Indication device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed alongside the second light source unit and guiding the light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using the light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate includes a plurality of first protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and are arranged at different densities for each region.

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 can reduce the driver's concentration during vehicle operation.

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 further increase the viewing angle of an image displayed in a second region where content is displayed with a wide viewing angle in a first mode, and to further decrease the viewing angle of an image displayed in a second region where content is displayed with a narrow viewing angle in a second mode, so as to provide a display device that can improve the viewing angle required in the second region depending on a driving mode.

[0006] Another problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a display device that can increase the viewing angle in a first area where content is displayed with a wide viewing angle regardless of the driving mode, thereby improving the viewing angle required in the first area.

[0007] The problems addressed by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed alongside the second light source unit and guiding the light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using the light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may include a plurality of first protruding patterns protruding from its lower surface and arranged at different densities for each region.

[0009] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This specification describes how, by controlling the emission of some of the multiple light sources located at the bottom of the display panel according to the drive mode, the first mode controls both the first and second regions to wide-view mode, and the second mode controls the first region to wide-view mode and the second region to narrow-view mode.

[0011] This specification includes a first protruding pattern arranged on the lower surface of a light guide plate and with different densities in different regions, which can improve the viewing angle required by each mode in a second region that displays content at a wide or narrow viewing angle depending on the driving mode.

[0012] This specification describes how a second protruding pattern, different from the first protruding pattern, can be placed in a first region on the lower surface of the light guide plate to improve the viewing angle required in the first region for displaying content at a wide viewing angle, regardless of the driving mode.

[0013] 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]

[0014] [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] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of an optical control unit included in the display device. [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 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 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 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 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 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] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first protruding pattern included in a light guide plate of the display device. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a rear view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 10. [Figure 13] FIG. 7 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a rear view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 19 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of each of the first protruding pattern and the second protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 22 is a rear view schematically showing another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 15. [Figure 19a] FIG. 25 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of each of the first protruding pattern and the second protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of FIG. 18. [Figure 19b] FIG. 28 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of each of the first protruding pattern and the second protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of FIG. 18. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] 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. The present embodiments are merely provided so that the disclosure of the present specification becomes complete, and to fully inform those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present specification belongs of the scope of the present specification.

[0016] 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.

[0017] When interpreting the constituent elements, they shall be interpreted as including a margin of error, even if not explicitly stated otherwise.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Throughout the specification, the same reference numeral refers to the same component.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In the following, this specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2, a display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification may include a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a light control unit 130, a second light source unit 140, a light guide plate 150, and a display panel 160.

[0033] The display panel 160 can generate an image for the user using light provided from a light source located at its bottom. For example, the display panel 160 can display an image by adjusting the transmittance to the light provided from the first light source 110 and / or the second light source 140 located at its bottom.

[0034] A liquid crystal display panel may be used as the display panel 160. For example, the display panel 160 may include a lower substrate, an upper substrate facing the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. Here, the liquid crystal layer may be driven by a vertical electric field drive method such as TN (Twisted Nematic) mode and VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, or a horizontal electric field drive method such as IPS (In Plane Switching) mode and FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode, but is not limited to these.

[0035] The display panel 160 may include a display area on which an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area.

[0036] The display area of ​​the display panel 160 can be divided into multiple areas. In other words, the display area can contain multiple areas.

[0037] For example, referring further to Figure 3, the display area AA of the display panel 160 may include multiple areas arranged along the first direction X. As an example, the display area AA may include a first area A1 and a second area A2 adjacent to the first area A1 in the first direction X.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 160 are arranged to cross the driver's seat and the passenger seat located in the front seats of the vehicle, as described with reference to Figure 1, and can provide a variety of information to the driver and passengers of the vehicle. The first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 160 can each display different informational images to the user. For example, the first region A1 of the display panel 160 includes an area provided on the driver's side of the front seats of the vehicle and / or an area provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, such as the CID area, which provides information such as driving speed and RPM, engine temperature, and fuel quantity. The second region A2 of the display panel 160 includes an area provided on the passenger side of the front seats of the vehicle, such as the CDD area, which can provide entertainment functions and seat information for passengers sitting in the passenger seat. However, such region divisions are for the convenience of explanation, and the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 160 can be defined in various ways depending on the design.

[0039] On the other hand, when the display panel 160 is used in a vehicle as described with reference to Figure 1, the field of view of at least a portion of the display panel 160 may be restricted at the user's request. For example, in the case of images displayed in the second area A2, which provides entertainment functions and seat information for a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, these images may interfere with the driver's driving of the vehicle, so it may be necessary to restrict the field of view of the images displayed in the second area A2 at the user's request.

[0040] For example, depending on the driving mode of the display device 100, in the first mode, the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display panel 160 are both controlled to wide-view mode (Share mode) to display an image, and in the second mode, at least a portion of the display panel 160, for example, the second area A2, is controlled to narrow-view mode (Private mode) to display an image. To achieve this, the display device 100 can control the display panel 160 to either the first mode or the second mode by controlling the emission of light from the second light source 140, which is located at the top of a plurality of light sources located at the bottom of the display panel 160.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2, a first light source unit 110, at least one optical sheet 120, a light control unit 130, a second light source unit 140, and a light guide plate 150 may be arranged at the bottom of the display panel 160.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] An optical control unit 130 may be placed on the optical sheet 120.

[0052] The optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below. For example, the optical control unit 130 can limit the viewing angle or emission angle with respect to the first direction X for light emitted from the first light source unit 110, passing through the optical sheet 120 and traveling in the third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the display area AA. That is, the optical control unit 130 can reduce or narrow the profile of the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 and incident on the optical control unit 130 in the first direction X. In this case, the viewing angle with respect to the first direction X of the image displayed by the light may be reduced.

[0053] For this purpose, the optical control unit 130 may include a first support member 131, a second support member 132 facing the first support member 131, and a plurality of partitions 133 positioned between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. On the other hand, the term partition used herein is used for convenience of explanation and may be defined by the term louver or by the term viewing angle control pattern instead of partition.

[0054] Each of the partition walls 133 may extend in a second direction Y between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 and be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. In this case, the light control unit 130, for example, light incident on a spaced-out region between the partition walls 133, may have its light profile narrowed in the first direction X by the spaced-apart partition walls 133, and the display panel 160 may receive light that is mostly limited to the front direction, for example, a third direction Z.

[0055] As a result, in the region where the multiple partitions 133 of the light control unit 130 are arranged, light can be provided to a first range, and in the region where the multiple partitions 133 of the light control unit 130 are not arranged, light can be provided to a second range that is wider than the first range. Therefore, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit 110, in the region of the display area AA that overlaps with the region where the multiple partitions 133 of the light control unit 130 are arranged, the image can be displayed at a second viewing angle, and in the region that overlaps with the region where the multiple partitions 133 are not arranged, the image can be displayed at a first viewing angle. The first viewing angle may have a value greater than the second viewing angle. For example, the first viewing angle may be defined as a wide viewing angle, and the second viewing angle may be defined as a narrow viewing angle.

[0056] Furthermore, the optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 so that it differs for each region. For example, the optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below and traveling in the third direction Z for each region of the display region AA. As an example, the optical control unit 130 can control the viewing angle of the second region A2 of the display region AA for the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit 110.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] A second light source unit 140 and a light guide plate 150 may be arranged on the light control unit 130.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The light guide plate 150 may be positioned on the light control unit 130 and on the side of the second light source unit 140. For example, the light guide plate 150 may be located on substantially the same plane as the second light source unit 140.

[0068] 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).

[0069] The light guide plate 150 can guide the light provided from the second light source unit 140 and direct it toward the display panel 160, for example, in a third direction Z. For example, light incident from the second light source unit 140 through the side where the second light source unit 140 is located can be converted to a third direction Z, where the direction of travel is toward the display panel 160, as it travels through the light guide plate 150 through total internal reflection. Thus, a uniform surface light source can be provided toward the display panel 160.

[0070] Furthermore, the light provided from the first light source unit 110 through the optical sheet 120 and the light control unit 130 can travel in a third direction Z, which is the direction toward the display panel 160 through the light guide plate 150.

[0071] The light guide plate 150 may include a plurality of first protruding patterns 151 arranged on its lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns 151 may be formed as an embossed shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, for example, in the opposite direction to the third direction Z.

[0072] Each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 may contain a material with a refractive index different from that of air, for example, a material with a refractive index higher than that of air. For example, each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 may contain the same material as the light guide plate 150, and each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 may have the same refractive index as the light guide plate 150, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] Multiple first protruding patterns 151 may be formed protruding downward from the light guide plate 150, for example, in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. Multiple first protruding patterns 151 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 at different densities in different regions. For example, the arrangement density of multiple first protruding patterns 151 may decrease as they move away from the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move away from the boundary in the first direction X and / or the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0074] Each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 may have four inclined surfaces that make a predetermined angle with a plane, for example, a plane defined by a first direction X and a second direction Y. For example, each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 may have a square pyramidal shape. The path of light incident on the light guide plate 150 can be controlled by such multiple first protruding patterns 151.

[0075] A detailed explanation of the arrangement density and shape of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 will be given later with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

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

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

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

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

[0080] In the following, the optical control unit 130 of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4a to 9, and the first protruding pattern 151 included in the light guide plate 150 of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0139] Multiple third partition walls 533c may be positioned between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 on the third sub-region AAc. For example, each of the multiple third partition walls 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0157] Figure 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of the display device of Figure 10. In Figure 10, for the sake of explanation, only two first protruding patterns 151 located in the first region A1 and two first protruding patterns 151 located in the second region A2 are shown from among the plurality of first protruding patterns 151.

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

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

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

[0161] On the other hand, the third inclined surface 151c and the fourth inclined surface 151d of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 may be symmetrical with respect to a second imaginary line VL2 that passes through the vertex VT and is parallel to the first direction X. Therefore, the angle that the third inclined surface 151c of each of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 makes with the light guide plate 150 is the same as the angle that the fourth inclined surface 151d makes with the light guide plate 150, and the area of ​​the third inclined surface 151c and the area of ​​the fourth inclined surface 151d may be the same.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0168] Figure 12 is a schematic rear view showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 10. Figure 13 is a graph illustrating an example of the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of Figure 12.

[0169] On the other hand, Figure 13 shows a graph of the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern 151, indicated by a solid line, with respect to its position in the first direction X.

[0170] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the multiple first protruding patterns 151 can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 at different densities in different regions. In this specification, the density in which the first protruding patterns 151 are arranged can be defined as the ratio (%) of the area in which the first protruding patterns 151 are arranged to the total area of ​​a unit region.

[0171] Multiple first protruding patterns 151 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. Furthermore, the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 may decrease as they move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as they move away from the boundary line BL in the first direction X and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

[0172] More specifically, as described above, by forming a plurality of first protruding patterns 151 on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150, the profile of light emitted from the second light source unit 140 and incident on the side surface of the light guide plate 150 is shifted toward the first region A1, which is in the opposite direction to the first direction X, and is emitted onto the upper surface of the light guide plate 150. The profile of light emitted from the first light source unit 110 and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 150 is shifted toward the second region A2, which is in the first direction X, and is emitted onto the upper surface of the light guide plate 150. Here, in the first mode, the image displayed on the second region A2 by the light emitted from the second light source 140 is displayed at the first viewing angle, i.e., a wide viewing angle, and in the second mode, the image displayed on the second region A2 by the light emitted from the first light source 110 is displayed at the second viewing angle, i.e., a narrow viewing angle. Therefore, the more first protruding patterns 151 are arranged on the second region A2, the greater the viewing angle in the first mode for the image displayed on the second region A2, and the more effectively the viewing angle control in the second mode can be achieved. Accordingly, it is necessary to arrange the maximum possible number of first protruding patterns 151 in the second region A2, and as a result, the first protruding patterns 151 can be arranged in the second region A2 at a second density that is greater than the first density at which they are arranged in the first region A1.

[0173] However, the light emitted from the second light source 140 and supplied to the light guide plate 150 travels through total internal reflection within the light guide plate 150 and is supplied to the first region A1 within the light guide plate 150. As mentioned above, the first protruding pattern 151 guides the light incident on the side surface of the light guide plate 150 toward the third direction Z, which is upward. Therefore, if the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern 151 in the region adjacent to the second light source 140 within the second region A2 is too high, the amount of light supplied to the first region A1 within the light guide plate 150 may decrease, which can cause a decrease in brightness in the first region A1.

[0174] As a result, the multiple first protruding patterns 151 arranged on the second region A2 may be arranged at a relatively low density in the region adjacent to the second light source 140, and at a relatively high density in the region farther from the second light source 140, for example, in the region adjacent to the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2. For example, the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 arranged on the second region A2 may decrease as you move from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2 toward the first direction X, which is toward the second light source 140. This arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 allows for more effective control of the viewing angle in each driving mode, while minimizing the reduction in the amount of light supplied to the first region A1 within the light guide plate 150, thereby preventing a decrease in brightness in the first region A1.

[0175] Furthermore, the first protruding pattern 151 focuses the light supplied to the light guide plate 150, for example, the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 located below the light guide plate 150 and supplied to the light guide plate 150, and guides it toward the third direction Z. However, regardless of the drive mode, the image displayed in the first region A1 is displayed at the first viewing angle, i.e., a wide viewing angle. Therefore, as the number of first protruding patterns 151 placed on the first region A1 increases, a problem may arise in which the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first region A1 becomes narrower. Thus, in the first region A1, the number of first protruding patterns 151 should be arranged as few as possible.

[0176] However, if the first protruding pattern 151 is not placed in the first region A1, a problem may arise in which the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 in which the first protruding pattern 151 is placed becomes visible. In particular, as mentioned above, the density of the first protruding pattern 151 is highest in the region of the second region A2 adjacent to the boundary line BL, so if the first protruding pattern 151 is not placed in the first region A1, the visibility of the boundary may increase.

[0177] As a result, the multiple first protruding patterns 151 arranged on the first region A1 may be arranged at a relatively high density in the second region A2, i.e., the region adjacent to the boundary line BL, and at a relatively low density in the region farther from the boundary line BL. For example, the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 151 arranged on the first region A1 may decrease as you move away from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2, for example, as you move in the opposite direction of the first direction X. As an example, in the third region A3 of the first region A1 adjacent to the second region A2, the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 decreases as you move in the opposite direction of the first direction X, and in the fourth region A4 of the first region A1 adjacent to the third region A3 in the opposite direction of the first direction X, the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 has a minimum value, and the first protruding patterns 151 may be arranged at a constant density. On the other hand, in this specification, the third region A3 may refer to a portion of the first region A1 adjacent to the second region A2, and the fourth region A4 may refer to the area of ​​the first region A1 excluding the third region A3, and thus most of the first region A1. However, this is merely illustrative, and the regional divisions of the first region A1 can be defined in various ways by design. By arranging the first protruding pattern 151 in this way, it is possible to prevent the problem of the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first region A1 from becoming narrower, and the visibility of the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2 can be minimized.

[0178] In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 located in the second region A2 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 located in the second region A2 may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 located in the third region A3 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, for example, the absolute value of the slope of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 located in the third region A3. That is, in relation to the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 decreases as it moves away from the boundary line BL, the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151 may decrease more gradually in the second region A2 than in the first region A1, for example, in the third region A3.

[0179] On the other hand, the above explanation has been based on the assumption that the first protrusion pattern 151 is arranged in the fourth region A4 at a density that has its minimum value. However, this is merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the first protrusion pattern 151 may be arranged only in the third region A3 adjacent to the second region A2 within the first region A1, and not in the fourth region A4.

[0180] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 15 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. In Figure 15, for the sake of explanation, only two first protruding patterns 151 located in the first region A1 and two first protruding patterns 151 located in the second region A2 are shown from among the plurality of first protruding patterns 151, and only one second protruding pattern 752 located in the first region A1 is shown from among the plurality of second protruding patterns 752.

[0181] On the other hand, Figure 14 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment in Figure 2 in relation to the multiple second protruding patterns 752 included in the light guide plate 750. Therefore, in order to avoid redundant explanations, Figures 14 and 15 will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0182] Referring to Figure 14, a light guide plate 750 included in a display device 700 according to another embodiment of this specification may include a plurality of first protruding patterns 751 and a plurality of second protruding patterns 752 disposed on its lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of first protruding patterns 751 and each of the plurality of second protruding patterns 752 may be formed as an embossed shape projecting downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate 750, for example, in the opposite direction to the third direction Z.

[0183] The multiple first protruding patterns 751 and the multiple second protruding patterns 752 may, but are not limited to, be arranged in a non-overlapping manner.

[0184] Each of the multiple first protruding patterns 751 and each of the multiple second protruding patterns 752 may include a material having a refractive index different from that of air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of air. For example, each of the multiple first protruding patterns 751 and each of the multiple second protruding patterns 752 may include the same material as the light guide plate 750 and have the same refractive index as the light guide plate 750, but is not limited thereto.

[0185] Each of the multiple first protruding patterns 751 has an asymmetrical square pyramidal or square pyramidal shape and can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750 at different densities in different regions. For example, the multiple first protruding patterns 751 have substantially the same or similar shapes as the multiple first protruding patterns 151 included in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification described with reference to Figures 2 and 10 to 13, and can be arranged at substantially the same or similar density as the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns 151. Therefore, redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0186] Each of the multiple second protruding patterns 752 may have a hemispherical shape protruding from the lower surface of the light guide plate 750. For example, each of the multiple second protruding patterns 752 may be a dot pattern, but is not limited to this.

[0187] Furthermore, the multiple second protruding patterns 752 can be placed in only a portion of the display area AA. For example, the multiple second protruding patterns 752 may be placed on the first area A1 and not on the second area A2.

[0188] These multiple second protruding patterns 752 allow the path of light incident on the light guide plate 750 to be controlled, for example, the path of the light on the first region A1.

[0189] More specifically, as mentioned above, although they are arranged at the minimum density, multiple first protruding patterns 751 are also arranged at the minimum density on the first region A1. The first protruding patterns 751 concentrate the light supplied to the light guide plate 750, for example, the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 located below the light guide plate 750 and supplied to the light guide plate 750, and guide it toward the third direction Z. Therefore, regardless of the drive mode, a problem may arise in which the first viewing angle, i.e., the viewing angle in the first region A1 where the image is displayed at a wide viewing angle, becomes narrower.

[0190] Here, each of the multiple second protruding patterns 752 has a hemispherical shape, which helps to diffuse the light supplied to the light guide plate 750, for example, the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 located below the light guide plate 750 and supplied to the light guide plate 750, thereby preventing the problem of the viewing angle of the image displayed in the first region A1 at the first viewing angle being narrowed.

[0191] For example, referring to Figure 15, the light Lc incident on each of the hemispherical second protruding patterns 752 can be refracted from the incident surface of the second protruding pattern 752 and diffused on a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y, and then propagate in the third direction Z, i.e., upward. Thus, the problem of the field of view of the image displayed in the first region A1 at the first field of view angle being narrowed by the first protruding pattern 751 can be offset by the second protruding pattern 752.

[0192] Figure 16 is a schematic rear view showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device shown in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a graph illustrating examples of the arrangement density of the first and second protruding patterns included in the light guide plate shown in Figure 16.

[0193] On the other hand, Figure 17 shows a graph of the density of the first protruding pattern 751, shown by a solid line, with respect to its position in the first direction X, and a graph of the density of the second protruding pattern 752, shown by a dashed line, with respect to its position in the first direction X.

[0194] On the other hand, in Figures 16 and 17, the arrangement of the first protruding patterns 751 included in the light guide plate 750 is substantially the same as or similar to the arrangement of the first protruding patterns 151 included in the light guide plate 150, which was explained with reference to Figures 12 and 13, so redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0195] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, a plurality of second protruding patterns 752 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750.

[0196] Multiple second protruding patterns 752 are placed only in the first region A1 and do not need to be placed in the second region A2.

[0197] Specifically, the multiple second protruding patterns 752 arranged on the first region A1 can diffuse the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750, guiding it in the third direction Z, i.e., the upward direction. Therefore, the problem of the viewing angle of the image displayed in the first region A1 at the first viewing angle being narrowed by the first protruding patterns 751 arranged on the first region A1 can be offset.

[0198] Multiple second protrusion patterns 752 can be arranged at a constant density on the first region A1. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the arrangement density of multiple second protrusion patterns 752 arranged on the first region A1 may be lower than the minimum arrangement density of multiple first protrusion patterns 751 arranged on the first region A1. For example, the minimum arrangement density of multiple first protrusion patterns 751 arranged on the first region A1, for example, the ratio of the arrangement density of multiple first protrusion patterns 751 arranged on the fourth region A4 to the arrangement density of multiple second protrusion patterns 752 arranged on the first region A1 may be 4:3.

[0199] However, this is merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the arrangement density of the multiple second protrusion patterns 752 may be substantially the same as or greater than the minimum arrangement density of the multiple first protrusion patterns 751 arranged on the first region A1.

[0200] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first protruding pattern 751 positioned on the second region A2 of the light guide plate 750 controls the profile of the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750, thereby narrowing the viewing angle of the image displayed on the second region A2 in the second mode. Here, if a second protruding pattern 752 is positioned on the second region A2 where the viewing angle is controlled by the driving mode, the light emitted from the first light source unit 110 and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 750 may be diffused by the second protruding pattern 752, potentially increasing the viewing angle or light emission angle in the second region A2. Therefore, a problem may arise in which the image is displayed with a wider viewing angle than the set second viewing angle in the second mode. For this reason, multiple second protruding patterns 752 do not need to be positioned in the second region A2, but only in the first region A1.

[0201] Figure 18 is a schematic rear view showing another example of the light guide plate included in the display device of Figure 15. Figures 19a and 19b are graphs illustrating examples of the arrangement density of the first and second protruding patterns, respectively, included in the light guide plate of Figure 18.

[0202] On the other hand, Figures 18 to 19b show modified embodiments of the embodiments in Figures 16 and 17 in relation to the arrangement density of the multiple second protruding patterns 852 included in the light guide plate 850. Thus, in order to avoid redundant explanations, Figures 18 to 19b will be explained focusing on the differences from the embodiments described above.

[0203] Referring to Figure 18, the multiple second protruding patterns 852 can be placed in only a portion of the display area AA. For example, the multiple second protruding patterns 852 may be placed on the first area A1 and not on the second area A2.

[0204] Furthermore, the multiple second protruding patterns 852 arranged on the first region A1 may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate 850 at different densities depending on the region.

[0205] For example, referring to Figure 19a, multiple second protruding patterns 852 may be arranged at a third density in a third region A3 adjacent to the second region A2 within the first region A1, and at a fourth density greater than the third density in a fourth region A4 adjacent to the third region A3 in the opposite direction of the first direction X within the first region A1.

[0206] More specifically, as mentioned above, the multiple second protruding patterns 852 are formed to diffuse the light emitted from the first light source 110 on the first region A1 and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate 850, thereby increasing the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first region A1. However, the problem of the viewing angle in the first region A1 caused by the narrowing of the emission angle of the light emitted from the light guide plate 850 in the first region A1 can deepen the further away it is from the boundary line BL between the first region A1 and the second region A2. As a result, the multiple second protruding patterns 852 can be arranged at a higher density in the region of the first region A1 adjacent to the second region A2, for example, in the fourth region A4 which is further away than the third region A3. This can more effectively improve the viewing angle in the first region A1.

[0207] Depending on the embodiment, the multiple second protruding patterns 852 may be arranged at a constant density on the third region A3 and the fourth region A4, respectively. For example, the arrangement density of the multiple second protruding patterns 852 arranged on the third region A3 and the arrangement density of the multiple second protruding patterns 852 arranged on the fourth region A4 may each be lower than the minimum arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 851 arranged on the first region A1, for example, the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 851 arranged on the fourth region A4. For example, the ratio of the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 851 arranged on the fourth region A4 to the arrangement density of the multiple second protruding patterns 852 arranged on the fourth region A4 may be 4:3, and the ratio of the arrangement density of the multiple first protruding patterns 851 arranged on the fourth region A4 to the arrangement density of the multiple second protruding patterns 852 arranged on the third region A3 may be 4:1 or 2:1.

[0208] However, this is merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, referring further to Figure 19b, the density of the multiple second protruding patterns 852 arranged on the third region A3 may gradually decrease as you move toward the first direction X, i.e., toward the second region A2. In this case, the visibility of the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2, depending on the arrangement of the second protruding patterns 852, can be minimized.

[0209] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0210] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed on the first light source unit and arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed alongside the second light source unit and guiding the light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using the light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may include a plurality of first protruding patterns protruding from its lower surface and arranged at different densities for each region.

[0211] According to another feature of the present invention, the display area may include a first area where an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in a first mode and a second mode, respectively, and a second area adjacent to the first area in a first direction, where an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in the first mode and an image is displayed at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

[0212] According to yet another feature of the present invention, a plurality of first protrusion patterns may be arranged at a first density in a first region and at a second density greater than the first density in a second region.

[0213] According to another feature of the present invention, the arrangement density of the multiple first protrusion patterns can decrease as it moves away from the boundary between the first and second regions.

[0214] According to another feature of the present invention, in a third region adjacent to the second region within the first region, the arrangement density of the multiple first protrusion patterns decreases as the distance from the boundary between the first and second regions increases, and in a fourth region adjacent to the third region within the first region in the opposite direction to the first direction, the multiple first protrusion patterns can be arranged at a constant density.

[0215] According to another feature of the present invention, the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns among the plurality of first protruding patterns arranged on the second region decreases as you move toward the first direction, and the second light source can be arranged on the first direction side of the light guide plate.

[0216] According to yet another feature of the present invention, the light guide plate may further include a plurality of second protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and have a different shape from a plurality of first protruding patterns.

[0217] According to another feature of the present invention, the multiple second protruding patterns may be arranged in the first region or not in the second region.

[0218] According to another feature of the present invention, in the first region, a plurality of second protrusion patterns can be arranged at a constant density.

[0219] According to another feature of the present invention, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protrusion patterns arranged in the first region may be less than the minimum arrangement density of the plurality of first protrusion patterns arranged in the first region.

[0220] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of second protrusion patterns may be arranged at a third density in a third region adjacent to the second region within the first region, and at a fourth density greater than the third density in a fourth region adjacent to the third region in the opposite direction to the first direction within the first region.

[0221] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of second protrusion patterns can be arranged at a constant density in the third region and the fourth region, respectively.

[0222] According to another feature of the present invention, in the third region, the arrangement density of the multiple second protrusion patterns increases as it moves away from the boundary between the first and second regions, and in the fourth region, the multiple second protrusion patterns can be arranged at a constant density.

[0223] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the multiple first projection patterns may have an asymmetrical square pyramidal shape.

[0224] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the multiple second protruding patterns may have a hemispherical shape.

[0225] Another feature of the present invention is that in the first mode, all of the multiple first light sources and the multiple second light sources emit light, and in the second mode, the multiple first light sources emit light and the multiple second light sources do not emit light.

[0226] Although embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail above with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of this specification, and the scope of the technical concept of this specification is not limited by such embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

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

2. The aforementioned display area is In the first mode and the second mode, the first area where the image is displayed at the first viewing angle, and The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a second region adjacent to the first region in a first direction, wherein an image is displayed in the first mode at a first viewing angle, and an image is displayed in the second mode at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a first density in the first region and at a second density greater than the first density in the second region.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns decreases as it moves away from the boundary between the first region and the second region.

5. In the third region adjacent to the second region within the first region, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protrusion patterns decreases as the distance from the boundary between the first region and the second region increases. The display device according to claim 4, wherein in a fourth region of the first region adjacent to the third region in the opposite direction to the first direction, the plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a constant density.

6. The arrangement density of the first protruding patterns among the plurality of first protruding patterns arranged on the second region decreases as you move in the first direction. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the second light source is arranged on the first direction side of the light guide plate.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the light guide plate further includes a plurality of second protruding patterns that protrude from the lower surface and have a shape different from the plurality of first protruding patterns.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged in the first region and not in the second region.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of second protrusion patterns are arranged at a constant density in the first region.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the arrangement density of the plurality of second protrusion patterns arranged in the first region is less than the minimum arrangement density of the plurality of first protrusion patterns arranged in the first region.

11. The plurality of second protruding patterns are, In the third region adjacent to the second region within the first region, they are arranged at a third density. The display device according to claim 8, wherein a fourth region is located within the first region and is adjacent to the third region in the direction opposite to the first direction, and is arranged at a fourth density greater than the third density.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of second protrusion patterns are arranged at a constant density in the third region and the fourth region, respectively.

13. In the third region, the arrangement density of the plurality of second protrusion patterns increases as it moves away from the boundary between the first region and the second region. The display device according to claim 11, wherein in the fourth region, the plurality of second protrusion patterns are arranged at a constant density.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first protruding patterns has an asymmetrical square pyramidal shape.

15. The display device according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of second protruding patterns has a hemispherical shape.

16. In the first mode, all of the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources emit light. The display device according to claim 2, wherein in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources emit light and the plurality of second light sources do not emit light.

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