Display device and method of operating the same

Abstract

A display apparatus and a method of operating the display apparatus are disclosed. The display device and method accurately compensate for degradation of sub-pixels by monitoring degradation in real time using an optical electronic device located below or at a lower portion of a display panel and partially overlapping an optical region in a display region. Even if the display device is used, monitoring of such degradation can be performed in real time using such an optical element or device, and compensation of degradation can be performed in real time according to the result of the monitoring.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the original application number 202210971351.1 (application date: August 12, 2022, invention title: Display device and method of operating a display device). Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to a display device and a method of operating a display device. Background Art

[0003] In a typical display device, in order to compensate for deterioration of elements (such as light-emitting elements, transistors, etc.) included in sub-pixels provided in a display panel, an optical compensation is performed using a camera or the like during a process of manufacturing the display panel. In such an optical compensation method, a camera can be used to accurately measure the luminance from the sub-pixels, and thus the level of corresponding deterioration during manufacturing of the display panel can be accurately determined.

[0004] After manufacturing the display panel and starting the display device, as the display device is used, elements included in the sub-pixels age and become less efficient. However, deterioration of light-emitting elements or the like in the sub-pixels cannot be monitored, and as a result, there is a problem in compensating for the corresponding deterioration according to the usage of these elements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the field of current display technologies, after manufacturing a display device, in a case where a display panel or a display device including the display panel is used by a user, it is impossible to monitor the deterioration level of elements (such as light-emitting elements, transistors, etc.) included in sub-pixels of the display panel using an optical element or device, but it can only be achieved during manufacturing of the display device. Therefore, in the field of current display technologies, there is an increasing need to use an optical element or device with high accuracy to monitor and compensate for deterioration of these elements in real time after manufacturing the display panel.

[0006] To solve these problems, a display device and a method of operating a display device are disclosed, which are used to monitor deterioration of sub-pixels in real time using an optical element or device even in a case where a user uses the display device after manufacturing the display device, and to compensate for the deterioration in real time according to the monitoring result.

[0007] In one embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area located outside the display area, the display area including a plurality of light-emitting areas corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels; one or more optoelectronic devices located below or at a lower portion of the display panel; and a data driving circuit configured to provide a data voltage corresponding to input image data to the display panel, wherein the display area includes one or more optical areas that partially overlap with the one or more optoelectronic devices and a non-optical area located outside the one or more optical areas, wherein the one or more optical areas include a plurality of first light-emitting areas among the plurality of light-emitting areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas, and the non-optical area includes a plurality of second light-emitting areas among the plurality of light-emitting areas, and wherein the one or more optoelectronic devices overlap with at least a portion of the plurality of first light-emitting areas in the one or more optical areas, and during one of a first period when the display device is not in use and a second period through an input related to a screen setting, an image capturing operation or a sensing operation is performed through the one or more optical areas.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of operating a display device, the display device including: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area located outside the display area, the display area including a plurality of light-emitting areas corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels; a data driving circuit configured to provide a data voltage corresponding to input image data to the display panel; and one or more optoelectronic devices, the method including the steps of: determining whether the display device is operating during a first period when the display device is not in use or during a second period through an input related to a screen setting; and during the first period or the second period, performing an image capturing operation or a sensing operation by the one or more optoelectronic devices through the one or more optical areas, wherein the display area includes one or more optical areas that partially overlap with the one or more optoelectronic devices and a non-optical area located outside the one or more optical areas, wherein the one or more optical areas include a plurality of first light-emitting areas among the plurality of light-emitting areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas, and the non-optical area includes a plurality of second light-emitting areas among the plurality of light-emitting areas, and wherein the one or more optoelectronic devices overlap with at least a portion of the plurality of first light-emitting areas in the one or more optical areas.

[0009] In one embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel including a first optical region configured to display an image and a non-optical region, the first optical region including a plurality of first light-emitting regions and a plurality of first light-transmissive regions, and the non-optical region including a plurality of second light-emitting regions; and a first electronic device configured to sense light passing through the plurality of first light-transmissive regions, the first electronic device being below the display panel or located at a lower portion of the display panel and overlapping with the first optical region but not overlapping with the non-optical region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, and the drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C are plan views illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a system configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an equivalent circuit of sub-pixels in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement of sub-pixels in three regions included in a display region of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5A illustrates an arrangement of signal lines in each of a first optical region and a non-optical region in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5B illustrates an arrangement of signal lines in each of a second optical region and a non-optical region in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are cross-sectional views of each of a first optical region, a second optical region, and a non-optical region included in a display region of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an edge of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9is a curve showing the degree of degradation according to the use of one or more sub-pixels in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a real-time degradation compensation system in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a real-time degradation modeling circuit in a real-time degradation compensation system in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 12 and Figure 13 illustrates a degradation monitoring structure using one or more optoelectronic devices in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 14 illustrates real-time degradation compensation processing in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 15 is a flowchart of a method for real-time monitoring of degradation in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 16 is a flowchart of a method for real-time compensation of degradation in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 17 is a curve showing the degree of degradation changed by degradation monitoring optimization based on real-time degradation monitoring in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 18 illustrates a structure for monitoring degradation using a plurality of optoelectronic devices included in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0028] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented are shown by way of illustration, and in the drawings, even when the same reference numerals and symbols are shown in different drawings, the same reference numerals and symbols can be used to indicate the same or similar components. Further, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of well-known functions and components incorporated herein may obscure the subject matter in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. As used herein, terms such as "comprising," "having," "containing," "constituting," "consisting of," and "formed of" are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless the term is used together with the term "only." As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form.

[0029] As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(A)," or "(B)" may be used to describe elements of the present disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, quantity, etc. of the element, but is merely used to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0030] When referring to a first element being "connected or coupled to," "in contact with or overlapping," etc. a second element, it should be interpreted that not only can the first element be "directly connected or coupled to" or "directly in contact with or overlapping" the second element, but also a third element can be "interposed" between the first element and the second element, or the first element and the second element can be "connected or coupled," "in contact with or overlapping," etc. with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element may include at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled," "in contact with or overlapping," etc. with each other.

[0031] When time-related terms such as "after," "subsequent to," "next...," "before," etc. are used to describe a process or operation of an element or configuration or a flow or step in an operation, process, or manufacturing method, these terms can be used to describe a non-continuous or non-sequential process or operation, unless the terms "directly" or "immediately" are used together.

[0032] In addition, when referring to any dimensions, relative dimensions, etc., even if the relevant description is not specified, the numerical value or corresponding information (e.g., level, range, etc.) of the 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 shocks, noise, etc.). Further, the term "may" fully encompasses all meanings of the term "might."

[0033] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C are a plan view exemplifying a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C , a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110 for displaying an image and one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12).

[0036] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA for not displaying an image.

[0037] A plurality of sub-pixels may be arranged in the display area DA, and various types of signal lines for driving the plurality of sub-pixels may be arranged in the display area DA.

[0038] The non-display area NDA may refer to an area outside the display area DA. Various types of signal lines may be arranged in the non-display area NDA, and various types of driving circuits may be connected to the various types of signal lines. At least a part of the non-display area NDA may be bent to be invisible from the front of the display panel, or may be covered by a housing (not shown) of the display panel 110 or the display device 100. The non-display area NDA may also be referred to as a bezel or a bezel area.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C , in a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may be located below or in a lower portion (a side opposite to the viewing surface of the display panel 110) of the display panel 110.

[0040] Light may enter the front surface (viewing surface) of the display panel 110, pass through the display panel 110, and reach one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) located below or in a lower portion (a side opposite to the viewing surface) of the display panel 110.

[0041] One or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may receive or detect the light transmitted through the display panel 110 and perform a predetermined function based on the received light. For example, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may include one or more of an image capturing device such as a camera (image sensor) and sensors such as a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C, in some embodiments, the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) and a non-optical area NA.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C , one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) may be one or more areas that overlap with one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12). The non-optical area NA is an area that does not overlap with one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12), and may also be referred to as a normal area.

[0044] According to Figure 1A 's example, the display area DA may include a first optical area OA1 and a non-optical area NA. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11.

[0045] According to Figure 1B 's example, the display area DA may include a first optical area OA1, a second optical area OA2, and a non-optical area NA. In Figure 1B 's example, at least a portion of the non-optical area NA may be present between the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical area OA2 may overlap with the second optoelectronic device 12.

[0046] According to Figure 1C 's example, the display area DA may include a first optical area OA1, a second optical area OA2, and a non-optical area NA. In Figure 1C 's example, the non-optical area NA may not be present between the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2. For example, the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 may be in contact with each other. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical area OA2 may overlap with the second optoelectronic device 12.

[0047] It is necessary to form both an image display structure and a light transmission structure in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2). In some embodiments, since one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) are one or more parts of the display region DA, it is necessary to arrange sub-pixels for displaying an image in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2). In addition, in order to enable light to pass through to one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12), it is necessary to form a light transmission structure in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0048] According to the above embodiments, although one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) are required to receive or detect light, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) are sometimes located on the back surface of the display panel 110 (in the lower part or the lower portion of the display panel 110, that is, on the side opposite to the viewing surface), and thus can receive light that has passed through the display panel 110.

[0049] For example, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may not be exposed on the front surface (viewing surface) of the display panel 110. Therefore, when a user views the front of the display device 100, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) are invisible to the user.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first optoelectronic device 11 may be a camera, and the second optoelectronic device 12 may be a sensor such as a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc. For example, the sensor may be an infrared sensor capable of detecting infrared rays.

[0051] In another embodiment, the first optoelectronic device 11 may be a sensor, and the second optoelectronic device 12 may be a camera.

[0052] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of description, an embodiment in which the first optoelectronic device 11 is a camera and the second optoelectronic device 12 is a sensor such as a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. will be discussed. For example, the camera may be a camera lens, an image sensor, or a unit including at least one of a camera lens and an image sensor.

[0053] When the first optoelectronic device 11 is a camera, the camera may be located on the back surface of the display panel 110 (in the lower part or the lower portion of the display panel 110), and is a front camera capable of photographing an object in the front direction of the display panel 110. Therefore, the user can take an image through a camera that is invisible on the viewing surface while viewing the viewing surface of the display panel 110.

[0054] Although in Figures 1A to 1CEach figure in [the figure] includes a non-optical region NA and one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) within a display area DA. These are regions where an image can be displayed. However, the non-optical region NA is a region where a light transmission structure does not need to be formed, while the one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) are regions that include a light transmission structure.

[0055] Therefore, the one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) can have a transmittance greater than or equal to a predetermined level (e.g., a relatively high transmittance), and the non-optical region NA may not have a light transmittance or may have a transmittance less than the predetermined level (e.g., a relatively low transmittance).

[0056] For example, the one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) can have a different resolution, sub-pixel arrangement structure, number of sub-pixels per unit area, electrode structure, line structure, electrode arrangement structure, line arrangement structure, etc. from the non-optical region NA.

[0057] In one embodiment, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) can be less than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the non-optical region NA. For example, the resolution of the one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) can be smaller than the resolution of the non-optical region NA. Here, the number of sub-pixels per unit area can be a unit for measuring resolution. For example, it is called pixels per inch (PPI), which represents the number of pixels within 1 inch.

[0058] In one embodiment, in Figures 1A to 1C each figure in [the figure], the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical region OA1 can be less than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the non-optical region NA. In one embodiment, in Figure 1B and Figure 1C each figure in [the figure], the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the second optical region OA2 can be greater than or equal to the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical region OA1.

[0059] In Figures 1A to 1C each figure in [the figure], the first optical region OA1 can have various shapes, such as circular, oval, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. In Figures 1B to 1C each figure in [the figure], the second optical region OA2 can have various shapes, such as circular, oval, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can have the same shape or different shapes.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1C, when the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are in contact with each other, the entire optical region including the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can also have various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

[0061] Hereinafter, for ease of description, an embodiment in which each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 has a circular shape will be discussed.

[0062] Here, in the case where the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a structure in which the first optoelectronic device 11 positioned to cover the lower or lower part of the display panel 110 without being exposed to the outside is a camera, the display device 100 can be referred to as a display (or display device) applying under-display camera (UDC) technology.

[0063] Since there is no need to form a notch or a camera hole for exposing the camera in the display panel 110, the display device 100 according to this configuration can have the advantage of preventing the size of the display area DA from decreasing.

[0064] Since there is no need to form a notch or a camera hole for camera exposure in the display panel 110, the display device 100 can further have the advantages of reducing the size of the bezel area and increasing the design freedom because the design restrictions are eliminated.

[0065] Although in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) are covered on the back surface of the display panel 110 (in the lower or lower part of the display panel 110), that is, hidden and not exposed to the outside, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) are required to receive or detect light to normally perform a predetermined function.

[0066] In addition, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, although one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) are covered on the back surface of the display panel 110 (in the lower or lower part of the display panel 110) and are positioned to overlap with the display area DA, image display needs to be normally performed in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA1) in the display area DA that overlap with one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12).

[0067] Figure 2 The system configuration of the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0068] Refer to Figure 2, the display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit as components for displaying an image.

[0069] The display driving circuit is a circuit for driving the display panel 110, and may include a data driving circuit 220, a gate driving circuit 230, a display controller 240, etc.

[0070] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA for not displaying an image. The non-display area NDA may be an area outside the display area DA, and may also be referred to as an edge area or a border area. All or a part of the non-display area NDA may be an area visible from the front surface of the display device 100, or may be a curved area and invisible from the front surface of the display device 100.

[0071] The display panel 110 may include a substrate SUB and a plurality of sub-pixels SP disposed on the substrate SUB. The display panel 110 may also include various types of signal lines for driving the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0072] In some embodiments, the display device 100 herein may be a liquid crystal display device or the like, or a self-emitting display device that emits light from the display panel 110 itself. In some embodiments, when the display device 100 is a self-emitting display device, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light-emitting element.

[0073] In some embodiments, the display device 100 may be an organic light-emitting display device in which an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is used to implement the light-emitting element. In some embodiments, the display device 100 may be an inorganic light-emitting display device in which a light-emitting diode based on an inorganic material is used to implement the light-emitting element. In some embodiments, the display device 100 may be a quantum dot display device in which quantum dots are used to implement the light-emitting element, and quantum dots are self-emitting semiconductor crystals.

[0074] The structure of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may vary according to the type of the display device 100. For example, when the display device 100 is a self-emitting display device including self-emitting sub-pixels SP, each sub-pixel SP may include a self-emitting light-emitting element, one or more transistors, and one or more capacitors.

[0075] Various types of signal lines disposed in the display device 100 may include, for example, a plurality of data lines DL for carrying data signals (also referred to as data voltages or image signals), a plurality of gate lines GL for carrying gate signals (also referred to as scan signals), etc.

[0076] Multiple data lines DL and multiple gate lines GL may cross each other. Each of the multiple data lines DL may be set to extend in a first direction. Each of the multiple gate lines GL may be set to extend in a second direction.

[0077] For example, the first direction may be a column direction or a vertical direction, and the second direction may be a row direction or a horizontal direction. In another example, the first direction may be a row direction, and the second direction may be a column direction.

[0078] The data driving circuit 220 is a circuit for driving the multiple data lines DL and may provide data signals to the multiple data lines DL. The gate driving circuit 230 is a circuit for driving the multiple gate lines GL and may provide gate signals to the multiple gate lines GL.

[0079] The display controller 240 is a device for controlling the data driving circuit 220 and the gate driving circuit 230 and may control the driving timing of the multiple data lines DL and the driving timing of the multiple gate lines GL.

[0080] The display controller 240 may provide a data driving control signal DCS to the data driving circuit 220 to control the data driving circuit 220 and provide a gate driving control signal GCS to the gate driving circuit 230 to control the gate driving circuit 230.

[0081] The display controller 240 may receive input image data from the host system 250 and provide image data Data to the data driving circuit 220 based on the input image data.

[0082] The data driving circuit 220 may provide data signals to the multiple data lines DL according to the driving timing control of the display controller 240.

[0083] The data driving circuit 220 may receive digital image data Data from the display controller 240, convert the received image data Data into an analog data signal, and provide the obtained analog data signal to the multiple data lines DL.

[0084] The gate driving circuit 230 may provide gate signals to the multiple gate lines GL according to the timing control of the display controller 240. The gate driving circuit 230 may receive a first gate voltage corresponding to a conduction level voltage and a second gate voltage corresponding to a cut-off level voltage together with various gate driving control signals GCS, generate a gate signal, and provide the generated gate signal to the multiple gate lines GL.

[0085] In some embodiments, the data driving circuit 220 may be connected to the display panel 110 in a tape automated bonding (TAB) type, or connected to a conductive pad (e.g., a bonding pad) of the display panel 110 in a chip on glass (COG) type or a chip on panel (COP) type, or connected to the display panel 110 in a chip on film (COF) type.

[0086] In some embodiments, the gate driving circuit 230 may be connected to the display panel 110 in a tape automated bonding (TAB) type, or connected to a conductive pad (e.g., a bonding pad) of the display panel 110 in a chip on glass (COG) type or a chip on panel (COP) type, or connected to the display panel 110 in a chip on film (COF) type. In another embodiment, the gate driving circuit 230 may be disposed in a non-display area NDA of the display panel 110 in an in-panel gate (GIP) type. The gate driving circuit 230 may be disposed on or above the substrate, or connected to the substrate. That is, in the case of the GIP type, the gate driving circuit 230 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the substrate. In the case of the chip on glass (COG) type, the chip on film (COF) type, etc., the gate driving circuit 230 may be connected to the substrate.

[0087] At least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gate driving circuit 230 may be disposed in a display area DA of the display panel 110. For example, at least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gate driving circuit 230 may be arranged not to overlap with the sub-pixels SP, or arranged to overlap with one or more sub-pixels or all sub-pixels of the sub-pixels SP.

[0088] The data driving circuit 220 may also be located only on one side or part (e.g., the upper edge or the lower edge) of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, depending on the driving scheme, the panel design scheme, etc., the data driving circuit 220 may be located on at least two sides or parts of the two sides or parts (e.g., the upper edge and the lower edge) or the four sides or parts (e.g., the upper edge, the lower edge, the left edge, and the right edge) of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The gate driving circuit 230 may be located only on one side or part (e.g., the left edge or the right edge) of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, depending on the driving scheme, the panel design scheme, etc., the gate driving circuit 230 may be located on at least two sides or parts of the two sides or parts (e.g., the left edge and the right edge) or the four sides or parts (e.g., the upper edge, the lower edge, the left edge, and the right edge) of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The display controller 240 can be implemented as a component separate from the data driving circuit 220, or can be integrated with the data driving circuit 220 and thus implemented as an integrated circuit.

[0091] The display controller 240 can be a timing controller used in typical display technologies, or can be a controller or control device capable of additionally performing other control functions in addition to the functions of a typical timing controller. In some embodiments, the display controller 140 can be a controller or control device different from the timing controller, or a circuit or component included in a controller or control device. The display controller 240 can be implemented using various circuits or electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), processors, etc.

[0092] The display controller 240 can be mounted on a printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit, etc., and can be electrically connected to the gate driving circuit 230 and the data driving circuit 220 through a printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit, etc.

[0093] The display controller 240 can send signals to and receive signals from the data driving circuit 220 via one or more predefined interfaces. In some embodiments, such interfaces can include a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface, an EPI interface, a serial peripheral interface (SP), etc.

[0094] In some embodiments, in order to further provide a touch sensing function and an image display function, the display device 100 can include at least one touch sensor and a touch sensing circuit. The touch sensing circuit can detect whether a touch event occurs for a touch object such as a finger, a pen, etc., or can detect a corresponding touch position by sensing the touch sensor.

[0095] The touch sensing circuit can include: a touch driving circuit 260 capable of generating and providing touch sensing data by driving and sensing the touch sensor; a touch controller 270 capable of using the touch sensing data to detect the occurrence of a touch event or detect a touch position; etc.

[0096] The touch sensor can include a plurality of touch electrodes. The touch sensor can also include a plurality of touch lines for electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes to the touch driving circuit 260.

[0097] The touch sensor may be implemented in the form of a touch panel outside the display panel 110 or inside the display panel 110. When the touch sensor is implemented in the form of a touch panel outside the display panel 110, such a touch sensor is referred to as an additional type. When an additional type of touch sensor is provided, the touch panel and the display panel 110 may be separately manufactured and combined during the assembly process. The additional type of touch panel may include a touch panel substrate and a plurality of touch electrodes located on the touch panel substrate.

[0098] When the touch sensor is implemented inside the display panel 110, during the process of manufacturing the display panel 110, the touch sensor may be provided above the substrate SUB together with signal lines and electrodes related to display driving.

[0099] The touch driving circuit 260 may provide a touch driving signal to at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes to generate touch sensing data.

[0100] The touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing using a self - capacitance sensing method or a mutual - capacitance sensing method.

[0101] When the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using the self - capacitance sensing method, the touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between each touch electrode and a touch object (e.g., a finger, a pen, etc.).

[0102] According to the self - capacitance sensing method, each of the plurality of touch electrodes may be used as both a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode. The touch driving circuit 260 may drive all of the plurality of touch electrodes or one or more of the touch electrodes and sense all of the plurality of touch electrodes or one or more of the touch electrodes.

[0103] When the touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using the mutual - capacitance sensing method, the touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between the touch electrodes.

[0104] According to the mutual - capacitance sensing method, the plurality of touch electrodes are divided into driving touch electrodes and sensing touch electrodes. The touch driving circuit 260 may drive the driving touch electrodes and sense the sensing touch electrodes.

[0105] The touch driving circuit 260 and the touch controller 270 included in the touch sensing circuit may be implemented in separate devices or in a single device. In addition, the touch driving circuit 260 and the data driving circuit 220 may be implemented in separate devices or in a single device.

[0106] The display device 100 may further include a power supply circuit configured to supply various types of power to the display driving circuit and / or the touch sensing circuit.

[0107] In some embodiments, the display device 100 may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc., or a monitor, a television (TV), etc. Such devices may be of various types, sizes, and shapes. The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and includes displays of various types, sizes, and shapes for displaying information or images.

[0108] As described above, the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include a non-optical area NA and one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2), for example, as Figures 1A to 1C shown.

[0109] The non-optical area NA and the one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) are areas where images can be displayed. However, the non-optical area NA is an area where it is not necessary to implement a light transmission structure, and the one or more optical areas OA1, OA2 are areas where it is necessary to implement a light transmission structure.

[0110] As discussed in the example above regarding Figures 1A to 1C Although the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) in addition to the non-optical area NA, for ease of description, unless otherwise explicitly stated, in the following discussion, it is assumed that the display area DA includes a first optical area and a second optical area (OA1, OA2) and the non-optical area NA, and its non-optical area NA includes Figures 1A to 1C the non-optical area NA in Figures 1A to 1C and its first optical area and second optical area (OA1, OA2) include the first optical area OA1 in Figure 1B and Figure 1C the second optical area OA2 in

[0111] Figure 3 Illustrates an equivalent circuit of a sub-pixel SP in the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Each sub-pixel SP provided in the non-optical area NA, the first optical area OA1, and the second optical area OA2 included in the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include a light-emitting element ED, a driving transistor DRT for driving the light-emitting element ED, a scanning transistor SCT for transmitting a data voltage Vdata to a first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT, a storage capacitor Cst for maintaining a voltage at an approximately constant level during one frame, etc.

[0113] The driving transistor DRT may include a first node N1 to which a data voltage is applied, a second node N2 electrically connected to the light-emitting element ED, and a third node N3 to which a driving voltage ELVDD is applied through a driving voltage line DVL. In the driving transistor DRT, the first node N1 may be a gate node, the second node N2 may be a source node or a drain node, and the third node N3 may be a drain node or a source node.

[0114] The light-emitting element ED may include an anode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a cathode CE. The anode AE may be a pixel electrode provided in each sub-pixel SP and may be electrically connected to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT of each sub-pixel SP. The cathode CE may be a common electrode commonly provided in a plurality of sub-pixels SP, and a base voltage ELVSS, such as a low-level voltage, may be applied to the cathode CE.

[0115] For example, the anode AE may be a pixel electrode and the cathode CE may be a common electrode. In another example, the anode AE may be a common electrode and the cathode CE may be a pixel electrode. For ease of description, unless otherwise clearly stated, in the following discussion, it is assumed that the anode AE is a pixel electrode and the cathode CE is a common electrode.

[0116] The light-emitting element ED may be, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an inorganic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting element, etc. In the case where an organic light-emitting diode is used as the light-emitting element ED, the light-emitting layer EL included in the light-emitting element ED may include an organic light-emitting layer containing an organic material.

[0117] The scan transistor SCT may be turned on and off by a scan signal SCAN, which is a gate signal applied through a gate line GL, and the scan transistor SCT is electrically connected between the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT and the data line DL.

[0118] The storage capacitor Cst may be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0119] As Figure 3 shown, each sub-pixel SP may include two transistors (2T: DRT and SCT) and one capacitor (1C: Cst) (referred to as a "2T1C structure"), and in some cases, may further include one or more transistors, or may further include one or more capacitors.

[0120] The storage capacitor Cst can be an external capacitor intentionally designed to be located outside the driving transistor DRT, rather than an internal capacitor such as a parasitic capacitor (e.g., Cgs, Cgd) that may exist between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0121] Each of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT can be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0122] Since the circuit elements (specifically, the light-emitting element ED) in each sub-pixel SP are vulnerable to external moisture or oxygen, an encapsulation layer ENCAP can be provided in the display panel 110 to prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the circuit elements (specifically, the light-emitting element ED). The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be provided to cover the light-emitting element ED.

[0123] Figure 4 The arrangement of sub-pixels SP in three regions (NA, OA1, and OA2) included in the display area DA of the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0124] Referring to Figure 4 , a plurality of sub-pixels SP can be provided in each of the non-optical region NA, the first optical region OA1, and the second optical region OA2 included in the display area DA.

[0125] The plurality of sub-pixels SP can include, for example, a red sub-pixel (Red SP) that emits red light, a green sub-pixel (Green SP) that emits green light, and a blue sub-pixel (Blue SP) that emits blue light.

[0126] Therefore, each of the non-optical region NA, the first optical region OA1, and the second optical region OA2 can include one or more light-emitting regions EA of one or more red sub-pixels (Red SP), one or more light-emitting regions EA of one or more green sub-pixels (Green SP), and one or more light-emitting regions EA of one or more blue sub-pixels (Blue SP).

[0127] Referring to Figure 4 , the non-optical region NA may not include a light-transmitting structure, but may include a light-emitting region EA without a light-transmitting structure.

[0128] However, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 include both a light-emitting region EA and a light-transmitting structure.

[0129] Accordingly, the first optical region OA1 may include a light-emitting region EA and a first transmissive region TA1 (e.g., a light-transmissive region), and the second optical region OA2 may include a light-emitting region EA and a second transmissive region TA2 (e.g., a light-transmissive region).

[0130] The light-emitting region EA and the transmissive regions (TA1, TA2) may differ in terms of whether light transmission is allowed. That is, the light-emitting region EA may be a region where light transmission is not allowed, and the transmissive regions TA1, TA2 may be regions where light transmission is allowed.

[0131] The light-emitting region EA and the transmissive regions TA1, TA2 may also differ in terms of whether a specific metal layer is included. For example, the cathode CE may be provided in the light-emitting region EA, while the cathode CE may not be provided in the transmissive regions (TA1, TA2). Additionally, a light-shielding layer may be provided in the light-emitting region EA, while the light-shielding layer may not be provided in the transmissive regions (TA1, TA2).

[0132] Since the first optical region OA1 includes the first transmissive region TA1 and the second optical region OA2 includes the second transmissive region TA2, both the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are regions through which light can pass.

[0133] In one embodiment, the transmittance (transmission degree) of the first optical region OA1 and the transmittance (transmission degree) of the second optical region OA2 may be substantially equal.

[0134] For example, the first transmissive region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmissive region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 may have substantially the same shape or size. In another example, even when the first transmissive region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmissive region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 have different shapes or sizes, the ratio of the first transmissive region TA1 to the first optical region OA1 and the ratio of the second transmissive region TA2 to the second optical region OA2 may also be substantially equal.

[0135] In another embodiment, the transmittance (transmission degree) of the first optical region OA1 and the transmittance (transmission degree) of the second optical region OA2 may be different.

[0136] For example, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 may have different shapes or sizes. In another example, even when the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 have substantially equal shapes or sizes, the ratio of the first transmission region TA1 to the first optical region OA1 and the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 to the second optical region OA2 may be different from each other.

[0137] For example, in a case where the first optoelectronic device 11 overlapping the first optical region OA1 is a camera and the second optoelectronic device 12 overlapping the second optical region OA2 is a sensor for detecting an image, the camera may require a larger amount of light than the sensor.

[0138] Therefore, the transmittance (transmission degree) of the first optical region OA1 may be larger than the transmittance (transmission degree) of the second optical region OA2.

[0139] In this case, the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 may have a larger size than the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2. In another example, even when the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1 and the second transmission region TA2 of the second optical region OA2 have substantially equal sizes, the ratio of the first transmission region TA1 to the first optical region OA1 may be larger than the ratio of the second transmission region TA2 to the second optical region OA2.

[0140] For ease of description, the following discussion is based on an embodiment in which the transmittance (transmission degree) of the first optical region OA1 is larger than the transmittance (transmission degree) of the second optical region OA2.

[0141] In addition, as Figure 4 shown, the transmission regions (TA1, TA2) may be referred to as transparent regions, and the term transmittance may be referred to as transparency.

[0142] In addition, unless otherwise clearly stated, in the following discussion, as Figure 4 shown, it is assumed that the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are located in the upper edge of the display region DA of the display panel 110, and the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are arranged horizontally adjacent to each other, for example, arranged along the extending direction of the upper edge.

[0143] Refer to Figure 4A horizontal display area provided with a first optical area OA1 and a second optical area OA2 is referred to as a first horizontal display area HA1, and another horizontal display area without the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 is referred to as a second horizontal display area HA2.

[0144] Referring to Figure 4 , the first horizontal display area HA1 may include a part of the non-optical area NA, the first optical area OA1, and the second optical area OA2. The second horizontal display area HA2 may include another part of the non-optical area NA without the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2.

[0145] Figure 5A Illustrated is the layout of signal lines in each of the first optical area OA1 and the non-optical area NA in the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5B Illustrated is the layout of signal lines in each of the second optical area OA2 and the non-optical area NA in the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first horizontal display area HA1 shown in is a part of the first horizontal display area HA1 of the display panel 110, and the second horizontal display area HA2 therein is a part of the second horizontal display area HA2 of the display panel 110.

[0147] Figure 5A The first optical area OA1 shown in is a part of the first optical area OA1 of the display panel 110, and Figure 5B The second optical area OA2 shown in is a part of the second optical area OA2 of the display panel 110.

[0148] Referring to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the first horizontal display area HA1 may include the first optical area OA1, the second optical area OA2, and a part of the non-optical area NA. The second horizontal display area HA2 may include another part of the non-optical area NA without the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2.

[0149] Various types of horizontal lines HL1, HL2 and various types of vertical lines VLn, VL1, VL2 may be provided in the display panel 110.

[0150] In this document, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used to refer to two directions intersecting the display panel. However, it should be noted that the horizontal direction and the vertical direction may change according to the viewing direction. The horizontal direction may refer to, for example, the direction in which one of the gate lines GL is set to extend, and the vertical direction may refer to, for example, the direction in which one of the data lines DL is set to extend. Therefore, the terms horizontal and vertical are used to represent two directions.

[0151] Referring to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the horizontal lines provided in the display panel 110 may include a first horizontal line HL1 provided in the first horizontal display area HA1 and a second horizontal line HL2 provided on the second horizontal display area HA2.

[0152] The horizontal lines provided in the display panel 110 may be gate lines GL. That is, the first horizontal line HL1 and the second horizontal line HL2 may be gate lines GL. According to the structure of one or more sub-pixels SP, the gate lines GL may include various types of gate lines.

[0153] Referring to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the vertical lines provided in the display panel 110 may include a typical vertical line VLn provided only in the non-optical area NA, a first vertical line VL1 extending through both the first optical area OA1 and the non-optical area NA, and a second vertical line VL2 extending through both the second optical area OA2 and the non-optical area NA.

[0154] The vertical lines provided in the display panel 110 may include data lines DL, driving voltage lines DVL, etc., and may also include reference voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc. That is, the typical vertical line VLn, the first vertical line VL1, and the second vertical line VL2 may include data lines DL, driving voltage lines DVL, etc., and may also include reference voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.

[0155] In some embodiments, it should be noted that the term "horizontal" in the second horizontal line HL2 may only mean that the signal is transmitted from the left side to the right side (or from the right side to the left side) of the display panel, and may not mean that the second horizontal line HL2 extends in a straight line only in the direct horizontal direction. For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B , although the second horizontal line HL2 is illustrated as a straight line, one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 may include one or more bent or folded portions having a configuration different from that thereof. Similarly, one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 may also include one or more bent or folded portions.

[0156] In some embodiments, it should be noted that the term "vertical" in a typical vertical line VLn may only mean that a signal is transmitted from an upper portion of the display panel to a lower portion (or from the lower portion to the upper portion), and may not mean that the typical vertical line VLn extends in a straight line only in a directly vertical direction. For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B , although the typical vertical line VLn is shown as a straight line, one or more of the typical vertical lines VLn may include one or more bent or folded portions having a configuration different from that thereof. Similarly, one or more first vertical lines VL1 and one or more second vertical lines VL2 may also include one or more bent or folded portions.

[0157] Referring to Figure 5A , a first optical region OA1 included in a first horizontal display region HA1 may include a light-emitting region EA and a first transmissive region TA1. In the first optical region OA1, corresponding outer regions of the first transmissive region TA1 may include corresponding light-emitting regions EA.

[0158] Referring to Figure 5A , in order to increase the transmittance of the first optical region OA1, a first horizontal line HL1 may extend through the first optical region OA1 by avoiding the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0159] Accordingly, each first horizontal line in the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 may include one or more bent or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more first transmissive regions in the first transmissive region TA1.

[0160] Accordingly, the first horizontal line HL1 provided in the first horizontal display region HA1 and the second horizontal line HL2 provided in the second horizontal display region HA2 may have different shapes or lengths. For example, the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second horizontal line HL2 not extending through the first optical region OA1 may have different shapes or lengths.

[0161] In addition, in order to increase the transmittance of the first optical region OA1, a first vertical line VL1 may extend through the first optical region OA1 by avoiding the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0162] Accordingly, each first vertical line in the first vertical line VL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 may include one or more bent or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more first transmissive regions in the first transmissive region TA1.

[0163] Thus, a first vertical line VL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and a typical vertical line VLn disposed in the non-optical region NA and not extending through the first optical region OA1 may have different shapes or lengths.

[0164] Referring to Figure 5A , a first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 included in the first horizontal display region HA1 may be arranged in a diagonal direction.

[0165] Referring to Figure 5A , in the first optical region OA1 in the first horizontal display region HA1, one or more light-emitting regions EA may be disposed between two horizontally adjacent first transmission regions TA1. In the first optical region OA1 in the first horizontal display region HA1, one or more light-emitting regions EA may be disposed between two vertically adjacent first transmission regions TA1.

[0166] Referring to Figure 5A , the first horizontal lines HL1 (i.e., the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1) disposed in the first horizontal display region HA1 may each include one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more of the first transmission regions TA1 in the first transmission region TA1.

[0167] Referring to Figure 5B , the second optical region OA2 included in the first horizontal display region HA1 may include a light-emitting region EA and a second transmission region TA2. In the second optical region OA2, corresponding outer regions of the second transmission region TA2 may include corresponding light-emitting regions EA.

[0168] In one embodiment, the light-emitting region EA and the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may have substantially the same positions and arrangements as Figure 5A the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 of

[0169] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5B , the light-emitting region EA and the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may have different positions and arrangements from Figure 5A the light-emitting region EA and the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 of

[0170] For example, referring to Figure 5B, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be arranged in the horizontal direction (left-to-right direction or right-to-left direction). The light-emitting regions EA may not be provided between two second transmission regions TA2 adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. In addition, one or more light-emitting regions EA in the light-emitting region EA in the second optical region OA2 may be provided between second transmission regions TA2 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction (up-to-down direction or down-to-up direction). For example, one or more light-emitting regions EA may be provided between two rows of second transmission regions.

[0171] When, in the first horizontal display region HA1, extending through the second optical region OA2 and the non-optical region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2, in one embodiment, the first horizontal line HL1 may have an arrangement substantially the same as that of Figure 5A the first horizontal line HL1.

[0172] In another embodiment, as Figure 5B shown, when, in the first horizontal display region HA1, extending through the second optical region OA2 and the non-optical region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2, the first horizontal line HL1 may have an arrangement different from that of Figure 5A the first horizontal line HL1 in

[0173] This is because Figure 5B the light-emitting regions EA and the second transmission regions TA2 in the second optical region OA2 in Figure 5A have different positions and arrangements from the light-emitting regions EA and the first transmission regions TA1 in the first optical region OA1 in

[0174] Referring to Figure 5B , when, in the first horizontal display region HA1, the first horizontal line HL1 extends through the second optical region OA2 and the non-optical region NA adjacent to the second optical region OA2, the first horizontal line HL1 may extend in a straight line between vertically adjacent second transmission regions TA2 without having a curved or bent portion.

[0175] For example, a first horizontal line HL1 may have one or more curved or bent portions in the first optical region OA1, but may not have a curved or bent portion in the second optical region OA2.

[0176] To improve the transmittance of the second optical region OA2, the second vertical line VL2 may extend through the second optical region OA2 by avoiding the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0177] Thus, each second vertical line VL2 extending through the second optical region OA2 may include one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more second transmission regions in the second transmission region TA2.

[0178] Thus, the second vertical line VL2 extending through the second optical region OA2 and a typical vertical line VLn disposed in the non-optical region NA and not extending through the second optical region OA2 may have different shapes or lengths.

[0179] As Figure 5A shown, each first horizontal line or one or more first horizontal lines in the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 may have one or more curved or bent portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more first transmission regions in the first transmission region TA1.

[0180] Thus, the length of the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may be slightly longer than the length of the second horizontal line HL2 disposed in the non-optical region NA and not extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0181] Thus, the resistance of the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (which is referred to as the first resistance) may be slightly larger than the resistance of the second horizontal line HL2 disposed in the non-optical region NA and not extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (which is referred to as the second resistance).

[0182] Referring to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , according to the light transmission structure, since the first optical region OA1 that at least partially overlaps with the first optoelectronic device 11 includes the first transmission region TA1, and the second optical region OA2 that at least partially overlaps with the second optoelectronic device 12 includes the second transmission region TA2, therefore, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may have a smaller number of sub-pixels per unit area than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the non-optical region NA.

[0183] Thus, the number of sub-pixels connected to each first horizontal line or one or more first horizontal lines in the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may be different from the number of sub-pixels connected to each second horizontal line or one or more second horizontal lines in the second horizontal line HL2 disposed only in the non-optical region NA and not extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2.

[0184] The number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (which is referred to as the first number) may be smaller than the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 that are only disposed in the non-optical region NA and do not extend through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (which is referred to as the second number).

[0185] The difference between the first number and the second number may vary according to the difference between the resolution of each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 and the resolution of the non-optical region NA. For example, as the difference between the resolution of each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 and the resolution of the non-optical region NA increases, the difference between the first number and the second number may increase.

[0186] As described above, since the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the first horizontal lines HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (the first number) is smaller than the number of sub-pixels connected to each or one or more of the second horizontal lines HL2 that are only disposed in the non-optical region NA and do not extend through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (the second number), the region where the first horizontal line HL1 overlaps with one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the first horizontal line HL1 may be smaller than the region where the second horizontal line HL2 overlaps with one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the second horizontal line HL2.

[0187] Therefore, the parasitic capacitance formed between the first horizontal line HL1 and one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the first horizontal line HL1 (which is referred to as the first capacitance) may be much smaller than the parasitic capacitance formed between the second horizontal line HL2 and one or more other electrodes or lines adjacent to the second horizontal line HL2 (which is referred to as the second capacitance).

[0188] Considering the magnitude relationship between the first resistance and the second resistance (first resistance ≥ second resistance) and the magnitude relationship between the first capacitance and the second capacitance (first capacitance << second capacitance), the resistance-capacitance (RC) value of the first horizontal line HL1 extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (which is referred to as the first RC value) may be much smaller than the RC value of the second horizontal line HL2 disposed in the non-optical region NA and not extending through the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 (which is referred to as the second RC value), that is, resulting in first RC value << second RC value.

[0189] Due to this difference between the first RC value of the first horizontal line HL1 and the second RC value of the second horizontal line HL2 (which is referred to as the RC load difference), the signal transmission characteristics through the first horizontal line HL1 may be different from those through the second horizontal line HL2.

[0190] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are cross-sectional views of each of the first optical region OA1, the second optical region OA2, and the non-optical region NA included in the display region DA of the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] Figure 6 shows the display panel 110 in the case where the touch sensor is implemented in the form of a touch panel outside the display panel 110, and Figure 7 shows the display panel 110 in the case where the touch sensor TS is implemented inside the display panel 110.

[0192] Figure 6 and Figure 7 each of and shows a cross-sectional view of the non-optical region NA, the first optical region OA1, and the second optical region OA2 included in the display region DA.

[0193] will be described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The stacked structure of the non-optical region NA will be described. The corresponding light-emitting regions EA of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may have the same stacked structure as the light-emitting region EA of the non-optical region NA1.

[0194] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the substrate SUB may include a first substrate SUB1, an interlayer insulating layer IPD, and a second substrate SUB2. The interlayer insulating layer IPD may be interposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. Since the substrate SUB includes the first substrate SUB1, the interlayer insulating layer IPD, and the second substrate SUB2, the substrate SUB can prevent or at least reduce the penetration of moisture. The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be, for example, polyimide (PI) substrates. The first substrate SUB1 may be referred to as the main PI substrate, and the second substrate SUB2 may be referred to as the auxiliary PI substrate.

[0195] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7For setting various types of patterns (ACT, SD1, GATE) of one or more transistors such as a driving transistor DRT, various types of insulating layers (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0), and various types of metal patterns (TM, GM, ML1, ML2) can be set on or above a substrate SUB.

[0196] Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A multi-buffer layer MBUF can be set on a second substrate SUB2, and a first active buffer layer ABUF1 can be set on the multi-buffer layer MBUF.

[0197] A first metal layer ML1 and a second metal layer ML2 can be set on the first active buffer layer ABUF1. The first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2 can be, for example, a light-shielding layer LS for shielding light.

[0198] A second active buffer layer ABUF2 can be set on the first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2. An active layer ACT of the driving transistor DRT can be set on the second active buffer layer ABUF2.

[0199] A gate insulating layer GI can be set to cover the active layer ACT.

[0200] A gate GATE of the driving transistor DRT can be set on the gate insulating layer GI. In this case, a gate material layer GM can be set on the gate insulating layer GI together with the gate GATE of the driving transistor DRT at a position different from the position where the driving transistor DRT is set.

[0201] A first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 can be set to cover the gate GATE and the gate material layer GM. A metal pattern TM can be set on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The metal pattern TM can be located at a position different from the position where the driving transistor DRT is formed. A second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 can be set to cover the metal pattern TM on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1.

[0202] Two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be set on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. One of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be a source node of the driving transistor DRT, and the other can be a drain node of the driving transistor DRT.

[0203] The two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be electrically connected to a first side portion and a second side portion of the active layer ACT respectively through contact holes formed in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, and the gate insulating layer GI.

[0204] The overlapping portion of the active layer ACT with the gate GATE can be used as a channel region. One of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be connected to the first side portion of the channel region of the active layer ACT, and the other of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 can be connected to the second side portion of the channel region of the active layer ACT.

[0205] The passivation layer PAS0 can be provided to cover the two first source-drain patterns SD1. The planarization layer PLN can be provided on the passivation layer PAS0. The planarization layer PLN can include a first planarization layer PLN1 and a second planarization layer PLN2.

[0206] The first planarization layer PLN1 can be provided on the passivation layer PAS0.

[0207] The second source-drain pattern SD2 can be provided on the first planarization layer PLN1. The second source-drain pattern SD2 can be connected to one of the two first source-drain patterns SD1 through a contact hole formed in the first planarization layer PLN1 (corresponding to Figure 3 the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT in the sub-pixel SP).

[0208] The second planarization layer PLN2 can be provided to cover the second source-drain pattern SD2. The light-emitting element ED can be provided on the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0209] According to the exemplary layer stack structure of the light-emitting element ED, the anode AE can be provided on the second planarization layer PLN2. The anode AE can be electrically connected to the second source-drain pattern SD2 through a contact hole formed in the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0210] The bank BANK can be provided to cover a part of the anode AE. A part of the bank BANK corresponding to the light-emitting region EA of the sub-pixel SP can be opened.

[0211] A part of the anode AE can be exposed through the opening (open part) of the bank BANK. The light-emitting layer EL can be located on the side surface of the bank BANK and in the opening (open part) of the bank BANK. All or at least a part of the light-emitting layer EL can be located between adjacent banks.

[0212] In the opening of the bank BANK, the light-emitting layer EL can contact the anode AE. The cathode CE can be provided on the light-emitting layer EL.

[0213] As described above, the light-emitting element ED can be formed by including the anode AE, the light-emitting layer EL, and the cathode CE. The light-emitting layer EL can include an organic layer.

[0214] The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be disposed on the stack of light-emitting elements ED.

[0215] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, for example, the encapsulation layer ENCAP can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, and the encapsulation layer ENCAP can include a first encapsulation layer PAS1, a second encapsulation layer PCL, and a third encapsulation layer PAS2.

[0216] The first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be, for example, inorganic layers, and the second encapsulation layer PCL can be, for example, an organic layer. Among the first encapsulation layer PAS1, the second encapsulation layer PCL, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be the thickest and serve as a planarization layer.

[0217] The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be disposed on the cathode CE and can be set closest to the light-emitting element ED. The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can include an inorganic insulating material that can be deposited using low-temperature deposition. For example, the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can include, but is not limited to, silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), etc. Since the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere, during the deposition process, the first encapsulation layer PAS1 can prevent the light-emitting layer EL containing organic materials vulnerable to high-temperature atmospheres from being damaged.

[0218] The second encapsulation layer PCL can have an area smaller than that of the first encapsulation layer PAS1. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be set to expose both ends or edges of the first encapsulation layer PAS1. The second encapsulation layer PCL can serve as a buffer for releasing stress between the corresponding layers while the display device 100 is bent or folded, and also for enhancing planarization performance. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL can include an organic insulating material such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, silicon oxycarbide (SiOC), etc. The second encapsulation layer PCL can be set, for example, using an inkjet scheme.

[0219] The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be disposed above the substrate SUB on which the second encapsulation layer PCL is disposed above to cover the corresponding top surfaces and side surfaces of the second encapsulation layer PCL and the first encapsulation layer PAS1. The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can minimize or prevent or at least reduce the penetration of external moisture or oxygen into the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL. For example, the third encapsulation layer PAS2 can include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), etc.

[0220] Referring to Figure 7, when the touch sensor TS is embedded in the display panel 110, the touch sensor TS can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The structure of the touch sensor will be described in detail below.

[0221] The touch buffer layer T-BUF can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The touch sensor TS can be disposed on the touch buffer layer T-BUF.

[0222] The touch sensor TS can include a touch sensor metal TSM and at least one bridging metal BRG located in different layers.

[0223] The touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD can be disposed between the touch sensor metal TSM and the bridging metal BRG.

[0224] For example, the touch sensor metal TSM can include a first touch sensor metal TSM, a second touch sensor metal TSM, and a third touch sensor metal TSM disposed adjacent to each other. In an embodiment where the third touch sensor metal TSM is disposed between the first touch sensor metal TSM and the second touch sensor metal TSM, and the first touch sensor metal TSM and the second touch sensor metal TSM need to be electrically connected to each other, the first touch sensor metal TSM and the second touch sensor metal TSM can be electrically connected to each other through a bridging metal BRG located in different layers. The bridging metal BRG can be electrically insulated from the third touch sensor metal TSM through the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD.

[0225] When the touch sensor TS is disposed on the display panel 110, chemical solutions (such as developers or etchants) used in the corresponding process or moisture from the outside may be generated or introduced. By disposing the touch sensor TS on the touch buffer layer T-BUF, it is possible to prevent chemical solutions or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting layer EL including organic materials during the manufacturing process of the touch sensor TS. Therefore, the touch buffer layer T-BUF can prevent or at least reduce damage to the light-emitting layer EL that is vulnerable to chemical solutions or moisture.

[0226] To prevent or at least reduce damage to the light-emitting layer EL containing organic materials vulnerable to high temperatures, the touch buffer layer T-BUF can be formed at a low temperature less than or equal to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius (°C)), and an organic insulating material with a low dielectric constant of 1 to 3 can be used to form it. For example, the touch buffer layer T-BUF can include an acrylic-based material, an epoxy-based material, or a silicon-based material. When the display device 100 is bent, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may be damaged, and the touch sensor metal located on the touch buffer layer T-BUF may crack or break. Even when the display device 100 is bent, the touch buffer layer T-BUF with planarization performance as an organic insulating material can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer ENCAP and / or cracking or breaking of the metal (TSM, BRG) included in the touch sensor TS.

[0227] The protective layer PAC can be provided to cover the touch sensor TS. The protective layer PAC can be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0228] Next, reference will be made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 to describe the stacked structure of the first optical region OA1.

[0229] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the light-emitting region EA of the first optical region OA1 can have the same stacked structure as the light-emitting region EA in the non-optical region NA. Therefore, in the following discussion, the description of the light-emitting region EA in the first optical region OA1 will not be repeated, and the stacked structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 will be described in detail below.

[0230] The cathode CE can be provided in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the first optical region OA1, but may not be provided in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1. For example, the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can correspond to the opening of the cathode CE.

[0231] In addition, the light-shielding layer LS including at least one of the first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2 can be provided in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the first optical region OA1, but may not be provided in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1. For example, the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can correspond to the opening of the light-shielding layer LS.

[0232] The substrate SUB1, SUB2, and various types of insulating layers (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0, PLN (PLN1, PLN2), BANK, ENCAP (PAS1, PCL, PAS2), T-BUF, T-ILD, PAC) provided in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the first optical region OA1 may be equally, substantially equally, or similarly provided in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0233] However, all or one or more of the material layers having electrical properties (e.g., metal material layers, semiconductor layers, etc.) other than insulating materials or layers provided in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the first optical region OA1 may not be provided in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0234] For example, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , all or one or more of the layers in the metal material layers (ML1, ML2, GATE, GM, TM, SD1, SD2) and the semiconductor layer (ACT) related to at least one transistor may not be provided in the first transmission region TA1.

[0235] In addition, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the anode AE and the cathode CE included in the light-emitting element ED may not be provided in the first transmission region TA1. In some embodiments, according to design requirements, the light-emitting layer EL of the light-emitting element ED may or may not be provided in the first transmission region TA1.

[0236] Furthermore, referring to Figure 7 , the touch sensor metal TSM and the bridging metal BRG included in the touch sensor TS may not be provided in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0237] Therefore, since no material layer having electrical properties (e.g., metal material layer, semiconductor layer, etc.) is provided in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1, the light transmittance of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can be provided or improved. Accordingly, the first optoelectronic device 11 can perform a predetermined function (e.g., image sensing) by receiving the light transmitted through the first transmission region TA1.

[0238] Since all or one or more of the first transmissive regions in the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 overlap with the first optoelectronic device 11, in order for the first optoelectronic device 11 to operate properly, it is necessary to further increase the transmittance of the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0239] To this end, in some embodiments, the first transmissive region TA1 formed in the first optical region OA1 of the display panel 110 of the display device 100 may have a transmittance improvement structure TIS.

[0240] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the plurality of insulating layers included in the display panel 110 may include a buffer layer (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2) between at least one substrate (SUB1, SUB2) and at least one transistor (DRT, SCT), a planarization layer (PLN1, PLN2) between the transistor DRT and the light-emitting element ED, an encapsulation layer ENCAP on the light-emitting element ED, and the like.

[0241] Referring to Figure 7 , the plurality of insulating layers included in the display panel 110 may further include a touch buffer layer T-BUF and a touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP, and the like.

[0242] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 may have such a structure (e.g., a groove, a trench, a recess, a protrusion, etc.), where the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 have a recessed portion extending downward from their respective surfaces toward the substrate SUB as the transmittance improvement structure TIS.

[0243] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , among the plurality of insulating layers, the first planarization layer PLN1 may include at least one recess (or groove, trench, recess, protrusion, etc.). The first planarization layer PLN1 may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0244] In the case where the first planarization layer PLN1 has a recessed portion extending downward from its surface, the second planarization layer PLN2 may be substantially used for planarization. In one embodiment, the second planarization layer PLN2 may also have a recessed portion extending downward from its surface. In this case, the second encapsulation layer PCL may be substantially used for planarization.

[0245] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the recessed portions of the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 may penetrate insulating layers such as the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, and the gate insulating layer GI used to form the transistor DRT, and penetrate buffer layers such as the first active buffer layer ABUF1, the second active buffer layer ABUF2, and the multi-buffer layer MBUF located below the insulating layer, and extend to the upper portion of the second substrate SUB2.

[0246] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the substrate SUB may include at least one recessed portion or a depressed portion as the transmittance improvement structure TIS. For example, in the first transmission region TA1, the upper portion of the second substrate SUB2 may be recessed or depressed downward, or the second substrate SUB2 may be perforated.

[0247] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL included in the encapsulation layer ENCAP may also have the transmittance improvement structure TIS, wherein the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL have recessed portions extending downward from their respective surfaces toward the substrate SUB. The second encapsulation layer PCL may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0248] Referring to Figure 7 , in order to protect the touch sensor TS, the protective layer PAC may be provided to cover the touch sensor TS on the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0249] In one embodiment, the protective layer PAC may have at least one depression (or groove, trench, recess, protrusion, etc.) as the transmittance improvement structure TIS in a portion overlapping with the first transmission region TA1. The protective layer PAC may be, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0250] Referring to Figure 7 , the touch sensor TS may include one or more touch sensor metals TSM having a grid type. In the case where the touch sensor metal TSM is formed in a grid type, a plurality of openings may be formed in the touch sensor metal TSM. Each opening among the plurality of openings may be positioned to correspond to the light-emitting region EA of the sub-pixel SP.

[0251] In order to make the first optical region OA1 have a transmittance higher than that of the non-optical region NA, the area or size of the touch sensor metal TSM per unit area in the first optical region OA1 may be smaller than the area or size of the touch sensor metal TSM per unit area in the non-optical region NA.

[0252] Referring to Figure 7, the touch sensor TS can be disposed in the light-emitting region EA in the first optical region OA1, but may not be disposed in the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0253] Next, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 the stacked structure of the second optical region OA2 will be described.

[0254] With reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the light-emitting region EA in the second optical region OA2 may have the same stacked structure as the light-emitting region EA in the non-optical region NA. Therefore, in the following discussion, the light-emitting region EA in the second optical region OA2 will not be described repeatedly. Below, the stacked structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 will be described in detail.

[0255] The cathode CE can be disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the second optical region OA2, but may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2. For example, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may correspond to the opening of the cathode CE.

[0256] In addition, the light-shielding layer LS including at least one metal layer of the first metal layer ML1 and the second metal layer ML2 can be disposed in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the second optical region OA2, but may not be disposed in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2. For example, the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may correspond to the opening of the light-shielding layer LS.

[0257] When the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 is the same as that of the first optical region OA1, the stacked structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may be the same as the stacked structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0258] When the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 is different from that of the first optical region OA1, the stacked structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may be different from the stacked structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 in at least a part.

[0259] For example, as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, when the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 is smaller than that of the first optical region OA1, the second transmissive region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may not have a transmittance improvement structure TIS. As a result, the first planarization layer PLN1 and the passivation layer PAS0 may not be recessed or indented. In addition, the width of the second transmissive region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 may be smaller than the width of the first transmissive region TA1 in the first optical region OA1.

[0260] The substrate (SUB1, SUB2) and various types of insulating layers (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0, PLN (PLN1, PLN2), BANK, ENCAP (PAS1, PCL, PAS2), T-BUF, T-ILD, PAC) provided in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the second optical region OA2 may be provided in the second transmissive region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 in the same, substantially the same, or similar manner.

[0261] However, all or one or more of the material layers having electrical properties other than insulating materials or layers provided in the light-emitting region EA included in the non-optical region NA and the second optical region OA2 (e.g., metal material layers, semiconductor layers, etc.) may not be provided in the second transmissive region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0262] For example, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , all or one or more of the metal material layers (ML1, ML2, GATE, GM, TM, SD1, SD2) and the semiconductor layer (ACT) associated with at least one transistor may not be provided in the second transmissive region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0263] In addition, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the anode AE and the cathode CE included in the light-emitting element ED may not be provided in the second transmissive region TA2. In some embodiments, depending on the design requirements, the light-emitting layer EL of the light-emitting element ED may or may not be provided in the second transmissive region TA2.

[0264] In addition, referring to Figure 7 , the touch sensor metal TSM and the bridging metal BRG included in the touch sensor TS may not be provided in the second transmissive region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0265] Therefore, since no material layer having electrical properties (e.g., a metal material layer, a semiconductor layer, etc.) is provided in the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2, the light transmittance of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2 can be provided or improved. Accordingly, the second optoelectronic device 12 can perform a predetermined function (e.g., proximity detection of an object or a human body, external illumination detection, etc.) by receiving the light transmitted through the second transmission region TA2.

[0266] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an edge of a display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0267] For simplicity of illustration, Figure 8 a single substrate SUB including a first substrate SUB1 and a second substrate SUB2 is illustrated, and the layers or portions located under the bank BANK are also shown in a simplified structure. Similarly, Figure 8 a single planarization layer PLN including a first planarization layer PLN1 and a second planarization layer PLN2, and a single interlayer insulating layer INS including a second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 and a first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 located under the planarization layer PLN are illustrated.

[0268] Referring to Figure 8 , a first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be provided on the cathode CE and is provided closest to the light-emitting element ED. The second encapsulation layer PCL can have an area or size smaller than that of the first encapsulation layer PAS1. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be provided to expose two ends or edges of the first encapsulation layer PAS1.

[0269] A third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be provided above the substrate SUB on which the second encapsulation layer PCL is provided above, such that the third encapsulation layer PAS2 covers the corresponding top surfaces and side surfaces of the second encapsulation layer PCL and the first encapsulation layer PAS1.

[0270] The third encapsulation layer PAS2 can reduce or prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second encapsulation layer PCL.

[0271] Referring to Figure 8 , to prevent or at least reduce the collapse of the encapsulation layer ENCAP, the display panel 110 can include one or more dam portions (DAM1, DAM2) at or near the end or edge of the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP. One or more dam portions (DAM1, DAM2) can be present at or near the boundary point between the display region DA and the non-display region NDA.

[0272] One or more dam portions (DAM1, DAM2) can include the same material DFP as the bank BANK.

[0273] Reference Figure 8 Figure 8 , in one embodiment, the second encapsulation layer PCL including an organic material may be located only inside the first dam portion DAM1 positioned closest to the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP among the dam portions. For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL may not be located on all of the dam portions (DAM1, DAM2). In another embodiment, the second encapsulation layer PCL including an organic material may be located on at least the first dam portion DAM1 of the first dam portion DAM1 and the second dam portion DAM2.

[0274] For example, the second encapsulation layer PCL may extend only to all or at least a part of the upper portion of the first dam portion DAM1. In another embodiment, the second encapsulation layer PCL may extend beyond the upper portion of the first dam portion DAM1 and extend to all or at least a part of the upper portion of the second dam portion DAM2.

[0275] Reference Figure 8 Figure 8 , the touch pad TP to which the touch driving circuit 260 is electrically connected may be provided on a portion of the substrate SUB located outside one or more dam portions (DAM1, DAM2).

[0276] The touch line TL may electrically connect the touch sensor metal TSM or the bridging metal BRG to the touch pad TP, and the touch sensor metal TSM or the bridging metal BRG is included in the touch electrode provided in the display area DA or serves as the touch electrode provided in the display area DA.

[0277] One end or edge of the touch line TL may be electrically connected to the touch sensor metal TSM or the bridging metal BRG, and the other end or edge of the touch line TL may be electrically connected to the touch pad TP.

[0278] The touch line TL may extend downward along the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP, extend along the corresponding upper portions of the dam portions DAM1, DAM2, and extend to the touch pad TP provided outside the dam portions ((DAM1, DAM2).

[0279] Reference Figure 8 Figure 8 , in one embodiment, the touch line TL may be the bridging metal BRG. In another embodiment, the touch line TL may be the touch sensor metal TSM.

[0280] Figure 9 is a curve 900 showing the degree of deterioration according to the use of one or more sub-pixels in the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the use of one or more sub-pixels may mean the time during which one or more sub-pixels have been used or the degree to which one or more sub-pixels have been used.

[0281] In addition, in this document, although a plurality of sub-pixels may be provided in each of the non-optical regions or one or more optical regions of the display region of the display panel, for ease of description, embodiments or examples may sometimes be described based on a single sub-pixel. Therefore, it should be noted that although embodiments or examples are described based on a single sub-pixel, a plurality of sub-pixels are equally applicable to such embodiments or examples.

[0282] Circuit elements included in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP arranged in the display panel 110 may be deteriorated, such as operational variations, over time and use, which results in a change in the value of the unique characteristics of the circuit elements.

[0283] For example, each sub-pixel SP may include a light-emitting element ED, a driving transistor DRT, etc. as such circuit elements. For example, the characteristic values of the circuit elements may include the threshold voltage of the light-emitting element ED, the threshold voltage of the driving transistor DRT, and the mobility, etc.

[0284] In the case where the characteristic values of the circuit elements change as the driving time of the circuit elements included in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP increases, the luminance value L of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may change, and thus a luminance difference may occur between the plurality of sub-pixels SP. Such a luminance difference may cause non-uniformity of the luminance of the display panel 110, and as a result, deteriorate the image quality.

[0285] An increase in the driving time of the circuit elements included in the sub-pixel SP may mean an increase in the amount of use time of the sub-pixel SP (e.g., the use of the sub-pixel SP). For example, if the use of the sub-pixel SP increases, the luminance value L of the sub-pixel SP may decrease.

[0286] As the use of the sub-pixel SP increases, the corresponding deterioration level of the circuit elements in the sub-pixel SP may increase. If the deterioration level of the circuit elements in the sub-pixel SP increases, the luminance value L of the sub-pixel SP may decrease.

[0287] Refer to Figure 9 , in some embodiments, the display device 100 may pre-store a corresponding initial luminance value L0 for each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, or pre-store an initial luminance value L0 for all or part of the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0288] For example, the initial luminance value L0 may be generated before the display device 100 is rolled out and stored in a memory (not shown) of the display device 100.

[0289] In another example, when initially setting the display device 100 after it is launched on the market, the initial brightness value L0 can be generated by the display device 100 and stored in a memory (not shown) of the display device 100. In the initial setting, the display device 100 can use optoelectronic devices (11, 12) to measure the brightness values of the optical regions (OA1, OA2), generate the measured brightness values as the initial brightness value L0, and store them in the memory.

[0290] As the use of the sub-pixel SP increases, the degradation level of the circuit elements in the sub-pixel SP can increase, and thus the brightness value L of the sub-pixel SP may be smaller than the initial brightness value L0. Therefore, the value L / L0 obtained by dividing the brightness value L of the sub-pixel SP by the initial brightness value L0 of the sub-pixel SP can be less than 1.

[0291] Here, the value L / L0 obtained by dividing the brightness value L of the sub-pixel SP by the initial brightness value L0 of the sub-pixel SP can be the brightness index of the sub-pixel SP. The brightness index L / L0 of the sub-pixel SP can represent the brightness value L of the sub-pixel SP relative to the initial brightness value L0 of the sub-pixel SP. The brightness index L / L0 of the sub-pixel SP can be a value of 1 or less (a rational number).

[0292] The brightness index L / L0 of the sub-pixel SP can decrease (diminish) as the driving time of the sub-pixel SP increases. The brightness index L / L0 of the sub-pixel SP can decrease as the amount of use time of the sub-pixel SP increases. The brightness index L / L0 of the sub-pixel SP can decrease as the corresponding degradation of the circuit elements (e.g., light-emitting element ED, driving transistor DRT, etc.) in the sub-pixel SP develops, that is, as the corresponding degradation level increases.

[0293] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of description, "degradation of the circuit elements in the sub-pixel SP" may be referred to as "degradation of the sub-pixel SP" or simply as "degradation".

[0294] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a real-time degradation compensation method and system for performing real-time degradation monitoring using optoelectronic devices (11, 12), optimizing degradation modeling based on the monitoring results, and using the optimized degradation modeling to compensate for degradation in real time.

[0295] Hereinafter, the real-time degradation compensation method and system according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0296] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11It is a block diagram of the real-time degradation modeling circuit 1030 in the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 and Figure 13 Illustrates a degradation monitoring structure using one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0297] Referring to Figure 10 , in some embodiments, the display device 100 may further include a real-time degradation compensation system 1000.

[0298] When it is determined according to a predetermined condition that degradation monitoring is available or degradation monitoring is required, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may control one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) to perform an image capturing operation or a sensing operation, and measure the brightness of one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) based on the result of the image capturing operation or the sensing operation performed by one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12). Here, the process of measuring brightness (brightness measurement process) may be referred to as "real-time degradation monitoring".

[0299] The situation where degradation monitoring is available or degradation monitoring is required may include a situation where the user does not use the display device or a situation where an input related to screen settings is detected from the user.

[0300] The real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may predict the degradation level of at least one sub-pixel SP in at least one of one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) based on the measurement results of the respective brightnesses of one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2). Here, the process of predicting the degradation level of the sub-pixel SP (degradation prediction process) may also be referred to as "degradation modeling optimization process".

[0301] The real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may compensate for the respective degradations of the sub-pixels included in each of the non-optical region NA and one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) based on the predicted at least one degradation level.

[0302] Referring to Figure 10 , in some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may include a degradation monitoring situation determination circuit 1010, a display control circuit 1020, a real-time degradation modeling circuit 1030, a degradation compensator 1040, etc.

[0303] The degradation monitoring situation determination circuit 1010 may be configured to determine whether degradation monitoring is available or whether degradation monitoring is required.

[0304] The display control circuit 1020 may be configured to control such that an image cannot be displayed on the display panel in response to determining that deterioration monitoring is available or deterioration monitoring is required.

[0305] The real-time deterioration modeling circuit 1030 may be configured to control one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) to perform an image capturing operation or a sensing operation in response to determining that deterioration monitoring is available or deterioration monitoring is required, and may be configured to predict a deterioration level of sub-pixels in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) based on the brightness of one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) measured as a result of performing the image capturing operation or the sensing operation.

[0306] The deterioration compensator 1040 may be configured to compensate for the deterioration of sub-pixels included in each of the non-optical region NA and one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) based on the predicted deterioration level.

[0307] Reference Figure 10 , in one embodiment, each of the deterioration monitoring situation determination circuit 1010, the display control circuit 1020, the real-time deterioration modeling circuit 1030, and the deterioration compensator 1040 included in the real-time deterioration compensation system 1000 may be included in or integrated with the display controller 240.

[0308] In another embodiment, at least one of the deterioration monitoring situation determination circuit 1010, the display control circuit 1020, the real-time deterioration modeling circuit 1030, and the deterioration compensator 1040 may be included in or integrated with the host system 250 interconnected with the display controller 240.

[0309] Reference Figure 11 , the real-time deterioration modeling circuit 1030 included in the real-time deterioration compensation system 1000 may include a sub-pixel usage calculator 1110, a brightness measurement device 1120, a sub-pixel deterioration predictor 1130, and a deterioration modeling look-up table manager 1140. For example, the sub-pixel usage calculator 1110, the brightness measurement device 1120, the sub-pixel deterioration predictor 1130, and the deterioration modeling look-up table manager 1140 may be software modules executed by hardware such as a computer processor.

[0310] The sub-pixel usage calculator 1110 may be configured to calculate the usage of sub-pixels in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0311] The brightness measurement device 1120 may be configured to measure the respective brightness of one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) using the results of performing an image capturing operation or a sensing operation by one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12).

[0312] The sub-pixel degradation predictor 1130 may be configured to predict the degradation level of sub-pixels in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) based on the calculated usage and the measured brightness.

[0313] The degradation modeling look-up table manager 1140 may be configured to manage or update a degradation modeling look-up table based on the predicted degradation level.

[0314] In some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may perform degradation compensation based on the brightness measured through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) that at least partially overlap with one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) located below or in a lower portion of the display panel 110 using one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12).

[0315] More specifically, in some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may monitor information regarding the respective degradation of sub-pixels provided in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) based on the brightness measured using one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0316] In some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may predict information regarding the respective degradation of a plurality of sub-pixels SP provided on the display panel 110 based on the degradation information obtained by monitoring the sub-pixels provided in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2), generate a real-time degradation modeling look-up table based on the information, and perform degradation compensation based on the generated degradation modeling look-up table.

[0317] Among typical degradation compensation methods, an optical compensation method using a camera or the like has been introduced, but this optical compensation method is used in the manufacturing process of a display device. In this typical optical compensation method, since the optical compensation method cannot be applied after the corresponding display device is manufactured and put on the market, accurate compensation for the degradation generated after the display device is put on the market cannot be provided.

[0318] In contrast, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can monitor the degradation level of sub-pixels SP disposed in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) by using one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) that at least partially overlap with one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) in the display area DA, so as to perform degradation compensation in real time even when the display device 100 is used after being put on the market.

[0319] Referring to Figure 12 , in some embodiments, in order to compensate for degradation in real time, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 can use the first optoelectronic device 11 that overlaps with the first optical region OA1 to monitor the degradation level of sub-pixels SP in the first optical region OA1 that at least partially overlaps with the first optoelectronic device 11.

[0320] The first optoelectronic device 11 can be, for example, a camera for capturing an object or an image in the front direction of the display panel 110 through the first optical region OA1.

[0321] Referring to Figure 13 , in some embodiments, in order to compensate for degradation in real time, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 can use the second optoelectronic device 12 that overlaps with the second optical region OA2 to monitor the degradation level of sub-pixels SP in the second optical region OA2 that at least partially overlaps with the second optoelectronic device 12.

[0322] The second optoelectronic device 12 can be, for example, a sensor such as a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor. For example, the luminance sensor can be an illuminance sensor for detecting the luminance of external light transmitted through the second optical region OA2.

[0323] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , in some embodiments, in order to compensate for degradation in real time, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 can use the first optoelectronic device 11 that overlaps with the first optical region OA1 to monitor the degradation level of sub-pixels SP in the first optical region OA1 that at least partially overlaps with the first optoelectronic device 11, and together with this, use the second optoelectronic device 12 that overlaps with the second optical region OA2 to monitor the degradation level of sub-pixels SP in the second optical region OA2 that at least partially overlaps with the second optical region OA2.

[0324] Hereinafter, the real-time degradation compensation method performed by the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 described above will be described in more detail.

[0325] Figure 14Illustrates real-time degradation compensation processing applied to the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0326] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110 for displaying an image, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12), a data driving circuit 220, and the like.

[0327] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA located outside the display area DA.

[0328] The display area DA may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP and a plurality of light-emitting areas EP corresponding to the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0329] For example, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may be located below or in a lower portion of the display panel 110.

[0330] The data driving circuit 220 may output a data voltage Vdata corresponding to the image data Data input from the display controller 240 to a plurality of data lines DL provided in the display panel 110.

[0331] The display area DA may include one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) that at least partially overlap with one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12), and a non-optical area NA located outside the one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2).

[0332] One or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) may include a plurality of first light-emitting areas EA among the plurality of light-emitting areas EP included in the entire display area DA, and may further include a plurality of transmission areas (TA1, TA2).

[0333] The non-optical area NA may include a plurality of second light-emitting areas EA among the plurality of light-emitting areas EP included in the entire display area DA.

[0334] One or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may be located below or in a lower portion of the display panel 110, and may overlap with all, one, or more of the plurality of first light-emitting areas EA in the one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2).

[0335] In some embodiments, when the user does not use the display device 100, or when an input related to screen settings such as an image quality setting is detected from the user, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may perform a real-time degradation compensation operation.

[0336] For example, during one of a first period when the user does not use the display device and a second period performed through an input related to screen settings from the user, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may be configured to perform an image capturing operation or a sensing operation through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0337] For example, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may include one or more of an image capturing device such as a camera (image sensor) and sensors such as a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc. For example, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may include one or more of a first optoelectronic device and a second optoelectronic device (11, 12).

[0338] In one embodiment, the first optoelectronic device 11 may be a camera, and the second optoelectronic device 12 may be a sensor such as a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc. The camera may perform an image capturing operation by using external light passing through the first optical region OA1 to capture an object or an image on the front surface of the first optical region OA1. The luminance sensor may use external light passing through the second optical region OA2 to perform a sensing operation. For example, the luminance sensor may be an illuminance sensor for detecting the luminance of the external light passing through the second optical region OA2.

[0339] For example, the first period of the first period and the second period in which the real-time degradation compensation operation may be performed may be any one of a period when the power of the display device 100 is turned off, a period when the display device 100 is turned on, a period when the display device 100 is in a locked screen state, and a period when the display device 100 is in a standby mode state.

[0340] For example, the second period of the first period and the second period in which the real-time degradation compensation operation may be performed may be a period performed through an input related to screen settings for degradation compensation from the user.

[0341] In some embodiments, in order to compensate for degradation in real time, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may pre-store a degradation modeling look-up table LUT including information about an initial luminance value L0.

[0342] In some embodiments, in order to compensate for degradation in real time, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may perform real-time degradation modeling (S1410) by monitoring (sensing) the degradation level in the current situation.

[0343] In some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may use one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) to measure the respective brightness of one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2), and perform real-time degradation modeling (S1410) based on the brightness data obtained through the measurement.

[0344] In some embodiments, in order to improve the accuracy of real-time degradation modeling, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may perform real-time degradation modeling (S1410) by accumulating the usage of sub-pixels and using the accumulated usage of sub-pixels together with the brightness data obtained through the measurement.

[0345] In some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may evaluate the degradation level (degree of degradation) of the sub-pixels SP provided in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) by performing real-time degradation modeling, and update the stored current degradation modeling look-up table that has been previously updated or initially set based on the evaluated degradation level (S1420). The degradation modeling look-up table may include, for example, information about the degradation level of one or more sub-pixels SP.

[0346] In some embodiments, the display device 100 may include an updated degradation modeling look-up table LUT that is changed after performing an image capturing operation or a sensing operation of one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0347] In some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 may perform degradation compensation (S1430) using the updated degradation modeling look-up table LUT.

[0348] Degradation compensation may be performed by changing the image data Data or the data voltage Vdata used for image display.

[0349] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image data Data or the data voltage Vdata used for image display may be changed after performing an image capturing operation or a sensing operation of one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0350] In some embodiments, using a deterioration modeling look-up table updated with information obtained by monitoring the deterioration level (degree of deterioration) of sub-pixels SP disposed in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2), the real-time deterioration compensation system 1000 of the display device 100 can compensate for the corresponding deterioration of sub-pixels SP disposed in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2), and / or compensate for the corresponding deterioration of sub-pixels disposed in the non-optical region NA. For example, the monitoring result of the deterioration level (degree of deterioration) of sub-pixels SP disposed in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) can indicate the deterioration level of sub-pixels disposed in the non-optical region NA.

[0351] To perform deterioration compensation, the changed image data Data or the changed data voltage Vdata can be provided to the sub-pixels SP disposed in the non-optical region NA.

[0352] In another example, to perform deterioration compensation, the changed image data Data or the changed data voltage Vdata can be provided to the sub-pixels SP disposed in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0353] In some embodiments, the real-time deterioration compensation system 1000 can use one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) to perform a deterioration monitoring operation (deterioration sensing operation) when displaying a specific image.

[0354] For example, in the real-time deterioration compensation system 1000, when one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) perform an image capturing operation or a sensing operation through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2), a specific image (e.g., a predetermined image) can be displayed in the entire display area DA or in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0355] The specific image can be an image represented when obtaining the initial luminance value L0. For example, the specific image can be a monochromatic image of a specific color.

[0356] For example, at a first time (first deterioration monitoring time), the specific image displayed in the entire display area DA or in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) can have a first luminance. For example, at a second time (second deterioration monitoring time) after the first time (first deterioration monitoring time), the specific image displayed in the entire display area DA or in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) can have a second luminance. Due to deterioration, the second luminance may be lower than the first luminance.

[0357] In some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may perform a degradation monitoring operation (degradation sensing operation) using one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) in a dark environment.

[0358] Accordingly, when one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) perform an image capturing operation or a sensing operation through one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2), the brightness of the environment of the display device 100 may be less than a threshold brightness. Here, the threshold brightness may be the maximum brightness value for achieving accurate degradation monitoring (i.e., accurate brightness measurement).

[0359] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 a real-time degradation compensation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0360] Figure 15 is a flowchart of a real-time degradation monitoring method applied to the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a flowchart of a real-time degradation compensation method applied to the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 is a curve showing the degree of degradation changed by degradation monitoring optimization based on real-time degradation monitoring in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0361] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a display panel 110 including a display area DA and a non-display area NDA, the display area DA including a plurality of light emitting areas EP corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels SP, and the non-display area NDA being located outside the display area DA; one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12); and a data driving circuit configured to provide a data voltage corresponding to input image data to the display panel.

[0362] The display area DA may include one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) at least partially overlapping with one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12), and a non-optical area NA located outside the one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2).

[0363] One or more optical areas (OA1, OA2) may include a plurality of first light emitting areas EA among the plurality of light emitting areas EP and a plurality of transmissive areas. The non-optical area NA may include a plurality of second light emitting areas EA among the plurality of light emitting areas EP.

[0364] One or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may overlap all or one or more of a plurality of first light-emitting regions EA in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0365] Referring Figure 15 , in some embodiments, a method of operating a display device 100 may include: a step S1510 of determining, by a real-time degradation compensation system 1000, whether a current situation is determined to be a situation where degradation monitoring is available or required degradation monitoring according to a predetermined condition; and a step S1560 of, when the current situation is determined to be a situation where degradation monitoring is available or required degradation monitoring, measuring brightness by using one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) by the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 during a period when degradation monitoring is available.

[0366] For example, in step S1510, in order to determine whether the current situation is a situation where degradation monitoring is available or required degradation monitoring, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may determine whether the display device 100 is in a first period when the user does not use the display device 100 or a second period by an input related to screen settings from the user.

[0367] For example, in step S1560, in order to enable the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 to measure brightness by using one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2), one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may perform an image capture operation or a sensing operation through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) during the first period or the second period, and the first period or the second period is a period when degradation monitoring is available.

[0368] For example, the first period among the first period and the second period when degradation monitoring is available may be any one of a period when the power of the display device 100 is turned off, a period when the display device 100 is turned on, a period when the display device 100 is in a locked screen state, and a period when the display device 100 is in a standby mode state. The second period as a period when degradation monitoring is available may be a period by an input related to screen settings from the user for degradation compensation.

[0369] Referring Figure 15 , in some embodiments, the method of operating the display device 100 may further include a step S1550 of displaying a specific image on the entire display area DA or on one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) before step S1560.

[0370] In step S1560, in order to measure the luminance while displaying a specific image over the entire display area DA or over one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2), one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) may perform an image capturing operation or a sensing operation through one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2).

[0371] Referring Figure 15 , in some embodiments, the method of operating the display device 100 may further include: a step S1520 of stopping displaying an image on the display panel 110, the step S1520 being performed between a step S1510 of determining whether the current situation is a situation where deterioration monitoring is available or deterioration monitoring is required and a step S1550 of displaying a specific image; a step S1530 of measuring the luminance near the display device 100 through an image capturing operation or a sensing operation of one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12); and a step S1540 of determining whether the nearby luminance is less than (or greater than) or equal to a threshold luminance.

[0372] Referring Figure 15 , in step S1540, when it is determined that the nearby luminance is less than or equal to the threshold luminance, the step S1550 of displaying a specific image may be performed.

[0373] Referring Figure 15 , in step S1540, when it is determined that the nearby luminance is greater than the threshold luminance, the display device 100 may actually not perform the deterioration monitoring operation.

[0374] Referring Figure 15 , in some embodiments, after step S1560, the method of operating the display device 100 may further include a step S1570 of initiating a deterioration modeling optimization process using the measurement result of the nearby luminance.

[0375] Hereinafter, a real-time deterioration monitoring method, a deterioration modeling optimization process using the result of the real-time deterioration monitoring, and a deterioration compensation performed based on the deterioration modeling optimization according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 16 .

[0376] In some embodiments, the real-time deterioration compensation system 1000 may perform real-time deterioration monitoring by using together the use of one or more sub-pixels and the measurement result of the luminance.

[0377] Referring Figure 16, in some embodiments, when performing a display drive for displaying an image (step S1610), the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may calculate the corresponding usage (SP usage) of one or more sub-pixels by performing data accumulation processing based on the image data or frame data provided to one or more sub-pixels SP (step S1620).

[0378] Refer to Figure 16 , in some embodiments, one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) of the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may perform an image capture operation or a sensing operation (step S1630).

[0379] Refer to Figure 16 , in some embodiments, when a specific image is displayed by one or more sub-pixels SP provided in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2), the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may measure the corresponding brightness of one or more sub-pixels SP provided in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) through the image capture operation or the sensing operation of one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) overlapping with one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) (step S1640).

[0380] Refer to Figure 16 , in some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may evaluate the degradation level of one or more sub-pixels SP provided in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) by using the luminance measurement data and the luminance measurement result obtained via the sub-pixel usage (the sub-pixel usage is calculated by data accumulation processing), and predict the degradation level of the sub-pixels SP included in the display panel 110 based on the evaluated degradation level (step S1650).

[0381] Refer to Figure 16 , in some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may perform real-time degradation modeling based on the predicted degradation level of the sub-pixels SP included in the display panel 110 (step S1650).

[0382] The execution of real-time degradation modeling may mean obtaining information on the predicted degradation level of the sub-pixels SP of the display panel 110.

[0383] Refer to Figure 16 , in some embodiments, the real-time degradation compensation system 1000 may update the currently managed current degradation modeling lookup table LUT after performing real-time degradation modeling (step S1650) (step S1660).

[0384] Refer to Figure 17, in step S1660 of updating the degradation modeling look-up table, the degradation curve 900 that can be expressed according to the current degradation modeling look-up table can be modified to a curve 1700 that can be expressed according to the updated degradation modeling look-up table.

[0385] The current degradation curve 900 or the modified degradation curve 1700 can be a curve representing the luminance index of one or more sub-pixels SP according to the use of one or more sub-pixels SP. Here, the luminance index of the sub-pixel SP can be a value L / L0 obtained by dividing the measured luminance value L of the sub-pixel SP by the initial luminance value L0 of the sub-pixel SP. The luminance index L / L0 of the sub-pixel SP can be a value of 1 or less (rational number).

[0386] Refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 , step S1650 and step S1660 can be included in Figure 15 step S1570 of performing degradation modeling optimization processing after the luminance measurement step S1560.

[0387] Accordingly, the step S1660 of updating the current degradation modeling look-up table can be performed after Figure 15 performing an image capturing operation or a sensing operation of one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12) through one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2) in the luminance measurement step S1560.

[0388] Refer to Figure 16 , after the step S1660 of updating the degradation modeling look-up table, the step S1670 of changing the image data or the data voltage can be performed to perform degradation compensation based on the updated degradation modeling look-up table. Here, one or more changed data voltages can be provided to one or more sub-pixels SP in the non-optical region NA or one or more sub-pixels SP in one or more optical regions (OA1, OA2).

[0389] The display device 100 according to the embodiment described herein can perform real-time degradation monitoring and degradation compensation by using one or more of the first optoelectronic device 11 and the second optoelectronic device 12.

[0390] The real-time degradation monitoring and degradation compensation method of the display device 100 according to the embodiment described herein can use a plurality of optoelectronic devices. Therefore, the display device 100 can include a plurality of optical regions overlapping with the plurality of optoelectronic devices in the display area DA of the display panel 110. This will be briefly described below with reference to Figure 18 Briefly describe this.

[0391] Figure 18Illustrated is a deterioration monitoring structure using a plurality of optoelectronic devices 1800 included in a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0392] Referring to Figure 18 , the display area DA of the display panel 110 may include three or more optical areas OA. Each of the three or more optical areas OA may include a light-emitting area and a transmissive area. Each of the three optical areas OA may have the same structure as one of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 described in the above embodiment.

[0393] Referring to Figure 18 , a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include three or more optoelectronic devices 1800 respectively overlapping three or more optical areas OA of the display area DA.

[0394] Referring to Figure 18 , three or more optical areas OA of the display area DA may be present at several positions in the display area DA.

[0395] As described above, when three or more optoelectronic devices 1800 are present at several positions below or in the lower part of the display panel 110, the real-time deterioration compensation system 1000 can more accurately evaluate the deterioration level in the display panel 110 by performing deterioration monitoring using the three or more optoelectronic devices 1800. Therefore, the performance of the corresponding deterioration compensation can be further improved.

[0396] According to the embodiments described herein, a display device 100 and a method of operating the display device 100 can be provided, which can use one or more optical elements or devices (11, 12, 1800) to monitor the deterioration of sub-pixels in real time even when the display device is used by a user, and can compensate for the deterioration in real time according to the monitoring results.

[0397] According to the embodiments described herein, a display device 100 and a method of operating the display device 100 can be provided, which can accurately compensate for the deterioration of sub-pixels in real time by performing deterioration monitoring in real time using one or more optoelectronic devices (11, 12, 1800) located below or in the lower part of the display panel 110 and partially overlapping one or more optical areas (OA1, OA2, OA) included in the display area of the display panel 110.

[0398] The above description is given to enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the technical idea of the present disclosure, and is provided in the context of a specific application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above description and the accompanying drawings provide examples of the technical idea of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but rather conforms to the broadest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0399] Cross-reference to related applications

[0400] This patent application claims the benefit of priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0119392, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 7, 2021, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display panel, the display panel including a display area and a non-display area located outside the display area, the display area including a plurality of light-emitting areas corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels; One or more optoelectronic devices, the one or more optoelectronic devices being located below or at a lower portion of the display panel; And A data driving circuit, the data driving circuit being configured to provide a data voltage corresponding to input image data to the display panel, Wherein, the display area includes one or more optical areas partially overlapping with the one or more optoelectronic devices, and a non-optical area located outside the one or more optical areas, Wherein, the one or more optical areas include a plurality of first light-emitting areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas among the plurality of light-emitting areas, and the non-optical area includes a plurality of second light-emitting areas among the plurality of light-emitting areas, Wherein, the one or more optoelectronic devices overlap at least a part of the plurality of first light-emitting areas in the one or more optical areas, and during one of a first period when the display device is not in use and a second period performed through an input related to screen settings, an image capturing operation or a sensing operation is performed through the one or more optical areas, Wherein, the second period is a period performed through an input related to screen settings for degradation compensation when the display device is in use, Wherein, the one or more optical areas include a first optical area and a second optical area, Wherein, the one or more optoelectronic devices include a camera disposed in the first optical area and a brightness sensor disposed in the second optical area, Wherein, when the brightness of the environment of the display device sensed by the brightness sensor is less than a threshold brightness, the camera performs the image capturing operation or the brightness sensor performs the sensing operation, Wherein, the transmittance of the first optical area is greater than the transmittance of the second optical area, Wherein, each horizontal line extending through the first optical area includes one or more curved portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more of the plurality of light-transmitting areas, and Wherein, in the second optical area, each first light-emitting area among the plurality of first light-emitting areas is not disposed between any two horizontally adjacent light-transmitting areas among the plurality of light-transmitting areas, and each horizontal line extending through the second optical area extends through a first light-emitting area disposed between two adjacent rows among the plurality of light-transmitting areas and does not include any curved portions.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first period is one of a period when the power supply of the display device is turned off, a period when the power supply of the display device is turned on, a period when the display device is in a locked screen state, and a period when the display device is in a standby mode state.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the camera performs the image capturing operation or the luminance sensor performs the sensing operation, a predetermined image is displayed on the entire display area or on the one or more optical areas, wherein the predetermined image has a first luminance at a first time and a second luminance at a second time after the first time, and wherein the second luminance is smaller than the first luminance.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, After performing the image capturing operation or the sensing operation, the input image data or the data voltage is changed.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The data voltage is supplied to the sub-pixels in the non-optical area.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The data voltage is supplied to the sub-pixels in the one or more optical areas.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a degradation modeling look-up table, which is updated after performing the image capturing operation or the sensing operation.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a real-time degradation compensation system, which includes: a degradation monitoring situation determination circuit configured to determine whether degradation monitoring is available or whether degradation monitoring is required; a display control circuit configured to control such that an image is not displayed on the display panel in response to determining that degradation monitoring is available or required; a real-time degradation modeling circuit configured to control the camera to perform the image capturing operation or control the luminance sensor to perform the sensing operation, and predict at least one degradation level of at least one sub-pixel in the one or more optical areas based on the measured luminance of the one or more optical areas through the result of performing the image capturing operation or the sensing operation; and a degradation compensator configured to perform compensation for degradation of the sub-pixels included in each of the one or more optical areas and the non-optical area based on the predicted at least one degradation level.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The real-time degradation modeling circuit includes: a sub-pixel usage calculator configured to calculate the usage of the sub-pixels in the one or more optical areas; a luminance measurement device configured to measure the luminance of the one or more optical areas based on the result of performing the image capturing operation or the sensing operation; a sub-pixel degradation predictor configured to predict the degradation level of the sub-pixels in the one or more optical areas based on the calculated usage and the measured luminance; and a degradation modeling look-up table manager configured to manage the degradation modeling look-up table based on the predicted degradation level.

10. A method for operating a display device, the display device comprising: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area located outside the display area, the display area including a plurality of light-emitting areas corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels; A data driving circuit configured to provide a data voltage corresponding to input image data to the display panel; And one or more optoelectronic devices, the one or more optoelectronic devices including a camera disposed in a first optical region and a luminance sensor disposed in a second optical region, the second optical region having a transmittance smaller than that of the first optical region, the method comprising the steps of: Determining whether the display device is operating during a first period when the display device is not in use or during a second period through an input related to the screen setting; and During the first period or the second period, when the luminance of the environment of the display device sensed by the luminance sensor is less than a threshold luminance, performing an image capturing operation by the camera or a sensing operation by the luminance sensor, Wherein the second period is a period performed through an input related to the screen setting for deterioration compensation when the display device is in use, Wherein the display region includes one or more optical regions partially overlapping with the one or more optoelectronic devices, and a non-optical region located outside the one or more optical regions, the one or more optical regions including the first optical region and the second optical region, Wherein each optical region of the one or more optical regions includes a plurality of first light-emitting regions among the plurality of light-emitting regions and a plurality of light-transmitting regions, and the non-optical region includes a plurality of second light-emitting regions among the plurality of light-emitting regions, and Wherein the one or more optoelectronic devices overlap at least a part of the plurality of first light-emitting regions in the one or more optical regions, Wherein each horizontal line extending through the first optical region includes one or more curved portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more of the plurality of light-transmitting regions, and Wherein, in the second optical region, each first light-emitting region among the plurality of first light-emitting regions is not disposed between any two horizontally adjacent light-transmitting regions among the plurality of light-transmitting regions, and each horizontal line extending through the second optical region extends through a first light-emitting region disposed between two adjacent rows among the plurality of light-transmitting regions and does not include any curved portions.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The first period is one of a period when the power supply of the display device is turned off, a period when the power supply of the display device is turned on, a period when the display device is in a locked screen state, and a period when the display device is in a standby mode state.

12. The method according to claim 10, the method further comprising displaying a predetermined image on the entire display region or on the one or more optical regions before performing the image capturing operation or the sensing operation, Among them, Performing the image capturing operation or the sensing operation while displaying the predetermined image on the entire display region or on the one or more optical regions.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: Stopping displaying an image on the display panel, and this step of stopping displaying an image on the display panel is performed between the step of determining whether the display device operates in the first period or the second period and the step of displaying the predetermined image; Measuring the brightness of the environment of the display device by the image capturing operation or the sensing operation; And Determining whether the brightness is less than or equal to a threshold brightness, wherein when the brightness is less than or equal to the threshold brightness, the predetermined image is displayed.

14. A display device, comprising: A display panel, which includes a first optical region, a second optical region, and a non-optical region configured to display an image. Each of the first optical region and the second optical region includes a plurality of first light-emitting regions and a plurality of first light-transmitting regions. The second optical region has a transmittance less than that of the first optical region, and the non-optical region includes a plurality of second light-emitting regions; A brightness sensor disposed in the second optical region; And A camera disposed in the first optical region, wherein during one of a first period when the display device is not in use and a second period when the display device is in use and a screen setting-related input for degradation compensation is performed, when the brightness of the environment of the display device sensed by the brightness sensor is less than the threshold brightness, the camera performs an image capturing operation or the brightness sensor performs a sensing operation, wherein the camera is below the display panel or located at a lower portion of the display panel and overlaps with the first optical region but does not overlap with the non-optical region, and wherein the brightness sensor is below the panel or located at a lower portion of the display panel and overlaps with the second optical region but does not overlap with the non-optical region, wherein each of the horizontal lines extending through the first optical region includes one or more curved portions extending around one or more corresponding outer edges of one or more of the plurality of first light-transmitting regions, and wherein in the second optical region, each of the first light-emitting regions among the plurality of first light-emitting regions is not disposed between any two horizontally adjacent first light-transmitting regions among the plurality of first light-transmitting regions, and each of the horizontal lines extending through the second optical region extends through the first light-emitting regions disposed between two adjacent rows among the plurality of first light-transmitting regions and does not include any curved portions.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The sensed light corresponds to a predetermined image displayed on the display panel, and subsequent images to be displayed on the display panel are adjusted based on the sensed light.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The first optical region is smaller than the non-optical region.

17. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, At least one of the plurality of first light-transmitting regions in the first optical region includes: A plurality of insulating layers; A first recess that penetrates through the plurality of insulating layers; A planarization layer, the planarization layer being located on the plurality of insulating layers; and A second recess, the second recess passing through a part of the planarization layer, wherein the first recess and the second recess overlap each other.

18. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The second optical region includes a plurality of third light-emitting regions and a plurality of second light-transmitting regions.

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