Indication device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and overlapping with at least a portion of the display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed alongside the second light source unit and guiding the light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using the light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate protrudes from its lower surface and includes a plurality of protruding patterns that have different longitudinal axes.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0007] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] As technology in modern society develops, display devices are widely used to provide information to users. The display device includes various electronic devices that require higher technologies, such as an electro-optical panel that simply transmits visual information in one direction, and that also checks user input and provides information corresponding to the confirmed input.

[0003] For example, a display device can be included in a vehicle to provide various information to the driver and passengers of the vehicle. However, the display device in the vehicle needs to appropriately display content so as not to interfere with the operation of the vehicle. For example, the display device needs to limit the display of content that can reduce the concentration on driving during the operation of the vehicle. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and overlapping with at least a portion of the display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed alongside the second light source unit and guiding the light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using the light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may include a plurality of protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and have different longitudinal axes.

[0008] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This specification describes how, by controlling the emission of some of the multiple light sources located at the bottom of the display panel according to the drive mode, the first mode controls both the first and second regions to wide-view mode, and the second mode controls the first region to wide-view mode and the second region to narrow-view mode.

[0010] This specification describes how to disperse the straight-line propagation of light traveling in a specific direction within a light guide plate, thereby minimizing the phenomenon in which stripes or other patterns are visible along that direction.

[0011] The effects described herein are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included within this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an illustrative diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a display panel included in a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4a]It is a side view schematically showing an example of an optical control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4b] It is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA1 portion of FIG. 4a. [Figure 5a] It is a side view schematically showing another example of the optical control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5b] It is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of FIG. 5a. [Figure 6] It is a side view schematically showing still another example of the optical control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a side view schematically showing still another example of the optical control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 8a] It is a side view schematically showing still another example of the optical control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 8b] It is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of FIG. 8a. [Figure 9] It is a side view schematically showing still another example of the optical control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] It is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 12a] It is a rear view schematically showing an example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 12b] It is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA4 portion of FIG. 12a. [Figure 13a] It is a rear view schematically showing another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 13b] It is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA5 portion of FIG. 13a. [Figure 14a] It is a rear view schematically showing still another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 14b] It is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA6 portion of FIG. 14a. [Figure 15] It is a rear view schematically showing still another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 16] It is a rear view schematically showing another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 17] It is a rear view schematically showing another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 18] It is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of the protruding patterns included in the light guide plate of the display device of FIG. 2. [Figure 19] It is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 20] It is a rear view schematically showing an example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a front view schematically showing an example of the light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] It is a view showing an example of the light control pattern included in the light guide plate of FIG. 21.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The advantages and features of the present specification, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and is embodied in various different forms. Merely, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present specification becomes complete and that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present specification pertains are fully informed of the scope of the present specification.

[0014] The shapes, areas, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings illustrating the embodiments of this specification are illustrative and the specification is not limited to those illustrated. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, in describing this specification, if it is determined that a specific explanation of related prior art would unnecessarily obscure the gist of this specification, such detailed explanation will be omitted. Where "includes," "has," "is made," etc., are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed singularly, it includes cases where it includes multiple components unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0015] When interpreting the constituent elements, they shall be interpreted as including a margin of error, even if not explicitly stated otherwise.

[0016] When describing a spatial relationship, for example, when describing the positional relationship between two parts using phrases like "on top," "above," "below," or "next to," it is acceptable for one or more other parts to be located between the two parts, as long as "immediately" or "directly" is not used.

[0017] When an element or layer is referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or other element is interposed immediately above or between the other element.

[0018] Furthermore, while terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe a variety of components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may also be the second component within the technical concept of this specification.

[0019] Throughout the specification, the same reference numeral refers to the same component.

[0020] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and this specification is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the components shown.

[0021] The features of each of the various embodiments described herein can be combined or linked together, either partially or entirely, allowing for a variety of technically diverse interoperability and drive, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of the others or together in relation to one another.

[0022] In the following, this specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, the display device 100 may be located on at least part of the vehicle's dashboard. The vehicle's dashboard may include configurations located in front of the front seats of the vehicle (e.g., driver's seat, passenger seat). For example, the vehicle's dashboard may house input configurations for operating various functions inside the vehicle (e.g., air conditioning, audio system, navigation system).

[0025] The display device 100 is positioned on the vehicle's dashboard and can function as an input unit for operating at least some of the vehicle's various functions. The display device 100 can provide various information related to the vehicle, such as vehicle operation information (e.g., current vehicle speed, remaining fuel amount, mileage), information on vehicle components (e.g., degree of damage to the vehicle's tires), etc.

[0026] The display device 100 may be positioned across the driver's seat and the front passenger seat located in the front seats of the vehicle. Users of the display device 100 may include the driver of the vehicle and the passenger in the front passenger seat. Anyone, whether the driver or passenger of the vehicle, can use the display device 100.

[0027] The display device 100 shown in Figure 1 may only be partially shown. The display device 100 shown in Figure 1 may only show the display panel among the various components included in the display device 100. Specifically, the display device 100 shown in Figure 1 may only show at least a portion of the display area and non-display area of ​​the display panel. Components of the display device 100 other than those shown in Figure 1 may be implemented inside (or at least partially inside) the vehicle.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display panel for a display device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0029] On the other hand, for the sake of explanation, the horizontal direction on a plane is referred to as the first direction X, and the vertical direction on a plane is referred to as the second direction Y. Furthermore, the normal direction of the surface defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y, for example, the thickness direction of the display device 100, can be defined as the third direction Z.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification may include a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a light control unit 130, a second light source unit 140, a light guide plate 150, and a display panel 160.

[0031] The display panel 160 can generate an image for the user using light provided from a light source located at its bottom. For example, the display panel 160 can display an image by adjusting the transmittance to the light provided from the first light source 110 and / or the second light source 140 located at its bottom.

[0032] A liquid crystal display panel may be used as the display panel 160. For example, the display panel 160 may include a lower substrate, an upper substrate facing the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. Here, the liquid crystal layer may be driven by a vertical electric field drive method such as TN (Twisted Nematic) mode and VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, or a horizontal electric field drive method such as IPS (In Plane Switching) mode and FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode, but is not limited to these.

[0033] The display panel 160 may include a display area on which an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area.

[0034] The display area of ​​the display panel 160 can be divided into multiple areas. In other words, the display area can contain multiple areas.

[0035] For example, referring further to Figure 3, the display area AA of the display panel 160 may include multiple areas arranged along the first direction X. As an example, the display area AA may include a first area A1 and a second area A2 adjacent to the first area A1 in the first direction X.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 160 are arranged to cross the driver's seat and the passenger seat located in the front seats of the vehicle, as described with reference to Figure 1, and can provide a variety of information to the driver and passengers of the vehicle. The first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 160 can each display different informational images to the user. For example, the first region A1 of the display panel 160 includes an area provided on the driver's side of the front seats of the vehicle and / or an area provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, such as the CID area, which provides information such as driving speed and RPM, engine temperature, and fuel quantity. The second region A2 of the display panel 160 includes an area provided on the passenger side of the front seats of the vehicle, such as the CDD area, which can provide entertainment functions and seat information for passengers sitting in the passenger seat. However, such region divisions are for the convenience of explanation, and the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 160 can be defined in various ways depending on the design.

[0037] On the other hand, when the display panel 160 is used in a vehicle as described with reference to Figure 1, the field of view of at least a portion of the display panel 160 may be restricted at the user's request. For example, in the case of images displayed in the second area A2, which provides entertainment functions and seat information for a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, these images may interfere with the driver's driving of the vehicle, so it may be necessary to restrict the field of view of the images displayed in the second area A2 at the user's request.

[0038] For example, depending on the driving mode of the display device 100, in the first mode, the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display panel 160 are both controlled to wide-view mode (Share mode) to display an image, and in the second mode, at least a portion of the display panel 160, for example, the second area A2, is controlled to narrow-view mode (Private mode) to display an image. To achieve this, the display device 100 can control the display panel 160 to either the first mode or the second mode by controlling the emission of light from the second light source 140, which is located at the top of a plurality of light sources located at the bottom of the display panel 160.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a light control unit 130, a second light source unit 140, and a light guide plate 150 may be arranged at the bottom of the display panel 160.

[0040] The first light source unit 110 generates light and can provide the generated light in a third direction Z, for example, towards the optical sheet 120. The first light source unit 110 may be located below the optical sheet 120. For example, the first light source unit 110 may be a direct-type backlight assembly.

[0041] The first light source unit 110 may include a first circuit board 111 and a plurality of first light sources 112 arranged on the first circuit board 111.

[0042] The first circuit board 111 may include a drive circuit for driving multiple first light sources 112. The drive circuit on the first circuit board 111 can generate electrical signals for driving multiple first light sources 112 and supply these signals to the multiple first light sources 112. However, it is not limited to this, and the drive circuit may be located outside the first circuit board 111.

[0043] Multiple first light sources 112 can be mounted on a first circuit board 111. For example, multiple first light sources 112 can be arranged on the first circuit board 111 spaced apart from each other along a first direction X and a second direction Y, and mounted on the upper surface, which is one face of the first circuit board 111. As an example, multiple first light sources 112 can be arranged and mounted on the first circuit board 111 in a matrix configuration, but are not limited to this.

[0044] Each of the multiple first light sources 112 may be configured to emit white light, but is not limited to this; each of the multiple first light sources 112 may be configured to emit light of any one wavelength of red, green, or blue.

[0045] Multiple first light sources 112 may be used, but are not limited to, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), or external electrode fluorescent lamps.

[0046] At least one optical sheet 120 may be placed on the first light source unit 110. The first light source unit 110 may include multiple optical sheets for diffusing or focusing light incident from the first light source unit 110.

[0047] For example, the optical sheet 120 may include a first optical sheet 121 and a second optical sheet 122. The first optical sheet 121 can diffuse the light provided from the first light source 110 and allow it to travel upward, for example, in a third direction Z. For example, the first optical sheet 121 may be a diffusion sheet. The second optical sheet 122 can focus the light that has passed through the first optical sheet 121 and allow it to travel upward, for example, in a third direction Z. For example, the second optical sheet 122 may be a prism sheet.

[0048] However, the optical sheet 120 may further include other optical sheets in addition to the first optical sheet 121 and the second optical sheet 122, such as a protective sheet or a brightness-enhancing sheet like a DBEF (dual brightness enhancement film), or it may include a composite optical sheet in which a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet are integrated instead of the first optical sheet 121 and the second optical sheet 122.

[0049] An optical control unit 130 may be placed on the optical sheet 120.

[0050] The optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below. For example, the optical control unit 130 can limit the viewing angle or emission angle with respect to the first direction X for light emitted from the first light source unit 110, passing through the optical sheet 120 and traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA. That is, the optical control unit 130 can reduce or narrow the profile of the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 and incident on the optical control unit 130 in the first direction X. In this case, the viewing angle with respect to the first direction X of the image displayed by the light may be reduced.

[0051] For this purpose, the optical control unit 130 may include a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partitions 133 positioned between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. On the other hand, the term partition used herein is used for convenience of explanation and may be defined by the term louver or by the term viewing angle control pattern instead of partition.

[0052] Each of the partition walls 133 may extend in a second direction Y between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. In this case, the light control unit 130, for example, light incident on a spaced-out region between the partition walls 133, may have its light profile narrowed in the first direction X by the spaced-apart partition walls 133, and the display panel 160 may receive light that is mostly limited to the front direction, for example, a third direction Z.

[0053] As a result, in the region where the multiple partitions 133 of the light control unit 130 are arranged, light can be provided to a first range, and in the region where the multiple partitions 133 of the light control unit 130 are not arranged, light can be provided to a second range that is wider than the first range. Therefore, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110, in the region of the display area AA that overlaps with the region where the multiple partitions 133 of the light control unit 130 are arranged, the image can be displayed at a second viewing angle, and in the region that overlaps with the region where the multiple partitions 133 are not arranged, the image can be displayed at a first viewing angle. The first viewing angle may have a value greater than the second viewing angle. For example, the first viewing angle may be defined as a wide viewing angle, and the second viewing angle may be defined as a narrow viewing angle.

[0054] Furthermore, the optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 so that it differs for each region. For example, the optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below and traveling in the third direction Z for each region of the display region AA. As an example, the optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the second region A2 of the display region AA for the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit 110.

[0055] In such a case, the multiple partitions 133 may be arranged in an area that overlaps with the second area A2. As a result, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source 110, the image may be displayed with the second viewing angle controlled in the second area A2 that overlaps with the area where the multiple partitions 133 are arranged, while in other areas, such as the first area A1, the viewing angle may not be controlled and the image may be displayed at the first viewing angle.

[0056] However, this is merely an example, and the area in which the partition walls 133 are placed is not limited to this. For example, multiple partition walls 133 may be placed in the entire area overlapping with the display area AA. A detailed explanation of this will be given later with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

[0057] A second light source unit 140 and a light guide plate 150 may be arranged on the light control unit 130.

[0058] The second light source unit 140 can generate light and supply the generated light to the light guide plate 150. The second light source unit 140 may be positioned on the side surface of the light guide plate 150. For example, the second light source unit 140 may be an edge-type backlight assembly.

[0059] The second light source unit 140 may include a second circuit board 141 and a plurality of second light sources 142 arranged on the second circuit board 141.

[0060] The second circuit board 141 may include a drive circuit for driving multiple second light sources 142. The drive circuit on the second circuit board 141 can generate electrical signals for driving multiple second light sources 142 and supply these signals to the multiple second light sources 142. However, it is not limited to this, and the drive circuit may be located outside the second circuit board 141.

[0061] The second circuit board 141 may be positioned on one side of the light guide plate 150. That is, the second circuit board 141 may be positioned alongside the light guide plate 150. For example, the second circuit board 141 may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of one of the short sides of the light guide plate 150, for example, along the second direction Y. However, it is not limited to this, and the second circuit board 141 may be positioned corresponding to one of the long sides of the light guide plate 150.

[0062] Furthermore, multiple second light sources 142 can be mounted on the second circuit board 141. For example, multiple second light sources 142 can be arranged on the second circuit board 141 spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y, and mounted on the top surface, which is one side of the second circuit board 141.

[0063] Each of the multiple second light sources 142 may be configured to emit white light, but is not limited to this; each of the multiple second light sources 142 may be configured to emit light of any one wavelength of red, green, or blue.

[0064] Multiple second light sources 142 may be used, but are not limited to, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), or external electrode fluorescent lamps.

[0065] The light guide plate 150 may be positioned on the light control unit 130 and on the side of the second light source unit 140. For example, the light guide plate 150 may be located on substantially the same plane as the second light source unit 140.

[0066] The light guide plate 150 may be formed from a translucent material such as glass, quartz, or polymer, so that light can be efficiently guided. The polymer may consist of, for example, an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a material having a predetermined refractive index such as polycarbonate (PC).

[0067] The light guide plate 150 can guide the light provided from the second light source unit 140 and direct it toward the display panel 160, for example, in a third direction Z. For example, light incident from the second light source unit 140 through the side where the second light source unit 140 is located can be converted to a third direction Z, where the direction of travel is toward the display panel 160, as it travels through the light guide plate 150 through total internal reflection. Thus, a uniform surface light source can be provided toward the display panel 160.

[0068] Furthermore, the light provided from the first light source unit 110 through the optical sheet 120 and the light control unit 130 can travel in a third direction Z, which is the direction toward the display panel 160 through the light guide plate 150.

[0069] The light guide plate 150 may include a plurality of protruding patterns 151 arranged on its lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns 151 may be formed as an embossed shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, for example, in the opposite direction to the third direction Z.

[0070] Each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may include a material having a refractive index different from that of vacuum or air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of vacuum or air. For example, each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may include the same material as the light guide plate 150, and each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may have the same refractive index as the light guide plate 150, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] Multiple protruding patterns 151 may be formed projecting downwards from the light guide plate 150, for example, in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. Multiple protruding patterns 151 may be arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150.

[0072] However, the arrangement density of the protruding patterns 151 is not limited thereto, and multiple protruding patterns 151 may be arranged at different densities in different regions on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150. For example, the arrangement density of the protruding patterns 151 may decrease as you move away from the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as you move away from the boundary in the first direction X and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0073] Each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may have four inclined surfaces that make a predetermined angle with a plane, for example, a plane defined by a first direction X and a second direction Y. For example, each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may have a square pyramidal shape.

[0074] These multiple protruding patterns 151 allow the path of light incident on the light guide plate 150 to be controlled. A detailed explanation of the arrangement density and shape of the multiple protruding patterns 151 and the configuration in which the path of light is controlled by the multiple protruding patterns 151 will be given later with reference to Figures 10 to 18.

[0075] Furthermore, the major axis directions of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may differ from each other. For example, the major axis directions of at least some of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may differ from the major axis directions of the remaining parts of the multiple protruding patterns 151. When the major axis directions of the multiple protruding patterns 151 are formed in such a way that they differ from each other, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon in which striped patterns or the like may be visible when the major axis directions of the multiple protruding patterns 151 are formed in only one direction, for example, in the first direction X, due to the straight propagation of light traveling within the light guide plate 150 along the major axis direction of the protruding patterns 151.

[0076] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the drive mode of the display device 100 can be controlled by the emission of light from the second light source 142 included in the second light source unit 140.

[0077] For example, in the first mode, all of the multiple first light sources 112 of the first light source unit 110 and all of the multiple second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 can emit light. In this case, even if the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 in at least a portion of the display area AA, for example, the area overlapping with the second area A2, is controlled by the light control unit 130, the light emitted from the second light source unit 140 travels in a third direction Z toward the display panel 160 by the light guide plate 150 and is provided to the entire display area AA, so that the image can be displayed in the first viewing angle across the entire area of ​​the display panel 160. As a result, in the first mode, the image can be displayed in wide-view mode (Share mode) across the entire area of ​​the display area AA, for example, across the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0078] Furthermore, in the second mode, the multiple first light sources 112 of the first light source unit 110 may emit light, while the multiple second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 may not emit light. Therefore, the image displayed by the display panel 160 in the second mode can only be realized by the light provided by the first light source unit 110. In this case, the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 in the area of ​​the display area AA that overlaps with the second area A2 is controlled by the light control unit 130, so that the image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the first area A1 of the display panel 160, and at the second viewing angle in the second area A2 of the display panel 160. As a result, in the second mode, the image can be displayed in a wide-view mode (Share mode) in the first area A1 of the display area AA, and in a narrow-view mode (Private mode) in the second area A2 of the display area AA.

[0079] Thus, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification can control the display panel 160 to either a first mode or a second mode by controlling the emission of light from a plurality of light sources located at the bottom of the display panel 160, namely the second light source 140 located at the top of the first light source 110 and the second light source 140.

[0080] In the following, the optical control unit 130 of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4a to 9, and the protruding pattern 151 included in the light guide plate 150 of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 10 to 18.

[0081] Figure 4a is a schematic side view showing an example of the first optical control unit included in the display device shown in Figure 2. Figure 4b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA1 portion of Figure 4a.

[0082] On the other hand, the optical control unit 130 shown in Figure 4a represents one embodiment of the optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0083] Referring to Figures 2 and 4a, the optical control unit 130 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partition walls 133 arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and can control the viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction X with respect to light traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA.

[0084] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may be arranged spaced apart from each other with the partition wall 133 in between. The first support member 131 may be positioned below the multiple partition walls 133 to support them, and the second support member 132 may be positioned above the multiple partition walls 133 to support them. However, it is not limited to this, and the lower surfaces of the multiple partition walls 133 may be in contact with the first support member 131, while the upper surfaces of the multiple partition walls 133 may be separated from the second support member 132.

[0085] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may each contain a transparent material that allows light to pass through. For example, the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may each contain a plastic material. As an example, the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may each contain polycarbonate. However, the materials of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 are not limited thereto, and depending on the example, the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may each contain polymers such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, or polyimide.

[0086] Multiple partition walls 133 may be arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. On the other hand, each of the multiple partition walls 133 may be connected to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 through a transparent adhesive or the like, but is not limited to this.

[0087] Each of the multiple partition walls 133 may extend along the second direction Y and be arranged apart from each other along the first direction X. This may create separation spaces between the multiple partition walls 133. Such separation spaces may, but are not limited to, air or a transparent insulating material.

[0088] On the other hand, the separation distance along the first direction X between two adjacent partition walls 133 among the multiple partition walls 133 can be determined by comprehensively considering factors such as the thickness of the light control unit 130, the emission angle of the light emitted from the light control unit 130, and the distance between the light control unit 130 and the display panel 160, so that the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit 110 on the second region A2 is displayed at a second viewing angle.

[0089] Each of the multiple partitions 133 may contain a light-absorbing material or be coated with a light-absorbing agent to absorb light entering from the outside. For example, each of the multiple partitions 133 may contain a carbon-series black pigment. However, the material of the multiple partitions 133 is not limited to this, and each of the multiple partitions 133 may contain at least one of the following materials with high light absorption rates: titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), molybdenum (Mo) and titanium (Ti) alloy (MoTi), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), silicon nitride (SiN), titanium nitride (TiN), silicon carbide (SiC), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper oxide (CuO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe3O4), and tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), or an organic material with high light absorption rates.

[0090] Furthermore, each of the multiple partition walls 133 may have a rectangular shape on its side. For example, each of the multiple partition walls 133 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane defined by a first direction X and a third direction Z. As a result, the top and bottom surfaces of each of the multiple partition walls 133 may be parallel to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and both sides of each of the multiple partition walls 133 may be perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, both sides of each of the multiple partition walls 133 may be parallel to the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, respectively.

[0091] Such multiple partitions 133 can limit the emission angle of light emitted from the optical control unit 130 with respect to the first direction X. On the other hand, in this specification, the emission angle may mean the angle that the direction of propagation of light emitted from the optical control unit 130 makes with the third direction Z on a side surface, for example, a plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0092] To illustrate in more detail, referring further to Figure 4b, the light provided from the lower part of the optical control unit 130, for example, the light provided from the first light source unit 110, may have its emission angle with respect to the first direction X limited by the optical control unit 130 reducing or narrowing the optical profile along the first direction X.

[0093] For example, the first light L1, provided from the lower part of the optical control unit 130, which has an optical path formed in a third direction Z that is vertical between two mutually separated partition walls 133, is not blocked by the partition walls 133 and can be emitted to the outside, i.e., towards the upper part of the optical control unit 130.

[0094] Furthermore, in the case of light provided from the lower part of the optical control unit 130 that passes inside the upper ends of the two mutually separated partition walls 133, that is, light between the fourth light L4 and the fourth' light L4', it can be emitted upwards from the optical control unit 130.

[0095] However, if a light path is formed between two mutually separated partition walls 133 at a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction Z along the first direction X, and the partition walls 133 are located on this light path, then at least a portion of the light may be blocked by the partition walls 133. That is, light provided from the bottom of the light control unit 130 at an angle greater than the incident angle of the fourth light L4 and the fourth' light L4' may be blocked by the multiple partition walls 133 and may not be able to exit towards the top of the light control unit 130. For example, at least a portion of the second light L2 and the third light L3 provided from the bottom of the light control unit 130 may be absorbed by the partition walls 133 and not exit to the outside.

[0096] On the other hand, in the case of light where the partition walls 133 are located in the optical path, each of the multiple partition walls 133 contains a light-absorbing material or is coated with a light-absorbing agent, so the majority of the light is absorbed by the partition walls 133. However, the remaining portion that is not absorbed by the partition walls 133 can be totally reflected from the partition walls 133 and emitted to the outside. For example, the second light L2a of the second light L2 that is not absorbed by the partition walls 133, and the third light L3a of the third light L3 that is not absorbed by the partition walls 133, can be totally reflected from the partition walls 133 and emitted to the outside.

[0097] Referring to Figure 4a, the height of each of the multiple partition walls 133 may be substantially the same as the length of the separation space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z. However, it is not limited to this, and the height of each of the multiple partition walls 133 along the third direction Z may be less than the length of the separation space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z. On the other hand, in this specification, height may mean length or distance along the third direction Z.

[0098] Furthermore, the multiple partitions 133 are arranged on the second region A2 and do not need to be arranged on the first region A1. In this case, as described above, in the second region A2, which is the region where the multiple partitions 133 are arranged, the emission angle of light with respect to the first direction X of light is restricted and light is provided to the first range, and in the first region A1, which is the region where the multiple partitions 133 are not arranged, the emission angle of light is not restricted and light can be provided to a second range that is wider than the first range. As a result, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110 located below the light control unit 130, in the second region A2 which overlaps with the region where the multiple partitions 133 are arranged in the display region AA, the image can be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, and in the first region A1 which overlaps with the region where the multiple partitions 133 are not arranged, the image can be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle.

[0099] Figure 5a is a schematic side view showing another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device of Figure 2. Figure 5b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of Figure 5a.

[0100] On the other hand, the optical control unit 230 shown in Figure 5a represents another embodiment of the optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0101] Furthermore, Figures 5a and 5b show modified embodiments of the embodiments in Figures 4a and 4b in relation to the shapes of the multiple partition walls 233 included in the optical control unit 230. Therefore, in order to avoid redundant explanations, Figures 5a and 5b will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiments described above.

[0102] Referring to Figures 2 and 5a, the optical control unit 230 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partition walls 233 positioned between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and can control the viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction X with respect to light traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA.

[0103] Multiple partition walls 233 may be arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, each of the multiple partition walls 233 may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple partition walls 233.

[0104] Each of the multiple partition walls 233 may have a trapezoidal shape on its side. For example, each of the multiple partition walls 233 may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by a first direction X and a third direction Z. As a result, the top and bottom surfaces of each of the multiple partition walls 233 are parallel to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, one side of each of the multiple partition walls 233 is perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and the other side of each of the multiple partition walls 233 may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, one side of each of the multiple partition walls 233 located on the side of the first direction X may be parallel to the third direction Z which is perpendicular to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and the other side of each of the multiple partition walls 233 located on the side opposite to the first direction X may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction Z.

[0105] Thus, the multiple trapezoidal partition walls 233 on the side surface can more effectively limit the emission angle of light with respect to the first direction X emitted from the light control unit 230.

[0106] To illustrate in more detail, referring further to Figure 5b, the light provided from the lower part of the optical control unit 230, for example, the light provided from the first light source unit 110, may have its emission angle with respect to the first direction X limited by the optical control unit 230 reducing or narrowing the optical profile along the first direction X.

[0107] In particular, when a light path is formed between two mutually separated partition walls 233 from the light provided from the lower part of the optical control unit 230 in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction X with respect to the third direction Z, and the inclined side surface of the partition wall 233 is located on the light path, when the remaining portion of the light that was not absorbed by the partition wall 233 undergoes total internal reflection, it can be further guided towards the third direction Z, which is vertical, compared to when it undergoes total internal reflection by the vertical side surface of the partition wall 233. For example, at least a portion of the second light L2 provided from the lower part of the optical control unit 230 and traveling toward the vertical side surface of the partition wall 233 may be absorbed by the partition wall 233, and the second light L2a that was not absorbed by the partition wall 233 may undergo total internal reflection from the vertical side surface of the partition wall 233, and at least a portion of the third light L3 provided from the lower part of the optical control unit 230 and traveling toward the inclined side surface of the partition wall 233 may be absorbed by the partition wall 233, and the third light L3a that was not absorbed by the partition wall 233 may undergo total internal reflection from the inclined side surface of the partition wall 233. Here, due to the difference in the angle of incidence between the vertical and inclined sides of the partition wall 233, the third light beam L3a, which is totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall 233, can be further guided toward the third direction Z, which is vertical, compared to the second light beam L2a, which is totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall 233. As a result, the light directed toward the display panel 160 in the second region A2 can be more focused.

[0108] Furthermore, the third light beam L3a, which is totally reflected by the inclined side surface of the partition wall 233, travels in the opposite direction to the first direction X where the first region A1 is located. However, because it is guided towards the third direction Z, which is the vertical direction, by the angle of incidence along the inclined side surface at the time of total reflection, the third light beam L3a totally reflected by the inclined side surface of the partition wall 233, as described with reference to Figure 5a, can be shifted more towards the first direction X compared to the third light beam L3a totally reflected by the vertical side surface of the partition wall 133, as described with reference to Figure 4a. As a result, in the case of an image displayed on the second region A2 by light provided from the first light source 110, the viewing angle toward the first region A1 can be more effectively limited.

[0109] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device of Figure 2.

[0110] On the other hand, the optical control unit 330 shown in Figure 6 represents yet another embodiment of the optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0111] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 4a in relation to the region where the multiple partition walls 333 included in the optical control unit 330 are arranged. In order to avoid redundant explanations, Figure 6 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0112] Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the optical control unit 330 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partition walls 333 arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and can control the viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction X with respect to light traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA.

[0113] Multiple partitions 333 can be arranged over the entire area of ​​display area AA. For example, the multiple partitions 333 may include multiple first partitions 333a arranged over the first area A1 and multiple second partitions 333b arranged over the second area A2.

[0114] Multiple first partition walls 333a may be arranged on the first region A1 between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, each of the multiple first partition walls 333a may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple first partition walls 333a.

[0115] Multiple second partition walls 333b may be arranged on the second region A2 between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, each of the multiple second partition walls 333b may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple second partition walls 333b.

[0116] Furthermore, each of the multiple first partitions 333a and the multiple second partitions 333b may have a rectangular shape on their side. For example, each of the multiple first partitions 333a and the multiple second partitions 333b may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane defined by a first direction X and a third direction Z.

[0117] The heights of the first partition wall 333a and the second partition wall 333b may differ. For example, the height of the first partition wall 333a may be less than the height of the second partition wall 333b. As an example, as described with reference to Figures 4a and 4b, the height of each of the multiple second partition walls 333b located on the second region A2 may be substantially the same as or less than the length of the separation space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z, and the height of each of the multiple first partition walls 333a located on the first region A1 may be designed to be the minimum height possible in the process.

[0118] Thus, because the multiple first partitions 333a have a very small height, the emission angle of light incident on the first region A1 does not need to be substantially restricted. As a result, in the first region A1 where the multiple first partitions 333a are arranged, light can be provided to a second range that is wider than the first range. As a result, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110 located below the light control unit 330, in the second region A2 which overlaps with the region where the multiple second partitions 333b are arranged in the display region AA, the image can be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, and in the first region A1 which overlaps with the region where the multiple first partitions 333a with very small heights are arranged, the image can be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle.

[0119] Furthermore, since multiple partitions 333 are formed over the entire display area AA, rather than forming partitions only in a portion of the display area AA during the manufacturing process of the optical control unit 330, the manufacturing process of the optical control unit 330 can be further simplified.

[0120] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device of Figure 2.

[0121] On the other hand, the optical control unit 430 shown in Figure 7 represents yet another embodiment of the optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0122] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 5a in relation to the region where the multiple partition walls 433 included in the optical control unit 430 are arranged. In order to avoid redundant explanations, Figure 7 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0123] Referring to Figures 2 and 7, the optical control unit 430 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partition walls 433 positioned between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and can control the viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction X with respect to light traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA.

[0124] Multiple partitions 433 can be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area AA. For example, the multiple partitions 433 may include multiple first partitions 433a arranged over the first area A1 and multiple second partitions 433b arranged over the second area A2.

[0125] Multiple first partition walls 433a may be arranged on the first region A1 between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, each of the multiple first partition walls 433a may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple first partition walls 433a.

[0126] Multiple second partition walls 433b may be arranged on the second region A2 between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, each of the multiple second partition walls 433b may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple second partition walls 433b.

[0127] Furthermore, each of the multiple first partitions 433a and the multiple second partitions 433b may have a trapezoidal shape on its side. For example, each of the multiple first partitions 433a and the multiple second partitions 433b may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by a first direction X and a third direction Z.

[0128] The heights of the first partition wall 433a and the second partition wall 433b may differ. For example, the height of the first partition wall 433a may be less than the height of the second partition wall 433b. As an example, the height of each of the multiple second partition walls 433b located on the second region A2 may be substantially the same as or less than the length of the separation space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z, and the height of each of the multiple first partition walls 433a located on the first region A1 may be designed to the minimum height required for the process.

[0129] Thus, because the multiple first partitions 433a have a very small height, the emission angle of light incident on the first region A1 does not need to be substantially restricted. As a result, in the first region A1 where the multiple first partitions 433a are arranged, light can be provided to a second range that is wider than the first range. As a result, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110 located below the light control unit 430, in the second region A2 which overlaps with the region where the multiple second partitions 433b are arranged in the display region AA, the image can be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, and in the first region A1 which overlaps with the region where the multiple first partitions 433a with a very small height are arranged, the image can be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle.

[0130] Furthermore, since multiple partitions 433 are formed over the entire display area AA, rather than forming partitions only in a portion of the display area AA during the manufacturing process of the optical control unit 430, the manufacturing process of the optical control unit 430 can be further simplified.

[0131] Figure 8a is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device of Figure 2. Figure 8b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of Figure 8a.

[0132] On the other hand, the optical control unit 530 shown in Figure 8a represents yet another embodiment of the optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0133] Furthermore, Figure 8a shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 6 in relation to the heights of the multiple partition walls 533 included in the optical control unit 530. Therefore, in order to avoid redundant explanations, Figures 8a and 8b will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0134] Referring to Figures 2 and 8a, the optical control unit 530 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partition walls 533 arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and can control the viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction X with respect to light traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA.

[0135] On the other hand, referring to Figure 8a, display area AA can be divided into multiple sub-areas. For example, display area AA can be divided into a first sub-area AAa, a second sub-area AAb, and a third sub-area AAc. Here, the first sub-area AAa corresponds to a part of the first area A1, the second sub-area AAb corresponds to a part of the second area A2, and the third sub-area AAc is located between the first sub-area AAa and the second sub-area AAb, and is an area that includes the boundary between the first area A1 and the second area A2, and can be defined as an area that includes the area of ​​the first area A1 excluding the first sub-area AAa and the area of ​​the second area A2 excluding the second sub-area AAb.

[0136] Multiple partitions 533 may be arranged on the first sub-region AAa, the second sub-region AAb, and the third sub-region AAc of the display region AA. For example, the multiple partitions 533 may include multiple first partitions 533a arranged on the first sub-region AAa, multiple second partitions 533b arranged on the second sub-region AAb, and multiple third partitions 533c arranged on the third sub-region AAc.

[0137] Multiple first partition walls 533a may be arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 on the first sub-region AAa. For example, each of the multiple first partition walls 533a may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple first partition walls 533a.

[0138] Multiple second partition walls 533b may be arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 on the second sub-region AAb. For example, each of the multiple second partition walls 533b may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple second partition walls 533b.

[0139] Multiple third partition walls 533c may be positioned between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 on the third sub-region AAc. For example, each of the multiple third partition walls 633b may extend along the second direction Y and be positioned apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple third partition walls 633c.

[0140] Furthermore, each of the multiple first partitions 533a, multiple second partitions 533b, and multiple third partitions 533c may have a rectangular shape on its side. For example, each of the multiple first partitions 533a, multiple second partitions 533b, and multiple third partitions 533c may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane defined by a first direction X and a third direction Z.

[0141] The heights of the first partition wall 533a and the second partition wall 533b may differ. For example, the height of the first partition wall 533a may be less than the height of the second partition wall 533b. As an example, the height of each of the multiple second partition walls 533b located on the second sub-region AAb may be substantially the same as the length of the separation space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z, and the height of each of the multiple first partition walls 533a located on the first sub-region AAa may be designed to the minimum height required for the process.

[0142] Furthermore, the heights of the multiple third partitions 533c may increase as you move toward the first direction X. For example, the heights of the multiple third partitions 533c may increase as you move toward the second region A2 or second sub-region AAb from the first region A1 or first sub-region AAa. As an example, the third partition 533c closest to the first sub-region AAa has the same height as the first partition 533a, the third partition 533c closest to the second sub-region AAb has the same height as the second partition 533b, and the remaining third partitions 533c have the height between the first partition 533a and the second partition 533b, with the heights increasing as you move toward the first direction X.

[0143] In other words, the height of the multiple partition walls 533 can gradually increase from near the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 as the height of the multiple partition walls 533 moves toward the first direction X, i.e., toward the second sub-region AAb. This allows for minimizing the visibility of the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 due to the difference in viewing angles, at the boundary between the second region A2, where the viewing angle is generally restricted and the image is displayed at a second viewing angle, e.g., a narrow viewing angle, and the first region A1, where the viewing angle is not substantially restricted and the image is displayed at a first viewing angle, e.g., a wide viewing angle.

[0144] On the other hand, the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 of display region AA may be defined within the third sub-region AAc. To explain this more specifically, referring further to Figure 8b, a straight line parallel to the third direction Z can be defined as the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, based on a point on a first virtual line VL1 connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the multiple third partition walls 533c, where the height from the first support member 131 is half of the first height h1, which is the height of the second partition wall 553b located in the second region A2. However, the division of the first region A1 and the second region A2 of display region AA by such a boundary line BL is merely illustrative, and the first region A1 and the second region A2 in display region AA can be defined in various ways depending on the design. For example, by design, a straight line parallel to the third direction Z may be defined as the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, based on a point on a first virtual line VL1, which connects the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the multiple third bulkheads 533c, that has a height of 2 / 3 of the first height h1.

[0145] Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device of Figure 2.

[0146] On the other hand, the optical control unit 630 shown in Figure 9 represents yet another embodiment of the optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0147] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 7 in relation to the heights of the multiple partition walls 633 included in the optical control unit 630. Therefore, in order to avoid redundant explanations, Figure 9 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0148] Referring to Figures 2 and 9, the optical control unit 630 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partition walls 633 arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and can control the viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction X with respect to light traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA.

[0149] On the other hand, referring to Figure 9, display area AA can be divided into multiple sub-areas. Here, the area divisions of the multiple sub-areas, namely the first sub-area AAa, the second sub-area AAb, and the third sub-area AAc, are substantially the same or similar to the area divisions explained with reference to Figure 8a, so redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0150] Multiple partitions 633 can be arranged on the display area AA. For example, the multiple partitions 633 may include multiple first partitions 633a arranged on the first sub-area AAa, multiple second partitions 633b arranged on the second sub-area AAb, and multiple third partitions 633c arranged on the third sub-area AAc.

[0151] Multiple first partition walls 633a may be arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 on the first sub-region AAa. For example, each of the multiple first partition walls 633a may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple first partition walls 633a.

[0152] Multiple second partition walls 633b may be arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 on the second sub-region AAb. For example, each of the multiple second partition walls 633b may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple second partition walls 633b.

[0153] Multiple third partition walls 633c may be arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 on the third sub-region AAc. For example, each of the multiple third partition walls 633b may extend along the second direction Y and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. This can create separation spaces between the multiple third partition walls 633c.

[0154] Furthermore, each of the multiple first partitions 633a, multiple second partitions 633b, and multiple third partitions 633c may have a trapezoidal shape on its side. For example, each of the multiple first partitions 633a, multiple second partitions 633b, and multiple third partitions 633c may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by a first direction X and a third direction Z.

[0155] The heights of the first partition wall 633a and the second partition wall 633b may differ. For example, the height of the first partition wall 633a may be less than the height of the second partition wall 633b. As an example, the height of each of the multiple second partition walls 633b located on the second sub-region AAb may be substantially the same as the length of the separation space between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 along the third direction Z, and the height of each of the multiple first partition walls 633a located on the first sub-region AAa may be designed to the minimum height required for the process.

[0156] Furthermore, the heights of the multiple third partitions 633c may decrease as you move in the opposite direction to the first direction X. For example, the third partition 633c closest to the second sub-region AAb has the same height as the second partition 633b, the third partition 633c closest to the first sub-region AAa has the same height as the first partition 633a, and the remaining third partitions 633c have the height between the first partition 633a and the second partition 633b, with the corresponding height decreasing as you move in the opposite direction to the first direction X. As a result, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the optical control unit 630, the visibility of the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 due to the difference in viewing angles between the first region A1 and the second region A2 can be minimized.

[0157] Figure 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of the display device of Figure 2.

[0158] Referring to Figure 10, a plurality of protruding patterns 151 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150. For example, the plurality of protruding patterns 151 may be formed protruding downwards from the light guide plate 150, for example, in the direction opposite to the third direction Z.

[0159] Each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may have a square pyramidal or square pyramidal shape. For example, referring together with Figure 11, each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may have four inclined surfaces, each triangular in shape, that make a predetermined angle with the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, i.e., the surface defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y. As an example, each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 includes a first inclined surface F1, a second inclined surface F2 positioned opposite the first inclined surface F1 and on one side along the first direction X of the first inclined surface F1, a third inclined surface F3 sharing a first edge S1 with the first inclined surface F1 and a second edge S2 with the second inclined surface F2 and positioned on one side along the opposite direction Y of the first inclined surface F1 and the second inclined surface F2, and a fourth inclined surface F4 sharing a third edge S3 with the first inclined surface F1 and a fourth edge S4 with the second inclined surface F2 and positioned opposite the third inclined surface F3 and on one side along the second direction Y of the third inclined surface F3. The first inclined surface F1, second inclined surface F2, third inclined surface F3 and fourth inclined surface F4 of each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may share a single vertex VT. Here, vertex VT may correspond to the vertex of a protruding pattern 151 having a square pyramidal or square pyramidal shape, and the first side S1, second side S2, third side S3, and fourth side S4 may correspond to four corners connected to vertex VT of the protruding pattern 151 having a square pyramidal or square pyramidal shape.

[0160] Each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may have an asymmetrical shape. For example, the vertex VT of the square pyramidal shape included in each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may be formed biased toward the first region A1, which is the opposite direction to the first direction X. As a result, the angle that the first inclined surface F1 of each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 makes with the light guide plate 150 may be greater than the angle that the second inclined surface F2 makes with the light guide plate 150, and the area of ​​the second inclined surface F2 may be greater than the area of ​​the first inclined surface F1.

[0161] On the other hand, the third inclined surface F3 and the fourth inclined surface F4 of each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 may be symmetrical with respect to a second imaginary line VL2 that passes through the vertex VT and is parallel to the long axis direction of the corresponding protruding pattern 151. Therefore, the angle that the third inclined surface F3 of each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 makes with the light guide plate 150 is the same as the angle that the fourth inclined surface F4 makes with the light guide plate 150, and the width of the third inclined surface F3 and the width of the fourth inclined surface F4 may be the same.

[0162] In this way, the path of light incident on the light guide plate 150 can be controlled by a plurality of protruding patterns 151 formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, which have an asymmetrical square pyramidal or square pyramidal shape.

[0163] More specifically, the multiple protruding patterns 151 can control the viewing angle of light emitted from the second light source unit 140 located on the side of the light guide plate 150, incident on the side surface of the light guide plate 150, and emitted onto the upper surface of the light guide plate 150.

[0164] For example, each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 has an asymmetrical square pyramidal or square pyramidal shape, so that the vertex VT of the protruding pattern 151 is formed biased toward the first region A1 side, which is the opposite direction to the first direction X. Thus, the multiple protruding patterns 151 can shift the profile of light incident on the side surface of the light guide plate 150 overall toward the first region A1 side, which is the opposite direction to the first direction X. As mentioned above, in the first mode, the second light source 140 emits light, displaying an image in the second region A2 at the first viewing angle, i.e., a wide viewing angle. However, the multiple protruding patterns 151 formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 shift the profile of light emitted from the second light source 140 located on the side of the light guide plate 150, incident on the side surface of the light guide plate 150, and emitted from the upper surface of the light guide plate 150 toward the first region A1 side. Thus, the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second region A2 in the first mode relative to the first region A1 side can be increased. This can improve the viewing angle for the first viewing angle image, i.e., the wide viewing angle image, displayed on the second region A2 by the light emitted from the second light source 140 in the first mode.

[0165] Furthermore, the multiple protruding patterns 151 can control the viewing angle of the light that is emitted from the first light source unit 110 located at the bottom of the light guide plate 150, for example, at the very bottom of the display device 100, enters the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, and exits to the upper surface of the light guide plate 150.

[0166] For example, each of the multiple protruding patterns 151 has an asymmetrical square pyramidal or square pyramidal shape. As described above, the first inclined surface F1 and the second inclined surface F2 of each protruding pattern 151 can form a predetermined angle with the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, for example, the surface defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y. Since the inclination angle of the first inclined surface F1 is larger than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface F2, the multiple protruding patterns 151 can concentrate the light incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 and shift the light profile toward the second region A2, which is on the first direction X side.

[0167] Referring further to Figure 10 for a more detailed explanation, the angle at which light La incident on the first inclined surface F1, which is included in each of the multiple protruding patterns 151, is refracted toward the first direction X by the protruding pattern 151 may be greater than the angle at which light Lb incident on the second inclined surface F2 is refracted toward the opposite direction of the first direction X by the protruding pattern 151. This allows the light provided from the lower part of the light guide plate 150 to be shifted toward the second region A2 as a whole. As mentioned above, in the second mode, the first light source 110 emits light, displaying an image in the second region A2 at a second viewing angle, i.e., a narrow viewing angle. However, due to the multiple protruding patterns 151 formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, the light emitted from the first light source 110 located below the light guide plate 150, incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, and emitted from the upper surface of the light guide plate 150 is focused upward, i.e., towards the third direction Z, and the profile of the light is shifted towards the second region A2. As a result, the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second region A2 in the second mode can be controlled more effectively. This allows for more effective control of the viewing angle for the image with a second viewing angle, i.e., a narrow viewing angle, displayed on the second region A2 by the light emitted from the first light source 110 in the second mode.

[0168] Figure 12a is a schematic rear view showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device shown in Figure 2. Figure 12b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA4 portion of Figure 12a.

[0169] On the other hand, in Figures 12a and 12b, for the sake of explanation, the region corresponding to the "EA4" portion shown in Figures 12a and 12b will be defined and explained as a unit region UR within the overall region of the light guide plate 150. For example, the unit region UR can be defined as the region within the overall region of the light guide plate 150 where 16 protruding patterns 151, for example, the first protruding pattern 151a, are arranged, with their long axis parallel to the first direction X. However, such a unit region UR is defined to more easily explain the arrangement density and spacing of the protruding patterns 151, and the unit region UR can be defined in various ways.

[0170] Referring to Figure 12a, the multiple protruding patterns 151 may be arranged spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150. For example, the multiple protruding patterns 151 may be formed protruding downwards from the light guide plate 150, for example, in the opposite direction to the third direction Z.

[0171] The multiple protruding patterns 151 can include multiple first protruding patterns 151a and multiple second protruding patterns 151b, each having a different major axis direction. For example, the major axis direction of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151a (hereinafter referred to as the "first major axis direction") may be formed parallel to the first direction X, and the major axis direction of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 151b (hereinafter referred to as the "second major axis direction") may be formed obliquely to the first direction X. As an example, the second major axis direction of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 151b may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the first direction X. Here, the first direction X is the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the light guide plate 150 on which the second light source unit 140 is arranged, the first major axis direction of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151a may be substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142, and the second major axis direction of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 151b may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142.

[0172] Multiple first protruding patterns 151a can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 at a certain density and interval. For example, multiple first protruding patterns 151a can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 at a first density. On the other hand, in this specification, the density at which the protruding patterns 151 are arranged can be defined as the ratio (%) of the area on which the protruding patterns 151 are arranged to the total area of ​​a unit region.

[0173] Multiple second protruding patterns 151b can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 at a constant density and interval. For example, multiple second protruding patterns 151b can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 at a second density lower than the first density. As an example, the second density at which the second protruding patterns 151b are arranged may be half the first density at which the first protruding patterns 151a are arranged.

[0174] Furthermore, the multiple first protruding patterns 151a may be arranged diagonally apart from each other, and the multiple second protruding patterns 151b may be arranged in the separation spaces between the multiple first protruding patterns 151a. For example, the multiple second protruding patterns 151b may be arranged diagonally apart along the corresponding diagonal direction in multiple separation spaces that are formed to extend diagonally when the multiple first protruding patterns 151a are arranged diagonally apart from each other. On the other hand, the diagonal direction here may mean a direction different from the first direction X and the second direction Y on a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y, and which makes a predetermined angle with the first direction X and the second direction Y, respectively.

[0175] To illustrate in more detail, referring further to Figure 12b, the multiple first protruding patterns 151a may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction, and arranged at a certain density and interval.

[0176] For example, multiple first protruding patterns 151a can be arranged on the regions where odd-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect and on the regions where even-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 150. As an example, eight first protruding patterns 151a can be arranged on the regions where the first row R1, third row R3, fifth row R5, and seventh row R7 intersect with the first column C1 and third column C3, respectively, and eight first protruding patterns 151a can be arranged on the regions where the second row R2, fourth row R4, sixth row R6, and eighth row R8 intersect with the second column C2 and fourth column C4, respectively.

[0177] On the other hand, the positions or regions in which the first protruding patterns 151a described above are arranged are merely illustrative, and multiple first protruding patterns 151a may be arranged on the regions where odd-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect and the regions where even-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 150.

[0178] When 16 first protrusion patterns 151a are arranged within a unit region UR in this manner, the multiple first protrusion patterns 151a can be defined as being arranged at a first density.

[0179] Furthermore, multiple second protruding patterns 151b within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 150 may be arranged in the separation space between multiple first protruding patterns 151a that are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0180] For example, a second protruding pattern 151b may be placed in an area where multiple rows and multiple columns intersect within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 150, but where the first protruding pattern 151a is not placed. As an example, as described above, if multiple first protruding patterns 151a are placed in areas where odd-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect and areas where even-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 150, then multiple second protruding patterns 151b may be placed in some areas within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 150 where odd-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect and areas where even-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect.

[0181] For example, as shown in Figure 12b, eight second protruding patterns 151b may be arranged on the region where the first row R1 intersects with the fourth column C4, the region where the second row R2 intersects with the first column C1, the region where the third row R3 intersects with the second column C2, the region where the fourth row R4 intersects with the third column C3, the region where the fifth row R5 intersects with the fourth column C4, the region where the sixth row R6 intersects with the first column C1, the region where the seventh row R7 intersects with the second column C2, and the region where the eighth row R8 intersects with the third column C3.

[0182] When eight second protruding patterns 151b are arranged within a unit region UR in this manner, the multiple second protruding patterns 151b can be defined as being arranged at a second density. That is, the second density may be half that of the first density. In other words, the second protruding patterns 151b can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 at half the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151a.

[0183] On the other hand, the position or region in which the aforementioned second protruding pattern 151b is placed is merely illustrative, and the second protruding pattern 151b can be placed in various ways in the space between multiple first protruding patterns 151a, such as on the region where the first row R1 and the second column C2 intersect, the region where the second row R2 and the third column C3 intersect, the region where the third row R3 and the fourth column C4 intersect, the region where the fourth row R4 and the first column C1 intersect, the region where the fifth row R5 and the second column C2 intersect, the region where the sixth row R6 and the third column C3 intersect, the region where the seventh row R7 and the fourth column C4 intersect, and the region where the eighth row R8 and the first column C1 intersect.

[0184] Referring to Figure 12b, the first major axis LX1 of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151a may be parallel to the first direction X. For example, the first major axis LX1 of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151a may be parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 located on the side of the light guide plate 150.

[0185] Furthermore, the second major axis direction LX2 of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 151b, which are arranged in the space between the multiple first protruding patterns 151a, may be formed obliquely to the first direction X. For example, the second major axis direction LX2 of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 151b may be formed to make a predetermined angle with the first major axis direction LX1, which is parallel to the first direction X. As an example, each of the multiple second protruding patterns 151b may have a shape obtained by rotating the first protruding pattern 151a clockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° on a plane, for example, the lower surface of the light guide plate 150. That is, the second major axis direction LX2 may be in a direction rotated by an angle of rotation such that the first major axis direction LX1 is an acute angle clockwise.

[0186] On the other hand, since the first long axis direction LX1 of the first protruding pattern 151a is formed parallel to the first direction X, the light provided from the multiple second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 arranged on the side of the light guide plate 150 travels within the light guide plate 150 in a direction parallel to the first long axis direction LX1, i.e., along the first direction X, due to the first protruding pattern 151a. As a result, in the case of an image displayed by the light provided from the second light source unit 140, the straight-line propagation of the light traveling in a direction parallel to the first long axis direction LX1 of the first protruding pattern 151a may cause a phenomenon in which stripes or the like may be visible along the first direction X or the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0187] In connection with this, the light guide plate 150 of the display device 100 according to the embodiment of this specification includes not only a first protruding pattern 151a having a first major axis direction LX1 parallel to the first direction X, which is the direction of propagation of light provided from a plurality of second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 arranged on the side, but also a plurality of second protruding patterns 151b having a second major axis direction LX2 that forms a predetermined angle with the first major axis direction LX1. Therefore, the profile of light traveling in the direction parallel to the first major axis direction LX1 within the light guide plate 150 can be shifted to a direction different from the first direction X, for example, to a direction parallel to the second major axis direction LX2. This can minimize the phenomenon in which the straight-line propagation of light traveling in the direction parallel to the first major axis direction LX1 is dispersed, and stripes or the like are visible along the first direction X or the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0188] Figure 13a is a schematic rear view showing another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 2. Figure 13b is a magnified view showing an example of the EA5 portion of Figure 13a.

[0189] On the other hand, Figures 13a and 13b show modified embodiments of the embodiments in Figures 12a and 12b in relation to the multiple protruding patterns 251 included in the light guide plate 250. In order to avoid redundant explanations, the differences between Figures 13a and 13b and the embodiments described above will be explained in detail.

[0190] On the other hand, in Figures 13a and 13b, for the sake of explanation, the region corresponding to the "EA5" portion shown in Figures 13a and 13b will be defined and explained as a unit region UR within the overall region of the light guide plate 250. For example, the unit region UR can be defined as the region within the overall region of the light guide plate 250 where 16 protruding patterns 251, for example, the first protruding pattern 251a, are arranged, with their long axis parallel to the first direction X, in substantially the same or similar manner as explained with reference to Figures 12a and 12b. However, such a unit region UR is defined to more easily explain the arrangement density and spacing of the protruding patterns 251, and the unit region UR can be defined in various ways.

[0191] Referring to Figure 13a, multiple protruding patterns 251 can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250 at a distance from each other.

[0192] The multiple protruding patterns 251 can include multiple first protruding patterns 251a and multiple third protruding patterns 251c, each having a different major axis direction. For example, the first major axis direction of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 251a may be formed parallel to the first direction X, and the major axis direction of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 251c (hereinafter referred to as the "third major axis direction") may be formed at an angle to the first direction X. As an example, the third major axis direction of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be formed at a predetermined angle to the first direction X.

[0193] Depending on the embodiment, each of the multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be symmetrical with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis LX1 with reference to the second protruding pattern 151b described with reference to Figures 12a and 12b.

[0194] Therefore, the first major axis direction of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 251a may be substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142, and the third major axis direction of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142.

[0195] Multiple first protruding patterns 251a can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250 at a certain density and interval. For example, as described with reference to Figures 12a and 12b, multiple first protruding patterns 251a can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250 at a first density and spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction.

[0196] Multiple third protruding patterns 251c can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250 at a constant density and interval. For example, multiple third protruding patterns 251c can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250 at a second density. As an example, the second density at which the third protruding patterns 251c are arranged may be half the first density at which the first protruding patterns 251a are arranged.

[0197] Furthermore, multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be arranged in the separation spaces between multiple first protruding patterns 251a. For example, multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be arranged along the diagonal direction in multiple separation spaces that are formed to extend diagonally when multiple first protruding patterns 251a are arranged to be separated from each other in the diagonal direction.

[0198] To illustrate in more detail, referring further to Figure 13b, the multiple first protruding patterns 251a may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250, spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction, and arranged at a certain density and interval.

[0199] For example, multiple first protruding patterns 251a may be arranged on the regions where odd-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect and the regions where even-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 250, so as to be substantially identical or similar to the first protruding pattern 151a described with reference to Figures 12a and 12b. Alternatively, multiple first protruding patterns 251a may be arranged on the regions where odd-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect and the regions where even-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 250.

[0200] Furthermore, within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 250, multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be arranged in the separation space between multiple first protruding patterns 251a that are arranged at mutual distance from each other.

[0201] For example, a third protruding pattern 251c may be placed in an area where multiple rows and multiple columns intersect within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 250, but where the first protruding pattern 251a is not placed. As an example, as described above, if multiple first protruding patterns 251a are placed in areas where odd-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect and areas where even-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 250, then multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be placed in some areas within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 150 where odd-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect and areas where even-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect.

[0202] For example, as shown in Figure 13b, eight third protruding patterns 251c may be arranged on the region where the first row R1 intersects with the second column C2, the region where the second row R2 intersects with the third column C3, the region where the third row R3 intersects with the fourth column C4, the region where the fourth row R4 intersects with the first column C1, the region where the fifth row R5 intersects with the second column C2, the region where the sixth row R6 intersects with the third column C3, the region where the seventh row R7 intersects with the fourth column C4, and the region where the eighth row R8 intersects with the first column C1.

[0203] When eight third protruding patterns 251c are arranged within a unit region UR in this manner, the multiple third protruding patterns 251c can be defined as being arranged at a second density. That is, the second density may be half the first density. In other words, the third protruding patterns 251c can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250 at half the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 251a.

[0204] On the other hand, the position or region in which the aforementioned third protruding pattern 251c is placed is merely illustrative, and the third protruding pattern 251c can be placed in various ways in the separation space between multiple first protruding patterns 251a, such as on the region where the first row R1 and the fourth column C4 intersect, the region where the second row R2 and the first column C1 intersect, the region where the third row R3 and the second column C2 intersect, the region where the fourth row R4 and the third column C3 intersect, the region where the fifth row R5 and the fourth column C4 intersect, the region where the sixth row R6 and the first column C1 intersect, the region where the seventh row R7 and the second column C2 intersect, and the region where the eighth row R8 and the third column C3 intersect.

[0205] Referring to Figure 13b, the first major axis LX1 of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 251a may be parallel to the first direction X. For example, the first major axis LX1 of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 251a may be parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 located on the side of the light guide plate 250.

[0206] Furthermore, the third major axis LX3 of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 251c, which are arranged in the space between the multiple first protruding patterns 251a, may be formed obliquely to the first direction X. For example, the third major axis LX3 of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 251c may be formed to make a predetermined angle with the first major axis LX1, which is parallel to the first direction X. As an example, each of the multiple third protruding patterns 251c may have a shape obtained by rotating the first protruding pattern 251a counterclockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° on a plane, for example, the lower surface of the light guide plate 250. That is, the third major axis LX3 may be in a direction rotated by an angle of rotation such that the first major axis LX1 is an acute angle counterclockwise.

[0207] As described above, since multiple third protruding patterns 251c having a third major axis direction LX3 that forms a predetermined angle with the first major axis direction LX1 are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 250, the profile of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first major axis direction LX1 within the light guide plate 250 can be shifted to a direction different from the first direction X, for example, to a direction parallel to the third major axis direction LX3. This cancels out the straight-line propagation of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first major axis direction LX1, and the phenomenon of stripes or the like being visible along the first direction X or the direction opposite to the first direction X can be minimized.

[0208] Figure 14a is a schematic rear view showing yet another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 2. Figure 14b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA6 portion of Figure 14a.

[0209] On the other hand, Figures 14a and 14b show modified embodiments of the embodiments in Figures 12a and 12b in relation to the multiple protruding patterns 351 included in the light guide plate 350. In order to avoid redundant explanations, the differences between Figures 14a and 14b and the embodiments described above will be explained in detail.

[0210] On the other hand, in Figures 14a and 14b, for the sake of explanation, the region corresponding to the "EA6" portion shown in Figures 14a and 14b will be defined and explained as a unit region UR within the overall region of the light guide plate 350. For example, the unit region UR can be defined as the region within the overall region of the light guide plate 350 where 16 protruding patterns 351, for example, the first protruding pattern 351a, are arranged, with their long axis parallel to the first direction X, in substantially the same or similar manner as explained with reference to Figures 12a and 12b. However, such a unit region UR is defined to more easily explain the arrangement density and spacing of the protruding patterns 351, and the unit region UR can be defined in various ways.

[0211] Referring to Figure 14a, multiple protruding patterns 351 can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at a distance from each other.

[0212] The multiple protruding patterns 351 can include multiple first protruding patterns 351a, multiple second protruding patterns 351b, and multiple third protruding patterns 351c, each having a different major axis direction. For example, the first major axis direction of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 351a may be formed parallel to the first direction X, and the second major axis direction of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the third major axis direction of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be formed obliquely to the first direction X. As an example, the second major axis direction of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the third major axis direction of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction X.

[0213] The second major axis direction of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the third major axis direction of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be symmetrical with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis direction.

[0214] Therefore, the first major axis direction of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 351a may be substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142, and the second major axis direction of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the third major axis direction of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142.

[0215] Multiple first protruding patterns 351a can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at a certain density and interval. For example, as described with reference to Figures 12a and 12b, multiple first protruding patterns 351a can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at a first density and spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction.

[0216] Multiple second protruding patterns 351b can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at a constant density and interval. For example, multiple second protruding patterns 351b can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at a second density. As an example, the second density at which the third protruding pattern 351b is arranged may be half the first density at which the first protruding pattern 351a is arranged.

[0217] Furthermore, multiple third protruding patterns 351c can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at a constant density and interval. For example, multiple third protruding patterns 351c can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at a second density. As an example, the second protruding pattern 251b and the third protruding pattern 251c can be arranged at the same density.

[0218] Furthermore, multiple second protruding patterns 351b and multiple third protruding patterns 351c can each be arranged in the separation space between multiple first protruding patterns 351a. For example, multiple second protruding patterns 351b and multiple third protruding patterns 351c can each be arranged at a distance from each other along the corresponding diagonal direction in multiple separation spaces that are formed to extend diagonally when multiple first protruding patterns 351a are arranged at a distance from each other in the diagonal direction.

[0219] To illustrate in more detail, referring further to Figure 14b, the multiple first protruding patterns 351a may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350, spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction, and arranged at a certain density and interval.

[0220] For example, multiple first protruding patterns 351a may be arranged on the regions where odd-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect and the regions where even-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 350, so as to be substantially identical or similar to the first protruding pattern 151a described with reference to Figures 12a and 12b. Alternatively, multiple first protruding patterns 351a may be arranged on the regions where odd-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect and the regions where even-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 350.

[0221] Furthermore, within the unit region UR of the light guide plate 350, multiple second protruding patterns 351b and multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be arranged in the separation space between multiple first protruding patterns 351a, which are each arranged at a distance from one another.

[0222] For example, the second protruding pattern 351b and the third protruding pattern 351c may be placed in areas where multiple rows and multiple columns intersect within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 350, but where the first protruding pattern 351a is not placed. As an example, as mentioned above, if multiple first protruding patterns 351a are placed in areas where odd-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect and areas where even-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 350, then multiple second protruding patterns 351b and multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be placed in some areas within the unit area UR of the light guide plate 350 where odd-numbered rows and even-numbered columns intersect and areas where even-numbered rows and odd-numbered columns intersect, respectively.

[0223] For example, as shown in Figure 14b, eight second protrusion patterns 35 are placed on the region where the first row R1 and the fourth column C4 intersect, the region where the second row R2 and the first column C1 intersect, the region where the third row R3 and the second column C2 intersect, the region where the fourth row R4 and the third column C3 intersect, the region where the fifth row R5 and the fourth column C4 intersect, the region where the sixth row R6 and the first column C1 intersect, the region where the seventh row R7 and the second column C2 intersect, and the region where the eighth row R8 and the third column C3 intersect. Eight third protruding patterns 351c may be placed on the region where 1b is positioned and the first row R1 intersects the second column C2, the second row R2 intersects the third column C3, the third row R3 intersects the fourth column C4, the fourth row R4 intersects the first column C1, the fifth row R5 intersects the second column C2, the sixth row R6 intersects the third column C3, the seventh row R7 intersects the fourth column C4, and the eighth row R8 intersects the first column C1.

[0224] Thus, when eight second protruding patterns 351b and eight third protruding patterns 351c are arranged within a unit region UR, the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the multiple third protruding patterns 351c can be defined as being arranged at a second density. That is, the second density may be half of the first density. In other words, the second protruding patterns 351b and the third protruding patterns 351c can each be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350 at half the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 351a.

[0225] On the other hand, the positions or regions in which the second protruding pattern 351b and the third protruding pattern 351c are arranged are merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the positions or regions in which the second protruding pattern 351b and the third protruding pattern 351c are arranged may be the opposite of the example described above, or the positions or regions in which at least some of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and at least some of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c are arranged may be interchangeable. In this way, the second protruding pattern 351b and the third protruding pattern 351c can be arranged in various ways in the separation space between the multiple first protruding patterns 351a.

[0226] Referring to Figure 14b, the first major axis LX1 of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 351a may be parallel to the first direction X. For example, the first major axis LX1 of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 351a may be parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142 of the second light source unit 140 located on the side of the light guide plate 350.

[0227] Furthermore, the second major axis direction LX2 of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the third major axis direction LX3 of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be symmetrical with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis direction.

[0228] For example, the second major axis direction LX2 of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the third major axis direction LX3 of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be formed obliquely to the first direction X. For example, the second major axis direction LX2 of each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b and the third major axis direction LX3 of each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may be formed at a predetermined angle with the first major axis direction LX1 parallel to the first direction X. As an example, each of the multiple second protruding patterns 351b may have a shape in which the first protruding pattern 351a is rotated clockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° on a plane, for example, the lower surface of the light guide plate 350, and each of the multiple third protruding patterns 351c may have a shape in which the first protruding pattern 351a is rotated counterclockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° on a plane, for example, the plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y. In other words, the second major axis LX2 may be the direction in which the first major axis LX1 is rotated by an angle that is acute clockwise, and the third major axis LX3 may be the direction in which the first major axis LX1 is rotated by an angle that is acute counterclockwise. To put it another way, the second major axis LX2 and the third major axis LX3 may be the directions in which the first major axis LX1 is rotated in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0229] Thus, since a plurality of second protruding patterns 351b having a second protruding pattern LX2 that forms a predetermined angle with the first major axis LX1 and a plurality of third protruding patterns 351c having a third major axis LX3 are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 350, the profile of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first major axis LX1 within the light guide plate 350 can be shifted to a direction different from the first direction X, for example, to a direction parallel to the second major axis LX2 and / or the third major axis LX3. As a result, the straight-line propagation of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first major axis LX1 is canceled out, and the phenomenon of stripes or the like being visible along the first direction X or the direction opposite to the first direction X can be minimized. In particular, compared to the case where only a protruding pattern is formed having a long axis direction rotated in only one direction, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise, with respect to the first long axis direction LX1, the light guide plate 350 can more effectively eliminate the phenomenon of visible stripes and the like due to the straight propagation of light by including a second protruding pattern 351b and a third protruding pattern 351c, which have long axes rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, with respect to the first long axis direction LX1.

[0230] Figure 15 is a schematic rear view showing yet another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 2. Figure 16 is a schematic rear view showing yet another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 2. Figure 17 is a schematic rear view showing yet another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 2. Figure 18 is a graph illustrating an example of the arrangement density of protruding patterns included in the light guide plate of the display device of Figure 2.

[0231] On the other hand, Figure 15 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 12a in relation to the arrangement density of the multiple protruding patterns 451 included in the light guide plate 450, Figure 16 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 13a in relation to the arrangement density of the multiple protruding patterns 551 included in the light guide plate 550, and Figure 17 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 14a in relation to the arrangement density of the multiple protruding patterns 651 included in the light guide plate 650. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant explanations, the differences from the embodiments described above will be explained in detail in Figures 15 to 17.

[0232] On the other hand, Figure 18 shows graphs of the density of the first protruding pattern, indicated by solid lines, for example, the first protruding pattern 451a in Figure 15, the first protruding pattern 551a in Figure 16, or the first protruding pattern 651a in Figure 17, based on their position in the first direction X; graphs of the density of the second protruding pattern, indicated by dotted lines, for example, the second protruding pattern 451b in Figure 15 or the second protruding pattern 651b in Figure 17, based on their position in the first direction X; and graphs of the density of the third protruding pattern, indicated by dashed lines, for example, the third protruding pattern 551c in Figure 16 or the third protruding pattern 651c in Figure 17, based on their position in the first direction X.

[0233] First, referring to Figures 15 and 18, the multiple protruding patterns 451 are arranged spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450 and may include multiple first protruding patterns 451a and multiple second protruding patterns 451b, each with a different major axis direction. For example, as described with reference to Figures 12a and 12b, the first major axis direction LX1 of the multiple first protruding patterns 451a may be formed substantially parallel to the first direction X, and the second major axis direction LX2 of the multiple second protruding patterns 451b may be formed obliquely to the first direction X. As an example, the second major axis direction LX2 on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450 may be in a direction rotated clockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis direction LX1.

[0234] Multiple protruding patterns 451 can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450 at different densities in different regions. For example, multiple first protruding patterns 451a and multiple second protruding patterns 451b can each be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450 at different densities in different regions.

[0235] Multiple first protrusion patterns 451a may be arranged at a third density in the first region A1 and at a fourth density greater than the third density in the second region A2. Similarly, multiple second protrusion patterns 451b may be arranged at a fifth density in the first region A1 and at a sixth density greater than the fifth density in the second region A2.

[0236] The arrangement density of the multiple protruding patterns 451 may decrease as they move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move away from the boundary line BL in the first direction X and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0237] More specifically, as described above, by forming multiple protruding patterns 451 on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450, the profile of light emitted from the second light source unit 140 and incident on the side surface of the light guide plate 450 is shifted to the first region A1 side, which is opposite to the first direction X, and is emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate 450, and the profile of light emitted from the first light source unit 110 and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450 is shifted to the second region A2 side, which is in the first direction X, and is emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate 450. Here, in the first mode, the image displayed on the second region A2 by the light emitted from the second light source 140 is displayed at the first viewing angle, i.e., a wide viewing angle, and in the second mode, the image displayed on the second region A2 by the light emitted from the first light source 110 is displayed at the second viewing angle, i.e., a narrow viewing angle. Therefore, the more protruding patterns 451 are arranged on the second region A2, the greater the viewing angle in the first mode for the image displayed on the second region A2, and the more effectively the viewing angle control in the second mode can be achieved. Accordingly, it is necessary to arrange the maximum possible number of protruding patterns 451 in the second region A2, and as a result, the protruding patterns 451 can be arranged at a higher density in the second region A2 than they are in the first region A1. For example, in the first region A1, multiple first protrusion patterns 451a may be arranged at a third density and multiple second protrusion patterns 451b may be arranged at a fifth density; in the second region A2, multiple first protrusion patterns 451a may be arranged at a fourth density greater than the third density and multiple second protrusion patterns 451b may be arranged at a sixth density greater than the fifth density.

[0238] However, the light emitted from the second light source 140 and supplied to the light guide plate 450 travels through the light guide plate 450 via total internal reflection and is supplied to the first region A1 within the light guide plate 450. As mentioned above, the protruding patterns 451 guide the light incident on the side surface of the light guide plate 450 in the third direction Z, which is upward. Therefore, if the density of the protruding patterns 451 arranged in the region adjacent to the second light source 140 within the second region A2 is too high, the amount of light supplied to the first region A1 within the light guide plate 450 may decrease, which can cause a decrease in brightness in the first region A1.

[0239] As a result, the multiple protruding patterns 451 arranged on the second region A2 may be arranged at a relatively low density in the region adjacent to the second light source 140, and at a relatively high density in the region farther from the second light source 140, for example, in the region adjacent to the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2. For example, the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 451a and multiple second protruding patterns 451b arranged on the second region A2 may decrease as you move from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2 toward the first direction X, which is toward the second light source 140. By adjusting the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 451a and second protruding patterns 451b in this way, the viewing angle control in each driving mode can be made more effective, and at the same time, the reduction in the amount of light supplied toward the first region A1 within the light guide plate 450 can be minimized, thereby preventing a decrease in brightness in the first region A1.

[0240] Furthermore, the protruding pattern 451 concentrates the light supplied to the light guide plate 450, for example, the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 located below the light guide plate 450 and supplied to the light guide plate 450, and guides it to the third direction Z. However, regardless of the drive mode, the image displayed in the first region A1 is displayed at the first viewing angle, i.e., a wide viewing angle. Therefore, as the number of protruding patterns 451 placed on the first region A1 increases, a problem may arise in which the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first region A1 becomes narrower. Thus, in the first region A1, the number of protruding patterns 451 should be arranged as few as possible.

[0241] However, if the protruding pattern 451 is not placed in the first region A1, a problem may arise in which the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 in which the protruding pattern 451 is placed becomes visible. In particular, as mentioned above, the density of the protruding pattern 451 is highest in the region of the second region A2 adjacent to the boundary line BL, so if the protruding pattern 451 is not placed in the first region A1, the visibility of the boundary may increase.

[0242] As a result, the multiple protruding patterns 451 arranged on the first region A1 may be arranged at a relatively high density in the second region A2, i.e., the region adjacent to the boundary line BL, and at a relatively low density in the region farther from the boundary line BL. For example, the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 451a arranged on the first region A1 decreases as they move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move in the opposite direction of the first direction X. Similarly, the arrangement density of the multiple second protruding patterns 451b arranged on the first region A1 may decrease as they move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move in the opposite direction of the first direction X. For example, in the third region A3 adjacent to the second region A2 within the first region A1, the density of the first protruding pattern 451a and the density of the second protruding pattern 451b decrease as you move in the opposite direction of the first direction X, and in the fourth region A4 adjacent to the third region A3 in the opposite direction of the first direction X within the first region A1, the density of the first protruding pattern 451a and the density of the second protruding pattern 451b can be maintained at their minimum values. On the other hand, in this specification, the third region A3 may refer to a part of the first region A1 adjacent to the second region A2, and the fourth region A4 may refer to the area of ​​the first region A1 excluding the third region A3, and most of the first region A1, but this is merely illustrative, and the regional divisions of the first region A1 can be defined in various ways depending on the design. The arrangement density of these protruding patterns 451 prevents the problem of narrowing the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first region A1, and minimizes the visibility of the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0243] In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 451a located in the second region A2 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 451a located in the second region A2 may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 451a located in the third region A3 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 451a located in the third region A3. That is, in relation to the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 451a decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 451a may decrease more gradually in the second region A2 than in the first region A1, for example, in the third region A3.

[0244] Similarly, the degree to which the density of the second protruding pattern 451b located in the second region A2 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the density of the second protruding pattern 451b located in the second region A2 may be smaller than the degree to which the density of the second protruding pattern 451b located in the third region A3 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the density of the second protruding pattern 451b located in the third region A3. That is, in relation to the degree to which the density of the second protruding pattern 451b decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, the density of the second protruding pattern 451b may decrease more gradually in the second region A2 than in the first region A1, for example, the third region A3.

[0245] On the other hand, the above explanation has been based on the assumption that the first protrusion pattern 451a and the second protrusion pattern 451b are arranged in the fourth region A4 at a density that has its minimum value, but this is merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the first protrusion pattern 451a and / or the second protrusion pattern 451b may be arranged only in the third region A3 adjacent to the second region A2 within the first region A1, and not in the fourth region A4.

[0246] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figures 12a and 12b, the density of the multiple second protruding patterns 451b arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450 may be lower than the density of the multiple first protruding patterns 451a arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450. For example, the density of the multiple second protruding patterns 451b arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450 may be half the density of the multiple first protruding patterns 451a arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 450, but is not limited to this.

[0247] For example, referring to Figure 18, the density of multiple second protrusion patterns 451b arranged across the entire region, for example, the first region A1 and the second region A2, may be half the density of multiple first protrusion patterns 451a arranged.

[0248] Next, referring to Figures 16 and 18, the multiple protruding patterns 551 are arranged spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550 and may include multiple first protruding patterns 551a and multiple third protruding patterns 551b, each with a different major axis direction. For example, as described with reference to Figures 13a and 13b, the first major axis direction LX1 of the multiple first protruding patterns 551a may be formed substantially parallel to the first direction X, and the third major axis direction LX3 of the multiple third protruding patterns 551b may be formed obliquely to the first direction X. As an example, the third major axis direction LX3 on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550 may be in a direction rotated counterclockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis direction LX1.

[0249] Multiple protruding patterns 551 can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550 at different densities in different regions. For example, multiple first protruding patterns 551a and multiple third protruding patterns 551c can each be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550 at different densities in different regions. As an example, multiple first protruding patterns 551a can be arranged at a third density in the first region A1 and at a fourth density greater than the third density in the second region A2. Also, multiple third protruding patterns 551c can be arranged at a fifth density in the first region A1 and at a sixth density greater than the fifth density in the second region A2.

[0250] Furthermore, the arrangement density of the multiple protruding patterns 551 may decrease as they move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move away from the boundary line BL in the first direction X and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0251] For example, the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 551a and the multiple third protruding patterns 551c arranged on the second region A2 may decrease as you move from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2 toward the first direction X, which is toward the second light source unit 140.

[0252] Furthermore, the density of the multiple first protruding patterns 551a arranged on the first region A1 decreases as they move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move in the opposite direction of the first direction X. Similarly, the density of the multiple third protruding patterns 551c arranged on the first region A1 may decrease as they move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move in the opposite direction of the first direction X. For example, in the third region A3 adjacent to the second region A2 within the first region A1, the density of the first protruding patterns 551a and the density of the third protruding patterns 551c decrease as they move in the opposite direction of the first direction X, while in the fourth region A4 adjacent to the third region A3 in the opposite direction of the first direction X within the first region A1, the density of the first protruding patterns 551a and the density of the third protruding patterns 551c can be kept at their minimum values.

[0253] In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 551a located in the second region A2 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 551a located in the second region A2 may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 551a located in the third region A3 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 551a located in the third region A3. That is, in relation to the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 551a decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 551a may decrease more gradually in the second region A2 than in the first region A1, for example, in the third region A3.

[0254] Similarly, the degree to which the density of the third protruding patterns 551c located in the second region A2 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the density of the third protruding patterns 551c located in the second region A2 may be smaller than the degree to which the density of the third protruding patterns 551c located in the third region A3 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the density of the third protruding patterns 551c located in the third region A3. That is, in relation to the degree to which the density of the third protruding patterns 551c decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, the density of the third protruding patterns 551c may decrease more gradually in the second region A2 than in the first region A1, for example, in the third region A3.

[0255] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figures 13a and 13b, the density of the multiple third protruding patterns 551c arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550 may be lower than the density of the multiple first protruding patterns 551a arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550. For example, the density of the multiple third protruding patterns 551c arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550 may be half the density of the multiple first protruding patterns 551a arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 550.

[0256] For example, referring to Figure 18, the density of multiple third protrusion patterns 551c arranged across the entire region, for example, across the first region A1 and the second region A2, may be half the density of multiple first protrusion patterns 551a arranged.

[0257] Finally, referring to Figures 17 and 18, the multiple protruding patterns 651 are arranged spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate 650 and may include multiple first protruding patterns 651a, multiple second protruding patterns 651b, and multiple third protruding patterns 651b, each with different major axis directions. For example, as described with reference to Figures 14a and 14b, the first major axis direction LX1 of the multiple first protruding patterns 651a is formed substantially parallel to the first direction X, and the second major axis direction LX2 of the multiple second protruding patterns 651b and the third major axis direction LX3 of the multiple third protruding patterns 651b may each be formed obliquely to the first direction X. For example, the second major axis LX2 on the lower surface of the light guide plate 650 may be a direction rotated clockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis LX1, and the third major axis LX3 on the lower surface of the light guide plate 650 may be a direction rotated counterclockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis LX1. For example, the second major axis LX2 and the third major axis LX3 may be symmetrical with respect to the first direction X or the first major axis LX1.

[0258] Multiple protruding patterns 651 can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 650 at different densities in different regions. For example, multiple first protruding patterns 651a can be arranged at substantially the same density as the multiple first protruding patterns 451a described with reference to Figure 15 and / or the multiple first protruding patterns 551a described with reference to Figure 16, multiple second protruding patterns 651b can be arranged at substantially the same density as the multiple second protruding patterns 451b described with reference to Figure 15, and multiple third protruding patterns 651c can be arranged at substantially the same density as the multiple third protruding patterns 551c described with reference to Figure 16. Therefore, redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0259] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 20 is a schematic rear view showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 19. Figure 21 is a schematic front view showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 19. Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of a light control pattern included in the light guide plate of Figure 21.

[0260] On the other hand, Figure 19 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 2 in relation to the multiple light control patterns 752 included in the light guide plate 750, and Figure 20 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 12a in relation to the protruding pattern 751 of the light guide plate 750. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant explanations, Figures 19 to 22 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiments described above.

[0261] Referring to Figure 19, a light guide plate 750 included in a display device 700 according to another embodiment of this specification may include a plurality of protruding patterns 751 disposed on its lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns 751 may be formed as an embossed shape projecting downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate 750, for example, in the opposite direction to the third direction Z.

[0262] Furthermore, multiple protruding patterns 751 may be arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750 and may share the same long axis direction.

[0263] To describe the protruding pattern 751 in more detail, further referring to Figure 20, the multiple protruding patterns 751 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750 at a certain density and interval, and separated from each other in a diagonal direction. For example, the multiple protruding patterns 751 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750 at a first density, separated from each other in a diagonal direction, in a manner substantially identical or similar to the first protruding pattern 151a described with reference to Figure 12a.

[0264] Furthermore, the longitudinal axes of the multiple protruding patterns 751 arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750 can all be formed parallel to the first direction X. For example, the longitudinal axis of each of the multiple protruding patterns 751 may be substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the multiple second light sources 142.

[0265] On the other hand, if the long axis directions of the multiple protruding patterns 751 are the same, for example, if they are formed parallel to the first direction X, then, due to the straight-line propagation of light, a phenomenon may occur in the image displayed by the light provided from the second light source 140 in which striped patterns or the like may be visible along the first direction X or the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0266] To prevent such phenomena, the light guide plate 750 included in the display device 700 according to another embodiment of this specification may include a plurality of light control patterns 752 arranged on its upper surface.

[0267] Each of the multiple light control patterns 752 is part of the light guide plate 750, and the multiple light control patterns 752 and the light guide plate 150 can be formed integrally. For example, each of the multiple light control patterns 752 may contain the same material as the light guide plate 750, and each of the multiple light control patterns 752 may have the same refractive index as the light guide plate 750, but is not limited to this.

[0268] To describe the light control patterns 752 in more detail, referring further to Figures 21 and 22, each of the multiple light control patterns 752 may have a semi-cylindrical shape extending in the first direction X. For example, the direction in which the semi-cylindrical shape of each of the multiple light control patterns 752 extends may be parallel to the long axis direction of each of the multiple protruding patterns 751 described above. As an example, each of the multiple light control patterns 752 may be embodied in a lenticular lens or the like.

[0269] Furthermore, multiple light control patterns 752 may be arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. For example, multiple light control patterns 752 may be arranged sequentially along the second direction Y without any separation between them.

[0270] These multiple light control patterns 752 control the path of light incident on the light guide plate 750, thereby minimizing the phenomenon in which striped patterns and the like are visible in the image displayed by the light provided from the second light source unit 140.

[0271] For example, referring to Figure 22, in the case of light Lc emitted from the upper surface of the light guide plate 750, i.e., in the upward direction of the light guide plate 750 through a plurality of light control patterns 752, the light Lc may be refracted at the boundary between the inside and outside of the semi-cylindrical light control pattern 752 due to the difference in refractive index between the inside and outside of the light control pattern 752, thereby refracting or diffusing in the second direction Y and / or in the opposite direction of the second direction Y.

[0272] In this case, when light traveling in a first direction X, for example, parallel to the long axis direction of the multiple protruding patterns 751, by the protruding patterns 751 within the light guide plate 750 is emitted to the top of the light guide plate 750, the light profile can be shifted in a second direction Y and / or in the opposite direction of the second direction Y by the semi-cylindrical light control pattern 752. This disperses the straight-line propagation of light traveling in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the protruding patterns 751, and minimizes the phenomenon in which stripes or the like are visible along the first direction X or the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0273] The display devices according to the embodiments of this specification can be described as follows.

[0274] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and overlapping with at least a portion of the display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed alongside the second light source unit and guiding the light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using the light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may include a plurality of protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and have different longitudinal axes.

[0275] According to other features of this specification, the plurality of protruding patterns may include a plurality of first protruding patterns having a first major axis direction and a plurality of second protruding patterns having a second major axis direction different from the first major axis direction, and the first major axis direction may be a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the light guide plate where the second light source portion is disposed.

[0276] According to another feature of this specification, the second major axis direction may be a direction in which the first major axis direction rotates by a rotation angle between 0° and 90° clockwise on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

[0277] According to another feature of this specification, the second major axis direction may be a direction in which the first major axis direction rotates by a rotation angle between 0° and 90° counterclockwise on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

[0278] According to another feature of this specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns and the plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged at a certain density on the lower surface of the light guide plate respectively.

[0279] According to another feature of this specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns may be arranged at a first density, and the plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged at a second density lower than the first density.

[0280] According to another feature of this specification, the second density may be half of the first density.

[0281] According to another feature of this specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns may be arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other.

[0282] According to another feature of this specification, the plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged in the spaced-apart spaces formed diagonally between the plurality of first protruding patterns.

[0283] According to another feature of this specification, the plurality of protruding patterns may further include a plurality of third protruding patterns having a third major axis direction different from the first major axis direction and the second major axis direction.

[0284] According to other features of this specification, the second and third major axis directions may be symmetrical with respect to the first major axis direction.

[0285] According to other features of this specification, a plurality of first protruding patterns, a plurality of second protruding patterns, and a plurality of third protruding patterns can each be arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

[0286] According to other features of this specification, a plurality of first protruding patterns may be arranged at a first density, a plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged at a second density lower than the first density, and a plurality of third protruding patterns may be arranged at a second density.

[0287] According to other features of this specification, multiple protruding patterns may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate at different densities in different regions.

[0288] Although embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail above with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of this specification, and the scope of the technical concept of this specification is not limited by such embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A first light source unit including multiple first light sources; A light control unit including a plurality of partitions arranged on the first light source unit and overlapping with at least a portion of the display area; A second light source unit, disposed on the optical control unit, including a plurality of second light sources; A light guide plate arranged alongside the second light source unit and guiding the light provided from the second light source unit; and Includes a display panel that is placed on the light guide plate and displays an image using light provided from the first light source or the second light source, The light guide plate is a display device that includes a plurality of protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and have different longitudinal axes.

2. The aforementioned multiple protruding patterns are A plurality of first protruding patterns having a first major axis direction; and It includes a plurality of second protruding patterns having a second major axis direction different from the first major axis direction, The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first major axis direction is perpendicular to the side surface of the light guide plate on which the second light source is arranged.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the second major axis direction is the direction in which the first major axis direction is rotated clockwise by an angle of rotation between 0° and 90° on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the second major axis direction is the direction in which the first major axis direction is rotated counterclockwise by an angle of rotation between 0° and 90° on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first protruding patterns and the plurality of second protruding patterns are each arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

6. The plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a first density, The display device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of second protrusion patterns are arranged at a second density lower than the first density.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the second density is half of the first density.

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged to be separated from each other in a diagonal direction.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged in the separation space formed diagonally between the plurality of first protruding patterns.

10. The aforementioned multiple protruding patterns are The display device according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of third protruding patterns having a third major axis direction different from the first major axis direction and the second major axis direction.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the second major axis direction and the third major axis direction are symmetrical with respect to the first major axis direction.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of first protruding patterns, the plurality of second protruding patterns, and the plurality of third protruding patterns are each arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate.

13. The plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a first density, The plurality of second protrusion patterns are arranged at a second density lower than the first density. The display device according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of third protrusion patterns are arranged at the second density.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein multiple protruding patterns are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate at different densities in different regions.

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