Display device

Abstract

A display device comprising a first and second light source (110, 140) including a plurality of light units (112, 142), a light controller (130) disposed on the first light source (110) including a pl

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0025943 filed on February, 22, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device in which a viewing angle is controllable. Description of the Related Art

[0002] As the technology in modern society develops, display devices are used in various ways to provide information to users. The display devices include not only electronic signs which simply transmit visual information in one direction, but also various electronic devices which require higher level of technology to check user’s input and provide information in response to the checked input.

[0003] For example, a display device is included in a vehicle to provide various information to a driver and passengers of the vehicle. However, the display device of the vehicle needs to appropriately display contents without interrupting the operation of the vehicle. For example, the display device needs to limit the display of the contents which may reduce the concentration on the driving while the vehicle is in operation. SUMMARY

[0004] An object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device which provides contents in a first area of an active area at a wide viewing angle and provides contents in a second area at a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle according to a driving mode.

[0005] Another object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device which minimizes a boundary visibility between a first area and a second area of a display panel.

[0006] Objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects, which are not mentioned above, may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following descriptions.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a display device includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; a light controller which is disposed on the first light source unit and includes a plurality of partitions overlapping at least a partial area of the active area; a second light source unit which is disposed on the light controller and includes a plurality of second light sources; a light guide plate which is disposed to be parallel to the second light source unit and guides light provided from the second light source unit; and a display panel which 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, and the plurality of partitions has a different height in each area and a change rate of a height of the plurality of partitions may be different in each area.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; a light controller which is disposed on the first light source unit and includes a plurality of partitions overlapping at least a partial area of the active area; a second light source unit which is disposed on the light controller and includes a plurality of second light sources; a light guide plate which is disposed to be parallel to the second light source unit and guides light provided from the second light source unit; and a display panel which 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, and the plurality of partitions has a different width in each area and a change rate of a width of the plurality of partitions may be different in each area.

[0009] Other detailed matters of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, some of a plurality of light source units disposed below a display panel is controlled to emit light according to a driving mode to control both a first area and a second area as a wide field-of-view mode in a first mode and control a first area as a wide field-of-view mode and a second area as a narrow field-of-view mode in a second mode.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a height of a partition which controls a viewing angle in each area is designed to be gradually changed around a boundary line between a first area and a second area so that a boundary visibility between the first area and the second area may be minimized.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a width of a partition which controls a viewing angle in each area is designed to be gradually changed around a boundary line between a first area and a second area so that a boundary visibility between the first area and the second area may be minimized.

[0013] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present specification.

[0014] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and other effects, which are not mentioned above, will be apparently understood to a person having ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

[0015] The objects to be achieved by the present disclosure, the means for achieving the objects, and the effects of the present disclosure described above do not specify essential features of the claims, and, thus, the scope of the claims is not limited to the disclosure of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an exemplary view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a display panel included in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light controller included in a display device of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 A is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA1 of FIG. 4; FIG. 5B is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA2 of FIG. 4; FIG. 5C is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA3 of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining an example of a height of a third partition included in a light controller of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light controller included in a display device of FIG. 2; FIG. 8 A is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA4 of FIG. 7; FIG. 8B is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA5 of FIG. 7; FIG. 8C is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA6 of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a graph for explaining an example of a width of a third partition included in a light controller of FIG. 7 and a transmittance of a third sub area; and FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating still another example of a light controller included in a display device of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0017] Advantages and characteristics of the present disclosure and a method of achieving the advantages and characteristics will be clear by referring to exemplary embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosures of the present disclosure and the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, and the like illustrated in the accompanying drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Like reference numerals generally denote like elements throughout the specification. Further, in the following description of the present disclosure, a detailed explanation of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. The terms such as “including,” “having,” and “consist of’ used herein are generally intended to allow other components to be added unless the terms are used with the term “only”. Any references to singular may include plural unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0019] Components are interpreted to include an ordinary error range even if not expressly stated.

[0020] When the position relation between two parts is described using the terms such as “on”, “above”, “below”, and “next”, one or more parts may be positioned between the two parts unless the terms are used with the term “immediately” or “directly”.

[0021] When an element or layer is disposed “on” another element or layer, another layer or another element may be interposed directly on the other element or therebetween.

[0022] Although the terms “first”, “second”, and the like are used for describing various components, these components are not confined by these terms. These terms are merely used for distinguishing one component from the other components. Therefore, a first component to be mentioned below may be a second component in a technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0023] Like reference numerals generally denote like elements throughout the specification.

[0024] A size and a thickness of each component illustrated in the drawing are illustrated for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and the thickness of the component illustrated.

[0025] The features of various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or entirely adhered to or combined with each other and can be interlocked and operated in technically various ways, and the embodiments can be carried out independently of or in association with each other.

[0026] Hereinafter, a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is an exemplary view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device 100 may be disposed in at least a part of a dash board of a vehicle. The dash board of the vehicle includes a configuration disposed in a front surface of front seats (for example, a driver seat and a front passenger seat) of the vehicle. For example, on the dash board of the vehicle, an input configuration for manipulating various functions (for example, an air-conditioner, an audio system, or a navigation system) in the vehicle may be disposed.

[0029] The display device 100 is disposed on the dash board of the vehicle to operate as an input unit which manipulates at least a part of various functions of the vehicle. The display device 100 may provide various information related to the vehicle, for example, operation information of the vehicle (for example, a current speed of the vehicle, a remaining fuel amount, or a mileage) or information about parts of the vehicle (for example, a damage level of a vehicle tire).

[0030] The display device 100 may be disposed across the driver seat and the front passenger seat disposed in the front seats of the vehicle. A user of the display device 100 may include a driver of the vehicle and a passenger riding on the front passenger seat. Both the vehicle driver and the passenger use the display device 100. [0031 ] Only a part of the display device 100 may be illustrated in FIG. 1. The display device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may illustrate a display panel, among various configurations included in the display device 100. Specifically, for example, the display device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may illustrate at least a part of an active area and a non-active area of the display panel. Among the configurations of the display device 100, configurations other than the parts illustrated in FIG. 1 may be mounted inside the vehicle (or at least a part of the inside of the vehicle).

[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the meantime, for the convenience of description, hereinafter, a horizontal direction on the plain is illustrated as a first direction X and a vertical direction on the plane is illustrated as a second direction Y Further, a normal direction of a plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y, for example, a thickness direction of the display device 100 may be defined as a third direction Z.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a light controller 130, a second light source unit 140, a light guide plate 150, and a display panel 160.

[0035] The display panel 160 may generate an image to be provided to a user using light provided from a light source unit disposed therebelow. For example, the display panel 160 adjusts a transmittance for light provided from the first light source unit 110 and / or the second light source unit 140 disposed therebelow to display an image.

[0036] As the display panel 160, a liquid crystal display panel may be applied. For example, the display panel 160 may include a bottom substrate, a top substrate which is opposite to the bottom substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the bottom substrate and the top substrate. Here, the liquid crystal layer may be driven by a vertical field driving method, such as a twisted nematic (TN) mode and a vertical alignment (VA) mode, or a horizontal field driving method, such as an in-plane switching (IPS) mode and a fringe field switching (FFS) mode, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The display panel 160 may include an active area in which an image is displayed and a non-active area which encloses the active area.

[0038] The active area of the display panel 160 may be partitioned into a plurality of areas. In other words, the active area may include a plurality of areas.

[0039] For example, further referring to FIG. 3, the active area AA of the display panel 160 may include a plurality of areas disposed along the first direction X. For example, the active area AA may include a first area Al and a second area A2 which is adjacent to the first area Al in the first direction X.

[0040] According to the exemplary embodiment, the first area Al and the second area A2 of the display panel 160 are disposed across a driver seat and a front passenger seat disposed in front seats of the vehicle which have been described with reference to FIG. 1 to provide various information to a driver and a passenger of the vehicle. Each of the first area Al and the second area A2 of the display panel 160 displays different information images to the user. For example, the first area Al of the display panel 160 includes an area provided to the driver seat disposed on the front seat of the vehicle and / or an area provided between the driver seat and the front passenger seat, for example, a CID area to provide information such as a driving speed, RPM, an engine temperature, and a fuel amount. The second area A2 of the display panel 160 is an area provided to the front passenger seat disposed on the front seat of the vehicle, for example, a CDD area to provide entertainment functions and seat information for the passenger sitting in the front passenger seat. However, such area division is for the convenience of description and the first area Al and the second area A2 in the display panel 160 may be defined in various ways depending on the design.

[0041] In the meantime, when the display panel 160 is used for the vehicle which has been described with reference to FIG. 1, a field of view of at least partial area of the display panel 160 needs to be restricted according to the user’s request. For example, images displayed in the second area A2 which provides the entertainment function and the seat information for the passenger sitting on the front passenger seat may interfere with the driving of the driver. Accordingly, according to the user’s request, the field of view of the image displayed in the second area A2 needs to be restricted.

[0042] F or example, according to the driving mode of the display device 100, in the first mode, both the first area Al and the second area A2 of the display panel 160 are controlled in a wide field-of-view mode (share mode) to display an image. In the second mode, at least a part of the display panel 160, for example, the second area A2 is controlled in a narrow field-of-view mode (private mode) to display an image. To this end, the display device 100 controls whether to allow the second light source unit 140 disposed on the top, among the plurality of light source units disposed below the display panel 160, to emit light to control the display panel 160 in the first mode or the second mode.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a light controller 130, a second light source unit 140, and a light guide plate 150 may be disposed below the display panel 160.

[0044] The first light source unit 110 generates light and may provide the generated light to the third direction Z, for example, toward the optical sheet 120. The first light source unit 110 may be disposed below the optical sheet 120. For example, the first light source unit 110 may be a direct type backlight assembly.

[0045] The first light source unit 110 may include a first circuit board 111 and a plurality of first light sources 112 disposed on the first circuit board 111.

[0046] The first circuit board 111 may include a driving circuit which drives the plurality of first light sources 112. The driving circuit of the first circuit board 111 generates an electrical signal to drive the plurality of first light sources 112 and supplies the electrical signal to the plurality of first light sources 112. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the driving circuit may be disposed at the outside of the first circuit board 111.

[0047] The plurality of first light sources 112 may be mounted on the first circuit board 111. For example, the plurality of first light sources 112 is disposed on the first circuit board 111 to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X and the second direction Y to be mounted on a top surface which is one surface of the first circuit board 111. For example, the plurality of first light sources 112 may be disposed to be mounted on the first circuit board 111 in a matrix, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] Each of the plurality of first light sources 112 may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto and the plurality of first light sources 112 may be formed to emit light with any one wavelength of red, green, and blue.

[0049] As the plurality of first light sources 112, a light emission diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0050] At least one optical sheet 120 may be disposed on the first light source unit 110. On the first light source unit 110, a plurality of optical sheets which diffuses or condenses light incident from the first light source unit 110 may be included.

[0051] For example, the optical sheet 120 may include a first optical sheet 121 and a second optical sheet 122. The first optical sheet 121 diffuses light provided from the first light source unit 110 and allows light to travel upwardly, for example, in the third direction Z. For example, the first optical sheet 121 may be a diffusion sheet. The second optical sheet 122 condenses light which has passed through the first optical sheet 121 to allow light to travel upwardly, for example, in the third direction Z. For example, the second optical sheet 122 may be a prism sheet.

[0052] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the optical sheet 120 includes another optical sheet, in addition to the first optical sheet 121 and the second optical sheet 122. For example, the optical sheet 120 further includes a luminance improvement sheet, such as a protective sheet or a dual brightness enhancement film, or may include a composite optical sheet in which the diffusion sheet and the prism sheet are integrated, instead of the first optical sheet 121 and the second optical sheet 122.

[0053] The light controller 130 may be disposed on the optical sheet 120.

[0054] The light controller 130 may control a viewing angle of light provided from the bottom. For example, the light controller 130 may restrict a viewing angle or an emission angle in the first direction X, of light which is emitted from the first light source unit 110 to pass through the optical sheet 120 and travel in a third direction Z which is perpendicular to the active area AA. That is, the light controller 130 reduces or narrows a profile of light which is emitted from the first light source 110 to be incident into the light controller 130, in the first direction X. In this case, a viewing angle of an image which is displayed by the light in the first direction X may be reduced

[0055] To this end, the light controller 130 may include a first support member 131, a second support member 132 which is opposite to the first support member 131, and a plurality of partitions 133 which is disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. In the meantime, the term, partition used in the present disclosure, is used for the convenience of description and may be defined as a term “louver” or a term “viewing angle control pattern”, instead of the partition.

[0056] Each of the plurality of partitions 133 extends between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 in the second direction Y and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X.

[0057] The plurality of partitions 133 may be disposed in an area overlapping the entire active area AA, for example, in an area overlapping both the first area Al and the second area A2. Further, the plurality of partitions 133 has a different height in each area. For example, a height of the plurality of partitions 133 may have a value which is equal to or larger than a first height which is the smallest height and is equal to or smaller than a second height which is the largest height. In the meantime, according to the present disclosure, the height may refer to a length or a distance along the thickness direction of the display device 100, and for example, along the third direction Z.

[0058] In this case, for example, a profile of light which is incident to the light controller 130, for example, an area spaced between the plurality of partitions 133, is narrowed in the first direction X, by the plurality of partitions 133 disposed to be spaced apart from each other. Most of light which is restricted in the front direction, for example, in the third direction Z, may be provided to the display panel 160.

[0059] Accordingly, in the area in which the plurality of partitions 133 of the light controller 130 is disposed, for example, in the area in which the plurality of partitions 133 having a second height is disposed, light is provided in a first range. In the area in which even though the plurality of partitions 133 is disposed, the plurality of partitions 133 which is designed to have very small height, for example, have a first height, is disposed, the light is provided in the second range, which is larger than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of the image which is displayed with light emitted from the first light source unit 110, in an area of the active area AA overlapping an area in which the plurality of partitions 133 of the light controller 130 is disposed, the image is displayed entirely at the second viewing angle. In an area overlapping an area in which the plurality of partitions 13 3 is designed to have very small height, the image may be displayed at the first viewing angle. The first viewing angle may be larger than the second viewing angle. For example, the first viewing angle is defined as a wide viewing angle and the second viewing angle may be defined as a narrow viewing angle.

[0060] Further, the light controller 130 may control the viewing angle of the image which is displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110 to be different in each area. For example, the light control unit 130 may control a viewing angle of light which is provided from the bottom to travel in the third direction Z in each area of the active area AA. For example, the light control unit 130 may control a viewing angle of the image which is displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110 in the second area A2 of the active area AA.

[0061] In this case, the plurality of partitions 133 having a first height which is the smallest height is disposed in an area overlapping the first area Al and the plurality of partitions 133 having a second height which is the largest height may be disposed in an area overlapping the second area A2. Accordingly, in the case of the image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110, in the second area A2 which overlaps an area in which the plurality of partitions 133 having the second height which is the largest height is disposed, the viewing angle is controlled to the second viewing angle to display the image. In the first area Al which overlaps an area in which the plurality of partitions 133 having the first height which is the smallest height is disposed, the viewing angle is not controlled and the image may be displayed at the first viewing angle.

[0062] However, this is merely illustrative and the area in which the partition 133 is disposed is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of partitions 133 is disposed only in an area which overlaps the second area A2, but is not disposed in an area which overlaps the first area Al.

[0063] The height of the plurality of partitions 133 may decrease in the direction from the second area A2 to the first area Al, for example, in the direction opposite to the first direction X. For example, the height of the plurality of partitions 133 has the first height which is the smallest height, in a first sub area which is the most area of the first area Al in which the viewing angle is not substantially controlled regardless of the driving mode. The height of the plurality of partitions 133 may have the second height which is the largest height, in the second sub area which is the most area of the second area A2 in which the viewing angle is controlled according to the driving mode. Further, the height of the plurality of partitions 133 is gradually decreased in a direction from the second area A2 to the first area Al in the third sub area which is an area between the first sub area and the second sub area and includes a boundary line between the first area Al and the second area A2. Accordingly, the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be minimized.

[0064] Further, the plurality of partitions 133 may have a different width in each area. For example, a width of the plurality of partitions 133 may have a value which is equal to or larger than a first width which is the smallest width and is equal to or smaller than a second width which is the largest weight.

[0065] In the meantime, according to the present disclosure, the weight may refer to a length or a distance along the horizontal axis direction of the display device 100 which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the partition 133, and for example, in the first direction X.

[0066] Specifically, the larger the width of the partition 133, the smaller the transmittance of light in the area in which the partition 133 is disposed. In an area of the area on the light controller 130 overlapping the first area Al in which the image is displayed at the first viewing angle, which is a wide viewing angle, regardless of the driving mode, it is necessary to ensure an emission angle which is larger than an emission angle in an area which overlaps the second area A2.

[0067] Accordingly, the plurality of partitions 133 having the first width which is the smallest width on an area overlapping the first area Al is disposed in an area overlapping the first area Al and a plurality of second partitions 133 having a second width which is the largest width may be disposed to overlap the second area A2. Accordingly, in the case of the image which is displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110, in the first area Al which overlaps an area in which the plurality of partitions 133 having the first width which is the smallest width is disposed, a predetermined transmittance is ensured to emit light according to an emission angle requested for the first area Al to display an image at a first viewing angle. In the second area A2 which overlaps an area in which the plurality of second partitions 133 having the second width which is the largest width is disposed, light is emitted at an emission angle which is smaller than that in the first area Al by a transmittance which is smaller than that in the first area Al so that the viewing angle is controlled to the second viewing angle to display an image.

[0068] Further, the width of the plurality of partitions 133 may decrease in the direction from the second area A2 to the first area Al, for example, in the opposite direction to the first direction X. For example, the width of the plurality of partitions 133 has the first width which is the smallest width, in a first sub area which is the most area of the first area Al in which the viewing angle is not substantially controlled regardless of the driving mode. The width of the plurality of partitions 133 has the second width which is the largest width, in the second sub area which is the most area of the second area A2 in which the viewing angle is controlled according to the driving mode. Further, the width of the plurality of partitions 133 may be gradually decreased in a direction from the second area A2 to the first area Al in the third sub area which is an area between the first sub area and the second sub area and includes a boundary line between the first area Al and the second area A2. Accordingly, the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be minimized.

[0069] A height for each area of the plurality of partitions 133 and a width for each area will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0070] The second light source unit 140 and the light guide plate 150 may be disposed on the light controller 130.

[0071] The second light source unit 140 generates light and may provide the generated light to the light guide plate 150. The second light source unit 140 may be disposed on a side surface of the light guide plate 150. For example, the second light source unit 140 may be an edge type backlight assembly.

[0072] The second light source unit 140 may include a second circuit board 141 and a plurality of second light sources 142 disposed on the second circuit board 141.

[0073] The second circuit board 141 may include a driving circuit which drives the plurality of second light sources 142. The driving circuit of the second circuit board 141 generates an electrical signal to drive the plurality of second light sources 142 and may supply the electrical signal to the plurality of second light sources 142. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the driving circuit may be disposed at the outside of the second circuit board 141.

[0074] The second circuit board 141 may be disposed on a side surface of the light guide plate 150. That is, the second circuit board 141 may be disposed to be parallel to the light guide plate 150. For example, the second circuit board 141 may have a shape which corresponds to one short side of the light guide plate 150 to extend along a length direction of the short side, for example, along the second direction Y However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the second circuit board 141 may be disposed so as to correspond to one long side of the light guide plate 150.

[0075] Further, the plurality of second light sources 142 may be mounted on the second circuit board 141. For example, the plurality of second light sources 142 is disposed on the second circuit board 141 to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y to be mounted on a top surface which is one surface of the second circuit board 141.

[0076] Each of the plurality of second light sources 142 may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto and the plurality of second light sources 142 may be formed to emit light with any one wavelength of red, green, and blue.

[0077] As the plurality of second light sources 142, a light emission diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0078] The light guide plate 150 is disposed on the light controller 130 and may be disposed on a side portion of the second light source unit 140. For example, the light guide plate 150 may be disposed on the substantially same plane as the second light source unit 140.

[0079] The light guide plate 150 may be formed of a material including glass, quartz, or polymer having transparency, to efficiently guide the light. For example, the polymer may be formed of a material having a predetermined refractive index, such as acrylic resin including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMS) or polycarbonate (PC).

[0080] The light guide plate 150 guides light provided from the second light source unit 140 to allow the light to travel in a direction toward the display panel 160, for example, in the third direction Z. For example, light which is incident from the second light source unit 140, through a side surface on which the second light source unit 140 is disposed, changes the traveling direction to the third direction Z toward the display panel 160, by total reflection, while traveling in the light guide plate 150. Therefore, a uniform surface light source may be provided in the display panel 160.

[0081] Further, the light which is provided via the optical sheet 120 and the light controller 130 from the first light source unit 110 may travel to the third direction Z which is a direction toward the display panel 160 by means of the light guide plate 150.

[0082] In the meantime, as described above, the driving mode of the display device 100 may be controlled depending on whether the second light source 142 included in the second light source unit 140 emits light.

[0083] For example, in the first mode, all 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 may emit light. In this case, even though in at least a partial area of the active area AA, for example, in an area overlapping the second area A2, a viewing angle of light emitted from the first light source unit 110 is controlled by the light controller 130, light emitted from the second light source unit 140 travels by the light guide plate 150 in the third direction Z which is a direction toward the display panel 160 to be provided in the entire active area AA. Therefore, the image may be displayed at the first viewing angle in the entire area of the display panel 160. Accordingly, in the first mode, the image may be displayed in a wide field-of-view mode (share mode) in the entire active area AA, for example, in both the first area Al and the second area A2.

[0084] Further, in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources 112 of the first light source unit 110 emits light and the plurality of second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 does not emit light. Therefore, an image which is displayed by the display panel 160 in the second mode may be implemented only by light provided from the first light source unit 110. In this case, in an area of the active area AA which overlaps the second area A2, the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 is controlled by the light controller 130. Therefore, in the first area Al of the display panel 160, the image is displayed at the first viewing angle and in the second area A2 of the display panel 160, the image may be displayed at the second viewing angle. Accordingly, in the second mode, the image is displayed in the wide field-of-view mode (share mode) in the first area Al of the active area AA and the image may be displayed in the narrow field-of-view mode (private mode) in the second area A2 of the active area AA.

[0085] As described above, the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure controls the second light source unit 140 disposed on the top, among the plurality of light source units disposed below the display panel 160, that is, the first light source unit 110 and the second light source unit 140 to emit light. By doing this, the display device may control the display panel 160 in the first mode or the second mode.

[0086] Hereinafter, the light controller 130 of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light controller included in a display device of FIG. 2. FIG. 5A is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA1 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA2 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5C is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA3 of FIG. 4.

[0088] In the meantime, the light controller 130 illustrated in FIG. 4 represents an example of the light controller 130 included in the display device 100 which has been described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the light controller 130 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 which is opposite to the first support member 131, and a plurality of partitions 133 disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. By doing this, the light controller may control a viewing angle or an emission angle according to the first direction X of light which travels toward the third direction Z which is perpendicular to the active area AA.

[0090] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other with the partition 133 therebetween. The first support member 131 is disposed below the plurality of partitions 133 to support the plurality of partitions 133 and the second support member 132 is disposed above the plurality of partitions 133 to support the plurality of partitions 133. However, it is not limited thereto and bottom surfaces of the plurality of partitions 133 are in contact with the first support member 131 and top surfaces of the plurality of partitions 133 may be spaced apart from the second support member 132.

[0091] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 include transparent material to allow light to pass therethrough. For example, each of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 includes a plastic member. For 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. According to the exemplary embodiment, each of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may include polymer, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, or polyimide.

[0092] The plurality of partitions 133 may be disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. In the meantime, each of the plurality of partitions 133 may be coupled to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 by means of a transparent adhesive, but is not limited thereto.

[0093] Each of the plurality of partitions 133 extends along the second direction Y and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partitions 133. Such a space may be filled with air or a transparent insulating material, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] In the meantime, an interval along the first direction X, between two adjacent partitions 133, among the plurality of partitions 133, is determined by comprehensively considering a thickness of the light controller 130, an emission angle of light emitted from the light controller 130, and a distance between the light controller 130 and the display panel 160. By doing this, the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit 110 is displayed on the second area A2 at the second viewing angle.

[0095] According to the exemplary embodiment, a width of the interval along the first direction X between two adjacent partitions 133, among the plurality of partitions 133, may have a fixed value, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] Each of the plurality of partitions 133 may include a light absorption material or may be coated with a light absorbing agent to absorb light entering from the outside. For example, each of the plurality of partitions 133 may include a carbon based black pigment. However, a material of the plurality of partitions is not limited thereto. Each of the plurality of partitions 133 includes 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 (A12O3), iron oxide (Fe3O4), and tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) having a high light absorptance or includes an organic material having a high light absorptance.

[0097] Further, each of the plurality of partitions 133 may have the shape of a square pillar. For example, the plurality of partitions 133 may have a shape of square pillar in which both side surfaces opposing along the second direction Y are rectangular. Therefore, each of the plurality of partitions 133 may have a rectangular shape as seen from a plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z. Therefore, a top surface and a bottom surface of each of the plurality of partitions 133 are parallel to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. Both side surfaces of the plurality of partitions 133 which are opposite to each other along the first direction X may be perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, both side surfaces of the plurality of partitions 133 which are opposite to each other along the first direction X may be parallel to the third direction Z which is perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132.

[0098] However, the shape of the plurality of partitions 133 is not limited thereto and the plurality of partitions 133 may have various shapes. For example, the plurality of partitions 133 may have the shape of a square pillar with both side surfaces which are opposite to each other along the second direction Y in a shape of a trapezoid, an isosceles trapezoid, or other square. In the meantime, referring to FIG. 4, the active area AA may be divided into a plurality of sub areas AAa, AAb, AAc. For example, the active 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 partial area of the first area Al, the second sub area AAb corresponds to a partial area of the second area A2, and the third sub area AAc is an area which is disposed between the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb and includes a boundary line BL between the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb. The third sub area may be defined as an area including an area excluding the first sub area AAa from the first area Al and an area excluding the second sub area AAb from the second area A2.

[0099] The plurality of partitions 133 may be disposed on the entire active area AA. For example, the plurality of partitions 133 may include a plurality of first partitions 133a disposed on the first sub area AAa, a plurality of second partitions 133b disposed on the second sub area AAb, and a plurality of third partitions 133c disposed on the third sub area AAc.

[00100] The plurality of first partitions 133a may be disposed 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 partitions 133a extends along the second direction Y and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partitions 133a.

[00101] The plurality of second partitions 133b may be disposed 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 partitions 133b extends along the second direction Y and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partitions 133b.

[00102] The plurality of third partitions 133c may be disposed 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 partitions 133c extends along the second direction Y and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of third partitions 133c.

[00103] The plurality of partitions 133 may have a different height in each area. As described above, an emission angle of light emitted from the light controller 130 in the first direction X may be restricted for each area by the plurality of partitions 133 having different heights in each area.

[00104] In the meantime, according to the present disclosure, an emission angle may refer to an angle formed by a traveling direction of light emitted from the light controller 130 and the third direction Z, on the side surface, for example, on the plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[00105] To be more specific, a height of the first partition 133a may be different from a height of the second partition 133b. For example, the height of the first partition 133a is smaller than the height of the second partition 133b. For example, the first partition 133a disposed on the first sub area AAa has a first height and the second partition 133b disposed on the second sub area AAb may have a second height.

[00106] For example, further referring to FIG. 5A, the first partition 133a has a first height hl. Here, the first height Hl may correspond to a minimum height which is available by the process.

[00107] As described above, the plurality of first partitions 133a has a very small height so that an emission angle of light which is incident to a most area of the first area Al, for example, the first sub area AAa, may not be substantially restricted. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the first height hl of the plurality of first partitions 133a has a very small value so that upper ends of two first partitions 133a which are spaced apart from each other may be located to be adjacent to a top surface of the first support member 131. In this case, a traveling path of most of light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130 is formed between light which passes through upper end insides of two first partitions 133a which are spaced apart from each other, for example, formed between first light LI’ and first’ light LI’. Therefore, most of light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130 may be emitted upwardly from the light controller 130.

[00108] Accordingly, in the first sub area AAa in which the plurality of first partitions 133a is disposed, an emission angle of light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130, for example, light provided from the first light source unit 110 is not substantially restricted. Therefore, the light may be provided in a second range which is larger than a first range.

[00109] Further, further referring to FIG. 5B, the second partition 133b may have a second height h2 which is larger than the first height hl. Here, the second height h2 may be substantially the same as a length of a space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z. However, it is not limited thereto and the second height h2 of each of the plurality of second partitions 133b may be smaller than a length of the space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z.

[00110] As described above, an emission angle of light emitted from the light controller 130 in the first direction X may be restricted by the plurality of second partitions 133b having a second height h2, in the second sub area AAb. For example, light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130, for example, light provided from the first light source unit 110 has a light profile which is reduced or narrowed by the plurality of second partitions 133b along the first direction X. Accordingly, in the second sub area AAb in which the second partition 133b is disposed, the emission angle of light in the first direction X may be restricted.

[00111] For example, referring to FIG. 5B, among light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130, second light L2 having a light path formed in the third direction Z which is a vertical direction, between two partitions 133 is not blocked by the second partition 133b, but may be emitted to the outside, that is, the upward direction of the light controller 130.

[00112] Further, among light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130, light which passes through the upper end inside of two separated second partitions 133b, that is, light between fifth light L5 and fifth’ light L5’ may be emitted to an upward direction of the light controller 130.

[00113] However, when a light path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction X in the third direction Z between two separated second partitions 133b and the second partition 133b is located on the light path, among light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130, at least some of light may be blocked by the second partition 133b. That is, light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130 at an angle larger than an incident angle of the fifth light L5 and the fifth’ light L5’ is blocked by the plurality of second partitions 133b so as not to be emitted to an upward direction of the light controller 130. For example, at least some of third light L3 and fourth light L4 provided from the bottom of the light controller 130 is absorbed by the second partition 133b and is not emitted to the outside.

[00114] In the meantime, in the case of light with a light path on which the second partition 133b is located, each of the plurality of second partitions 133b includes a light absorption material or is coated with the light absorption agent so that most light is absorbed by the second partition 133b. However, the remaining light which is not absorbed by the second partition 133b is totally reflected from the second partition 133b to be emitted to the outside. For example, the third light L3a which is not absorbed by the second partition 133b, among the third light L3 and fourth light L4a which is not absorbed by the second partition 133b, among fourth light L4, are totally reflected from the second partition 133b to be emitted to the outside.

[00115] Accordingly, in the second sub area AAb in which the plurality of second partitions 133b is disposed, an emission angle of light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130, for example, light provided from the first light source unit 110 is restricted. Therefore, the light may be provided in the first range which is smaller than the second range.

[00116] As described above, in the second area A2 in which the plurality of second partitions 133b having a second height h2 in the most area, for example, in the second sub area AAb is disposed, an emission angle of light in the first direction X is restricted to provide light in the first range. In the first area Al in which the plurality of first partitions 133a having a first height hl in the most area, for example, in the first sub area AAa is disposed, an emission angle of light in the first direction X is not restricted to provide light in the second range which is larger than first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image which is displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110 disposed below the light controller 130, in the second area A2 of the active area AA, the image is entirely displayed at the second viewing angle, for example, at a narrow viewing angle and in the first area Al, the image may be entirely displayed at the first viewing angle, for example, at a wide viewing angle.

[00117] Further, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5C, the plurality of third partitions 133c may have a height which is equal to or larger than the first height hl and is equal to or smaller than the second height h2. For example, the third height of the plurality of third partitions 133c is gradually increased toward the first direction X. For example, the third height of the plurality of third partitions 133c may be gradually increased from the first area Al or the first sub area AAa to the second area A2 or the second sub area AAb. For example, a third partition 133c, among the plurality of third partitions 133c, which is the most adjacent to the first sub area AAa has the first height hl which is the same as the first partition 133a. Athird partition 133c, among the plurality of third partitions 133c, which is the most adjacent to the second sub area AAb has the second height h2 which is the same as the second partition 133b. The remaining third partition 133c, among the plurality of third partitions 133 c, has a height between the first height hl and the second height h2 and the third height may be increased toward the first direction X.

[00118] In other words, from the vicinity of the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2, the third height of the plurality of third partitions 133c may be gradually increased toward the first direction X, that is, a direction directed to the second sub area AAb or the second area A2. Accordingly, in the case of the image which is displayed by light, which is incident to the light controller 130, a boundary visibility according to a viewing angle difference of the first area Al and the second area A2 may be minimized in the boundary portion between the second area A2 and the first area Al. In the second area A2, a viewing angle is entirely restricted to display an image at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle and in the first area Al, the viewing angle is not substantially restricted to display an image at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle.

[00119] Further, a change rate of the third height of the third partition 133c, for example, an increase rate of the third height of the third partition 133c along the first direction X or a decrease rate of the third height of the third partition 133c along an opposite direction to the first direction X may be different in each area.

[00120] For example, the closer to the center portion of the third sub area AAc, for example, the boundary line BL, the larger the change rate of the third height of the third partition 133c and the closer to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, the smaller the change rate of the third height. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the third height of the third partition 133c is gently changed in an area relatively adjacent to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb. Further, the third height of the third partition 133c is sharply changed in an area which is relatively far from the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, for example, in the vicinity of the boundary line BL.

[00121] As described above, in an area adjacent to the second sub area AAb in which a viewing angle or an emission angle of light incident from the bottom of the light controller 130 is controlled and an area adjacent to the first sub area AAa in which a viewing angle or an emission angle of the light is not substantially controlled, the third height of the third partition 133c is gently changed. Therefore, the boundary visibility in the boundary portion between the first area Al and the second area A2 is more effectively improved.

[00122] Further, referring to FIG. 5C, a distance between a first position al which is a boundary between the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc, and a second position a2 which is a boundary between the first sub area AAa and the third sub area AAc, that is, the area width AD of the third sub area AAc is determined by comprehensively considering a distance between the first light source unit 110 and the light controller 130, a thickness of the light controller 130, and an interval between the partitions 133, so that the boundary between the first area Al and the second area A2 is not visible.

[00123] In the meantime, the boundary between the first area Al and the second area A2 of the active area AA may be defined in the third sub area AAc. In order to describe in more detail, further referring to FIG. 5C, based on a point where on a virtual line VL connecting a center point of a top surface of the third partition 133c which is the most adjacent to the second sub area AAb, among the plurality of third partitions 133 c, and a center point of a top surface of the third partition 133c which is the most adjacent to the first sub area AAa, among the plurality of third partitions 133 c, a height from the first support member 131 has a height HH which is half the second height h2 which is a height of the second partition 133b disposed on the second area A2, a straight line parallel to the third direction Z may be defined as a boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2. However, it is merely illustrative to divide the first area Al and the second area A2 in the active area AA along the boundary line BL and the first area Al and the second area A2 in the active 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 based on a point having a height equal to 2 / 3 of the second height h2 on the above-described virtual line VL may be defined as the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2.

[00124] As described above, in the case of an image displayed by light provided from the bottom of the light controller 130, for example, the first light source unit 110, a plurality of second partitions 133b having a second height h2 is disposed on the most area of the second area A2, for example, on the second sub area AAb, so that in the second area A2, the viewing angle is controlled to the second viewing angle to display the image. Further, for example, a plurality of first partitions 133a having a first height hl which is smaller than the second height h2 is disposed on the most area of the first area Al, for example, on the first sub area AAa, so that in the first area Al, the viewing angle is not substantially controlled to display the image at the first viewing angle.

[00125] Further, a third height of the plurality of third partitions 133c disposed in an area in the vicinity of the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2 in which the viewing angle is controlled to be different according to the driving mode, for example, in the third sub area AAc is designed to be equal to or larger than the first height hl or equal to or smaller than the second height h2 and to be gradually changed toward one direction. Therefore, the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be minimized.

[00126] Specifically, the closer to the center portion of the third sub area AAc, for example, the boundary line BL, the larger the change rate of the third height of the third partition 133 c and the closer to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, the smaller the change rate. Accordingly, the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be more effectively improved.

[00127] Further, during the manufacturing process of the light controller 130, the plurality of partitions 133 is not only formed in the second area A2 for controlling the viewing angle, but also formed in the entire active area AA so that the manufacturing process of the light controller 130 may be more simplified.

[00128] FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining an example of a height of a third partition included in a light controller of FIG. 4.

[00129] In the meantime, FIG. 6 illustrates a graph of a third height h3 of the third partition 133c with respect to the distance D according to an opposite direction to the first direction X which is a direction of the first sub area AAa, with respect to the boundary of the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc, that is, a first position al illustrated in FIG. 5C.

[00130] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5C, and 6, the third height h3 of the third partition 133c may be reduced toward an opposite direction to the first direction X, that is, toward a direction from the second area A2 to the first area Al. For example, the third height h3 of the third partition 133c may be reduced from the first position al which is the boundary between the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc to the second position a2 which is the boundary between the first sub area AAa and the third sub area AAc. [00131 ] Further, a change rate of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c may be different in each area. Further, a change rate of the third height h3 of the third partition 133 c is an absolute value of the slope of the tangent line of the graph illustrated in FIG. 6, and may refer to an increase rate of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c along the first direction X or a decrease rate of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c along an opposite direction to the first direction X. For example, the closer to the first position al and / or the second position a2, the smaller the change rate of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c and the farther from the first position al and the second position a2, that is, the closer to the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2 as a center portion of the third sub area AAc, the larger the change rate. For example, the change rate of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c has the same value in the first position al and the second position a2, for example, has a minimum value. Accordingly, as described above, the third height h3 of the third partition 133c is gently changed in an area relatively adjacent to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb. Further, the third height h3 of the third partition 133 c may be sharply changed in an area which is relatively far from the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, for example, in the vicinity of the boundary line BL.

[00132] To be more specific, a value of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c may have a value obtained by applying a trigonometric function to the distance D from the first position al. For example, the value of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c may have a value obtained by applying a cosine or sine function to the distance D from the first position al.

[00133] For example, the third height h3 of the third partition 133c may be calculated by the following Equation 1.

[00134] [Equation 1] ft , .2 + / A2 — Ma / Z>nA A3 =--b I---------1 ’ cos j--- 2 /

[00135] In Equation 1, h3 is a third height h3 of the third partition 133c, hl is a first height hl of the first partition 133a, h2 is a second height h2 of the second partition 133b, D is a distance D along an opposite direction to the first direction X from the first position al, and AD is an area width AD of the third sub area AAc.

[00136] In the meantime, in Equation 1, D is a distance D along an opposite direction to the first direction X from the first position al and is defined in the third sub area AAc. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a value of D has 0 when the position is the first position al and has a value of an area width AD of the third sub area AAc when the position is the second position a2. That is, D may have a value which is equal to or larger than 0 or is equal to and smaller than AD.

[00137] Equation 1 will be described in more detail. With respect to the "cos(Dtt / AD)" term, since D has a value equal to or larger than 0 and equal to or smaller than AD as described above, when the corresponding position is between the first position al and the second position a2 within the third sub area AAc, the value of the "Dk / AD" term has a value equal to or larger than 0 and equal to or smaller than 7t. Accordingly, the value of the "cos(Dk / AD)" term has a value equal to or larger than -1 and equal to or smaller than 1, and may decrease from the first position al to the second position a2. For example, a value of the "cos(Dk / AD)" term is 1 in the first position al and -1 in the second position a2. Here, according to the property of the trigonometric function, for example, the cosine function, the value of the "cos(Dtt / AD)" term may gently decrease in the first position al and the second position a2, that is, decrease at a decrease rate with a relatively small value.

[00138] Further, the "cos(Dtt / AD)" term has a value which is equal to or larger than -1 and equal to or smaller than 1, so that according to Equation 1, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a value of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c has a value which is equal to or larger than the first height hl and equal to or smaller than the second height h2 and may decrease from the first position al to the second position a2. For example, according to the change rate of the value of the "cos(DWAD)" term according to the position, the value of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c gently decreases in the first position al and the second position a2, for example, decreases with a minimum decrease rate or change rate. Further, the value of the third height h3 of the third partition 133c may decrease in the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2, for example, in an intermediate point of the first position al and the second position a2, with a maximum decrease rate or change rate.

[00139] As described above, in the third sub area AAc in which the plurality of third partitions 133c with a height which varies according to the position is disposed, as an area including the boundary line BL of the first area Al and the second area A2, the third height h3 of the third partition 133c disposed on the third sub area AAc is gently changed in an area adjacent to the second sub area AAb in which a viewing angle or an emission angle of light incident from the bottom of the light controller 130 is controlled and an area adjacent to the first sub area AAa in which the viewing angle or the emission angle of the light is not substantially controlled. Accordingly, the boundary visibility in the boundary portion between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be more effectively improved.

[00140] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light controller included in a display device of FIG. 2. FIG. 8A is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA4 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA5 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8C is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a part EA6 of FIG. 7.

[00141] In the meantime, a light controller 230 illustrated in FIG. 7 represents another embodiment of the light controller 130 included in the display device 100 which has been described with reference to FIG. 2.

[00142] Further, FIGS. 7 to 8C illustrate a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 5C with regard to the shape and the placement of a plurality of partitions 233 included in a light controller 230. Accordingly, in FIGS. 7 to 8C, in order to avoid a redundant description, differences from the above-described exemplary embodiments will be mainly described.

[00143] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the light controller 230 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 which is opposite to the first support member 131, and a plurality of partitions 233 disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. By doing this, the light controller may control a viewing angle or an emission angle of light which travels toward the third direction Z which is perpendicular to the active area AA, according to the first direction X.

[00144] The plurality of partitions 233 may be disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, each of the plurality of partitions 233 extends along the second direction Y and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partitions 233.

[00145] The plurality of partitions 233 may be disposed on the entire active area AA. For example, the plurality of partitions 233 may include a plurality of first partitions 233a disposed on the first sub area AAa, a plurality of second partitions 233b disposed on the second sub area AAb, and a plurality of third partitions 233 c disposed on the third sub area AAc.

[00146] The plurality of partitions 233 has a different height in each area. For example, the plurality of first partitions 233a has a first height hl which is the smallest height and the plurality of second partitions 233b has a second height h2 which is the largest height. As described above, an emission angle of light emitted from the light controller 230 in the first direction X may be restricted for each area by the plurality of partitions 233 having different heights in each area.

[00147] Further, the plurality of third partitions 233 c has a height which is equal to or larger than the first height hl and equal to or smaller than the second height h2. For example, the third height h3 of the plurality of third partitions 233 c is increased along the first direction X, for example, along a direction from the first area Al to the second area A2. Accordingly, the boundary visibility according to the difference in the viewing angle between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be minimized.

[00148] According to the exemplary embodiment, the third height h3 of the plurality of third partitions 233c may be linearly increased along the first direction X, for example, along a direction from the first area Al to the second area A2. However, it is not limited thereto and as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the change rate of the third height h3 of the plurality of third partitions 233 c may be different in each area.

[00149] Further, each of the plurality of partitions 233 may have the shape of a square pillar. For example, the plurality of partitions 233 may have a shape of square pillar in which both side surfaces opposing along the second direction Y are rectangular. Therefore, each of the plurality of partitions 233 may have a rectangular shape as seen from a plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z. Therefore, a top surface and a bottom surface of each of the plurality of partitions 233 are parallel to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. Both side surfaces of the plurality of partitions 233 which are opposite to each other along the first direction X may be perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, both side surfaces of the plurality of partitions 233 which are opposite to each other along the first direction X may be parallel to the third direction Z which is perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132.

[00150] However, the shape of the plurality of partitions 233 is not limited thereto and the plurality of partitions 233 may have various shapes. For example, the plurality of partitions 233 may also have the shape of a square pillar with both side surfaces which are opposite to each other along the second direction Y in a shape of a trapezoid, an isosceles trapezoid, or other square.

[00151] According to the exemplary embodiment, a width of the interval between two adjacent partitions 233, among the plurality of partitions 233, along the first direction X may have a fixed value. However, it is not limited thereto and the width of the interval may be different in each area.

[00152] The plurality of partitions 233 has a different width in each area. As described above, transmittance of light which is incident into the light controller 230 is restricted by the plurality of partitions 233 having different widths in each area.

[00153] In the meantime, in the present disclosure, the transmittance may be defined as a percentage (%) of a length of a width of an area in which the partition 233 is not disposed, along the first direction X, to a length of a width of a unit area along the first direction X.

[00154] To be more specific, a width of the first partition 233a may be different from a width of the second partition 233 b. For example, the width of the first partition 233 a is smaller than the width of the second partition 233b. For example, the first partition 233a disposed on the first sub area AAa has a first width and the second partition 233b disposed on the second sub area AAb may have a second width.

[00155] For example, further referring to FIG. 8A, the first partition 233a has a first width wl. Here, the first width wl corresponds to a minimum width of the plurality of partitions 233. In the meantime, as described above, an interval wO between the plurality of partitions 233, for example, the plurality of first partitions 233a, may have a fixed value.

[00156] As described above, in the first sub area AAa, the plurality of first partitions 233a has a first width wl which is the smallest width so that the most area of the first area Al, that is, the first sub area AAa may ensure a first transmittance T1 which is a relatively high transmittance. For example, the larger the width of the area in which the first partition 233a is not disposed, that is, the interval wO between the plurality of first partitions 233a and / or the smaller the first width wl of the first partition 233a, the larger the first transmittance Tl. The first partition 233a has the first width wl which is the smallest width and the interval wO has a fixed value so that in the first sub area AAa of the entire area, the first transmittance Tl which is the largest transmittance may be ensured.

[00157] Further referring to FIG. 8B, the second partition 233b may have a second width w2. Here, the second width w2 may correspond to a maximum width of the plurality of partitions 233. In the meantime, as described above, the interval wO between the plurality of partitions 233, for example, the plurality of second partitions 233b may have the fixed value, for example, have the same value as the interval wO between the plurality of first partitions 233 a.

[00158] As described above, in the second sub area AAb, the plurality of second partitions 233b has a second width w2 which is the largest width so that the most area of the second area A2, for example, the second sub area AAb may ensure a second transmittance T2 which is a relatively low transmittance. For example, the larger the width of the area in which the second partition 233b is not disposed, that is, the interval wO between the plurality of second partitions 233 b and / or the smaller the second width w2 of the second partition 233 b, the larger the second transmittance T2. The second partition 233b has the second width w2 which is the largest width and the interval wO has a fixed value so that in the second sub area AAb of the entire area, the second transmittance T2 which is the smallest transmittance may be ensured.

[00159] As described above, in order to ensure a high emission angle in the light controller 230, it is necessary to ensure a relatively high transmittance. Accordingly, an emission angle requested to display an image at the first viewing angle, for example, an emission angle which is larger than the emission angle in the second sub area AAb may be ensured in the first area Al in which the image is displayed at the first viewing angle which is a wide viewing angle, regardless of the driving mode, for example, in the first sub area AAa.

[00160] Accordingly, in the case of an image which is displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110, in the first area Al including a first sub area AAa in which the plurality of first partitions 233a having the first width wl which is the smallest width is disposed, light is emitted according to an emission angle requested for the first area Al by ensuring a predetermined transmittance, for example, a first transmittance T1 to display an image at the first viewing angle. Further, in the second area A2 including a second sub area AAb in which the plurality of second partitions 233b having the second width w2 which is the largest width is disposed, light is emitted at an emission angle which is smaller than that in the first area Al by a transmittance which is smaller than that in the first area Al, for example, a second transmittance T2 to control the viewing angle to a second viewing angle to display an image.

[00161] Further, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8C, the plurality of third partitions 233c may have a width which is equal to or larger than the first width wl and is equal to or smaller than the second width w2. For example, the third width w3 of the plurality of third partitions 233 c is gradually increased toward the first direction X. For example, the third width w3 of the plurality of third partitions 233 c is gradually increased from the first area Al or the first sub area AAa to the second area A2 or the second sub area AAb. For example, a third partition 233 c, among the plurality of third partitions 233c, which is the most adjacent to the first sub area AAa has the first width wl which is the same as the first partition 233a. A third partition 233c, among the plurality of third partitions 233c, which is the most adjacent to the second sub area AAb has the second width w2 which is the same as the second partition 233b. The remaining third partition 133c, among the plurality of third partitions 233 c, has a width between the first width wl and the second width w2 and the third width w3 may be increased toward the first direction X.

[00162] In other words, from the vicinity of the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2, the third width w3 of the plurality of third partitions 233 c may be gradually increased toward the first direction X, that is, a direction directed to the second sub area AAb or the second area A2. In this case, the interval wO between the plurality of partitions 233 has a fixed value so that a transmittance, for example, a third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc may be gradually decreased from the vicinity of the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2 toward the first direction X, that is, a direction toward the second sub area AAb or the second area A2.

[00163] Accordingly, in the case of the image which is displayed by light, which is incident to the light controller 230, the third transmittance T3 is gradually changes in the boundary part between the second area A2 and the first area Al so that a boundary visibility according to a viewing angle difference of the first area Al and the second area A2 may be minimized. In the second area A2, a viewing angle is entirely restricted to display an image at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle and in the first area Al, the viewing angle is not substantially restricted to display an image at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle.

[00164] Further, a change rate of the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c, for example, an increase rate of the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c along the first direction X or a decrease rate of the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c along an opposite direction to the first direction X may be different in each area. In other words, the change rate of the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc, for example, a decrease rate of the third transmittance T3 along the first direction X in the third sub area AAc or an increase rate of the third transmittance T3 along an opposite direction to the first direction X may be different in each area.

[00165] For example, the closer to the center portion of the third sub area AAc, for example, the boundary line BL, the larger the change rate of the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c and the closer to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, the smaller the change rate. In other words, the closer to the center portion of the third sub area AAc, for example, the boundary line BL, the larger the change rate of the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc, and the closer to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, the smaller the change rate.

[00166] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the third width w3 of the third partition 233c is gently changed in an area relatively adjacent to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb. Further, the third width w3 of the third partition 233c may be sharply changed in an area which is relatively far from the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, for example, in the vicinity of the boundary line BL. In this case, the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc is gently changed in an area relatively adjacent to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb. Further, the third transmittance T3 of the third sub area AAc may be sharply changed in an area which is relatively far from the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, for example, in the vicinity of the boundary line BL.

[00167] As described above, in an area adjacent to the second sub area AAb in which a viewing angle or an emission angle of light incident from the bottom of the light controller 230 is controlled and an area adjacent to the first sub area AAa in which a viewing angle or an emission angle of the light is not substantially controlled, the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c is gently changed. Therefore, the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc is gently changed in areas adjacent to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb and the boundary visibility in the boundary portion between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be more effectively improved.

[00168] As described above, in the case of an image displayed by light provided from the bottom of the light controller 230, for example, the first light source unit 110, a plurality of second partitions 233b having a second width w2 is disposed on the most area of the second area A2, for example, on the second sub area AAb, so that in the second area A2, the second transmittance T2 which is the smallest transmittance is ensured to be controlled to the second viewing angle to display the image. Further, for example, a plurality of first partitions 233a having a first width wl which is smaller than the second width w2 is disposed on the most area of the first area Al, for example, on the first sub area AAa, so that in the first area Al, the first transmittance T1 which is the largest transmittance is ensured. Therefore, the viewing angle is not substantially controlled to display the image at the first viewing angle.

[00169] Further, a third width w3 of the plurality of third partitions 233c disposed in an area in the vicinity of the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2 in which the viewing angle is controlled to be different according to the driving mode, for example, in the third sub area AAc is equal to or larger than the first width wl or equal to or smaller than the second width w2. Further, the third width w3 is designed to be gradually changed toward one direction so that the third transmittance T3 is gradually changed along one direction in the third sub area AAc, to minimize the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2.

[00170] Specifically, the closer to the center portion of the third sub area AAc, for example, the boundary line BL, the larger the change rate of the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c and the closer to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, the smaller the change rate. Accordingly, the closer to the boundary line BL, the larger the change rate of the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc, and the closer to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, the smaller the change rate. Accordingly, the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be more effectively improved.

[00171] FIG. 9 is a graph for explaining an example of a width of a third partition included in a light controller of FIG. 7 and a transmittance of a third sub area.

[00172] In the meantime, FIG. 9 illustrates a graph of a third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc with respect to the distance D according to an opposite direction to the first direction X which is a direction of the first sub area AAa, with respect to the boundary of the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc, that is, a first position al illustrated in FIG. 8C.

[00173] In the meantime, as described above, the transmittance is defined as a percentage (%) of a length of a width of an area in which the partition 233 is not disposed, along the first direction X, to a length of a width of a unit area along the first direction X. An interval wO between two adjacent partitions 233, for example, two adjacent third partitions 233c is a fixed value so that the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc may be determined by the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c. For example, the third width w3 and the third transmittance T3 may be inversely proportional to each other.

[00174] Accordingly, hereinafter, a value and a change rate of a third width w3 which is determined by the third transmittance T3 will be described together with a value and a change rate of the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc.

[00175] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8C, and 9, the third transmittance T3 may be increased toward an opposite direction to the first direction X, that is, toward a direction from the second area A2 to the first area Al. For example, the third transmittance T3 may be increased from the first position al which is the boundary between the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc to the second position a2 which is the boundary between the first sub area AAa and the third sub area AAc.

[00176] Further, the change rate of the third transmittance T3 may be different in each area. Here, a change rate of the third transmittance T3 is an absolute value of the slope of the tangent line of the graph illustrated in FIG. 9, and may refer to a decrease rate of the third transmittance T3 along the first direction X or an increase rate of the third transmittance T3 along an opposite direction to the first direction X. For example, the closer to the first position al and / or the second position a2, the smaller the change rate of the third transmittance T3 and the farther from the first position al and the second position a2, that is, the closer to the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2 as a center portion of the third sub area AAc, the larger the change rate of the third transmittance. For example, the change rate of the third transmittance T3 has the same value in the first position al and the second position a2, for example, has a minimum value. Accordingly, as descried above, the third transmittance T3 is gently changed in an area relatively adjacent to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb. Further, the third transmittance T3 may be sharply changed in an area which is relatively far from the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, for example, in the vicinity of the boundary line BL.

[00177] To be more specific, a value of the third transmittance T3 may have a value obtained by applying a trigonometric function to the distance D from the first position al. To be more specific, a value of the third transmittance T3 may have a value obtained by applying a cosine or sine function to the distance D from the first position al.

[00178] For example, the third transmittance T3 may be calculated by the following Equation 2.

[00179] [Equation 2] 71 + T2 / 71 - 72x 73 =--h ------ 2 \ 2 / / to x cos (--1 ff W /

[00180] In Equation 2, T3 is a third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc, T1 is a first transmittance T1 in the first sub area AAa, T2 is a second transmittance T2 in the second sub area AAb, D is a distance D from the first position al along an opposite direction to the first direction X, and AD is an area width AD of the third sub area AAc.

[00181] In the meantime, in Equation 2, D is a distance D along an opposite direction to the first direction X from the first position al and is defined in the third sub area AAc. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a value of D has 0 when the position is the first position al and may have an area width AD of the third sub area AAc when the position is the second position a2. That is, D may have a value which is equal to or larger than 0 or is equal to and smaller than AD.

[00182] Equation 2 will be described in more detail. With respect to the "cos(D7t / AD)+7t" term, since D has a value equal to or larger than 0 and equal to or smaller than AD as described above, when the corresponding position is between the first position al and the second position a2 within the third sub area AAc, the value of the "(D7t / AD)+7t" term has a value equal to or larger than 7t and equal to or smaller than 2tt. Accordingly, the value of the "cos(Dk / AD)+k" term has a value equal to or larger than -1 and equal to or smaller than 1, and may increase from the first position al to the second position a2. For example, a value of the "cos(D7t / AD)+7t" term is -1 in the first position al and 1 in the second position a2. Here, according to the property of the trigonometric function, for example, the cosine function, the value of the "cos(D7t / AD)+7t" term may gently increase in the first position al and the second position a2, that is, increase at an increase rate with a relatively small value.

[00183] Further, the "cos(D7t / AD)+7t" term has a value which is equal to or larger than -1 and equal to or smaller than 1, so that according to Equation 2, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a value of the third transmittance T3 has a value which is equal to or larger than the second transmittance T2 and equal to or smaller than the first transmittance T1 and increases from the first position al to the second position a2. For example, according to the change rate of the value of the "cos(D7t / AD)+7t" term according to the position, the value of the third transmittance T3 gently may increase in the first position al and the second position a2, for example, decreases with a minimum increase rate or change rate. Further, the value of the third transmittance T3 may decrease in the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2, for example, in an intermediate point of the first position al and the second position a2, with a maximum increase rate or change rate.

[00184] The third width w3 of the third partition 233c may be reduced toward an opposite direction to the first direction X, that is, toward a direction from the second area A2 to the first area Al, according to the change of the third transmittance T3 for every position. For example, the third width w3 may be decreased from the first position al which is the boundary line BL between the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc to the second position a2 which is the boundary line BL between the first sub area AAa and the third sub area AAc.

[00185] Further, the change rate of the third width w3 may be different in each area. Here, the change rate of the third width w3 refers to an increase rate of the third width w3 along the first direction X or a decrease rate of the third width w3 along an opposite direction to the first direction X. For example, the closer to the first position al and / or the second position a2, the smaller the change rate of the third width w3 and the farther from the first position al and the second position a2, that is, the closer to the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2 as a center portion of the third sub area AAc, the larger the change rate of the third width w3. For example, the change rate of the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c has the same value in the first position al and the second position a2, for example, has a minimum value. Accordingly, as descried above, the third width w3 is gently changed in an area relatively adjacent to the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb. Further, the third width w3 may be sharply changed in an area which is relatively far from the first sub area AAa and the second sub area AAb, for example, in the vicinity of the boundary line BL.

[00186] For example, the third width w3 may be calculated by the following Equation 3.

[00187] [Equation3] w f) w3 =--wO 73

[00188] In Equation 3, w3 is a third width w3 of the third partition 233c, wO is, a fixed value, an interval wO between two adjacent third partitions 233c, and T3 is a third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc. In the meantime, the third transmittance T3 may be calculated by the abovedescribed Equation 2.

[00189] In the meantime, Equation 3 is derived by an equation for the third transmittance T3 of the third sub area AAc determined according to an interval wO between two adjacent third partitions 233 c and the third width w3 of the third partition 233 c.

[00190] Accordingly, the third width w3 of the third partition 233c is inversely proportional to the third transmittance T3 and the value may be reduced as it goes from the first position al to the second position a2. The closer to the first position al and / or the second position a2, the smaller the change rate of the third width w3 and the farther from the first position al and the second position a2, that is, the closer to the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2 as a center portion of the third sub area AAc, the larger the change rate of the third width w3.

[00191] As described above, in the third sub area AAc in which the plurality of third partitions 233 c with a width which varies according to the position is disposed, as an area including the boundary line BL of the first area Al and the second area A2, the third width w3 of the third partition 233c disposed on the third sub area AAc is gently changed in an area adjacent to the second sub area AAb in which a viewing angle or an emission angle of light incident from the bottom of the light controller 230 is controlled and an area adjacent to the first sub area AAa in which the viewing angle or the emission angle of the light is not substantially controlled. Accordingly, the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc in which the transmittance is changed according to the position is gently changed in an area adjacent to the first sub area AAa and an area adjacent to the second sub area AAb, so that the boundary visibility in the boundary portion between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be more effectively improved.

[00192] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating still another example of a light controller included in a display device of FIG. 2.

[00193] In the meantime, a light controller 230 illustrated in FIG. 10 represents still another example of the light controller 130 included in the display device 100 which has been described with reference to FIG. 2.

[00194] Further, FIG. 10 illustrates a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 5C with regard to the shape and the placement of a plurality of partitions 333 included in a light controller 330. Accordingly, in FIG. 10, in order to avoid a redundant description, differences from the above-described exemplary embodiments will be mainly described.

[00195] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10, the light controller 330 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 which is opposite to the first support member 131, and a plurality of partitions 333 disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. By doing this, the light controller may control a viewing angle or an emission angle of light which travels toward the third direction Z which is perpendicular to the active area AA, according to the first direction X.

[00196] The plurality of partitions 333 may be disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, each of the plurality of partitions 333 extends along the second direction Y and may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partitions 333.

[00197] Further, each of the plurality of partitions 333 may have the shape of a square pillar. For example, the plurality of partitions 333 may have a shape of square pillar in which both side surfaces opposing along the second direction Y are rectangular. Therefore, each of the plurality of partitions 333 may have a rectangular shape as seen from a plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z. Therefore, a top surface and a bottom surface of each of the plurality of partitions 333 are parallel to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. Both side surfaces of the plurality of partitions 333 which are opposite to each other along the first direction X are perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, both side surfaces of the plurality of partitions 333 which are opposite to each other along the first direction X may be parallel to the third direction Z which is perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132.

[00198] However, the shape of the plurality of partitions 333 is not limited thereto and the plurality of partitions 333 may have various shapes. For example, the plurality of partitions 333 may have the shape of a square pillar with both side surfaces which are opposite to each other along the second direction Y in a shape of a trapezoid, an isosceles trapezoid, or other square.

[00199] According to the exemplary embodiment, a width of the interval between two adjacent partitions 333, among the plurality of partitions 333, along the first direction X may have a fixed value. However, it is not limited thereto and the width of the interval may be different in each area.

[00200] The plurality of partitions 333 may be disposed on the entire active area AA. For example, the plurality of partitions 333 may include a plurality of first partitions 333a disposed on the first sub area AAa, a plurality of second partitions 333b disposed on the second sub area AAb, and a plurality of third partitions 333c disposed on the third sub area AAc.

[00201] The plurality of partitions 333 may have a different height in each area. For example, the plurality of first partitions 333a has a first height hl which is the smallest height and the plurality of second partitions 333b may have a second height h2 which is the largest height. As described above, an emission angle of light emitted from the light controller 330 in the first direction X may be restricted for each area by the plurality of partitions 333 having different heights in each area.

[00202] Further, the plurality of third partitions 333c may have a height which is equal to or larger than the first height hl and equal to or smaller than the second height h2. For example, the third height h3 of the plurality of third partitions 333c may be increased along the first direction X, for example, along a direction from the first area Al to the second area A2. Accordingly, the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2 according to the difference in the viewing angle may be minimized.

[00203] According to the exemplary embodiment, a change rate of the third height h3 of the third partition 333c may be different in each area. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the closer to the first position al which is a boundary between the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc and the second position a2 which is a boundary between the first sub area AAa and the third sub area AAc, the larger the change rate of the third height h3. Further, the farther the first position al and the second position a2, for example, the close to the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2, the larger the change rate of the third height. Accordingly, the boundary visibility in the boundary portion between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be more effectively improved.

[00204] Further, the plurality of partitions 333 may have a different width in each area. For example, the plurality of first partitions 333a has a first width wl which is the smallest width and the plurality of second partitions 333b has a second width w2 which is the largest width. As described above, a transmittance different in each area may be ensured by the plurality of partitions 333 having a width different in each area. For example, in the first sub area AAa in which the first partition 333a has a first width wl which is the smallest width, the first transmittance T1 which is the largest transmittance is ensured. Further, in the second sub area AAb in which the second partition 333b has a second width w2 which is the largest width, the second transmittance T2 which is the smallest transmittance is ensured. Accordingly, in the first area Al including the first sub area AAa, a predetermined transmittance, for example, the first transmittance T1 is ensured so that light is emitted according to an emission angle requested in the first area Al to display an image at the first viewing angle. Further, in the second area A2 including the second sub area AAb, light is emitted at an emission angle which is smaller than that in the first area Al by a transmittance which is smaller than that in the first area Al, for example, the second transmittance T2 is ensured to control the viewing angle to the second viewing angle to display an image.

[00205] Further, the plurality of third partitions 333c may have a height which is equal to or larger than the first width wl and equal to or smaller than the second width w2. For example, the third width w3 of the plurality of third partitions 333c may be increased along the first direction X, for example, along a direction from the first area Al to the second area A2. Accordingly, the boundary visibility between the first area Al and the second area A2 according to the difference in the viewing angle may be minimized.

[00206] According to the exemplary embodiment, a change rate of the third width w3 of the plurality of third partition 333c may be different in each area. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the closer to the first position al which is a boundary between the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc and the second position a2 which is a boundary between the first sub area AAa and the third sub area AAc, the larger the change rate of the third width w3. Further, the farther the first position al and the second position a2, for example, the close to the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2, the larger the change rate of the third width.

[00207] According to the value of the third width w3 as described above, the third transmittance T3 in the third sub area AAc may be different in each area. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the closer to the first position al which is a boundary between the second sub area AAb and the third sub area AAc and the second position a2 which is a boundary between the first sub area AAa and the third sub area AAc, the larger the change rate of the third transmittance T3. Further, the farther the first position al and the second position a2, for example, the close to the boundary line BL between the first area Al and the second area A2, the larger the change rate of the third transmittance. Accordingly, the boundary visibility in the boundary portion between the first area Al and the second area A2 may be more effectively improved.

[00208] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be described as follows:

[00209] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device. The display device comprises a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light controller which is disposed on the first light source unit and includes a plurality of partitions overlapping at least a partial area of the active area, a second light source unit which is disposed on the light controller and includes a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate which is disposed to be parallel to the second light source unit and guides light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel which 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, wherein the plurality of partitions has a different height in each area and a change rate of a height of the plurality of partitions is different in each area.

[00210] The active area may include a first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in each of a first mode and a second mode, and a second area in which an image is displayed at the first viewing angle in the first mode and an image is displayed at a second viewing angle which is smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

[00211] The plurality of partitions may include a plurality of first partitions which is disposed on a first sub area which is a partial area of the first area and has a first height, a plurality of second partitions which is disposed on a second sub area which is a partial area of the second area and has a second height which is larger than the first height, and a plurality of third partitions which is disposed on a third sub area between the first sub area and the second sub area and has a third height which is equal to or larger than the first height and is equal to or smaller than the second height.

[00212] The third height may be decreased from the second sub area to the first sub area.

[00213] The closer to a boundary between the first sub area and the third sub area and a boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area, the smaller the change rate of the third height.

[00214] A change rate of the third height in the boundary between the first sub area and the third sub area and a change rate of the third height in the boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area may be the same.

[00215] The closer to the boundary line between the first area and the second area, the larger the change rate of the third height.

[00216] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is proveded a display device. The display device comprises a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light controller which is disposed on the first light source unit and includes a plurality of partitions overlapping at least a partial area of the active area, a second light source unit which is disposed on the light controller and includes a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate which is disposed to be parallel to the second light source unit and guides light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel which 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, wherein the plurality of partitions has a different width in each area and a change rate of a width of the plurality of partitions is different in each area.

[00217] The active area may include a first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in a first mode and a second mode, and a second area in which an image is displayed at the first viewing angle in the first mode and an image is displayed at a second viewing angle which is smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

[00218] The plurality of partitions may include a plurality of first partitions which is disposed on a first sub area which is a partial area of the first area and has a first width, a plurality of second partitions which is disposed on a second sub area which is a partial area of the second area and has a second width which is larger than the first width, and a plurality of third partitions which is disposed on a third sub area between the first sub area and the second sub area and has a third width which is equal to or larger than the first width and is equal to or smaller than the second width.

[00219] The third width may be decreased from the second sub area to the first sub area.

[00220] The closer to a boundary between the first sub area and the third sub area and a boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area, the smaller the change rate of the third width.

[00221] A change rate of the third width in the boundary between the first sub area and the third sub area and a change rate of the third width in the boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area may be the same.

[00222] The closer to the boundary line between the first area and the second area, the larger the change rate of the third width.

[00223] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be embodied in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only but not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure. All the technical concepts in the equivalent scope of the present disclosure thereof should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising:a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources;a light controller which is disposed on the first light source unit and includes a plurality of partitions overlapping at least a partial area of the active area;a second light source unit which is disposed on the light controller and includes a plurality of second light sources;a light guide plate which is disposed to be parallel to the second light source unit and is configured to guide light provided from the second light source unit; anda display panel which is disposed on the light guide plate and is configured to display an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the plurality of partitions has a different height in each area anda change rate of a height of the plurality of partitions is different in each area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the active area includes:a first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in each of a first mode and a second mode; anda second area in which an image is displayed at the first viewing angle in the first mode and an image is displayed at a second viewing angle which is smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of partitions includes:a plurality of first partitions which is disposed on a first sub area which is a partial area of the first area and has a first height;a plurality of second partitions which is disposed on a second sub area which is a partial area of the second area and has a second height which is larger than the first height; anda plurality of third partitions which is disposed on a third sub area between the first sub area and the second sub area and has a third height which is equal to or larger than the first height and is equal to or smaller than the second height.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the third height is decreased from the second sub area to the first sub area.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the closer to a boundary between the first sub area and the third sub area and a boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area, the smaller the change rate of the third height.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein a change rate of the third height in the boundary between the first sub area and the third sub area and a change rate of the third height in the boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area are the same.

7. The display device according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the closer to the boundary line between the first area and the second area, the larger the change rate of the third height.

8. A display device, comprising:a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources;a light controller which is disposed on the first light source unit and includes a plurality of partitions overlapping at least a partial area of the active area;a second light source unit which is disposed on the light controller and includes a plurality of second light sources;a light guide plate which is disposed to be parallel to the second light source unit andis configured to guide light provided from the second light source unit; anda display panel which is disposed on the light guide plate and is configured to display an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the plurality of partitions has a different width in each area and a change rate of a width of the plurality of partitions is different in each area.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the active area includes:a first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in a first mode and a second mode; anda second area in which an image is displayed at the first viewing angle in the first mode and an image is displayed at a second viewing angle which is smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of partitions includes:a plurality of first partitions which is disposed on a first sub area which is a partial area of the first area and has a first width;a plurality of second partitions which is disposed on a second sub area which is a partial area of the second area and has a second width which is larger than the first width; anda plurality of third partitions which is disposed on a third sub area between the first sub area and the second sub area and has a third width which is equal to or larger than the first width and is equal to or smaller than the second width.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the third width is decreased from the second sub area to the first sub area.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the closer to a boundarybetween the first sub area and the third sub area and a boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area, the smaller the change rate of the third width.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein a change rate of the third 5 width in the boundary between the first sub area and the third sub area and a change rate of the third width in the boundary between the second sub area and the third sub area are the same.

14. The display device according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the closer to the boundary line between the first area and the second area, the larger the change rate of the 10 third width.

Images