Display device

Abstract

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; a light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partition walls that overlap at least a portion of a display region; a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources; a light guide plate that is arranged parallel to the second light source unit and guides light provided from the second light source unit; and a display panel that is disposed on the light guide plate and displays an image by using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit. The light guide plate includes a plurality of first protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and are arranged in different densities in each region.

Description

display device

[0001] This specification relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device capable of controlling a viewing angle.

[0002] As technology advances in modern society, display devices are being used in a variety of ways to provide information to users. Display devices range from electronic billboards, which simply transmit visual information in one direction, to a variety of electronic devices that require advanced technology to verify user input and provide information in response to that input.

[0003] For example, display devices can be incorporated into vehicles to provide various information to the driver and passengers. However, display devices must display content appropriately so as not to interfere with vehicle operation. For example, display devices should limit the display of content that could distract the driver from driving while the vehicle is in operation.

[0004] The problem to be solved by this specification is to provide a display device that can provide content with a wide viewing angle in a first area of ​​a display area and provide content with a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle in a second area depending on the driving mode.

[0005] Another problem to be solved by the present specification is to provide a display device capable of improving the viewing angle required in the second area depending on the driving mode by further increasing the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second area where content is displayed at a wide viewing angle in the first mode and further reducing the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second area where content is displayed at a narrow viewing angle in the second mode.

[0006] Another problem that the present specification seeks to solve is to provide a display device capable of improving the viewing angle required in the first area by increasing the viewing angle in the first area where content is displayed at a wide viewing angle regardless of the driving mode.

[0007] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partitions disposed to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed parallel to the second light source unit and guiding light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may protrude from a lower surface and include a plurality of first protruding patterns disposed at different densities for each area.

[0009] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0010] This specification controls whether some of the plurality of light sources arranged under the display panel emit light according to the driving mode, thereby controlling both the first area and the second area in the wide-view mode in the first mode, and controlling the first area in the wide-view mode and the second area in the narrow-view mode in the second mode.

[0011] The present specification includes a first protruding pattern disposed on the lower surface of a light guide plate and disposed at different densities in each area, and can improve the viewing angle required for each mode in a second area that displays content with a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle depending on the driving mode.

[0012] The present specification can improve the viewing angle required in the first area for displaying content at a wide viewing angle regardless of the driving mode by arranging a second protrusion pattern different from the first protrusion pattern in the first area on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

[0013] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included within the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a display panel included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0017] FIG. 4a is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0018] Figure 4b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA1 portion of Figure 4a.

[0019] FIG. 5a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0020] Figure 5b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of Figure 5a.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 8a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0024] Figure 8b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of Figure 8a.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a first protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of the display device of FIG. 10.

[0028] Fig. 12 is a rear view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 10.

[0029] Fig. 13 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of Fig. 12.

[0030] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0032] Fig. 16 is a rear view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 15.

[0033] Fig. 17 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of each of the first protruding pattern and the second protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of Fig. 16.

[0034] Fig. 18 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 15.

[0035] FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b are graphs for explaining examples of the arrangement density of each of the first protruding pattern and the second protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of FIG. 18.

[0036] The advantages and features of this specification, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of this specification is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present specification of the scope of the specification.

[0037] The shapes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of this specification are illustrative and are not limited to the matters illustrated in this specification. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification. In addition, in describing this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When "includes," "has," "consists of," etc. are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes a case where the plural is included unless there is a specifically explicit description.

[0038] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

[0039] When describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described as 'on top of', 'upper part of', 'lower part of', 'next to', etc., one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless 'right away' or 'directly' is used.

[0040] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it includes both cases where the other element is directly on top of the other element or layer or where another layer or layer is interposed therebetween.

[0041] While terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, a "first" component referred to below may also be a "second" component within the technical scope of this specification.

[0042] Identical reference numerals throughout the specification refer to identical components.

[0043] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawing are shown for convenience of explanation, and the present specification is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the component shown.

[0044] The individual features of the various embodiments of this specification may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and may be technically linked and operated in various ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0045] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (100) may be placed on at least a portion of a vehicle's dashboard. The vehicle's dashboard may include a configuration that is placed in front of the vehicle's front seats (e.g., driver's seat, passenger seat). For example, the vehicle's dashboard may include input configurations for operating various functions inside the vehicle (e.g., air conditioning, audio system, navigation system).

[0048] The display device (100) may be placed on the dashboard of a vehicle and may function as an input unit for operating at least some of the various functions of the vehicle. The display device (100) may provide various information related to the vehicle, such as vehicle operation information (e.g., current speed of the vehicle, remaining fuel amount, driving distance), information on vehicle components (e.g., damage to vehicle tires), etc.

[0049] The display device (100) may be positioned across the driver's seat and the passenger's seat located in the front seat of the vehicle. Users of the display device (100) may include the driver of the vehicle and a passenger sitting in the passenger seat. Both the driver and passenger of the vehicle may utilize the display device (100).

[0050] The display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may only represent a portion of the display device. The display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may represent a display panel among various components included in the display device (100). Specifically, for example, the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may represent at least a portion of a display area and a non-display area of ​​the display panel. Components of the display device (100) other than the portion illustrated in FIG. 1 may be mounted inside (or at least a portion of) a vehicle.

[0051] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a display panel of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0052] Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the horizontal direction on the plane is depicted as the first direction (X) and the vertical direction on the plane is depicted as the second direction (Y) hereinafter. In addition, the normal direction of the surface defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), for example, the thickness direction of the display device (100), may be defined as the third direction (Z).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a light control unit (130), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), and a display panel (160).

[0054] The display panel (160) can generate an image to be provided to the user using light provided from a light source unit disposed below. For example, the display panel (160) can display an image by adjusting the transmittance of light provided from the first light source unit (110) and / or the second light source unit (140) disposed below.

[0055] A liquid crystal display panel (LCD) may be applied as the display panel (160). For example, the display panel (160) may include a lower substrate, an upper substrate facing the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. Here, the liquid crystal layer may be driven by a vertical electric field driving method such as a Twisted Nematic (TN) mode and a Vertical Alignment (VA) mode, or a horizontal electric field driving method such as an In Plane Switching (IPS) mode and a Fringe Field Switching (FFS) mode, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] The display panel (160) may include a display area where an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area.

[0057] The display area of ​​the display panel (160) can be divided into multiple areas. In other words, the display area can include multiple areas.

[0058] For example, referring further to FIG. 3, the display area (AA) of the display panel (160) may include a plurality of areas arranged along the first direction (X). As an example, the display area (AA) may include a first area (A1) and a second area (A2) adjacent to the first area (A1) in the first direction (X).

[0059] According to an embodiment, the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may be arranged to cross the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, respectively, located in the front seat of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1, to provide various information to the driver and passenger of the vehicle. Each of the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may display different information images to the user. For example, the first area (A1) of the display panel (160) may be an area provided on the driver's seat side located in the front seat of the vehicle and / or an area provided between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, for example, a CID area, which may provide information such as driving speed and RPM, engine temperature, and fuel amount, and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may be an area provided on the passenger's seat side located in the front seat of the vehicle, for example, a CDD area, which may provide entertainment functions and seat information for the passenger sitting in the passenger seat. However, this division of areas is for convenience of explanation, and the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) in the display panel (160) can be defined in various ways depending on the design.

[0060] Meanwhile, when the display panel (160) is used in the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1, the field of view of at least some areas of the display panel (160) may need to be restricted depending on the user's needs. For example, in the case of an image displayed in the second area (A2) that provides entertainment functions and seat information for a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, the field of view of the image displayed in the second area (A2) may need to be restricted depending on the user's needs, as this may interfere with the driver's driving.

[0061] For example, depending on the driving mode of the display device (100), in the first mode, both the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) are controlled to a wide-view mode (Share mode) to display an image, and in the second mode, at least a portion of the display panel (160), for example, the second area (A2), is controlled to a narrow-view mode (Private mode) to display an image. To this end, the display device (100) can control the display panel (160) to the first mode or the second mode by controlling whether the second light source unit (140) disposed at the upper portion among the plurality of light source units disposed at the lower portion of the display panel (160) emits light.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a light control unit (130), a second light source unit (140), and a light guide plate (150) may be arranged at the lower portion of the display panel (160).

[0063] The first light source unit (110) can generate light and provide the generated light in a third direction (Z), for example, toward the optical sheet (120). The first light source unit (110) can be placed below the optical sheet (120). For example, the first light source unit (110) can be a direct type backlight assembly.

[0064] The first light source unit (110) may include a first circuit board (111) and a plurality of first light sources (112) arranged on the first circuit board (111).

[0065] The first circuit board (111) may include a driving circuit for driving a plurality of first light sources (112). The driving circuit of the first circuit board (111) may generate an electrical signal for driving the plurality of first light sources (112) and supply the electrical signal to the plurality of first light sources (112). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving circuit may be disposed outside the first circuit board (111).

[0066] A plurality of first light sources (112) may be mounted on a first circuit board (111). For example, a plurality of first light sources (112) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) on the first circuit board (111) and may be mounted on an upper surface, which is one surface of the first circuit board (111). For example, a plurality of first light sources (112) may be mounted in a matrix form on the first circuit board (111), but are not limited thereto.

[0067] Each of the plurality of first light sources (112) may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of first light sources (112) may be formed to emit light of any one wavelength among red, green, and blue.

[0068] A light emitting diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used as the plurality of first light sources (112), but is not limited thereto.

[0069] At least one optical sheet (120) may be placed on the first light source unit (110). The first light source unit (110) may include a plurality of optical sheets for diffusing or concentrating light incident from the first light source unit (110).

[0070] For example, the optical sheet (120) may include a first optical sheet (121) and a second optical sheet (122). The first optical sheet (121) may diffuse light provided from the first light source unit (110) and cause it to propagate upward, for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, the first optical sheet (121) may be a diffusion sheet. The second optical sheet (122) may collect light passing through the first optical sheet (121) and cause it to propagate upward, for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, the second optical sheet (122) may be a prism sheet.

[0071] However, it is not limited thereto, and the optical sheet (120) may further include other optical sheets in addition to the first optical sheet (121) and the second optical sheet (122), for example, a protective sheet or a brightness enhancement sheet such as a DBEF (dual brightness enhancement film), or may include a composite optical sheet in which a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet are integrated instead of the first optical sheet (121) and the second optical sheet (122).

[0072] A light control unit (130) may be placed on the optical sheet (120).

[0073] The light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of light provided from below. For example, the light control unit (130) can limit the viewing angle or light output angle with respect to the first direction (X) for light that is emitted from the first light source unit (110), passes through the optical sheet (120), and travels in the third direction (Z), which is perpendicular to the display area (AA). That is, the light control unit (130) can reduce or narrow the profile of the light that is emitted from the first light source unit (110) and incident on the light control unit (130) in the first direction (X). In this case, the viewing angle with respect to the first direction (X) of the image displayed by the light can be reduced.

[0074] To this end, the light control unit (130) may include a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (133) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). Meanwhile, the term partition wall used in this specification is used for convenience of explanation, and may be defined as a term louver instead of a partition wall, or may be defined as a term of viewing angle control pattern.

[0075] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) extends in the second direction (Y) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). In this case, light incident on the light control unit (130), for example, a spaced area between the plurality of partition walls (133), has its light profile narrowed in the first direction (X) by the plurality of partition walls (133) arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and light mostly limited to the front direction, for example, the third direction (Z), may be provided to the display panel (160).

[0076] Accordingly, in an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are arranged, light is provided in a first range, and in an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are not arranged, light can be provided in a second range wider than the first range. Therefore, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), an image can be displayed in a second viewing angle in an area overlapping with an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and an image can be displayed in a first viewing angle in an area overlapping with an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) are not arranged. The first viewing angle can have a larger value than the second viewing angle. For example, the first viewing angle can be defined as a wide viewing angle, and the second viewing angle can be defined as a narrow viewing angle.

[0077] In addition, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) differently for each area. For example, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below and traveling in the third direction (Z) for each area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the second area (A2) among the display areas (AA) for the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit (110).

[0078] In this case, a plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged in an area overlapping with the second area (A2). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), the image is displayed by controlling the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of partition walls (133) are arranged, and in other areas, for example, the first area (A1), the viewing angle is not controlled and the image may be displayed at the first viewing angle.

[0079] However, this is merely exemplary and the area where the partition walls (133) are arranged is not limited thereto. For example, multiple partition walls (133) may be arranged throughout the area overlapping the display area (AA). A detailed description thereof will be provided later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0080] A second light source unit (140) and a light guide plate (150) may be placed on the light control unit (130).

[0081] The second light source unit (140) can generate light and provide the generated light toward the light guide plate (150). The second light source unit (140) can be placed on the side of the light guide plate (150). For example, the second light source unit (140) can be an edge type backlight assembly.

[0082] The second light source unit (140) may include a second circuit board (141) and a plurality of second light sources (142) arranged on the second circuit board (141).

[0083] The second circuit board (141) may include a driving circuit for driving a plurality of second light sources (142). The driving circuit of the second circuit board (141) may generate an electrical signal for driving the plurality of second light sources (142) and supply the same to the plurality of second light sources (142). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving circuit may be disposed outside the second circuit board (141).

[0084] The second circuit board (141) may be arranged on one side of the light guide plate (150). That is, the second circuit board (141) may be arranged parallel to the light guide plate (150). For example, the second circuit board (141) may have a shape corresponding to one short side of the light guide plate (150) and extending along the longitudinal direction of the short side, for example, the second direction (Y). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second circuit board (141) may also be arranged corresponding to one long side of the light guide plate (150).

[0085] Additionally, a plurality of second light sources (142) may be mounted on the second circuit board (141). For example, a plurality of second light sources (142) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the second direction (Y) on the second circuit board (141) and mounted on the upper surface, which is one surface of the second circuit board (141).

[0086] Each of the plurality of second light sources (142) may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of second light sources (142) may be formed to emit light of any one wavelength among red, green, and blue.

[0087] A light emitting diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used as the plurality of second light sources (142), but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The light guide plate (150) is placed on the light control unit (130) and may be placed on the side of the second light source unit (140). For example, the light guide plate (150) may be positioned on substantially the same plane as the second light source unit (140).

[0089] The light guide plate (150) may be formed of a material including glass, quartz, polymer, etc., which has light-transmitting properties so that light can be efficiently guided. The polymer may be formed of, for example, an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a material having a predetermined refractive index such as polycarbonate (PC).

[0090] The light guide plate (150) can guide the light provided from the second light source unit (140) and propagate it in a direction toward the display panel (160), for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, light incident from the second light source unit (140) through the side where the second light source unit (140) is arranged can be converted into the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160), while propagating through the light guide plate (150) through total reflection. Accordingly, a uniform surface light source can be provided toward the display panel (160).

[0091] Additionally, light provided from the first light source (110) through the optical sheet (120) and the light control unit (130) can travel in the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160) through the light guide plate (150).

[0092] The light guide plate (150) may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) arranged on the lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be formed in a relief shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z).

[0093] Each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may include a material having a refractive index different from that of air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of air. For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may include the same material as the light guide plate (150), so that each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may have the same refractive index as that of the light guide plate (150), but is not limited thereto.

[0094] A plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be formed to protrude downwardly of the light guide plate (150), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z). The plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be arranged at different densities for each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may decrease as they get farther away from the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, as they get farther away from the boundary in the first direction (X) and / or in a direction opposite to the first direction (X).

[0095] Each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may have four inclined surfaces that form a predetermined angle with a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may have a square pyramid shape. By such a plurality of first protruding patterns (151), the path of light incident on the light guide plate (150) can be controlled.

[0096] A detailed description of the arrangement density and shape of the plurality of first protrusion patterns (151) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0097] Meanwhile, as described above, the driving mode of the display device (100) can be controlled depending on whether the second light source (142) included in the second light source unit (140) emits light.

[0098] For example, in the first mode, both the plurality of first light sources (112) of the first light source unit (110) and the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) can emit light. In this case, even if the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) in at least a portion of the display area (AA), for example, an area overlapping the second area (A2), is controlled by the light control unit (130), the light emitted from the second light source unit (140) travels in the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160), by the light guide plate (150) and is provided to the entire display area (AA), so that an image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the entire area of ​​the display panel (160). Accordingly, in the first mode, an image can be displayed in a wide field of view mode (Share mode) in the entire area of ​​the display area (AA), for example, in both the first area (A1) and the second area (A2).

[0099] In addition, in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources (112) of the first light source unit (110) may emit light, and the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) may not emit light. Accordingly, the image displayed by the display panel (160) in the second mode can be implemented only by the light provided from the first light source unit (110). In this case, since the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) in the area overlapping the second area (A2) among the display areas (AA) is controlled by the light control unit (130), the image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the first area (A1) of the display panel (160), and the image can be displayed at the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) of the display panel (160). Accordingly, in the second mode, an image may be displayed in a wide field of view mode (Share mode) in the first area (A1) of the display area (AA), and an image may be displayed in a narrow field of view mode (Private mode) in the second area (A2) of the display area (AA).

[0100] In this way, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification can control the display panel (160) in the first mode or the second mode by controlling whether the second light source (140) disposed at the upper portion among the plurality of light source units disposed at the lower portion of the display panel (160), that is, the first light source unit (110) and the second light source unit (140), emits light.

[0101] Hereinafter, the light control unit (130) of the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 9, and the first protruding pattern (151) included in the light guide plate (150) of the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0102] Fig. 4a is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 4b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA1 portion of Fig. 4a.

[0103] Meanwhile, the light control unit (130) illustrated in FIG. 4a represents one embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, the light control unit (130) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (133) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0105] The first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the partition wall (133) therebetween. The first support member (131) may be arranged below the plurality of partition walls (133) to support the plurality of partition walls (133), and the second support member (132) may be arranged above the plurality of partition walls (133) to support the plurality of partition walls (133). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lower surfaces of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be in contact with the first support member (131), but the upper surfaces of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be spaced apart from the second support member (132).

[0106] Each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a transparent material to allow light transmission. For example, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a plastic material. As an example, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include polycarbonate. However, the material of each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a polymer such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, or polyimide.

[0107] A plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). Meanwhile, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be coupled to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) through a transparent adhesive or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (133). Such a space may be filled with air or a transparent insulating material, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] Meanwhile, the separation distance along the first direction (X) between two adjacent partition walls (133) among the plurality of partition walls (133) may be determined by comprehensively considering the thickness of the light control unit (130), the light emission angle of the light emitted from the light control unit (130), the distance between the light control unit (130) and the display panel (160), etc., so that the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit (110) on the second area (A2) is displayed at the second viewing angle.

[0110] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include a light absorbing material or may be coated with a light absorbing agent to absorb light introduced from the outside. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include a carbon-based black pigment. However, the material of the plurality of partition walls (133) is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include at least one of titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy of molybdenum (Mo) and titanium (Ti) (MoTi), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), silicon nitride (SiN), titanium nitride (TiN), silicon carbide (SiC), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper oxide (CuO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe3O4), and tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) having high light absorption, or may include an organic material having high light absorption.

[0111] In addition, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may have a rectangular shape on the side surface. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may have a rectangular shape when viewed on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). Accordingly, the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be parallel to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and both side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be perpendicular to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, both side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be parallel to the third direction (Z) that is perpendicular to each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132).

[0112] By a plurality of partition walls (133) like this, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the light control unit (130) can be limited. Meanwhile, in the present specification, the light emission angle may mean an angle formed by the direction of travel of the light emitted from the light control unit (130) and the third direction (Z) on a plane defined by a side, for example, the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0113] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 4b, the light provided from below the light control unit (130), for example, the light provided from the first light source unit (110), may have its light profile reduced or narrowed along the first direction (X) by the light control unit (130), thereby limiting the light emission angle of the light in the first direction (X).

[0114] For example, among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130), the first light (L1) whose light path is formed in the third direction (Z), which is a vertical direction, between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) can be emitted to the outside, i.e., in the upper direction of the light control unit (130), without being blocked by the partition walls (133).

[0115] In addition, in the case of light that passes through the inside of the upper end of two mutually spaced partition walls (133) among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130), that is, in the case of light between the fourth light (L4) and the fourth' light (L4'), it can be emitted in the upper direction of the light control unit (130).

[0116] However, when a light path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z) between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) and the partition wall (133) is positioned on the light path, at least a portion of the light may be blocked by the partition wall (133). That is, the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) at an angle greater than the incident angle of the fourth light (L4) and the fourth' light (L4') may be blocked by the plurality of partition walls (133) and may not be emitted in the upper direction of the light control unit (130). For example, at least a portion of the second light (L2) and the third light (L3) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) is absorbed by the partition wall (133) and is not emitted to the outside.

[0117] Meanwhile, in the case of light in which a partition wall (133) is positioned on the optical path as described above, since each of the plurality of partition walls (133) includes a light-absorbing material or is coated with a light-absorbing agent, the majority of the light is absorbed by the partition wall (133), but the remaining portion that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) may be totally reflected from the partition wall (133) and emitted to the outside. For example, the second light (L2a) among the second light (L2) that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) and the third light (L3a) among the third light (L3) that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) may be totally reflected from the partition wall (133) and emitted to the outside.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 4a, the height of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be substantially equal to the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) in the third direction (Z). However, this is not limited thereto, and the height of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) in the third direction (Z) may be smaller than the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) in the third direction (Z). Meanwhile, in the present specification, the height may mean the length or distance in the third direction (Z).

[0119] In addition, the plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged on the second region (A2) and may not be arranged on the first region (A1). In this case, as described above, in the second region (A2), which is the region where the plurality of partition walls (133) are arranged, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light is limited, so that the light is provided in the first range, and in the first region (A1), which is the region where the plurality of partition walls (133) are not arranged, the light emission angle is not limited, so that the light may be provided in the second range, which is wider than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed below the light control unit (130), an image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in a second area (A2) overlapping with an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) are disposed among the display areas (AA), and an image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in a first area (A1) overlapping with an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) are not disposed.

[0120] Fig. 5a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 5b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA2 portion of Fig. 5a.

[0121] Meanwhile, the light control unit (230) illustrated in FIG. 5a represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0122] In addition, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B with respect to the shape of a plurality of partition walls (233) included in the light control unit (230). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, the light control unit (230) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (233) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0124] A plurality of partition walls (233) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (233).

[0125] Each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). Accordingly, the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) are parallel to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), one side surface of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) is perpendicular to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the other side surface of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, one side positioned on the first direction (X) side among the two side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may be parallel to the third direction (Z) that is perpendicular to each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the other side positioned on the opposite direction to the first direction (X) among the two side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction (Z).

[0126] In this way, by means of a plurality of partition walls (233) having a trapezoidal shape on the side, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the light control unit (230) can be more effectively limited.

[0127] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 5b, the light provided from below the light control unit (230), for example, the light provided from the first light source unit (110), may have its light profile reduced or narrowed along the first direction (X) by the light control unit (230), thereby limiting the light emission angle of the light in the first direction (X).

[0128] In particular, when a light path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z) between two mutually spaced partition walls (233) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230), and an inclined side of the partition wall (233) is positioned on the light path, the remaining portion of the light that is not absorbed by the partition wall (233) can be guided more toward the third direction (Z), which is the vertical direction, compared to the case where it is totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (233). For example, at least a portion of the second light (L2) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) and traveling toward the vertical side of the partition wall (233) may be absorbed by the partition wall (233), and the second light (L2a) not absorbed by the partition wall (233) may be totally reflected from the vertical side of the partition wall (233), and at least a portion of the third light (L3) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) and traveling toward the inclined side of the partition wall (233) may be absorbed by the partition wall (233), and the third light (L3a) not absorbed by the partition wall (233) may be totally reflected from the inclined side of the partition wall (233). Here, depending on the difference in incidence angle between the vertical side and the inclined side of the partition wall (233), the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) can be guided more toward the third direction (Z), which is the vertical direction, compared to the second light (L2a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (233). Accordingly, the light directed toward the display panel (160) in the second area (A2) can be more concentrated.

[0129] In addition, the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) travels in the opposite direction of the first direction (X) where the first area (A1) is located, and when totally reflected, it is guided more toward the third direction (Z) which is the vertical direction due to the incident angle according to the inclined side. Therefore, compared to the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (133) described with reference to FIG. 4A, the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) described with reference to FIG. 5A can be shifted more toward the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light provided from the first light source unit (110), the viewing angle toward the first area (A1) can be more effectively limited.

[0130] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0131] Meanwhile, the light control unit (330) illustrated in FIG. 6 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0132] In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 4a with respect to the area where a plurality of partition walls (333) included in the light control unit (330) are arranged. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 6.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the light control unit (330) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (333) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0134] A plurality of partition walls (333) may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (333) may include a plurality of first partition walls (333a) arranged over the first area (A1) and a plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged over the second area (A2).

[0135] A plurality of first partition walls (333a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first region (A1). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (333a).

[0136] A plurality of second partition walls (333b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second area (A2). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (333b).

[0137] Additionally, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) and the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) and the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0138] The height of the first partition wall (333a) and the height of the second partition wall (333b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (333a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (333b). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged on the second region (A2) is substantially equal to or smaller than the length of the space along the third direction (Z) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) arranged on the first region (A1) may be designed to be the minimum height possible in the process.

[0139] In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (333a) have very small heights, the light emission angle of the light incident on the first area (A1) may not be substantially limited. Accordingly, in the first area (A1) where the plurality of first partition walls (333a) are arranged, light may be provided in a second range wider than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110) arranged below the light control unit (330), the image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of second partition walls (333b) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and the image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the first area (A1) overlapping with the area where the plurality of first partition walls (333a) having very small heights are arranged.

[0140] In addition, since a plurality of partition walls (333) are formed over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA) rather than forming partition walls only in a portion of the display area (AA) in the manufacturing process of the light control unit (330), the manufacturing process of the light control unit (330) can be further simplified.

[0141] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0142] Meanwhile, the light control unit (430) illustrated in FIG. 7 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0143] In addition, FIG. 7 illustrates a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 5a with respect to the area where a plurality of partition walls (433) included in the light control unit (430) are arranged. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 7.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the light control unit (430) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (433) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an output angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0145] A plurality of partition walls (433) may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (433) may include a plurality of first partition walls (433a) arranged over the first area (A1) and a plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged over the second area (A2).

[0146] A plurality of first partition walls (433a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first region (A1). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (433a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (433a).

[0147] A plurality of second partition walls (433b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second area (A2). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (433b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (433b).

[0148] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (433a) and the plurality of second bulkheads (433b) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (433a) and the plurality of second bulkheads (433b) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0149] The height of the first partition wall (433a) and the height of the second partition wall (433b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (433a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (433b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged on the second area (A2) is substantially equal to or smaller than the length of the space along the third direction (Z) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (433a) arranged on the first area (A1) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.

[0150] In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (433a) have very small heights, the light emission angle of the light incident on the first area (A1) may not be substantially limited. Accordingly, in the first area (A1) where the plurality of first partition walls (433a) are arranged, light may be provided in a second range wider than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110) arranged below the light control unit (430), the image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of second partition walls (433b) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and the image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the first area (A1) overlapping with the area where the plurality of first partition walls (433a) having very small heights are arranged.

[0151] In addition, since a plurality of partition walls (433) are formed over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA) rather than forming partition walls only in a portion of the display area (AA) in the manufacturing process of the light control unit (430), the manufacturing process of the light control unit (430) can be further simplified.

[0152] Fig. 8a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 8b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA3 portion of Fig. 8a.

[0153] Meanwhile, the light control unit (530) illustrated in FIG. 8a represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0154] In addition, FIG. 8a shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with respect to the height of the plurality of partition walls (533) included in the light control unit (530). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 8a and 8b.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 8A, the light control unit (530) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (533) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0156] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8A, the display area (AA) may be divided into a plurality of sub-areas. For example, the display area (AA) may be divided into a first sub-area (AAa), a second sub-area (AAb), and a third sub-area (AAc). Here, the first sub-area (AAa) corresponds to a portion of the first area (A1), the second sub-area (AAb) corresponds to a portion of the second area (A2), and the third sub-area (AAc) is an area that is positioned between the first sub-area (AAa) and the second sub-area (AAb) and includes a boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2), and may be defined as an area including an area of ​​the first area (A1) excluding the first sub-area (AAa) and an area of ​​the second area (A2) excluding the second sub-area (AAb).

[0157] A plurality of partition walls (533) may be arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), the second sub-area (AAb), and the third sub-area (AAc) of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (533) may include a plurality of first partition walls (533a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (533b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (533c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc).

[0158] A plurality of first partition walls (533a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first sub-area (AAa). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (533a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (533a).

[0159] A plurality of second partition walls (533b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second sub-area (AAb). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (533b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (533b).

[0160] A plurality of third partition walls (533c) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the third sub-area (AAc). For example, each of the plurality of third partition walls (633b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of third partition walls (633c).

[0161] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (533a), the plurality of second bulkheads (533b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (533c) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (533a), the plurality of second bulkheads (533b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (533c) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0162] The height of the first partition wall (533a) and the height of the second partition wall (533b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (533a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (533b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (533b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) is substantially equal to the length of the space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) along the third direction (Z), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (533a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.

[0163] Additionally, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (533c) may increase in the first direction (X). For example, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (533c) may increase in the direction from the first area (A1) or the first sub-area (AAa) to the second area (A2) or the second sub-area (AAb). For example, among the plurality of third partition walls (533c), the third partition wall (533c) that is closest to the first sub-area (AAa) has the same height as the first partition wall (533a), the third partition wall (533c) that is closest to the second sub-area (AAb) has the same height as the second partition wall (533b), and the remaining third partition walls (533c) among the plurality of third partition walls (533c) have a height between the first partition wall (533a) and the second partition wall (533b), and the height may increase as one goes in the first direction (X).

[0164] In other words, the height of the plurality of partition walls (533) may gradually increase from the vicinity of the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) toward the first direction (X), i.e., the second sub-region (AAb). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the light control unit (530), the boundary visibility due to the difference in the field of view between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) may be minimized at the boundary between the second region (A2) where the overall field of view is limited and the image is displayed at a second field of view, for example, a narrow field of view, and the first region (A1) where the field of view is not substantially limited and the image is displayed at a first field of view, for example, a wide field of view.

[0165] Meanwhile, the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display area (AA) can be defined within the third sub-area (AAc). To explain this in more detail, referring further to FIG. 8b, a straight line parallel to the third direction (Z) can be defined as the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) based on a point having a second height (h2) that is half of the first height (h1) of the second partition wall (553b) disposed on the second area (A2) and having a height from the first support member (131) on a first virtual line (VL1) connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of third partition walls (533c). However, the division of the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) of the display area (AA) according to the boundary line (BL) is merely exemplary, and the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) in the display area (AA) may be defined in various ways depending on the design. For example, depending on the design, a straight line parallel to the third direction (Z) may be defined as the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) based on a point having a height that is 2 / 3 of the first height (h1) on the first virtual line (VL1) connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of third partition walls (533c).

[0166] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0167] Meanwhile, the light control unit (630) illustrated in FIG. 9 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0168] In addition, FIG. 9 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with respect to the height of the plurality of partition walls (633) included in the light control unit (630). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant description, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 9.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, the light control unit (630) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (633) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0170] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, the display area (AA) can be divided into a plurality of sub-areas. Here, the division of the plurality of sub-areas, i.e., the first sub-area (AAa), the second sub-area (AAb), and the third sub-area (AAc), is substantially the same as or similar to the division of the areas described with reference to FIG. 8a, and therefore, any overlapping description will not be repeated.

[0171] A plurality of partition walls (633) may be arranged on the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (633) may include a plurality of first partition walls (633a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (633b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (633c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc).

[0172] A plurality of first partition walls (633a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first sub-area (AAa). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (633a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (633a).

[0173] A plurality of second partition walls (633b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second sub-area (AAb). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (633b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (633b).

[0174] A plurality of third partition walls (633c) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the third sub-area (AAc). For example, each of the plurality of third partition walls (633b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of third partition walls (633c).

[0175] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (633a), the plurality of second bulkheads (633b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (633c) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (633a), the plurality of second bulkheads (633b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (633c) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0176] The height of the first partition wall (633a) and the height of the second partition wall (633b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (633a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (633b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (633b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) is substantially equal to the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) along the third direction (Z), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (633a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.

[0177] In addition, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (633c) may become smaller as it goes in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). For example, among the plurality of third partition walls (633c), the third partition wall (633c) closest to the second sub-area (AAb) has the same height as the second partition wall (633b), the third partition wall (633c) closest to the first sub-area (AAa) of the plurality of third partition walls (633c) has the same height as the first partition wall (633a), and the remaining third partition walls (633c) among the plurality of third partition walls (633c) have a height between the first partition wall (633a) and the second partition wall (633b), and the height may become smaller as it goes in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the light control unit (630), the boundary visibility due to the difference in viewing angle between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) at the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) can be minimized.

[0178] Fig. 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a first protruding pattern included in a light guide plate of the display device of Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, for convenience of explanation, only two first protruding patterns (151) arranged in a first area (A1) and two first protruding patterns (151) arranged in a second area (A2) among a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) are illustrated.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be formed to protrude in the lower direction of the light guide plate (150), for example, in the opposite direction to the third direction (Z).

[0180] Each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may have a square pyramid or square pyramid shape. For example, referring to FIG. 11, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may have four inclined surfaces each having a triangular shape and forming a predetermined angle with the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), i.e., the surface defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) includes a first inclined surface (151a), a second inclined surface (151b) which is arranged to face the first inclined surface (151a) and is arranged on one side along the first direction (X) of the first inclined surface (151a), a third inclined surface (151c) which shares a first side (S1) with the first inclined surface (151a), shares a second side (S2) with the second inclined surface (151b), and is arranged on one side along the opposite direction of the second direction (Y) of the first and second inclined surfaces (151a and 151b), and a third inclined surface (151c) which shares a third side (S3) with the first inclined surface (151a), shares a fourth side (S4) with the second inclined surface (151b), and is arranged to face the third inclined surface (151c), and is arranged on one side along the second direction (Y) of the third inclined surface (151c). The fourth inclined surface (151d) is disposed, and the first inclined surface (151a), the second inclined surface (151b), the third inclined surface (151c) and the fourth inclined surface (151d) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) can share one vertex (VT). Here, the vertex (VT) can correspond to the vertex of the first protruding pattern (151) having a square pyramid or square pyramid shape, and the first side (S1), the second side (S2), the third side (S3) and the fourth side (S4) can mean four corners connected to the vertex (VT) of the first protruding pattern (151) having a square pyramid or square pyramid shape.

[0181] The shape of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may have an asymmetrical shape. For example, the vertex (VT) of the shape of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) of the square pyramid or square pyramid may be formed to be biased toward the first region (A1) in the opposite direction to the first direction (X). Accordingly, the angle formed by the first inclined surface (151a) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) with the light guide plate (150) may be greater than the angle formed by the second inclined surface (151b) with the light guide plate (150), and the area of ​​the second inclined surface (151b) may be greater than the area of ​​the first inclined surface (151a).

[0182] Meanwhile, the third inclined surface (151c) and the fourth inclined surface (151d) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be symmetrical with respect to a second virtual line (VL2) passing through the vertex (VT) and parallel to the first direction (X). Accordingly, the angle formed by the third inclined surface (151c) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) with the light guide plate (150) is the same as the angle formed by the fourth inclined surface (151d) with the light guide plate (150), and the area of ​​the third inclined surface (151c) and the area of ​​the fourth inclined surface (151d) may be the same.

[0183] In this way, the path of light incident on the light guide plate (150) can be controlled by a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) and having an asymmetrical square pyramid or square pyramid shape.

[0184] More specifically, the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) can control the viewing angle of light emitted from the second light source (140) disposed on the side of the light guide plate (150), incident on the side of the light guide plate (150), and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150).

[0185] For example, since each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) has an asymmetrical square pyramid or square pyramid shape, the vertex (VT) of the first protruding pattern (151) is formed to be biased toward the first region (A1) in the opposite direction to the first direction (X), so that the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) can shift the profile of light incident on the side of the light guide plate (150) toward the first region (A1) in the opposite direction to the first direction (X). Here, as described above, in the first mode, the second light source (140) emits light, so that an image is displayed in the second area (A2) at a first viewing angle, i.e., a wide viewing angle. Since the profile of the light emitted from the second light source (140) disposed on the side of the light guide plate (150) by the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), incident on the side of the light guide plate (150), and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150) is shifted toward the first area (A1), the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second area (A2) in the first mode with respect to the first area (A1) side can be increased. Accordingly, the viewing angle of the image of the first viewing angle, i.e., the wide viewing angle, displayed on the second area (A2) by the light emitted from the second light source (140) in the first mode can be improved.

[0186] In addition, the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) can control the viewing angle of light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed at the lower portion of the light guide plate (150), for example, the lowermost portion of the display device (100), and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150).

[0187] For example, since each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) has an asymmetrical square pyramid or square pyramid shape, as described above, the first inclined surface (151a) and the second inclined surface (151b) of each of the first protruding patterns (151) can form a predetermined angle with the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), for example, a surface defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), and since the inclined angle of the first inclined surface (151a) is formed to be greater than the inclined angle of the second inclined surface (151b), the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) can focus light incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) and shift the profile of the light toward the second area (A2) on the first direction (X) side.

[0188] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 10, depending on the difference in the inclination angle between the first inclined surface (151a) and the second inclined surface (151b), the angle at which light (La) incident on the first inclined surface (151a) included in each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) is refracted toward the first direction (X) by the first protruding pattern (151) may be greater than the angle at which light (Lb) incident on the second inclined surface (151b) is refracted toward the opposite direction of the first direction (X) by the first protruding pattern (151). Accordingly, light provided from the lower portion of the light guide plate (150) may be shifted overall toward the second region (A2). Here, as described above, in the second mode, the first light source unit (110) emits light, so that an image is displayed in the second area (A2) at a second viewing angle, i.e., a narrow viewing angle. The light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed at the lower portion of the light guide plate (150) by a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), enters the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), and is emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150) is focused in the upper direction, i.e., the third direction (Z), and the profile of the corresponding light is shifted toward the second area (A2), so that the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second area (A2) in the second mode can be more effectively controlled. Accordingly, the viewing angle of the image of the second viewing angle displayed on the second area (A2) by the light emitted from the first light source (110) in the second mode, i.e., the viewing angle of the image of the narrow viewing angle, can be more effectively controlled.

[0189] Fig. 12 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of Fig. 12.

[0190] Meanwhile, Fig. 13 shows a graph of the arrangement density (Density) according to the position (Position) in the first direction (X) of the first protrusion pattern (151) shown in a solid line.

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be arranged at different densities for each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). Meanwhile, in the present specification, the density at which the first protruding patterns (151) are arranged may be defined as the ratio (%) of the area where the first protruding patterns (151) are arranged to the total area of ​​the unit region.

[0192] A plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may be arranged at a first density in a first area (A1) and at a second density greater than the first density in a second area (A2). In addition, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) may decrease as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) of the first area (A1) and the second area (A2), for example, as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) in the first direction (X) and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction (X).

[0193] More specifically, as described above, since a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) are formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), the profile of light emitted from the second light source unit (140) and incident on the side of the light guide plate (150) can be shifted toward the first area (A1) opposite to the first direction (X) and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150), and the profile of light emitted from the first light source unit (110) and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) can be shifted toward the second area (A2) on the first direction (X) and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150). Here, in the first mode, the image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light emitted from the second light source unit (140) is displayed at the first viewing angle, i.e., a wide viewing angle, and in the second mode, the image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) is displayed at the second viewing angle, i.e., a narrow viewing angle. Therefore, the greater the number of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) arranged on the second area (A2), the more the viewing angle in the first mode for the image displayed on the second area (A2) increases, and the more effectively the viewing angle control in the second mode can be performed. Therefore, in the second area (A2), the first protruding patterns (151) need to be arranged as much as possible, and accordingly, in the second area (A2), the first protruding patterns (151) can be arranged at a second density that is greater than the first density at which they are arranged in the first area (A1).

[0194] However, the light emitted from the second light source unit (140) and provided to the light guide plate (150) passes through the light guide plate (150) through total reflection and is provided toward the first area (A1) within the light guide plate (150). As described above, the first protruding pattern (151) guides the light incident on the side of the light guide plate (150) toward the third direction (Z), which is the upper direction. Therefore, if the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) arranged in the area adjacent to the second light source unit (140) among the second areas (A2) is too high, the amount of light provided toward the first area (A1) within the light guide plate (150) may decrease, which may cause a decrease in brightness in the first area (A1).

[0195] Accordingly, the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) arranged on the second area (A2) may be arranged with a relatively low density in an area adjacent to the second light source unit (140), and may be arranged with a relatively high density in an area far from the second light source unit (140), for example, an area adjacent to the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2). For example, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) arranged on the second area (A2) may decrease as they move from the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) toward the second light source unit (140) in the first direction (X). Depending on the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns (151), the viewing angle control in each driving mode can be more effectively performed, and at the same time, the decrease in the amount of light provided toward the first area (A1) within the light guide plate (150) can be minimized, thereby preventing a decrease in brightness in the first area (A1).

[0196] In addition, the first protruding pattern (151) collects light provided to the light guide plate (150), for example, light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed below the light guide plate (150) and provided to the light guide plate (150), and guides it toward the third direction (Z). Regardless of the driving mode, the image displayed in the first area (A1) is displayed at the first viewing angle, that is, at a wide viewing angle. Therefore, as the number of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) disposed on the first area (A1) increases, a problem may arise in which the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first area (A1) narrows. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange the first protruding patterns (151) as little as possible in the first area (A1).

[0197] However, if the first protruding pattern (151) is not arranged in the first area (A1), a problem may arise in that the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) where the first protruding pattern (151) is arranged is visible. In particular, as described above, since the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) is the highest in the area adjacent to the boundary line (BL) among the second areas (A2), boundary visibility may increase if the first protruding pattern (151) is not arranged in the first area (A1).

[0198] Accordingly, the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) arranged on the first area (A1) may be arranged at a relatively high density in the second area (A2), that is, in the area adjacent to the boundary line (BL), and may be arranged at a relatively low density in the area far from the boundary line (BL). For example, the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) arranged on the first area (A1) may have a lower arrangement density as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2), for example, in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). For example, in the third area (A3) adjacent to the second area (A2) of the first area (A1), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) decreases as it goes in the opposite direction of the first direction (X), and in the fourth area (A4) adjacent to the third area (A3) of the first area (A1) in the opposite direction of the first direction (X), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) has a minimum value, and the first protruding pattern (151) can be arranged at a constant density. Meanwhile, in the present specification, the third area (A3) represents a part of the first area (A1) adjacent to the second area (A2), and the fourth area (A4) represents a region excluding the third area (A3) of the first area (A1) and may represent most of the first area (A1). However, this is merely exemplary, and the region division of the first area (A1) can be defined in various ways depending on the design. Depending on the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) as described above, the problem of the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first area (A1) becoming narrow can be prevented, and the visibility of the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) can be minimized.

[0199] According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) arranged in the second region (A2) decreases as it moves away from the boundary line (BL), for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) arranged in the second region (A2) may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) arranged in the third region (A3) decreases as it moves away from the boundary line (BL), for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) arranged in the third region (A3). That is, with respect to the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) decreases as it moves away from the boundary line (BL), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (151) may decrease more gradually in the second region (A2) than in the first region (A1), for example, the third region (A3).

[0200] Meanwhile, the above description is based on the first protruding pattern (151) being arranged at a density having a minimum value in the fourth area (A4), but this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the first protruding pattern (151) may be arranged only in the third area (A3) adjacent to the second area (A2) among the first areas (A1), and may not be arranged in the fourth area (A4).

[0201] Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 15 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. In Fig. 15, for convenience of explanation, only two first protruding patterns (151) arranged in the first area (A1) and two first protruding patterns (151) arranged in the second area (A2) among a plurality of first protruding patterns (151) are illustrated, and only one second protruding pattern (752) arranged in the first area (A1) among a plurality of second protruding patterns (752) is illustrated.

[0202] Meanwhile, Fig. 14 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of Fig. 2 with respect to a plurality of second protruding patterns (752) included in the light guide plate (750). Accordingly, in Figs. 14 and 15, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described with a focus on them in order to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 14, a light guide plate (750) included in a display device (700) according to another embodiment of the present specification may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (751) and a plurality of second protruding patterns (752) arranged on a lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) and each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may be formed in a relief shape protruding downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate (750), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z).

[0204] The plurality of first protrusion patterns (751) and the plurality of second protrusion patterns (752) may be arranged non-overlapping with each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0205] Each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) and each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may include a material having a refractive index different from that of air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of air. For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) and each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may include the same material as that of the light guide plate (750) and thus have the same refractive index as that of the light guide plate (750), but is not limited thereto.

[0206] Each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) has an asymmetrical square pyramid or square pyramid shape and may be arranged at different densities for each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750). For example, the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) may have a shape substantially the same as or similar to the plurality of first protruding patterns (151) included in the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 10 to 13, and may be arranged at a density substantially the same as or similar to the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns (151). Therefore, any overlapping description will not be repeated.

[0207] Each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may have a hemispherical shape protruding from the lower surface of the light guide plate (750). For example, each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may be a dot pattern, but is not limited thereto.

[0208] Additionally, the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may be arranged only in a portion of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may be arranged on the first area (A1) and not arranged on the second area (A2).

[0209] By means of a plurality of second protrusion patterns (752) like this, the path of light incident on the light guide plate (750), for example, the path of the light on the first area (A1), can be controlled.

[0210] More specifically, as described above, although arranged at a minimum density, a plurality of first protruding patterns (751) are arranged at a minimum density on the first area (A1), and the first protruding patterns (751) focus the light provided to the light guide plate (750), for example, the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) arranged at the bottom of the light guide plate (750) and provided to the light guide plate (750), and guide it toward the third direction (Z). Therefore, regardless of the driving mode, a problem may arise in that the viewing angle in the first area (A1) that displays an image at a first viewing angle, that is, a wide viewing angle, becomes narrow.

[0211] Here, each of the plurality of second protrusion patterns (752) has a hemispherical shape, thereby diffusing light provided to the light guide plate (750), for example, light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed at the bottom of the light guide plate (750) and provided to the light guide plate (750), thereby preventing the problem of the viewing angle of the image displayed at the first viewing angle in the first area (A1) from narrowing.

[0212] For example, referring to FIG. 15, by the second protrusion pattern (752) having a hemispherical shape, light (Lc) incident on each of the plurality of second protrusion patterns (752) is refracted from the incident surface of the second protrusion pattern (752) and can be diffused on a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), and can proceed in the third direction (Z), i.e., the upward direction. Accordingly, the problem of the field of view of the image displayed at the first field of view in the first area (A1) being narrowed by the first protrusion pattern (751) can be offset by the second protrusion pattern (752).

[0213] Fig. 16 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of each of the first protruding pattern and the second protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of Fig. 16.

[0214] Meanwhile, FIG. 17 shows a graph of the arrangement density (Density) according to the position (Position) in the first direction (X) of the first protrusion pattern (751) shown in a solid line and a graph of the arrangement density (Density) according to the position (Position) in the first direction (X) of the second protrusion pattern (752) shown in a dashed-dotted line.

[0215] Meanwhile, in FIGS. 16 and 17, the arrangement relationship of the first protruding pattern (751) included in the light guide plate (750) is substantially the same as or similar to the arrangement relationship of the first protruding pattern (151) included in the light guide plate (150) described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, and therefore, any overlapping description will not be repeated.

[0216] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a plurality of second protruding patterns (752) can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750).

[0217] A plurality of second protrusion patterns (752) may be arranged only in the first area (A1) and may not be arranged in the second area (A2).

[0218] Specifically, the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) arranged on the first area (A1) can diffuse the light emitted from the first light source (110) and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750) and guide it toward the third direction (Z), i.e., the upper direction. Accordingly, the problem of the viewing angle of the image displayed at the first viewing angle in the first area (A1) being narrowed by the first protruding pattern (751) arranged on the first area (A1) can be offset.

[0219] A plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may be arranged at a constant density on the first area (A1). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) arranged on the first area (A1) may have a lower value than the minimum value of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) arranged on the first area (A1). For example, the ratio of the minimum value of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) arranged on the first area (A1), for example, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) arranged on the fourth area (A4), to the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) arranged on the first area (A1) may be 4:3.

[0220] However, this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may be substantially equal to or greater than the minimum value of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (751) arranged on the first area (A1).

[0221] In addition, as described above, the first protruding pattern (751) disposed on the second area (A2) of the light guide plate (750) can control the profile of the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750) to narrow the viewing angle of the image displayed on the second area (A2) in the second mode. Here, when the second protruding pattern (752) is disposed on the second area (A2) where the viewing angle is controlled according to the driving mode, the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750) is diffused by the second protruding pattern (752), so that the viewing angle or light emission angle in the second area (A2) can increase. Accordingly, since a problem may occur in which an image is displayed at a wider viewing angle than the set second viewing angle of the second area (A2) in the second mode, a plurality of second protruding patterns (752) may be arranged only in the first area (A1) and not in the second area (A2).

[0222] Fig. 18 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 15. Figs. 19a and 19b are graphs for explaining examples of the arrangement density of each of the first protruding pattern and the second protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of Fig. 18.

[0223] Meanwhile, FIGS. 18 to 19b illustrate modified embodiments of the embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17 with respect to the arrangement density of a plurality of second protruding patterns (852) included in the light guide plate (850). Accordingly, in FIGS. 18 to 19b, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described with a focus on these differences in order to avoid redundant explanations.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 18, the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) may be arranged only in a portion of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) may be arranged on the first area (A1) and may not be arranged on the second area (A2).

[0225] Additionally, a plurality of second protruding patterns (852) arranged on the first region (A1) may be arranged at different densities for each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (850).

[0226] For example, referring to FIG. 19a, a plurality of second protrusion patterns (852) may be arranged at a third density on a third area (A3) adjacent to a second area (A2) among the first areas (A1), and may be arranged at a fourth density greater than the third density on a fourth area (A4) adjacent to the third area (A3) among the first areas (A1) in the opposite direction of the first direction (X).

[0227] More specifically, as described above, the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) are formed to increase the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first area (A1) by diffusing the light emitted from the first light source (110) on the first area (A1) and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (850). However, the viewing angle problem of the first area (A1) that occurs due to the problem of the light emission angle of the light emitted from the light guide plate (850) in the first area (A1) becoming narrow may become more severe the farther away from the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2). Accordingly, the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) may be arranged at a higher density in an area adjacent to the second area (A2) among the first area (A1), for example, in the fourth area (A4), which is an area farther away from the third area (A3). Accordingly, the viewing angle in the first area (A1) may be improved more effectively.

[0228] According to an embodiment, a plurality of second protruding patterns (852) may be arranged at a constant density on the third area (A3) and the fourth area (A4), respectively. For example, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) arranged on the third area (A3) and the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) arranged on the fourth area (A4) may each have a value lower than a minimum value of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (851) arranged on the first area (A1), for example, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (851) arranged on the fourth area (A4). For example, the ratio of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (851) arranged on the fourth area (A4) to the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) arranged on the fourth area (A4) may be 4:3, and the ratio of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (851) arranged on the fourth area (A4) to the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) arranged on the third area (A3) may be 4:1 or 2:1.

[0229] However, this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, referring further to FIG. 19b, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns (852) arranged on the third region (A3) may gradually decrease in the first direction (X), that is, toward the second region (A2). In this case, the boundary visibility depending on whether the second protruding patterns (852) are arranged between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) may be minimized.

[0230] A display device according to embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0231] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partitions disposed to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed parallel to the second light source unit and guiding light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may protrude from a lower surface and include a plurality of first protruding patterns disposed at different densities for each area.

[0232] According to another feature of the present invention, the display area may include a first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in each of the first mode and the second mode, and a second area adjacent to the first area in a first direction, in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in the first mode, and in which an image is displayed at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

[0233] According to another feature of the present invention, the plurality of first protruding patterns can be arranged at a first density in a first region and at a second density greater than the first density in a second region.

[0234] According to another feature of the present invention, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns may decrease as they get farther from the boundary between the first region and the second region.

[0235] According to another feature of the present invention, in a third region adjacent to a second region among the first regions, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns decreases as the distance from the boundary between the first region and the second region increases, and in a fourth region adjacent to the third region among the first regions in a direction opposite to the first direction, the plurality of first protruding patterns can be arranged at a constant density.

[0236] According to another feature of the present invention, the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns arranged on the second region among the plurality of first protruding patterns decreases as they go in the first direction, and the second light source unit can be arranged on the first direction side of the light guide plate.

[0237] According to another feature of the present invention, the light guide plate may further include a plurality of second protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and have a different shape from the plurality of first protruding patterns.

[0238] According to another feature of the present invention, the plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged in the first region and may not be arranged in the second region.

[0239] According to another feature of the present invention, in the first region, a plurality of second protruding patterns can be arranged at a constant density.

[0240] According to another feature of the present invention, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns arranged in the first region may be smaller than the minimum value of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns arranged in the first region.

[0241] According to another feature of the present invention, the plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged at a third density in a third region adjacent to the second region among the first regions, and at a fourth density greater than the third density in a fourth region adjacent to the third region among the first regions in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0242] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of second protruding patterns can be arranged at a constant density in each of the third region and the fourth region.

[0243] According to another feature of the present invention, in the third region, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns increases as the distance from the boundary between the first region and the second region increases, and in the fourth region, the plurality of second protruding patterns can be arranged at a constant density.

[0244] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns can have an asymmetrical square pyramid shape.

[0245] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of second protrusion patterns can have a hemispherical shape.

[0246] According to another feature of the present invention, in the first mode, the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources can all emit light, and in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources can emit light and the plurality of second light sources can not emit light.

[0247] Although the embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be implemented without departing from the technical spirit of this specification. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are not intended to limit the technical spirit of this specification, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical spirit of this specification is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; A light control unit including a plurality of partition walls arranged on the first light source unit and overlapping at least a portion of the display area; A second light source unit disposed on the above light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources; A light guide plate arranged parallel to the second light source and guiding light provided from the second light source; and A display panel is disposed on the light guide plate and displays an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit. A display device, wherein the light guide plate protrudes from the lower surface and includes a plurality of first protruding patterns arranged at different densities in each area.

2. In paragraph 1, The above display area is, A first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in the first mode and the second mode, respectively; and A display device comprising a second area adjacent to the first area in the first direction, an image displayed at the first viewing angle in the first mode, and an image displayed at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

3. In paragraph 2, A display device, wherein the plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a first density in the first region and at a second density greater than the first density in the second region.

4. In paragraph 2, A display device, wherein the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns decreases as the distance from the boundary between the first region and the second region increases.

5. In paragraph 4, In the third region adjacent to the second region among the first regions, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns decreases as the distance from the boundary between the first region and the second region increases. A display device, wherein in the third region among the first regions and in the fourth region adjacent in the opposite direction to the first direction, the plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a constant density.

6. In paragraph 4, The arrangement density of the first protrusion pattern arranged on the second region among the plurality of first protrusion patterns decreases as it goes in the first direction, A display device in which the second light source unit is arranged on the first direction side of the light guide plate.

7. In paragraph 2, A display device, wherein the light guide plate protrudes from the lower surface and further includes a plurality of second protruding patterns having a different shape from the plurality of first protruding patterns.

8. In paragraph 7, A display device wherein the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged in the first area and are not arranged in the second area.

9. In paragraph 8, A display device in which, in the first region, the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged at a constant density.

10. In paragraph 9, A display device, wherein the arrangement density of the plurality of second protruding patterns arranged in the first region is smaller than the minimum value of the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns arranged in the first region.

11. In paragraph 8, The above plurality of second protrusion patterns are, In the first region, the third region adjacent to the second region is arranged at a third density, A display device, wherein the fourth density is greater than the third density in the fourth region adjacent to the third region in the first region in the opposite direction to the first direction.

12. In paragraph 11, A display device, wherein the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged at a constant density in each of the third region and the fourth region.

13. In paragraph 11, In the third region, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protrusion patterns increases as the distance from the boundary between the first region and the second region increases. A display device in which, in the fourth region, the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged at a constant density.

14. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of first protruding patterns has an asymmetrical pyramid shape.

15. In paragraph 7, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of second protruding patterns has a hemispherical shape.

16. In paragraph 2, In the first mode, both of the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources emit light, A display device in which, in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources emit light and the plurality of second light sources do not emit light.

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