Display device having liquid crystal panel and optical module

Abstract

A display device including a liquid crystal panel and an optical module is provided. The optical module may overlap a sensing region of the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel may include a pixel region. The pixel region may include a second pixel region having a larger size than the first pixel region and a third pixel region having a smaller size than the second pixel region. The first pixel region may be disposed outside the sensing region. The second pixel region and the third pixel region may be repeated in the first direction within the sensing region. A length of each third pixel region in the first direction may be the same as a length of each first pixel region in the first direction. Each third pixel region may have the same length as each second pixel region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Accordingly, in the display device, visibility of a boundary between an image formed by the second pixel region and the third pixel region and an image formed by the first pixel region may be reduced.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0015672, filed on February 1, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device in which a liquid crystal panel includes a sensing area overlapping an optical module. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a display device provides an image to a user. For example, the display device may include a liquid crystal panel disposed on a backlight unit. The liquid crystal panel may generate an image by using light provided from the backlight unit. For example, the liquid crystal panel may include a pixel area.

[0004] The display device may include an optical module for detecting external light. For example, the optical module may include at least one of a camera and an IR sensor. The optical module may overlap an area of the liquid crystal panel. For example, the liquid crystal panel may include a sensing area overlapping the optical module. The sensing area may have a relatively high transmittance. For example, the sensing area may have a relatively low resolution.

[0005] However, in a display device, at a boundary between an image formed by a pixel area disposed in the sensing area and an image formed by a pixel area disposed outside the sensing area, a sense of heterogeneity and incoordination caused by a difference in resolution may be greatly felt. Accordingly, in the display device, the quality of an image recognized by a user is degraded. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a display device that substantially overcomes one or more problems caused by limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of minimizing visibility of a boundary between an image formed by a pixel area disposed in a sensing area and an image formed by a pixel area disposed outside the sensing area.

[0008] Other advantages, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be partially described in the following description, and some of these advantages, objects, and features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after studying the following, or may be learned through practice of the present disclosure. These objects and other advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by the structures specifically pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings.

[0009] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present disclosure, as embodied and generally described herein, there is provided a display device including a backlight unit. The backlight unit includes a light guide plate. A liquid crystal panel is disposed on the backlight unit. The liquid crystal panel includes a first pixel region, a second pixel region, and a third pixel region. The size of each second pixel region is larger than the size of each first pixel region. The size of each third pixel region is smaller than the size of each second pixel region. An optical module separated from the light guide plate overlaps with a sensing region of the liquid crystal panel. The second pixel region and the third pixel region are repeated in a first direction within the sensing region. The length of each third pixel region in the first direction is the same as the length of each first pixel region in the first direction. The third pixel region has the same length as the second pixel region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] The first pixel region may be disposed outside the sensing region.

[0011] Each first pixel region may display a different color from the first pixel region adjacent in the first direction. Each first pixel region may display the same color as the first pixel region adjacent in the second direction. Each second pixel region may display a different color from the second pixel region adjacent in the second direction.

[0012] Each second pixel region may display a first color or a second color. The second pixel regions displaying the first color and the second pixel regions displaying the second color may be repeated in the second direction.

[0013] Each third pixel region may display the same color as the third pixel regions adjacent in the first and second directions.

[0014] Each third pixel region may display green.

[0015] The length of each second pixel region in the first direction may be an integer multiple of the length of each first pixel region in the first direction.

[0016] The length of each second pixel region in the second direction may be an integer multiple of the length of each first pixel region in the second direction. The length of each second pixel region in the second direction may be longer than the length of each second pixel region in the first direction.

[0017] Each first pixel region may display red, green, or blue. The second pixel region and the third pixel region may be repeated with the fourth pixel region and the fifth pixel region in the first direction within the sensing region. Each fourth pixel region and each fifth pixel region may have the same length as each third pixel region in the first and second directions.

[0018] Each fourth pixel region may display the same color as the fourth pixel regions adjacent thereto in the first direction and the second direction. Each fifth pixel region may display the same color as the fifth pixel regions adjacent thereto in the first direction and the second direction.

[0019] A plurality of first signal wirings extending in the second direction may be provided between the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region. The number of first signal wirings between adjacent second pixel regions and third pixel regions may be greater than the number of first signal wirings between the first pixel regions adjacent to each other in the first direction.

[0020] A plurality of second signal wirings extending in the first direction may be provided between the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region. The number of second signal wirings between the second pixel regions adjacent to each other in the second direction and the second pixel regions adjacent to each other in the second direction may be greater than the number of second signal wirings between the first pixel regions adjacent to each other in the second direction. In addition, the boundary between the second pixel region and the third pixel region adjacent to each other in the first direction may coincide with one of the boundaries between the first pixel regions adjacent to each other in the first direction. In addition, the boundary between the second pixel regions adjacent to each other in the second direction or the boundary between the third pixel regions adjacent to each other in the second direction may coincide with one of the boundaries between the first pixel regions adjacent to each other in the second direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and incorporated in and constituting a part of this application illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 the lines I-I' and II-II' in

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a circuit of a pixel region in a liquid crystal panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of the K region in

[0026] Figure 5 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of the R region in

[0027] Figure 6is a view showing a first display substrate in an R region of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 in the R region;

[0028] Figure 7 is a view taken along line III-III' in Figure 5 ;

[0029] Figure 8 is a view taken along line IV-IV' in Figure 5 ;

[0030] Figure 9 is a graph showing the intensity of the position of light emitted from the R region in Figure 1 ; and

[0031] Figures 10 to 23 is a view showing a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, details related to the above objects, technical configurations, and operational effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly understood through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure. Here, embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to allow the technical spirit of the present disclosure to be satisfactorily conveyed to those skilled in the art, and thus the present disclosure may be implemented in other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0033] In addition, throughout the application, the same or extremely similar elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and in the drawings, for convenience, the lengths and thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated. It will be understood that when a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, although the first element may be disposed on the second element to be in contact with the second element, a third element may be inserted between the first element and the second element.

[0034] Here, for example, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish one element from another. However, without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure, the first element and the second element may be arbitrarily named according to the convenience of those skilled in the art.

[0035] The terms used in the description of the present disclosure are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, an element described in the singular is intended to include a plurality of elements. Further, in the description of the present disclosure, it will be further understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" specify the presence of features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0036] Further, unless "directly" is used, the terms "connected" and "coupled" may include two components being "connected" or "coupled" through one or more other components located between the two components.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It should be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless expressly so defined herein.

[0038] (Embodiment)

[0039] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is along Figure 1 the views taken along lines I-I' and II-II' in Figure 3 is a diagram showing a circuit of a pixel region in a liquid crystal panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of the K region in

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a liquid crystal panel 100. The liquid crystal panel 100 may generate an image provided to a user. For example, the liquid crystal panel 100 may include a plurality of pixel regions PA. Various signals may be applied to each pixel region PA through signal wirings GL and DL. For example, the signal wirings GL and DL may include gate lines GL that sequentially apply gate signals and data lines DL that apply data signals. The gate lines GL may intersect the data lines DL. For example, the gate lines GL may extend in a first direction, and the data lines DL may extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The data lines DL may be disposed in a different layer from the gate lines GL.

[0041] The liquid crystal panel 100 may include an active area AA provided with a pixel area PA and a border area BZ provided outside the active area AA. The border area BZ may not overlap with the pixel area PA. For example, the active area AA may be surrounded by the border area BZ. A gate driver electrically connected to the gate line GL and a data driver electrically connected to the data line DL may be provided outside the active area AA. For example, each of the signal wirings GL and DL may include an area overlapping with the border area BZ of the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0042] The liquid crystal panel may include a liquid crystal layer LC disposed between a first display substrate 110 and a second display substrate 120. The first display substrate 110 and the second display substrate 120 may include an insulating material. The first display substrate 110 and the second display substrate 120 may include a transparent material. For example, the first display substrate 110 and the second display substrate 120 may include glass or plastic. The second display substrate 120 may include a material different from that of the first display substrate 110. The liquid crystal layer LC may include liquid crystals of various modes. For example, the liquid crystal layer LC may include IPS-mode liquid crystals. The liquid crystals of the liquid crystal layer LC overlapping with each pixel area PA may be rotated by a vertical electric field or a horizontal electric field formed in the corresponding pixel area through a gate signal and a data signal. For example, a pixel electrode 130 and a common electrode 140 overlapping a part of the pixel electrode 130 may be provided in each pixel area PA to form a horizontal electric field.

[0043] A constant power supply voltage may be provided to the common electrode 140 of each pixel area PA. According to the gate signal applied to the corresponding pixel area PA, a driving voltage corresponding to the data signal applied to each pixel area PA may be provided to the pixel electrode 130 of the corresponding pixel area PA. That is, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a horizontal electric field generated by the driving voltage applied to the pixel electrode 130 and the power supply voltage applied to the common electrode 140 may be formed in the corresponding pixel area PA. The driving voltage applied to the pixel electrode 130 of each pixel area PA may be maintained for one frame. For example, at least one thin film transistor Tr and a storage capacitor Cst may be provided in each pixel area PA.

[0044] According to the gate signal applied to the corresponding pixel region PA, the thin film transistor Tr of each pixel region PA can generate a driving voltage corresponding to the data signal applied to the corresponding pixel region PA. The thin film transistor Tr of each pixel region PA can be electrically connected to one of the gate lines GL and one of the data lines DL. For example, the thin film transistor Tr of each pixel region PA can include a gate electrode 121 electrically connected to one of the gate lines GL, a semiconductor pattern 122 including a region overlapping with the gate electrode 121, a drain electrode 123 electrically connected to one end of the semiconductor pattern 122, and a source electrode 124 electrically connected to the other end of the semiconductor pattern 122.

[0045] The gate electrode 121 can include a conductive material. For example, the gate electrode 121 can include metals such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), and tungsten (W). The semiconductor pattern 122 can be disposed on the gate electrode 121. The semiconductor pattern 122 can include a semiconductor. For example, the semiconductor pattern 122 can include amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), and oxide semiconductors such as IGZO. The semiconductor pattern 122 can include a channel region disposed between the drain region and the source region. For example, the gate electrode 121 can overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 122. The drain region and the source region of the semiconductor pattern 122 can be disposed outside the gate electrode 121.

[0046] The drain region and the source region of the semiconductor pattern 122 can have a lower resistance than the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 122. For example, the drain region and the source region of the semiconductor pattern 122 can include conductive regions of an oxide semiconductor. The channel region of the semiconductor pattern 122 can be a non-conductivized region of the oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor pattern 122 can be separated from the gate electrode 121. The semiconductor pattern 122 can be insulated from the gate electrode 121. For example, the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 122 can have conductivity corresponding to the voltage applied to the gate electrode 121. According to the signal applied to the gate electrode 121, the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 122 can be electrically connected to the source region of the semiconductor pattern 122.

[0047] The drain electrode 123 and the source electrode 124 may include a conductive material. For example, the drain electrode 123 and the source electrode 124 may include metals such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), and tungsten (W). The drain electrode 123 and the source electrode 124 may include a material different from that of the gate electrode 121. For example, the drain electrode 123 and the source electrode 124 may be disposed in a different layer from the gate electrode 121. The source electrode 124 may be disposed in the same layer as the drain electrode 123. The source electrode 124 may be formed by the same process as the drain electrode 123. For example, the source electrode 124 may be formed simultaneously with the drain electrode 123.

[0048] The drain electrode 123 may be electrically connected to the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 122. The source electrode 124 may be electrically connected to the source region of the semiconductor pattern 122. The drain electrode 123 and the source electrode 124 may be insulated from the gate electrode 121. The source electrode 124 may be separated from the drain electrode 123. For example, the drain electrode 123 of each pixel region PA may be electrically connected to one of the data lines DL. The pixel electrode 130 of each pixel region PA may be electrically connected to the source electrode 124 of the corresponding pixel region PA.

[0049] The storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA may hold a signal applied to the gate electrode 121 of the corresponding pixel region PA. For example, the storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA may be electrically connected to the gate electrode 121 of the corresponding pixel region PA and a power supply voltage supply line that provides a power supply voltage.

[0050] The thin film transistor Tr and the storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA may be disposed between the first display substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC. A plurality of insulating layers 111, 112, 113, and 114 for preventing unnecessary electrical connection may be disposed between the first display substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC. For example, a gate insulating layer 111, a device passivation layer 112, a planarization layer 113, and an interlayer insulating layer 114 may be disposed between the first display substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0051] The gate insulating layer 111 may be disposed adjacent to the first display substrate 110. The semiconductor pattern 122 of each pixel region PA may be insulated from the gate electrode 121 of the corresponding pixel region PA through the gate insulating layer 111. For example, the gate insulating layer 111 may cover the gate electrode 121 of each pixel region PA. The semiconductor pattern 122 of each pixel region PA may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 111. The drain electrode 123 and the source electrode 124 of each pixel region PA may be in direct contact with a part of the semiconductor pattern 122 in the corresponding pixel region PA, respectively. For example, the drain electrode 123 and the source electrode 124 of each pixel region PA may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 111. The gate insulating layer 111 may include an insulating material. For example, the gate insulating layer 111 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0052] The device passivation layer 112 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 111. The device passivation layer 112 may prevent the thin film transistor Tr in each pixel region PA from being damaged due to external shock and moisture. For example, the semiconductor pattern 122, the drain electrode 123, and the source electrode 124 of each pixel region PA may be covered by the device passivation layer 112. The device passivation layer 112 may include an insulating material. For example, the device passivation layer 112 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0053] The planarization layer 113 may be disposed on the device passivation layer 112. The planarization layer 113 may eliminate the thickness difference caused by the thin film transistor Tr and the storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA. For example, the upper surface of the planarization layer 113 facing the liquid crystal layer LC may be parallel to the upper surface of the first display substrate 110 facing the liquid crystal layer LC. The planarization layer 113 may include an insulating material. The planarization layer 113 may include a material different from that of the device passivation layer 112. The planarization layer 113 may include a material with relatively high fluidity. For example, the planarization layer 113 may include an organic insulating material.

[0054] The interlayer insulating layer 114 may be disposed between the planarization layer 113 and the liquid crystal layer LC. The common electrode 140 of each pixel region PA may be insulated from the pixel electrode 130 of the corresponding pixel region PA through the interlayer insulating layer 114. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 114 may cover the pixel electrode 130 of each pixel region PA. The common electrode 140 of each pixel region PA may be disposed between the interlayer insulating layer 114 and the liquid crystal layer LC. The interlayer insulating layer 114 may include an insulating material. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 114 may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0055] A color filter 151, a black matrix 152, and an upper passivation layer 115 may be disposed between the liquid crystal layer LC and the second display substrate 120. The color filter 151 may overlap with the pixel region PA. For example, each color filter 151 may overlap with one of the pixel regions PA. Each color filter 151 may use the light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC to display a specific color. For example, the light passing through each color filter 151 may display one of red, blue, and green. The black matrix 152 may be disposed side by side with the color filter 151. For example, one end of each color filter 151 may overlap with the black matrix 152. The black matrix 152 may include a material that reflects or absorbs light. For example, the light of the liquid crystal layer LC passing through each pixel region PA may be emitted through the color filter 151 of the corresponding pixel region PA disposed in the region defined by the black matrix 152. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image including various colors may be provided to the user.

[0056] The black matrix 152 may overlap with the signal wirings GL and DL. The thin film transistor Tr and the storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA may overlap with the black matrix 152. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, due to the black matrix 152, the thin film transistor Tr and the storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA and the signal wirings GL and DL may not be recognized by the user. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, degradation of the image quality recognized by the user due to the thin film transistor Tr and the storage capacitor Cst of each pixel region PA and the signal wirings GL and DL may be prevented. The color filter 151 and the black matrix 152 may be covered by the upper passivation layer 115. The upper passivation layer 115 may prevent damage to the color filter 151 and the black matrix 152 due to external impact and moisture. The upper passivation layer 115 may include an insulating material. For example, the upper passivation layer 115 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0057] A spacer 160 may be disposed between the interlayer insulating layer 114 and the upper passivation layer 115. The spacer 160 may maintain a space between the interlayer insulating layer 114 and the upper passivation layer 115. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal layer LC of each pixel region PA may have the same thickness. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC of each pixel region PA may have the same optical path. In addition, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC of each pixel region PA may have the same brightness as the light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC of the pixel region PA in which a horizontal electric field identical to the horizontal electric field of the corresponding pixel region PA is formed.

[0058] The liquid crystal panel 100 can be disposed on the backlight unit 200. The backlight unit 200 can supply light to the liquid crystal panel 100. For example, the liquid crystal panel 100 can use the light supplied from the backlight unit 200 to generate an image provided to the user. The backlight unit 200 can include a light source device 210, a light guide plate 220, a reflector 230, an optical sheet 240, a cover bottom 250, and a middle frame 260.

[0059] The light source device 210 can supply light to the liquid crystal panel 100 through the light guide plate 220. For example, the light source device 210 can be disposed on a side surface of the light guide plate 220. The light source device 210 can be a self-luminous device capable of generating and emitting light. For example, the light source device 210 can include an LED. The liquid crystal panel 100 can be disposed on an upper surface of the light guide plate 220. The reflector 230 can be disposed on a lower surface of the light guide plate 220. The lower surface of the light guide plate 220 can be opposite to the upper surface of the light guide plate 220. For example, the light guide plate 220 can be disposed between the reflector 230 and the liquid crystal panel 100. The reflector 230 can include a material capable of reflecting light. For example, the reflector 230 can include metals such as aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag). Thus, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted through the lower surface of the light guide plate 220 can be reflected toward the liquid crystal panel 100 due to the reflector 230. The optical sheet 240 can be disposed between the light guide plate 220 and the liquid crystal panel 100. The light supplied to the liquid crystal panel 100 through the light guide plate 220 can have a globally uniform brightness due to the optical sheet 240. For example, the optical sheet 240 can have a stacked structure of a prism sheet 241 and a diffusion sheet 242. Thus, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, light can be uniformly supplied to the entire area of the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0060] The light source device 210, the light guide plate 220, the reflector 230, and the optical sheet 240 can be accommodated in the cover bottom 250. The cover bottom 250 can include an insulating material. For example, the cover bottom 250 can include plastic. The cover bottom 250 can include a bottom surface and side walls protruding from an edge of the bottom surface. The reflector 230 can be disposed between the light guide plate 220 and the bottom surface of the cover bottom 250. The light source device 210, the light guide plate 220, and the optical sheet 240 can be disposed in a space formed by the side walls of the cover bottom 250. For example, the side walls of the cover bottom 250 can surround the light source device 210, the light guide plate 220, and the optical sheet 240.

[0061] The middle frame 260 can support the liquid crystal panel 100. The middle frame 260 can be combined with the cover bottom 250. For example, the middle frame 260 can include a combining area extending between the cover bottom 250 and the light guide plate 220. The light source device 210 can be fixed on the combining area of the middle frame 260. For example, the light source device 210 can be attached to the combining area of the middle frame 260 through an adhesive element. The middle frame 260 can include a placement area extending between the optical sheet 240 and the liquid crystal panel 100. The placement area of the middle frame 260 can overlap with the edge of the optical sheet 240. For example, the placement area of the middle frame 260 can overlap with the border area BZ of the liquid crystal panel 100. The active area AA of the liquid crystal panel 100 may not overlap with the placement area of the middle frame 260. For example, the central area of the optical sheet 240 can be exposed by the middle frame 260. The placement area of the middle frame 260 can be in direct contact with the optical sheet 240. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement of the optical sheet 240 can be prevented by the middle frame 260.

[0062] The optical module 300 can detect external light passing through the liquid crystal panel 100. For example, the optical module 300 can include at least one of a camera and an IR sensor. The optical module 300 can overlap with a part of the liquid crystal panel 100. For example, the liquid crystal panel 100 can include a sensing area HA that overlaps with the optical module 300. The sensing area HA can be set within the active area AA. The light guide plate 220 can be set outside the sensing area HA. The optical module 300 can be set on the cover bottom 250. For example, the cover bottom 250 can include a cover hole that overlaps with the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0063] Figure 5 is Figure 1 An enlarged view of the R area in Figure 6 is a diagram showing the first display substrate in the R area of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in Figure 1 Figure 7 is a diagram taken along the line III-III' in Figure 5 Figure 8 is a diagram taken along the line IV-IV' in Figure 5

[0064] Refer to Figures 5 to 8 ​​​, the pixel region PA may include a first pixel region P1, a second pixel region P2, and a third pixel region P3. The first pixel region P1 may be disposed outside the sensing region HA within the active region AA. The first pixel regions P1 may be arranged side by side in a first direction X and a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The first pixel regions P1 may display various colors. For example, a red color filter 151R through which light passes for displaying red, a green color filter 151G through which light passes for displaying green, and a blue color filter 151B through which light passes for displaying blue may be disposed on each first pixel region P1. Each first pixel region P1 may display a different color from the first pixel region P1 adjacent thereto in the first direction X. For example, the red color filter 151R, the green color filter 151G, and the blue color filter 151B may be repeated on the first pixel regions P1 arranged side by side in the first direction X. The first pixel regions P1 adjacent to each other in the first direction X may be arranged in the same order as the first pixel regions P1 adjacent to the corresponding first pixel region P1 in the second direction Y. For example, each first pixel region P1 may display the same color as the first pixel region P1 adjacent thereto in the second direction Y. The color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B on each first pixel region P1 may include the same materials as the color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B on the first pixel region P1 adjacent thereto in the second direction Y.

[0065] The second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 may be disposed within the sensing region HA. Each second pixel region P2 and each third pixel region P3 may have a larger size than each first pixel region P1. Accordingly, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing region HA of the liquid crystal panel 100 may have a relatively high transmittance. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing region HA may have a relatively low resolution due to the sizes of the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3. Accordingly, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, light may be sufficiently provided to the optical module 300 through the sensing region HA of the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0066] Each second pixel region P2 may have a length that is longer than that of each first pixel region P1 in a first direction X and a second direction Y. The length of the second pixel region P2 in the first direction X may be an integer multiple of the length of each first pixel region P1 in the first direction X. For example, the length of each second pixel region P2 in the first direction X may be twice the length of each first pixel region P1 in the first direction X. The length of the second pixel region P2 in the second direction Y may be an integer multiple of the length of each first pixel region P1 in the second direction Y. For example, the length of each second pixel region P2 in the second direction Y may be twice the length of each first pixel region P1 in the second direction Y. The size of each second pixel region P2 may be four times the size of each first pixel region P1.

[0067] Each third pixel region P3 may have a size smaller than that of each second pixel region P2. For example, the length of each third pixel region P3 in the first direction X may be less than the length of each second pixel region P2 in the first direction X, and each third pixel region P3 may have the same length as each second pixel region P2 in the second direction Y. The second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 may be repeated in the first direction X within the sensing region HA. The second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 may be arranged side by side in the second direction Y within the sensing region HA. Thus, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the boundary between the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 adjacent to each other in the first direction X within the sensing region HA may be arranged to be one of the boundaries between the first pixel regions P1 adjacent to each other in the first direction X outside the sensing region HA. In addition, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the boundary between the second pixel regions P2 adjacent to each other in the second direction Y within the sensing region HA and the boundary between the third pixel regions P3 adjacent to each other in the second direction Y within the sensing region HA may be arranged to be one of the boundaries between the first pixel regions P1 adjacent to each other in the second direction Y outside the sensing region HA. Thus, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a feeling of heterogeneity and incoordination caused by the fact that the boundary between the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 within the sensing region HA does not match the boundary between the first pixel regions P1 provided outside the sensing region HA can be prevented.

[0068] The signal wirings GL and DL may extend along the boundary between the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 in the sensing region HA. Accordingly, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, depending on the size of each second pixel region P2 and the size of each third pixel region P3, the gate line GL extending in the first direction X and the data line DL extending in the second direction Y may locally bypass within the sensing region HA. That is, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of data lines DL provided between the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 adjacent in the first direction X within the sensing region HA may be greater than the number of data lines DL provided between the first pixel regions P1 adjacent in the first direction X outside the sensing region HA, and the number of gate lines GL provided between the second pixel region P2 or the third pixel region P3 adjacent in the second direction Y within the sensing region HA may be greater than the number of gate lines GL provided between the first pixel regions P1 adjacent in the second direction Y outside the sensing region HA. For example, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, two data lines DL may be provided between the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 adjacent in the first direction X within the sensing region HA, and a single data line DL may be provided between the first pixel regions P1 adjacent in the first direction X outside the sensing region HA. A black matrix 152 may be provided between the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 within the sensing region HA. For example, the region defined by the black matrix 152 may have a relatively large size in the sensing region HA. Accordingly, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, due to differences in the distance between the signal wirings GL and DL, differences in the size defined by the black matrix 152, differences in the number of thin film transistors Tr provided per unit area, and differences in the number of storage capacitors Cst provided per unit area, the transmittance of the sensing region HA may be relatively high.

[0069] The third pixel region P3 can display a color different from that of the second pixel region P2. Each third pixel region P3 can display the same color as the adjacent third pixel regions P3 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, a green color filter 151G can be provided on each third pixel region P3. Each third pixel region P3 can display the same color as the first pixel region P1 arranged side by side with the corresponding third pixel region P3 in the second direction Y. For example, each of the third pixel regions P3 can be arranged side by side with the first pixel region P1 provided with the green color filter 151G in the second direction Y. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B of a specific color can be recognized as continuous at the boundary between the active area AA and the sensing area HA. For example, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the green color filter 151G can be recognized as continuous at the boundary between the active area AA and the sensing area HA in the second direction Y.

[0070] Each second pixel region P2 can display a color different from that of the adjacent second pixel regions P2 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The colors displayed by the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 can be the same as the color displayed by the first pixel region P1. For example, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a red color filter 151R or a blue color filter 151B can be provided on each second pixel region P2. The second pixel regions P2 displaying different colors can be repeated in the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pixel regions P2 provided with the red color filter 151R and the second pixel regions P2 provided with the blue color filter 151B can be repeated in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0071] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the intensity of the positions of the light emitted from the active area AA and the light emitted from the sensing area HA.

[0072] Refer to Figure 9, the light emitted from the sensing regions HA of the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 may have the same spatial frequency fs as the light emitted from the active regions AA of the first pixel region P1. Here, the spatial frequency refers to the distance at which the wave repeats. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the peak interval of the light emitted from the sensing region HA may be the same as the peak interval of the light emitted from the active region AA. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the feeling of heterogeneity and incoordination at the boundary between the image generated by the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 disposed in the sensing region HA and the image generated by the first pixel region P1 disposed outside the sensing region HA can be minimized. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the visibility of the boundary between the image generated by the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 disposed in the sensing region HA and the image generated by the first pixel region P1 disposed outside the sensing region HA can be reduced.

[0073] Therefore, the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a liquid crystal panel 100 on a backlight unit 200, and an optical module 300 overlapping the sensing region HA of the liquid crystal panel 100, wherein the liquid crystal panel 100 may include a first pixel region P1, a second pixel region P2, and a third pixel region P3, wherein the sizes of the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 repeated in the first direction X within the sensing region HA may be larger than the first pixel region P1 disposed outside the sensing region HA, wherein the length of each third pixel region P3 in the first direction X may be the same as the length of each first pixel region P1 in the first direction X, and wherein each third pixel region P3 may have the same length as each second pixel region P2 in the second direction Y. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted from the sensing region HA may have substantially the same spatial frequency as the light emitted from the first pixel region P1. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the feeling of heterogeneity and incoordination at the boundary between the image of the light emitted from the sensing region HA and the image of the light emitted from the first pixel region P1 can be minimized. In addition, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the visibility of the boundary between the image of the light emitted from the sensing region HA and the image of the light emitted from the first pixel region P1 can be reduced. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image recognized by the user can be improved.

[0074] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described such that the lengths of each second pixel region P2 and each third pixel region P3 in the first direction X and the second direction Y can be twice the length of each first pixel region P1. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the signal wirings GL and DL may not detour within the sensing region HA. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, each of the second pixel region P2 and the third pixel region P3 provided within the sensing region HA may have the same length in the second direction Y as each first pixel region P1 provided outside the sensing region HA. That is, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the gate line GL may not detour within the sensing region HA. Accordingly, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of forming the gate line GL can be simplified. Accordingly, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degradation of the processing efficiency caused by the sensing region HA can be minimized.

[0075] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, in which the second pixel region P2 provided with the red color filter 151R, the third pixel region P3 provided with the green color filter 151G, and the second pixel region P2 provided with the blue color filter 151B may be repeated in the first direction X within the sensing region HA. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pixel region P2 within the sensing region HA may display white. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the third pixel region P3 provided with the red color filter 151R, the fourth pixel region P4 provided with the green color filter 151G, the fifth pixel region P5 provided with the blue color filter 151B, and the second pixel region P2 not provided with the color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B may be repeated in the first direction X within the sensing region HA, as Figures 12 to 15 shown. Accordingly, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmittance of the second pixel region P2 can be increased. In addition, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of external light passing through the sensing region HA can be increased due to the second pixel region P2.

[0076] The fourth pixel region P4 and the fifth pixel region P5 may have the same size as the third pixel region P3. For example, the length of each fourth pixel region P4 and the length of each fifth pixel region P5 in the first direction X may be the same as the length of each third pixel region P3 in the first direction X, and the length of each fourth pixel region P4 and the length of each fifth pixel region P5 in the second direction Y may be the same as the length of each third pixel region P3 in the second direction Y. The length of each second pixel region P2 in the second direction Y may be the same as the length of each fifth pixel region P5 in the second direction Y. The length of each second pixel region P2 in the first direction X may be the same as the sum of the length of each third pixel region P3 in the first direction X, the length of each fourth pixel region P4 in the first direction X, and the length of each fifth pixel region P5 in the first direction X. That is, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a block in which one of the third pixel regions P3, one of the fourth pixel regions P4, and one of the fifth pixel regions P5 are arranged side by side and the second pixel region P2 may be repeated in the second direction Y. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the spatial frequency of light emitted from the sensing region HA may be maintained equal to the spatial frequency of light emitted from the first pixel region P1, and the transmittance of the sensing region HA may be further increased. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the feeling of heterogeneity and incoordination of the boundary between the image generated by the light emitted from the sensing region HA and the image generated by the light emitted from the first pixel region P1 may be minimized, and the amount of external light provided to the optical module through the sensing region HA may be increased. In addition, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the characteristics of detecting external light by the optical module may be improved without degrading the quality of the image provided to the user.

[0077] In a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the third pixel region P3 provided with the red color filter 151R, the third pixel region P3 provided with the blue color filter 151B, the third pixel region P3 provided with the green color filter 151G, and the second pixel region P2 not provided with the color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B may have the same length in the second direction Y, as Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the resolution difference between the sensing region HA and the effective region AA may be minimized, and the amount of external light provided to the optical module through the sensing region HA may be increased.

[0078] In a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an area in the sensing region HA where the color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B are not provided may be smaller in size than an area in the sensing region HA where the color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B are provided. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pixel regions P2 where the red color filter 151R is provided and the second pixel regions P2 where the blue color filter 151B is provided may be repeated in the first direction X and the second direction Y in the sensing region HA, and the third pixel regions P3 where the green color filter 151G is provided and the third pixel regions P3 where the color filters 151R, 151G, and 151B are not provided may be repeated between the second pixel regions P2 adjacent in the first direction X and between the second pixel regions P2 adjacent in the second direction Y, as Figures 18 to 21 shown. That is, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pixel regions P2 where the red color filter 151R is provided, the third pixel regions P3 that display white, the second pixel regions P2 where the blue color filter 151B is provided, and the third pixel regions P3 where the green color filter 151G is provided may be repeated in the first direction X. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the brightness difference between the image generated by the light emitted from the sensing region HA and the image generated by the light emitted from the first pixel region P1 can be minimized. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, deterioration of the image quality recognized by the user due to the brightness difference can be prevented, and the amount of external light provided to the optical module through the sensing region HA can be increased.

[0079] In a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pixel regions P2 and the third pixel regions P3 having various shapes may be provided in the sensing region HA. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the second pixel regions P2 where the red color filter 151R is provided, each of the third pixel regions P3 that display white, each of the second pixel regions P2 where the blue color filter 151B is provided, and each of the third pixel regions P3 where the green color filter 151G is provided may have the same length as each first pixel region P1 in the second direction Y, as Figure 22 and Figure 23 shown. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the resolution of the sensing region HA and the amount of external light provided to the optical module through the sensing region HA can be adjusted by the shapes of each second pixel region P2 and each third pixel region P3 provided in the sensing region HA. Therefore, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom in configuring the shapes of each second pixel region P2 and each third pixel region P3 in the sensing region HA can be increased.

[0080] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a liquid crystal panel on a backlight unit and an optical module overlapping a sensing area of the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel may include a first pixel area disposed outside the sensing area, a second pixel area having a size larger than that of the first pixel area, and a third pixel area having a size smaller than that of the second pixel area. The second pixel area and the third pixel area may be repeated in a first direction within the sensing area. The length of each third pixel area in the first direction may be the same as the length of each first pixel area in the first direction, and each third pixel area may have the same length as each second pixel area in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Accordingly, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, light emitted from the sensing area where the second pixel area and the third pixel area are disposed may have substantially the same spatial frequency as light emitted from the first pixel area. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the feeling of heterogeneity and incompatibility at the boundary between a first image generated from light emitted from the sensing area and a second image generated from light emitted from the first pixel area may be minimized. In addition, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the visibility of the boundary between the first image and the second image may be reduced. Accordingly, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of an image recognized by a user may be improved.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a backlight unit including a light guide plate; a liquid crystal panel disposed on the backlight unit, the liquid crystal panel including a first pixel region, a second pixel region having a size larger than that of the first pixel region, and a third pixel region having a size smaller than that of the second pixel region; and an optical module separated from the light guide plate, the optical module overlapping a sensing region of the liquid crystal panel, wherein the second pixel region and the third pixel region are repeated in a first direction within the sensing region, wherein a length of each third pixel region in the first direction is the same as a length of each first pixel region in the first direction, and wherein a length of each third pixel region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the same as a length of each second pixel region.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first pixel region is disposed outside the sensing region.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each first pixel region displays a different color from a first pixel region adjacent thereto in the first direction, wherein each first pixel region displays the same color as a first pixel region adjacent thereto in the second direction, and wherein each second pixel region displays a different color from a second pixel region adjacent thereto in the second direction.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein each second pixel region displays a first color or a second color, and wherein second pixel regions displaying the first color and second pixel regions displaying the second color are repeated in the second direction.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein each third pixel region displays the same color as a third pixel region adjacent thereto in the first direction and the second direction.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein each third pixel region displays green.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a length of each second pixel region in the first direction is an integer multiple of a length of each first pixel region in the first direction.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein a length of each second pixel region in the second direction is an integer multiple of a length of each first pixel region in the second direction, and wherein a length of each second pixel region in the second direction is longer than a length of each second pixel region in the first direction.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each first pixel region displays red, green, or blue, wherein the liquid crystal panel includes a fourth pixel region and a fifth pixel region that are repeated in the first direction within the sensing region together with the second pixel region and the third pixel region, and wherein a length of each fourth pixel region and a length of each fifth pixel region in the first direction and the second direction are the same as a length of each third pixel region.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein each fourth pixel region displays the same color as a fourth pixel region adjacent thereto in the first direction and the second direction, and Each of the fifth pixel regions displays the same color as the fifth pixel regions adjacent thereto in the first direction and the second direction.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of first signal wirings extending in the second direction between the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region, and wherein the number of first signal wirings between adjacent second pixel regions and third pixel regions is greater than the number of first signal wirings between adjacent first pixel regions in the first direction.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of second signal wirings extending in the first direction between the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region, and wherein the number of second signal wirings between adjacent second pixel regions in the second direction and between adjacent third pixel regions in the second direction is greater than the number of second signal wirings between adjacent first pixel regions in the second direction.

13. The display device according to claim 2, wherein a boundary between adjacent second pixel regions and third pixel regions in the first direction coincides with one of the boundaries between adjacent first pixel regions in the first direction.

14. The display device according to claim 2, wherein a boundary between adjacent second pixel regions in the second direction or a boundary between adjacent third pixel regions in the second direction coincides with one of the boundaries between adjacent first pixel regions in the second direction.

Images