Display device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a display device. According to one embodiment of the utility model, the display device comprises a display layer; and a sensor layer defining a first sensing area and a second sensing area, in which the sensor layer may include: a plurality of first transmission electrodes to which a first transmission signal having a first waveform and a second transmission signal having a second waveform may be provided, and a plurality of second transmission electrodes to which a second transmission signal having a second waveform may be provided, a third transmission signal having the second waveform and a fourth transmission signal having the first waveform may be provided to the plurality of second transmission electrodes, and the first to fourth transmission signals may be provided simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a display device with improved display quality. Background Art

[0002] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, and game consoles are equipped with display devices for displaying images. In addition to conventional input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice, electronic devices may also be equipped with display devices that provide touch-based input methods, allowing users to easily and intuitively input information or commands. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a display device with improved display quality.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device may include: a display layer; and a sensor layer, arranged on the display layer, defining a sensing region including a first sensing region and a second sensing region adjacent to the first sensing region, wherein the sensor layer may include: a plurality of first transmission electrodes, each extending along a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and arranged in the first sensing region; and a plurality of second transmission electrodes, each extending along the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and arranged in the second sensing region, wherein a first transmission signal having a first waveform may be provided to one of the plurality of first transmission electrodes, a second transmission signal having a second waveform that is an inverse of the first waveform may be provided to another first transmission electrode adjacent to the one first transmission electrode among the plurality of first transmission electrodes, a third transmission signal having the second waveform may be provided to one of the plurality of second transmission electrodes, and a fourth transmission signal having the first waveform may be provided to another second transmission electrode adjacent to the one second transmission electrode among the plurality of second transmission electrodes, and the first to fourth transmission signals may be provided simultaneously.

[0005] The second sensing area may be spaced apart from the first sensing area in the second direction.

[0006] The sensor layer may further include: a plurality of first receiving electrodes, each extending along the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and arranged in the first sensing area; and a plurality of second receiving electrodes, each extending along the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and arranged in the second sensing area.

[0007] The plurality of first receiving electrodes may be electrically insulated from the plurality of second receiving electrodes.

[0008] The multiple first receiving electrodes can output first receiving signals corresponding to the first transmission signal and the second transmission signal, so that the first readout circuit receives the first receiving signal, and the multiple second receiving electrodes can output second receiving signals corresponding to the third transmission signal and the fourth transmission signal, so that the second readout circuit receives the second receiving signal.

[0009] The display device may further include: a readout circuit driving the sensor layer, wherein the readout circuit may include: a first readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of first transmission electrodes; and a second readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of second transmission electrodes.

[0010] The first readout circuit may provide the first transfer signal and the second transfer signal to the plurality of first transfer electrodes, and the second readout circuit may provide the third transfer signal and the fourth transfer signal to the plurality of second transfer electrodes.

[0011] The first readout circuit may receive a first reception signal from the plurality of first reception electrodes, and the second readout circuit may receive a second reception signal from the plurality of second reception electrodes.

[0012] The display layer may define an active area, the first sensing area may overlap with a portion of the active area, and the second sensing area may overlap with the remaining portion of the active area.

[0013] The display device may further include: a readout circuit for driving the sensor layer, wherein the readout circuit may include: a first readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of first transmission electrodes, the first readout circuit being able to simultaneously provide a fifth transmission signal, a sixth transmission signal, a seventh transmission signal, and an eighth transmission signal to four mutually adjacent first transmission electrodes among the plurality of first transmission electrodes, the fifth transmission signal being able to have the first waveform, and the sixth to eighth transmission signals being able to have the second waveform.

[0014] The readout circuit may further include: a second readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of second transmission electrodes, wherein the second readout circuit may respectively and simultaneously provide a ninth transmission signal, a tenth transmission signal, an eleventh transmission signal, and a twelfth transmission signal to four second transmission electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of second transmission electrodes, the ninth transmission signal may have the second waveform, the tenth to twelfth transmission signals may have the first waveform, and the ninth to twelfth transmission signals may be provided simultaneously with the fifth to eighth transmission signals.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device may include: a display layer; and a sensor layer, arranged on the display layer, defining a sensing region including a first sensing region and a second sensing region adjacent to the first sensing region, and operating in a first sensing frame and a second sensing frame continuous with the first sensing frame, wherein the sensor layer may include: a plurality of first transmission electrodes, each extending along a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and arranged in the first sensing region; and a plurality of second transmission electrodes, each extending along the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and arranged in the second sensing region, wherein a first transmission signal may be provided to one of the plurality of first transmission electrodes, and a second transmission signal may be provided to one of the plurality of second transmission electrodes, the first transmission signal may include a first portion having a first waveform and a second portion having a second waveform that is an inverse of the first waveform, the second transmission signal may include a third portion having the second waveform and a fourth portion having the first waveform, the first portion and the third portion may be provided during the first sensing frame, and the second portion and the fourth portion may be provided during the second sensing frame.

[0016] The second sensing area may be spaced apart from the first sensing area in the second direction.

[0017] The sensor layer may further include: a plurality of first receiving electrodes, each extending along the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and arranged in the first sensing area; and a plurality of second receiving electrodes, each extending along the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and arranged in the second sensing area.

[0018] The plurality of first receiving electrodes may be electrically insulated from the plurality of second receiving electrodes.

[0019] The display device may further include a readout circuit that drives the sensor layer, wherein the readout circuit may include a first readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of first transmission electrodes; and a second readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of second transmission electrodes.

[0020] The first readout circuit may provide the first transfer signal to the plurality of first transfer electrodes, and the second readout circuit may provide the second transfer signal to the plurality of second transfer electrodes.

[0021] The display layer may define a display area, the first sensing area may overlap with a portion of the display area, and the second sensing area may overlap with the remaining portion of the display area.

[0022] The display device may further include: a readout circuit for driving the sensor layer, wherein the readout circuit may include: a first readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of first transmission electrodes, the first readout circuit being able to simultaneously provide a fifth transmission signal, a sixth transmission signal, a seventh transmission signal, and an eighth transmission signal to four mutually adjacent first transmission electrodes among the plurality of first transmission electrodes, the fifth transmission signal being able to have the first waveform, and the sixth to eighth transmission signals being able to have the second waveform.

[0023] The readout circuit may further include: a second readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of second transmission electrodes, wherein the second readout circuit may respectively and simultaneously provide a ninth transmission signal, a tenth transmission signal, an eleventh transmission signal, and a twelfth transmission signal to four second transmission electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of second transmission electrodes, the ninth transmission signal may have the second waveform, the tenth to twelfth transmission signals may have the first waveform, and the ninth to twelfth transmission signals may be provided simultaneously with the fifth to eighth transmission signals.

[0024] As described above, during the first sensing frame, a first transmission signal having a first waveform, a second transmission signal having a second waveform, a third transmission signal having a second waveform, and a fourth transmission signal having a second waveform can be provided to the plurality of first transmission electrodes, and a fifth transmission signal having a second waveform, a sixth transmission signal having a first waveform, a seventh transmission signal having a first waveform, and an eighth transmission signal having a first waveform can be provided to the plurality of second transmission electrodes. That is, the signal provided to the first sensing region and the signal provided to the second sensing region can be in opposite phases to each other. Accordingly, the signal provided to the first sensing region and the signal provided to the second sensing region can cancel each other out, thereby reducing or eliminating interference between the display layer and the sensor layer. Consequently, the problem of image quality degradation can be reduced, resulting in a display device with improved display quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is taken along the cutting line II'.

[0028] Figure 4It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a display layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing the structure of a display layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the structure of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the structure of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 1 is a diagram for explaining operations of a sensor layer, a first readout circuit, and a second readout circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a timing diagram illustrating a transmission signal provided to a first sensing region according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a timing diagram illustrating a transmission signal provided to the second sensing area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Description of reference numerals:

[0036] DD: Display Device

[0037] DM: Display Module

[0038] ISU: Sensor Layer

[0039] DP: Display Layer

[0040] ROC1: First readout circuit

[0041] ROC2: Second readout circuit

[0042] SA1: First sensing area

[0043] SA2: Second sensing area DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In this specification, when a certain component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is mentioned as being "on" another component, "connected" or "combined" with another component, it means that it can be directly arranged on the other component or directly connected / combined with the other component, or a third component may be arranged between them.

[0045] The same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and size of the components are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively explaining the technical content. "And / or" includes all combinations of more than one possible combination of the related components.

[0046] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes the plural expression as long as the context does not clearly indicate a different meaning.

[0047] Furthermore, terms such as “below,” “lower side,” “above,” and “upper side” are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0048] Terms such as "including" or "having" should be understood as intending to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations recorded in the specification, rather than excluding in advance the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this utility model belongs. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with that in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as having an overly ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined herein.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the display device DD may be a device that is activated according to an electrical signal. The display device DD according to the present invention may be a large display device such as a television, a monitor, etc., and a small or medium-sized display device such as a portable phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a car navigation system, a game console, etc. These are merely provided as examples, and other forms of display devices may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention. The display device DD may have a rectangular shape having long sides in a first direction DR1 and short sides in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the shape of the display device DD is not limited thereto, and display devices DD of various shapes may be provided. The display device DD may display an image IM toward a third direction DR3 in a display surface IS parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface IS displaying the image IM may correspond to the front surface of the display device DD.

[0053] In this embodiment, the front surface (or top surface) and back surface (or bottom surface) of each component may be defined based on the direction in which the image IM is displayed. The front surface and back surface may be opposite each other in a third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and back surface may be parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0054] The distance between the front and back surfaces in the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness of the display device DD in the third direction DR3. In addition, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 are relative concepts and can be converted to other directions.

[0055] The display device DD can detect external input applied from the outside. The external input may include various forms of input provided from the outside of the display device DD. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD can detect external input of the user applied from the outside. The external input of the user may be one of various forms of external input such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, sight, and pressure, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the display device DD may also detect external input of the user applied to the side surface or back surface of the display device DD according to the structure of the display device DD, and is not limited to a certain embodiment. For example, the external input may also include input through an input device (for example, a stylus pen, an active pen, a touch pen, an electronic pen, etc.), etc.

[0056] The display surface IS of the display device DD can be divided into a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA can be an area where an image IM is displayed. A user can view the image IM through the display area DA. In this embodiment, the display area DA is shown as a quadrilateral with rounded vertices. However, this is for example only; the display area DA can have various shapes and is not limited to a particular embodiment.

[0057] The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may have a predetermined color. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. Thus, the shape of the display area DA may be substantially defined by the non-display area NDA. However, this is merely exemplary; the non-display area NDA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the display area DA or may be omitted. The display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention may include multiple embodiments and is not limited to a single embodiment.

[0058] The display device DD may include a display module DM and a window WM arranged on the display module DM. The display module DM may include a display layer DP and a sensor layer ISU.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display layer DP may be a light-emitting display panel. As one example, the display layer DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting substance. The light-emitting layer of an inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting substance. The light-emitting layer of a quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods, and the like. In this embodiment, the display layer DP is described as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0060] The display layer DP may output an image IM, and the output image IM may be displayed through the display surface IS.

[0061] The sensor layer ISU can be arranged on the display layer DP to detect external inputs. The sensor layer ISU can be arranged directly on the display layer DP. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor layer ISU can be formed on the display layer DP through a continuous process. That is, when the sensor layer ISU is arranged directly on the display layer DP, an internal adhesive film (not shown) is not arranged between the sensor layer ISU and the display layer DP. However, an internal adhesive film can be arranged between the sensor layer ISU and the display layer DP. In this case, the sensor layer ISU is not manufactured through a continuous process with the display layer DP, but rather is manufactured through a separate process from the display layer DP and then secured to the upper surface of the display layer DP via the internal adhesive film.

[0062] The window WM can be made of a transparent material capable of emitting the image IM, such as glass, sapphire, plastic, etc. Although the window WM is shown as a single layer, it is not limited thereto and may include multiple layers.

[0063] Although not shown, the non-display area NDA of the display device DD can be essentially provided as an area within the window WM where a substance comprising a predetermined color is printed. As an example of the present invention, the window WM can include a light-blocking pattern defining the non-display area NDA. The light-blocking pattern can be formed as a colored organic film, for example, by coating.

[0064] The window WM can be bonded to the display module DM via an adhesive film. As an example of the present invention, the adhesive film may include an optically clear adhesive film (OCA). However, the adhesive film is not limited thereto and may include a conventional adhesive or bonding agent. For example, the adhesive film may include an optically clear adhesive resin (OCR) or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA).

[0065] An anti-reflection panel RPP may be arranged between the window WM and the display module DM. The anti-reflection panel RPP reduces the reflectivity of external light incident from the upper side of the window WM. The anti-reflection panel RPP according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. In an embodiment, the anti-reflection panel RPP may include a color filter. The plurality of pixels PX (refer to FIG. 1 ) included in the display layer DP may be considered. Figure 5 The arrangement of the color filters is determined by the color of the light generated by the display module (DM). The anti-reflection panel RPP may also include a light-blocking pattern. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection panel RPP may be omitted or incorporated into the display module DM.

[0066] The display module DM can display an image IM based on electrical signals and can transmit and receive information regarding external input. The display module DM can be defined as an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA can be defined as the area where the image IM provided by the display module DM is emitted. Furthermore, the active area AA can also be defined as the area where the sensor layer ISU detects external input applied from the outside.

[0067] The peripheral area NAA is adjacent to the active area AA. For example, the peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. However, this is shown as an example, and the peripheral area NAA may be defined in various shapes and is not limited to a particular embodiment. According to one embodiment, the active area AA of the display module DM may correspond to at least a portion of the display area DA.

[0068] The display module DM may further include a circuit substrate FCB. The circuit substrate FCB may be a flexible printed circuit substrate. The circuit substrate FCB may be electrically connected to the display layer DP. The circuit substrate FCB may include a plurality of driving elements. The plurality of driving elements may include a panel driving circuit PDC for driving the display layer DP and a readout circuit ROC for driving the sensor layer ISU. The readout circuit ROC may include a first readout circuit ROC1 for driving a portion of the sensor layer ISU and a second readout circuit ROC2 for driving the remaining portion of the sensor layer ISU. For example, the first readout circuit ROC1 may drive the first sensing area SA1 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ), the second readout circuit ROC2 can drive the second sensing area SA2 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0069] The panel driving circuit PDC may be electrically connected to the display layer DP through the circuit substrate FCB, and the readout circuit ROC may be electrically connected to the sensor layer ISU through the circuit substrate FCB.

[0070] In one embodiment, the sensor layer ISU and the readout circuit ROC may be input detection devices, which will be described in detail later.

[0071] The display device DD also includes a housing BC that houses the display module DM. The housing BC, combined with the window WM, defines the appearance of the display device DD. The housing BC protects the components housed within the housing BC by absorbing external impacts and preventing foreign matter and moisture from penetrating the display module DM. Furthermore, as an example of the present invention, the housing BC can be configured to incorporate multiple housing components.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the display device DD may further include an electronic module including various functional modules for driving the display module DM, a power supply module (e.g., a battery) for supplying power required for the overall operation of the display device DD, and a bracket combined with the display module DM and / or the housing BC to divide the internal space of the display device DD, etc.

[0073] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is taken along the cutting line II'.

[0074] exist Figure 3 , the components of the display device DD are simply shown in order to explain the stacking relationship of the components of the display device DD.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 The display device DD may include a display layer DP, a sensor layer ISU, an anti-reflection panel RPP, and a window WM. At least some of the components of the display layer DP, the sensor layer ISU, the anti-reflection panel RPP, and the window WM may be formed through a continuous process, or at least some of the components may be bonded together using adhesive components. For example, the sensor layer ISU and the anti-reflection panel RPP may be bonded together using adhesive components AD1. The anti-reflection panel RPP and the window WM may be bonded together using adhesive components AD2.

[0076] The adhesive components AD1 and AD2 may be transparent adhesive components such as pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA), optically clear adhesive film (OCA), or optically clear adhesive resin (OCR). The adhesive components described below may include conventional adhesives or bonding agents. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection panel RPP and window WM may be replaced by other components or omitted.

[0077] The sensor layer ISU, formed in a continuous process with the display layer DP, is directly disposed on the display layer DP. In this specification, "B component is disposed directly on A component" means that there is no separate adhesive layer or adhesive member disposed between the A component and the B component. After the A component is formed, the B component is formed in a continuous process on the base surface provided by the A component.

[0078] In this embodiment, the anti-reflection panel RPP and window WM are of the "panel" type, while the sensor layer ISU is of the "layer" type. While the "panel" type includes a base layer (e.g., a synthetic resin film, a composite material film, a glass substrate, etc.) that provides a base surface, the "layer" type can omit this base layer. In other words, the components of the "layer" type are arranged on a base surface provided by other components. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection panel RPP and window WM can also be of the "layer" type.

[0079] The display layer DP generates an image IM (refer to Figure 1), the sensor layer ISU obtains coordinate information of external input (e.g., touch events). Although not separately shown, the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a protective member disposed on the lower surface (or back surface) of the display layer DP. The protective member and the display layer DP may be bonded by an adhesive member.

[0080] The anti-reflection panel RPP reduces the reflectivity of external light incident from the upper side of the window WM. The anti-reflection panel RPP according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type may include an extended synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The phase retarder and polarizer may also include a protective film. The phase retarder and polarizer themselves or the protective film may be defined as the base layer of the anti-reflection panel RPP.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection panel RPP may include color filters. The color filters have a predetermined arrangement. The arrangement of the color filters may be determined based on the luminous colors of the pixels included in the display layer DP. The anti-reflection panel RPP may also include a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an anti-reflection panel (RPP) may include a destructive interference structure. For example, the destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers. First and second reflected lights, respectively reflected by the first and second reflective layers, may destructively interfere with each other, thereby reducing the reflectivity of external light.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the window WM may include a glass substrate and / or a synthetic resin film. The window WM is not limited to a single layer. The window WM may include two or more films bonded together using an adhesive. Although not shown separately, the window WM may also include a functional coating. Functional coatings may include anti-fingerprint layers, anti-reflection layers, and hard coatings.

[0084] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a display layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 The display layer DP includes a base layer BL, a circuit element layer DP-CL, a light emitting element layer DP-OLED and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE. Figure 1 ) and non-display area NDA (refer to Figure 1) The corresponding active area AA and peripheral area NAA can be defined in the display layer DP. In this specification, "area / part corresponding to area / part" means "overlapping each other", but is not limited to having the same area and / or the same shape.

[0086] The base layer BL may include at least one synthetic resin film, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite material substrate.

[0087] The circuit element layer DP-CL is disposed on the base layer BL. The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one insulating layer and circuit elements. The insulating layer includes at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. The circuit elements include signal lines and pixel drive circuits.

[0088] The light emitting element layer DP-OLED is arranged on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The light emitting element layer DP-OLED may include an organic light emitting diode. The light emitting element layer DP-OLED may also include an organic layer such as a pixel definition film.

[0089] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be arranged on the light emitting element layer DP-OLED to encapsulate the light emitting element layer DP-OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may entirely cover the active area AA. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may also cover a portion of the peripheral area NAA.

[0090] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE includes multiple thin films, some of which are arranged to improve optical efficiency, and some of which are arranged to protect the organic light emitting diodes.

[0091] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing the structure of a display layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Reference Figure 5 The display layer DP may include a scan driving circuit SDC, a light emitting driving circuit EDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, and a plurality of pixels PX.

[0093] The scan driving circuit SDC generates a plurality of scan signals and sequentially outputs the plurality of scan signals to a plurality of scan lines SL described later.

[0094] The light emission drive circuit EDC generates a plurality of light emission control signals and sequentially outputs the plurality of light emission control signals to a plurality of light emission control lines EL described later.

[0095] In one embodiment, the scan driving circuit SDC and the light emitting driving circuit EDC can be connected to the panel driving circuit PDC (refer to Figure 2 ) are electrically connected. The scanning drive circuit SDC and the light emitting drive circuit EDC can be connected according to the panel drive circuit PDC (refer to Figure 2) to operate.

[0096] The scan driving circuit SDC and the light emitting driving circuit EDC may include a plurality of transistors formed through the same process as the plurality of transistors in the plurality of pixels PX.

[0097] The plurality of signal lines SGL include scan lines SL, data lines DL, power lines PL, emission control lines EL, and control signal lines CSL1 and CSL2. Each of the scan lines SL, data lines DL, and emission control lines EL is connected to a corresponding pixel PX among the plurality of pixels PX. The power lines PL are commonly connected to the pixels PX. The control signal line CSL1 can provide a control signal to the scan drive circuit SDC. The control signal line CSL2 can provide a control signal to the emission drive circuit EDC. The power lines PL can provide the voltages required to operate the plurality of pixels PX. The power lines PL can include multiple lines that provide different voltages.

[0098] In this embodiment, the plurality of signal lines SGL may further include a plurality of auxiliary lines SSL. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of auxiliary lines SSL may be omitted. The plurality of auxiliary lines SSL are respectively connected to the contact holes CNT. The plurality of auxiliary lines SSL may be connected to the sensor layer ISU (see FIG. 1 ) described later through the contact holes CNT. Figure 6 ) signal lines are electrically connected.

[0099] The display layer DP may include a pad area PP. A plurality of display pads DP-PD and a plurality of sensor pads IS-PD may be arranged in the pad area PP of the display layer DP. The plurality of display pads DP-PD and the plurality of sensor pads IS-PD may include a plurality of display pads DP-PD connected to a plurality of data lines DL, a power line PL and a plurality of control signal lines CSL1, CSL2, and a plurality of sensor pads IS-PD connected to a plurality of auxiliary lines SSL. The plurality of display pads DP-PD and the plurality of sensor pads IS-PD may be arranged adjacent to each other in the pad area PP defined as a portion of the peripheral area NAA. The stacking structures or constituent materials of the plurality of display pads DP-PD and the plurality of sensor pads IS-PD may not be distinguishable from each other and may be formed by the same process. The plurality of display pads DP-PD and the plurality of sensor pads IS-PD may be connected to the circuit substrate FCB (refer to Figure 2 ) electrical connection.

[0100] The active area AA may be defined as an area where pixels PX are arranged. A plurality of electronic components are arranged in the active area AA. The electronic components include an organic light emitting diode provided in each pixel PX and a pixel driving circuit connected thereto. A scanning driving circuit SDC, an emission driving circuit EDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, a plurality of display pads DP-PD, a plurality of sensor pads IS-PD, and a pixel driving circuit may be included in a circuit element layer DP-CL (refer to FIG. Figure 4 )middle.

[0101] Although not shown in the drawings, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a plurality of transistors, a capacitor, and an organic light emitting diode. The plurality of pixels PX emit light in response to signals received through a plurality of scan lines SL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of emission control lines EL, and a power line PL.

[0102] In one embodiment, the display layer DP may further include a data driving circuit. In one embodiment, the data driving circuit may be disposed between the active area AA and the pad area PP. The data driving circuit may be electrically connected to the pixels PX via data lines DL and may provide data signals to the pixels PX. In another embodiment, the data driving circuit may be disposed on a circuit substrate FCB (see FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0103] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the structure of a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Reference Figure 6 The sensor layer ISU may include a sensing area SA and a non-sensing area NSA. The sensing area SA may include a first sensing area SA1 and a second sensing area SA2 adjacent to the first sensing area SA1. The second sensing area SA2 may be a region spaced apart from the first sensing area SA1 in the first direction DR1. For example, the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2 may be adjacent to each other.

[0105] The sensing area SA may be an area activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the sensing area SA may be an area for detecting an input. The non-sensing area NSA may surround the sensing area SA. The sensing area SA may correspond to the active area AA (refer to Figure 5 ), and the non-sensing area NSA may correspond to the surrounding area NAA (refer to Figure 5 The first sensing area SA1 can be aligned with the active area AA (refer to Figure 5 ), and the second sensing area SA2 may overlap with the active area AA (refer to Figure 5 ) overlap with the rest of the .

[0106] The sensor layer ISU may include a plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, a plurality of first reception electrodes RE1, a plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2, and a plurality of second reception electrodes RE2. The plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of first reception electrodes RE1 may be arranged in a first sensing area SA1. The plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 and the plurality of second reception electrodes RE2 may be arranged in a second sensing area SA2.

[0107] The sensor layer ISU may further include a ground electrode disposed at a boundary region between the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2. In this case, the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2 may be electrically insulated from each other.

[0108] The plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 may be electrically insulated from each other and intersect each other in the first sensing area SA1 , and the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may be electrically insulated from each other and intersect each other in the second sensing area SA2 .

[0109] Each of the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 may extend along the second direction DR2, and the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 may be arranged along the first direction DR1. Each of the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 may include a plurality of first transmission patterns SPT1 and a plurality of first transmission connection patterns CPT1. Each of the plurality of first transmission connection patterns CPT1 may electrically connect two adjacent first transmission patterns SPT1. The plurality of first transmission patterns SPT1 and the plurality of first transmission connection patterns CPT1 may have a grid structure.

[0110] Each of the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 may extend along a first direction DR1, and the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 may be arranged along a second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 may include a plurality of first receiving patterns SPR1 and a plurality of first receiving connection patterns CPR1. Each of the plurality of first receiving connection patterns CPR1 may electrically connect two adjacent first receiving patterns SPR1. The plurality of first receiving patterns SPR1 and the plurality of first receiving connection patterns CPR1 may have a grid structure.

[0111] Each of the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 may extend along the second direction DR2, and the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 may be arranged along the first direction DR1. Each of the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 may include a plurality of second transmission patterns SPT2 and a plurality of second transmission connection patterns CPT2. Each of the plurality of second transmission connection patterns CPT2 may electrically connect two adjacent second transmission patterns SPT2. The plurality of second transmission patterns SPT2 and the plurality of second transmission connection patterns CPT2 may have a grid structure.

[0112] Each of the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may extend along the first direction DR1, and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may be arranged along the second direction DR2. The plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may be spaced apart from the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 in the first direction DR1. That is, the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 may be electrically insulated from the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2. Each of the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may include a plurality of second receiving patterns SPR2 and a plurality of second receiving connection patterns CPR2. Each of the plurality of second receiving connection patterns CPR2 may electrically connect two adjacent second receiving patterns SPR2. The plurality of second receiving patterns SPR2 and the plurality of second receiving connection patterns CPR2 may have a grid structure.

[0113] The plurality of first transmission connection patterns CPT1 may be arranged on a different layer from the plurality of first reception connection patterns CPR1. The plurality of first reception connection patterns CPR1 may be insulated and intersected with the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1. For example, the plurality of first transmission connection patterns CPT1 may be insulated and intersected with the plurality of first reception connection patterns CPR1, respectively.

[0114] The plurality of second transmission connection patterns CPT2 may be arranged on a different layer from the plurality of second reception connection patterns CPR2. The plurality of second reception connection patterns CPR2 may be insulated and intersected with the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2. For example, the plurality of second transmission connection patterns CPT2 may be insulated and intersected with the plurality of second reception connection patterns CPR2, respectively.

[0115] exist Figure 6 , the first transmission electrodes TE1, the first reception electrodes RE1, the second transmission electrodes TE2, and the second reception electrodes RE2 are exemplarily shown as having a quadrilateral shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first transmission electrodes TE1, the first reception electrodes RE1, the second transmission electrodes TE2, and the second reception electrodes RE2 may also have a polygonal shape.

[0116] The number of each of the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, the plurality of first reception electrodes RE1, the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2, and the plurality of second reception electrodes RE2 can be varied. Figure 6 , it is shown that the number of the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 is greater than the number of the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2, but in other embodiments, the number of the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 may be less than or equal to the number of the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2.

[0117] The plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1, the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2, and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may include a conductive material. For example, the conductive material may include a metal or an alloy thereof. Examples of such metals include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt). However, this is exemplary; the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1, the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2, and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may also be formed using a transparent conductive material. Examples of transparent conductive materials include silver nanowires (AgNWs), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene. The plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, the plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1, the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2, and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers.

[0118] According to the operation mode, the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 can operate not only as transmission electrodes but also as reception electrodes, and the plurality of first reception electrodes RE1 and the plurality of second reception electrodes RE2 can operate not only as reception electrodes but also as transmission electrodes.

[0119] The sensor layer ISU may obtain position information with respect to an external input through changes in mutual capacitance between the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of first reception electrodes RE1 and changes in mutual capacitance between the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 and the plurality of second reception electrodes RE2 .

[0120] The sensor layer ISU may further include first transmission lines TL11, TL12, second transmission lines TL21, TL22, first receiving lines RL11, RL12, and second receiving lines RL21, RL22. The first transmission lines TL11, TL12, second transmission lines TL21, TL22, first receiving lines RL11, RL12, and second receiving lines RL21, RL22 may be arranged in a non-sensing area NSA.

[0121] The first transmission lines TL11 and TL12 are electrically connected to the first transmission electrodes TE1, the second transmission lines TL21 and TL22 are electrically connected to the second transmission electrodes TE2, the first reception lines RL11 and RL12 are electrically connected to the first reception electrodes RE1, and the second reception lines RL21 and RL22 are electrically connected to the second reception electrodes RE2.

[0122] The plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of first reception electrodes RE1 are connected to the first readout circuit ROC1 (see FIG. 1 ) through the first transmission lines TL11 and TL12 and the first reception lines RL11 and RL12. Figure 2 ) is electrically connected. The first readout circuit ROC1 (refer to Figure 2 ) can control the operations of the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of first reception electrodes RE1.

[0123] The plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 are connected to the second readout circuit ROC2 (see FIG. 1 ) through the second transmission lines TL21 and TL22 and the second receiving lines RL21 and RL22. Figure 2 ) is electrically connected. The second readout circuit ROC2 (refer to Figure 2 ) can control the operations of the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2.

[0124] The first transmission lines TL11, TL12 and the first receiving lines RL11, RL12 of the sensor layer ISU can be connected to the display layer DP (refer to Figure 5 ) of the auxiliary line SSL (refer to Figure 5 ) are electrically connected and can be connected through multiple sensor pads IS-PD (reference Figure 5 ) and the first readout circuit ROC1 (refer to Figure 2 ) are electrically connected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the sensor layer ISU may include pads electrically connected to the first transmission lines TL11, TL12 and the first receiving lines RL11, RL12. In this case, the first readout circuit ROC1 (refer to Figure 2 ) of the circuit board FCB (refer to Figure 2 ) can be used without going through the display layer DP (refer to Figure 5 ) and is directly connected to the pad of the sensor layer ISU. The first readout circuit ROC1 (refer to Figure 2 ) can transmit transmission signals to the first transmission lines TL11 and TL12, and can receive reception signals from the first reception lines RL11 and RL12. Figure 2 ) The coordinates of the external input can be calculated based on the received signal.

[0125] The second transmission lines TL21, TL22 and the second receiving lines RL21, RL22 of the sensor layer ISU can be connected to the display layer DP (refer to Figure 5 ) of the auxiliary line SSL (refer to Figure 5 ) and can be electrically connected to the second readout circuit ROC2 (reference Figure 2 ) are electrically connected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the sensor layer ISU may include a pad electrically connected to the second transmission lines TL21, TL22 and the second receiving lines RL21, RL22. In this case, the second readout circuit ROC2 (refer to Figure 2 ) of the circuit board FCB (refer to Figure 2 ) can be used without going through the display layer DP (refer to Figure 5 ) and is directly connected to the pad of the sensor layer ISU. The second readout circuit ROC2 (refer to Figure 2 ) can transmit transmission signals to the second transmission lines TL21 and TL22, and can receive reception signals from the second reception lines RL21 and RL22. Figure 2 ) The coordinates of the external input can be calculated based on the received signal.

[0126] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 When, for Figure 3 and Figure 4 The components described are collectively denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] Reference Figure 7 , the display device DD may include a display layer DP, a sensor layer ISU, an anti-reflection panel RPP, and a window WM.

[0128] The display layer DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit element layer DP-CL, a light emitting element layer DP-OLED, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0129] The base layer BL can include a synthetic resin film. The synthetic resin layer is formed on the work substrate used in manufacturing the display layer DP. A conductive layer, an insulating layer, and other layers are then formed on the synthetic resin layer. If the work substrate is removed, the synthetic resin layer corresponds to the base layer BL. The synthetic resin layer can be a polyimide resin layer, and its material is not particularly limited. Alternatively, the base layer BL can include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite substrate.

[0130] The circuit element layer DP-CL can be arranged on the base layer BL. The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one insulating layer and circuit elements. Hereinafter, the insulating layer included in the circuit element layer DP-CL is referred to as an intermediate insulating layer. The intermediate insulating layer can include at least one intermediate inorganic film and at least one intermediate organic film. The circuit elements may include signal lines, pixel driver circuits, and the like. The circuit element layer DP-CL can be formed by forming the insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer using coating, deposition, or the like, and patterning the insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer using photolithography.

[0131] The light emitting element layer DP-OLED may be arranged on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The light emitting element layer DP-OLED may include a pixel definition film PDL and an organic light emitting diode OLED. The pixel definition film PDL may include an organic substance.

[0132] A first electrode AE may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. A pixel definition layer (PDL) may be formed on the first electrode AE. An opening OP is defined in the pixel definition layer (PDL). The opening OP of the pixel definition layer (PDL) exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pixel definition layer (PDL) may be omitted.

[0133] The hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the first electrode AE. A light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The light emitting layer EML may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening OP. That is, the light emitting layer EML may be separated from each pixel PX (refer to FIG. Figure 5 The light emitting layer EML may include an organic substance and / or an inorganic substance. The light emitting layer EML may generate predetermined colored light.

[0134] An electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML, a second electrode CE may be disposed on the electron control layer ECL, and the second electrode CE may be commonly disposed in the pixel PX.

[0135] A thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) may be disposed on the second electrode CE. The thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) may seal the light-emitting element layer (DP-OLED). The thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) may include at least one insulating layer. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) may include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter referred to as the encapsulating inorganic film). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) may include at least one organic film (hereinafter referred to as the encapsulating organic film) and at least one encapsulating inorganic film.

[0136] The inorganic encapsulating film protects the DP-OLED light-emitting element layer from moisture and oxygen, while the organic encapsulating film protects the DP-OLED light-emitting element layer from foreign matter such as dust particles. The inorganic encapsulating film may include, but is not limited to, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic encapsulating film may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic organic film.

[0137] The sensor layer ISU may include a base layer IL1 , first and second conductive layers, and first and second insulating layers IL2 and IL3 .

[0138] The base layer IL1 may include an inorganic material, for example, a silicon nitride layer. The inorganic film disposed on the uppermost side of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may also include silicon nitride. The silicon nitride layer of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE and the base layer IL1 may be formed under different deposition conditions.

[0139] A first conductive layer is disposed on the base layer IL1. The first conductive layer may include a first transmission pattern SPT1. A second conductive layer is disposed on the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer may include a first transmission connection pattern CPT1. A first insulating layer IL2 is disposed between the first and second conductive layers. The first insulating layer IL2 separates and isolates the first and second conductive layers in a cross-section. The first insulating layer IL2 may include a contact hole for partially exposing the first transmission pattern SPT1, and the first transmission connection pattern CPT1 may be connected to the first transmission pattern SPT1 through the contact hole. A second insulating layer IL3 is disposed on the first insulating layer IL2. The second insulating layer IL3 may cover the second conductive layer. The second insulating layer IL3 protects the second conductive layer from external environmental influences.

[0140] The grid lines of the first transmission connection pattern CPT1 may define a plurality of grid holes and may have a three-layer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium.

[0141] In a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor layer ISU can be directly disposed on the display layer DP. In this specification, "directly disposed" means that no adhesive film is interposed between the sensor layer ISU and the display layer DP. In other words, the sensor layer ISU can be formed on the display layer DP through a continuous process. In this case, the sensor layer ISU can function as an input detection layer.

[0142] The portion where the first electrode AE and the light emitting layer EML are disposed may be referred to as a pixel area PXA. The pixel areas PXA may be spaced apart from each other in each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The non-pixel area NPAX may be disposed between the pixel areas PXA and may surround the pixel areas PXA.

[0143] An anti-reflection panel RPP may be disposed on the upper surface of the sensor layer ISU. As an example of the present invention, the anti-reflection panel RPP may include a polarizing film. In addition to the polarizing film, the anti-reflection panel RPP may also include a protective film and other functional films. However, for ease of illustration, only the polarizing film is shown below. An adhesive component AD1 may be disposed between the anti-reflection panel RPP and the sensor layer ISU. Thus, the anti-reflection panel RPP is bonded to the sensor layer ISU via the adhesive component AD1. The window WM may be bonded to the anti-reflection panel RPP via the adhesive component AD2.

[0144] Figure 8 1 is a diagram for explaining operations of a sensor layer, a first readout circuit, and a second readout circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a timing diagram illustrating a transmission signal provided to a first sensing region according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a timing diagram illustrating a transmission signal provided to the second sensing area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Reference Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 A first sensing area SA1 and a second sensing area SA2 may be defined in the sensor layer ISU. A plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and a plurality of first reception electrodes RE1 may be arranged in the first sensing area SA1, and a plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 and a plurality of second reception electrodes RE2 may be arranged in the second sensing area SA2.

[0146] The first readout circuit ROC1 can simultaneously provide the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 to four adjacent first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1. However, this is exemplary, and the number of transmission signals simultaneously provided by the first readout circuit ROC1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first readout circuit ROC1 can also simultaneously provide transmission signals to six adjacent first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1.

[0147] Each of the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 may be a square wave (or a pulse wave). Each of the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 may have a predetermined waveform.

[0148] At this time, the waveform of the transmission signal transmitted by the first readout circuit ROC1 to one first transmission electrode TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 may be different from the waveforms of the transmission signal transmitted to the remaining first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1.

[0149] Each of the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 may include a continuous first portion P1 , a second portion P2 , a third portion P3 , and a fourth portion P4 .

[0150] The first portion P1 of the first transmission signal TX1 may have a first waveform. The second portion P2, the third portion P3, and the fourth portion P4 of the first transmission signal TX1 may have a second waveform. The second waveform may have an inverse phase of the first waveform. That is, the first waveform and the second waveform may have a phase difference of 180 degrees.

[0151] The second portion P2 of the second transmission signal TX2 may have a first waveform. The first portion P1, the third portion P3, and the fourth portion P4 of the second transmission signal TX2 may have a second waveform.

[0152] The third portion P3 of the third transmission signal TX3 may have a first waveform. The first portion P1, the second portion P2, and the fourth portion P4 of the third transmission signal TX3 may have a second waveform.

[0153] The fourth portion P4 of the fourth transmission signal TX4 may have a first waveform. The first portion P1, the second portion P2, and the third portion P3 of the fourth transmission signal TX4 may have a second waveform.

[0154] The second readout circuit ROC2 can simultaneously provide the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 to four second transmission electrodes TE2 adjacent to each other among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2. However, this is exemplary, and the number of transmission signals simultaneously provided by the second readout circuit ROC2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second readout circuit ROC2 can also simultaneously provide transmission signals to six second transmission electrodes TE2 adjacent to each other among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2.

[0155] Each of the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 may be a square wave (or a pulse wave). Each of the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 may have a predetermined waveform.

[0156] At this time, the waveform of the transmission signal transmitted by the second readout circuit ROC2 to one second transmission electrode TE2 among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 may be different from the waveforms of the transmission signal transmitted to the remaining second transmission electrodes TE2 among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2.

[0157] Each of the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 may include a consecutive first portion P1 , a second portion P2 , a third portion P3 , and a fourth portion P4 .

[0158] The first portion P1 of the fifth transmission signal TXR1 may have the second waveform, and the second portion P2, the third portion P3, and the fourth portion P4 of the fifth transmission signal TXR1 may have the first waveform.

[0159] The second portion P2 of the sixth transmission signal TXR2 may have a second waveform. The first portion P1, the third portion P3, and the fourth portion P4 of the sixth transmission signal TXR2 may have a first waveform.

[0160] The third portion P3 of the seventh transmission signal TXR3 may have the second waveform. The first portion P1, the second portion P2, and the fourth portion P4 of the seventh transmission signal TXR3 may have the first waveform.

[0161] The fourth portion P4 of the eighth transmission signal TXR4 may have the second waveform. The first portion P1, the second portion P2, and the third portion P3 of the eighth transmission signal TXR4 may have the first waveform.

[0162] The fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 supplied to the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 may be supplied simultaneously with the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 supplied to the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 .

[0163] The first readout circuit ROC1 and the second readout circuit ROC2 may operate the sensor layer ISU in units of sensing frames SF1, SF2, SF3, and SF4. For example, the sensor layer ISU may operate continuously during the first sensing frame SF1, the second sensing frame SF2, the third sensing frame SF3, and the fourth sensing frame SF4.

[0164] During the first sensing frame SF1, the first part P1 of the first transmission signal TX1, the first part P1 of the second transmission signal TX2, the first part P1 of the third transmission signal TX3, and the first part P1 of the fourth transmission signal TX4 may be provided to adjacent four first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1.

[0165] During the second sensing frame SF2, the second part P2 of the first transmission signal TX1, the second part P2 of the second transmission signal TX2, the second part P2 of the third transmission signal TX3, and the second part P2 of the fourth transmission signal TX4 may be provided to adjacent four first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1.

[0166] During the third sensing frame SF3, the third part P3 of the first transmission signal TX1, the third part P3 of the second transmission signal TX2, the third part P3 of the third transmission signal TX3, and the third part P3 of the fourth transmission signal TX4 may be provided to adjacent four first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1.

[0167] During the fourth sensing frame SF4, the fourth portion P4 of the first transmission signal TX1, the fourth portion P4 of the second transmission signal TX2, the fourth portion P4 of the third transmission signal TX3, and the fourth portion P4 of the fourth transmission signal TX4 may be provided to adjacent four first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1.

[0168] That is, in each of the first to fourth sensing frames SF1 to SF4, at least one of the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 may have a phase difference with the remaining transmission signals. Therefore, even if the first readout circuit ROC1 simultaneously transmits the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 to the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, it is possible to easily sense capacitance changes of the capacitors formed between the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1 and the plurality of first reception electrodes RE1.

[0169] The plurality of first receiving electrodes RE1 may output first reception signals RX corresponding to the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4. The first reception signals RX may include the capacitance change. The first readout circuit ROC1 may detect an external input by receiving the first reception signals RX.

[0170] The first readout circuit ROC1 can be driven by a multi-channel driving (MCD) method that simultaneously sends transmission signals to k first transmission electrodes TE1 among the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, rather than by a separate driving method that sequentially sends transmission signals to each of the plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1. In this case, k can be an integer greater than 2.

[0171] According to the present invention, the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 can be simultaneously provided to multiple first transmission electrodes TE1, and the multiple first reception electrodes RE1 can output the first reception signal RX corresponding to the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4. Since the first to fourth transmission signals TX1 to TX4 can be simultaneously provided to multiple first transmission electrodes TE1, the magnitude of the first reception signal RX can be increased. Sensitivity can be improved by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between the sensor layer ISU and the first readout circuit ROC1. Therefore, a display device DD with improved detection reliability can be provided (see Figure 1 ).

[0172] During the first sensing frame SF1, the first part P1 of the fifth transmission signal TXR1, the first part P1 of the sixth transmission signal TXR2, the first part P1 of the seventh transmission signal TXR3, and the first part P1 of the eighth transmission signal TXR4 may be provided to adjacent four second transmission electrodes TE2 among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2.

[0173] During the second sensing frame SF2, the second part P2 of the fifth transmission signal TXR1, the second part P2 of the sixth transmission signal TXR2, the second part P2 of the seventh transmission signal TXR3, and the second part P2 of the eighth transmission signal TXR4 may be provided to adjacent four second transmission electrodes TE2 among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2.

[0174] During the third sensing frame SF3, the third part P3 of the fifth transmission signal TXR1, the third part P3 of the sixth transmission signal TXR2, the third part P3 of the seventh transmission signal TXR3, and the third part P3 of the eighth transmission signal TXR4 may be provided to adjacent four second transmission electrodes TE2 among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2.

[0175] During the fourth sensing frame SF4, the fourth part P4 of the fifth transmission signal TXR1, the fourth part P4 of the sixth transmission signal TXR2, the fourth part P4 of the seventh transmission signal TXR3, and the fourth part P4 of the eighth transmission signal TXR4 may be provided to adjacent four second transmission electrodes TE2 among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2.

[0176] That is, in each of the first to fourth sensing frames SF1 to SF4, at least one of the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 may have a phase difference with the remaining transmission signals. Therefore, even if the second readout circuit ROC2 simultaneously transmits the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 to the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2, changes in capacitance of the capacitors formed between the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2 and the plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may be easily sensed.

[0177] The plurality of second receiving electrodes RE2 may output second receiving signals RXR corresponding to the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4. The second receiving signals RXR may include the capacitance change. The second readout circuit ROC2 may detect an external input by receiving the second receiving signals RXR.

[0178] The second readout circuit ROC2 can be driven by a multi-channel driving (MCD) method of simultaneously sending transmission signals to k second transmission electrodes TE2 among the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2, rather than by a separate driving method of sequentially sending transmission signals to each of the plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2.

[0179] According to the present invention, the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 can be simultaneously provided to multiple second transmission electrodes TE2, and the multiple second reception electrodes RE2 can output second reception signals RXR corresponding to the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4. Since the fifth to eighth transmission signals TXR1 to TXR4 can be simultaneously provided to multiple second transmission electrodes TE2, the magnitude of the second reception signals RXR can be increased. Sensitivity can be improved by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between the sensor layer ISU and the second readout circuit ROC2. Therefore, a display device DD with improved detection reliability can be provided (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 1 ).

[0180] Unlike the present invention, when the first signal provided to the first sensing area SA1 and the second signal provided to the second sensing area SA2 are not in opposite phases to each other, the first signal and the second signal are strengthened, so that the signal of the sensor layer ISU may cause the signal to be transmitted to the display layer DP (refer to FIG. Figure 5 ) produces interference with the signal provided by the display layer DP (refer to Figure 5) affects the image quality of the displayed image. In this case, the display quality of the display device may be reduced. In addition, the signal of the sensor layer ISU may cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) with other components. However, according to the present invention, during the first sensing frame SF1, a first transmission signal TX1 having a first waveform, a second transmission signal TX2 having a second waveform, a third transmission signal TX3 having a second waveform, and a fourth transmission signal TX4 having a second waveform may be provided to a plurality of first transmission electrodes TE1, and a fifth transmission signal TXR1 having a second waveform, a sixth transmission signal TXR2 having a first waveform, a seventh transmission signal TXR3 having a first waveform, and an eighth transmission signal TXR4 having a first waveform may be provided to a plurality of second transmission electrodes TE2. That is, the signal provided to the first sensing area SA1 and the signal provided to the second sensing area SA2 may be inverted to each other. Accordingly, the signal provided to the first sensing area SA1 and the signal provided to the second sensing area SA2 may cancel each other, so that the display layer DP (refer to Figure 5 ) and the interference between the sensor layer ISU. Therefore, the problem of image quality degradation can be reduced, and a display device DD with improved display quality can be obtained (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0181] While the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, any skilled artisan or person with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the details set forth in the specification but should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that: include: Display layer; as well as a sensor layer, disposed on the display layer, defining a sensing region including a first sensing region and a second sensing region adjacent to the first sensing region; Wherein, the sensor layer comprises: a plurality of first transmission electrodes, each extending along a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction, and arranged in the first sensing area; and a plurality of second transmission electrodes, each extending along the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and arranged in the second sensing area; wherein a first transmission signal having a first waveform is provided to one of the plurality of first transmission electrodes, a second transmission signal having a second waveform which is an inverse phase of the first waveform is supplied to another first transmission electrode adjacent to the one first transmission electrode among the plurality of first transmission electrodes, A third transmission signal having the second waveform is supplied to one second transmission electrode of the plurality of second transmission electrodes, a fourth transmission signal having the first waveform is supplied to another second transmission electrode adjacent to the one second transmission electrode among the plurality of second transmission electrodes, The first to fourth transmission signals are provided simultaneously.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second sensing area is spaced apart from the first sensing area in the second direction.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The sensor layer further comprises: a plurality of first receiving electrodes, each extending along the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and arranged in the first sensing area; and A plurality of second receiving electrodes extend along the second direction, are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and are arranged in the second sensing area.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of first receiving electrodes output first receiving signals corresponding to the first transmission signal and the second transmission signal, so that the first readout circuit receives the first receiving signals. The plurality of second receiving electrodes output second receiving signals corresponding to the third transmission signal and the fourth transmission signal, so that the second readout circuit receives the second receiving signals.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein Also includes: a readout circuit, driving the sensor layer, The readout circuit includes: the first readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of first transmission electrodes; and the second readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of second transmission electrodes.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The first readout circuit provides the first transmission signal and the second transmission signal to the plurality of first transmission electrodes. The second readout circuit provides the third transfer signal and the fourth transfer signal to the plurality of second transfer electrodes.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The first readout circuit receives a first reception signal from the plurality of first reception electrodes, The second readout circuit receives second reception signals from the plurality of second reception electrodes.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display layer defines an effective area, The first sensing area overlaps with a portion of the active area, The second sensing area overlaps with the rest of the active area.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a readout circuit, driving the sensor layer, The readout circuit includes: a first readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of first transmission electrodes; The first readout circuit simultaneously provides a fifth transmission signal, a sixth transmission signal, a seventh transmission signal, and an eighth transmission signal to four first transmission electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of first transmission electrodes. The fifth transmission signal has the first waveform, and the sixth to eighth transmission signals have the second waveform.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The readout circuit further includes: a second readout circuit electrically connected to the plurality of second transmission electrodes, The second readout circuit provides the ninth transmission signal, the tenth transmission signal, the eleventh transmission signal, and the twelfth transmission signal to four second transmission electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of second transmission electrodes at the same time. The ninth transmission signal has the second waveform, and the tenth to twelfth transmission signals have the first waveform. The ninth to twelfth transmission signals are provided simultaneously with the fifth to eighth transmission signals.

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