Display device and method of driving a display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device including a sensing area and a method of driving the display device, which can reduce power consumption of the display device. The display device includes a liquid crystal display panel including an effective area and a sensing area disposed within the effective area, and an optical module disposed below the liquid crystal display panel and including a first light source element configured to supply light to the sensing area and an optical element configured to sense external light passing through the sensing area. Sub-pixels disposed in the effective area of the liquid crystal display panel and sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area of the liquid crystal display panel have the same width and length, and the sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area include at least one white sub-pixel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0056293, filed on April 29, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device and a method for driving the display device. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, a display device provides an image to a user. For example, a display device may include a liquid crystal panel disposed on a backlight unit. The liquid crystal panel can generate an image using light supplied from the backlight unit. For example, the liquid crystal panel may include subpixels.

[0005] The display device may include an optical module for sensing external light. For example, the optical module may include at least one of a camera or an IR sensor. The optical module may overlap with a portion of a liquid crystal panel. For example, the liquid crystal panel may include an effective area overlapping with a light guide plate of a backlight unit and a sensing area overlapping with the optical module.

[0006] The sensing area can be set within the effective area. However, since the light used for image processing is not emitted from the sensing area of ​​the liquid crystal panel, the quality of the image provided to the user by the display device may be degraded due to the brightness difference between the effective area and the sensing area. Therefore, an auxiliary light source can be provided to supply light to the sensing area.

[0007] However, using an auxiliary light source to supply light to the sensing area leads to increased power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a display device and a method for driving the display device, which substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of related technologies.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a display device including a sensing area and a method for driving the display device, which can reduce the power consumption of the display device.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a display device and a method for driving the display device, wherein white pixels without color filters are set as pixels in a sensing area to achieve high brightness driving, and target brightness and color are achieved by four-color (WRGB) driving and control of light from an auxiliary light source, thereby significantly reducing power consumption.

[0011] The aspects to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other aspects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] Additional advantages, aspects, and features of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from practice of this disclosure. Aspects and other advantages of this disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of structures particularly pointed out in its written description and claims, and in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a liquid crystal display panel and an optical module. The liquid crystal display panel includes an effective area and a sensing area disposed within the effective area. The optical module is disposed below the liquid crystal display panel and includes a first light source element configured to supply light to the sensing area and an optical element configured to sense external light passing through the sensing area. Subpixels disposed in the effective area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel and subpixels disposed in the sensing area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel have the same width and length, and the subpixels disposed in the sensing area include at least one white subpixel.

[0014] Subpixels set in the valid area do not include white subpixels.

[0015] The display device may further include a backlight unit disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the optical module and including a light guide plate and a second light source element configured to supply light to the effective area via the light guide plate.

[0016] One-quarter of the sub-pixels set in the sensing area may include red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels, and three-quarters of the sub-pixels set in the sensing area may include white sub-pixels.

[0017] At least one of the white sub-pixels located in the sensing area can emit white light.

[0018] When at least one of the white sub-pixels in the sensing area emits white light, the first light source element can be driven with lower power consumption than when all the white sub-pixels in the sensing area emit black light.

[0019] A method for driving a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device including a liquid crystal display panel and an optical module, the liquid crystal display panel including an effective area and a sensing area disposed within the effective area, the optical module being disposed below the liquid crystal display panel and including a first light source element configured to supply light to the sensing area and an optical element configured to sense external light passing through the sensing area, the method including: driving at least one of the white sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area to emit white light; and driving the first light source element with a lower power consumption than when all the white sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area emit black light.

[0020] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of this disclosure are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed disclosure. Attached Figure Description

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

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A view of the cross sections taken by lines I-I' and II-II' in the diagram;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a view showing the circuitry of a sub-pixel region disposed within a liquid crystal display panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a sub-pixel region within the effective region excluding the sensing region;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a view showing the arrangement of sub-pixels in the effective area and sensing area of ​​a liquid crystal display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 An example view of the cross section intercepted by line A1-A1' in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 An example view of the cross-section intercepted by line A2-A2' in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 8It is a graph showing the brightness variation based on the current applied to the module light source element of the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a table showing the brightness according to the current applied to the module light source element and the brightness change according to the change of current in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a view showing the target brightness of the sensing area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the white sub-pixel of the second unit pixel in the sensing area is driven to emit black light and the module light source element is driven with a predetermined power consumption.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a view showing the brightness of the sensing area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when one-ninth of the white sub-pixels of the second unit pixel in the sensing area are driven to emit white light and the module light source element is driven at a predetermined power consumption.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a view showing the brightness of the sensing area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when one-ninth of the white sub-pixels of the second unit pixel in the sensing area are driven to emit white light and the module light source element is driven in low power.

[0034] Figures 13A to 13C This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figures 14A to 14E This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figures 15A to 15D This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figures 16A to 16D This is a schematic diagram illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figures 17A to 17D This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The details of the above-described objects, technical configurations, and effects of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of this disclosure. Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technical spirit of this disclosure can be practiced by those skilled in the art and is not limited to or confined to the embodiments.

[0040] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts, and for convenience, the length and thickness of layers or regions may be exaggerated in the drawings. Additionally, when a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, it may be directly on the second element or indirectly on the second element, with a third element inserted in between.

[0041] It should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various elements and are used only to distinguish one element from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0042] The terminology used in the following description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Singular expressions include plural meanings unless the singular expressions are clearly different in the context. In this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are to be understood as specifying the presence of a particular feature, number, step, operation, element, component, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in a general dictionary shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as those in the relevant technical context, and shall not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in the specification.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A view of the cross-sections taken by lines I-I' and II-II'.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a liquid crystal display panel 100, a backlight unit 200, and an optical module 300.

[0046] The liquid crystal display panel 100 can display images provided to a user. For example, the liquid crystal display panel 100 may include multiple sub-pixel regions PA (see...) Figure 4 The effective area AA and the border area BZ set outside the effective area AA.

[0047] The liquid crystal display panel 100 may include a liquid crystal layer LC overlapping the sub-pixel area (see...) Figure 4 For example, the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal display panel 100 may include liquid crystal in in-plane switching (IPS), fringe field switching (FFS), or twisted nematic (TN) mode. Various signals can be applied to each sub-pixel region via signal lines. For example, liquid crystal located in a portion of the liquid crystal layer overlapping each sub-pixel region can be rotated by a vertical or horizontal electric field formed in the corresponding sub-pixel region via signal lines. Therefore, in the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, images of various colors can be displayed by light emitted from the effective area AA of the liquid crystal display panel 100.

[0048] The liquid crystal display panel 100 may include a sensing area HA disposed within an effective area AA for sensing external light or capturing images. The sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 may overlap with an optical module 300 disposed below the liquid crystal display panel 100. The transmittance of the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 may be higher than that of the effective area AA to maximize the external light sensing capability of the optical module 300. For example, in the effective area AA, R, G, and B sub-pixels may be provided for displaying red, green, and blue, respectively. In the sensing area HA, in addition to the R, G, and B sub-pixels, a white sub-pixel W for displaying white may be further provided, and a color filter may not be provided in the white sub-pixel W. This will be referred to later. Figure 5 A detailed description is provided with the accompanying diagrams.

[0049] The backlight unit 200 can be disposed below the liquid crystal display panel 100 and between the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the optical module 300. The backlight unit 200 can supply light to the liquid crystal display panel 100. For example, the liquid crystal display panel 100 can generate an image for the user by using the light supplied from the backlight unit 200. For example, the backlight unit 200 may include a backlight source element 210, a backlight guide plate 220, a backlight reflector 230, and a backlight sheet 240.

[0050] The backlight source element 210 can supply light to the liquid crystal display panel 100 via the backlight guide plate 220. For example, the backlight source element 210 can be configured to supply light to an effective area AA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 via the backlight guide plate 220. For example, the backlight source element 210 can be disposed on one side surface of the backlight guide plate 220. The liquid crystal display panel 100 can be disposed above the upper surface of the backlight guide plate 220. The backlight source element 210 may include a backlight circuit board 211 and a backlight source 212 mounted on the backlight circuit board 211. The backlight source 212 can be a self-emissive element capable of generating and emitting light. For example, the backlight source 212 may include a plurality of LEDs.

[0051] A backlight reflector 230 may be disposed on the lower surface of the backlight guide plate 220. The lower surface of the backlight guide plate 220 may be opposite to the upper surface of the backlight guide plate 220. For example, the backlight guide plate 220 may be disposed between the backlight reflector 230 and the liquid crystal display panel 100. The backlight reflector 230 may include a material capable of reflecting light. For example, the backlight reflector 230 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag). Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, light emitted via the lower surface of the backlight guide plate 220 may be reflected towards the liquid crystal display panel 100 by the backlight reflector 230. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount of light supplied to the liquid crystal display panel 100 by the backlight unit 200 may be increased.

[0052] A backlight sheet 240 can be disposed between the backlight guide plate 220 and the liquid crystal display panel 100. Due to the backlight sheet 240, the light supplied to the liquid crystal display panel 100 via the backlight guide plate 220 can have uniform brightness throughout. For example, the backlight sheet 240 can have a stacked structure of a prism sheet 241 and a diffuser sheet 242.

[0053] The backlight unit 200 may further include a bottom cover 250 to accommodate the backlight source element 210, the backlight guide plate 220, the backlight reflector 230, and the backlight sheet 240. The bottom cover 250 may include an insulating material. For example, the bottom cover 250 may include plastic. The bottom cover 250 may include a bottom surface and sidewalls projecting from the edges of the bottom surface. The backlight reflector 230 may be disposed between the backlight guide plate 220 and the bottom surface of the bottom cover 250. The backlight source element 210, the backlight guide plate 220, and the backlight sheet 240 may be disposed in the space defined by the sidewalls of the bottom cover 250. For example, the sidewalls of the bottom cover 250 may surround the backlight source element 210, the backlight guide plate 220, and the backlight sheet 240.

[0054] The backlight unit 200 may further include an intermediate frame 260 to support the liquid crystal display panel 100. The intermediate frame 260 may be coupled to the bottom cover 250. For example, the intermediate frame 260 may include a coupling region extending between the sidewall of the bottom cover 250 and the side surface of the backlight guide plate 220. The backlight source element 210 may be fixed to the coupling region of the intermediate frame 260. For example, the backlight source element 210 may be attached to the coupling region of the intermediate frame 260 using an adhesive member. The intermediate frame 260 may include a mounting region extending between the backlight sheet 240 and the liquid crystal display panel 100. The mounting region of the intermediate frame 260 may overlap with the edge of the backlight sheet 240. For example, the mounting region of the intermediate frame 260 may overlap with the bezel region BZ of the liquid crystal display panel 100. The effective area AA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 may not overlap with the mounting region of the intermediate frame 260. For example, the central region of the backlight sheet 240 may be exposed by the intermediate frame 260. The mounting area of ​​the intermediate frame 260 can directly contact the backlight sheet 240. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the intermediate frame 260 can prevent the backlight sheet 240 from moving.

[0055] The optical module 300 can sense external light via the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 200. For example, the optical module 300 can be disposed on the bottom cover 250 of the backlight unit 200. The liquid crystal display panel 100 may include a sensing area HA to sense external light. The sensing area HA may be disposed within the effective area AA. For example, the backlight reflector 230 may include a through hole 230h overlapping the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100, the backlight sheet 240 may include a sheet hole 240h overlapping the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100, and the bottom cover 250 may include a cover hole 250h overlapping the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100.

[0056] The optical module 300 may include a module light source element 350, a module light guide plate 320, a module reflector 330, a module sheet 340, and an optical element 310.

[0057] The module light source element 350 can be configured to supply light to the sensing area HA. ​​The module light source element 350 can be disposed on a side surface of the module light guide plate 320, and the module sheet 340 is inserted between the module light source element 350 and the side surface of the module light guide plate 320. The module light guide plate 320 can overlap with the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100. The side surface of the module light guide plate 320 on which the module light source element 350 is disposed can be perpendicular to the upper surface of the module light guide plate 320 facing the backlight guide plate 220. The module light guide plate 320 may include an inclined surface 320c that overlaps with the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100. For example, the module light source element 350 can be disposed on a side surface perpendicular to the upper surface of the module light guide plate 320 and opposite to the inclined surface 320c. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, light emitted from the module light source element 350 can be supplied to the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 via the inclined surface 320c of the module light guide plate 320 and via the upper surface of the module light guide plate 320.

[0058] The module light source element 350 may include a module circuit board and a module light source. For example, the configuration of the module light source element 350 may be the same as that of the backlight light source element 210. The module light source may be a self-emissive element capable of generating and emitting light. For example, the module light source may include multiple LEDs. For example, the configuration of the module light source may be the same as that of the backlight light source 212. The module light source may be mounted on one end of the module circuit board. The module light source element 350 may be driven simultaneously with the backlight light source element 210. For example, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal display panel 100 may use light emitted from the backlight light source element 210 and light emitted from the module light source element 350 to display an image. That is, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the liquid crystal display panel 100 displays an image, light may be supplied to the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 through the module light source element 350. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the liquid crystal display panel 100 displays an image, the light supplied to the sensing area HA may have substantially the same brightness as the light supplied to the effective area AA. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, image quality degradation caused by brightness deviation between the effective area AA and the sensing area HA can be prevented.

[0059] A module reflector 330 may be disposed on the inclined surface 320c of the module light guide plate 320. The module reflector 330 may include a material capable of reflecting light. For example, the module reflector 330 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag). The module reflector 330 may include the same material as the backlight reflector 230. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, light emitted via the inclined surface 320c of the module light guide plate 320 can be reflected by the module reflector 330 in the inward direction of the module light guide plate 320. Therefore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of light supplied to the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 via the module light guide plate 320 can be increased.

[0060] The module sheet 340 can be disposed on the side surface of the module light guide plate 320 opposite to the inclined surface 320c. For example, the module sheet 340 can be attached to the module light guide plate 320. The module light source element 350 can be disposed on the module sheet 340. That is, the module sheet 340 can be disposed between the module light guide plate 320 and the optical element 310. For example, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, external light introduced into the module light guide plate 320 through the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight light guide plate 220 can be supplied to the optical element 310 via the module sheet 340.

[0061] External light introduced through the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 can pass through the aperture 240h in the backlight sheet 240. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, external light supplied to the optical element 310 can be prevented from being refracted and / or diffused by the backlight sheet 240. That is, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, external light can be sensed by the optical element 310 without distortion caused by the backlight sheet 240. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, external light sensing characteristics can be improved.

[0062] Optical element 310 can be configured to sense external light passing through the sensing area. Optical element 310 may include elements capable of sensing external light. For example, optical element 310 may include a camera and an IR sensor. Backlight 240 may include a first aperture corresponding to the camera and a second aperture corresponding to the IR sensor. Therefore, in a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, external light passing through the first aperture in the backlight 240 can be provided to the camera, and external light passing through the second aperture in the backlight 240 can be provided to the IR sensor.

[0063] The optical module 300 can be fixed to the backlight unit 200. For example, a fixing strap 400 can be disposed between the bottom cover 250 and the optical module 300. The fixing strap 400 can directly contact the bottom cover 250 and the optical module 300. For example, the optical module 300 can be attached to the bottom cover 250 via the fixing strap 400. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, movement of the optical module 300 can be prevented. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the external light sensing characteristics of the optical element 310 of the optical module 300 can be improved.

[0064] As a result, the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a liquid crystal display panel 100 disposed on the upper surface of the backlight guide plate 220 and an optical module 300 disposed on the lower surface of the backlight guide plate 220. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display panel 100 may include a sensing area HA for sensing external light, and the optical module 300 may include a module light guide plate 320 overlapping the sensing area HA, a module light source element 350 disposed on a side surface of the module light guide plate 320 opposite to the inclined surface 320c, and an optical element 310 disposed on the upper surface of the module light guide plate 320 opposite to the inclined surface 320c. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the liquid crystal display panel 100 displays an image, the light supplied to the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 by the module light source element 350, which is simultaneously driven (e.g., simultaneously turned on and off) with the backlight light source element 210, may have the same brightness as the light supplied to the effective area AA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 by the backlight light source element 210. Furthermore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the liquid crystal display panel 100 is not generating an image, external light introduced through the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100, the backlight guide plate 220, and the bottom cover 250 can be sensed by the optical element 310. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, external light can be sensed without degrading image quality.

[0065] In a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, optical element 310 is described as including a camera and an IR sensor. However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, optical element 310 may include various elements. For example, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to a camera and an IR sensor, optical element 310 may also include one or more of a motion sensor, an illuminance sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0066] In the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the module light source element 350 is described as being the same as the configuration of the backlight source 212. In another embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the type and number of module light sources can be determined based on the brightness of the light supplied to the effective area AA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 by the backlight source 212. Furthermore, in another embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the type and number of module light sources can be determined based on the area ratio between the effective area AA and the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100. That is, in another embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the type and number of module light sources can be adjusted so that when the liquid crystal display panel 100 displays an image, the brightness of the light supplied to the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is substantially the same as the brightness of the light supplied to the effective area AA of the liquid crystal display panel 100. Therefore, in another embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, image quality degradation caused by brightness deviation between the effective area AA and the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 can be effectively prevented.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a view showing the circuitry of a sub-pixel region disposed within a liquid crystal display panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a sub-pixel region PA in the effective region AA excluding the sensing region.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, each sub-pixel region PA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 may include at least one thin-film transistor Tr and a storage capacitor Cst. Various signals can be transmitted via signal lines (e.g., Figure 3 Signal lines GL and DL are applied to each sub-pixel region PA. For example, signal lines GL and DL may include a gate line GL for sequentially applying gate signals and a data line DL for applying data signals. The gate line GL may intersect with the data line DL. For example, the gate line GL may extend in a first direction X, and the data line DL may extend in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The data line DL may be disposed on a different layer than the layer on which the gate line GL is disposed.

[0069] like Figure 4As shown, the liquid crystal display panel 100 may include a liquid crystal layer LC disposed between a first display substrate 110 and a second display substrate 120. The first display substrate 110 and the second display substrate 120 may include insulating materials. The first display substrate 110 and the second display substrate 120 may include transparent materials. For example, the first display substrate 110 and the second display substrate 120 may include glass or plastic. The second display substrate 120 may include a material different from that of the first display substrate 110. The liquid crystal layer LC may include liquid crystals of various modes. For example, the liquid crystal layer LC may include IPS-mode liquid crystals. The liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer LC overlapping each sub-pixel region PA can be rotated by a vertical or horizontal electric field formed in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA according to a gate signal and a data signal. For example, a pixel electrode 130 for forming a horizontal electric field and a common electrode 140 overlapping a portion of the pixel electrode 130 may be disposed in each sub-pixel region PA.

[0070] A constant power supply voltage can be supplied to the common electrode 140 in each sub-pixel region PA. A driving voltage corresponding to the data signal applied to the corresponding sub-pixel region PA can be supplied to the pixel electrode 130 in each sub-pixel region PA based on the gate signal applied to the corresponding sub-pixel region PA. That is, in the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a vertical or horizontal electric field can be formed in each sub-pixel region PA by the driving voltage applied to the pixel electrode 130 in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA and the power supply voltage applied to the common electrode 140. The driving voltage applied to the pixel electrode 130 in each sub-pixel region PA can be maintained for one frame. For example, at least one thin-film transistor Tr and a storage capacitor Cst can be provided in each sub-pixel region PA.

[0071] The thin-film transistor Tr in each sub-pixel region PA can generate a driving voltage corresponding to the data signal applied to the corresponding sub-pixel region PA based on the gate signal applied to the corresponding sub-pixel region PA. The thin-film transistor Tr in each sub-pixel region PA can be electrically connected to one of the gate lines GL and one of the data lines DL. For example, the thin-film transistor Tr in each sub-pixel region PA may include a gate electrode 121 electrically connected to one of the gate lines GL, a semiconductor pattern 122 including a region overlapping with the gate electrode 121, a drain electrode 123 electrically connected to one end of the semiconductor pattern 122, and a source electrode 124 electrically connected to the other end of the semiconductor pattern 122.

[0072] Gate electrode 121 may include a conductive material. For example, gate electrode 121 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or tungsten (W). Semiconductor pattern 122 may be disposed on gate electrode 121. Semiconductor pattern 122 may include a semiconductor material. For example, semiconductor pattern 122 may include amorphous silicon (aSi), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), or an oxide semiconductor such as IGZO. Semiconductor pattern 122 may include a channel region disposed between a drain region and a source region. For example, gate electrode 121 may overlap with the channel region of semiconductor pattern 122. The drain region and source region of semiconductor pattern 122 may be disposed outside gate electrode 121.

[0073] The drain and source regions of semiconductor pattern 122 may have lower resistance than the channel region of semiconductor pattern 122. For example, the drain and source regions of semiconductor pattern 122 may include conductive regions of oxide semiconductor. The channel region of semiconductor pattern 122 may be a non-conductive region of oxide semiconductor. Semiconductor pattern 122 may be spaced apart from gate electrode 121. Semiconductor pattern 122 may be insulated from gate electrode 121. For example, the channel region of semiconductor pattern 122 may have conductivity corresponding to the voltage supplied to gate electrode 121. The drain region of semiconductor pattern 122 may be electrically connected to the source region of semiconductor pattern 122 according to a signal applied to gate electrode 121.

[0074] The drain electrode 123 and source electrode 124 may comprise conductive materials. For example, the drain electrode 123 and source electrode 124 may comprise metals such as aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or tungsten (W). The drain electrode 123 and source electrode 124 may comprise materials different from those of the gate electrode 121. For example, the drain electrode 123 and source electrode 124 may be disposed on a different layer than the layer on which the gate electrode 121 is disposed. The source electrode 124 may be disposed on the same layer as the drain electrode 123. The source electrode 124 may comprise the same material as the drain electrode 123. The source electrode 124 may be formed using the same process as the drain electrode 123. For example, the source electrode 124 may be formed simultaneously with the drain electrode 123.

[0075] Drain electrode 123 can be electrically connected to the drain region of semiconductor pattern 122. Source electrode 124 can be electrically connected to the source region of semiconductor pattern 122. Drain electrode 123 and source electrode 124 can be insulated from gate electrode 121. Source electrode 124 can be spaced apart from drain electrode 123. For example, drain electrode 123 in each sub-pixel region PA can be electrically connected to one of the data lines DL. Drain electrode 123 can be integrally formed with one of the data lines DL. Pixel electrode 130 in each sub-pixel region PA can be electrically connected to the source electrode 124 in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA.

[0076] The storage capacitor Cst in each sub-pixel region PA can hold the signal applied to the gate electrode 121 in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA for one frame. For example, the storage capacitor Cst in each sub-pixel region PA can be electrically connected to the gate electrode 121 in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA and the power supply voltage supply line that supplies the power supply voltage.

[0077] The thin-film transistor Tr and storage capacitor Cst in each sub-pixel region PA can be disposed between the first display substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC. Multiple insulating layers 111, 112, 113, and 114 can be disposed between the first display substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC to prevent unnecessary electrical connections. For example, a gate insulating layer 111, a device protection layer 112, a planarization layer 113, and an interlayer insulating layer 114 can be disposed between the first display substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0078] The gate insulating layer 111 can be disposed close to the first display substrate 110. The semiconductor pattern 122 in each sub-pixel region PA can be insulated from the gate electrode 121 in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA through the gate insulating layer 111. For example, the gate insulating layer 111 can cover the gate electrode 121 in each sub-pixel region PA. The semiconductor pattern 122 in each sub-pixel region PA can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 111. The drain electrode 123 and source electrode 124 in each sub-pixel region PA can be in direct contact with portions of the semiconductor pattern 122 disposed in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA. For example, the drain electrode 123 and source electrode 124 in each sub-pixel region PA can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 111. The gate insulating layer 111 can include an insulating material. For example, the gate insulating layer 111 can include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0079] Device protective layer 112 may be disposed on gate insulating layer 111. Device protective layer 112 can prevent damage to thin-film transistors Tr disposed in each sub-pixel region PA due to external impact or moisture. For example, semiconductor pattern 122, drain electrode 123, and source electrode 124 in each sub-pixel region PA may be covered by device protective layer 112. Device protective layer 112 may include insulating material. For example, device protective layer 112 may include inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0080] Planarization layer 113 may be disposed on device protection layer 112. Planarization layer 113 can remove steps caused by thin-film transistors Tr and storage capacitors Cst in each sub-pixel region PA. For example, the upper surface of planarization layer 113 facing liquid crystal layer LC may be parallel to the upper surface of first display substrate 110 facing liquid crystal layer LC. Planarization layer 113 may include an insulating material. Planarization layer 113 may include a material different from the material of device protection layer 112. Planarization layer 113 may include a material with relatively high fluidity. For example, planarization layer 113 may include an organic insulating material.

[0081] A common electrode 140 may be disposed on the planarization layer 113. An interlayer insulating layer 114 may be disposed between the planarization layer 113 and the liquid crystal layer LC. The common electrode 140 in each sub-pixel region PA may be insulated from the pixel electrode 130 in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA by the interlayer insulating layer 114. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 114 may cover the common electrode 140 in each sub-pixel region PA. The pixel electrode 130 in each sub-pixel region PA may be disposed between the interlayer insulating layer 114 and the liquid crystal layer LC. Each pixel electrode 130 may include at least one slit. The interlayer insulating layer 114 may include an insulating material. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 114 may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0082] The positions of the common electrode 140 and the pixel electrode 130 can be reversed from those illustrated above. For example, the pixel electrode 130 can be disposed on the planarization layer 113, and the common electrode 140 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 114.

[0083] Color filters 151, black matrix 152, and upper protective layer 115 can be disposed between the liquid crystal layer LC and the second display substrate 120. Color filters 151 can overlap with sub-pixel regions PA. For example, each color filter 151 can overlap with a corresponding sub-pixel region PA. Each color filter 151 can use light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC to display a specific color. For example, light passing through each color filter 151 can display one of red, blue, and green. Black matrix 152 can be disposed next to the color filters 151. For example, the end of each color filter 151 can overlap with black matrix 152. Although... Figure 4 A configuration is shown in which the end of each color filter 151 overlaps with the black matrix 152 and the ends of two adjacent color filters 151 do not overlap with each other on the black matrix 152, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The ends of two adjacent color filters 151 may overlap with each other on the black matrix 152.

[0084] The black matrix 152 may include a material capable of reflecting or absorbing light. For example, light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC in each sub-pixel region PA can be emitted to the outside through a color filter 151 disposed in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA in the region defined by the black matrix 152. Therefore, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image including various colors can be provided to the user.

[0085] The black matrix 152 may overlap with the signal lines GL and DL. The thin-film transistors Tr and storage capacitors Cst in each sub-pixel region PA may overlap with the black matrix 152. Therefore, in the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, due to the black matrix 152, the user can not distinguish the signal lines GL and DL, as well as the thin-film transistors Tr and storage capacitors Cst in each sub-pixel region PA. That is, in the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, image quality degradation caused by the user being able to distinguish the signal lines GL and DL, as well as the thin-film transistors Tr and storage capacitors Cst in each sub-pixel region PA, can be prevented. The color filter 151 and the black matrix 152 may be covered by an upper protective layer 115. The upper protective layer 115 can prevent damage to the color filter 151 and the black matrix 152 due to external impact or moisture. The upper protective layer 115 may include an insulating material. For example, the upper protective layer 115 may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0086] A spacer 160 may be disposed between the interlayer insulating layer 114 and the upper protective layer 115. The spacer 160 may maintain a constant distance between the interlayer insulating layer 114 and the upper protective layer 115. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal layer LC in each sub-pixel region PA may have the same thickness. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC in each sub-pixel region PA may have the same optical path. In addition, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC in each sub-pixel region PA may have the same brightness as light passing through the liquid crystal layer LC in the sub-pixel region PA in which a horizontal electric field is formed that is the same as the horizontal electric field formed in the corresponding sub-pixel region PA.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a view showing the arrangement of sub-pixels in the effective area AA and the sensing area HA of a liquid crystal display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 An example view of the cross-section intercepted by line A1-A1' in the diagram, and Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 An example view of the cross section cut by line A2-A2' in the diagram.

[0088] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, multiple sub-pixels may include a red sub-pixel PA-R that emits red light R, a green sub-pixel PA-G that emits green light G, a blue sub-pixel PA-B that emits blue light B, and a white sub-pixel PA-W that emits white light W.

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, in each of the effective area AA and the sensing area HA, multiple sub-pixels can have the same width and length. That is, the sub-pixel PA disposed in the effective area AA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the sub-pixel PA disposed in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 can have the same width and length. The sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area HA can be arranged in a line in the same direction as the sub-pixels disposed in the effective area AA. A unit pixel may include a red sub-pixel PA-R, a green sub-pixel PA-G, and a blue sub-pixel PA-B disposed adjacent to each other in the X direction. Sub-pixels of the same color can be arranged in the Y direction.

[0090] The effective area AA may not include the white sub-pixel PA-W, and the sub-pixels set in the sensing area HA may include at least one white sub-pixel PA-W.

[0091] The sensing area HA may include first unit pixels and second unit pixels. Each first unit pixel includes a red sub-pixel PA-R, a green sub-pixel PA-G, and a blue sub-pixel PA-B. Each second unit pixel includes three white sub-pixels PA-W. For example, the first unit pixels may occupy one-quarter of the unit pixels in the sensing area HA, and the second unit pixels may occupy three-quarters of the unit pixels in the sensing area HA. ​​The white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area HA may not include a color filter.

[0092] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the effective area AA is viewed in cross-section, each sub-pixel may include a color filter. Specifically, the red sub-pixel PA-R may include a red color filter 151R, the green sub-pixel PA-G may include a green color filter 151G, and the blue sub-pixel PA-B may include a blue color filter 151B. However, as... Figure 7 As shown, the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA may not include a color filter.

[0093] Furthermore, within the sensing region HA, the R, G, and B sub-pixels of the first unit pixel can include color filters, and such as Figure 7 As shown, the white sub-pixel PA-W of the second unit pixel may not include a color filter. Therefore, the transmittance of the liquid crystal display panel 100 in the sensing area HA can be higher than the transmittance of the liquid crystal display panel 100 in the effective area AA. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the external light sensing capability of the optical module can be further improved.

[0094] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure shown can have the same cross-sectional structure as the reference. Figure 4 The structures described are identical. Therefore, descriptions of the remaining components will be omitted. However, Figure 4 The structure shown is configured such that the common electrode 140 is disposed on the planarization layer 113, and the pixel electrode 130 is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 114. In contrast, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structure shown is configured such that pixel electrode 130 is disposed on planarization layer 113 and common electrode 140 is disposed on interlayer insulating layer 114.

[0095] Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the positions of the common electrode 140 and the pixel electrode 130 may be reversed from those exemplified above. For example, the pixel electrode 130 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 114, and the common electrode 140 may be disposed on the planarization layer 113.

[0096] Meanwhile, as mentioned above Figure 2 The effective area AA can be driven by the backlight source element 210 of the backlight unit 200, and the sensing area HA can be driven by the module source element 350 of the optical module 300.

[0097] As mentioned above, in order to ensure the transmittance of the sensing area HA, the light source element 350 of the driving module needs to be driven. Driving the light source element 350 leads to an increase in power consumption.

[0098] In the display device of this disclosure, in the sensing area HA, the target brightness and color can be achieved by a combination of driving the red sub-pixel PA-R, green sub-pixel PA-G, and blue sub-pixel PA-B in the first unit pixel and the white sub-pixel PA-W in the second unit pixel. Therefore, the increase in power consumption caused by the module light source element 350 as described above can be mitigated. This will be described in detail below.

[0099] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the brightness variation based on the current applied to the module light source element in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 This is a table showing the brightness of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure based on the current applied to the module light source element and the brightness variation based on the change in current.

[0100] The brightness of the light emitted from the module light source element 350 is measured by adjusting the current applied to the module light source element 350. Therefore, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the relationship between the current applied to the module light source element 350 (as indicated by the horizontal axis) and the brightness of the light emitted from the module light source element 350 (as indicated by the vertical axis) varies in a substantially linear manner. Therefore, the current applied to the module light source element 350 corresponding to the target brightness can be calculated. Furthermore, for fine adjustment of brightness, the current applied to the module light source element 350 can be calculated based on the target brightness, and then the gray levels of the red sub-pixel PA-R, green sub-pixel PA-G, blue sub-pixel PA-B, and white sub-pixel PA-W set in the sensing area HA can be adjusted to set a more accurate target brightness.

[0101] Figure 10 This is a view showing the target brightness of the sensing area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the white sub-pixel PA-W in the second unit pixel of the sensing area is driven to emit black light and the module light source element is driven at a predetermined power consumption.

[0102] Figure 11This is a view showing the brightness of the sensing area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when one-ninth of the white sub-pixels PA-W in the second unit pixel of the sensing area is driven to emit white light and the module light source element is driven at a predetermined power consumption.

[0103] Figure 12 This is a view showing the brightness of the sensing area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when one-ninth of the white sub-pixels PA-W in the second unit pixel of the sensing area is driven to emit white light and the module light source element is driven in low power.

[0104] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, when all white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area are driven to emit black light and the module light source element 350 is driven at a predetermined power consumption (427.2mW), the brightness of the sensing area HA is approximately 100 nits.

[0105] like Figure 11 As shown, when one-ninth of the white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area are driven to emit white light and the module light source element 350 is in conjunction with... Figure 10 When driven with the same power consumption (427.2mW), the brightness of the sensing area HA increases to approximately 265.2 nits.

[0106] like Figure 12 As shown, when one-ninth of the white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area are driven to emit white light and the module light source element 350 is compared to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 When driven by a lower power consumption (161.0mW), the brightness of the sensing area HA is approximately 100 nits.

[0107] As referenced above Figures 10 to 12 As can be seen, when some of the white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area are driven to emit white light to allow the sensing area to have the target brightness, the power consumption caused by the module light source element 350 is reduced. According to this disclosure, power consumption can be reduced, and the sensing area can be displayed with the target brightness and color. In order to reduce power consumption and display the sensing area with the target brightness and color, it is necessary to control the driving of the red sub-pixels PA-R, green sub-pixels PA-G, blue sub-pixels PA-B, and white sub-pixels PA-W.

[0108] The following will describe how the above references can be used. Figures 8 to 12 The described principle is a driving method for reducing the power consumption of a display device, including a sensing area.

[0109] Figures 13A to 13C This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] like Figure 13A As shown, in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100, the red sub-pixel PA-R is driven to 120 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G is driven to 150 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B is driven to 230 gray levels, and all white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area HA are driven to emit black light (0 gray levels). In this state, the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1000 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with mixed colors at a brightness of 10 nits.

[0111] like Figure 13B As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 30 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 110 gray level, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixels in the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 96 gray level, the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1000 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with mixed colors at a brightness of 10 nits.

[0112] like Figure 13C As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 42 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 148 gray level, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 129 gray level, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 500 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is still displayed with mixed colors at a brightness of 10 nits.

[0113] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 1000 nits, the power consumption is 179.2mW, while... Figure 13C As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 500 nits, the power consumption is 82.65mW. It can be seen that, compared to... Figure 13A and Figure 13B Compared to the situation, Figure 13C In this case, power consumption was reduced by approximately 53.9%.

[0114] Therefore, by controlling the driving of the red sub-pixel PA-R, green sub-pixel PA-G, blue sub-pixel PA-B, and white sub-pixel PA-W set in the sensing area HA, the sensing area HA can be displayed with the target brightness and color, while reducing the power consumption caused by the module light source element 350.

[0115] exist Figures 13A to 13C In this case, one-ninth of the white sub-pixels PA-W set in the sensing area HA are driven to emit white light. However, even when a larger number of white sub-pixels PA-W are driven to emit white light, the sensing area HA can still display with the target brightness and color, while reducing the power consumption caused by the module light source element 350.

[0116] Figures 14A to 14E This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] like Figure 14A As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 80 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 150 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 200 gray levels, and all white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area HA are driven to emit black light (0 gray levels), the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with mixed colors at a brightness of 27.3 nits.

[0118] like Figure 14B As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 131 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 187 gray level, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixels in the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 64 gray level, the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 27.3 nits.

[0119] like Figure 14CAs shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 179 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 255 gray level, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 88 gray level, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is still displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 27.3 nits.

[0120] like Figure 14D As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 179 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 255 gray level, and two-ninths of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 64 gray level, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is still displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 27.3 nits.

[0121] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits, the power consumption is 311.0mW, while... Figure 14C and 14D As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the power consumption is 123.9mW. It can be seen that, compared to... Figure 14A and Figure 14B Compared to the situation, Figure 14C and Figure 14D In this case, power consumption was reduced by approximately 60.2%.

[0122] Therefore, by controlling the driving of the red sub-pixel PA-R, green sub-pixel PA-G, blue sub-pixel PA-B, and white sub-pixel PA-W set in the sensing area HA and adjusting the number of driven white sub-pixels PA-W, the sensing area HA can be displayed with the target brightness and color, while reducing the power consumption caused by the module light source element 350.

[0123] And such Figure 14EAs shown, when two-ninths of the white sub-pixels PA-W are driven to 88 gray levels, the module light source element 350 can be driven with a brightness of 375 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 can be displayed with a mixed color at a brightness of 27.3 nits. However, the red sub-pixels PA-R in the sensing area HA are required to be driven to 0 gray levels, the green sub-pixels PA-G in the sensing area HA are required to be driven to 245 gray levels, and the blue sub-pixels PA-B in the sensing area HA are required to be driven to 287 gray levels. Therefore, when the white sub-pixels PA-W are driven to 88 gray levels, the blue gray level representation (287 gray levels) exceeds the limit (255 gray levels), and thus becomes unable to represent colors.

[0124] In other words, when the number of driven white sub-pixels PA-W increases and the gray levels to be represented increase, it may also be possible to fail to represent colors.

[0125] Figures 15A to 15D This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] like Figure 15A As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 190 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 110 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 80 gray levels, and all white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area HA are driven to emit black light (0 gray levels), the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 27.3 nits.

[0127] like Figure 15B As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 177 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 81 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 0 gray levels, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixels in the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 64 gray levels, the module light source element 350 is required to have a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 can be displayed with a mixed color at a brightness of 25.8 nits.

[0128] like Figure 15CAs shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 242 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 111 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 0 gray levels, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 88 gray levels, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is still displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 25.8 nits.

[0129] like Figure 15D As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 242 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 111 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 0 gray levels, and the two nines of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA are driven to 64 gray levels, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is still displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 25.8 nits.

[0130] like Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits, the power consumption is 311.0mW, while... Figure 15C and 15D As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the power consumption is 123.9mW. It can be seen that, compared to... Figure 15A and Figure 15B Compared to the situation, Figure 15C and Figure 15D In this case, power consumption was reduced by approximately 60.2%.

[0131] Therefore, by controlling the driving of the red sub-pixel PA-R, green sub-pixel PA-G, blue sub-pixel PA-B, and white sub-pixel PA-W set in the sensing area HA and adjusting the number of driven white sub-pixels PA-W, the sensing area HA can be displayed with the target brightness and color, while reducing the power consumption caused by the module light source element 350.

[0132] Figures 16A to 16D This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] like Figure 16AAs shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 210 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 130 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 200 gray levels, and all white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area HA are driven to emit black light (0 gray levels), the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with mixed colors at a brightness of 39.5 nits.

[0134] like Figure 16B As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 169 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 0 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 160 gray levels, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 104 gray levels, the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with mixed colors at a brightness of 39.5 nits.

[0135] like Figure 16C As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to a gray level of 231, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to a gray level of 0, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to a gray level of 219, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to a gray level of 143, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 39.5 nits.

[0136] like Figure 16D As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to a gray level of 231, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to a gray level of 0, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to a gray level of 219, and two-ninths of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to a gray level of 104, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 displays mixed colors at a brightness of 39.5 nits.

[0137] like Figure 16A and Figure 16BAs shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits, the power consumption is 311.0mW, while... Figure 16C and 16D As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the power consumption is 123.9mW. It can be seen that, compared to... Figure 16A and Figure 16B Compared to the situation, Figure 16C and Figure 16D In this case, power consumption was reduced by approximately 60.2%.

[0138] Therefore, by controlling the driving of the red sub-pixel PA-R, green sub-pixel PA-G, blue sub-pixel PA-B, and white sub-pixel PA-W set in the sensing area HA and adjusting the number of driven white sub-pixels PA-W, the sensing area HA can be displayed with the target brightness and color, while reducing the power consumption caused by the module light source element 350.

[0139] Figures 17A to 17D This is a view illustrating a driving method capable of reducing power consumption in a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] like Figure 17A As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 120 gray levels, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 200 gray levels, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 120 gray levels, and all white sub-pixels PA-W in the sensing area HA are driven to emit black light (0 gray levels), the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with mixed colors and a brightness of 42.3 nits.

[0141] like Figure 17B As shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 167 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 0 gray level, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 96 gray level, the module light source element 350 is required to be driven with a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits so that the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 42.3 nits.

[0142] like Figure 17CAs shown, when the red sub-pixel PA-R in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G in the sensing area HA is driven to 229 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B in the sensing area HA is driven to 0 gray level, and one-ninth of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA is driven to 131 gray level, even when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 42.3 nits.

[0143] like Figure 17D As shown, in the sensing area HA, the red sub-pixel PA-R is driven to 0 gray level, the green sub-pixel PA-G is driven to 167 gray level, the blue sub-pixel PA-B is driven to 0 gray level, and two-ninths of the white sub-pixel PA-W in the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is driven to 96 gray level. Even when the module light source element 350 is driven with a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the sensing area HA of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is displayed with a mixed color and a brightness of 42.3 nits.

[0144] like Figure 17A and Figure 17B As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 1500 nits, the power consumption is 311.0mW, while... Figure 17C and Figure 17D As shown, when the module light source element 350 is driven at a brightness (luminance) of 750 nits, the power consumption is 123.9mW. It can be seen that, compared to... Figure 17A and Figure 17B Compared to the situation, Figure 17C and Figure 17D In this case, power consumption was reduced by approximately 60.2%.

[0145] Therefore, by controlling the driving of the red sub-pixel PA-R, green sub-pixel PA-G, blue sub-pixel PA-B, and white sub-pixel PA-W set in the sensing area HA and adjusting the number of driven white sub-pixels PA-W, the sensing area HA can be displayed with the target brightness and color, while reducing the power consumption caused by the module light source element 350.

[0146] As is apparent from the above description, the display device and the method for driving the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure have the following effects.

[0147] When at least one of the white sub-pixels in the sensing area HA emits white light, the brightness of the sensing area HA can be maintained at the same level even when the light source element supplying light to the sensing area HA is driven at a lower voltage than when all the white sub-pixels emit black light. Therefore, the power consumption of the display device can be reduced.

[0148] By controlling the driving of the four-color (WRGB) sub-pixels set in the sensing area HA and adjusting the number of driven white sub-pixels PA-W, the sensing area HA can be displayed with the target brightness and color, while reducing the power consumption caused by the light source element that supplies light to the sensing area HA.

[0149] The effects that can be achieved through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various other effects may be disclosed directly or implicitly in the above detailed description of this disclosure.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made from the above description without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and not by the detailed description thereof.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A liquid crystal display panel, the liquid crystal display panel including an effective area and a sensing area disposed within the effective area; as well as An optical module disposed below the liquid crystal display panel includes a first light source element configured to supply light to the sensing area and an optical element configured to sense external light passing through the sensing area. The sub-pixels disposed in the effective area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel and the sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel have the same width and length. The sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area include at least one white sub-pixel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the sub-pixels disposed in the effective area do not include white sub-pixels.

3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a backlight unit disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the optical module, the backlight unit comprising a light guide plate and a second light source element, the second light source element being configured to supply light to the effective area via the light guide plate.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein one-quarter of the sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area include red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels and blue sub-pixels, and three-quarters of the sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area include white sub-pixels.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the white sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area emits white light.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein when at least one of the white sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area emits white light, the first light source element is driven with lower power consumption than when all the white sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area emit black light.

7. A method for driving a display device, the display device comprising: A liquid crystal display panel, the liquid crystal display panel including an effective area and a sensing area disposed within the effective area; And an optical module disposed below the liquid crystal display panel, the optical module including a first light source element configured to supply light to the sensing area and an optical element configured to sense external light passing through the sensing area, the method comprising: Drive at least one of the white sub-pixels located in the sensing area to emit white light; and The first light source element is driven with lower power consumption than when all white sub-pixels in the sensing area emit black light.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the sub-pixels disposed in the effective area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel and the sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel have the same width and length. The sub-pixels disposed in the sensing area include at least one white sub-pixel.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sub-pixels disposed in the effective region do not include white sub-pixels.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a backlight unit disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the optical module. The backlight unit includes a light guide plate and a second light source element, the second light source element being configured to supply light to the effective area via the light guide plate.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein one-quarter of the sub-pixels disposed in the sensing region comprises red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels and blue sub-pixels, and three-quarters of the sub-pixels disposed in the sensing region comprises white sub-pixels.

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