power (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) of a display module including the display panel 110 and driving circuits (120, 130, 140, etc.) for driving the display panel 110, and the main power management circuit 220 may be a circuit configured to manage the total power (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) of the display device 100 including the display module and may interoperate with the power management integrated circuit 210.

[0095] In one or more aspects, in an example where the display device 100 is a self-emissive display device, each sub-pixel SP provided in the display panel 110 may include a self-emissive light-emitting element such as an organic light-emitting diode OLED, and circuit elements such as one or more transistors including a driving transistor for driving the self-emissive light-emitting element.

[0096] The type and number of circuit elements included in each sub-pixel SP may vary depending on the type of panel (e.g., LCD panel, OLED panel, etc.), the provided functions, design schemes / features, etc.

[0097] Figure 3 An example sub-pixel circuit in the display device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0098] Refer to Figure 3 , in one or more aspects, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of driving voltage lines DVL, and a plurality of sensing lines SL may be provided in the display panel 110.

[0099] Each sub-pixel SP provided in the display panel 110 may include a light-emitting element (such as an OLED, a micro LED, a mini LED, a QLED, etc.), a driving transistor DRT configured to drive the light-emitting element, a first transistor T1 electrically connected between a first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT and a data line DL, a second transistor T2 electrically connected between a second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT and a corresponding sensing line SL among a plurality of sensing lines SL, a storage capacitor Cst electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT, and the like.

[0100] In an example where the light-emitting element is implemented as an organic light-emitting diode OLED, the organic light-emitting diode OLED may include an anode electrode, an organic emission layer, a cathode electrode, and the like.

[0101] Figure 3 It is shown that the anode electrode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may be electrically connected to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT. A reference voltage EVSS such as a ground voltage may be applied to the cathode electrode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

[0102] The reference voltage EVSS may be, for example, a ground voltage, a low voltage, or a voltage higher than, lower than, or similar to the ground voltage. The reference voltage EVSS may vary according to the driving state. For example, the reference voltage EVSS during image driving may be set to be different from the reference voltage EVSS during sensing driving.

[0103] The driving transistor DRT may drive the organic light-emitting diode OLED by allowing a driving current to flow through the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

[0104] The driving transistor DRT may include a first node N1, a second node N2, and a third node N3.

[0105] The first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT can be a gate node and is electrically connected to the source node or the drain node of the first transistor T1. The second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT can be a source node or a drain node. The second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT can be electrically connected to the anode electrode (or cathode electrode) of the organic light-emitting diode OLED, and can also be electrically connected to the source node or the drain node of the second transistor. The third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT can be a drain node or a source node. A driving voltage EVDD can be applied to the third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT, and a driving voltage line DVL for delivering the driving voltage EVDD can be electrically connected to the third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation only, the discussion may be provided based on an example in which the first, second, and third nodes (N1, N2, and N3) of the driving transistor DRT are a gate node, a source node, and a drain node, respectively. However, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0106] The storage capacitor Cst can be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT, and can hold a data voltage Vdata corresponding to an image signal voltage or image data during one frame time (or a preset time).

[0107] The drain node or the source node of the first transistor T1 can be electrically connected to the data line DL, and the source node or the drain node of the first transistor T1 can be electrically connected to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT. The gate node of the first transistor T1 can be electrically connected to the gate line, and a scan signal SCAN can be applied to the gate node.

[0108] The first transistor T1 can be turned on or off by the scan signal SCAN delivered through the gate line.

[0109] The first transistor T1 can be turned on by the scan signal SCAN, and allows the data voltage VATA delivered through the data line DL to be applied to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0110] The drain node or the source node of the second transistor T2 can be electrically connected to the sense line SL, and the source node or the drain node of the second transistor T2 can be electrically connected to the second node of the driving transistor DRT. The gate node of the second transistor T2 can be electrically connected to the gate line or another gate line, and a sense signal SENSE can be applied to the gate node.

[0111] The second transistor T2 can be turned on or off by the sense signal SCAN delivered through the gate line.

[0112] The second transistor T2 can be turned on by the sense signal SENSE, and allows the reference voltage Vref transmitted through the sense line SL to be applied to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0113] The storage capacitor Cst can be an external capacitor intentionally designed to be located outside the driving transistor DRT, and thus is different from internal capacitors, such as parasitic capacitors (e.g., Cgs, Cgd) that can be formed between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0114] Each of the driving transistor DRT, the first transistor T1, and the second transistor T2 can be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0115] In one or more aspects, the scan signal SCAN and the sense signal SENSE can be separate gate signals. In this embodiment, the scan signal SCAN and the sense signal SENSE can be applied to the gate node of the first transistor T1 and the gate node of the second transistor T2 respectively through different gate lines.

[0116] In one or more aspects, the scan signal SCAN and the sense signal SENSE can be the same gate signal. In this embodiment, the scan signal SCAN and the sense signal SENSE can be jointly applied to the gate node of the first transistor T1 and the gate node of the second transistor T2 through the same gate line.

[0117] It should be understood that, for the convenience of discussion, Figure 3 The shown sub-pixel structure with two transistors (3T) and one capacitor (1C) is merely an example of possible sub-pixel structures, and embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in any of various structures as needed. For example, the sub-pixel can further include at least one transistor and / or at least one capacitor. In some embodiments, each of the multiple sub-pixels can have the same structure, or some of the multiple sub-pixels can have different structures.

[0118] The image driving operation of each sub-pixel is briefly discussed below.

[0119] The display driving (which can also be referred to as image driving) operation of each sub-pixel SP can include an image data writing stage, a boosting stage, and a light emitting stage.

[0120] In the image data writing stage, an image driving data voltage Vdata corresponding to an image signal can be applied to a first node N1 of a driving transistor DRT, and an image driving reference voltage Vref can be applied to a second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT. It should be noted that due to the resistance characteristics between the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT and the sensing line SL, a voltage Vref′ similar to the reference voltage Vref can be applied to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0121] The reference voltage Vref for image driving can be referred to as VpreR.

[0122] In the image data writing stage, the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 can be turned on simultaneously or with a tiny time difference.

[0123] In the image data writing stage, charges corresponding to the potential difference (Vdata - Vref or Vdata - Vref′) between two terminals can be stored in a storage capacitor Cst.

[0124] Applying the image driving data voltage Vdata to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT can be referred to as image data writing.

[0125] In the boosting stage after the image data writing stage, the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT can be electrically floated simultaneously or with a tiny time difference.

[0126] To perform this operation, the first transistor T1 can be turned off by the cut-off level voltage of the scan signal SCAN. In addition, the second transistor T2 can be turned off by the cut-off level voltage of the sense signal SENSE.

[0127] In the boosting stage, since the voltage difference between the first and second nodes (N1 and N2) of the driving transistor DRT is maintained, the corresponding voltages in the first and second nodes (N1 and N2) of the driving transistor DRT can be boosted.

[0128] After the voltages in the first and second nodes (N1 and N2) of the driving transistor DRT are boosted through the boosting stage, when the voltage in the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT becomes equal to or greater than a specific value (i.e., a voltage that can turn on the organic light-emitting diode OLED and is as large as the threshold voltage of the organic light-emitting diode OLED starting from the reference voltage EVSS), the display driving operation can move to the light-emitting stage.

[0129] In the light-emitting stage, a driving current can flow through the organic light-emitting diode OLED. Therefore, the organic light-emitting diode OLED can emit light.

[0130] A driving transistor DRT among a plurality of sub-pixels SP provided in a display panel 110 has unique characteristic values such as a threshold voltage, a mobility, etc. (In this document, characteristics and characteristic values may be used interchangeably).

[0131] However, since the driving transistor DRT may age over driving time. Accordingly, the unique characteristic values of the driving transistor DRT may vary over time.

[0132] When the characteristic values of the driving transistor DRT change, the on and / or off timing of the driving transistor may change, or the ability to drive an organic light emitting diode OLED may change. That is, when the characteristic values of the driving transistor DRT change, the timing for supplying current to the organic light emitting diode OLED and the amount of current supplied to the organic light emitting diode OLED may change. As a result, according to the change in the characteristic values of the driving transistor DRT, the actual brightness of the corresponding sub-pixel SP may be different from its expected brightness.

[0133] In addition, a plurality of sub-pixels SP provided in the display panel 110 may have corresponding driving timings different from each other. Accordingly, a difference in characteristic values (a difference in threshold voltage, a difference in mobility, etc.) may occur between the driving transistors DRT of the sub-pixels SP.

[0134] Such a difference in characteristic values between the driving transistors DRT has a possibility of causing a difference in brightness between the sub-pixels SP. Thereby, the brightness uniformity of the display panel 110 may deteriorate, and further, this causes a deterioration in image quality.

[0135] To solve these problems, the display device 100 may include a compensation circuit for compensating for a difference in one or more characteristic values of the driving transistor DRT, and provide a method of performing compensation based on the compensation circuit.

[0136] Meanwhile, a typical multi-display device configured with a plurality of display panels has been developed to provide a large screen.

[0137] However, in the case of combining a plurality of display panels to implement such a multi-display device, the multi-display device may suffer from a disadvantage of poor image quality because an image is unnaturally connected and disconnected at a connection area between the combined unit display panels.

[0138] With the development of technologies for multi-display devices, a transparent multi-display device having a display function is required to provide an environment that is easy to view from the outside, for display or advertising in stores, etc.

[0139] In addition, a multi-display device in which a transparent display and a normal display are combined can be used in various ways, such as introducing products, advertising, etc. through store windows, entrance doors, etc.

[0140] To solve the foregoing problems and provide such advantages, one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a multi-display device having a structure in which a transparent display area and an opaque display area are configured in one display panel, and capable of presenting a transparent display in one area of the display panel and presenting a normal display in another area of the display panel.

[0141] In the multi-display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, one controller may drive and control both the transparent display area and the opaque display area, thereby providing a cost-saving effect.

[0142] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 4 to 13 An example multi-display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0143] Figure 4 An example multi-display device according to aspects of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0144] With reference to Figure 4 , in one or more aspects, the multi-display device 100 may include a display panel 110, a data driving circuit 120, a gate driving circuit 130, and the like.

[0145] The display panel 110 may include a light-transmissive display area A provided in a first area and an opaque display area B provided in a second area different from the first area.

[0146] A plurality of second pixels 510 and a plurality of transmissive areas 520 may be provided in the light-transmissive display area A. Each of the plurality of second pixels 510 includes second sub-pixels configured with light-emitting elements such as OLEDs, micro LEDs, small LEDs, QLEDs, etc. to present an image, and each of the plurality of transmissive areas 520 is provided on at least one side of at least one of the plurality of second pixels 510 and is configured to allow external light to transmit.

[0147] Figures 5 to 9 An example layout of an opaque display area and a light-transmissive display area defined in a multi-display device according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0148] With reference to Figure 5 , all or at least some of the plurality of second pixels and all or at least some of the plurality of transmissive areas provided in the light-transmissive display area A may be alternately provided and / or adjacent to each other in the display panel 110.

[0149] With reference to Figure 5, in one or more aspects, a plurality of second pixels 510 and a plurality of transmissive regions 520 may be alternately arranged one by one in a second direction (e.g., a row direction or a direction in which a gate line extends).

[0150] In one or more aspects, a plurality of second pixels 510 and a plurality of transmissive regions 520 may be alternately arranged one by one in a first direction (e.g., a column direction or a direction in which a data line extends).

[0151] In one or more aspects, a plurality of second pixels 510 and a plurality of transmissive regions 520 may be alternately arranged in a two-by-two or multi-by-multi manner in the first direction and the second direction.

[0152] Each second pixel may include a plurality of second sub-pixels, and each of the plurality of second sub-pixels includes elements such as one or more thin film transistors, one or more capacitors, and a light-emitting element (such as an OLED, a micro LED, a mini LED, a QLED, etc.), and is configured to emit light corresponding to an image signal or image data through the light-emitting element.

[0153] Each transmissive region 520 may be a pixel configured to allow external light to transmit through, and does not include elements such as thin film transistors, capacitors, and light-emitting elements. Therefore, since each transmissive region 520 does not emit light, the transmissive region 520 may be referred to as a dummy pixel.

[0154] Because the light-transmissive display region A includes the second pixels 510 configured to present an image and the transmissive regions 520 configured to allow external light to pass through, when the user does not view the image displayed on the display panel 110, the user can view an external image through the light-transmissive display region A.

[0155] According to Figure 5 the configuration, since elements such as thin film transistors, capacitors, and light-emitting elements are not provided in the transmissive region 520, the transmittance of external light passing through the transmissive region 520 can be maximized, and further, the transmittance of external light passing through the entire display panel 110 can be increased. In addition, the distortion of the transmitted image caused by interference with elements such as thin film transistors, capacitors, and organic light-emitting elements can be minimized.

[0156] The light-blocking display area B may be an area where a first sub-pixel configured with a light-emitting element (such as an OLED, a micro LED, a mini LED, a QLED, etc.) is provided to emit light. For example, each sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel 560 provided in the light-blocking display area B may include elements such as one or more thin-film transistors, one or more capacitors, and a light-emitting element such as an OLED, a micro LED, a mini LED, a QLED, etc., and may emit light corresponding to a data signal or image data based on these elements. The light-blocking display area B where the first pixel 560 is provided may not include a transmissive area that allows external light to pass through.

[0157] Different from the light-transmissive display area A, since the light-blocking display area B is an opaque area that does not include a transmissive area through which external light passes, light cannot pass through this area, and the user cannot see an object or image located on the opposite side.

[0158] In one or more aspects, as Figure 5 shown, the light-transmissive display area A may be located in the upper part of the display panel 110, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in the lower part of the display panel 110.

[0159] In one or more aspects, contrary to the example of Figure 5 , the light-transmissive display area A may be located in the lower part of the display panel 110, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in the upper part of the display panel 110.

[0160] In one or more aspects, as Figure 6 shown, the light-transmissive display area A may be located in the central part of the display panel 110, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in one or more areas other than the central part, for example, one or more side surfaces or edge parts of the display panel 110.

[0161] In one or more aspects, as Figure 7 shown, the light-transmissive display area A may be located in one or more side surfaces or edge parts of the display panel 110, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in one or more side surfaces or edge parts other than the one or more side surfaces or edge parts where the light-transmissive display area A is located of the display panel 110.

[0162] As Figure 8 shown, the multi-display device 100 may include one or more circuits and a battery C located on the back surface of the light-blocking display area B. In this example, since one or more circuits and the battery C are not provided on the back surface of the light-transmissive display area A but on the back surface of the light-blocking display area B, the multi-display device 100 may have the advantage of maintaining the transparency of the light-transmissive display area A.

[0163] AsFigure 9 As shown, a light-transmissive display area A may be provided in a central portion of the display panel 110, and a transmissive window having a shape such as a circle, an ellipse, etc. may be provided at the light-transmissive display area A in the entire area of the multi-display device 100. In this embodiment, an opaque display area B may be provided in the remaining area of the multi-display device 100 other than the light-transmissive display area A.

[0164] In one or more aspects, a plurality of light-transmissive display areas A and a plurality of opaque display areas B may be configured to intersect each other in the display panel 110.

[0165] For example, a plurality of light-transmissive display areas A ("area A") and a plurality of opaque display areas B ("area B") may be arranged in an alternating arrangement pattern in the display panel 110, such as from the top to the bottom of the display panel 110, in the order of area A - area B - area A - area B, area B - area A - area B, area B - area A - area B - area A, etc. In this embodiment, the number of pixels included in each of the plurality of light-transmissive display areas A may be different or the same, and the number of pixels included in each of the plurality of opaque display areas B may be different or the same. In addition, the number of pixels included in each of the plurality of light-transmissive display areas A and the number of pixels included in each of the plurality of opaque display areas B may be different or the same.

[0166] Figure 10 Schematically shows a configuration of an example multi-display device implemented by including at least one LCD panel according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0167] Refer to Figure 10 , when the multi-display device is configured with at least one LCD panel, although at least one second pixel 510 provided in the LCD panel area may include a color filter, at least one transmissive area 520 may not include a color filter.

[0168] Therefore, when ambient light enters the multi-display device, some light may be transmitted through at least one transmissive area 520, and thus, the LCD panel area may be used as the light-transmissive display area A.

[0169] The light-blocking display area B attached to or combined with one side of at least one LCD panel and configured to form a multi-display may be an area provided with at least one first pixel 560 configured with a light-emitting element (such as OLED, micro-LED, mini-LED, QLED, etc.) to emit light. For example, each sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel 560 provided in the light-blocking display area B may include elements such as one or more thin film transistors, one or more capacitors, and a light-emitting element such as OLED, micro-LED, mini-LED, QLED, etc., and may emit light corresponding to a data signal or image data based on these elements. The light-blocking display area B provided with at least one first pixel 560 may not include pixels (e.g., dummy pixels or light-transmitting areas) that allow external light to transmit.

[0170] Figure 11 Schematically shows an example configuration of a multi-display device implemented by a display panel 110 configured with a light-emitting element (such as OLED, micro-LED, mini-LED, QLED, etc.) or a display device 100 including the display panel 110 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 12 Shows an example data drive for a multi-display device according to aspects of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 11 , the first gate driving circuit 130 may sequentially drive a plurality of gate lines GL connected to one or more pixels provided in the light-transmitting display area A by sequentially providing gate signals having a conductive level voltage to the plurality of gate lines GL, and the second gate driving circuit 130 may sequentially drive a plurality of gate lines GL connected to one or more pixels provided in the light-blocking display area B by sequentially providing gate signals having a conductive level voltage to the plurality of gate lines GL. For example, the first gate driving circuit 130 and the second gate driving circuit 130 may be separate gate driving circuits, or respective circuit portions or different gate driver integrated circuits included in a single gate driving circuit.

[0171] For example, a plurality of gate lines GL may be connected to one or more second pixels 510, or connected to scan signal lines connected to one or more second pixels 510. In addition, a plurality of gate lines GL may be connected to one or more first pixels 560, or connected to scan signal lines connected to one or more first pixels 560.

[0172] The plurality of gate lines GL connected to one or more second pixels 510 or the scan signal lines connected to one or more second pixels 510 may extend in the row direction without being connected to one or more transmission areas 520. That is, one or more dummy pixels respectively configured in one or more transmission areas 520 may not be electrically connected to the gate lines GL.

[0173] When one or more specific gate lines are selected and driven by the gate driving circuit 130, the data driving circuit 120 may convert the image data received from the controller 140 into an analog data signal and provide the converted data signal to at least one of the plurality of data lines DL.

[0174] In one or more aspects, one or more sub-pixels included in the transmissive display area A and one or more sub-pixels included in the non-transmissive display area B may be electrically connected to the data line DL in the column direction. The data driving circuit 120 may sequentially output the data voltage or data signal to be provided to the sub-pixels arranged in the column direction to one data line DL.

[0175] The data line DL connected to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel 510 and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel 560 may transmit the data signal corresponding to the image data to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel 510 and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel 560.

[0176] Conversely, the data line DL connected to at least one first pixel arranged in the same column as at least one transmissive area 520 may extend in the column direction without being electrically connected to at least one transmissive area 520. That is, one or more dummy pixels respectively arranged in one or more transmissive areas 520 may not be electrically connected to the data line DL.

[0177] As Figure 12 shown, in one or more aspects, the multi-display device may be configured with a structure in which at least one transmissive display area A and at least one non-transmissive display area B are integrated into the display panel 110 (which may be referred to as an integrated display panel).

[0178] For example, both at least one transmissive display area A and at least one non-transmissive display area B provided in the integrated display panel 110 may be driven and controlled by one controller 140 (e.g., the controller 140 in the previous figures discussed above).

[0179] As Figure 12 shown, the data sequence of the data signal may include the image data provided to one or more data lines electrically connected to one or more second pixels 510 and one or more first pixels 560, but does not include the image data for the transmissive area 520.

[0180] Figure 12It shows that data signals are provided to corresponding sub-pixels in the order of "RBGW…RBGW…". However, the example embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and various sequences of data signals can be provided to the sub-pixels.

[0181] For example, when each pixel included in a row is configured to emit red (R) light, green (G) light, and blue (B) light, data signals corresponding to the R color, G color, and B color can be provided to the corresponding sub-pixels through data lines connected to these sub-pixels, and when each pixel included in a row is configured to emit R light, G light, B light, and white (W) light, data signals corresponding to the R color, G color, B color, and W color can be provided to the corresponding sub-pixels through data lines connected to these sub-pixels.

[0182] In one or more aspects, different from Figure 12 the example shown, the above data signal providing method can be applied to an example where each pixel row is configured with pixels each including R, G, and B sub-pixels without W sub-pixels.

[0183] Figure 13 Schematically shows an example arrangement of pixels in an example display panel (e.g., the micro LED display panel 200) included in a multi-display device configured with micro LEDs according to aspects of the present disclosure. It should be noted here that two or more micro LED display panels 200 can be included in the multi-display device to provide a large display screen. To enable the multi-display device to operate, at least Figures 1 to 4 at least some of the corresponding elements of the configuration can be adopted in the Figure 13 multi-display device with necessary modifications.

[0184] Referring to Figure 13 , the micro LED display panel 200 can be manufactured by transferring micro LEDs to a thin film transistor array substrate. The multi-display device including the micro LED display panel 200 is manufactured by a complex process, which may cause defects such as non-light emission or abnormal light emission. Such defects can be solved by separately forming one or more redundant sub-pixels configured with micro LEDs in a single pixel. In this case, the aforementioned data signal providing method can be applied to the redundant sub-pixels added to cope with defective micro LEDs.

[0185] Referring to Figure 13, multiple pixel groups configured with micro-LEDs can be arranged or combined in a matrix form in the micro-LED display panel 200. Each of the multiple pixel groups included in the micro-LED display panel 200 may include a first pixel 440 and a second pixel 442. It should be noted here that although the term "pixel group" is used for ease of understanding, the pixel group is referred to as a pixel. Therefore, it should be understood that the pixel P11 may include the first pixel 440 and the second pixel 442. The first pixel 440 may include at least three sub-pixels configured with at least R, G, and B micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) that emit R, G, and B light respectively, and the second pixel 442 may include at least three sub-pixels configured with at least R, G, and B micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) that emit R, G, and B light respectively.

[0186] The first pixel 440 or the second pixel 442 may emit white light. The first pixel 440 including sub-pixels configured with R, G, and B micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) or the second pixel 442 including sub-pixels configured with R, G, and B micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) may be referred to as a unit pixel. In addition, the first pixel 440 and the second pixel 442 may be referred to as a unit pixel or a pixel group.

[0187] In one or more aspects, a configuration similar to the configuration of the display panel 110 shown in Figure 4 can be applied to the Figure 13 micro-LED display panel 200. Therefore, the micro-LED display panel 200 may include a light-transmissive display area A provided in a first area and an opaque display area B provided in a second area different from the first area.

[0188] The light-transmissive display area A may include multiple second pixels or pixel groups (P11, P13, P15, P21, P23, and P25) and multiple transmissive areas (P12, P22, P14, and P24). Each of the multiple second pixels or pixel groups includes a first pixel and a second pixel, and each first pixel and second pixel emits light through a corresponding micro-LED. Each of the multiple transmissive areas is provided on one side of at least one of the multiple second pixels or pixel groups and is configured to allow external light to transmit.

[0189] As Figure 13 shown, at least one or more of the multiple second pixels or pixel groups (P11, P13, P15, P21, P23, and P25) included in the light-transmissive display area A and at least one or more of the multiple transmissive areas (P12, P22, P14, and P24) may be alternately arranged or adjacent to each other in the display panel 200.

[0190] AsFigure 13 As shown, a plurality of second pixels or pixel groups (P11, P13, P15, P21, P23, and P25) and a plurality of transmissive regions (P12, P22, P14, and P24) may be arranged alternately one by one in the row direction. However, this configuration may be only an example, and a plurality of second pixels or pixel groups (P11, P13, P15, P21, P23, and P25) and a plurality of transmissive regions (P12, P22, P14, and P24) may be alternately set in the column direction or in both the column and row directions based on a predetermined number.

[0191] Each of the sub-pixels included in each of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups (P11, P13, P15, P21, P23, and P25) may include elements such as at least one thin-film transistor, at least one capacitor, a light-emitting element such as a micro LED, etc., and is configured to emit light corresponding to an image signal or image data through the light-emitting element using these elements.

[0192] Different from the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups (P11, P13, P15, P21, P23, and P25), the plurality of transmissive regions (P12, P22, P14, and P24) may not include elements such as thin-film transistors, capacitors, and light-emitting elements, and thus are regions that allow external light to transmit.

[0193] Since the light-transmissive display region A includes a plurality of second pixels or pixel groups (P11, P13, P15, P21, P23, and P25) configured to present an image and a plurality of transmissive regions (P12, P22, P14, and P24) that allow external light to transmit, a multi-display device including the micro LED display panel 200 may provide the advantage of enabling a user to view an external image through the display panel 200 when the user is not viewing the image presented by the display panel 200.

[0194] According to Figure 13 the configuration, since elements such as thin-film transistors, capacitors, light-emitting elements, etc. are not provided in the transmissive regions (P12, P22, P14, and P24), the transmittance of external light passing through the transmissive regions (P12, P22, P14, and P24) can be maximized, and thus the transmittance of external light passing through the entire display panel 200 can be increased. In addition, the distortion of the transmitted image caused by interference with elements such as thin-film transistors, capacitors, light-emitting elements, etc. can be minimized.

[0195] The light-blocking display area B may include a plurality of first pixels or pixel groups (P31 to P45), each including a first pixel and a second pixel, and each first pixel and second pixel including sub-pixels but having no transmissive area, and thus is an area configured to emit light. Each sub-pixel included in each of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups (P31 to P45) may include elements such as at least one thin-film transistor, at least one capacitor, a light-emitting element such as a micro LED, etc., and is configured to use these elements to emit light corresponding to a data signal or image data through the light-emitting element. The light-blocking display area B in which the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups (P31 to P45) are provided may not include a transmissive area that allows external light to pass through.

[0196] Different from the light-transmissive display area A, since the light-blocking display area B is an opaque area that does not include a transmissive area through which external light passes, light cannot pass through this area, and the user cannot see an object or image located on the opposite side.

[0197] In one or more aspects, as Figure 13 shown, the light-transmissive display area A may be located in the upper part of the display panel 200, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in the lower part of the display panel 200.

[0198] In one or more aspects, contrary to the example of Figure 13 , the light-transmissive display area A may be located in the lower part of the display panel 200, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in the upper part of the display panel 200.

[0199] In one or more aspects, the light-transmissive display area A may be located in the central part of the display panel 200, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in one or more areas other than the central part, for example, one or more side surfaces or edge portions of the display panel 200.

[0200] In one or more aspects, the light-transmissive display area A may be located in one or more side surfaces or edge portions of the display panel 200, and the light-blocking display area B may be located in one or more side surfaces or edge portions of the display panel 200 other than the one or more side surfaces or edge portions where the light-transmissive display area A is located.

[0201] Refer to Figure 13, a single pixel or pixel group P for enabling the micro-LED display panel 200 to emit light may include a first pixel 440 and a second pixel 442. The first pixel 440 includes first sub-pixels configured with first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B), and the second pixel 442 includes second sub-pixels configured with second micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B). A plurality of pixels or pixel groups P arranged in the first row may be arranged from left to right in the order of P11, P12, P13, P14, and P15, and a plurality of pixels or pixel groups P arranged in the second row may be arranged from left to right in the order of P21, P22, P23, P24, and P25.

[0202] The first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) and the second micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) included in each pixel or pixel group P may be formed with the same structure and have the same light-emitting characteristics.

[0203] In one or more aspects, the first R, G, and B micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) of each pixel or pixel group may be arranged in the corresponding display area of the micro-LED display panel 200 in the row direction (x-axis direction), and the second R, G, and B micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) of each pixel or pixel group may also be arranged in the corresponding display area in the row direction (x-axis direction).

[0204] As described above, during the process of transferring micro-LEDs onto a substrate for manufacturing the micro-LED display panel 200, some defects may occur where the micro-LEDs do not emit light normally. For example, when the micro-LED display panel 200 includes the number of LEDs that abnormally emit light or do not emit light in each predefined area, the user can easily identify such defects.

[0205] To solve these defects, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the second R, G, and B micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) are arranged in each pixel or pixel group P of the micro-LED display panel 200, the micro-LED display panel 200 can provide the advantage of preventing the identification of one or more defective pixels.

[0206] In one or more aspects, the first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) included in each pixel or pixel group may be main micro-LEDs configured to emit light according to image data applied from outside the micro-LED display panel 200 to present an image, and the second micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) may be redundant micro-LEDs configured to operate in place of one or more of the first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) when one or more of the first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) become defective. In one or more aspects, the second micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) may operate as main micro-LEDs, and the first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) may operate as redundant micro-LEDs.

[0207] Although Figure 13 not shown in, gate lines, data lines, thin film transistors, etc. for implementing the first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) may be provided in each pixel or pixel group of the micro-LED display panel 200. In addition, redundant gate lines, redundant data lines, and redundant thin film transistors for driving the second micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) may be provided in each pixel or pixel group of the micro-LED display panel 200. For example, the first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) and the second micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) are separately operated through different thin film transistors, etc.

[0208] For example, image data corresponding to a data signal of "R-R-G-G-B-B" may be provided to a first sub-pixel configured with the first micro-LEDs (440R, 440G, and 440B) and a second sub-pixel configured with the second micro-LEDs (442R, 442G, and 442B) in each pixel or pixel group of the micro-LED display panel 200.

[0209] In one or more aspects, the controller 140 may receive image data corresponding to the entire image to be displayed on the display panel 200 and process the image data corresponding to the entire image.

[0210] For example, in order to display different images at respective regions of the display panel or display device based on a resolution difference between a light-transmissive display region A and an opaque display region B of the display panel or display device, the controller 140 may receive arrangement information regarding respective regions of the display panel or display device and process the image data corresponding to the entire image to be presented in the entire display region of the display panel or display device based on the arrangement information.

[0211] For example, the layout information regarding the respective regions of the display panel or the display device may include at least one of the total number or the respective numbers of the transmissive display region A and the non-transmissive display region B included in the multi-display device and the respective set positions of the transmissive display region A and the non-transmissive display region B.

[0212] Figure 14 is a flowchart of an example image display method of a multi-display device (e.g., any one of the multi-display devices discussed above) according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0213] Refer to Figure 14 , in step S110, the multi-display device may receive image data to be presented on the entire display area of the multi-display device. Thereafter, in step S120, the multi-display device may divide the received image data based on the respective resolutions of at least one transmissive display region A and at least one non-transmissive display region B, and process the image data corresponding to the division of at least one transmissive display region A and at least one non-transmissive display region B, respectively.

[0214] For example, the transmissive display region A may have a lower resolution than the non-transmissive display region B. In one or more aspects, since at least one transmissive display region A and at least one non-transmissive display region B included in the multi-display device have different resolutions, the multi-display device may determine the image data to be compensated (or one or more values for compensating the image data) in the entire image data to be presented on the entire display area of the multi-display device based on the respective positions of at least one transmissive display region A and at least one non-transmissive display region B and considering the difference in resolutions.

[0215] In one or more aspects, the multi-display device may process the entire input image data based on a preset setting by a user or a designer for at least one transmissive display region A and at least one non-transmissive display region B.

[0216] Thereafter, in step S130, the multi-display device may display images corresponding to the divided image data obtained in the previous step (e.g., images corresponding to the compensated image data obtained by compensating a part of the divided image data and another part of the uncompensated divided image) in at least one transmissive display region A and at least one non-transmissive display region B, respectively.

[0217] According to the aspects described herein, a multi-display device may be provided, the multi-display device having a structure in which a transparent display region and an opaque display region are configured in one display panel, and capable of allowing external light to transmit and presenting a low-resolution image in one region of the display panel, and capable of presenting a high-resolution image in another region of the display panel.

[0218] According to aspects described herein, a multi-display device can be provided that has a structure in which a transparent display area and an opaque display area are configured in one display panel, and provides a wide range of uses such as product display, entrance doors, windows, and customer consultation displays.

[0219] According to aspects described herein, a multi-display device can be provided that has a structure in which one controller drives and controls both the transparent display area and the opaque display area, thereby having a cost-saving effect.

[0220] The above exemplary embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0221] According to an exemplary embodiment described herein, a multi-display device can be provided that includes: a display panel including a light-transmissive display area provided in a first area of the display panel and configured to allow external light to pass through, and an opaque display area provided in a second area different from the first area; a data driving circuit configured to drive a plurality of data lines across the display panel in a first direction; a gate driving circuit configured to drive a plurality of gate lines across the display panel in a second direction different from the first direction; and a controller configured to provide image data to the data driving circuit. A plurality of first pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines can be arranged in a matrix form in the opaque display area, and a plurality of second pixels configured to present an image and a plurality of transmissive areas can be provided in the light-transmissive display area, each of the plurality of transmissive areas being provided on at least one side of at least one of the plurality of second pixels and configured to allow external light to pass through.

[0222] In one or more aspects, the light-transmissive display area can be provided in an upper portion of the display panel, and the opaque display area can be provided in a lower portion of the display panel.

[0223] In one or more aspects, the multi-display device can include a plurality of light-transmissive display areas and a plurality of opaque display areas, and the plurality of light-transmissive display areas and the plurality of opaque display areas can be alternately provided.

[0224] In one or more aspects, all or one or more of the plurality of second pixels and all or one or more of the plurality of transmissive areas in the light-transmissive display area can be alternately arranged and adjacent to each other along one direction.

[0225] In one or more aspects, the gate driving circuit may be configured to sequentially drive the one or more gate lines and the other one or more gate lines by sequentially providing a gate signal having a conductive level voltage to one or more gate lines among the plurality of gate lines that are connected to one or more of the plurality of second pixels disposed in the transmissive display area and to other one or more gate lines among the plurality of gate lines that are connected to one or more of the plurality of first pixels disposed in the non-transmissive display area.

[0226] In one or more aspects, when a specific gate line is selected and driven, the data driving circuit may be configured to provide a data signal corresponding to image data to at least one of the plurality of data lines across the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area. The at least one data line connected to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels may deliver the data signal to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel, and may not be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of transmissive areas disposed in the same column or row as the at least one first pixel or the at least one second pixel.

[0227] In one or more aspects, the data sequence of the data signal may include image data provided to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels, and may not include image data for the at least one transmissive area.

[0228] In one or more aspects, the controller may receive image data corresponding to an image to be displayed in the entire display area of the multi-display device and process the received image data.

[0229] In one or more aspects, in order to display different images based on a resolution difference between the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area, the controller may receive arrangement information about respective areas of the multi-display device that present different images, and process the image data based on the arrangement information.

[0230] In one or more aspects, the arrangement information about respective areas of the multi-display device may include at least one of the total number or respective numbers of the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area included in the multi-display device and the respective set positions of the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area.

[0231] According to an exemplary embodiment described herein, a display panel can be provided. The display panel includes: an opaque display area disposed in a first area, including a plurality of first pixels or pixel groups, each of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups including a first sub-pixel and configured to emit light; a transmissive display area disposed in a second area different from the first area, and including a plurality of second pixels or pixel groups, each of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups including one or more second sub-pixels and configured to present an image, and a plurality of transmissive areas, each of the plurality of transmissive areas being disposed on one side of at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and configured to allow external light to transmit; a plurality of data lines extending along at least one of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups and at least one of the plurality of transmissive areas; and a plurality of gate lines extending along one or more first or second pixels or pixel groups in a second direction different from a first direction.

[0232] In one or more aspects, the transmissive display area can be disposed in an upper portion of the display panel, and the opaque display area can be disposed in a lower portion of the display panel.

[0233] In one or more aspects, the display panel can include a plurality of transmissive display areas and a plurality of opaque display areas, and the plurality of transmissive display areas and the plurality of opaque display areas can be alternately disposed.

[0234] In one or more aspects, one or more of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and one or more of the plurality of transmissive areas in the transmissive display area can be alternately disposed and adjacent to each other along one direction.

[0235] In one or more aspects, each of the plurality of gate lines can receive a gate signal having a conductive level voltage and can sequentially drive one or more gate lines among the plurality of gate lines connected to one or more of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups disposed in the transmissive display area and one or more other gate lines among the plurality of gate lines connected to one or more of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups disposed in the opaque display area.

[0236] In one or more aspects, when a particular gate line is selected and driven, at least one of the plurality of data lines across the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area can receive a data signal from a controller. At least one data line connected to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups can convey the data signal to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel or pixel group and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel or pixel group, and may not be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of transmissive areas disposed in the same column or row as the at least one first pixel or pixel group or the at least one second pixel or pixel group.

[0237] In one or more aspects, the data sequence of the data signal can include image data provided to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups, and does not include image data for the at least one transmissive area.

[0238] In one or more aspects, image data corresponding to an image to be displayed in the entire display area of the display panel can be received and processed by a controller.

[0239] In one or more aspects, in order to display different images based on a resolution difference between the transmissive display area and the non-transmissive display area, arrangement information regarding respective areas of the display panel for presenting different images can be received by the controller, and the image data can be processed by the controller based on the arrangement information.

[0240] In one or more aspects, the arrangement information regarding respective areas of the multi-display device can include at least one of the total number or respective quantities of the transmissive display areas and non-transmissive display areas included in the multi-display device and the respective set positions of the transmissive display areas and the non-transmissive display areas.

[0241] The foregoing description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make, use, and practice the technical features of the present disclosure, and the foregoing description has been provided as an example in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the present invention. The foregoing description and drawings have provided examples of the technical features of the present invention for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical features of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-display device, comprising: a display panel including a light-transmitting display area disposed in a first area of ​​the display panel and a light-impermeable display area disposed in a second area different from the first area, and the light-impermeable display area is configured to allow external light to be transmitted; a data driving circuit configured to drive a plurality of data lines arranged in a first direction across the display panel; a gate driving circuit configured to drive a plurality of gate lines across the display panel in a second direction different from the first direction; as well as a controller configured to provide image data to the data driving circuit, wherein a plurality of first pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines are arranged in a matrix form in the opaque display area, and A plurality of second pixels configured to present images and a plurality of transmission areas are arranged in the light-transmitting display area, and each of the plurality of transmission areas is arranged on one side of at least one of the plurality of second pixels and is configured to allow external light to be transmitted.

2. The multi-display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light-transmitting display area is disposed at an upper portion of the display panel, and the light-impermeable display area is disposed at a lower portion of the display panel.

3. The multi-display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the light-transmitting display area, at least one of the plurality of second pixels and at least one of the plurality of transmission areas are alternately disposed along one direction and are disposed adjacent to each other.

4. The multi-display device according to claim 1, wherein: The gate driving circuit is configured to sequentially drive the one or more gate lines and the other one or more gate lines by sequentially providing gate signals with on-level voltages to one or more gate lines among the multiple gate lines connected to one or more second pixels among the multiple second pixels arranged in the light-transmitting display area and other one or more gate lines among the multiple gate lines connected to one or more first pixels among the multiple first pixels arranged in the opaque display area.

5. The multi-display device according to claim 4, wherein: When a specific gate line is selected and driven, the data driving circuit is configured to provide a data signal corresponding to the image data to at least one data line among the plurality of data lines spanning the light-transmitting display area and the opaque display area, and wherein the at least one data line connected to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels transmits the data signal to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel, and is not electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of transmission regions arranged in the same column or row as the at least one first pixel or the at least one second pixel.

6. The multi-display device according to claim 5, wherein: The data sequence of the data signal includes image data provided to at least one subpixel included in the at least one first pixel and at least one subpixel included in the at least one second pixel, and does not include image data for the at least one transmission area.

7. The multi-display device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller receives the image data corresponding to an image to be displayed in an entire display area of ​​the multi-display device and processes the received image data.

8. The multi-display device according to claim 7, wherein: In order to display different images based on the resolution difference between the light-transmitting display area and the opaque display area, the controller receives arrangement information about respective areas of the multi-display device presenting different images, and processes the image data based on the arrangement information.

9. The multi-display device according to claim 8, wherein: The arrangement information about each area of ​​the multi-display device includes a total number or respective numbers of light-transmitting display areas and light-impermeable display areas included in the multi-display device and at least one of respective setting positions of the light-transmitting display areas and the light-impermeable display areas.

10. A display panel, comprising: an opaque display area, the opaque display area being arranged in the first area and comprising a plurality of first pixels or pixel groups, each of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups comprising a first sub-pixel and being configured to emit light; a light-transmitting display area disposed in a second area different from the first area and including a plurality of second pixels or pixel groups, each of which includes one or more second sub-pixels and is configured to present an image, and a plurality of transmission areas, each of which is disposed on one side of at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and is configured to allow external light to be transmitted; a plurality of data lines extending along at least one of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups and at least one of the plurality of transmission regions; as well as A plurality of gate lines extend along one or more first or second pixels or pixel groups in a second direction different from the first direction.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, wherein: The light-transmitting display area is disposed at an upper portion of the display panel, and the light-impermeable display area is disposed at a lower portion of the display panel.

12. The display panel according to claim 10, wherein: One or more of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups in the light-transmitting display area and one or more of the plurality of transmission areas are alternately arranged along one direction and are arranged adjacent to each other.

13. The display panel according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of gate lines receives a gate signal having an on-level voltage, and Among them, one or more gate lines among the multiple gate lines connected to one or more of the multiple second pixels or pixel groups arranged in the light-transmitting display area and other one or more gate lines among the multiple gate lines connected to one or more of the multiple first pixels or pixel groups arranged in the opaque display area are driven in sequence.

14. The display panel according to claim 13, wherein: When a specific gate line is selected and driven, at least one of the plurality of data lines across the light-transmitting display area and the opaque display area receives a data signal from a controller, and wherein at least one data line connected to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of second pixels or pixel groups and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one of the plurality of first pixels or pixel groups transmits the data signal to at least one sub-pixel included in at least one second pixel or pixel group and at least one sub-pixel included in at least one first pixel or pixel group, and is not electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of transmission regions arranged in the same column or row as the at least one first pixel or pixel group or the at least one second pixel or pixel group.

15. The display panel according to claim 14, wherein: The data sequence of the data signal includes image data provided to at least one subpixel included in the at least one first pixel or pixel group and at least one subpixel included in the at least one second pixel or pixel group, and does not include image data for the at least one transmissive area.

16. The display panel according to claim 15, wherein: Image data corresponding to an image to be displayed in the entire display area of ​​the display panel is received and processed by a controller.

17. The display panel according to claim 14, wherein: In order to display different images based on the resolution difference between the light-transmitting display area and the opaque display area, the controller receives layout information about the various areas of the display panel that present different images, and processes the image data based on the layout information.

18. The display panel according to claim 17, wherein: The arrangement information about the respective areas of the display panel includes the total number or respective numbers of light-transmitting display areas and light-impermeable display areas included in the multi-display device and at least one of respective setting positions of the light-transmitting display areas and the light-impermeable display areas.

Images