Indication device

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device that can provide different images depending on the viewing angle. [Solution] The display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of first light sources, a diffusion sheet disposed on the first light sources, a prism sheet disposed on the diffusion sheet, a light emission control film disposed on the prism sheet, a light guide plate disposed on the light emission control film and having a long side extending in a first direction and a short side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of second light sources disposed so as to face the long side of the light guide plate, wherein the plurality of second light sources are repeatedly arranged along the first direction and each is driven independently.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a display device. [Background Art]

[0002] With the development of the information society, various demands for display devices that display images have been increasing, and various types of display devices such as liquid crystal display apparatuses and organic light emitting diode display apparatuses have been put into use.

[0003] Common display devices do not limit the viewing angle. However, for reasons such as privacy and information protection, restrictions on the viewing angle of display devices have recently been required. For example, in the case of a display device used as an information medium inside a vehicle, it is necessary to provide high-quality images to a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, while restricting the viewing angle for the driver for safety reasons. [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present specification is to provide a display device capable of providing different images according to viewing angles.

[0005] Another problem to be solved by the present specification is to provide a display device capable of changing a region with a restricted viewing angle.

[0006] Another problem to be solved by the present specification is to provide a display device that can improve user convenience by allowing a region with a restricted viewing angle to be changed.

[0007] The problems of the present specification are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments. [Means for Solving Problem]

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a plurality of first light sources, a diffusion sheet disposed on the first light sources, a prism sheet disposed on the diffusion sheet, a light emission control film disposed on the prism sheet, a light guide plate disposed on the light emission control film and having a long side extending in a first direction and a short side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of second light sources disposed so as to face the long side of the light guide plate, wherein the plurality of second light sources are repeatedly arranged along the first direction and each is driven independently.

[0009] Other embodiments of the Specified Display Device include a first display area operating in a share mode with a wide viewing angle; a second display area positioned on one side of the first display area in a first direction and switchable between a share mode with a wide viewing angle and a private mode with a narrow viewing angle; a boundary between the first display area and the second display area extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of first light sources positioned across the first display area and the second display area; a light guide plate positioned on the first light sources; and a plurality of second light sources positioned facing the side surface of the light guide plate and repeatedly positioned along the first direction, wherein the boundary between the first display area and the second display area may move in the first direction in response to the turn-on and turn-off of the plurality of second light sources.

[0010] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0011] According to embodiments of this specification, a display device can be provided that can provide images that differ from each other depending on the viewing angle.

[0012] According to embodiments of this specification, a display device can be provided in which the area with a limited viewing angle can be changed.

[0013] According to embodiments of this specification, a display device can be provided that improves user convenience by allowing the area with a limited viewing angle to be changed.

[0014] According to the embodiments of this specification, the area with a limited viewing angle can be changed according to user requirements, thereby improving the efficiency of the display device and simplifying the process. This makes it possible to provide a display device that reduces power consumption and production energy.

[0015] However, the effects described herein are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure schematically shows the cross-sectional structure of the second light guide plate and its surrounding area according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure schematically shows the light guide pattern of the second light guide plate according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a graph showing the density along the second direction of a light guide pattern according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a display device in which both the first and second display areas operate in share mode. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a display device in which the first display area operates in shared mode and the second display area operates in private mode. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure schematically shows the cross-sectional structure of the second light guide plate and its surrounding area according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of another contoured display device. [Figure 12]It is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, when a certain component (or a region, layer, portion, or the like) is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another component, this means that it may be directly connected / coupled onto the other component, or a third component may be disposed between the aforementioned components.

[0018] Identical reference numerals refer to identical components. In addition, in the drawings, the thicknesses, ratios, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for effective explanation of the technical content. The expression "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more that can define the relevant configurations.

[0019] Terms such as "first", "second" may be used to describe various components, but the aforementioned components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first component may be named a second component without departing from the scope of rights of the present embodiment, and similarly, a second component may also be named a first component. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] Terms such as "below", "on the lower side", "on", and "on the upper side" are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts, and are described based on the orientation shown in the drawings.

[0021] Terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and it should be understood that they do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0022] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, the display device 1 may, but is not limited to, a device that includes both a display function for displaying images and a touch sensing function for sensing user touches. For example, the display device 1 may include only one of either a display function for displaying images or a touch sensing function for sensing user touches.

[0024] The display device 1 may be an electroluminescent display device or a micro light-emitting diode display device that includes a touch sensor. Alternatively, the display device 1 may be an electroluminescent display device that includes a touch sensor, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device, a quantum-dot light-emitting diode display device, or an inorganic light-emitting diode display device.

[0025] The display device 1 according to this embodiment may be a vehicle display device, but is not limited thereto. For example, the description of the display device 1 can be applied to any device that includes a display function, without being limited to the type of device.

[0026] The display device 1 may have a length extending along a first direction DR1 and a width along a second direction DR2. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be intersecting directions or perpendicular to each other, but are not limited to these. The display device 1 may have a longer side extending along the first direction DR1 and a shorter side extending along the second direction DR2.

[0027] If the display device 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle display device, the display device 1 may include functions for operating at least some of the various functions of the vehicle, and functions for displaying various information related to the vehicle.

[0028] If the display device 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle display device, the display device 1 may be placed on the dashboard of the vehicle. The display device 1 may be placed across the driver's seat and the passenger seat located in the front seats of the vehicle, but is not limited to this.

[0029] The orientation in which the display device 1 is positioned across the driver's seat and the passenger seat may correspond to the first direction DR1. In other words, the display device 1 may extend along the first direction DR1 and be positioned across the driver's seat and the passenger seat along the first direction DR1.

[0030] If the display device 1 is a vehicle display device, both the driver in the driver's seat and the co-driver in the passenger seat can use the display device 1. The display device 1 may provide the same image to both the driver in the driver's seat and the co-driver in the passenger seat, or it may provide different images to each of them.

[0031] The display device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0032] The display area DA may be an area on which a screen can be displayed. Light may be emitted to the outside from the display area DA. The display area DA may further include a function to sense user touch. In this case, the display area DA may, but is not limited to, a touch sensing area.

[0033] The planar shape of the display area DA may correspond to, but is not limited to, the planar shape of the display device 1. The display area DA may have a longer side extending in the first direction DR1 and a shorter side extending in the second direction DR2.

[0034] The display area DA may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be arranged consecutively along the first direction DR1. That is, the second display area DA2 may be located on one side of the first direction DR1 of the first display area DA1, and the first display area DA1 may be located on the other side of the first direction DR1 of the second display area DA2.

[0035] The first display area DA1 may operate in the first mode, and the second display area DA2 may operate in both the first and second modes.

[0036] For example, the first mode may be a Share mode, which does not restrict the lateral viewing angle of the display device 1. The second mode may be a Private mode, which restricts the lateral viewing angle of the display device 1. In other words, the Share mode may be a mode with a wide viewing angle, and the Private mode may be a mode with a narrow viewing angle.

[0037] Here, the lateral field of view may refer to the lateral field of view in the first direction DR1.

[0038] The first display area DA1 may be an area that maintains the share mode during the operation of the display device 1. The second display area DA2 may selectively operate in share mode and private mode during the operation of the display device 1. During the operation of the display device 1, the second display area DA2 may switch from share mode to private mode, or from private mode to share mode.

[0039] When the display device 1 is applied to a vehicle display device, the first display area DA1 may be positioned closer to the driver's seat, and the second display area DA2 may be positioned closer to the passenger seat.

[0040] When the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are both operating in share mode, the images and videos displayed in the first display area DA1 and the images and videos displayed in the second display area DA2 may be provided to both the driver sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger sitting in the front passenger seat.

[0041] When the second display area DA2 is operating in private mode, images and videos displayed in the second display area DA2 are provided to the passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, but not to the driver sitting in the driver's seat.

[0042] The size of the second display area DA2 of the display device 1 according to this embodiment is adjustable. For example, the boundary BD between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be moved to one side and the other side along the first direction DR1. This provides the user of the display device 1 with improved convenience. Furthermore, the efficiency of the display device 1 is improved and the manufacturing process of the display device 1 is simplified, thus reducing power consumption and production energy.

[0043] The non-display area (NDA) may be an area where no display is shown on the screen. Light does not need to be emitted from the non-display area (NDA), but is not limited to this. The non-display area (NDA) may be located around the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) may surround the display area (DA), but is not limited to this embodiment of the Specified Specification. The non-display area (NDA) may define the bezel area of ​​the display device 1, but is not limited to this embodiment of the Specified Specification.

[0044] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 1.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a display device 1 according to one embodiment may include a display panel 110 that displays an image including pixels, and a first backlight unit 120 and a second backlight unit 130 that are arranged on the back of the display panel 110 and emit light to the front of the display panel 110. Although not shown, the display device 1 may further include a panel guide, a top case, a bottom cover, etc., that house and fix the display panel 110 and the first backlight unit 120 and the second backlight unit 130.

[0046] The display panel 110 is a liquid crystal panel and may include a lower substrate and an upper substrate joined to each other, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between these substrates.

[0047] The lower substrate may include gate lines and data lines arranged to intersect each other, and liquid crystal cells formed in the intersection regions of the gate lines and data lines. The liquid crystal cells may include thin-film transistors positioned in the intersection regions of the gate lines and data lines, and pixel electrodes that receive data voltages applied to the data lines via the thin-film transistors when the thin-film transistors are turned on.

[0048] The upper substrate may have a color filter for realizing multiple colors including red, green, and blue, a black matrix for partitioning the space between the color filters and blocking light from passing through the liquid crystal layer, and a common electrode for applying voltage to the liquid crystal layer.

[0049] The liquid crystal cell is driven by an electric field generated by the potential difference between the data voltage supplied to the pixel electrodes via the data line and the common voltage supplied to the common electrode, thereby adjusting the amount of light transmitted through the display panel 110.

[0050] The first backlight unit 120 and the second backlight unit 130 are located below the display panel 110 and provide light to the display panel 110. The first backlight unit 120 may be located below the display panel 110, while the second backlight unit 130 may be located between the first backlight unit 120 and the display panel 110.

[0051] The first backlight unit 120 may include a first light source package 121, a first light guide plate 122, a diffusion sheet 123, a prism sheet 124, and a light emission control film 125.

[0052] The planar shapes of the first light guide plate 122, the diffusion sheet 123, the prism sheet 124, and the light emission control film 125 can correspond to the planar shape of the display device 1. That is, the first light guide plate 122, the diffusion sheet 123, the prism sheet 124, and the light emission control film 125 may have a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2.

[0053] The first light source package 121 may include a first light source LS1 and a first light source substrate BS1. Multiple first light source LS1s are provided, and multiple first light source LS1s may be mounted on the first light source substrate BS1. On the first light source substrate BS1, multiple first light source LS1s may be repeatedly arranged along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2.

[0054] Multiple first light sources LS1 are driven by power supplied via the first light source substrate BS1, and generate light. However, the first light sources LS1 can generate light using various light sources, including, but are not limited to, cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), external electrode fluorescent lamps (EEFLs), hot cathode fluorescent lamps (HCFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0055] The first light source substrate BS1 can provide a space on which the first light source LS1 is arranged. The first light source substrate BS1 may have a circuit board mounted on it for the operation of the first light source LS1. The first light source substrate BS1 controls the first light source LS1 in response to electrical signals supplied via the wiring of the circuit board, thereby enabling the first light source LS1 to emit light.

[0056] The first light source package 121 may be positioned below the first light guide plate 122. This allows light emitted from the first light source package 121 to be incident on the lower surface of the first light guide plate 122. However, the positioning of the first light source package 121 is not limited to this. For example, the first light source package 121 may be positioned on one side of the first light guide plate 122. In other words, the first light source package 121 and the first light source LS1 may be positioned facing one side of the first light guide plate 122. This allows light emitted from the first light source package 121 to be incident on the side of the first light guide plate 122, and the light to diverge to the upper surface of the first light guide plate 122.

[0057] The display device 1 may further include a light source protection layer PT. The light source protection layer PT may be placed on the first light source package 121 and positioned to cover the first light source LS1. The light source protection layer PT can protect the first light source LS1. The light source protection layer PT may, but is not limited to, be made of resin.

[0058] The first light guide plate 122 may be placed on the first light source package 121. The first light guide plate 122 is positioned opposite the first light source package 121 and guides the light incident from the first light source package 121 to exit to its upper surface.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first light guide plate 122 is a light-transmitting material and may be manufactured from a material selected from, for example, a plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a polycarbonate (PC) system. However, the material of the first light guide plate 122 is not limited to those described above, and the first light guide plate 122 may be manufactured from other materials.

[0060] The diffusion sheet 123 may be placed on the first light guide plate 122. The diffusion sheet 123 improves brightness uniformity with respect to viewing angle by diffusing the light emitted from the first light guide plate 122. The diffusion sheet 123 may be formed from PET or PC (Poly Carbonate) resin and may include a particle coating layer that plays a role in diffusion.

[0061] The prism sheet 124 may be placed on the diffusion sheet 123. The prism sheet 124 concentrates the light emitted from the first light guide plate 122 or the diffusion sheet 123 so that the direction of propagation of the light approaches the normal direction of the display panel 110, thereby improving the front brightness of the display panel 110.

[0062] The prism sheet 124 may include a first prism sheet 124a and a second prism sheet 124b. Each of the first prism sheet 124a and the second prism sheet 124b may include a prism pattern. The prism patterns of the first prism sheet 124a and the prism pattern of the second prism sheet 124b may be arranged so that their axes are perpendicular to each other.

[0063] The brightness of the display device 1 can be improved by arranging the second light source package 131 on one and the other side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, and by including the first prism sheet 124a and the second prism sheet 124b in the prism sheet 124.

[0064] The Light Control Film (LCF) 125 may be placed on the prism sheet 124. The Light Control Film 125 can control the light emission profile of the first backlight unit 120. For example, the Light Control Film 125 can adjust the viewing angle to be narrower in the left-right (first direction DR1) and / or up-down (second direction DR2) directions of the light emitted from the first backlight unit 120.

[0065] The light-emitting control film 125 may include a plurality of light-shielding patterns BP and a pattern insulating film IL that fills the spaces between the light-shielding patterns BP. Although not shown in the figures, the light-emitting control film 125 may further include a lower substrate and an upper substrate that are positioned between the light-shielding patterns BP and the pattern insulating film IL.

[0066] The light-shielding pattern BP may contain a black dye such as carbon black. The light-shielding pattern BP may have a constant thickness in the thickness direction (third direction DR3) and extend parallel to the second direction DR2. Multiple light-shielding patterns BP may be provided and arranged repeatedly along the first direction DR1.

[0067] The spacing between adjacent light-shielding patterns BP may be constant across the entire display area DA, but is not limited to this. Multiple light-shielding patterns BP may all have the same thickness, but is not limited to this.

[0068] For example, the spacing between adjacent light-shielding patterns BP and the thickness of multiple light-shielding patterns BP may be the same across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, but are not limited to this.

[0069] Therefore, if the spacing between adjacent light-shielding patterns BP is constant across the entire area, and the thickness of all multiple light-shielding patterns BP is the same, the light emission control film 125 can more smoothly restrict the emission angle of the light emitted from the first light source package 121, making the direction of travel a narrower angle. Furthermore, in this case, a more uniform amount of light is provided across the entire display area DA, and the clarity can be improved across the entire display area DA.

[0070] The light-shielding pattern BP may restrict the path of light passing through the light-emitting control film 125. The light-emitting control film 125 adjusts the transmittance of light emitted from the first light source package 121, thereby increasing the contrast and sharpness of images and videos displayed in the display area DA.

[0071] Furthermore, the light emission control film 125 can limit the emission angle of light emitted from the first light source package 121 by using the light shielding pattern BP.

[0072] The light-shielding pattern BP may restrict the path of light passing through the light-emitting control film 125. By using the light-shielding pattern BP, the light-emitting control film 125 can suppress or prevent light emitted from the first light source package 121 from traveling to one side and the other side of the first direction DR1.

[0073] Of the light emitted from the first light source package 121, the light that travels in the third direction DR3 while traveling to one or the other side of the first direction DR1 can be blocked by the light emission control film 125. Therefore, the direction of propagation of the light emitted from the first light source package 121 that has passed through the light emission control film 125 has a narrow angle.

[0074] As a result, in the first display area DA1, most of the light emitted from the first light source package 121 may be directed towards the driver and not perceived by the passengers. In the second display area DA2, most of the light emitted from the first light source package 121 may be directed towards the passengers and not perceived by the driver.

[0075] The second backlight unit 130 may be placed on the first backlight unit 120. The second backlight unit 130 may include a second light source package 131 and a second light guide plate 132.

[0076] The second light guide plate 132 may be placed on the light emission control film 125. The second light guide plate 132 guides the light emitted from the second backlight unit 130 and emits it to its upper surface. The light emitted from the second backlight unit 130 may also be incident on the side surface of the second light guide plate 132.

[0077] The planar shape of the second light guide plate 132 may correspond to the planar shape of the display device 1. That is, the second light guide plate 132 may have a longer side extending in the first direction DR1 and a shorter side extending in the second direction DR2.

[0078] The second light guide plate 132 may be made of substantially the same material as the first light guide plate 122, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] The second light source package 131 may be positioned on the side of the second light guide plate 132. The second light source package 131 may be positioned facing (opposing) the long side of the second light guide plate 132. The second light source package 131 may extend along the first direction DR1.

[0080] The second light source package 131 may be arranged on both sides of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, but is not limited to this. That is, the second light guide plate 132 may be arranged between the second light source packages 131. The second light source packages 131 may be arranged opposite each other with the second light guide plate 132 in between.

[0081] The second light source package 131 may include a second light source LS2 and a second light source substrate BS2. The second light source substrate BS2 may extend along a first direction DR1. Multiple second light source LS2s are provided, and multiple second light source LS2s may be mounted on the second light source substrate BS2. Multiple second light source LS2s may be arranged on the second light source substrate BS2 and repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0082] In Figure 2, for the sake of explanation, only four second light sources LS2 are shown arranged on the second light source substrate BS2, but the invention is not limited to this, and more than four second light sources LS2 may be provided.

[0083] By repeatedly arranging multiple second light sources LS2 along the first direction DR1, the field of view of the first direction DR1 in share mode can be improved.

[0084] Multiple second light sources LS2 are powered and driven via the second light source substrate BS2 to generate light. While not limited to these, the second light sources LS2 can generate light using various light sources such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), external electrode fluorescent lamps (EEFLs), hot cathode fluorescent lamps (HCFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0085] Multiple second light sources LS2 may be driven independently. This allows the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 to be variable.

[0086] The second light source substrate BS2 can provide a space on which the second light source LS2 is positioned. The second light source substrate BS2 may have a circuit board mounted on it for the operation of the second light source LS2. The second light source substrate BS2 controls the second light source LS2 in response to electrical signals supplied via the wiring of the circuit board, thereby enabling the second light source LS2 to emit light.

[0087] The second light guide plate 132 can refract the light emitted from the second light source package 131 and incident on it not only in the second direction DR2 but also in the first direction DR1, thereby enabling the shear mode of the display device 1.

[0088] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the second light guide plate and its surrounding area according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the light guide pattern of the second light guide plate according to one embodiment. Figure 6 is a graph showing the density along the second direction of the light guide pattern according to one embodiment.

[0089] In Figure 6, the horizontal axis (X-axis) represents the position of the second light guide plate 132 in the second direction DR2, and the vertical axis (Y-axis) represents the density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area. That is, the vertical axis (Y-axis) represents the position of the second light guide plate 132 from one side of the second direction DR2 to the other side of the second direction DR2. The higher the density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area, the more light guide patterns 132a can be arranged per unit area.

[0090] Referring more to Figures 4 to 6, a polygonal, protruding light guide pattern 132a may be formed on the back surface of the second light guide plate 132. The light guide pattern 132a may be formed convexly on the back surface of the second light guide plate 132 by injection molding or printing. In other embodiments, the light guide pattern 132a may be formed as a recessed shape on the back surface of the second light guide plate 132.

[0091] In one embodiment, the light guide pattern 132a may have a pyramidal shape. In this case, the light guide pattern 132a may have a symmetrical shape in which the inclinations of all four sides forming the pyramid are the same or substantially similar. This allows the light emitted from the second light source package 131, which is positioned on one and the other sides of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, to be uniformly refracted or dispersed on one and the other sides of the first direction DR1, and a portion of the display area DA corresponding to the area where the second light source LS2 is turned on can operate more smoothly in share mode.

[0092] In one embodiment, the length L of one side of the symmetrical pyramid is approximately 10 to 50 μm, and may be, for example, approximately 30 μm. Also in one embodiment, the angle a between the back surface of the second light guide plate 132 and one side surface of the symmetrical pyramid is approximately 20 to 60°, and may be, for example, approximately 40°. The angle c between the back surface of the second light guide plate 132 and the other side surface of the symmetrical pyramid is approximately 20 to 60°, and may be, for example, approximately 40°. The apex angle b of the symmetrical pyramid may be approximately 100°.

[0093] The angle a between the back surface of the second light guide plate 132 and one side surface of the symmetrical pyramid, and the angle c between the back surface of the second light guide plate 132 and the other side surface of the symmetrical pyramid, may be the same, but are not limited to this.

[0094] The height h1 of the symmetrical pyramid is determined based on its size and the inclination of its four sides, and is, for example, 5 μm to 30 μm. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0095] The light guide patterns 132a may be arranged at regular or irregular intervals. The density per unit area of ​​the light guide patterns 132a may vary depending on the position of the second light guide plate 132.

[0096] The density per unit area of ​​the light guide pattern 132a may vary depending on the second direction DR2.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6, the density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area on the second light guide plate 132 may decrease as it approaches the second light source package 131 and increase as it moves away from the second light source package 131. By arranging the second light source package 131 on both one and the other side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, the density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area on the second light guide plate 132 may increase as it approaches the center along the second direction DR2 and decrease as it approaches one and the other side of the second direction DR2 from the center.

[0098] As the density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area increases with distance from the second light source package 131, even if the amount of light reaching the area is insufficient due to the distance from the second light source package 131, the proportion of light refracted or dispersed in the first direction DR1 can be increased by more light guide patterns 132a.

[0099] Therefore, the light passing through the second light guide plate 132 becomes more uniform across the entire display area DA. Furthermore, the brightness uniformity of the display device 1 across different viewing angles can be improved.

[0100] The density per unit area of ​​the light guide pattern 132a on the second light guide plate 132 may be the same along the first direction DR1, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] The light incident on the second light guide plate 132 from the second light source package 131 may have its emission angle controlled by a light guide pattern 132a formed on the back surface. By forming the light guide pattern 132a in a symmetrical pyramidal shape or a dot shape, the light emitted from the second light source packages 131 positioned on one and the other sides of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132 may be refracted by the four faces or curved surfaces of the light guide pattern 132a. As a result, the light emitted from the second light source package 131 can be refracted not only in the second direction DR2 but also in the first direction DR1 in the light guide pattern 132a before emission.

[0102] When the light emitted from the second light source package 131 passes through the second light guide plate 132, it may be refracted to one side and the other side of the first direction DR1 and emitted, and the light emitted from the second light source package 131 may be emitted with a wide angle in the first direction DR1.

[0103] In other words, at least a portion of the display area DA corresponding to the area where the second light source LS2, which emits light from the second light source package 131 (turned on), is located, can display images and videos in share mode.

[0104] In this specification, at least a portion of the display area DA corresponding to the area where the turned-on second light source LS2 is located may refer to at least a portion of the display area DA located on one or the other side of the second direction DR2 of the turned-on second light source LS2.

[0105] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a display device in which both the first and second display areas operate in share mode. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a display device in which the first display area operates in share mode and the second display area operates in private mode.

[0106] Referring more to Figures 7 and 8, each of the multiple second light sources LS2 may be turned on and turned off independently. This allows at least some of the multiple second light sources LS2 to be turned on, and at least some of the display area DA corresponding to the area where the turned-on second light sources LS2 are located to be switched to share mode.

[0107] The light emitted from the first light source package 121 and passing through the light emission control film 125 has a narrow viewing angle. Therefore, when there is no light emitted from the second light source package 131, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 operate in private mode.

[0108] As shown in Figure 7, when the second light source LS2, which is positioned in the regions corresponding to the first display region DA1 and the second display region DA2, is turned on and emits light, the first display region DA1 and the second display region DA2 can emit both light L1, which has a narrow viewing angle and is emitted from the first light source package 121 and has passed through the light emission control film 125, and light L2, which has a wide viewing angle and is emitted from the second light source package 131 and has passed through the second light guide plate 132 and has passed in the first direction DR1.

[0109] Therefore, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be operated in shared mode.

[0110] As shown in Figure 8, a portion of the second light source LS2 located in the region corresponding to the first display area DA1 turns on and emits light, while the remaining portion of the second light source LS2 located in the region corresponding to the second display area DA2 does not need to turn off and emit light.

[0111] In this case, the first display area DA1 can emit both light L1 with a narrow viewing angle emitted from the first light source package 121 and passing through the light emission control film 125, and light L2 with a wide viewing angle in the first direction DR1, which is emitted from the second light source package 131 and passing through the second light guide plate 132. The second display area DA2 can emit only light L1 with a narrow viewing angle that has passed through the light emission control film 125 and passing through the second light guide plate 132.

[0112] Therefore, the first display area DA1 can operate in shared mode, and the second display area DA2 can operate in private mode.

[0113] As a result, each of the multiple second light sources LS2 can operate independently, and the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can switch between shared mode and private mode depending on whether the second light sources LS2 are turned on or off. Furthermore, by adjusting the number and position of the second light sources LS2 that are turned on, the boundary BD between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be adjusted to the first direction DR1.

[0114] When the first display area DA1 operates only in share mode, the first light source LS1 and the second light source LS2, which are located in the area corresponding to the first display area DA1, can maintain their turned-on state.

[0115] Here, the first light source LS1 located in the area corresponding to the first display area DA1 may refer to the first light source LS1 located in the third direction DR3 of the first display area DA1. The second light source LS2 located in the area corresponding to the first display area DA1 may refer to the second light source LS2 located on one side and the other side of the second direction DR2 of the first display area DA1.

[0116] When the second display area DA2 switches between shared mode and private mode, the first light source LS1 located in the area corresponding to the second display area DA2 maintains the turned-on state, while the second light source LS2 located in the area corresponding to the second display area DA2 may switch between the turned-on state and the turned-off state. Therefore, depending on the location of the second light source LS2, which switches between turned-on and turned-off, the arrangement of the second display area DA2 changes, and the boundary BD between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may change.

[0117] Here, the first light source LS1 located in the area corresponding to the second display area DA2 may refer to the first light source LS1 located in the third direction DR3 of the second display area DA2. The second light source LS2 located in the area corresponding to the second display area DA2 may refer to the second light source LS2 located on one side and the other side of the second direction DR2 of the second display area DA2.

[0118] However, this is not limited to the above, and the display area DA may also consist of a second display area DA2 that can switch between shared mode and private mode in all areas.

[0119] By including both a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, the display device 1 can provide the driver and passenger with different images depending on their viewing angle. Furthermore, by arranging the second light source package 131 on one and the other side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, the second display area DA2 can be varied in various ways, improving user convenience. In addition, unnecessary manufacturing processes are simplified, thus reducing production energy.

[0120] Other embodiments of this specification are described below. Components included in other embodiments that are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant components may be omitted or simplified.

[0121] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the second light guide plate and its surrounding area according to another embodiment.

[0122] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment includes a second light guide plate 132 and a second light source package 131 arranged around the second light guide plate 132. However, the second light source package 131 may be arranged on only one side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, or the other side.

[0123] Figures 9 and 10 show the second light source package 131 positioned only on the other side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, but this is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the second light source package 131 may be positioned only on one side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132.

[0124] In this case, the density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area on the second light guide plate 132 may decrease as it approaches the second light source package 131 and increase as it moves away from the second light source package 131. The density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area may also increase as it approaches one side from the other side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132.

[0125] The density of the light guide pattern 132a per unit area increases as it moves further away from the second light source package 131, thereby improving the brightness uniformity of the display device 1 across different viewing angles.

[0126] In this case as well, each of the second light sources LS2 of the second light source package 131 is driven independently, and the size of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 becomes variable, providing the user with improved convenience.

[0127] Furthermore, by positioning the second light source package 131 on only one side of the second direction DR2 of the second light guide plate 132, the costs required for the manufacturing process can be reduced, and the bezel of the display device 1_1 can be reduced, improving its aesthetics.

[0128] Figure 11 is a plan view of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0129] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the display device 1_2 according to this embodiment includes a display area DA_2, and the display area DA_2 may further include a third display area DA3. Furthermore, the display device 1_2 according to this embodiment may further include a first boundary BD1 between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, and a second boundary BD2 between the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3.

[0130] The first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3 may be arranged in order along the first direction DR1.

[0131] The first display area DA1 may operate in the first mode, and the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may each operate in the first mode and the second mode.

[0132] For example, the first mode may be a Share mode, which does not restrict the lateral viewing angle of the display device 1_2. The second mode may be a Private mode, which restricts the lateral viewing angle of the display device 1_2. That is, the Share mode may be a mode with a wide viewing angle, and the Private mode may be a mode with a narrow viewing angle.

[0133] In other words, the first display area DA1 may be an area that maintains the share mode during the operation of the display device 1_2. The second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may selectively operate in share mode and private mode during the operation of the display device 1_2.

[0134] If each of the multiple second light sources LS2 can be controlled and operated independently, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may independently switch from shared mode to private mode, or from private mode to shared mode.

[0135] Furthermore, the sizes of the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3 are variable. In other words, if each of the multiple second light sources LS2 can be controlled and operated independently, the first boundary BD and the second boundary BD2 can be moved along the first direction DR1 by adjusting the number and position of the second light sources LS2 that are turned on.

[0136] When the first display area DA1 operates only in share mode, the first light source LS1 and the second light source LS2, which are located in the area corresponding to the first display area DA1, can maintain their turned-on state.

[0137] When the second display area DA2 switches between shared mode and private mode, the first light source LS1 located in the area corresponding to the second display area DA2 can maintain its turned-on state. The second light source LS2 located in the area corresponding to the second display area DA2 may switch between a turned-on state and a turned-off state, thereby switching between shared mode and private mode of the second display area DA2.

[0138] Depending on the position of the second light source LS2, which switches between turn-on and turn-off, the arrangement of the second display area DA2 changes, and the first boundary BD1 between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may change.

[0139] When the third display area DA3 switches between shared mode and private mode, the first light source LS1 located in the area corresponding to the third display area DA3 can maintain the turned-on state. The second light source LS2 located in the area corresponding to the third display area DA3 may switch between the turned-on state and the turned-off state, thereby allowing the third display area DA3 to switch between shared mode and private mode.

[0140] Depending on the position of the second light source LS2, which switches between turn-on and turn-off, the arrangement of the third display area DA3 changes, and the second boundary BD2 between the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may change.

[0141] In this case as well, each of the second light sources LS2 of the second light source package 131 is driven independently, and the size of each of the first display area DA1, second display area DA2, and third display area DA3 becomes variable, providing the user with improved convenience.

[0142] Furthermore, by comprising a second display area DA2 and a third display area DA3, which allow switching between shared mode and private mode, the screen display methods of the display device 1_2 are further diversified, providing users with improved usability of the display device 1_2.

[0143] Display devices according to various embodiments of this specification can be described as follows.

[0144] A display device according to an embodiment of this specification includes a plurality of first light sources, a diffusion sheet disposed on the first light sources, a prism sheet disposed on the diffusion sheet, a light emission control film disposed on the prism sheet, a light guide plate disposed on the light emission control film and having a long side extending in a first direction and a short side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of second light sources disposed so as to face the long side of the light guide plate, wherein the plurality of second light sources are repeatedly arranged along the first direction and each is driven independently.

[0145] According to various embodiments of this specification, the display may include a first display area that operates in a share mode with a wide viewing angle, and a second display area that can switch between a share mode with a wide viewing angle and a private mode with a narrow viewing angle.

[0146] According to various embodiments of this specification, the first display area and the second display area may be arranged along the first direction.

[0147] According to various embodiments of this specification, when the second display area operates in share mode, some of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second display area may be in a turn-on state, and when the second display area operates in private mode, some of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second display area may be in a turn-off state.

[0148] According to various embodiments of this specification, when the first display area is operating in share mode, the remaining of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the first display area may be in a turn-on state.

[0149] According to various embodiments of this specification, the light guide plate further includes a plurality of light guide patterns disposed on the back surface facing the light emission control film, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns may increase as they move further away from the plurality of second light sources.

[0150] According to various embodiments of this specification, the plurality of second light sources may be arranged on both one and the other side of the light guide plate in the second direction, and the density of the plurality of light guide patterns per unit area may increase as you move from the long side of the light guide plate towards the center.

[0151] According to various embodiments of this specification, the plurality of light guide patterns have a pyramidal shape projecting toward the light-emitting control film, and the inclination of the four sides forming the pyramidal shape may all be identical.

[0152] According to various embodiments of this specification, the light-emitting control film includes a plurality of light-shielding patterns and a pattern insulating film between the light-shielding patterns, wherein the plurality of light-shielding patterns may extend along the second direction and be repeatedly arranged along the first direction.

[0153] According to various embodiments of this specification, the plurality of light-shielding patterns may have the same thickness in the thickness direction and be repeatedly arranged at regular intervals along the first direction.

[0154] According to various embodiments of this specification, the prism sheet includes a first prism sheet and a second prism sheet stacked in order, wherein the prism patterns of the first prism sheet and the second prism sheet may have axes that are orthogonal to each other.

[0155] According to various embodiments of this specification, the present invention further includes a display panel disposed on the light guide plate, the display panel may include a lower substrate, an upper substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the lower substrate and the upper substrate.

[0156] According to various embodiments of this specification, the plurality of first light sources may be arranged below the diffusion sheet.

[0157] According to various embodiments of this specification, the plurality of second light sources may be arranged on either one side or the other side of the light guide plate in the second direction.

[0158] According to various embodiments of this specification, the light guide plate further includes a plurality of light guide patterns disposed on the back surface facing the light emission control film, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns may increase as they move further away from the plurality of second light sources.

[0159] A display device according to an embodiment of this specification includes: a first display area operating in a share mode having a wide viewing angle; a second display area disposed on one side of the first display area in a first direction and switchable between a share mode having a wide viewing angle and a private mode having a narrow viewing angle; a boundary between the first display area and the second display area extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of first light sources disposed across the first display area and the second display area; a light guide plate disposed on the first light sources; and a plurality of second light sources disposed facing the side surface of the light guide plate and repeatedly arranged along the first direction, wherein the boundary between the first display area and the second display area may move in the first direction in accordance with the turn-on and turn-off of the plurality of second light sources.

[0160] According to various embodiments of this specification, when the second display area operates in share mode, some of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second display area may be in a turn-on state, and when the second display area operates in private mode, some of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second display area may be in a turn-off state.

[0161] According to various embodiments of this specification, when the first display area is operating in share mode, the remaining of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the first display area may be in a turn-on state.

[0162] According to various embodiments of this specification, the light guide plate further includes a plurality of light guide patterns arranged on the back surface facing the plurality of first light sources, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns may increase as it moves further away from the plurality of second light sources.

[0163] According to various embodiments of this specification, the plurality of second light sources may be arranged on both one and the other side of the light guide plate in the second direction, and the density of the plurality of light guide patterns per unit area may increase as you move from the side of the light guide plate towards the center.

[0164] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art in the field to which this specification belongs will understand that the above-described technical configurations can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the above embodiments should be understood to be illustrative and not restrictive in any respect. Furthermore, the scope of the embodiments is indicated by the claims, which will be discussed later, rather than by the detailed description. In addition, all modifications or altered forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims, and equivalent concepts thereto, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0165] 1:Display device DA:Display area NDA: Hidden area 110: Display Panel 120: First backlight unit 121: First light source package 122: 1st light guide plate 123: Diffusion Sheet 124: Prism Sheet 125: Idemitsu Control Film 130: Second backlight unit 131: Second light source package 132:Second light guide plate 132a: Light guide pattern

Claims

1. Multiple first light sources, A diffusion sheet placed on the first light source, A prism sheet placed on the aforementioned diffusion sheet, A light emission control film placed on the prism sheet, A light guide plate is disposed on the light emission control film and has a long side extending in a first direction and a short side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A plurality of second light sources are arranged so as to face the long side of the light guide plate, Includes, A display device in which the plurality of second light sources are repeatedly arranged along the first direction and each can be driven independently.

2. A first display area that operates in share mode with a wide viewing angle, The display device according to claim 1, comprising a second display area that can switch between a shared mode having a wide viewing angle and a private mode having a narrow viewing angle.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the first display area and the second display area are arranged along the first direction.

4. When the second display area operates in share mode, some of the multiple second light sources corresponding to the second display area are in a turn-on state. The display device according to claim 3, wherein when the second display area is operating in private mode, some of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second display area are in a turn-off state.

5. The boundary between the first display area and the second display area extends in the second direction, The display device according to claim 2, wherein the boundary between the first display area and the second display area is variable in the first direction according to the turn-on and turn-off of the plurality of second light sources.

6. The light guide plate further includes a plurality of light guide patterns on its back surface facing the light emission control film, The display device according to claim 1, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns increases as they move further away from the plurality of second light sources.

7. The plurality of second light sources are arranged on both one side and the other side of the light guide plate in the second direction. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns increases from the long side of the light guide plate toward the central portion along the second direction.

8. The plurality of light guide patterns have a pyramidal shape that protrudes toward the light emission control film, The display device according to claim 7, wherein the inclination of all four sides forming the pyramidal shape is the same.

9. The light emission control film includes a plurality of light-shielding patterns and a pattern insulating film between the light-shielding patterns. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-shielding patterns extend along the second direction and are repeatedly arranged along the first direction.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of light-shielding patterns have the same thickness in the thickness direction and are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals along the first direction.

11. The prism sheet includes a first prism sheet and a second prism sheet that are stacked in order. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the prism pattern of the first prism sheet and the prism pattern of the second prism sheet have axes that are perpendicular to each other.

12. The present invention further includes a display panel disposed on the light guide plate, The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display panel includes a lower substrate, an upper substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the lower substrate and the upper substrate.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first light sources are arranged below the diffusion sheet.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second light sources are arranged on only one of either one side or the other side of the light guide plate in the second direction.

15. The light guide plate includes a plurality of light guide patterns on its back surface facing the light emission control film. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns increases as they move further away from the plurality of second light sources.

16. A first display area that operates in share mode with a wide viewing angle, A second display area is provided, which is located on one side of the first direction of the first display area and is capable of switching between a shared mode having a wide viewing angle and a private mode having a narrow viewing angle. A boundary between the first display region and the second display region extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A plurality of first light sources arranged across the first display area and the second display area, A light guide plate is placed on the first light source, A plurality of second light sources are arranged so as to face the side surface of the light guide plate and are repeatedly arranged along the first direction, Includes, A display device in which the boundary between the first display area and the second display area can move in the first direction in accordance with the turn-on and turn-off of the plurality of second light sources.

17. When the second display area operates in share mode, some of the multiple second light sources corresponding to the second display area are in a turn-on state. The display device according to claim 16, wherein when the second display area is operating in private mode, some of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the second display area are in a turn-off state.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein when the first display area is operating in share mode, the remaining of the plurality of second light sources corresponding to the first display area are in a turn-on state.

19. The light guide plate includes a plurality of light guide patterns on its back surface facing the plurality of first light sources. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns increases as they move further away from the plurality of second light sources.

20. The plurality of second light sources are arranged on both one side and the other side of the light guide plate in the second direction. The display device according to claim 19, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the plurality of light guide patterns increases from the side surface of the light guide plate toward the central portion along the second direction.

Images