Display panel

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of display, and particularly relates to a display panel, which comprises a substrate, pixel units and a light-sensing control unit, each of the pixel units comprises a plurality of sub-pixels, each of the sub-pixels comprises an organic light-emitting unit, a color filter and a light-adjusting unit, the light-adjusting unit comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a variable light-shielding layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the variable light-shielding layer is arranged on a layer where the color filter is located; the display panel further comprises the light-sensing control unit, the light-sensing control unit is arranged on a side of the light-adjusting unit away from the substrate, the light-sensing control unit comprises a photoresistor and a signal transmission line, the signal transmission line is electrically connected to the second electrode through the photoresistor; wherein the photoresistor is configured to change its resistance value according to ambient light, so as to adjust the voltage applied to the second electrode by the signal transmission line, thereby controlling the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding layer. The application can dynamically adjust the light-shielding area to adaptively balance the wide viewing angle and the low reflection requirement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of display, and particularly relates to a display panel. BACKGROUND

[0002] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels have been widely applied in various electronic devices due to their excellent display performance. In order to improve light emission efficiency and suppress ambient light reflection, a color filter on encapsulation (COE) is usually integrated on a thin film encapsulation layer.

[0003] However, the black matrix in the COE structure is a fixed light shielding structure, and the light shielding area thereof cannot be dynamically adjusted, so it is difficult to balance the requirements of low reflection and wide viewing angle. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to provide a display panel which can dynamically adjust the light shielding area to adaptively balance the requirements of wide viewing angle and low reflection.

[0005] The present application provides a display panel, comprising a substrate and a plurality of pixel units arranged on the substrate, each of the pixel units comprising a plurality of sub-pixels arranged at intervals, each of the sub-pixels comprising an organic light-emitting unit and a color filter arranged away from the substrate, each of the sub-pixels further comprising a light adjustment unit, the light adjustment unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a variable light shielding layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, the variable light shielding layer being arranged on the layer where the color filter is located; the display panel further comprising a light sensing control unit arranged on the side of the light adjustment unit away from the substrate, the light sensing control unit comprising a photoresistor and a signal transmission line, the signal transmission line being electrically connected to the second electrode through the photoresistor; wherein the photoresistor is configured to change its resistance value according to ambient light to adjust the voltage applied to the second electrode by the signal transmission line, thereby controlling the light shielding area of the variable light shielding layer.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the second electrode is configured to have a non-uniform resistance distribution, so that when a driving voltage is applied through the signal transmission line, a plurality of regions with different light shielding degrees are formed on the variable light shielding layer.

[0007] In an example embodiment of the present application, the second electrode comprises a plurality of electrode sections arranged around the central axis of the second electrode and connecting sections connecting adjacent electrode sections, the signal transmission line is electrically connected to the electrode sections through the photoresistor, and the connecting sections are configured to have different voltages between adjacent electrode sections.

[0008] In an example embodiment of the present application, the connecting sections comprise a plurality of continuous bending sections.

[0009] In an example embodiment of the present application, the second electrode further comprises an electrode body part corresponding to the color resist, and the orthographic projection of the color resist on the substrate substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the electrode body part on the substrate substrate; the plurality of electrode sections are annular sections arranged around the electrode body part in multiple circles; adjacent annular sections and the innermost annular section and the electrode body part are electrically connected through the connecting sections.

[0010] In an example embodiment of the present application, adjacent two connecting sections are arranged in a circumferential direction of the electrode body part.

[0011] In an example embodiment of the present application, a first light shielding member is arranged in a region between adjacent two annular sections.

[0012] In an example embodiment of the present application, the photoresistor is arranged in a non-light-emitting region between adjacent sub-pixels, and the orthographic projection of the photoresistor on the substrate substrate has an overlapping region with the orthographic projection of the annular section on the substrate substrate; a second light shielding member is arranged at a position corresponding to the overlapping region on a side of the annular section away from the substrate substrate.

[0013] In an example embodiment of the present application, the signal transmission line extends in a first direction; the light sensing control unit further comprises a first connecting line and a second connecting line, the first connecting line extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and is electrically connected to the signal transmission line; the photoresistor is arranged in a non-light-emitting region between adjacent sub-pixels, one end of the photoresistor is electrically connected to the first connecting line, and the other end of the photoresistor is electrically connected to the second connecting line; the second connecting line is electrically connected to the outer edge of the second electrode.

[0014] In an example embodiment of the present application, the photoresistor is arranged on opposite sides of the signal transmission line, and the two photoresistors are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the color resist.

[0015] The display panel of the present application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The display panel of the present application comprises a substrate, a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array and a light sensing control unit. Each pixel unit comprises a plurality of sub-pixels, each sub-pixel comprising an organic light emitting unit, a color filter and a light adjusting unit, wherein the light adjusting unit comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a variable light shielding layer arranged therebetween, and the variable light shielding layer is arranged between adjacent color filters; the light sensing control unit is arranged on the side of the light adjusting unit away from the substrate, and comprises a photosensitive resistor and a signal transmission line, the signal transmission line is electrically connected with the second electrode through the photosensitive resistor. The present application senses the ambient light intensity through the photosensitive resistor and automatically adjusts the voltage of the second electrode, realizes the intelligent dynamic control of the light shielding area of the variable light shielding layer, enables the display panel to reduce the light shielding area under low ambient light to obtain a wider viewing angle, and increases the light shielding area under high ambient light to reduce reflection, effectively reduces the problem that the fixed light shielding in the COE structure cannot be adaptively adjusted, automatically balances the viewing angle and reflection demand under different light conditions, saves the polarizer to improve the light efficiency, and significantly improves the display quality and user experience.

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or will be learned by practice of the present application.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification, show embodiments consistent with the present application, and together with the specification serve to explain the principles of the present application. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0020] Figure 1 A structure schematic diagram of a plurality of sub-pixels arranged on a substrate in some embodiments is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of a single sub-pixel in some embodiments is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of a single pixel unit in some embodiments is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A preparation flow schematic diagram of a single sub-pixel in some embodiments is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of a single sub-pixel in some embodiments is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of a variable light-shielding layer in a light-shielding state under high ambient light in some embodiments is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 A structure schematic diagram of a second electrode in some embodiments is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 A cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of a first light-shielding member arranged between annular subparts and a second light-shielding member arranged on the annular subparts in some embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the arrangement structure of a signal transmission line, a first connection line, a photosensitive resistor and a second connection line in some embodiments is shown.

[0029] Explanation of reference signs:

[0030] 100, display panel; 110, substrate substrate; 120, sub-pixel; 121, organic light-emitting unit; 122, color filter; 123, light adjustment unit; 1230, first electrode; 1231, second electrode; 12310, annular subpart; 12311, connection part; 12312, electrode main part; 1232, variable light-shielding layer; 130, light-sensing control unit; 131, photosensitive resistor; 132, signal transmission line; 133, first connection line; 134, second connection line; 140, insulating layer; 150, driving electrode layer; 160, first light-shielding member; 170, second light-shielding member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Example implementations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example implementations may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the inventive aspects of example implementations to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0032] In the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of description, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "assembly", "connection", and the like should be understood broadly, for example, can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integral; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection; can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be internal communication of two elements or interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics can be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments. In the following description, many specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the application. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the technical solutions of the application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps, etc. can be used. In other cases, well-known methods, devices, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the application.

[0035] Reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, the display panel 100 of the present application can include a substrate 110 and a plurality of pixel units arranged on the substrate 110.

[0036] The substrate 110 can be made of flexible materials such as glass or polyimide.

[0037] Each pixel unit can include a plurality of sub-pixels 120 arranged at intervals, which are usually arranged in RGB three primary colors, or can be arranged in RGBW four colors or other multi-colors to form a display array. Each sub-pixel 120 includes an organic light emitting unit 121 and a color filter 122 disposed on the light emitting side of the organic light emitting unit 121, wherein the organic light emitting unit 121 adopts an organic light emitting diode (OLED) stacked structure, which can include an anode, an organic light emitting layer and a cathode arranged in sequence. The color filter 122 can include red, green, blue or other color filter units, which are prepared by color photoresist material, and are used to realize full-color display.

[0038] It should be noted that in the preparation process, the organic light emitting unit 121 is first formed on the substrate 110, including preparing the anode by sputtering, preparing the organic light emitting layer by evaporation or solution method, and finally preparing the cathode. Then, the thin film encapsulation layer is prepared by chemical vapor deposition to protect the organic light emitting unit 121 from water and oxygen erosion.

[0039] Next, a color filter layer is fabricated, in which there is a precise alignment between the color resists 122 and the organic light-emitting units 121. The center of each color resist 122 and the center of its corresponding organic light-emitting unit 121 are designed to be located on the same central axis to ensure that the light emitted from the organic light-emitting unit 121 can be effectively utilized by the color resists 122 to the maximum extent, while suppressing crosstalk. For example, the red color resist corresponds to the organic light-emitting unit 121 that emits red light, the green color resist corresponds to the organic light-emitting unit 121 that emits green light, and the blue color resist corresponds to the organic light-emitting unit 121 that emits blue light. This one-to-one correspondence ensures precise matching of the optical path.

[0040] It is worth mentioning that the main function of the color resist 122 is to achieve high-quality full-color display. By selectively transmitting white light or monochromatic light emitted by the organic light-emitting unit 121 through the color resist 122, pure three-primary-color light can be obtained. In addition, the color resist 122 can effectively suppress ambient light reflection, improve display contrast, and avoid color crosstalk between adjacent pixels, ensuring the color purity and saturation of the displayed image. In the scheme using a white organic light-emitting unit 121 paired with the color resist 122, this structure can also effectively improve the aging consistency problem of different color pixels and extend the lifespan of the display panel 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each sub-pixel 120 may also be provided with a dimming unit 123. The dimming unit 123 may include a first electrode 1230, a second electrode 1231, and a variable light-shielding layer 1232 disposed between the first electrode 1230 and the second electrode 1231.

[0042] In some embodiments, the variable shading layer 1232 is an electrochromic system. It may include an electrochromic layer (such as tungsten trioxide WO3), an ion conductor layer (electrolyte), and an ion storage layer (such as nickel oxide NiO). Lithium (Li) is the key active ion therein, typically doped into the solid electrolyte in the form of a lithium salt (such as lithium perchlorate LiClO4) or implanted during the preparation process.

[0043] It is understandable that when a driving voltage is applied to the two electrodes, lithium ions (Li...) + An electrochromic layer (such as WO3) can be injected or extracted under the influence of an electric field, triggering its redox reaction and thus achieving a reversible change between its colored state (light-blocking) and faded state (light-transmitting). The variable light-blocking layer 1232 can maintain its inherent high light transmittance when no driving voltage is applied. This characteristic ensures the normal light transmission function of the display panel 100 in the event of power failure, while also achieving the advantage of low power consumption by consuming energy only when light blocking is required.

[0044] In addition to inorganic material systems, the variable shading layer 1232 can also be made of organic electrochromic materials, such as viologen compounds.

[0045] It is worth mentioning that, see Figure 4 As shown, the fabrication of the dimming unit 123 firstly involves sputtering a full-surface first electrode 1230 onto the thin-film encapsulation layer. The first electrode 1230 can be made of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Subsequently, an electrochromic layer (WO3), a solid electrolyte layer (containing lithium salt), and an ion storage layer (NiO) are sequentially fabricated by magnetron sputtering, together forming a complete functional structure of the variable light-shielding layer 1232.

[0046] In addition, the variable light-blocking layer 1232 is disposed in the area between adjacent color resists 122, that is, the location of the black matrix in the related technology, and its width can be adjusted according to the pixel size.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 As shown, the display panel 100 may further include a light-sensing control unit 130 disposed on the side of the dimming unit 123 away from the substrate 110. The light-sensing control unit 130 may include a photoresistor 131 and a signal transmission line 132. The photoresistor 131 may be made of photosensitive materials such as cadmium sulfide or cadmium selenide, or it may be made of semiconductor materials such as amorphous silicon, and its resistance value changes significantly with the ambient light intensity.

[0048] In fabricating the photosensitive control unit 130, an insulating layer 140, made of silicon nitride or silicon oxide, is first prepared on the second electrode 1231 by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Then, contact holes are formed on the insulating layer 140 by photolithography and etching processes to expose the connection area of ​​the second electrode 1231.

[0049] Then see Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the photosensitive control unit 130 is fabricated. A photosensitive material thin film (such as amorphous silicon or cadmium sulfide) and a transparent conductive thin film (indium tin oxide (ITO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), or indium zinc oxide (IZO)) are continuously deposited on an insulating layer 140 with etched contact holes using processes such as magnetron sputtering or thermal evaporation. Then, these two thin films are simultaneously patterned using a photolithography and etching process, forming two key structures in one step: first, defining the pattern of the photoresistor 131; and second, forming the pattern of the signal transmission line 132 in the same layer. In this structure, one end of the photoresistor 131 is connected to the signal transmission line 132, and its other end is electrically connected to the exposed second electrode 1231 connection area via a second connection line 134, which will be described below.

[0050] This fabrication process ensures that the photoresistor 131 and the signal transmission line 132 are formed simultaneously through a key process, simplifying the fabrication process and guaranteeing good electrical contact and precise alignment between the two.

[0051] It is understood that the signal transmission line 132 can be directly connected to a driver chip located at the edge or outside of the panel, with the driver chip providing an independent dedicated drive signal. This drive signal is transmitted via the signal transmission line 132, and after passing through the photoresistor 131 connected in series with it, it is finally applied to the second electrode 1231.

[0052] This application can sense changes in ambient light intensity in real time and automatically and accurately adjust the shading area of ​​the variable shading layer 1232 accordingly.

[0053] For example, see Figure 5 As shown, under low ambient light conditions, the resistance of the photoresistor 131 increases significantly, which reduces the voltage loss of the driving signal transmitted by the signal transmission line 132 when passing through the photoresistor 131. The effective voltage applied to the second electrode 1231 is reduced accordingly, resulting in a lighter coloring degree of the variable light-shielding layer 1232 and a high light-transmitting state. This state significantly reduces the obstruction of light emitted at large angles, thereby effectively increasing the viewing angle of the display panel 100 and improving the user's viewing experience in dark environments.

[0054] See Figure 6 As shown, under high ambient light conditions, the resistance of the photoresistor 131 decreases significantly, allowing the driving signal to be transmitted to the second electrode 1231 with lower loss. This enables the variable shading layer 1232 to obtain sufficient driving voltage and transition to a deep shading state. The increased shading area significantly suppresses ambient light reflection, improving display contrast and visibility in strong light environments. This intelligent adjustment mechanism effectively reduces the problem of fixed shading in traditional COE (Color filter on Encapsulation) structures failing to dynamically adapt to different lighting environments. It achieves an adaptive optimal balance between wide viewing angle and low reflection characteristics in different scenarios. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for a polarizer, it significantly improves the overall light extraction efficiency of the display panel 100.

[0055] Understandably, in the pixel structure of the display panel 100, the second electrodes 1231 between adjacent sub-pixels 120 adopt an independent electrode structure with spacing, and the second electrodes 1231 corresponding to each sub-pixel 120 are electrically isolated from each other. Meanwhile, the variable light-shielding layer 1232 covering these spaced electrodes is fabricated using a continuous film deposition process, forming an overall light-shielding film spanning the areas of adjacent sub-pixels 120. This structure design, with spacing between electrodes and interconnected light-shielding layers, ensures that the second electrode 1231 of each sub-pixel 120 can independently control the light-shielding state of its corresponding area, while reducing light leakage problems that may be caused by electrode gaps through continuous light-shielding layers, thus maintaining good overall light-shielding effect while ensuring precise zonal control.

[0056] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 As shown, the display panel 100 also includes a driving electrode layer 150 fabricated on a substrate 110. This driving electrode layer 150 includes a thin-film transistor array for controlling the light emission of each sub-pixel 120, and various signal traces (e.g., scan lines, data lines, and common signal lines). The scan lines extend along the row direction and are used to transmit gating signals; the data lines extend along the column direction, intersecting the scan lines insulated from each other to form a pixel matrix, and are used to transmit data voltage signals; the common signal lines are used to provide a common voltage reference.

[0057] In this design, the thin-film transistor (TFT) serves as the pixel switching element. Its gate is connected to the scan line, its source is connected to the data line, and its drain is electrically connected to the anode of the organic light-emitting unit 121 through a via. When an enable voltage is applied to the scan line, the TFT turns on, writing the voltage signal from the data line into the pixel and driving the organic light-emitting unit 121 to emit light.

[0058] In some embodiments, the common signal line is electrically connected to the first electrode 1230 of the dimming unit 123 through vias penetrating each insulating planarization layer, providing a stable common voltage reference for the variable shading layer 1232. This connection structure ensures that the dimming unit 123 and the organic light-emitting unit 121 can work together, wherein the thin-film transistor array precisely controls the brightness of each organic light-emitting unit 121, while the common signal line provides a reference voltage for the entire dimming unit 123, enabling the variable shading layer 1232 to accurately adjust its shading state according to the output signal of the light-sensing control unit 130.

[0059] It should be understood that this integrated driving electrode layer 150 design not only achieves precise driving of the organic light-emitting unit 121, but also provides the necessary electrical connection for the dimming unit 123, ensuring the coordinated operation of the various functional modules of the display panel 100. The metal lines in the driving electrode layer 150 can be made of aluminum, copper, molybdenum, or composite metal layers thereof, wherein the scan lines and data lines are arranged in different metal layers, isolated by the interlayer insulating layer 140, and the necessary electrical connection is achieved through vias.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second electrode 1231 is designed to have a non-uniform resistance distribution. This characteristic can be achieved through various electrode pattern designs, such as a ring-shaped electrode structure in which multiple concentric ring-shaped electrode portions are connected in series via a high-resistance connector 12311. Besides the ring structure, the second electrode 1231 can also be designed as a spiral structure, achieving a resistance gradient distribution through a single wire extending spirally from the center to the outer edge; or a radial stripe design, adjusting the resistance value by gradually changing the width of each stripe from the center outwards; or a grid-like partitioned design, where the sheet resistance of each grid cell varies according to a predetermined pattern. These different electrode pattern designs achieve non-uniform resistance distribution by controlling the length, cross-sectional area, or material properties of the conductive path, providing a variety of options for product design while simultaneously meeting the functional requirements of forming different light-shielding areas.

[0061] For example, see Figure 7 As shown, the second electrode 1231 includes multiple electrode portions arranged around its central axis. The electrode portions are made of transparent conductive oxide materials, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and indium zinc oxide (IZO). The shape of the electrode portions can be annular, square, or other polygonal ring structures. There is a spacing between adjacent electrode portions, which can be from 0.1 μm to 1 μm. By designing this spacing as small as possible, this design maximizes the effective control area of ​​the second electrode 1231 over the variable light-shielding layer 1232, allowing the optical state (shielding rate) of the variable light-shielding layer 1232 to be precisely adjusted within a wider and more continuous range. Reducing the spacing between adjacent electrode portions provides a smoother and more refined gradient of the light-shielding effect for the display panel 100, thereby significantly improving display uniformity and visual experience under different ambient light conditions.

[0062] Please continue to see Figure 7 As shown, the second electrode 1231 also includes a connecting portion 12311 that connects adjacent electrode portions. The connecting portion 12311 is designed to allow adjacent two electrode portions to have different resistance values. By controlling the size and shape of the connecting portion 12311, the resistance ratio between each electrode portion can be adjusted, thereby achieving the desired voltage distribution.

[0063] To achieve the desired resistance value, the connection portion 12311 can be configured as a conductive pattern including multiple continuous bending segments, thereby significantly increasing the effective length of the conductive path to obtain the desired resistance value.

[0064] For example, in one alternative embodiment, see [link to example]. Figure 7 As shown, the connecting part 12311 adopts a serpentine structure, which may include multiple continuous U-shaped bends. The resistance is adjusted by controlling the number and amplitude of bends, thereby regulating the voltage between adjacent electrode sections.

[0065] In another alternative embodiment, the connecting part 12311 may also adopt a sawtooth structure, which may be composed of a series of V-shaped bends connected together, and resistance adjustment can be achieved by changing the angle and density.

[0066] In another alternative embodiment, the connecting portion 12311 may also adopt a wave-shaped structure, which uses a smooth arc bend to form a waveform similar to a sine curve, which helps to improve the uniformity of current distribution.

[0067] In another alternative embodiment, the connector 12311 may also adopt a spiral extension structure, which employs a local spiral routing to maximize the conductive path length within a limited space.

[0068] It is worth mentioning that, in addition to increasing the resistance value through geometry, the connector 12311 can also employ other similar methods to increase the resistance value. For example, using a high resistivity material as the body of the connector 12311, integrating an independent thin-film resistor, or constructing a three-dimensional stacked resistor structure can increase the voltage of adjacent electrode sections.

[0069] These different implementations of the connectors 12311 provide flexible options for product design, allowing for the selection of the most suitable technical solution based on specific pixel layout, resistance accuracy requirements, and process capabilities. Regardless of the specific form adopted, the core function of the connectors 12311 is to establish a precise and controllable resistance value, ensuring that the expected voltage gradient is formed between the various electrode sections, ultimately achieving precise zone control of the variable light-shielding layer 1232.

[0070] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 As shown, the second electrode 1231 may further include an electrode body portion 12312, which corresponds to the color resist 122. For example, the central axis of the color resist 122 and the central axis of the electrode body portion 12312 are located on the same straight line, that is, the color resist 122 and the electrode body portion 12312 are arranged coaxially.

[0071] In some embodiments, see Figure 2As shown, the projection of the color resist 122 falls entirely within the projection range of the electrode body 12312. By ensuring that the projection of the color resist 122 falls entirely within the projection range of the electrode body 12312, the control range of the electrode body 12312 can cover and extend beyond the light-emitting area of ​​the color resist 122, thereby ensuring effective driving of the variable light-shielding layer 1232 adjacent to the color resist 122.

[0072] In this way, the variable light-shielding layer 1232, located at the pixel edge and originally outside the electrode control range, is also brought under the control of the electrode body 12312. This significantly reduces the ineffective areas in the variable light-shielding layer 1232 that cannot be controlled by electrical signals, allowing the change in the light-shielding state to extend all the way to the physical boundary of the pixel. Thus, when a wider viewing angle is required, the light-shielding rate of these edge areas can be reduced to achieve a wider and more uniform viewing angle display effect.

[0073] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 As shown, the multiple electrode portions are annular portions 12310 arranged in multiple loops around the electrode body portion 12312. The spacing between the rings can be equal or unequal, ranging from 0.1 μm to 1 μm. By designing this spacing as small as possible, this design maximizes the effective control area of ​​the second electrode 1231 over the variable shading layer 1232, allowing the optical state (shading rate) of the variable shading layer 1232 to be precisely adjusted within a wider and more continuous range.

[0074] In some embodiments, adjacent annular portions 12310 and the innermost annular portion 12310 and the electrode body portion 12312 are electrically connected through a connecting portion 12311 having a predetermined resistance value.

[0075] It should be noted that the photoresistor 131 is placed in the non-light-emitting area between adjacent sub-pixels 120. This effectively reduces interference from the organic light-emitting unit 121's own emission, ensuring accurate perception of ambient light intensity. Based on this layout, the signal transmission line 132 is electrically connected to the outermost annular portion 12310 via the photoresistor 131. This connection not only shortens the wiring and optimizes space, but more importantly, it allows the driving signal to be input from the outer edge of the second electrode 1231. Utilizing the predetermined resistance values ​​of each connection portion 12311, a voltage gradient gradually decreasing from the outside to the inside is naturally formed, laying a solid circuit foundation for continuous and intelligent control of the light-shielding area of ​​the variable light-shielding layer 1232.

[0076] This structure connects the electrode body 12312 and all the annular portions 12310 in series through the connecting part 12311 to form an integral voltage divider circuit, which forms a continuous and controllable voltage gradient from the signal input point (outer edge) to the central region.

[0077] For example, when a driving voltage is applied to the series circuit through the signal transmission line 132, a voltage drop is generated each time the current passes through a connection 12311, since each connection 12311 has a predetermined resistance value. This causes the voltage to ground of each section to decrease sequentially from the outermost annular section 12310 to the central electrode body section 12312. This voltage gradient acts directly on the underlying variable shading layer 1232, causing its shading state (such as color depth) to change continuously or stepwise from the outside to the inside.

[0078] This structure, through voltage division at the connector 12311, creates a driving voltage that gradually decreases from the connector point (outermost ring) towards the center within the area of ​​a single sub-pixel 120. This voltage gradient causes the underlying variable shading layer 1232 to generate a corresponding annular gradient region where the shading rate gradually decreases (i.e., the transmittance gradually increases) from the outer ring towards the center.

[0079] Under high ambient light conditions, please refer to Figure 6 As shown, the resistance of the photoresistor 131 decreases due to strong light exposure, allowing the driving circuit to apply a higher driving voltage to the second electrode 1231 via the signal transmission line 132. This voltage is sufficient to drive most or even all of the annular portion 12310 from the outer ring to the inner ring into a high-shielding state, forming a broad shading area that effectively suppresses ambient light reflection.

[0080] Please refer to [reference needed] under low ambient light conditions. Figure 5 As shown, the resistance of the photoresistor 131 increases due to reduced illumination, resulting in a significant decrease in the effective driving voltage applied to the second electrode 1231. Due to the series voltage division, this reduced voltage only allows the outermost annular portion 12310 to maintain effective light blocking, while the inner ring and central region, where the voltage is insufficient, remain highly transparent. This allows the side light emitted by the organic light-emitting unit 121 to be observed through these internal regions with increased transmittance when viewed from a wide angle, thus significantly increasing the viewing angle.

[0081] Therefore, by creating a light-blocking layer within each sub-pixel 120 with a transmittance that smoothly decreases from the geometric center to the edge, an adaptive balance between viewing angle and reflection is achieved. In low light, its gentle transmittance gradient allows more side light to pass through, increasing the viewing angle; in strong light, its strong edge-blocking capability effectively combats reflection.

[0082] In some embodiments, to ensure the accuracy of ambient light detection and reduce interference from the self-emission of the organic light-emitting unit 121, the photoresistor 131 is positioned in the middle between two adjacent organic light-emitting units 121. This specific arrangement ensures that the photoresistor 131 maintains an equal distance from the organic light-emitting units 121 on both the left and right sides, so that it is not affected by the emission from either the left or right organic light-emitting unit 121, thereby minimizing the amount of interfering light from either side and significantly reducing optical measurement errors.

[0083] Based on this premise of precise perception, the outer edge of the second electrode 1231 in each sub-pixel 120 is correspondingly positioned in the middle of adjacent sub-pixels 120, spatially corresponding to the layout of the photoresistor 131. This collaborative design ensures that the control boundary of the variable shading layer 1232 perfectly matches the area most requiring precise light intensity perception: under high ambient light, the shading rate of this gap area is enhanced to suppress reflection, while under low ambient light, its shading rate is reduced to increase the viewing angle. Ultimately, while ensuring the accuracy of ambient light perception, intelligent adaptive optimization of the display effect is achieved.

[0084] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 As shown, to optimize display uniformity, adjacent connecting portions 12311 are arranged in a staggered manner around the electrode body 12312. That is, these connecting portions 12311 are not concentrated on one side or in a specific local area of ​​the electrode body 12312, but are intentionally distributed in different locations around the electrode body 12312. This spatially distributed layout can evenly distribute any minor voltage drop differences or optical state changes that may exist in each connecting portion 12311 and its surrounding area throughout the entire pixel area, thereby reducing the problem of brightness or color unevenness caused by local accumulation, and ultimately ensuring high uniformity of display effect in all directions.

[0085] For example, please see Figure 7 As shown, the electrode body 12312 can be designed as a square structure. Based on this square layout, the arrangement of the connecting parts 12311 can adopt a variety of symmetrical schemes: for example, in a design with four connecting parts 12311, they can be respectively set at the midpoint of the four sides of the square to form a symmetrical distribution on the left, top, right, and bottom sides; in a design with eight connecting parts 12311, connecting parts 12311 can be added to the four corner areas based on the midpoint of the four sides to form a circumferentially uniform distribution on the upper left, top right, right side, lower right, bottom right, lower left, and left side.

[0086] This symmetrical layout design based on square electrodes ensures that the voltage drop distribution remains symmetrical in all directions during the transmission of the driving voltage from the center to the periphery by evenly distributing the connecting parts 12311 in all directions. This symmetry makes the state changes of the variable light-shielding layer 1232 consistent in all edge areas of the pixel, effectively reducing the display unevenness caused by excessive light shading in some areas and insufficient light shading in others due to the concentrated position of the connecting parts 12311, thereby significantly improving the visual uniformity of the display panel 100 in all directions.

[0087] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 As shown, a first light-shielding member 160 is provided in the area between two adjacent annular portions 12310. The first light-shielding member 160 can be made of light-shielding materials such as metallic chromium or black resin, and is prepared by sputtering and patterning processes to further block light transmission and improve contrast. The width and height of the first light-shielding member 160 can be adjusted according to the pixel size and light-shielding requirements.

[0088] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 As shown, the photoresistor 131 is disposed in the non-light-emitting area between adjacent sub-pixels 120, and its orthographic projection on the substrate 110 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the annular portion 12310 on the substrate 110. A second light-shielding member 170 is disposed on the side of the annular portion 12310 away from the substrate 110 corresponding to these overlapping areas. This second light-shielding member 170 effectively reduces the interference of the organic light-emitting unit 121's own light emission on the photoresistor 131, ensuring the accuracy of ambient light detection. The material of the second light-shielding member 170 can be the same as that of the first light-shielding member 160, or other light-shielding materials can be selected according to actual process requirements.

[0089] It is worth mentioning that in the fabrication process of each functional layer, both the first light-shielding element 160 and the second light-shielding element 170 are made of black matrix material. The specific fabrication process is as follows: First, a patterned structure of the second electrode 1231 is formed on the substrate 110 through sputtering and patterning processes, including the electrode body 12312, the annular portion 12310, and the connecting portion 12311. Subsequently, on the patterned second electrode 1231, the first light-shielding element 160 and the second light-shielding element 170 are simultaneously formed through a patterning process of spin-coating black photoresist and exposure and development; wherein the first light-shielding element 160 fills the planar gap between adjacent annular portions 12310, and the second light-shielding element 170 is positioned above the preset sensing area of ​​the photoresistor 131. After the black matrix patterning is completed, an insulating layer 140 is formed on the entire surface by chemical vapor deposition, and contact holes are drilled on the insulating layer 140 using photolithography and etching processes to expose the preset connection area of ​​the second electrode 1231.

[0090] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 As shown, the signal transmission line 132 extends along a first direction. The photosensitive control unit 130 also includes a first connecting line 133 and a second connecting line 134. The first connecting line 133 extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction and is electrically connected to the signal transmission line 132 at the intersection. One end of the photoresistor 131 is connected to the first connecting line 133, and the other end is connected to the second connecting line 134. Finally, it is electrically connected to the outer edge of the second electrode 1231 through the second connecting line 134.

[0091] In the fabrication process, the first connecting line 133, the second connecting line 134, and the signal transmission line 132 can be arranged in the same layer and formed simultaneously through the same photolithography and etching process. This integrated process first involves continuously depositing a transparent conductive film (such as indium tin oxide) on the insulating layer 140 using techniques such as sputtering or thermal evaporation. During the deposition process, the transparent conductive film material flows into and fills the pre-prepared contact holes on the insulating layer 140, thereby naturally achieving a reliable electrical connection between the second connecting line 134 and the outer edge of the second electrode 1231 exposed within the contact holes during the forming process. This integrated fabrication scheme not only simplifies the process flow and reduces manufacturing costs, but more importantly, it reduces the deviations that may occur from multiple photolithography alignments, significantly improving the reliability and yield of the connection structure, while ensuring the efficient transmission of the photosensitive control signal.

[0092] It should be noted that the extension direction of the signal transmission line 132 can be optimized according to the overall driving architecture of the panel. In one embodiment, the signal transmission line 132 can extend along the column direction Y of the display panel 100 (i.e., the direction parallel to the data lines) to control multiple second electrodes 1231 on the same column. In another embodiment, the signal transmission line 132 can also be selected to extend along the row direction X (i.e., the direction parallel to the scan lines) to control the second electrodes 1231 on the same row. Regardless of the specific direction adopted, the core structure of connecting the photoresistor 131 to the signal transmission line 132 and the second electrode 1231 through the first connecting line 133 and the second connecting line 134 remains unchanged, ensuring the reliable implementation of the light-sensing control function and the flexibility of the layout.

[0093] In addition, see Figure 9As shown, the signal transmission line 132 is positioned at the center of each sub-pixel 120. This design spatially separates the signal transmission line 132 from traditional signal traces such as data lines and scan lines. This layout effectively reduces the intersection or coupling between the signal transmission line 132 and the metal traces of the lower driving electrode layer 150 at the pixel edges, thereby reducing mutual interference between signals. Moreover, the central position provides more spacious wiring space for the signal transmission line 132, which helps to reduce wiring density and reduce resistive and capacitive loads during signal transmission. In addition, this centralized wiring architecture provides more design freedom for the coordinated layout of the light-sensing control unit 130 and other driving lines, making the overall wiring scheme of the panel more organized and efficient, further improving the performance reliability and manufacturing yield of the display panel 100.

[0094] Understandably, the signal transmission line 132 can also be arranged in a diagonally crossed manner, forming a certain angle with both the row and column directions. This arrangement helps to reduce signal crosstalk. Regardless of the extension direction, the signal transmission line 132 needs to maintain a reliable connection with the photoresistor 131 to ensure accurate transmission of the control signal.

[0095] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, two photoresistors 131 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the signal transmission line 132, and these two photoresistors 131 are symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the color resist 122.

[0096] Understandably, the signal transmission line 132 is electrically connected to the two sides of the lower second electrode 1231 via the two symmetrically arranged photoresistors 131 and the corresponding second connection lines 134. This dual-sided connection architecture forms a symmetrical driving mode for the second electrode 1231, which can provide a more balanced driving voltage for the ring-shaped second electrode 1231, ensuring that the variable light-shielding layer 1232 achieves completely synchronized state changes on the left and right sides or the top and bottom sides of the pixel, effectively reducing the problem of asymmetrical light-shielding state that may be caused by single-sided driving. Secondly, this design also constructs a signal redundancy path. Even if one of the photoresistors 131 or the connection path malfunctions, the other can still maintain basic control functions, thereby improving the robustness and reliability of the system. In addition, this symmetrical sensing and driving system ensures that the display panel 100 presents a highly consistent display effect under any viewing position, significantly improving the visual experience.

[0097] The working principle of this display panel 100 is as follows: The photoresistor 131 in the light-sensing control unit 130 senses changes in ambient light intensity in real time and converts these changes into corresponding changes in resistance. This resistance change adjusts the effective driving voltage transmitted from the signal transmission line 132 to the second electrode 1231. In the structure of the second electrode 1231, which consists of the electrode body 12312, the annular portion 12310, and the connecting portion 12311, this driving voltage forms a specific spatial voltage distribution, thereby controlling the variable light-shielding layer 1232 to produce a corresponding light-shielding state distribution.

[0098] For example, under strong ambient light conditions, the resistance of the photoresistor 131 decreases significantly due to strong light exposure. This allows the driving circuit to apply a sufficiently high driving voltage to the second electrode 1231 via the signal transmission line 132. This voltage overcomes the resistance voltage drop of all connections 12311, ensuring that all areas from the outermost ring to the electrode body 12312 receive a voltage sufficient to drive the variable shading layer 1232, thereby making the variable shading layer 1232 in a highly shading state throughout the entire pixel area (including the center and edges). This is equivalent to forming a full-area dynamic black matrix, thereby maximally suppressing ambient light reflection and improving visibility under strong light.

[0099] Under weak ambient light conditions, the resistance of the photoresistor 131 increases significantly due to the weak illumination, resulting in a substantial reduction in the effective driving voltage applied to the second electrode 1231. Due to the series voltage divider effect, this reduced voltage only drives the light-shielding layer below the outermost annular portion 12310, while the inner ring and central region, where the voltage is insufficient, remain highly transparent. This allows the side light emitted by the organic light-emitting unit 121 to be observed through these transparent inner rings and central region when viewed from a wide angle, thus significantly increasing the viewing angle and improving the viewing experience in low light.

[0100] That is, this application senses ambient light through photoresistor 131 and uses the resistance gradient structure of second electrode 1231 to convert a single driving signal into a spatial shading state distribution, which intelligently realizes the adaptive display effect of full shading to resist reflection under strong light and center light transmission to increase viewing angle under weak light, effectively reducing the problem that fixed shading structure cannot dynamically adapt to different lighting environments.

[0101] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "exemplarily," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0102] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application. Therefore, any changes or modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of this application should fall within the scope of this patent application.

Claims

1. A display panel, comprising a substrate and a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the substrate, each pixel unit comprising a plurality of sub-pixels arranged at intervals between each other, each sub-pixel comprising an organic light-emitting unit and a color resist disposed on the organic light-emitting unit away from the substrate, characterized in that, Each sub-pixel further includes a dimming unit, the dimming unit including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable light-shielding layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the variable light-shielding layer being disposed in the layer containing the color resist; The display panel also includes: A light-sensing control unit is disposed on the side of the dimming unit away from the substrate. The light-sensing control unit includes a photoresistor and a signal transmission line. The signal transmission line is electrically connected to the second electrode through the photoresistor. The photoresistor is configured to change its resistance value according to ambient light to adjust the voltage applied to the second electrode by the signal transmission line, thereby controlling the light-shielding area of ​​the variable light-shielding layer. The second electrode is configured to have a non-uniform resistance distribution, such that when a driving voltage is applied through the signal transmission line, multiple regions with different degrees of shading are formed on the variable shading layer. The second electrode includes a plurality of electrode portions arranged around the central axis of the second electrode and a connection portion connecting adjacent electrode portions. The signal transmission line is electrically connected to the electrode portions through the photoresistor. The connection portion is configured to allow different voltages between two adjacent electrode portions.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part includes multiple continuous bent sections.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second electrode further includes an electrode body portion, which corresponds to the color resist, and the orthographic projection of the color resist on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the electrode body portion on the substrate. The plurality of electrode portions are annular portions arranged in multiple loops around the electrode body portion; adjacent annular portions and the innermost annular portion are electrically connected to the electrode body portion through the connecting portion.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two adjacent connecting portions are staggered in the circumferential direction of the electrode body.

5. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first light-shielding element is provided in the area between two adjacent annular portions.

6. The display panel according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, The photoresistor is disposed in the non-light-emitting area between adjacent sub-pixels, and the orthographic projection of the photoresistor on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the annular distribution on the substrate. A second light-shielding member is provided on the side of the annular portion away from the substrate and at a position corresponding to the overlapping area.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmission line extends along a first direction; The light-sensing control unit further includes a first connecting line and a second connecting line. The first connecting line extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction and is electrically connected to the signal transmission line. The photoresistor is disposed in the non-light-emitting area between adjacent sub-pixels, with one end electrically connected to the first connecting line and the other end electrically connected to the second connecting line. The second connecting line is electrically connected to the outer edge of the second electrode.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The photoresistors are respectively provided on both sides of the signal transmission line, and the two photoresistors are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the color resist.

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