Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is provided, comprising: a display panel including: a substrate layer including a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; a circuit element layer including transistors, the transistors being included in pixels and IR emitters; a display layer including light-emitting elements, the light-emitting elements being included in pixels and IR emitters respectively, and being respectively connected to the transistors included in pixels and IR emitters; an encapsulation layer disposed on the display layer; a light control member disposed on the encapsulation layer; and infrared light emitted from the IR emitter is provided more as a surface light source in the direction from the third region to the first region.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0035793, filed on March 20, 2025, and all benefits derived therefrom, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly, to electronic devices including a display panel comprising pixels that emit light having a visible wavelength band and pixels that emit light having an infrared wavelength band. Background Technology

[0003] Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are high-tech driver assistance systems used to assist drivers in driving vehicles. That is, they monitor the situation ahead of the vehicle to obtain information and determine the situation based on the information obtained in this way, thereby assisting the driver in driving or controlling the vehicle.

[0004] For example, ADAS uses various sensors, radars, lidar, or cameras installed on vehicles to detect the driving and traffic environment, providing the driver with the detected information or acting as a driving assistance mechanism by controlling vehicle speed or braking. With the development of autonomous driving technology, it may be desirable to install a large number of sensors, radars, lidar, or cameras on vehicles to achieve more accurate ADAS.

[0005] When a driver wears glasses, light emitted from an infrared (IR) sensor is reflected, leading to errors in the information captured by an infrared camera. Therefore, it is desirable to develop technologies to prevent errors in information detected by various sensors and cameras. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides an electronic device including a display panel for an instrument panel, etc. The display panel includes not only pixels that emit light having a visible wavelength band, but also pixels that emit light having an infrared wavelength band. In this electronic device, the light generated from the pixels emitting light having an infrared wavelength band is provided in the form of a surface light source, thereby improving the accuracy of analyzing the driver's pupils and facial muscles even when the driver is wearing glasses.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device comprising: a processor that provides image data and display brightness values; a display panel including unit pixels, wherein each unit pixel includes: a pixel emitting light having a visible light wavelength band; and an infrared (IR) emitter emitting light having an infrared wavelength band; and a panel driver that receives image data and display brightness values ​​and drives the display panel based on the image data and display brightness values, wherein the display panel includes: a substrate layer including a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; a circuit element layer including transistors included in the pixels and the infrared emitter; a display layer including light-emitting elements included in the pixels and the infrared emitter, and respectively connected to the transistors included in the pixels and the infrared emitter; an encapsulation layer disposed on the display layer; and a light control member disposed on the encapsulation layer; and infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter is provided more as a surface light source in the direction from the third region to the first region.

[0008] In an embodiment, the light control component may include: a first optical layer disposed on the encapsulation layer; a second optical layer disposed on the first optical layer; and a third optical layer disposed on the second optical layer.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first optical layer may include: a passivation layer defining an opening in the passivation layer that overlaps with the infrared emitter and exposes a portion of the encapsulation layer; a first pattern disposed in the first opening, the first opening being included in the opening and overlapping with a first region; a second pattern disposed in a second opening, the second opening being included in the opening and overlapping with a second region; and a third pattern disposed in a third opening, the third opening being included in the opening and overlapping with a third region.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first pattern may include a first pattern 1-1 and a first pattern 1-2 arranged adjacent to each other, and in cross-section, the first pattern 1-1 and the first pattern 1-2 may each have a trapezoidal shape including a first upper surface, a first lower surface opposite to the first upper surface, and an inclined first side surface connecting the first upper surface and the first lower surface.

[0011] In an embodiment, in cross-section, the second pattern may have a trapezoidal shape including a second upper surface, a second lower surface opposite to the second upper surface, and an inclined second side surface connecting the second upper surface and the second lower surface.

[0012] In an embodiment, in cross-section, the third pattern may have a trapezoidal shape including a third upper surface, a third lower surface opposite to the third upper surface, and an inclined third side surface connecting the third upper surface and the third lower surface.

[0013] In an embodiment, the amount of light that passes through and is emitted from the third side surface, the amount of light that passes through and is emitted from the second side surface, and the amount of light that passes through and is emitted from the first side surface can be increased in the order of the third pattern, the second pattern, and the first pattern.

[0014] In an embodiment, the light-emitting elements included in the pixel and the infrared emitter may each include a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the display layer may include a pixel defining film that defines a display opening in the pixel defining film that exposes at least a portion of the first electrode.

[0015] In one embodiment, the width of the third lower surface in cross-section may be greater than the width of the first electrode of the infrared emitter disposed in the third region that is exposed from the display opening.

[0016] In an embodiment, each of the third side surfaces may include: a first portion through which infrared light passes; and a second portion through which infrared light does not pass.

[0017] In an embodiment, in cross-section, the sum of the widths of the first lower surface of pattern 1-1 and the first lower surface of pattern 1-2 can be equal to the width of the first electrode of the infrared emitter disposed in the first region exposed from the display opening.

[0018] In one embodiment, in cross-section, the width of the second lower surface may be equal to the width of the first electrode of the infrared emitter disposed in the second region that is exposed from the display opening.

[0019] In one embodiment, a portion of the second optical layer may be disposed in the opening and may contact the portions of the encapsulation layer exposed from the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern.

[0020] In an embodiment, the passivation layer, the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern may have the same thickness.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first optical layer and the second optical layer may each comprise different organic materials.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first optical layer and the second optical layer may have different refractive indices.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first optical layer may have a refractive index of about 1.45 to about 1.55, and the second optical layer may have a refractive index of about 1.60 to about 1.70.

[0024] In an embodiment, the display panel may further include a dummy region surrounded by a third region and a transmissive region surrounded by the dummy region, wherein dummy unit pixels including pixels and dummy emitters may be disposed in the dummy region, and transmissive unit pixels including pixels may be disposed in the transmissive region.

[0025] In an embodiment, the dummy emitter and the infrared emitter may have the same structure, and the light-emitting element included in the dummy emitter may not be connected to the transistor included in the dummy emitter.

[0026] In the embodiments, the pixels disposed in the unit pixel, the dummy unit pixel and the transmission unit pixel can have the same arrangement structure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1A This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 1B These are schematic diagrams of each of the various embodiments of the electronic device;

[0030] Figure 1C This is a view of the interior of a car in which an electronic device according to an embodiment is installed;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3A This is a plan view of the display surface according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3B This is a plan view of the display surface according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken by line I-I';

[0035] Figure 5 This is a plan view of an electronic device included in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of the first region of the instrument group according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6BThis is a cross-sectional view of the second region of the instrument group according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6C This is a cross-sectional view of the third region of the instrument group according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an electronic device included in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8A This is a plan view of the area between pixels in a display surface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the region between pixels according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0042] Figure 9 This is a plan view of the transmissive region in the display surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In this specification, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, or portion, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" or "attached to" another element, it may be directly disposed on, directly connected to or directly attached to the other element, or other elements may be disposed therein.

[0044] The same reference numerals or symbols refer to the same elements throughout. In the drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of the elements are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively describing the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0045] It will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element discussed below may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expressions “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0046] In some respects, terms such as “below,” “under,” “on the lower side,” “above,” “on top,” or “on the upper side” may be used to describe the relationship between the elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0047] It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or “having” specify the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Given the measurements discussed and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity, the terms “approximately” or “about” as used herein include the stated value and a suitable range of deviations from that particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the terms “approximately” or “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the stated value.

[0049] As used herein, the term “substantially” means approximately or actually. The term “substantially equal” means approximately or actually equal. The term “substantially identical” means approximately or actually identical. The term “substantially perpendicular” means approximately or actually perpendicular. The term “substantially parallel” means approximately or actually parallel.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0051] In the following description, embodiments of the inventive concept are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1A This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 1B These are schematic diagrams of each of the various embodiments of the electronic device. Figure 1C This is a view of the interior of a car in which an electronic device according to an embodiment is installed.

[0053] refer to Figure 1A The electronic device ED according to the embodiment may include a display module 11, a processor 12, a memory 13 and a power module 14.

[0054] The processor 12 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), an image signal processor (ISP), and a controller.

[0055] The memory 13 can store data information that supports the operation of the processor 12 or the display module 11. In an example where the processor 12 executes an application stored in the memory 13, image data signals and / or input control signals are transmitted to the display module 11, and the display module 11 can process the transmitted signals and output image information through the display screen.

[0056] The power module 14 may include a power supply module such as a power adapter or battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power supplied by the power supply module to generate power for the operation of the electronic device ED.

[0057] At least one of the components of the aforementioned electronic device ED can be included in the display device according to the above embodiments. In some aspects, some modules that are functionally included in a single module can be included in the display device, and other modules can be provided separately from the display device. For example, the display device includes a display module 11, and the processor 12, memory 13, and power module 14 can be provided as other devices within the electronic device ED besides the display device.

[0058] refer to Figure 1B According to the embodiments, the various electronic devices to which the display device is applied may include electronic devices for displaying images, such as smartphones ED-1a, tablet computers ED-1b, laptop computers ED-1c, televisions ED-1d, and desktop monitors ED-1e; wearable electronic devices including display modules, such as smart glasses ED-2a, head-mounted displays ED-2b, and smartwatches ED-2c; and automotive electronic devices including display modules, such as central information displays (CIDs) and rearview mirror displays installed on the dashboard, center instrument panel, or dashboard of a car.

[0059] The display device according to the embodiments can be applied to various electronic devices. The electronic device according to the embodiments may include the aforementioned display device, and in addition to the display device, may further include modules or devices with additional functions. Figure 1C Examples of electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS included in automotive AM will be described. (To be continued...) Figure 1C The electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS described herein can correspond to the aforementioned automotive electronic device ED-3.

[0060] Figure 1C This is a view of the interior of a car's AM (Autonomous Motor) system, which incorporates multiple electronic devices including DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS. (Based on...) Figure 2In the embodiments described herein, the electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS disposed within the vehicle's AM can correspond to the electronic device ED.

[0061] The electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS according to embodiments can be installed inside the vehicle's AM (Autonomous Vehicle Information System) and can provide various information to users in the driver's seat DRS or the front passenger seat PSS. The electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS can display images via a display surface IS. The display surface IS on which the images are displayed can correspond to the front surface of each of the electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS. The images can include not only moving images but also still images.

[0062] The display surface IS may be parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the display surface IS of each of the electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS may include a curved surface designed to reflect the interior of the vehicle, or may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 and an inclined plane. The normal direction of the display surface IS (i.e., the thickness direction of each of the electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS) is indicated to DR3 by a third party.

[0063] exist Figure 1C The following figures illustrate a first direction axis DR1 to a third direction axis DR3, and the directions indicated by the first direction axes DR1, DR2, and DR3 described herein may have a relative concept and therefore may be changed to other directions. In some respects, the directions indicated by the first direction axes DR1, DR2, and DR3 may be referred to as the first direction to the third direction DR1, DR2, and DR3, and may be represented by the same reference numerals or symbols. In this specification, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be orthogonal to each other, and the third direction DR3 may be the normal direction of the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0064] In this specification, the first direction DR1 can be referred to as the left-right direction, the second direction DR2 can be referred to as the up-down direction, and the third direction DR3 can be referred to as the thickness direction.

[0065] The front (or upper) and rear (or lower) surfaces of each of the components constituting the electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS may be opposite to each other in a third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front and rear surfaces may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3. The spacing between the front and rear surfaces defined along the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness of the component.

[0066] In some respects, the term "in a plane" may be defined as the state when viewed in a third direction DR3. In this specification, the term "in a cross section" may be defined as the state when viewed in a first direction DR1 or a second direction DR2.

[0067] On a flat surface, the display surface IS in each of the electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS can have various shapes depending on the design of the automotive AM.

[0068] refer to Figure 1C The first electronic device DD-RS (corresponding to a typical car dashboard) can be located at the position of the DRS facing the driver. The first electronic device DD-RS can include components related not only to driving-related information such as vehicle status information, vehicle interior operation information, and navigation information, but also to components related to the vehicle control system operating during autonomous driving.

[0069] For example, the first electronic device DD-RS according to an embodiment may include a display panel DP (see Figure 2 ), Display panel DP (see Figure 2 This includes pixels that emit light with visible wavelengths and pixels that emit light with infrared wavelengths. Because infrared light is incident on the driver's pupils and is reflected again, the driver's pupils and facial muscles can be analyzed via an infrared camera (IR-C). This makes it possible to monitor the driver's condition in real time during autonomous driving, thus preventing driver fatigue.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the infrared camera IR-C can be embedded in the rearview mirror. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the infrared camera IR-C can be positioned on the dashboard adjacent to the driver's seat DRS, or it can be positioned below the first electronic device DD-RS, overlapping with it. Details will be described later.

[0071] The second electronic device, DD-PS, can be positioned facing the PSS (Power Switch System) on the passenger side. The DD-PS can display not only driving-related information such as vehicle status, vehicle operation, and navigation, but also various information unrelated to driving.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the second electronic device DD-PS may further include a display panel DP, the display panel DP (see...) Figure 2 This includes pixels that emit light with visible wavelengths and pixels that emit light with infrared wavelengths. This makes it possible to monitor passenger status in real time during autonomous driving.

[0073] The third electronic device DD-CT can be a central information display (CID). The third electronic device DD-CT can be mounted on the dashboard between the driver's seat DRS and the passenger's seat PSS. The third electronic device DD-CT can display various information to the user of either the driver's seat DRS or the passenger's seat PSS in an integrated manner. According to an embodiment, the third electronic device DD-CT may also include a display panel DP (see...). Figure 2 ), Display panel DP (see Figure 2 This includes pixels that emit light with a visible wavelength band and pixels that emit light with an infrared wavelength band, but is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0074] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The electronic device ED may include a display module DM and a window module WM disposed on the display module DM. The display module DM may include a display panel DP and a light control component OCM. The electronic device ED described herein may correspond to any of the above-described electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS.

[0075] A window module WM can be mounted on a display module DM and cover the entire upper surface of the display module DM. The front surface of the window module WM can define the display surface IS of the electronic device ED. The shape of the window module WM can correspond to the shape of the display module DM.

[0076] The window module WM may include a substrate or film comprising glass or polymer material. In some aspects, the window module WM may further include a functional layer, such as a protective film, disposed on the substrate or film acting as a base. An adhesive layer can bond the window module WM and the light control component OCM. The adhesive layer may be an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) layer. In embodiments, the window module WM may also be omitted.

[0077] The display panel (DP) may include a substrate layer (BL), a circuit element layer (D-CL), a display layer (D-EL), and a packaging layer (TFE). The display panel (DP) can be a component used to substantially generate an image.

[0078] The display panel DP included in the electronic device ED according to the embodiments can be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display panel, a quantum dot display panel, a micro LED display panel, and a nano LED display panel, etc. In this example embodiment, the display panel DP is described as an organic light-emitting display panel, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0079] In a display panel DP, the substrate layer BL can be a component that provides a substrate surface on which the display layer D-EL is disposed. The substrate layer BL can be rigid or flexible. The substrate layer BL can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto, and the substrate layer BL can include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0080] The base layer BL can have not only a single-layer structure but also a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer BL can also have a three-layer structure consisting of a polymer resin layer, an adhesive layer, and a polymer resin layer. In particular, the polymer resin layer can include polyimide resins. In some aspects, the polymer resin layer can include at least one of acrylate resins, vinyl resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, cellulose resins, siloxane resins, and perylene resins. In this specification, "~~ class" resins are considered to include the functional group "~~".

[0081] The circuit element layer D-CL can be disposed on the substrate layer BL. The circuit element layer D-CL may include an insulating layer, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines, etc. The circuit element layer D-CL may include multiple transistors containing semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines, etc. Each transistor may include a control electrode, an input electrode, and an output electrode. For example, the circuit element layer D-CL may include components for driving first to third light-emitting elements OLED-R, OLED-G, and OLED-B (see...). Figure 4 ) and infrared light-emitting element LED-I (see Figure 6A ( ) switching transistors and driving transistors.

[0082] The display layer D-EL can be disposed on the circuit element layer D-CL. The display layer D-EL can include first to third light-emitting elements OLED-R, OLED-G, and OLED-B (see...). Figure 4 ) and infrared light-emitting element LED-I (see Figure 6A ). The first to third light-emitting elements are OLED-R, OLED-G, and OLED-B (see...) Figure 4 It emits light with a visible wavelength band, and the infrared light-emitting element LED-I (see...) Figure 6A It emits light with an infrared wavelength band. The light generated from the display layer D-EL can pass through the light control component OCM disposed on the display layer D-EL and can be emitted onto the upper surface of the electronic device ED.

[0083] The encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the display layer D-EL and cover the first to third light-emitting elements OLED-R, OLED-G, and OLED-B (see [link to OLED-R]). Figure 4 ) and infrared light-emitting element LED-I (see Figure 6A ).

[0084] A TFE (Transmission Electrode Interior) layer can be applied to the display layer (D-EL). The TFE layer protects the D-EL from moisture, oxygen, and foreign matter such as dust particles. Consequently, the TFE layer improves the reliability of the electronic device (ED).

[0085] The encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the display layer D-EL. The encapsulation layer TFE can be used to prevent moisture / oxygen from penetrating into the display layer D-EL. The encapsulation layer TFE can have a structure in which organic and inorganic layers are alternately stacked.

[0086] A light control component (OCM) can be disposed on the display layer (D-EL). The OCM can control the extraction direction and amount of light emitted from the display layer (D-EL). Since the electronic device (ED) according to the embodiment may include the light control component (OCM), light with an infrared wavelength band generated from the display layer (D-EL) can be emitted as a surface light source. Details will be described later.

[0087] The display module DM may further include an input sensor. The input sensor acquires coordinate information about an external input. The input sensor can sense the external input using capacitive, magnetic, or pressure sensing methods. The input sensor can be directly mounted on the TFE (Transformer Electrode) encapsulation layer.

[0088] The display surface IS of an electronic device ED may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may be disposed in the outer periphery of at least one side of the display area DA. In embodiments, the non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. In embodiments of the inventive concept, the non-display area NDA may be omitted.

[0089] Figure 3A This is a plan view of the display surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B This is a plan view of the display surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken by line I-I'.

[0090] refer to Figure 3A The unit pixel PXU can be disposed in the display area DA. Multiple unit pixels PXU can be provided, and the unit pixels PXU can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0091] A unit pixel PXU may include first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B that emit different visible light, and an infrared emitter IR that emits light with an infrared wavelength band. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a unit pixel PXU may include one infrared emitter IR. Figure 3A The region where the first electrode (anode) is located, which is included in the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B, is shown as a dashed line.

[0092] The first to third pixels, PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B, can emit light with different visible light wavelength bands. For example, the first pixel PX-G can emit light with a green wavelength band, the second pixel PX-R can emit light with a red wavelength band, and the third pixel PX-B can emit light with a blue wavelength band. The infrared emitter IR can emit light with an infrared wavelength band.

[0093] The region providing light emitted from the first pixel PX-G can be defined as the first emitting region PXA-G, the region providing light emitted from the second pixel PX-R can be defined as the second emitting region PXA-R, and the region providing light emitted from the third pixel PX-B can be defined as the third emitting region PXA-B. In some aspects, the region providing infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR can be defined as the infrared emitting region PXA-I.

[0094] The first emitting region PXA-G and the infrared emitting region PXA-I can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1 and can be arranged in the same first row. The second emitting region PXA-R and the third emitting region PXA-B can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1 and can be arranged in the same second row. The first row and the second row can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2.

[0095] The first luminescent region PXA-G and the second luminescent region PXA-R can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2, and the third luminescent region PXA-B and the infrared luminescent region PXA-I can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2.

[0096] The first emitting region PXA-G and the third emitting region PXA-B can be spaced apart from each other on a first tilting direction CDR1 relative to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and the infrared emitting region PXA-I and the second emitting region PXA-R can be spaced apart from each other along a second tilting direction CDR2 intersecting the first tilting direction.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the first to third emitting regions PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B can have a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners. The first to third emitting regions PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B can have different areas. For example, the area of ​​the first emitting region PXA-G can be larger than the area of ​​the second emitting region PXA-R, and the area of ​​the first emitting region PXA-G can be smaller than the area of ​​the third emitting region PXA-B. The area of ​​the infrared emitting region PXA-I can be smaller than the area of ​​each of the first to third emitting regions PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B.

[0098] According to the present invention, the amount and / or form of infrared light provided from the infrared emitting region PXA-I can vary depending on the area of ​​the electronic device ED. For example, the infrared emitting region PXA-I located at the center of the electronic device ED can be provided more as a surface light source than the infrared emitting regions PXA-I located in the outer periphery. Details will be described later.

[0099] refer to Figure 3B The first unit pixel PXU1 and the second unit pixel PXU2 can be disposed in the display area DA-A. Multiple first unit pixels PXU1 and second unit pixels PXU2 can be provided, and the first unit pixels PXU1 and second unit pixels PXU2 can be arranged alternately along a first direction DR1. A row can include first unit pixels PXU1 and second unit pixels PXU2 arranged alternately along the first direction DR1, and rows can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a second direction DR2.

[0100] The first pixel PX-G included in the first unit pixel PXU1 provides light to the first-1 emission region PXA-G1, and the first pixel PX-G included in the second unit pixel PXU2 provides light to the second-1 emission region PXA-G2.

[0101] The second pixel PX-R included in the first unit pixel PXU1 provides light to the first-2 emission region PXA-R1, and the second pixel PX-R included in the second unit pixel PXU2 provides light to the second-2 emission region PXA-R2.

[0102] The third pixel PX-B included in the first unit pixel PXU1 provides light to the first-third emission region PXA-B1, and the third pixel PX-B included in the second unit pixel PXU2 provides light to the second-third emission region PXA-B2.

[0103] The first unit pixel PXU1 and the second unit pixel PXU2 may each include first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B that emit different visible light. According to this embodiment, an infrared emitter IR may be jointly disposed in the two first unit pixels PXU1 and the two unit pixels PXU2.

[0104] The first luminescent region PXA-G and the second luminescent region PXA-R can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1 and can be arranged in the same row. When viewed in the second direction DR2, the third luminescent region PXA-B can extend along the first direction DR1 and can overlap with the first luminescent region PXA-G and the second luminescent region PXA-R. Accordingly, the third luminescent region PXA-B can be arranged in a different row from the first luminescent region PXA-G and the second luminescent region PXA-R, and can be spaced apart from the first luminescent region PXA-G and the second luminescent region PXA-R along the second direction DR2.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the first light-emitting region PXA-G and the third light-emitting region PXA-B can extend along the first direction DR1 and can have a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The second light-emitting region PXA-R can have a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B can have different areas. For example, the area of ​​the first light-emitting region PXA-G can be larger than the area of ​​the second light-emitting region PXA-R, and the area of ​​the first light-emitting region PXA-G can be smaller than the area of ​​the third light-emitting region PXA-B. The area of ​​the IR light-emitting region PXA-I can be smaller than the area of ​​each of the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B.

[0107] According to the present invention, the amount and / or form of infrared light provided from the infrared emitting region PXA-I can vary depending on the area of ​​the electronic device ED. For example, the infrared emitting region PXA-I located at the center of the electronic device ED can be provided more as a surface light source than the infrared emitting regions PXA-I located in the outer periphery. Details will be described later.

[0108] Figure 4The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device ED corresponding to the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R and PX-B.

[0109] refer to Figure 4 The electronic device ED may include a display module DM and a window module WM. An adhesive layer AL can bond the window module WM and the light control component OCM. According to an embodiment, the adhesive layer AL may be an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) layer. In an embodiment, the window module WM may also be omitted.

[0110] The display panel (DP) may include a substrate layer (BL), a circuit element layer (D-CL), a display layer (D-EL), and a packaging layer (TFE). The display panel (DP) can be a component used to substantially generate an image.

[0111] The circuit element layer D-CL, the display layer D-EL, and the encapsulation layer TFE are sequentially arranged on the base layer BL.

[0112] The circuit element layer D-CL includes circuit elements and at least one insulating layer. The circuit elements include signal lines and pixel driving circuits, etc. The circuit element layer D-CL can be formed by performing processes such as coating or deposition to form an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer, and by performing a process of patterning the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer via photolithography.

[0113] A buffer layer BFL can be disposed on the substrate layer BL. The buffer layer BFL may include multiple stacked inorganic layers. A semiconductor pattern AC is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The buffer layer BFL improves the adhesion between the substrate layer BL and the semiconductor pattern AC.

[0114] The semiconductor pattern AC may include polycrystalline silicon. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern AC may also include amorphous silicon or metal oxide. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a portion of a semiconductor pattern AC, which can be further disposed on a plane in other areas of the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B. The semiconductor pattern AC can be arranged in a specific order throughout the entire first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B.

[0115] The first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B may include a transistor TR and light-emitting elements OLED-G, OLED-R, and OLED-B respectively connected to the transistor TR. Hereinafter, the transistor TR and the light-emitting element OLED-G included in the first pixel PX-G will be described, and this description can be applied together to the second pixel PX-R and the third pixel PX-B.

[0116] The electrical properties of a semiconductor pattern AC vary depending on whether it is doped. A semiconductor pattern AC can include a first region (active region) with low doping concentration and conductivity, and a second region with relatively high doping concentration and conductivity. The second region essentially acts as an electrode or signal line. One second region may correspond to the source of a transistor, and another second region may correspond to the drain.

[0117] A second region (source) can be disposed on one side of the first region (active portion), and another second region (drain) can be disposed on the other side of the first region (active portion). The second regions can be doped with N-type or P-type dopant. A P-type transistor includes a doped region doped with P-type dopant. The first region can be an undoped region, or it can be doped at a lower concentration than the second region.

[0118] A first insulating layer 10 is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 overlaps with the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B, and covers each of the semiconductor pattern AC. The first insulating layer 10 can be an inorganic and / or organic layer, and can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 can include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The insulating layer of the circuit element layer D-CL, as described later, and the first insulating layer 10 can be inorganic and / or organic layers, and can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0119] A lower gate G1 is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The lower gate G1 may include multiple metal layers. The lower gate G1 overlaps with the first region. During the process of doping the semiconductor pattern AC, the lower gate G1 acts as a mask.

[0120] A second insulating layer 20 covering the lower gate G1 is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The second insulating layer 20 overlaps with the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B. The upper gate G2 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The upper gate G2 may overlap with the lower gate G1. The upper gate G2 may include multiple metal layers. In embodiments of the present invention, the upper gate G2 may be omitted.

[0121] A third insulating layer 30 covering the gate G2 is disposed on the second insulating layer 20. An additional gate G3 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The additional gate G3 may be a component that overlaps with a semiconductor pattern included in another transistor.

[0122] A fourth insulating layer 40 is disposed on the third insulating layer 30. A first connecting electrode CNE1 and a second connecting electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The first connecting electrode CNE1 may be connected to the semiconductor pattern AC via a first contact hole CH1 passing through the first insulating layer to the fourth insulating layers 10, 20, 30 and 40. The second connecting electrode CNE2 may be connected to the additional gate G3 via a second contact hole CH2 passing through the fourth insulating layer 40.

[0123] A fifth insulating layer 50 covering the first connecting electrode CNE1 and the second connecting electrode CNE2 is disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer. A third connecting electrode CNE3 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The third connecting electrode CNE3 may be connected to the first connecting electrode CNE1 via a third contact hole CH3 passing through the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0124] A sixth insulating layer 60 covering the third connecting electrode CNE3 is disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer. Light-emitting elements OLED-G, OLED-R, and OLED-B may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0125] The first electrode AE ​​(or anode) is disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE ​​is connected to the third connecting electrode CNE3 via the fourth contact hole CH4 passing through the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0126] A pixel-defining film (PDL) is disposed on a sixth insulating layer 60. A display opening (PDL-OP) is defined within the pixel-defining film (PDL). The display opening (PDL-OP) of the pixel-defining film (PDL) exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE. The pixel-defining film (PDL) may be an organic layer.

[0127] According to an embodiment, it may further include spacers (SPCs) disposed on the pixel-defining film (PDL). The spacers (SPCs) may be components that support the mask during the deposition process.

[0128] like Figure 4 As illustrated, the display area DA may include first light-emitting areas to third light-emitting areas PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B, and a non-light-emitting area NPXA disposed between the first light-emitting areas to the third light-emitting areas PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B. The non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light-emitting areas PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting areas to the third light-emitting areas PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B are defined to correspond to the area of ​​the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the display opening PDL-OP. Figure 3AAs shown in the diagram, the first to third light-emitting regions PXA-G, PXA-R, and PXA-B can have different areas.

[0129] The light-emitting layer EL is disposed on the first electrode AE. The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed in the region corresponding to the display aperture PDL-OP. That is, the light-emitting layer EL can be individually provided in each of the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R and PX-B.

[0130] The second electrode CE can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE has a monolithic shape and is disposed together in the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B. The encapsulation layer TFE is disposed on the second electrode CE.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the system may further include a hole control layer disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the light-emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B. The hole control layer may further include at least one of a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer.

[0132] In some aspects, an electronic control layer may be further included, disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electronic control layer may further include at least one of an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electronic control layer may be jointly provided in the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B using an open mask.

[0133] The encapsulation layer TFE may include a first inorganic layer LIL, an organic layer OL, and a second inorganic layer UIL. The first inorganic layer LIL and the second inorganic layer UIL may include inorganic materials, and the organic layer OL may include organic materials. The first inorganic layer LIL and the second inorganic layer UIL protect the display layer D-EL from moisture / oxygen, and the organic layer OL protects the display layer D-EL from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0134] According to an embodiment, a capping layer may be further included between the second electrode CE and the first inorganic layer LIL. The capping layer may include an organic material.

[0135] The optical control component (OCM) can be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The optical control component (OCM) may include a first optical layer PVX, a second optical layer INL, and a third optical layer POL disposed on the second inorganic layer UIL.

[0136] The first optical layer PVX can be disposed on the second inorganic layer UIL. The first optical layer PVX can include an organic material different from the organic material of the second optical layer INL. The first optical layer PVX can have a refractive index of approximately 1.45 to approximately 1.55.

[0137] In the first optical layer PVX, different components can be disposed in various regions of the display surface IS of the electronic device ED. The first optical layer PVX may include a passivation layer PVP, first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2, a second pattern PV2, and a third pattern PV3. The passivation layer PVP, the first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2, the second pattern PV2, and the third pattern PV3 can be components patterned from an organic layer formed by the same process. Accordingly, the thickness along the third direction DR3 can be equal to each other and can comprise the same material.

[0138] The passivation layer PVP can be set across the entire display area DA. For example... Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram, in the display area DA, the passivation layer PVP can be set in the area where the first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B are set.

[0139] The second optical layer INL can be disposed on the first optical layer PVX. The second optical layer INL may include an organic material different from the organic material of the first optical layer PVX. The second optical layer INL can be provided on the first optical layer PVX by an inkjet process. The second optical layer INL may have a refractive index different from that of the first optical layer PVX. The second optical layer INL may have a refractive index of approximately 1.60 to approximately 1.70.

[0140] The third optical layer (POL) can be disposed on the second optical layer (INL). The third optical layer (POL) may include a polarizing plate or a color filter layer. For example, the third optical layer (POL) may include at least one of a retarder, a polarizer, a polarizing film, and a polarizing filter. Alternatively, the third optical layer (POL) may include a plurality of color filters arranged in a predetermined arrangement and a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.

[0141] A window module WM can be disposed on the light control component OCM. An adhesive layer AL can bond the window module WM and the light control component OCM. The adhesive layer AL can be an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) layer. In this embodiment, the window module WM may be omitted.

[0142] Figure 5 This is a plan view of an electronic device included in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of the first region of the instrument group according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6BThis is a cross-sectional view of the second region of the instrument group according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6C This is a cross-sectional view of the third region of the instrument group according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] Figure 5 It is a diagram. Figure 1C A plan view of the display surface IS of the first electronic device DD-RS, among the electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS described herein. The description of the display surface IS of the first electronic device DD-RS can be applied to the other electronic devices DD-CT and DD-PS. Figure 5 Example vehicle components, such as the dashboard, are illustrated with dashed circles and dashed squares.

[0144] refer to Figure 5 The display surface IS may include a first region AA1, a second region AA2, and a third region AA3. In other words, the base layer BL may include a first region AA1, a second region AA2, and a third region AA3. The first region AA1 may be located at the center relative to the vehicle's driver, the second region AA2 may surround the first region AA1, and the third region AA3 may surround the second region AA2. Figure 3A The unit pixel PXU described in the text or Figure 3B The first unit pixel PXU1 and the second unit pixel PXU2 described herein can be set in the first region AA1, the second region AA2 and the third region AA3.

[0145] According to the present invention, infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR can be provided such that the infrared light in the direction from the third region AA3 to the second region AA2 and from the second region AA2 to the first region AA1 is more similar to a surface light source. This can be achieved by setting different patterns in the respective first to third regions AA1, AA2 and AA3 of the first optical layer PVX.

[0146] The description of providing light (e.g., infrared light) in this article, making the light more like a surface light source, can refer to an indirect illumination method in which the light emitted therein is first reflected or refracted by another surface before reaching the intended target (e.g., a driver). Conversely, direct illumination can refer to emitting light directly from the light source onto the intended target.

[0147] In an example where infrared light emitted from an infrared emitter IR is provided such that the infrared light more closely resembles a surface light source in the direction from the third region AA3 to the first region AA1, the infrared light can illuminate the target more indirectly in the direction from the third region AA3 to the first region AA1. In other words, infrared light emitted from the first region AA1 can illuminate the target more indirectly than infrared light emitted from the second region AA2 (e.g., due to the respective patterns, transmittance, and / or refractive indices at the first and second regions AA1 and AA2), and infrared light emitted from the second region AA2 can illuminate the target more indirectly than infrared light emitted from the third region AA3 (e.g., due to the respective patterns, transmittance, and / or refractive indices at the second and third regions AA2). In other words, infrared light emitted from the third region AA3 can illuminate the target more directly than infrared light emitted from the second region AA2, and infrared light emitted from the second region AA2 can illuminate the target more directly than infrared light emitted from the first region AA1.

[0148] According to the present invention, infrared light provided from a first region AA1 located at the center of the display surface IS is supplied to the driver's pupils and facial muscles in the form of a surface light source, and therefore, the driver's condition can be easily analyzed via an infrared camera IR-C. Specifically, according to the present invention, when the driver is wearing glasses, the infrared light is provided in the form of a surface light source, and therefore, the reflectivity can be reduced compared to when the infrared light is provided to the glasses in the form of direct light. This makes it possible to easily track the gaze of a driver wearing glasses during autonomous driving and to more accurately monitor the driver's condition in real time, thereby preventing drowsy driving.

[0149] In some respects, because the infrared emitter (IR) is located inside the display panel (DP), a separate infrared emitter (IR) for monitoring the driver can be omitted. Consequently, this allows for increased vehicle interior space, enhanced design flexibility, and improved vehicle interior aesthetics.

[0150] refer to Figures 6A to 6C This will describe the relationship between the pattern of the first optical layer PVX arranged by region and the infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR.

[0151] refer to Figures 6A to 6C Electronic devices ED may include those with Figure 4 The same stacking structure described herein will be omitted.

[0152] The infrared emitter IR may include a light-emitting element LED-I connected to a transistor TR, which is included in the circuit element layer D-CL. The light-emitting element LED-I may include a first electrode AE-I, a second electrode CE, and a light-emitting layer EL-I. The second electrode CE may be provided as a common layer.

[0153] The first electrode AE-I is disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE-I is connected to the third connecting electrode CNE3 via the fourth contact hole CH4 passing through the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0154] A pixel-defining film (PDL) is disposed on a sixth insulating layer 60. A display opening (PDL-OP) is defined within the pixel-defining film (PDL). The display opening (PDL-OP) of the pixel-defining film (PDL) exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE-I.

[0155] The light-emitting layer EL-I is disposed on the first electrode AE-I. The light-emitting layer EL-I may be disposed in the region corresponding to the display opening PDL-OP. The light-emitting layer EL-I may include, but is not limited to, an organic material having an emission spectrum of approximately 800 nanometers or greater.

[0156] The emitting layer EL-I may include a resonant auxiliary material and an infrared emitting dopant doped into the resonant auxiliary material. For example, the infrared emitting dopant may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a metal complex, a donor-acceptor-donor (DAD) compound, and a lanthanide compound. The metal complex may include at least one of Pt, Pd, Cu, and Zn. A switching transistor applies a driving voltage to the first electrode AE-I of the infrared emitter IR, and if the second electrode CE receives a common voltage or a low potential voltage, holes and electrons can move through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer to the emitting layer EL-I and recombine thereto emit infrared light. The second electrode CE may transmit infrared light.

[0157] Figure 6A The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the infrared emitter IR that overlaps with the first region AA1. Figure 6B The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the infrared emitter IR that overlaps with the second region AA2, and Figure 6C The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the infrared emitter IR that overlaps with the third region AA3.

[0158] The first optical layer PVX may include a passivation layer PVP, first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2, a second pattern PV2, and a third pattern PV3.

[0159] The first to third openings PV-OP1, PV-OP2, and PV-OP3 can be confined within the passivation layer PVP. The first opening PV-OP1 can overlap with the infrared emitter IR disposed in the first region AA1. The second opening PV-OP2 can overlap with the infrared emitter IR disposed in the second region AA2. The third opening PV-OP3 can overlap with the infrared emitter IR disposed in the third region AA3.

[0160] refer to Figure 6A The first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2 can be disposed on the portion of the encapsulation layer TFE that overlaps with the first opening PV-OP1. The first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2 can be disposed adjacent to each other. A portion of the second optical layer INL can be disposed in the first opening PV-OP1 and can contact the portion of the encapsulation layer TFE exposed from the first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2.

[0161] In cross-section, the first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2 may each have a trapezoidal shape. The first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2 may each include a first upper surface u1, a first lower surface b1, and an inclined first side surface a1.

[0162] According to this embodiment, in the first region AA1, the width of the first electrode AE-I exposed by the display opening PDL-OP of the pixel-defined film PDL can be equal to the sum of the widths of the first lower surface b1 of the first pattern PV1-1 and the first lower surface b1 of the first pattern PV1-2. Therefore, infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR disposed in the first region AA1 can pass through the first lower surfaces b1 of the first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2 to be provided to the first side surface a1, and can pass through the second optical layer INL having a refractive index higher than that of the first optical layer PVX to be provided to the driver.

[0163] The longer the length of the side surface included in the pattern (i.e., the larger the area of ​​the side surface), the more infrared light can be scattered to provide it in the form of a surface light source. According to this embodiment, in cross-section, the first length of each of the first side surfaces a1 through which infrared light passes in the first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2 can be defined as 4*a1.

[0164] refer to Figure 6B The second pattern PV2 can be disposed on the portion of the encapsulation layer TFE that overlaps with the second opening PV-OP2. A portion of the second optical layer INL can be disposed in the second opening PV-OP2 and can contact the portion of the encapsulation layer TFE exposed from the second pattern PV2.

[0165] In cross-section, the second pattern PV2 may have a trapezoidal shape. The second pattern PV2 may include a second upper surface u2, a second lower surface b2, and an inclined second side surface a2.

[0166] According to this embodiment, in the second region AA2, the width of the first electrode AE-I exposed by the display opening PDL-OP of the pixel-defined film PDL can be equal to the width of the second lower surface b2. Therefore, infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR disposed in the second region AA2 can pass through the second lower surface b2 of the second pattern PV2 to be provided to the second side surface a2, and can pass through the second optical layer INL having a refractive index higher than that of the first optical layer PVX to be provided to the driver.

[0167] According to this embodiment, in cross-section, in the second pattern PV2, the second length of each of the second side surfaces a2 through which infrared light passes can be defined as 2*a2. The second length represented by 2*a2 can be less than the first length represented by 4*a1.

[0168] refer to Figure 6C The third pattern PV3 can be disposed on the portion of the encapsulation layer TFE that overlaps with the third opening PV-OP3. A portion of the second optical layer INL can be disposed within the third opening PV-OP3 and can contact the portion of the encapsulation layer TFE exposed from the third pattern PV3.

[0169] In cross-section, the third pattern PV3 can have a trapezoidal shape. The third pattern PV3 may include a third upper surface u3, a third lower surface b3, and an inclined third side surface a3.

[0170] According to this embodiment, in the third region AA3, the width of the first electrode AE-I exposed by the display opening PDL-OP of the pixel-defined film PDL can be smaller than the width of the third lower surface b3.

[0171] Accordingly, the third side surface a3 may each include a first portion a3-1 to which infrared light is supplied and a second portion a3-2 to which infrared light is not supplied. Thus, infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR disposed in the third region AA3 can pass through the third lower surface b3 of the third pattern PV3 to be supplied to the first portion a3-1, and can pass through the second optical layer INL having a refractive index higher than that of the first optical layer PVX to be supplied to the driver.

[0172] According to this embodiment, in cross-section, in the third pattern PV3, the third length of each of the third side surfaces a3 through which infrared light passes can be defined as 2*(a3-1 - a3-2). The third length represented by 2*(a3-1 - a3-2) can be less than the second length represented by 2*a2, and can be less than the first length represented by 4*a1. Accordingly, the amount of infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR and passing through the side surfaces can increase in the order of the third pattern PV3, the second pattern PV2, and the first patterns PV1-1 and PV1-2.

[0173] According to the present invention, infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter IR can be provided in different forms according to regions. That is, as it propagates from the third region AA3 toward the first region AA1, the amount of infrared light passing through the inclined side surface of the pattern increases, and therefore, as it propagates from the third region AA3 toward the first region AA1, the infrared light can be transmitted to the driver in the form of a surface light source. Accordingly, when the driver wears glasses, the reflectivity can be reduced compared to when the infrared light is provided to the glasses in the form of direct light.

[0174] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an electronic device included in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A This is a plan view of the area between pixels in a display surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the region between pixels according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a plan view of the transmissive region in a display surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same / similar reference numerals or symbols are used in conjunction with... Figures 3A to 6C Components that are the same as or similar to those described in the previous section will be omitted, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0175] Figure 7 This is a plan view of the display surface ISa of the electronic device EDa according to an embodiment. For... Figure 7 The description of the display surface ISa of the electronic device EDa can also be applied together. Figure 1C The electronic devices DD-RS, DD-CT, and DD-PS described in the document. Figure 7 Example vehicle components, such as the dashboard, are illustrated with dashed circles and dashed squares.

[0176] refer to Figure 7 The display surface ISa may include a first region AA1, a second region AA2, and a third region AA3. The first region AA1 may be located at the center relative to the vehicle's driver, the second region AA2 may surround the first region AA1, and the third region AA3 may surround the second region AA2.

[0177] According to this embodiment, the electronic device EDa may further include a dummy region CP and a transmission region CA. A third region AA3 may surround the dummy region CP, and the dummy region CP may surround the transmission region CA. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the dummy region CP may be disposed inside either the first region AA1 or the second region AA2, or may overlap with the boundaries of these regions, and the dummy region CP is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0178] Figure 1C The infrared camera IR-C described herein can be positioned below the transmission area CA. Accordingly, a separate space for the infrared camera IR-C can be omitted. The infrared transmitter IR and the infrared camera IR-C are positioned adjacent to each other, and therefore, the driver's status can be detected more accurately.

[0179] According to this embodiment, since the infrared camera IR-C is located below the electronic device EDa, the dummy area CP can be defined as the area where infrared light is not provided, and the transmission area CA can be defined as the area where the light transmittance is relatively higher than that of the adjacent area.

[0180] The display surface ISa may include components disposed in the first region AA1, the second region AA2, and the third region AA3. Figure 3A The unit pixel PXU described in the text, and the structure on the cross section can be related to... Figure 4 and Figures 6A to 6C The structure described in the text is the same.

[0181] Figure 8B It is along Figure 8A The cross-sectional view taken by line II-II' is shown in the figure.

[0182] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B A dummy pixel PXU-P can be set in a dummy region CP. Multiple dummy pixels PXU-P can be provided, and their arrangement can be consistent with... Figure 3A The arrangement of the unit pixel PXU described in the text is the same.

[0183] A dummy unit pixel PXU-P may include first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R and PX-B that emit different visible light, as well as a dummy infrared emitter IR-D. Figure 8A The region containing the first electrode (anode) in pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B is illustrated as a dashed line. The descriptions of pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B can be compared with... Figure 3AThe descriptions of the first to third pixels, PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B, are the same.

[0184] A virtual infrared emitter IR-D can have the same characteristics as... Figure 6A The structure corresponds to the structure of the infrared emitter IR described in the diagram. However, the first electrode AE-I of the dummy infrared emitter IR-D can be in a state where it is not connected to the transistor TR. Accordingly, the dummy infrared emitter IR-D disposed in the dummy region CP can not provide infrared light. In some respects, since the dummy infrared emitter IR-D includes the same components as the infrared emitter IR, the dummy region CP can be made invisible from the outside.

[0185] refer to Figure 9 The transmission unit pixel PXU-A can be disposed in the transmission region CA. Multiple transmission unit pixels PXU-A are provided, and the arrangement of the transmission unit pixels PXU-A can be [missing information]. Figure 3A The arrangement of the unit pixel PXU described in the text is the same.

[0186] The transmissive unit pixel PXU-A may include first to third pixels PX-G, PX-R and PX-B that emit different visible light, but does not include other components. Figure 9 The region containing the first electrode (anode) in pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B is illustrated as a dashed line. The descriptions of pixels PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B can be compared with... Figure 3A The descriptions of the first to third pixels, PX-G, PX-R, and PX-B, are the same.

[0187] According to this embodiment, the infrared emitter IR that emits infrared light can be omitted in the transmission unit pixel PXU-A. Accordingly, the transmission region CA can have a higher transmittance than the adjacent region. Therefore, even when the infrared camera IR-C is placed under the electronic device EDa, the performance of the infrared camera IR-C can be maintained without degradation.

[0188] According to an embodiment of the invention, when the driver wears glasses, the infrared light is provided as a surface light source, and therefore, the reflectivity is reduced compared to when the infrared light is provided to the glasses as direct light. This makes it possible to more accurately monitor the driver's state in real time during autonomous driving, thereby preventing drowsy driving.

[0189] In some respects, because the infrared transmitter is located inside the display panel, a separate infrared transmitter for monitoring the driver can be omitted. Consequently, this allows for increased vehicle interior space, enhanced design flexibility, and improved vehicle interior aesthetics.

[0190] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the present invention concept. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention concept, as long as such modifications and alterations do not depart from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention concept set forth in the claims.

[0191] Therefore, the technical scope of this invention should not be limited to what is stated in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: window; A display panel disposed below the window, the display panel comprising unit pixels, wherein each unit pixel comprises: a pixel emitting light having a visible light wavelength band; and an infrared emitter emitting light having an infrared wavelength band; and A panel driver receives the image data and the display brightness value, and drives the display panel based on the image data and the display brightness value. in: The display panel includes: The base layer includes a first region, a second region surrounding the first region, and a third region surrounding the second region; A circuit element layer, including transistors, which are included in the pixel and the infrared emitter; The display layer includes light-emitting elements, which are respectively included in the pixel and the infrared emitter, and respectively connected to the transistor included in the pixel and the infrared emitter; An encapsulation layer is disposed on the display layer; and A light control component is disposed on the encapsulation layer, and The infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter is provided more as a surface light source in the direction from the third region to the first region.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The light control component includes: A first optical layer is disposed on the encapsulation layer; A second optical layer is disposed on the first optical layer; and The third optical layer is disposed on the second optical layer.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first optical layer includes: A passivation layer, wherein an opening is defined in the passivation layer that overlaps with the infrared emitter and exposes a portion of the encapsulation layer; A first pattern is disposed in a first opening, the first opening being included within the opening and overlapping with the first region; A second pattern is disposed within a second opening, the second opening being included within the opening and overlapping the second region; and A third pattern is disposed in a third opening, which is included within the third opening and overlaps with the third region.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The first pattern includes a first pattern (1-1) and a second pattern (1-2) arranged adjacent to each other, and In cross-section, the first-1 pattern and the first-2 pattern each have a trapezoidal shape including a first upper surface, a first lower surface opposite to the first upper surface, and an inclined first side surface connecting the first upper surface and the first lower surface.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, In the cross section, the second pattern has a trapezoidal shape including a second upper surface, a second lower surface opposite to the second upper surface, and an inclined second side surface connecting the second upper surface and the second lower surface.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, In the cross section, the third pattern has a trapezoidal shape including a third upper surface, a third lower surface opposite to the third upper surface, and an inclined third side surface connecting the third upper surface and the third lower surface.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, In the infrared light emitted from the infrared emitter, the amount of light passing through and emitted from the third side surface, the amount of light passing through and emitted from the second side surface, and the amount of light passing through and emitted from the first side surface increase in the order of the third pattern, the second pattern, and the first pattern.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the light-emitting elements included in the pixel and the infrared emitter includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The display layer includes a pixel defining film that defines a display opening in which at least a portion of the first electrode is exposed.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, On the cross-section, the width of the third lower surface is greater than the width of the first electrode of the infrared emitter disposed in the third region that is exposed from the display opening.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the third side surfaces includes: The first portion through which the infrared light passes; and The infrared light does not pass through the second part.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, In the cross-section, the sum of the width of the first lower surface of the first pattern 1-1 and the width of the first lower surface of the first pattern 1-2 is equal to the width of the first electrode of the infrared emitter disposed in the first region exposed from the display opening.

12. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, On the cross-section, the width of the second lower surface is equal to the width of the first electrode of the infrared emitter disposed in the second region that is exposed from the display opening.

13. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, A portion of the second optical layer is disposed in the opening and contacts the portion of the encapsulation layer exposed from the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern.

14. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The passivation layer, the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern have the same thickness.

15. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first optical layer and the second optical layer each comprise different organic materials.

16. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first optical layer and the second optical layer have different refractive indices.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The first optical layer has a refractive index of 1.45 to 1.55, and The second optical layer has a refractive index of 1.60 to 1.

70.

18. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The display panel further includes a dummy area surrounded by the third area and a transmissive area surrounded by the dummy area. The dummy unit pixels, including the aforementioned pixels and the dummy emitter, are disposed in the dummy region, and The transmission unit pixel, including the pixel, is disposed in the transmission region.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: The dummy transmitter and the infrared transmitter have the same structure, and The light-emitting element included in the dummy emitter is not connected to the transistor included in the dummy emitter.

20. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, The pixels disposed in the unit pixel, the dummy unit pixel and the transmission unit pixel have the same arrangement structure.

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