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 first light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and superimposed on at least a portion of the display area; a second light source unit disposed on the first 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 supplied from the second light source unit; a second light control unit including a plurality of prism patterns disposed on the light guide plate and superimposed on at least a portion of the display area; and a display panel disposed on the second light control unit and displaying an image using light supplied from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

Description

Technical Field

[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. Display devices include not only electro-optical panels that simply transmit visual information in one direction, but also various electronic devices that require higher technologies to confirm user input and provide 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 may reduce the driver's concentration during the operation of the vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] Another problem to be solved by this specification is to prevent the video displayed in the second region from being visible to a user located on the first region side in a second mode that provides content with a narrow viewing angle in the second region, and to provide a display device that can effectively control the viewing angle in the second mode.

[0006] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; a first light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and superimposed on at least a portion of the display area; a second light source unit disposed on the first 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 supplied from the second light source unit; a second light control unit disposed on the light guide plate and including a plurality of prism patterns superimposed on at least a portion of the display area; and a display panel disposed on the second light control unit and displaying an image using light supplied from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

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

[0009] This specification allows for controlling the emission of some of the multiple light sources located at the bottom of the display panel by controlling the driving mode, thereby enabling control in the first mode to set both the first and second regions to wide-view mode, and in the second mode to control the first region to wide-view mode and the second region to narrow-view mode.

[0010] This specification allows the light supplied to the display panel to be shifted to the second region so that the image displayed in the second region is not visible to a user located in the first region, thereby enabling effective control of the viewing angle in the second mode.

[0011] This specification simplifies the manufacturing process of the prism pattern because the prism pattern for shifting the light supplied to the display panel to the second region is arranged across the entire display area.

[0012] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wide variety of other effects are included within the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [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] This 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] This is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA1 portion in Figure 4a. [Figure 5a] This is a schematic side view showing another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5b] This is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion in Figure 5a. [Figure 6] This is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] This is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8a] This is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8b] This is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion in Figure 8a. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side view showing yet another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 10] This is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing an example of a second optical control unit included in the display device shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12a] This graph illustrates an example of a prism pattern included in the second optical control unit shown in Figure 11. [Figure 12b] This graph illustrates an example of a prism pattern included in the second optical control unit shown in Figure 11. [Figure 12c] It is a graph for explaining an example of a prism pattern included in the second light control unit of FIG. 11. [Figure 12d] It is a graph for explaining an example of a prism pattern included in the second light control unit of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 15] It is a side view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a rear view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 14. [Figure 17] It is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 18] It is a rear view schematically showing another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 15.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] 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 to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present specification pertains of the scope of the specification.

[0015] 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.

[0016] When interpreting the constituent elements, they shall be interpreted as including a margin of error, even if not explicitly stated otherwise.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Throughout the specification, the same reference numeral refers to the same component.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The features of each of the various embodiments described herein can be combined or combined with one another, either partially or as a whole, enabling 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.

[0023] In the following sections, this specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 first light control unit 130, a second light source unit 140, a light guide plate 150, a second light control unit 160, and a display panel 170.

[0032] The display panel 170 can generate an image for the user by utilizing the light provided from a light source located at its bottom. For example, the display panel 170 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.

[0033] A liquid crystal display panel may be used as the display panel 170. For example, the display panel 170 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.

[0034] The display panel 170 may include a display area on which an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area.

[0035] The display area of ​​the display panel 170 can be divided into multiple areas. In other words, the display area can contain multiple areas.

[0036] For example, referring further to Figure 3, the display area AA of the display panel 170 can include multiple areas A1 and A2 arranged along the first direction X. As an example, the display area AA can include a first area A1 and a second area A2 adjacent to the first area A1 in the first direction X.

[0037] In this embodiment, the areas A1 and A2 of the display panel 170 are arranged to cross the driver's seat and 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 areas A1 and A2 of the display panel 170 can display different informational images to the user. For example, the first area A1 of the display panel 170 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 passenger seat, such as the CID area, which provides information such as driving speed and RPM, engine temperature, and fuel quantity. The second area A2 of the display panel 170 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 area divisions are for the convenience of explanation, and the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display panel 170 can be defined in various ways depending on the design.

[0038] On the other hand, when the display panel 170 is used in a vehicle as described with reference to Figure 1, the field of view of at least some of the multiple areas A1 and A2 included in the display panel 170 needs to 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.

[0039] For example, depending on the driving mode of the display device 100, in the first mode, multiple areas A1 and A2 of the display panel 170 are all controlled to wide-view mode (Share mode) to display an image, and in the second mode, at least some of the multiple areas A1 and A2 of the display panel 170, for example, the second area A2, can be controlled to narrow-view mode (Private mode) to display an image. To achieve this, the display device 100 can control the display panel 170 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 the multiple light sources 110 and 140 located at the bottom of the display panel 170.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2, the lower part of the display panel 170 may include a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a first light control unit 130, a second light source unit 140, a light guide plate 150, and a second light control unit 160.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] A first optical control unit 130 may be placed on the optical sheet 120.

[0051] The first optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below. For example, the first 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 first 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 first 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.

[0052] To this end, the first 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 the term viewing angle control pattern instead.

[0053] 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, light incident on the first light control unit 130, for example, in 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 170 may receive light that is mostly limited to the front direction, for example, a third direction Z.

[0054] As a result, in the region where the multiple partitions 133 of the first 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 first 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 first 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.

[0055] Furthermore, the first 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 first 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 first 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] A second light source unit 140 and a light guide plate 150 may be arranged on the first light control unit 130.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The light guide plate 150 may be positioned on the first 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] The light guide plate 150 can guide the light provided from the second light source unit 140 and direct it toward the display panel 170, 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 170, 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 170.

[0069] Furthermore, the light provided from the first light source unit 110 through the optical sheet 120 and the first light control unit 130 can travel in a third direction Z, which is the direction toward the display panel 170 through the light guide plate 150.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 first light control unit 130, the light emitted from the second light source unit 140 travels in a third direction Z toward the display panel 170 by the light guide plate 150 and is provided to the entire display area AA, so that an image at the first viewing angle can be displayed in the entirety of the multiple areas A1 and A2 of the display panel 170. As a result, in the first mode, an image in wide-view mode (Share mode) can be displayed in the entirety of the display area AA, for example, in the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0072] 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 170 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 first 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 170, and at the second viewing angle in the second area A2 of the display panel 170. As a result, in the second mode, the image can be displayed in wide-view mode (Share mode) in the first area A1 of the display area AA, and the image can be displayed in narrow-view mode (Private mode) in the second area A2 of the display area AA.

[0073] Thus, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification can control the display panel 170 to either a first mode or a 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 110, 140 located at the bottom of the display panel 170.

[0074] A second light control unit 160 may be placed on the light guide plate 150.

[0075] The second light control unit 160 can control the profile of the light provided by the light guide plate 150. For example, the second light control unit 160 can profile the light provided by the light guide plate 150 that travels to the display panel 170, for example, by shifting the direction of travel of the light toward the first direction X, which is the second region A2 side.

[0076] For this purpose, the second optical control unit 160 may include a base layer 161 and a plurality of prism patterns 162 arranged on the base layer 161. For example, the plurality of prism patterns 162 may be arranged in a region that overlaps with the second region A2. However, this is merely illustrative, and the region in which the prism patterns 162 are arranged is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of prism patterns 162 may be arranged in the entire region that overlaps with the display region AA.

[0077] Each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may extend in a second direction Y on the base layer 161 and be arranged along a first direction X.

[0078] Each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may have an asymmetrical triangular prism shape. Therefore, each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may have a triangular shape in cross-section. For example, each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may have an isosceles triangular shape on the side surface of the display device 100. In this case, when light incident on the second light control unit 160, for example, each of the multiple prism patterns 162, travels from the inside to the outside of the prism pattern 162, the profile of the light may be shifted due to refraction at the boundary between the inside and outside of the prism pattern 162 caused by the difference in refractive index between the inside and outside of the prism pattern 162. For example, if the refractive index inside the prism pattern 162 is greater than the refractive index outside, the profile of the light may be shifted toward the first direction X, which is the second region A2 side. As a result, the viewing angle in the second region A2 can be controlled more effectively in the second mode described above. Also, since the light transmitted through the second light control unit 160 is shifted toward the first direction X, which is the second region A2 side, the viewing angle in the second region A2 can be improved. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

[0079] In the following, the first 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 second optical control unit 160 of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

[0080] 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.

[0081] On the other hand, the first optical control unit 130 shown in Figure 4a is an embodiment of the first optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0082] Referring to Figures 2 and 4a, the first 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 the thickness of the first light control unit 130, the emission angle of the light emitted from the first light control unit 130, the distance between the first light control unit 130 and the display panel 170, etc., 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 support members 131 and 132, and both sides of each of the multiple partition walls 133 may be perpendicular to the support members 131 and 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 support members 131 and 132, respectively.

[0090] Such multiple partitions 133 can limit the emission angle of light emitted from the first 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 first 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.

[0091] To illustrate in more detail, referring further to Figure 4b, the light provided from the lower part of the first 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 first optical control unit 130 reducing or narrowing the optical profile along the first direction X.

[0092] For example, the first light L1, provided from the lower part of the first light control unit 130, which has a light 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 first light control unit 130.

[0093] Furthermore, in the case of light provided from the lower part of the first light 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 may be emitted upwards from the first light control unit 130.

[0094] However, if a light path is formed between two mutually separated partition walls 133 between the light supplied from the lower part of the first light control unit 130 at a predetermined angle along the first direction X with respect to the third direction Z, 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 supplied from the lower part of the first 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 upper part of the first light control unit 130. For example, at least a portion of the second light L2 and the third light L3 supplied from the lower part of the first light control unit 130 may be absorbed by the partition walls 133 and not exit to the outside.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 first 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.

[0098] Figure 5a is a schematic side view showing another example of the first optical control unit included in the display device of Figure 2.

[0099] Figure 5b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of Figure 5a.

[0100] On the other hand, the first optical control unit 230 shown in Figure 5a represents another embodiment of the first 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 first 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 first light control unit 230 includes a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partition walls 233 arranged between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, 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 support members 131 and 132, one side of each of the multiple partition walls 233 is perpendicular to the support members 131 and 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 support members 131 and 132. For example, one of the two sides 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 support members 131 and 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 first optical control unit 230.

[0106] To illustrate in more detail, referring further to Figure 5b, the light provided from the lower part of the first 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 first 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 first 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 toward the third direction Z, which is perpendicular, 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 bottom of the first light control unit 230 and traveling toward the vertical side of the partition wall 233 may be absorbed by the partition wall 233, and the second light L2a not absorbed by the partition wall 233 may be totally reflected from the vertical side of the partition wall 233. At least a portion of the third light L3 provided from the bottom of the first light control unit 230 and traveling toward the inclined side of the partition wall 233 may be absorbed by the partition wall 233, and the third light L3a not absorbed by the partition wall 233 may be totally reflected from the inclined side of the partition wall 233. Here, due to the difference in the angle of incidence between the vertical side and the inclined side of the partition wall 233, the third light L3a totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall 233 may be further guided toward the third direction Z, which is vertical, compared to the second light L2a totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall 233. This allows more light toward the display panel 170 in the second region A2 to be 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 first optical control unit 330 shown in Figure 6 represents yet another embodiment of the first 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 first 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 first 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 first 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 a very small height 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 first optical control unit 330, the manufacturing process of the first 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 first optical control unit 430 shown in Figure 7 represents yet another embodiment of the first 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 first 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 first 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 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.

[0124] Multiple partitions 433 can be arranged over the entire area of ​​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 first 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 first optical control unit 430, the manufacturing process of the first 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.

[0132] Figure 8b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of Figure 8a.

[0133] On the other hand, the first optical control unit 530 shown in Figure 8a represents yet another embodiment of the first optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0134] 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 first 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.

[0135] Referring to Figures 2 and 8a, the first 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.

[0136] On the other hand, referring to Figure 8a, display area AA can be divided into multiple sub-areas AAa, AAb, and AAc. 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.

[0137] Multiple partitions 533 can be arranged on each of the sub-regions AAa, AAb, and 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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 633c 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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 increases in the first direction X, that is, in the direction toward the second sub-region AAb. This minimizes the visibility of the boundary between regions A1 and 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, for example, 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, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the first optical control unit 530.

[0145] 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 virtual line VL 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 virtual line VL connecting 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] On the other hand, the first optical control unit 630 shown in Figure 9 represents yet another embodiment of the first optical control unit 130 included in the display device 100 described with reference to Figure 2.

[0148] 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 first optical control unit 630. In order to avoid redundant explanations, Figure 9 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0149] Referring to Figures 2 and 9, the first 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.

[0150] On the other hand, referring to Figure 9, display area AA can be divided into multiple sub-areas AAa, AAb, and AAc. Here, the area divisions of the multiple sub-areas AAa, AAb, and AAc are substantially the same or similar to the area divisions explained with reference to Figure 8a, so redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0151] Multiple partitions 633 may be arranged on each sub-region AAa, AAb, and AAc of the display region AA. For example, the multiple partitions 633 may include multiple first partitions 633a arranged on the first sub-region AAa, multiple second partitions 633b arranged on the second sub-region AAb, and multiple third partitions 633c arranged on the third sub-region AAc.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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 633c 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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 height decreasing as you move in the opposite direction to the first direction X. This minimizes the visibility of the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 due to the difference in viewing angles between regions A1 and A2 in the image displayed by the light incident on the first optical control unit 630.

[0158] Figure 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 11 is a side view showing an example of a second optical control unit included in the display device of Figure 10. Figures 12a to 12d are graphs illustrating an example of a prism pattern included in the second optical control unit of Figure 11.

[0159] On the other hand, Figure 10 shows a side view of the display device 100, which is driven in a second mode in which only the first light source unit 110 emits light and the second light source unit 140 does not emit light. For the sake of explanation, in Figure 10, the second light source unit 140 and the light guide plate 150, which are components included in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification, are omitted.

[0160] On the other hand, for the sake of explanation, Figure 10 shows a display device 100 that includes a first optical control unit 130 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figures 4a and 4b, among the various embodiments of the first optical control units 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630 described with reference to Figures 4a to 9. However, this is merely illustrative, and the display device 100 may also include a first optical control unit 230, 330, 430, 530, or 630 according to one embodiment of any one of the various embodiments described with reference to Figures 5a to 9.

[0161] Referring to Figure 10, multiple first light sources 112 included in the first light source unit 110 can emit light and provide light to the display panel 170. For example, light provided from multiple first light sources 112 and traveling in the third direction Z can be diffused or focused through the optical sheet 120 and provided to the first light control unit 130.

[0162] Here, the first light L1, for which an optical path is formed in the third direction Z which is vertical between the two mutually separated partition walls 133 of the first light control unit 130, is not blocked by the partition walls 133 and can be emitted upward from the first light control unit 130, i.e., in the third direction Z, and provided to the second light control unit 160.

[0163] Furthermore, an optical path is formed between two mutually separated partition walls 133 of the first optical control unit 130 in a direction having a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction Z. At least a portion of the light on which the side walls of the partition walls 133 are located is absorbed by the partition walls 133 and does not emit to the outside, while the remaining portion that is not absorbed by the partition walls 133 undergoes total internal reflection and is emitted upward towards the first optical control unit 130, and can be provided to the second optical control unit 160. For example, most of the second light L2 may be absorbed by the partition walls 133, while the remaining portion of the second light L2 may not be absorbed by the partition walls 133 and undergoes total internal reflection, and can be provided to the second optical control unit 160.

[0164] In the case of light that is not absorbed by the partition wall 133 and undergoes total internal reflection, and is emitted from the first optical control unit 130 towards the display panel 170, the angle at which it undergoes total internal reflection from the partition wall 133 may be greater than the emission angle of the first optical control unit 130, which is designed to ensure 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. For example, if the second light L2 that is not absorbed by the partition wall 133 and undergoes total internal reflection is emitted at an angle greater than the emission angle designed for the first optical control unit 130, and is provided to the display panel 170 without any change in the light path, then at least a portion of the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit 110 on the second region A2 may be displayed at a viewing angle greater than the second viewing angle. As an example, when the display device 100 is used in a vehicle described with reference to Figure 1, and the second light source unit 140 is controlled to a non-emitting state to display an image in the second mode, a problem may arise in which the field of view of the image displayed on the second area A2, which provides entertainment functions and seat information for a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, is not completely restricted, and the image may be visible to the driver located on the first area A1 side.

[0165] As a result, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification can use the second optical control unit 160 to shift the optical profile, for example, the direction of propagation of the light, toward the first direction X, which is the second region A2 side, for light traveling toward the display panel 170.

[0166] For this purpose, the second optical control unit 160 may include a base layer 161 and a plurality of prism patterns 162 arranged on the base layer 161, each having an asymmetrical triangular prism shape.

[0167] The base layer 161 can support multiple prism patterns 162.

[0168] The base layer 161 may contain a transparent material that allows light to pass through. For example, the base layer 161 may contain a plastic material. As an example, the base layer 161 may contain polyethylene terephthalate. However, the material of the base layer 161 is not limited thereto, and depending on the example, the base layer 161 may also contain polymers such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, or polyarylate, polyimide, etc.

[0169] Multiple prism patterns 162 can be arranged on the base layer 161. Each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may extend in a second direction Y on the base layer 161 and be arranged along a first direction X. On the other hand, the multiple prism patterns 162 may be bonded to the base layer 161 through a transparent adhesive or the like, but are not limited to this.

[0170] Each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may include a transparent plastic material that allows light transmission. Furthermore, each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may include a material with a refractive index different from that of vacuum or air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of vacuum or air, in order to shift the profile of the light emitted from the second optical control unit 160. For example, the refractive index of the prism pattern 162 may be between 1.4 and 1.7, but is not limited to this value.

[0171] For example, each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may include polycarbonate. However, the material of the multiple prism patterns 162 is not limited to this, and each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may be formed by including a variety of known materials that have transparency and the aforementioned refractive index, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyurethane.

[0172] Each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may have an asymmetrical triangular prism shape. For example, each of the multiple prism patterns 162 may have an isosceles triangular shape when viewed from a plane defined by a first direction X and a third direction Z.

[0173] To illustrate this more specifically, referring further to Figure 11, the prism pattern 162 may include a first surface 162a, a second surface 162b connected to one end of the first surface 162a, and a third surface 162c connected to the other end of the first surface 162a. The second surface 162b may be located in a first direction X, for example, towards the second region A2, and the third surface 162c may be located in the opposite direction to the first direction X, for example, towards the first region A1.

[0174] The first surface 162a of the prism pattern 162 may be the surface that contacts the upper surface of the base layer 161. For example, the first surface 162a may correspond to the lower surface of the prism pattern 162. As an example, the first surface 162a may be parallel to the first direction X.

[0175] The first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 can be designed to minimize the reduction in brightness and side lobes of light transmitted through the prism pattern 162. For example, the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 may be 90°. As an example, the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 may be parallel to a third direction Z perpendicular to a first direction X.

[0176] To explain this in more detail, further referring to Figures 12a to 12d, Figures 12a to 12d show graphs of luminance values ​​by viewing angle when there is no prism pattern 162 (reference), as shown by the dashed line, and graphs of luminance values ​​by viewing angle when the first angle AG1 of the prism pattern 162 of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification, shown by the solid line in Figures 12a to 12d, is 60°, 70°, 80°, and 90°, respectively. On the other hand, in Figures 12a to 12d, other conditions other than the first angle AG1 of the prism pattern 162, such as the length and refractive index of the second angle AG2 of the prism pattern 162 and the first surface 162a, are assumed to be the same.

[0177] First, referring to Figure 12a, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 60°, the peak luminance of the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162 can be reduced by approximately 18.4% compared to the peak luminance without the prism pattern 162. Furthermore, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 60°, it can be confirmed that side lobes are generated in the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162 at viewing angles between -60° and -90°.

[0178] Furthermore, referring to Figure 12b, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 70°, the peak luminance of the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162 can be reduced by approximately 15.8% compared to the peak luminance without the prism pattern 162. Also, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 70°, it can be confirmed that side lobes are generated in the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162 at viewing angles between -40° and -80°.

[0179] Furthermore, referring to Figure 12c, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 80°, the peak luminance of the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162 can be reduced by approximately 13.2% compared to the peak luminance without the prism pattern 162. Also, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 80°, it can be confirmed that side lobes are generated in the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162 at viewing angles between -20° and -40°.

[0180] Furthermore, referring to Figure 12d, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 90°, the peak luminance of the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162 can be reduced by approximately 10.6% compared to the peak luminance without the prism pattern 162. In addition, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 90°, it can be confirmed that no side lobes are generated in the light transmitted through the prism pattern 162. That is, side lobes can only be generated around 0° in light transmitted through a prism pattern 162 with a first angle AG1 of 90°.

[0181] Thus, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is 90°, the peak luminance can be maximized and the side lobes can be reduced to 0°. In other words, when the first angle AG1 between the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the prism pattern 162 is designed to be 90°, the luminance drop can be minimized, the side lobes can be minimized, and the viewing angle can be more effectively controlled in the second region A2.

[0182] Referring also to Figure 11, the second angle AG2 between the first surface 162a and the third surface 162c of the prism pattern 162 can have an angle between 0° and 90°. For example, the second angle AG2 may be acute.

[0183] The second angle AG2 of the prism pattern 162 can be designed by comprehensively considering the distance between the second optical control unit 160 and the display panel 170, the size of the display panel 170, the size of the second region A2, the refractive index of the prism pattern 162, and so on.

[0184] For example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first light L1 incident on the prism pattern 162 may be refracted at the third surface 162c due to the refractive index difference between the vacuum or air and the prism pattern 162. In this case, as mentioned above, the refractive index of the prism pattern 162 is greater than that of the vacuum or air, for example, a value of 1.4 or more and 1.7 or less. Therefore, the first light L1 incident on the prism pattern 162 in a direction parallel to the third direction Z, for example, the first light L1 incident on the third surface 162c of the prism pattern 162 at an incident angle having a second angle AG2 with respect to the normal NL to the third surface 162c, may be refracted towards the first direction X at the third surface 162c due to the refractive index difference, and may be refracted at an incident angle having a third angle AG3 that is α° greater than the second angle AG2 with respect to the normal NL to the third surface 162c, and propagate upwards. However, α is a real number greater than 0, and the value obtained by adding α° to the second angle AG2 may be less than 90°. Therefore, the first light L1 that has passed through the prism pattern 162 may be shifted by α° toward the first direction X relative to the light path before passing through the prism pattern 162 and propagate upwards. Here, α° can be determined by the refractive index of vacuum or air and the refractive index of the prism pattern 162 according to Snell's law.

[0185] As a result, and referring again to Figure 10, the second light L2, which is not absorbed by the partition wall 133 of the first light control unit 130 and undergoes total internal reflection, traveling toward the first region A1, for example, in the opposite direction to the first direction X, can be shifted toward the first direction X after passing through the prism pattern 162 of the second light control unit 160 and travel upward, for example toward the display panel 170.

[0186] As a result, in the second mode described above, when light emitted from the first light source unit 110, which is located below the first light control unit 130 and superimposed on the second region A2, travels through the first light control unit 130 to the display panel 170, even if some light is not absorbed on the partition wall 133 included in the first light control unit 130 and undergoes total internal reflection, traveling in the opposite direction to the first direction X, i.e., towards the first region A1, this light is shifted towards the first direction X side through the second light control unit 160 and travels towards the display panel 170, thus allowing for more effective control of the viewing angle on the second region A2.

[0187] Furthermore, the multiple prism patterns 162 can be arranged in a region that overlaps with the second region A2. For example, the multiple prism patterns 162 can be arranged on the second region A2 and not on the first region A1. This allows the light traveling to the display panel 170 on the second region A2, where the viewing angle is limited in the second mode, to be shifted towards the first direction X by the second optical control unit 160, which includes the multiple prism patterns 162 arranged in a region that overlaps with the second region A2.

[0188] Figure 13 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0189] On the other hand, Figure 13 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 10 in relation to the region where the multiple prism patterns 762 included in the second optical control unit 760 are arranged. In order to avoid redundant explanations, Figure 13 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0190] Referring to Figure 13, the second optical control unit 760 included in the display device 700 according to another embodiment of this specification may include a base layer 161 and a plurality of prism patterns 762 arranged on the base layer 161.

[0191] Multiple prism patterns 762 can be arranged across the entire area of ​​display region AA. For example, multiple prism patterns 762 can be arranged on the base layer 161, superimposed on the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0192] Thus, instead of forming a prism pattern only in a portion of the display area AA during the manufacturing process of the second optical control unit 760, multiple prism patterns 762 are formed over the entire display area AA, which can simplify the manufacturing process of the second optical control unit 760.

[0193] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of this specification. Figure 15 is a schematic side view showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 14. Figure 16 is a schematic rear view showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 14. Figure 17 is a side view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of this specification.

[0194] On the other hand, Figure 14 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 2 in relation to the light guide plate 850. Therefore, in order to avoid redundant explanations, Figures 14 to 17 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0195] Referring to Figure 14, another embodiment of the display device 800 according to this specification may include a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a first light control unit 130, a second light source unit 140, a light guide plate 850, a second light control unit 160, and a display panel 170.

[0196] The light guide plate 850 is positioned on the first light control unit 130 and may be positioned on the side of the second light source unit 140. The light guide plate 850 can also guide the light provided by the second light source unit 140 and direct it toward the display panel 170, for example, in the third direction Z.

[0197] The light guide plate 850 may include a plurality of protruding patterns 851 arranged on its lower surface. Each of the plurality of protruding patterns 851 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 plurality of protruding patterns 851 may include the same material as the light guide plate 850, and each of the plurality of protruding patterns 851 may have the same refractive index as the light guide plate 850, but is not limited thereto.

[0198] Referring to both Figures 15 and 16, the multiple protruding patterns 851 may be formed projecting downwards from the light guide plate 850, for example, in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. In some embodiments, the multiple protruding patterns 851 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 850 at a certain density and interval.

[0199] Each of the multiple protruding patterns 851 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 851 may have a square pyramidal shape.

[0200] Each of the multiple protruding patterns 851 may have an asymmetrical shape. For example, the vertices of the square pyramidal shapes included in each of the multiple protruding patterns 851 may be formed in the direction toward the first direction X, for example, toward the first region A1. As a result, as shown in Figure 16, of the two inclined surfaces included in each of the multiple protruding patterns 851 that face each other along the first direction X, the inclined surface located toward the first direction X may be wider than the inclined surface located toward the opposite direction of the first direction X.

[0201] Due to the shape of the protruding pattern 851, the profile of light transmitted through the light guide plate 850 may be shifted toward the first direction X, which is the second region A2 side. For example, referring further to Figure 17, since the square pyramidal shape of each of the multiple protruding patterns 851 has an asymmetric shape, the inclination angles of the two inclined surfaces 851a and 851b contained in each of the multiple protruding patterns 851 and facing each other along the first direction X may be different. For example, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 851a, which is located on the side opposite to the first direction X, may be greater than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 851b, which is located on the side of the first direction X.

[0202] As a result, the angle at which light La incident on the first inclined surface 851a included in each of the multiple protruding patterns 851 is refracted by the protruding pattern 851 toward the first direction X may be greater than the angle at which light Lb incident on the second inclined surface 851b is refracted by the protruding pattern 851 toward the opposite direction of the first direction X. This allows the light provided from the lower part of the light guide plate 850 to be shifted overall toward the second region A2. This allows the viewing angle in the second region A2 to be controlled more effectively in the second mode described above. In addition, since the light transmitted through the second light control unit 160 is shifted toward the first direction X, which is the second region A2 side, the viewing angle in the second region A2 may be improved.

[0203] Figure 18 is a schematic rear view showing another example of the light guide plate included in the display device shown in Figure 15.

[0204] On the other hand, Figure 18 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 16 in relation to the arrangement of the protruding pattern 951. In this embodiment, to avoid redundant explanations, the differences from the embodiment described above will be explained in detail.

[0205] Referring to Figure 18, the light guide plate 950 may include a plurality of protruding patterns 951 arranged on its lower surface and projecting downwards from the light guide plate 950, for example, in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. The plurality of protruding patterns 951 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 950 at different densities in different regions. In this specification, the density in which the protruding patterns 951 are arranged may be defined as the ratio (%) of the area in which the protruding patterns 951 are arranged to the total area of ​​a unit region.

[0206] For example, multiple protruding patterns 951 may be arranged at a first density in the first region A1 and at a second density greater than the first density in the second region A2. Here, since the multiple protruding patterns 951 that shift the light transmitted through the light guide plate 950 toward the first direction X are arranged at a higher density in the second region A2, where the viewing angle is limited when driven in the second mode by the drive mode compared to the first region A1, the viewing angle in the second region A2 can be controlled more effectively.

[0207] Furthermore, multiple protruding patterns 951 may be arranged at a third density greater than the second density near the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2. This can minimize visibility near the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0208] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0209] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; a first light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and superimposed on at least a portion of the display area; a second light source unit disposed on the first 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 supplied from the second light source unit; a second light control unit including a plurality of prism patterns disposed on the light guide plate and superimposed on at least a portion of the display area; and a display panel disposed on the second light control unit and displaying an image using light supplied from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

[0210] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the multiple prism patterns may extend in a second direction, which is the extension direction of the multiple partitions, and be arranged along a first direction different from the second direction.

[0211] According to yet another feature of the present invention, each of the multiple prism patterns may have an asymmetrical triangular prism shape.

[0212] According to yet another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of prism patterns may include a first surface parallel to a first direction, a second surface connected to one end of the first surface, and a third surface connected to the other end of the first surface.

[0213] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the first angle between the first and second faces is 90°, and the angle between the first and third faces may be acute.

[0214] According to yet another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of prism patterns comprises a transparent plastic material, and each of the plurality of prism patterns may have a refractive index greater than that of air.

[0215] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the refractive index of each of the multiple prism patterns may be between 1.4 and 1.7.

[0216] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the second optical control unit may further include a base layer supporting a plurality of prism patterns.

[0217] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the base layer may include a transparent plastic material.

[0218] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the display area may include a first area where an image at a first viewing angle is displayed in the first mode and the second mode, respectively, and a second area where an image at a first viewing angle is displayed in the first mode and an image at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle is displayed in the second mode.

[0219] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the multiple prism patterns may be configured to be arranged in a region that overlaps with the second region and not in a region that overlaps with the first region.

[0220] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the multiple prism patterns may be arranged in regions that overlap with the first and second regions.

[0221] According to yet another feature of the present invention, in the first mode, all of the multiple first light sources and the multiple second light sources may be configured to emit light, and in the second mode, the multiple first light sources may emit light, while the multiple second light sources may not emit light.

[0222] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the multiple partitions are arranged in regions overlapping with the first region and the second region, and the height of the partitions arranged in the region overlapping with the first region and the height of the partitions arranged in the region overlapping with the second region may be different.

[0223] 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 first light control unit is positioned above the first light source unit and includes a plurality of partitions that overlap with at least a portion of the display area, A second light source unit is arranged on top of the first light control unit and includes a plurality of second light sources, A light guide plate is arranged alongside the second light source unit and guides the light supplied from the second light source unit, A second light control unit, which includes a plurality of prism patterns arranged on the light guide plate and superimposed on at least a portion of the display area, A display panel is positioned on the second light control unit and displays an image using light supplied from the first light source unit or the second light source unit. A display device, including a display device.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns extends in a second direction which is the extension direction of the plurality of partitions and is arranged along a first direction different from the second direction.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns has an asymmetrical triangular prism shape.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns includes a first surface parallel to the first direction, a second surface connected to one end of the first surface, and a third surface connected to the other end of the first surface.

5. The first angle between the first and second faces is 90°. The angle between the first and third faces is acute. The display device according to claim 4.

6. Each of the aforementioned plurality of prism patterns contains a transparent plastic material, Each of the aforementioned prism patterns has a refractive index greater than that of air. The display device according to claim 1.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the refractive index of each of the plurality of prism patterns is 1.4 or more and 1.7 or less.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second optical control unit further includes a base layer supporting the plurality of prism patterns.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the base layer comprises a transparent plastic material.

10. The aforementioned display area is In the first mode and the second mode, a first region is shown where the image is displayed at the first viewing angle, In the first mode, an image at the first viewing angle is displayed in a second region, and in the second mode, an image at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle is displayed in a second region. The display device according to claim 1, including the following:

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of prism patterns are arranged in a region that overlaps with the second region and are not arranged in a region that overlaps with the first region.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of prism patterns are arranged in regions that overlap with the first region and the second region.

13. In the first mode, all of the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources emit light, In the second mode, the plurality of first light sources emit light, and the plurality of second light sources do not emit light. The display device according to claim 10.

14. The plurality of partitions are arranged in areas that overlap with the first and second regions. Of the multiple partitions, the height of the partition located in the region overlapping with the first region is different from the height of the partition located in the region overlapping with the second region. The display device according to claim 10.

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