Non-rectangular display

Abstract

To provide a non-rectangular display having a narrow bezel region.SOLUTION: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a non-rectangular display including a plurality of pixels disposed in a non-rectangular display area and connected to a corresponding first signal line among a plurality of first signal lines extending in a first direction and a corresponding second signal line among a plurality of second signal lines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, a plurality of first driving circuits disposed in a peripheral area of the display area and outputting a first signal corresponding to at least one corresponding first signal line among the plurality of first signal lines, and a plurality of second driving circuits disposed in the peripheral area and outputting a corresponding second signal corresponding to at least one corresponding second signal line among the plurality of second signal lines. The peripheral area includes an area in which the number of corresponding second driving circuits among a plurality of second driving circuits positioned between two adjacent first driving circuits among the plurality of first driving circuits is different depending on the position of the peripheral area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments relate to non-rectangular displays. [Background technology]

[0002] The display panel includes a plurality of signal lines coupled to a plurality of pixels. The pixels are in a display area having a non-rectangular shape, and drive circuitry for supplying signals to the signal lines is in a bezel area around the non-rectangular display area. To produce larger panels, the display area is increased and the bezel area is decreased.

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for displays with non-rectangular shapes (e.g., circular or oval). Such displays are suitable for use in wearable devices such as smart watches, smart glasses, head-mounted displays (HMDs), or vehicle clusters. However, the bezel area of ​​these displays must be reduced to a very narrow size in order to increase the size of the display panel screen. The narrower bezel area leaves less space for the driver circuitry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-528644 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-197179 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The embodiments aim to provide a non-square display with a small bezel area.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a non-square display in which an area is secured within the display panel of the non-square display in which a driving circuit can be located. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an embodiment, a non-square display includes a plurality of pixels located in a non-square display area, each pixel connected to a first signal line in a first direction and a second signal line in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and includes a plurality of first drive circuits located in a peripheral area of ​​the display area, each of the first drive circuits outputting a first signal to the first signal line corresponding to one of the pixels, and a plurality of second drive circuits located in the peripheral area, each of the plurality of second drive circuits outputting a second signal to the second signal line corresponding to one of the pixels, and the number of second drive circuits between the first drive circuits varies depending on the position in the peripheral area.

[0008] The plurality of first driving circuits and the plurality of second driving circuits may be adjacent to each other around the display area. The angle at which the plurality of first driving circuits and the plurality of second driving circuits are arranged may vary depending on the positions of the plurality of first driving circuits and the plurality of second driving circuits. The angles of the plurality of first driving circuits and the plurality of second driving circuits relative to the normal direction of the display area may be approximately the same.

[0009] The area of ​​the first driving circuit for at least one pixel may be different from the area of ​​the second driving circuit for at least one pixel. The sum of the tangential widths of the display areas of the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit, which are alternately arranged and adjacent to each other, may be equal to or less than half the width of the pixel.

[0010] The display area may include a curved area, and the pixels may be arranged in a matrix within the curved area. If a step occurs between adjacent pixel arrays, the first driving circuit or the second driving circuit may be arranged in a peripheral area corresponding to the step depending on the type of the step.

[0011] The plurality of pixels may include a plurality of sub-pixels, each of which emits light of a different color and is synchronized with a first signal transmitted through a plurality of first signal lines and controlled by a second signal transmitted through a plurality of second signal lines. The sub-pixels may include switching transistors, each of which includes a first electrode connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of second signal lines and the first signal line as a gate electrode, and driving transistors, each of which includes a gate electrode connected to a corresponding second electrode of the switching transistor, a first electrode to which a power supply voltage is supplied, and a second electrode connected to the organic light emitting diode.

[0012] Each of the sub-pixels may be supplied with an initialization voltage in synchronization with first signals transmitted through a plurality of first signal lines corresponding to a previous pixel row, and each of the sub-pixels may further include a compensation transistor connected between the gate electrode and the second electrode of the driving transistor, the compensation transistor including a gate electrode included as part of the corresponding first signal line.

[0013] The plurality of first signal lines and the plurality of second signal lines of the pixels may not intersect each other in the peripheral region. Each pixel is connected to a third signal line in the first direction, and the display may include a plurality of third driving circuits interleaved with at least one of the second driving circuits, each third driving circuit outputting a third signal to at least one third signal line in pixels in a region opposite the first driving circuit in the peripheral region.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a non-square display may include a display area including a curve, a display area including a plurality of pixels arranged to have steps in the row and column directions corresponding to the curve, and a non-display area including a first drive circuit that supplies a first signal to the corresponding pixels in the row direction and a second drive circuit that supplies a second signal to the corresponding pixels in the column direction, the first and second drive circuits being arranged in different numbers around the periphery of the display area.

[0015] At least one of the first driving circuits may be provided in a substantially normal direction with the pixels having steps in the row direction. At least one of the second driving circuits may be provided in a substantially normal direction with the pixels having steps in the column direction. The non-display area may have a constant width along the periphery of the display area. The first driving circuit and the second driving circuit may each have a substantially rectangular shape with long sides of substantially the same length. The width of the non-display area may be greater than the length of one long side of the substantially rectangular shape and less than the sum of the lengths of the two long sides. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] At least one of the embodiments has the advantage of being able to provide a large display area.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one of the embodiments has the advantage of reducing the size of the display panel and a non-rectangular display including the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a non-square display. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display panel. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a subpixel. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a first position on the periphery of a display panel. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a second position on the periphery of a display panel. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a third position on the periphery of a display panel. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a display panel. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a first position on the periphery of the display panel of FIG. 8; [Figure 10] 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a second position on the periphery of the display panel of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a third position on the periphery of the display panel of FIG. 8; [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a display panel. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a first position on the periphery of a first region of the display panel of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a second position on the periphery of the first region of the display panel of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a third position on the periphery of the first region of the display panel of FIG. 12. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a display panel. [Figure 17] 17 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit in a first region of the display panel of FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] When a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that although it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a non-rectangular display including a driver IC 10, a display panel 20, and a connector 15 connecting the driver IC 10 and the display panel 20. The display panel 20 may have a non-rectangular shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon with a partial circle, or a polygon other than a square. In one embodiment, any shape may include a partially curved shape. The display panel 20 may be a flexible display panel including at least one curved portion.

[0021] A driving signal is transmitted from the driver IC 10 to drive the driving circuit of the display panel 20. At this time, the driving signal output from the driver IC 10 may be transmitted to the display panel 20 through the connection unit 15. Based on the driving signal transmitted to the driver IC 10, signals corresponding to pixels may be appropriately transmitted to signal lines formed on the display panel 20.

[0022] 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display panel of the display of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the display area 30 can be determined based on the shape of the display panel 20. For example, if the shape of the display panel 20 is circular, the shape of the display area 30 can also be circular. If a portion of the display panel 20 is curved, the shape of the corresponding display area 30 can also be curved. In addition, a non-display area 40 including a driving circuit is located in the area of ​​the display panel 20 excluding the display area 30.

[0023] A plurality of pixels PX are located within the display area 30. The pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix within the display area 30. In this case, the pixels PX may be arranged to correspond to a curve within the display area 30. For example, if the display area 30 has a circular shape, a step may occur between the pixel arrays located on the periphery of the display area 30.

[0024] For example, rectangular pixels PX are arranged on the periphery of the display area 30, which has a curved line, forming a stepped arrangement between pixel columns. In one embodiment, a step is formed between the pixel array of the first row and the pixel array of the second row at the periphery CA1 of the display area 30 corresponding to the first and second rows, the step being equal to the difference in the number of pixels PX (e.g., 8).

[0025] The gap between adjacent pixel arrays in rows or columns may vary depending on the position of the corresponding edges. For example, a gap of about eight pixels may occur between the pixel arrays in the first row and the pixel arrays in the second row, while a gap of about six pixels may occur between the pixel arrays in the second row and the pixel arrays in the third row.

[0026] Furthermore, the driving circuit is appropriately positioned in the non-display area 40 depending on the shape of the display area 30. For example, if the pixels PX are arranged in a circular shape, the driving circuit for supplying signals to the pixels PX is positioned in a surrounding area adjacent to the circle in which the pixels PX are arranged. If the display panel 20 is circular, the overall shape formed by the display area 30 in which the pixels PX are arranged and the non-display area 40 in which the driving circuit is arranged may also be circular. Furthermore, the non-display area 40 may be formed around the display area 30 within the same substrate as the display area 30.

[0027] The shape of the non-display area 40 may be determined depending on the shape of the display area 30. For example, if the pixels PX are arranged in a circular shape, the non-display area 40 may be formed in the shape of a ring having a predetermined width around the display area 30.

[0028] 2, all pixels PX are shown to have the same shape and size, but the sizes of the pixels PX arranged in different regions within the display area 30 may be different. For example, pixels arranged in the central region of the display area 30 may be larger than pixels arranged in the peripheral region (edge) of the display area 30.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a pixel PX of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an embodiment of a sub-pixel of the pixel PX according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] 3, the pixel PX may include multiple sub-pixels that emit light in different primary colors. For example, the pixel PX includes three sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 that emit light in red (R), green (G), and blue (B), respectively.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, one sub-pixel PX11 includes a plurality of transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 connected to a plurality of signal lines, a storage capacitor Cst, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED). Includes integrated light emitting diode (OLED).

[0032] The transistor is a driving thin film transistor. istor) T1, switching transistor (switching thin film transistor) T2, compensation transistor T3, initialization transistor T4, operation It includes a control transistor T5, a light-emitting control transistor T6, and a bypass transistor T7.

[0033] The signal lines include a scan line S[n] that transmits a scan signal, a previous scan line S[n-1] that transmits a previous scan signal to the initialization transistor T4, an emission control line EM[n] that transmits an emission control signal to the operation control transistor T5 and the emission control transistor T6, a data line D[m] that crosses the scan line and transmits a data signal, a power supply voltage line that transmits a power supply voltage, and an initialization voltage line that transmits an initialization voltage to initialize the driving transistor T1.

[0034] Specifically, the driving transistor T1 has one end connected to a first node N1, a gate connected to a second node N2, and another end connected to a third node N3. The driving transistor T1 is turned on by a voltage applied to its gate to control a driving current supplied to the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0035] The second transistor T2 has one end connected to a data line D[m] receiving a corresponding data signal, a gate connected to a scan line S[n] receiving a corresponding main scan signal, and another end connected to the first node N1, and is turned on by the scan signal to transmit the data signal to the first node N1.

[0036] The first capacitor Cst has one end connected to a power supply voltage line to which the first power supply voltage ELVDD is supplied, and the other end connected to a second node N2.

[0037] The third transistor T3 has one end connected to the second node N2, the other end connected to the third node N3, and a gate connected to the current scan line S[n], and is turned on by the current scan line signal to connect the second node N2 and the third node N3.

[0038] The fourth transistor T4 has one end connected to the second node N2, the other end connected to an initialization line to which an initialization voltage VINT is supplied, and a scan line S[n The fourth transistor T4 has a gate connected to a skip located in the previous pixel row. The scan line S[n-1] is turned on by the scan signal, and the second node N2 is initialized with the initialization voltage VINT.

[0039] The fifth transistor T5 has one end connected to a first power supply voltage ELVDD, the other end connected to a first node N1, and a gate connected to an emission line to which a corresponding emission signal is supplied. The fifth transistor T5 is turned on by a light emitting signal.

[0040] The sixth transistor T6 has one end connected to the third node N3, the other end connected to the anode of the organic light emitting device (OLED), and a gate connected to an emission line to which an emission signal is supplied, and is turned on in response to the emission signal to transfer the current flowing through the first transistor T1 to the organic light emitting device OLED.

[0041] The seventh transistor T7 has one end connected to the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED, the other end connected to the initialization line, and a gate connected to the scan line S[n-1] located in the previous pixel row, and is turned on by the scan signal located in the previous pixel row to transfer the initialization voltage VINT to the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0042] The organic light emitting element OLED has an anode connected to the other end of the sixth transistor T6 and a cathode connected to the second power supply voltage ELVSS. The organic light emitting element OLED can emit light of one of primary colors. Examples of the primary colors include red, The three primary colors are green and blue, and the spatial or temporal interaction of these three primary colors creates The desired color may be displayed.

[0043] An initialization voltage Vint may be supplied to the gate electrodes of the driving transistors T1 of the sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 in synchronization with a plurality of scan signals supplied through a scan line S[n-1] located in a previous pixel row. A plurality of data signals transmitted through a plurality of data lines D[m] are transmitted to the sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 in synchronization with a plurality of scan signals transmitted through a plurality of scan lines located in a current sub-pixel row. At the same time, a first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied through a plurality of first power supply voltage lines drives the sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, and emission of the organic light emitting diode OLED is controlled by a plurality of emission control signals supplied through a plurality of emission control lines EM[n].

[0044] The driving circuit includes a first driving circuit for supplying a scan signal to the scan line S[n], a second driving circuit for supplying a light emitting control signal to the light emitting control line EM[n], and a third driving circuit for supplying a data signal to the data line D[m]. In addition, the driving circuit further includes a fourth driving circuit for supplying a test voltage to the data line D[m] to inspect whether or not there is a defect in the display panel 20 during the manufacturing process of the display panel 20.

[0045] The driving circuits are all disposed within the display panel 20 and supply appropriate signals to the corresponding pixels PX. The method of supplying signals to the pixels PX varies depending on the type of driving circuit. For example, the first and second driving circuits supply signals in a first direction, and the third and fourth driving circuits supply signals in a second direction intersecting the first direction. When the pixels PX are arranged in a matrix, the first and second driving circuits supply signals row by row, and the third and fourth driving circuits supply signals column by column.

[0046] Such driving circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a small area within the display panel 20. However, in the case of a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary shape, steps occur between the pixel arrangements, so the driving circuits must be arranged differently from a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in a square shape.

[0047] 5 is a diagram illustrating a pixel PX and a driving circuit disposed at a first position A1 in the periphery of a display panel 20 according to a first embodiment. As shown, the driving circuit is disposed in a non-display area 40.

[0048] In the following drawings, it is described that the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are arranged, but different types of drive circuits (first drive circuit, second drive circuit, third drive circuit, and fourth drive circuit) may be mixed and arranged at each position within the non-display area 40. For example, the non-display area 40 may include an area where the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, an area where the second drive circuit DC2 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, an area where the first drive circuit DC1 and the third drive circuit are mixed and arranged, and an area where the second drive circuit DC2 and the third drive circuit are mixed and arranged.

[0049] In the non-display area 40, different types of driving circuits may be arranged around the display area 30 in different numbers.

[0050] In this case, different types of driving circuits may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first driving circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown in the figure, four first driving circuits DC1 are arranged in the first position A1 corresponding to four pixel rows, and twelve fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to twelve pixel columns.

[0051] On the other hand, the areas occupied by the different types of drive circuits may differ from each other. For example, the area of ​​one first drive circuit DC1 may differ from the area of ​​one fourth drive circuit DC4. If the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are rectangular and have the same long side length, the lengths of their short sides may be different. In this case, the width of the non-display area 40 may be smaller than the sum of the long side lengths of the two drive circuits but larger than the long side length of one drive circuit. Preferably, the width of the non-display area 40 is approximately the same as the long side length of one drive circuit, which allows the non-display area 40 to be designed to be narrow.

[0052] The driving circuits may be arranged at a corresponding angle in a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Specifically, the driving circuits may be arranged in the non-display area 40 at an angle that is approximately the same as the angle of the normal to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40. If the display area 30 is curved, the direction of the normal to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 changes along the periphery of the display area 30, so the arrangement angle of the driving circuits arranged along the periphery of the display area 30 with respect to the reference line Lref also changes depending on the direction of the normal. In FIG. 5, the fourth driving circuit DC4 located on the far left is arranged parallel to the reference line Lref. However, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 arranged to the right of the fourth driving circuit DC4 along the periphery of the display area 30 are arranged at an angle that gradually increases from the reference line Lref.

[0053] In this case, even for the same type of drive circuits DC4, the arrangement angles α1 and α2 relative to the reference line Lref change depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column. For example, the arrangement angles α1 and α2 of fourth drive circuits DC4 corresponding to different pixel columns are different from each other.

[0054] The driving circuits are also arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The driving circuits are arranged in a line around the periphery of the display area 30 with the driving circuit types changed. For example, in Fig. 5, from the fourth driving circuit DC4 located on the far left to the first driving circuit DC1 located on the far right, the driving circuits are arranged in a line around the periphery of the display area 30 with the types DC1, DC4 changed.

[0055] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. If a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, a first drive circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and if a step occurs in column units, a fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

[0056] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Because one pixel PX includes multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. For example, one first drive circuit DC1 supplies scan signals to one pixel row. Since multiple pixels PX including R, G, and B subpixels are formed in one pixel row, a scan line SL1 that supplies scan signals to the multiple R subpixels, a scan line SL2 that supplies scan signals to the multiple G subpixels, and a scan line SL3 that supplies scan signals to the multiple B subpixels are formed corresponding to one first drive circuit DC1. This can also be applied to signal lines connected to other types of drive circuits DC2, DC3, and DC4.

[0057] At this time, signal lines for supplying signals from the driving circuits to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. For example, The signal lines (SL1 to SL3) connecting the first driving circuit DC1 to the pixel rows and the signal lines TL1 to TL3 connecting the fourth driving circuit DC4 to the pixel columns are formed so as not to intersect with each other, which has the effect of reducing coupling caused by parasitic capacitors formed by the intersection of the signal lines in the non-display area 40.

[0058] 6 is a diagram showing a pixel PX and driving circuits arranged at a second position A2 on the periphery of a display panel 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown, driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. 5. Different types of driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first driving circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel row, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel column. As shown in the figure, five first driving circuits DC1 are arranged in the second position A2 corresponding to five pixel rows, and five fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged in the second position A2 corresponding to five pixel columns.

[0059] The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged to be tilted at corresponding angles in a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. In Fig. 6, when measuring the angle tilted clockwise from the reference line Lref, the angle α4 of the fourth driving circuit DC4 located at the rightmost position from the reference line Lref is larger than the angle α3 of the first driving circuit DC1 located at the leftmost position from the reference line Lref.

[0060] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuits of different types being changed. For example, in FIG. 6, from the fourth drive circuit DC4 located on the far left to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the far right, the drive circuits are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuits of different types being changed.

[0061] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. If a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, a first drive circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and if a step occurs in column units, a fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns. In Figure 6, a step of about one pixel PX occurs in the row and column directions, so the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are arranged alternately.

[0062] Meanwhile, the total width of the tangential direction of the display area 30 of the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4, which are alternately arranged and adjacent to each other, can be formed to be half or less of the width of the pixel PX. Also, the total width of the two adjacent driving circuits can be formed to be half or less of the width of the pixel PX.

[0063] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. In this case, the signal lines through which drive circuits DC1 and DC4 supply signals to pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. The signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40.

[0064] 7 is a diagram illustrating a pixel PX and a driving circuit disposed at a third position A3 in the periphery of the display panel 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the driving circuit is the same as that shown in FIG. Similarly, the third position A3 is arranged in the non-display area 40. Different types of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first drive circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel row, and a fourth drive circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel column. As shown in the figure, twelve first drive circuits DC1 are arranged in the third position A3 corresponding to twelve pixel rows, and three fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to three pixel columns.

[0065] The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged to be tilted at corresponding angles in a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. In Fig. 7, when measuring the angle of tilt in the clockwise direction, the angle α6 at which the first driving circuit DC1 located on the rightmost side is tilted from the reference line Lref is greater than the angle α5 at which the first driving circuit DC1 located on the leftmost side is tilted from the reference line Lref.

[0066] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuit types changed. For example, in FIG. 7, from the first drive circuit DC1 located on the far left to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the far right, the drive circuits are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the types changed.

[0067] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. If a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, a first drive circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and if a step occurs in column units, a fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

[0068] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. In this case, the signal lines through which drive circuits DC1 and DC4 supply signals to pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. The signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40.

[0069] 5 to 7, the number of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 may vary depending on the position on the display panel 20. For example, at the first position A1, multiple fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged due to the gap between pixel arrays that occurs in columns, while at the third position A3, multiple first drive circuits DC1 are arranged due to the gap between pixel arrays that occurs in rows. In other words, the types and numbers of drive circuits arranged around the periphery of the display area 30 are changed.

[0070] 8 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the display panel 20. As shown in the figure, the shape of the display area 30 can be determined depending on the shape of the display panel 20. For example, if the shape of the display panel 20 is elliptical, the shape of the display area 30 can also be elliptical. Also, if a portion of the display panel 20 is curved, the shape of the corresponding display area 30 also has a curved shape. In addition, a non-display area 40 in which a driving circuit is arranged is formed in the area of ​​the display panel 20 excluding the display area 30.

[0071] A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the display area 30. The pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix within the display area 30. In this case, the pixels PX are appropriately arranged to correspond to a curve within the display area 30. For example, if the display area 30 has an elliptical shape, a step occurs between the pixel arrays located on the periphery of the display area 30.

[0072] For example, a step occurs between the pixel arrays because rectangular pixels PX are arranged on the periphery of the display area 30, which has a curved shape in part. For example, a step of 12 pixels PX occurs between the pixel arrays of the first row and the pixel arrays of the second row on the periphery CA2 of the display area 30 corresponding to the first and second rows.

[0073] The difference in pixel height between adjacent pixel arrays in rows or columns may vary depending on the position of the corresponding edges. For example, a difference of 12 pixels may occur between the pixel arrays in the first row and the pixel arrays in the second row, while a difference of 6 pixels may occur between the pixel arrays in the second row and the pixel arrays in the third row.

[0074] In addition, the driving circuits are appropriately formed in the non-display area 40 depending on the shape of the display area 30. For example, if the shape of the pixels PX is elliptical, the driving circuits for supplying signals to the pixels PX are located along the periphery of the ellipse in which the pixels PX are arranged. If the shape of the display panel 20 is elliptical, the overall shape formed by the display area 30 in which the pixels PX are arranged and the non-display area 40 in which the driving circuits are arranged may also be elliptical.

[0075] 8, all pixels PX are shown to have the same shape and size, but the sizes of pixels PX arranged in different regions within display area 30 may be different. For example, pixels PX arranged in the central region of display area 30 may be larger than pixels PX arranged in the peripheral region (edge) of display area 30.

[0076] Such a driving circuit must be appropriately arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a small area within the display panel 20. However, in the case of a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary shape, steps occur between the pixel arrays, so the driving circuit must be arranged differently from a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in a square shape.

[0077] 9 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX and a driving circuit disposed at a first position along the periphery of the display panel 20 of FIG. 8. As illustrated, the driving circuit is disposed in the non-display region 40. Although the drawing illustrates the arrangement of a first driving circuit DC1 and a fourth driving circuit DC4, different types of driving circuits may be mixed and arranged at different positions within the non-display region 40. For example, the non-display region 40 may include a region where the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed, a region where the second driving circuit and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed, a region where the first driving circuit DC1 and the third driving circuit are mixed, and a region where the second driving circuit and the third driving circuit are mixed. Furthermore, different types of driving circuits may be arranged in different numbers around the periphery of the display region 30 in the non-display region 40.

[0078] In this case, different types of driving circuits may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first driving circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel row, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel column. As shown in the figure, at the first position, two first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to two pixel rows, and ten fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to ten pixel columns.

[0079] Meanwhile, the areas occupied by the different types of driving circuits may be different from each other, for example, the area of ​​one first driving circuit DC1 may be different from the area of ​​one fourth driving circuit DC4.

[0080] The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged at a corresponding angle in a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Specifically, the driving circuits are arranged at the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40. 9, the fourth driving circuit DC4 located on the far left side is arranged parallel to the reference line Lref. However, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 located to the right of the fourth driving circuit DC4 along the periphery of the display area 30 are arranged at an inclination angle β1, β2 from the reference line Lref gradually increasing.

[0081] In this case, even for the same type of driving circuits, the arrangement angle with respect to the reference line Lref is changed depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column. For example, the arrangement angles of the first driving circuits DC1 corresponding to different pixel rows are different from each other.

[0082] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuit types changed. For example, in Fig. 9, from the fourth drive circuit DC4 located on the far left to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the far right, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the types changed.

[0083] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. If a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, a first drive circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and if a step occurs in column units, a fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

[0084] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Because one pixel PX includes multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. For example, one first drive circuit DC1 supplies scan signals to one pixel row. Since multiple pixels PX including R, G, and B subpixels are formed in one pixel row, scan lines that supply scan signals to the multiple R subpixels, scan lines that supply scan signals to the multiple G subpixels, and scan lines that supply scan signals to the multiple B subpixels are formed corresponding to one first drive circuit DC1. This can also be applied to signal lines connected to other types of drive circuits.

[0085] In this case, signal lines through which the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. Signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. For example, a signal line connecting the first drive circuit DC1 to a pixel row and a signal line connecting the fourth drive circuit DC4 to a pixel column, which are located adjacent to each other, are formed so as not to cross each other. This has the effect of reducing coupling due to parasitic capacitors formed by the crossing of signal lines in the non-display area 40.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of pixels PX and driving circuits arranged in a second position on the periphery of the display panel 20 of FIG. 8. As shown, the driving circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40, as in FIG. 9. Different types of driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first driving circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel row, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel column. As shown, five first driving circuits DC1 are arranged in the second position corresponding to five pixel rows. Five fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to the five pixel columns.

[0087] The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged to be tilted at corresponding angles in a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. In Fig. 10, when measuring the angle of clockwise tilt, the angle β4 of the first driving circuit DC1 located on the right side from the reference line Lref is greater than the angle β3 of the fourth driving circuit DC4 located on the far left from the reference line Lref.

[0088] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuit types changed. For example, in Fig. 10, from the fourth drive circuit DC4 located on the far left to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the far right, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the types changed.

[0089] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. If a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, a first drive circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and if a step occurs in column units, a fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns. In Figure 10, a step of about one pixel PX occurs in the row and column directions, so the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are arranged alternately.

[0090] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. In this case, the signal lines through which drive circuits DC1 and DC4 supply signals to pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. Signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40.

[0091] 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of pixels PX and driving circuits arranged at a third position on the periphery of the display panel 20 of FIG. 8. As shown, the driving circuits are arranged in the non-display region 40, as in FIG. 9. Different types of driving circuits may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first driving circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel row, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel column. As shown, at the third position, twelve first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to twelve pixel rows, and three fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to three pixel columns.

[0092] The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged to be tilted at corresponding angles in a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. In Fig. 11, when measuring the angle of tilt in the clockwise direction, the angle β6 at which the first driving circuit DC1 located on the rightmost side is tilted from the reference line Lref is greater than the angle β5 at which the first driving circuit DC1 located on the leftmost side is tilted from the reference line Lref.

[0093] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuit types changed. For example, in Fig. 11, from the first drive circuit DC1 located on the leftmost side to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the rightmost side, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the types changed.

[0094] At this time, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of the driving circuit is determined depending on the type of the step. are changed and arranged. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays on a row-by-row basis, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs on a column-by-column basis, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first driving circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

[0095] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. In this case, the signal lines through which drive circuits DC1 and DC4 supply signals to pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. Signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40.

[0096] 9 to 11, the number of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 varies depending on the position on the display panel 20. For example, at the first position, multiple fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged due to the gap between pixel arrays that occurs in columns, while at the third position, multiple first drive circuits DC1 are arranged due to the gap between pixel arrays that occurs in rows. In other words, the types and numbers of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 arranged around the periphery of the display area 30 are changed.

[0097] Furthermore, compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the display area 30 is formed in an elliptical shape, and the curvature of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed. However, according to the embodiment, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line along the periphery of the display area 30 and in the normal direction of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40, so that even when the curvature is changed, the width of the non-display area 40 can be reduced.

[0098] 12 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the display panel 20. As shown in the figure, the display panel 20 may be partially curved. For example, the display panel 20 may have a shape in which a first arc-shaped area CA3 and a second rectangular area CA4 are combined.

[0099] The shape of the display area 30 can be determined according to the shape of the display panel 20. For example, if a portion of the display panel 20 is curved, the shape of the display area 30 corresponding to that portion also has a curved shape. Therefore, the display area 30 of the first area CA3 is formed in an arch shape, and the display area 30 of the second area CA4 is formed in a rectangular shape. In the area of ​​the display panel 20 excluding the display areas 30, a non-display area 40 in which a driving circuit is arranged is formed.

[0100] A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the display area 30. The pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix within the display area 30. In this case, the pixels PX are appropriately arranged in correspondence with a curve within the display area 30. For example, if the display area 30 is arcuate, a step occurs between the pixel arrays located on the periphery of the arcuate display area 30.

[0101] That is, a step occurs between the pixel arrays because the rectangular pixels PX are arranged on the periphery of the display area 30, which has a curved shape in part. For example, a step of six pixels PX occurs between the pixel arrays of the first and second rows on the periphery of the display area 30 corresponding to the first and second rows.

[0102] The difference in level between adjacent pixel arrays in rows or columns may vary depending on the position of the corresponding edges. For example, the difference in level between the pixel arrays in the first row and the pixel arrays in the second row is PX6 pixels. However, a difference of PX4 pixels may occur between the pixel arrays in the second and third rows.

[0103] In addition, the driving circuits are appropriately formed in the non-display area 40 depending on the shape of the display area 30. For example, if the pixels PX are arranged in an arcuate shape, the driving circuits for supplying signals to the pixels PX are located along the arc of the arc in which the pixels PX are arranged. If the display panel 20 is arcuate, the overall shape formed by the display area 30 in which the pixels PX are arranged and the non-display area 40 in which the driving circuits are arranged may also be arcuate.

[0104] 12, all pixels PX are shown to have the same shape and size, but the sizes of pixels PX arranged in different regions within display area 30 may be different. For example, pixels PX arranged in second area CA4 of display area 30 may be larger than pixels PX arranged in the peripheral region (edge) of first area CA3.

[0105] These driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 must be appropriately arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a small area within the display panel 20. However, in the case of a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary shape, steps occur between the pixel arrays, so the driving circuits must be arranged differently from a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in a square shape.

[0106] 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel PX and a driving circuit disposed at a first position on the periphery of the first area CA3 of the display panel 20 of FIG. 12. As shown, the driving circuit is disposed in the non-display area 40. Although the diagram illustrates that a first driving circuit DC1, a second driving circuit DC2, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 are disposed, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be mixed and disposed at different positions within the non-display area 40. For example, the non-display area 40 may include an area where the first drive circuit DC1, the second drive circuit DC2, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are arranged in a mixed manner, an area where the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are arranged in a mixed manner, and an area where the second drive circuit DC2 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are arranged in a mixed manner. Different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged in different numbers around the display area 30 in the non-display area 40.

[0107] In this case, different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first drive circuit DC1 and a second drive circuit DC2 may be arranged corresponding to the pixel rows, and a fourth drive circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the pixel columns. As shown in the figure, at the first position, one first drive circuit DC1 and one second drive circuit DC2 are arranged corresponding to one pixel row, and 14 fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to 14 pixel columns.

[0108] On the other hand, the areas occupied by the different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be different from each other. For example, the area of ​​one first drive circuit DC1, the area of ​​one second drive circuit DC2, and the area of ​​one fourth drive circuit DC4 may be different from each other.

[0109] The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged at a corresponding angle in a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Specifically, the driving circuits may be arranged in the non-display area 40 at an angle that is approximately the same as the angle of the normal to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 in the first area CA3. If the display area 30 is curved, the direction of the normal to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 changes along the periphery of the display area 30, and therefore the arrangement angle of the driving circuits arranged along the periphery of the display area 30 with respect to the reference line Lref also changes depending on the direction of the normal. 13, the fourth driving circuit DC4 located in the center is arranged parallel to the reference line Lref. However, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 arranged on the right or left side of the fourth driving circuit DC4 around the display area 30 are arranged at an angle that gradually increases or decreases from the reference line Lref. For example, the angle γ1 of the fourth driving circuit DC4 located on the right side from the reference line Lref has a positive value.

[0110] In this case, even for the same type of driving circuits, the arrangement angle with respect to the reference line Lref varies depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column. For example, the arrangement angles of the fourth driving circuits DC4 corresponding to different pixel columns are different from each other.

[0111] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuit types changed. For example, in Fig. 13, from the second drive circuit DC2 located on the far left to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the far right, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the types changed.

[0112] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. When a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, the first drive circuit DC1 and the second drive circuit DC2 are arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in column units, the fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 and the second drive circuit DC2 supply signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

[0113] In this case, the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 may be arranged in adjacent regions corresponding to the step between the pixel arrays occurring in the same row unit. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, since the step between the first pixel row and the second pixel row occurs on the left and right sides of the central region, the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 may be arranged corresponding to the left or right side. That is, the second driving circuit DC2 may be arranged corresponding to the step between the first pixel row and the second pixel row on the left side, and the first driving circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to the step between the first pixel row and the second pixel row on the right side.

[0114] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Because one pixel PX includes multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. For example, one first drive circuit DC1 supplies scan signals to one pixel row. Since multiple pixels PX including R, G, and B subpixels are formed in one pixel row, scan lines that supply scan signals to the multiple R subpixels, scan lines that supply scan signals to the multiple G subpixels, and scan lines that supply scan signals to the multiple B subpixels are formed corresponding to one first drive circuit DC1. This can also be applied to signal lines connected to other types of drive circuits.

[0115] In this case, signal lines through which the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. Signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. For example, the signal line connecting the first drive circuit DC1 to a pixel row and the signal line connecting the fourth drive circuit DC4 to a pixel column, which are located adjacent to each other, are formed so as not to cross each other. This has the effect of reducing coupling due to parasitic capacitors formed due to the crossing of signal lines in the non-display area 40.

[0116] 14 illustrates an embodiment of pixels PX and driving circuits arranged in a second position on the periphery of the first area CA3 of the display panel 20 of FIG. 12. As shown, the driving circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. 13. Different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first driving circuit DC1 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel row, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel column. As shown, at the second position, four first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to four pixel rows, and six fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to six pixel columns.

[0117] The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged to be tilted at corresponding angles on a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. In Fig. 14, when measuring the angle of clockwise tilt, the angle of the fourth driving circuit DC4 located at the rightmost side from the reference line Lref is larger than the angle of the first driving circuit DC1 located at the leftmost side from the reference line Lref.

[0118] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuit types changed. For example, in Fig. 14, from the fourth drive circuit DC4 located on the far left to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the far right, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the types changed.

[0119] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. If a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, a first drive circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and if a step occurs in column units, a fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns. In Figure 14, a step of about one pixel PX occurs in the row and column directions, so the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are arranged alternately.

[0120] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. In this case, the signal lines through which drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 supply signals to pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. The signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40.

[0121] 15 illustrates an embodiment of pixels PX and driving circuits arranged at a third position on the periphery of the first area CA3 of the display panel 20 of FIG. 12. As shown, the driving circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. 13. Different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a second driving circuit DC2 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel row, and a fourth driving circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to a pixel column. As shown, at the third position, four second driving circuits DC2 are arranged corresponding to four pixel rows, and six fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to six pixel columns.

[0122] The third position is symmetrical to the second position with respect to the central region of the display area 30, and the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are arranged in the non-display area 40 of the second position, while the second driving circuit DC2 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 can be arranged in the non-display area 40 of the third position.

[0123] The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged at a corresponding angle in a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. In Fig. 15, when measuring the angle of clockwise tilt from the reference line Lref, the angle of the fourth driving circuit DC4 located at the rightmost side is larger than the angle of the second driving circuit DC2 located at the leftmost side from the reference line Lref.

[0124] Furthermore, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the periphery of the display area 30 with the drive circuits changed in type. For example, in Fig. 15, from the second drive circuit DC2 located on the far left to the fourth drive circuit DC4 located on the far right, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the periphery of the display area 30 with the drive circuits changed in type.

[0125] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. If a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, the second drive circuit DC2 is arranged to correspond to the step, and if a step occurs in column units, the fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the second drive circuit DC2 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

[0126] One drive circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one drive circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one drive circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. In this case, the signal lines through which drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 supply signals to pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. The signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40.

[0127] 13 to 15, the number of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may vary depending on the position on the display panel 20. For example, at the first position, a plurality of fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged due to the gaps between pixel arrays that occur in columns, at the second position, a plurality of first drive circuits DC1 are arranged due to the gaps between pixel arrays that occur in rows, and at the third position, a plurality of second drive circuits DC2 are arranged due to the gaps between pixel arrays that occur in rows. In other words, the types and numbers of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 arranged around the periphery of the display area 30 are changed.

[0128] Furthermore, compared to the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment, a portion of the display area 30 is formed in an arch shape, and the curvature of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed. However, according to the embodiment, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line along the periphery of the display area 30 and in the normal direction of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40, so that even when the curvature is changed, the width of the non-display area 40 can be reduced.

[0129] 16 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of the display panel 20. As shown in the figure, the display panel 20 may be partially curved. For example, the display panel 20 may have a shape in which a first region CA5 having a concave curve and a second region CA6 having a rectangular shape are combined.

[0130] The shape of the display area 30 can be determined according to the shape of the display panel 20. For example, if a portion of the display panel 20 is curved, the shape of the display area 30 corresponding to that portion also has a curved shape. Therefore, the display area 30 of the first area CA5 is formed in a concave curved shape, and the display area 30 of the second area CA6 is formed in a concave curved shape. The display area 30 is formed in a rectangular shape. A non-display area 40 in which a driving circuit is arranged is formed in the area of ​​the display panel 20 excluding the display area 30.

[0131] A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the display area 30. The pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix within the display area 30. In this case, the pixels PX are appropriately arranged in accordance with a curve within the display area 30. For example, if the display area 30 has a concave curved shape, a step will occur between the pixel arrays located on the periphery of the concave curved display area 30.

[0132] That is, a step occurs between the pixel arrays because the rectangular pixels PX are arranged on the periphery of the display area 30, which has a curved shape in part. For example, a step of about two pixels PX occurs between the pixel arrays of the first and second columns on the periphery of the display area 30 corresponding to the first and second columns from the left.

[0133] The gap between adjacent pixel arrays in rows or columns may vary depending on the position of the corresponding edges. For example, a gap of PX2 pixels may occur between the pixel arrays in the first and second columns, while a gap of PX1 pixels may occur between the pixel arrays in the third and fourth columns.

[0134] In addition, the driving circuits are appropriately formed in the non-display area 40 depending on the shape of the display area 30. For example, if the pixels PX are arranged in a concave curved shape, the driving circuits for supplying signals to the pixels PX are located along the concave curved shape on which the pixels PX are arranged.

[0135] 16, all pixels PX are shown to have the same shape and size, but the sizes of pixels PX arranged in divided areas within display area 30 may be different. For example, pixels PX arranged in second area CA6 of display area 30 may be larger than pixels PX arranged in the peripheral area (edge) of first area CA5.

[0136] These driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 must be appropriately arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a small area within the display panel 20. However, in the case of a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary shape, steps occur between the pixel arrays, so the driving circuits must be arranged differently from a display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in a square shape. In this regard, the driving circuit arrangement of a display panel 20 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0137] 17 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX and a driving circuit disposed at a first position D1 in a first region CA5 of the display panel 20 of FIG. 16. As illustrated, the driving circuits are disposed in a non-display region 40. Although the drawings illustrate the arrangement of a first driving circuit DC1, a second driving circuit DC2, and a fourth driving circuit DC4, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be mixed and disposed at different positions within the non-display region 40. For example, the non-display region 40 may include a region where the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed, a region where the second driving circuit DC2 is disposed, and a region where the third driving circuit is disposed. Furthermore, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be disposed in different numbers around the display region 30 in the non-display region 40.

[0138] In this case, different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first drive circuit DC1 and a second drive circuit DC2 may be arranged corresponding to the pixel rows, and a fourth drive circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the pixel columns. As shown in the figure, in the first region CA5, seven first drive circuits DC1 and seven second drive circuits DC2 are arranged corresponding to the seven pixel rows, and five fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to the five pixel columns.

[0139] On the other hand, the areas occupied by the different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be different from each other. For example, the area of ​​one first drive circuit DC1, the area of ​​one second drive circuit DC2, and the area of ​​one fourth drive circuit DC4 may be different from each other.

[0140] The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged at a corresponding angle in a plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Specifically, the driving circuits may be arranged in the first area CA5 in the non-display area 40 at an angle that is approximately the same as the angle of the normal to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40. If the display area 30 is curved, the direction of the normal to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 changes along the periphery of the curved display area 30, and therefore the arrangement angle of the driving circuits arranged along the periphery of the display area 30 with respect to the reference line Lref also changes depending on the direction of the normal.

[0141] 17, the second drive circuit DC2 located on the left side of the display area 30 is disposed at an angle perpendicular to the straight line because the corresponding display area 30 has a linear shape. From the fourth drive circuit DC4 connected to the leftmost pixel column of the display area 30, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 disposed to the right around the display area 30 are disposed at inclined angles that gradually decrease in angle from the reference line Lref. For example, the angle δ1 of the fourth drive circuit DC4 connected to the leftmost pixel column from the reference line Lref has a positive value.

[0142] In this case, even for the same type of driving circuits, the arrangement angle with respect to the reference line Lref varies depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column. For example, the arrangement angles of the fourth driving circuits DC4 corresponding to different pixel columns are different from each other.

[0143] In addition, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuits changed in type. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, in correspondence with the curved display area 30, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with the drive circuits changed in type from the fourth drive circuit DC4 located on the leftmost side to the first drive circuit DC1 located on the rightmost side.

[0144] In this case, if a step occurs between pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged depending on the type of step. When a step occurs between pixel arrays in row units, the first drive circuit DC1 and the second drive circuit DC2 are arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in column units, the fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. This is because the first drive circuit DC1 and the second drive circuit DC2 supply signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

[0145] One driving circuit supplies signals to pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driving circuit supplies signals to each of the multiple subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, multiple signal lines are formed to supply signals from one driving circuit to one pixel row or one pixel column. For example, one first driving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row. In one pixel row, multiple pixels PX are formed, each including R, G, and B subpixels. Therefore, scan lines that supply scan signals to multiple R subpixels, scan lines that supply scan signals to multiple G subpixels, and scan lines that supply scan signals to multiple B subpixels are formed corresponding to one first driving circuit DC1. This can also be applied to signal lines connected to other types of driving circuits.

[0146] In this case, signal lines through which the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. Signal lines connected to different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. For example, the signal line connecting the first drive circuit DC1 to a pixel row and the signal line connecting the fourth drive circuit DC4 to a pixel column, which are located adjacent to each other, are formed so as not to cross each other. This has the effect of reducing coupling due to parasitic capacitors formed due to the crossing of signal lines in the non-display area 40.

[0147] With reference to the above drawings, an embodiment has been described in which a display panel 20 having any shape and a driving circuit that supplies different types of driving signals (e.g., scan signals, data signals, light-emitting control signals, test voltages, etc.) to pixels are arranged in the non-display area 30 of the display panel 20.

[0148] The embodiments are applicable to all non-rectangular displays, and although the above drawings have been described using the first drive circuit DC1, the second drive circuit DC2, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 as examples, the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be replaced with the third drive circuit, and this is merely a matter of relative positions within the display panel 20.

[0149] According to the embodiment, the driving circuits are formed in different densities in the non-display area 40 depending on the arrangement of the pixels. Also, the driving circuits are arranged in a row in the non-display area 40, which has the effect of reducing the width of the non-display area 40.

[0150] Furthermore, since the signal wiring for supplying signals from each driving circuit to the display area 30 does not cross, there is an effect of reducing parasitic capacitance that occurs due to overlapping wiring.

[0151] Although the above drawings do not illustrate a display panel 20 in which some shapes include both convex and concave curves, in this case too, the driving circuits can be appropriately arranged by combining the above embodiments.

[0152] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 10 Driver IC 20 Display panel 30 display area 40 Surrounding Area

Claims

1. 1. A non-rectangular display comprising a plurality of pixels in a non-rectangular display area, each of the pixels being connected to a first signal line in a first direction and a second signal line in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the display area including a curved area, the pixels being arranged in the curved area, the curved area including a pixel area in which a step of pixel rows and a step of pixel columns are arranged, a plurality of first driving circuits are provided in a peripheral region of the display region, each of the first driving circuits is connected to one of the first signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and a first homogeneous group of the first driving circuits is arranged in a step of each pixel row; a plurality of second driving circuits are provided in the peripheral region of the display region, each of the second driving circuits is connected to one of the second signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and a second homogeneous group of the second driving circuits is arranged in a step of each pixel column; the number of the first driving circuits is greater than the number of the second driving circuits; a first driving circuit connected to one of the pixel row steps is sandwiched between the adjacent second driving circuits of the pixel column steps adjacent to the one pixel row step.

2. The display of claim 1 , wherein the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are arranged on the same curve in the peripheral region.

3. 2. The display of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first drive circuits supply row-wise first signals to the respective pixels via the first signal lines, and the plurality of second drive circuits supply column-wise second signals to the respective pixels via the second signal lines.

4. The display of claim 1 , wherein the pixels are arranged in a matrix on the curved region.

5. 5. The display according to claim 4, wherein the sum of the widths of the display areas of the first and second driving circuits arranged alternately and adjacently in the tangential direction is less than half the width of the pixel.

6. 2. The display of claim 1, wherein the first and second drive circuits are adjacent a circumference of the curved region.

7. 2. The display of claim 1, wherein the angle at which the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are disposed varies depending on the positions of the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit.

8. 8. A display as claimed in claim 7, wherein the angles vary equally in directions normal to the curved region corresponding to the position of each of the first and second drive circuits.

9. 2. A display as claimed in claim 1, wherein an area of ​​the first drive circuit for at least one pixel is different from an area of ​​the second drive circuit for at least one pixel.

10. the pixel includes a plurality of sub-pixels; the sub-pixels emit light of different colors; 2. The display of claim 1, wherein the sub-pixels are controlled by second signals transmitted via the second signal lines in synchronization with first signals transmitted via the first signal lines.

11. The sub-pixels are a plurality of switching transistors, each of the switching transistors including a first electrode connected to a corresponding one of the second signal lines and the first signal line as a gate electrode; 11. The display of claim 10, comprising a plurality of drive transistors, each of the drive transistors including a gate electrode connected to a second electrode of a corresponding one of the switching transistors, a first electrode for receiving a power supply voltage, and a second electrode connected to an organic light emitting diode.

12. 12. A display as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the sub-pixels receives an initialization voltage in synchronization with a first signal transmitted over a respective first signal line corresponding to a previous row of pixels.

13. 13. The display of claim 12, wherein each of the sub-pixels includes a compensation transistor connected between the gate electrode and the second electrode of the drive transistor, the gate electrode being included as part of a corresponding first signal line.

14. The display of claim 1 , wherein the first signal line and the second signal line of the pixel do not cross each other in the peripheral region.

15. a plurality of pixels in a non-rectangular display area, each of the pixels being connected to a first signal line in a first direction and a second signal line in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the display area including a curved area, the pixels being arranged in the curved area in which a step of pixel rows and a step of pixel columns are arranged; a plurality of first driving circuits are provided in a peripheral region of the display region, each of the first driving circuits is connected to one of the first signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and a first homogeneous group of the first driving circuits is arranged in a step of each pixel row; a plurality of second driving circuits are provided in the peripheral region of the display region, each of the second driving circuits is connected to one of the second signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and a second homogeneous group of the second driving circuits is arranged in a step of each pixel column; the number of the first driving circuits is greater than the number of the second driving circuits; a first driving circuit on one of the pixel row steps being sandwiched between the adjacent second driving circuits on the pixel column steps adjacent to the pixel row step;

16. 16. The display of claim 15, wherein the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are arranged on the same curve in the peripheral region.

17. 16. The display of claim 15, wherein the plurality of first drive circuits supply row-wise first signals to respective pixels via the first signal lines, and the plurality of second drive circuits supply column-wise second signals to respective pixels via the second signal lines.

18. 16. A display according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the first drive circuits is provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the pixels have steps in the row direction.

19. a plurality of pixels in a non-rectangular display area, each of the pixels being connected to a first signal line in a first direction and a second signal line in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the display area including a curved area, the pixels being arranged in the curved area, the curved area including a pixel area in which a step of pixel rows and a step of pixel columns are arranged; a plurality of first driving circuits are provided in a peripheral region of the display region, each of the first driving circuits is connected to one of the first signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and a first homogeneous group of the first driving circuits is arranged in a step of each pixel row; a plurality of second driving circuits are provided in the peripheral region of the display region, each of the second driving circuits is connected to one of the second signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and a second homogeneous group of the second driving circuits is arranged in a step of each pixel column; the number of the first driving circuits is greater than the number of the second driving circuits; The pixels are arranged in a matrix on the curved region; A non-rectangular display, characterized in that the sum of the widths of the display areas of the first drive circuits and the second drive circuits, which are provided alternately and adjacently in the tangential direction, is less than half the width of the pixel.

20. 20. A display as claimed in claim 19, wherein one of the first drive circuits is disposed between the second drive circuits.

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