Display device
The display device addresses the challenge of controlling viewing angles and minimizing streaks/stains by using a light control unit and light guide plate with protruding patterns to adapt light emission based on driving modes, ensuring safe and effective content display.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2025/000989
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-22
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-28
AI Technical Summary
Display devices struggle to provide content with a wide viewing angle in one area and a narrow viewing angle in another area depending on the driving mode, while minimizing the visibility of streaks and stains on the display panel.
A display device with a first light source unit, a light control unit, a second light source unit, and a light guide plate, where the light guide plate includes protruding patterns with different longitudinal axis directions, controls the viewing angle by adjusting the emission of light sources based on driving modes, and disperses light to minimize streaks and stains.
The display device effectively controls the viewing angle and reduces streaks and stains by allowing wide and narrow viewing modes in different areas, enhancing user experience and safety in vehicle environments.
Smart Images

Figure KR2025000989_28082025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
display device
[0001] This specification relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device capable of controlling a viewing angle.
[0002] As technology advances in modern society, display devices are being used in a variety of ways to provide information to users. Display devices range from electronic billboards, which simply transmit visual information in one direction, to a variety of electronic devices that require advanced technology to verify user input and provide information in response to that input.
[0003] For example, display devices can be incorporated into vehicles to provide various information to the driver and passengers. However, display devices must display content appropriately so as not to interfere with vehicle operation. For example, display devices should limit the display of content that could distract the driver from driving while the vehicle is in operation.
[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 area of a display area and provide content with a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle in a second area depending on the driving mode.
[0005] Another problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a display device capable of minimizing the phenomenon of streaks and other stains being visible on a display panel.
[0006] The tasks of this specification are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.
[0007] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partitions disposed to overlap at least a portion of a 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 parallel to the second light source unit and guiding light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may include a plurality of protruding patterns protruding from a lower surface and having different longitudinal axis directions from each other.
[0008] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.
[0009] This specification controls whether some of the plurality of light sources arranged under the display panel emit light according to the driving mode, thereby controlling both the first area and the second area in the wide-view mode in the first mode, and controlling the first area in the wide-view mode and the second area in the narrow-view mode in the second mode.
[0010] This specification can minimize the phenomenon of streaks and other stains being visible along a specific direction by dispersing the straightness of light traveling in a specific direction within a light guide plate.
[0011] The effects according to this specification are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a display panel included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.
[0015] FIG. 4a is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0016] Figure 4b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA1 portion of Figure 4a.
[0017] FIG. 5a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0018] Figure 5b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of Figure 5a.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 8a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0022] Figure 8b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of Figure 8a.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.
[0025] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of the display device of Fig. 2.
[0026] Fig. 12a is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2.
[0027] Figure 12b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA4 portion of Figure 12a.
[0028] FIG. 13a is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0029] Figure 13b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA5 portion of Figure 13a.
[0030] FIG. 14a is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0031] Figure 14b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA6 portion of Figure 14a.
[0032] Fig. 15 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2.
[0033] Fig. 16 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2.
[0034] Fig. 17 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2.
[0035] Fig. 18 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of a protruding pattern included in the light guide plate of the display device of Fig. 2.
[0036] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.
[0037] Fig. 20 is a rear view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 19.
[0038] Fig. 21 is a front view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 19.
[0039] Fig. 22 is a drawing showing an example of a light control pattern included in the light guide plate of Fig. 21.
[0040] The advantages and features of this specification, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of this specification is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present specification of the scope of the specification.
[0041] The shapes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of this specification are illustrative and are not limited to the matters illustrated in this specification. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification. In addition, in describing this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When "includes," "has," "consists of," etc. are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes a case where the plural is included unless there is a specifically explicit description.
[0042] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.
[0043] When describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described as 'on top of', 'upper part of', 'lower part of', 'next to', etc., one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless 'right away' or 'directly' is used.
[0044] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it includes both cases where the other element is directly on top of the other element or layer or where another layer or layer is interposed therebetween.
[0045] While terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, a "first" component referred to below may also be a "second" component within the technical scope of this specification.
[0046] Identical reference numerals throughout the specification refer to identical components.
[0047] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawing are shown for convenience of explanation, and the present specification is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the component shown.
[0048] The individual features of the various embodiments of this specification may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and may be technically linked and operated in various ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship.
[0049] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0050] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (100) may be placed on at least a portion of a vehicle's dashboard. The vehicle's dashboard may include a configuration that is placed in front of the vehicle's front seats (e.g., driver's seat, passenger seat). For example, the vehicle's dashboard may include input configurations for operating various functions inside the vehicle (e.g., air conditioning, audio system, navigation system).
[0052] The display device (100) may be placed on the dashboard of a vehicle and may function as an input unit for operating at least some of the various functions of the vehicle. The display device (100) may provide various information related to the vehicle, such as vehicle operation information (e.g., current speed of the vehicle, remaining fuel amount, driving distance), information on vehicle components (e.g., damage to vehicle tires), etc.
[0053] The display device (100) may be positioned across the driver's seat and the passenger's seat located in the front seat of the vehicle. Users of the display device (100) may include the driver of the vehicle and a passenger sitting in the passenger seat. Both the driver and passenger of the vehicle may utilize the display device (100).
[0054] The display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may only represent a portion of the display device. The display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may represent a display panel among various components included in the display device (100). Specifically, for example, the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may represent at least a portion of a display area and a non-display area of the display panel. Components of the display device (100) other than the portion illustrated in FIG. 1 may be mounted inside (or at least a portion of) a vehicle.
[0055] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a display panel of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.
[0056] Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the horizontal direction on the plane is depicted as the first direction (X) and the vertical direction on the plane is depicted as the second direction (Y) hereinafter. In addition, 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), may be defined as the third direction (Z).
[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present 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).
[0058] The display panel (160) can generate an image to be provided to the user using light provided from a light source unit disposed below. For example, the display panel (160) can display an image by adjusting the transmittance of light provided from the first light source unit (110) and / or the second light source unit (140) disposed below.
[0059] A liquid crystal display panel (LCD) may be applied 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 driving method such as a Twisted Nematic (TN) mode and a Vertical Alignment (VA) mode, or a horizontal electric field driving method such as an In Plane Switching (IPS) mode and a Fringe Field Switching (FFS) mode, but is not limited thereto.
[0060] The display panel (160) may include a display area where an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area.
[0061] The display area of the display panel (160) can be divided into multiple areas. In other words, the display area can include multiple areas.
[0062] For example, referring further to FIG. 3, the display area (AA) of the display panel (160) may include a plurality of 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).
[0063] According to an embodiment, the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may be arranged to cross the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, respectively, located in the front seat of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1, to provide various information to the driver and passenger of the vehicle. Each of the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may display different information images to the user. For example, the first area (A1) of the display panel (160) may be an area provided on the driver's seat side located in the front seat of the vehicle and / or an area provided between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, for example, a CID area, which may provide information such as driving speed and RPM, engine temperature, and fuel amount, and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may be an area provided on the passenger's seat side located in the front seat of the vehicle, for example, a CDD area, which may provide entertainment functions and seat information for the passenger sitting in the passenger seat. However, this division of areas is for convenience of explanation, and the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) in the display panel (160) can be defined in various ways depending on the design.
[0064] Meanwhile, when the display panel (160) is used in the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1, the field of view of at least some areas of the display panel (160) may need to be restricted depending on the user's needs. For example, in the case of an image displayed in the second area (A2) that provides entertainment functions and seat information for a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, the field of view of the image displayed in the second area (A2) may need to be restricted depending on the user's needs, as this may interfere with the driver's driving.
[0065] For example, depending on the driving mode of the display device (100), in the first mode, both the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) are controlled to a 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 a narrow-view mode (Private mode) to display an image. To this end, the display device (100) can control the display panel (160) to the first mode or the second mode by controlling whether the second light source unit (140) disposed at the upper portion among the plurality of light source units disposed at the lower portion of the display panel (160) emits light.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 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 lower portion of the display panel (160).
[0067] The first light source unit (110) can generate light and provide the generated light in a third direction (Z), for example, toward the optical sheet (120). The first light source unit (110) can be placed below the optical sheet (120). For example, the first light source unit (110) can be a direct type backlight assembly.
[0068] 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).
[0069] The first circuit board (111) may include a driving circuit for driving a plurality of first light sources (112). The driving circuit of the first circuit board (111) may generate an electrical signal for driving the plurality of first light sources (112) and supply the electrical signal to the plurality of first light sources (112). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving circuit may be disposed outside the first circuit board (111).
[0070] A plurality of first light sources (112) may be mounted on a first circuit board (111). For example, a plurality of first light sources (112) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) on the first circuit board (111) and may be mounted on an upper surface, which is one surface of the first circuit board (111). For example, a plurality of first light sources (112) may be mounted in a matrix form on the first circuit board (111), but are not limited thereto.
[0071] Each of the plurality of first light sources (112) may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of first light sources (112) may be formed to emit light of any one wavelength among red, green, and blue.
[0072] A light emitting diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used as the plurality of first light sources (112), but is not limited thereto.
[0073] At least one optical sheet (120) may be placed on the first light source unit (110). The first light source unit (110) may include a plurality of optical sheets for diffusing or concentrating light incident from the first light source unit (110).
[0074] For example, the optical sheet (120) may include a first optical sheet (121) and a second optical sheet (122). The first optical sheet (121) may diffuse light provided from the first light source unit (110) and cause it to propagate upward, for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, the first optical sheet (121) may be a diffusion sheet. The second optical sheet (122) may collect light passing through the first optical sheet (121) and cause it to propagate upward, for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, the second optical sheet (122) may be a prism sheet.
[0075] However, it is not limited thereto, and the optical sheet (120) may further include other optical sheets in addition to the first optical sheet (121) and the second optical sheet (122), for example, a protective sheet or a brightness enhancement sheet such as a DBEF (dual brightness enhancement film), or 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).
[0076] A light control unit (130) may be placed on the optical sheet (120).
[0077] The light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of light provided from below. For example, the light control unit (130) can limit the viewing angle or light output angle with respect to the first direction (X) for light that is emitted from the first light source unit (110), passes through the optical sheet (120), and travels in the third direction (Z), which is perpendicular to the display area (AA). That is, the light control unit (130) can reduce or narrow the profile of the light that is emitted from the first light source unit (110) and incident on the light 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 can be reduced.
[0078] To this end, the light 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 partition walls (133) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). Meanwhile, the term partition wall used in this specification is used for convenience of explanation, and may be defined as a term louver instead of a partition wall, or may be defined as a term of viewing angle control pattern.
[0079] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) extends in the second direction (Y) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). In this case, light incident on the light control unit (130), for example, a spaced area between the plurality of partition walls (133), has its light profile narrowed in the first direction (X) by the plurality of partition walls (133) arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and light mostly limited to the front direction, for example, the third direction (Z), may be provided to the display panel (160).
[0080] Accordingly, in an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are arranged, light is provided in a first range, and in an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are not arranged, light can be provided in a second range wider than the first range. Therefore, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), an image can be displayed in a second viewing angle in an area overlapping with an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and an image can be displayed in a first viewing angle in an area overlapping with an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) are not arranged. The first viewing angle can have a larger value than the second viewing angle. For example, the first viewing angle can be defined as a wide viewing angle, and the second viewing angle can be defined as a narrow viewing angle.
[0081] In addition, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) differently for each area. For example, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below and traveling in the third direction (Z) for each area of the display area (AA). For example, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the second area (A2) among the display areas (AA) for the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit (110).
[0082] In this case, a plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged in an area overlapping with the second area (A2). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), the image is displayed by controlling the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of partition walls (133) are arranged, and in other areas, for example, the first area (A1), the viewing angle is not controlled and the image may be displayed at the first viewing angle.
[0083] However, this is merely exemplary and the area where the partition walls (133) are arranged is not limited thereto. For example, multiple partition walls (133) may be arranged throughout the area overlapping the display area (AA). A detailed description thereof will be provided later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.
[0084] A second light source unit (140) and a light guide plate (150) may be placed on the light control unit (130).
[0085] The second light source unit (140) can generate light and provide the generated light toward the light guide plate (150). The second light source unit (140) can be placed on the side of the light guide plate (150). For example, the second light source unit (140) can be an edge type backlight assembly.
[0086] 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).
[0087] The second circuit board (141) may include a driving circuit for driving a plurality of second light sources (142). The driving circuit of the second circuit board (141) may generate an electrical signal for driving the plurality of second light sources (142) and supply the same to the plurality of second light sources (142). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving circuit may be disposed outside the second circuit board (141).
[0088] The second circuit board (141) may be arranged on one side of the light guide plate (150). That is, the second circuit board (141) may be arranged parallel to the light guide plate (150). For example, the second circuit board (141) may have a shape corresponding to one short side of the light guide plate (150) and extending along the longitudinal direction of the short side, for example, the second direction (Y). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second circuit board (141) may also be arranged corresponding to one long side of the light guide plate (150).
[0089] Additionally, a plurality of second light sources (142) may be mounted on the second circuit board (141). For example, a plurality of second light sources (142) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the second direction (Y) on the second circuit board (141) and mounted on the upper surface, which is one surface of the second circuit board (141).
[0090] Each of the plurality of second light sources (142) may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of second light sources (142) may be formed to emit light of any one wavelength among red, green, and blue.
[0091] A light emitting diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used as the plurality of second light sources (142), but is not limited thereto.
[0092] The light guide plate (150) is placed on the light control unit (130) and may be placed on the side of the second light source unit (140). For example, the light guide plate (150) may be positioned on substantially the same plane as the second light source unit (140).
[0093] The light guide plate (150) may be formed of a material including glass, quartz, polymer, etc., which has light-transmitting properties so that light can be efficiently guided. The polymer may be formed of, for example, an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a material having a predetermined refractive index such as polycarbonate (PC).
[0094] The light guide plate (150) can guide the light provided from the second light source unit (140) and propagate it in a direction toward the display panel (160), for example, in the 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 arranged can be converted into the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160), while propagating through the light guide plate (150) through total reflection. Accordingly, a uniform surface light source can be provided toward the display panel (160).
[0095] Additionally, light provided from the first light source (110) through the optical sheet (120) and the light control unit (130) can travel in the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160) through the light guide plate (150).
[0096] The light guide plate (150) may include a plurality of protruding patterns (151) arranged on the lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be formed in a relief shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z).
[0097] Each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may include a material having a refractive index different from that of vacuum or air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of vacuum or air. For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may include the same material as the light guide plate (150), so that each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may have the same refractive index as that of the light guide plate (150), but is not limited thereto.
[0098] A plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be formed by protruding in a downward direction of the light guide plate (150), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z). The plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150).
[0099] However, the arrangement density of the protruding patterns (151) is not limited thereto, and a plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be arranged at different densities for each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, the farther away from the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, the farther away from the boundary in the first direction (X) and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction (X), the lower the arrangement density of the protruding patterns (151) may be.
[0100] Each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may have four inclined surfaces that form a predetermined angle with a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may have a square pyramid shape.
[0101] By means of a plurality of protruding patterns (151) like this, the path of light incident on the light guide plate (150) can be controlled. A detailed description of the arrangement density and shape of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) and the configuration in which the path of light is controlled by the plurality of protruding patterns (151) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18.
[0102] In addition, the long-axis directions of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be different from each other. For example, the long-axis directions of at least some of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be different from the long-axis directions of the remaining some of the plurality of protruding patterns (151). In this case, when the long-axis directions of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) are formed to be different from each other, when the long-axis directions of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) are formed only in one direction, for example, in the first direction (X), a phenomenon in which stripes or the like, which may be caused by the straightness of light traveling in one direction along the long-axis direction of the protruding patterns (151) while traveling inside the light guide plate (150), are visible can be prevented.
[0103] Meanwhile, as described above, the driving mode of the display device (100) can be controlled depending on whether the second light source (142) included in the second light source unit (140) emits light.
[0104] For example, in the first mode, both the plurality of first light sources (112) of the first light source unit (110) and the plurality of 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, an area overlapping the second area (A2), is controlled by the light control unit (130), the light emitted from the second light source unit (140) travels in the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160), by the light guide plate (150) and is provided to the entire display area (AA), so that an image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the entire area of the display panel (160). Accordingly, in the first mode, an image can be displayed in a wide field of view mode (Share mode) in the entire area of the display area (AA), for example, in both the first area (A1) and the second area (A2).
[0105] In addition, in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources (112) of the first light source unit (110) may emit light, and the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) may not emit light. Accordingly, the image displayed by the display panel (160) in the second mode can be implemented only by the light provided from the first light source unit (110). In this case, since the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) in the area overlapping the second area (A2) among the display areas (AA) is controlled by the light control unit (130), the image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the first area (A1) of the display panel (160), and the image can be displayed at the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) of the display panel (160). Accordingly, in the second mode, an image may be displayed in a wide field of view mode (Share mode) in the first area (A1) of the display area (AA), and an image may be displayed in a narrow field of view mode (Private mode) in the second area (A2) of the display area (AA).
[0106] In this way, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification can control the display panel (160) in the first mode or the second mode by controlling whether the second light source (140) disposed at the upper portion among the plurality of light source units disposed at the lower portion of the display panel (160), that is, the first light source unit (110) and the second light source unit (140), emits light.
[0107] Hereinafter, the light control unit (130) of the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 9, and the protruding pattern (151) included in the light guide plate (150) of the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18.
[0108] Fig. 4a is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a first light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 4b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA1 portion of Fig. 4a.
[0109] Meanwhile, the light control unit (130) illustrated in FIG. 4a represents one embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, the light 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), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).
[0111] The first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the partition wall (133) therebetween. The first support member (131) may be arranged below the plurality of partition walls (133) to support the plurality of partition walls (133), and the second support member (132) may be arranged above the plurality of partition walls (133) to support the plurality of partition walls (133). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lower surfaces of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be in contact with the first support member (131), but the upper surfaces of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be spaced apart from the second support member (132).
[0112] Each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a transparent material to allow light transmission. For example, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a plastic material. As an example, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include polycarbonate. However, the material of each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a polymer such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, or polyimide.
[0113] A plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). Meanwhile, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be coupled to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) through a transparent adhesive or the like, but is not limited thereto.
[0114] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (133). Such a space may be filled with air or a transparent insulating material, but is not limited thereto.
[0115] Meanwhile, the separation distance along the first direction (X) between two adjacent partition walls (133) among the plurality of partition walls (133) may be determined by comprehensively considering the thickness of the light control unit (130), the light emission angle of the light emitted from the light control unit (130), the distance between the light control unit (130) and the display panel (160), etc., so that the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit (110) on the second area (A2) is displayed at the second viewing angle.
[0116] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include a light absorbing material or may be coated with a light absorbing agent to absorb light introduced from the outside. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include a carbon-based black pigment. However, the material of the plurality of partition walls (133) is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include at least one of titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy of molybdenum (Mo) and titanium (Ti) (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) having high light absorption, or may include an organic material having high light absorption.
[0117] In addition, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may have a rectangular shape on the side surface. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may have a rectangular shape when viewed on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). Accordingly, the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be parallel to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and both side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be perpendicular to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, both side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be parallel to the third direction (Z) that is perpendicular to each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132).
[0118] By a plurality of partition walls (133) like this, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the light control unit (130) can be limited. Meanwhile, in the present specification, the light emission angle may mean an angle formed by the direction of travel of the light emitted from the light control unit (130) and the third direction (Z) on a plane defined by a side, for example, the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).
[0119] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 4b, the light provided from below the light control unit (130), for example, the light provided from the first light source unit (110), may have its light profile reduced or narrowed along the first direction (X) by the light control unit (130), thereby limiting the light emission angle of the light in the first direction (X).
[0120] For example, among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130), the first light (L1) whose light path is formed in the third direction (Z), which is a vertical direction, between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) can be emitted to the outside, i.e., in the upper direction of the light control unit (130), without being blocked by the partition walls (133).
[0121] In addition, in the case of light that passes through the inside of the upper end of two mutually spaced partition walls (133) among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130), that is, in the case of light between the fourth light (L4) and the fourth' light (L4'), it can be emitted in the upper direction of the light control unit (130).
[0122] However, when a light path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z) between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) and the partition wall (133) is positioned on the light path, at least a portion of the light may be blocked by the partition wall (133). That is, the light provided from the lower portion 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 plurality of partition walls (133) and may not be emitted in the upper direction 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 lower portion of the light control unit (130) is absorbed by the partition wall (133) and is not emitted to the outside.
[0123] Meanwhile, in the case of light in which a partition wall (133) is positioned on the optical path as described above, since each of the plurality of partition walls (133) includes a light-absorbing material or is coated with a light-absorbing agent, the majority of the light is absorbed by the partition wall (133), but the remaining portion that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) may be totally reflected from the partition wall (133) and emitted to the outside. For example, the second light (L2a) among the second light (L2) that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) and the third light (L3a) among the third light (L3) that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) may be totally reflected from the partition wall (133) and emitted to the outside.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 4a, the height of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be substantially equal to the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) in the third direction (Z). However, this is not limited thereto, and the height of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) in the third direction (Z) may be smaller than the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) in the third direction (Z). Meanwhile, in the present specification, the height may mean the length or distance in the third direction (Z).
[0125] In addition, the plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged on the second region (A2) and may not be arranged on the first region (A1). In this case, as described above, in the second region (A2), which is the region where the plurality of partition walls (133) are arranged, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light is limited, so that the light is provided in the first range, and in the first region (A1), which is the region where the plurality of partition walls (133) are not arranged, the light emission angle is not limited, so that the light may be provided in the second range, which is wider than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed below the light control unit (130), an image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in a second area (A2) overlapping with an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) are disposed among the display areas (AA), and an image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in a first area (A1) overlapping with an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) are not disposed.
[0126] Fig. 5a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a first light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 5b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA2 portion of Fig. 5a.
[0127] Meanwhile, the light control unit (230) illustrated in FIG. 5a represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0128] In addition, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B with respect to the shape of a plurality of partition walls (233) included in the light control unit (230). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, the light control unit (230) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (233) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or light emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).
[0130] A plurality of partition walls (233) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (233).
[0131] Each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). Accordingly, the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) are parallel to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), one side surface of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) is perpendicular to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the other side surface of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, one side positioned on the first direction (X) side among the two side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may be parallel to the third direction (Z) that is perpendicular to each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the other side positioned on the opposite direction to the first direction (X) among the two side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction (Z).
[0132] In this way, by means of a plurality of partition walls (233) having a trapezoidal shape on the side, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the light control unit (230) can be more effectively limited.
[0133] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 5b, the light provided from below the light control unit (230), for example, the light provided from the first light source unit (110), may have its light profile reduced or narrowed along the first direction (X) by the light control unit (230), thereby limiting the light emission angle of the light in the first direction (X).
[0134] In particular, when a light path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z) between two mutually spaced partition walls (233) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230), and an inclined side of the partition wall (233) is positioned on the light path, the remaining portion of the light that is not absorbed by the partition wall (233) can be guided more toward the third direction (Z), which is the vertical direction, compared to the case where it is totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (233). For example, at least a portion of the second light (L2) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) and traveling toward the vertical side of the partition wall (233) may be absorbed by the partition wall (233), and the second light (L2a) not absorbed by the partition wall (233) may be totally reflected from the vertical side of the partition wall (233), and at least a portion of the third light (L3) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) and traveling toward the inclined side of the partition wall (233) may be absorbed by the partition wall (233), and the third light (L3a) not absorbed by the partition wall (233) may be totally reflected from the inclined side of the partition wall (233). Here, depending on the difference in incidence angle between the vertical side and the inclined side of the partition wall (233), the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) can be guided more toward the third direction (Z), which is the vertical direction, compared to the second light (L2a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (233). Accordingly, the light directed toward the display panel (160) in the second area (A2) can be more concentrated.
[0135] In addition, the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) travels in the opposite direction of the first direction (X) where the first area (A1) is located, and when totally reflected, it is guided more toward the third direction (Z) which is the vertical direction due to the incident angle according to the inclined side. Therefore, compared to the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (133) described with reference to FIG. 4A, the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) described with reference to FIG. 5A can be shifted more toward the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light provided from the first light source unit (110), the viewing angle toward the first area (A1) can be more effectively limited.
[0136] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0137] Meanwhile, the light control unit (330) illustrated in FIG. 6 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0138] In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 4a with respect to the area where a plurality of partition walls (333) included in the light control unit (330) are arranged. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 6.
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the light 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), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).
[0140] A plurality of partition walls (333) may be arranged over the entire area of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (333) may include a plurality of first partition walls (333a) arranged over the first area (A1) and a plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged over the second area (A2).
[0141] A plurality of first partition walls (333a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first region (A1). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (333a).
[0142] A plurality of second partition walls (333b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second area (A2). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (333b).
[0143] Additionally, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) and the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) and the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).
[0144] The height of the first partition wall (333a) and the height of the second partition wall (333b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (333a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (333b). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged on the second region (A2) is substantially equal to or smaller than the length of the space along the third direction (Z) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) arranged on the first region (A1) may be designed to be the minimum height possible in the process.
[0145] In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (333a) have very small heights, the light emission angle of the light incident on the first area (A1) may not be substantially limited. Accordingly, in the first area (A1) where the plurality of first partition walls (333a) are arranged, light may be provided in a second range wider than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110) arranged below the light control unit (330), the image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of second partition walls (333b) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and the image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the first area (A1) overlapping with the area where the plurality of first partition walls (333a) having very small heights are arranged.
[0146] In addition, since a plurality of partition walls (333) are formed over the entire area of the display area (AA) rather than forming partition walls only in a portion of the display area (AA) in the manufacturing process of the light control unit (330), the manufacturing process of the light control unit (330) can be further simplified.
[0147] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0148] Meanwhile, the light control unit (430) illustrated in FIG. 7 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0149] In addition, FIG. 7 illustrates a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 5a with respect to the area where a plurality of partition walls (433) included in the light control unit (430) are arranged. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 7.
[0150] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the light control unit (430) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (433) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an output angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).
[0151] A plurality of partition walls (433) may be arranged over the entire area of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (433) may include a plurality of first partition walls (433a) arranged over the first area (A1) and a plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged over the second area (A2).
[0152] A plurality of first partition walls (433a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first region (A1). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (433a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (433a).
[0153] A plurality of second partition walls (433b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second area (A2). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (433b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (433b).
[0154] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (433a) and the plurality of second bulkheads (433b) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (433a) and the plurality of second bulkheads (433b) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).
[0155] The height of the first partition wall (433a) and the height of the second partition wall (433b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (433a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (433b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged on the second area (A2) is substantially equal to or smaller than the length of the space along the third direction (Z) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (433a) arranged on the first area (A1) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.
[0156] In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (433a) have very small heights, the light emission angle of the light incident on the first area (A1) may not be substantially limited. Accordingly, in the first area (A1) where the plurality of first partition walls (433a) are arranged, light may be provided in a second range wider than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110) arranged below the light control unit (430), the image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of second partition walls (433b) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and the image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the first area (A1) overlapping with the area where the plurality of first partition walls (433a) having very small heights are arranged.
[0157] In addition, since a plurality of partition walls (433) are formed over the entire area of the display area (AA) rather than forming partition walls only in a portion of the display area (AA) in the manufacturing process of the light control unit (430), the manufacturing process of the light control unit (430) can be further simplified.
[0158] Fig. 8a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 8b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA3 portion of Fig. 8a.
[0159] Meanwhile, the light control unit (530) illustrated in FIG. 8a represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0160] In addition, FIG. 8a shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with respect to the height of the plurality of partition walls (533) included in the light control unit (530). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 8a and 8b.
[0161] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 8A, the light 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), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).
[0162] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8A, the display area (AA) may be divided into a plurality of sub-areas. For example, the display area (AA) may 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 portion of the first area (A1), the second sub-area (AAb) corresponds to a portion of the second area (A2), and the third sub-area (AAc) is an area that is positioned between the first sub-area (AAa) and the second sub-area (AAb) and includes a boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2), and may be defined as an area including an area of the first area (A1) excluding the first sub-area (AAa) and an area of the second area (A2) excluding the second sub-area (AAb).
[0163] A plurality of partition walls (533) may be arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), the second sub-area (AAb), and the third sub-area (AAc) of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (533) may include a plurality of first partition walls (533a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (533b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (533c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc).
[0164] A plurality of first partition walls (533a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first sub-area (AAa). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (533a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (533a).
[0165] A plurality of second partition walls (533b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second sub-area (AAb). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (533b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (533b).
[0166] A plurality of third partition walls (533c) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the third sub-area (AAc). For example, each of the plurality of third partition walls (633b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of third partition walls (633c).
[0167] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (533a), the plurality of second bulkheads (533b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (533c) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (533a), the plurality of second bulkheads (533b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (533c) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).
[0168] The height of the first partition wall (533a) and the height of the second partition wall (533b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (533a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (533b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (533b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) is substantially equal to the length of the 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 plurality of first partition walls (533a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.
[0169] Additionally, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (533c) may increase in the first direction (X). For example, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (533c) may increase in the direction from the first area (A1) or the first sub-area (AAa) to the second area (A2) or the second sub-area (AAb). For example, among the plurality of third partition walls (533c), the third partition wall (533c) that is closest to the first sub-area (AAa) has the same height as the first partition wall (533a), the third partition wall (533c) that is closest to the second sub-area (AAb) has the same height as the second partition wall (533b), and the remaining third partition walls (533c) among the plurality of third partition walls (533c) have a height between the first partition wall (533a) and the second partition wall (533b), and the height may increase as one goes in the first direction (X).
[0170] In other words, the height of the plurality of partition walls (533) may gradually increase from the vicinity of the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) toward the first direction (X), i.e., the second sub-region (AAb). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the light control unit (530), the boundary visibility due to the difference in the field of view between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) may be minimized at the boundary between the second region (A2) where the overall field of view is limited and the image is displayed at a second field of view, for example, a narrow field of view, and the first region (A1) where the field of view is not substantially limited and the image is displayed at a first field of view, for example, a wide field of view.
[0171] Meanwhile, the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display area (AA) can be defined within the third sub-area (AAc). To explain this in more detail, referring further to FIG. 8b, a straight line parallel to the third direction (Z) can be defined as the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) based on a point having a second height (h2) that is half of the first height (h1) of the second partition wall (553b) disposed on the second area (A2) and having a height from the first support member (131) on a first virtual line (VL1) connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of third partition walls (533c). However, the division of the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) of the display area (AA) according to the boundary line (BL) is merely exemplary, and the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) in the display area (AA) may be defined in various ways depending on the design. For example, depending on the 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 having a height that is 2 / 3 of the first height (h1) on the first virtual line (VL1) connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of third partition walls (533c).
[0172] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.
[0173] Meanwhile, the light control unit (630) illustrated in FIG. 9 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0174] In addition, FIG. 9 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with respect to the height of the plurality of partition walls (633) included in the light control unit (630). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant description, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 9.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, the light 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), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).
[0176] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, the display area (AA) can be divided into a plurality of sub-areas. Here, the division of the plurality of sub-areas, i.e., the first sub-area (AAa), the second sub-area (AAb), and the third sub-area (AAc), is substantially the same as or similar to the division of the areas described with reference to FIG. 8a, and therefore, any overlapping description will not be repeated.
[0177] A plurality of partition walls (633) may be arranged on the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (633) may include a plurality of first partition walls (633a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (633b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (633c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc).
[0178] A plurality of first partition walls (633a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first sub-area (AAa). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (633a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (633a).
[0179] A plurality of second partition walls (633b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second sub-area (AAb). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (633b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (633b).
[0180] A plurality of third partition walls (633c) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the third sub-area (AAc). For example, each of the plurality of third partition walls (633b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of third partition walls (633c).
[0181] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (633a), the plurality of second bulkheads (633b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (633c) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (633a), the plurality of second bulkheads (633b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (633c) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).
[0182] The height of the first partition wall (633a) and the height of the second partition wall (633b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (633a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (633b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (633b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) is substantially equal to 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 plurality of first partition walls (633a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.
[0183] In addition, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (633c) may become smaller as it goes in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). For example, among the plurality of third partition walls (633c), the third partition wall (633c) closest to the second sub-area (AAb) has the same height as the second partition wall (633b), the third partition wall (633c) closest to the first sub-area (AAa) of the plurality of third partition walls (633c) has the same height as the first partition wall (633a), and the remaining third partition walls (633c) among the plurality of third partition walls (633c) have a height between the first partition wall (633a) and the second partition wall (633b), and the height may become smaller as it goes in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the light control unit (630), the boundary visibility due to the difference in viewing angle between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) at the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) can be minimized.
[0184] Fig. 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a protruding pattern included in a light guide plate of the display device of Fig. 2.
[0185] Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be formed to protrude in the lower direction of the light guide plate (150), for example, in the opposite direction to the third direction (Z).
[0186] Each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may have a square pyramid or square pyramid shape. For example, referring to FIG. 11 together, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may have four inclined surfaces each having a triangular shape and forming 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). For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) includes a first inclined plane (F1), a second inclined plane (F2) which is arranged to face the first inclined plane (F1) and is arranged on one side along the first direction (X) of the first inclined plane (F1), a third inclined plane (F3) which shares a first side (S1) with the first inclined plane (F1), shares a second side (S2) with the second inclined plane (F2), and is arranged on one side along the opposite direction of the second direction (Y) of the first inclined plane (F1) and the second inclined plane (F2), and a fourth inclined plane (F4) which shares a third side (S3) with the first inclined plane (F1), shares a fourth side (S4) with the second inclined plane (F2), and is arranged to face the third inclined plane (F3) and is arranged on one side along the second direction (Y) of the third inclined plane (F3), and each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) includes a first The inclined plane (F1), the second inclined plane (F2), the third inclined plane (F3), and the fourth inclined plane (F4) may share one vertex (VT). Here, the vertex (VT) may correspond to a vertex of a protruding pattern (151) having a square pyramid or square pyramid shape, and the first side (S1), the second side (S2), the third side (S3), and the fourth side (S4) may correspond to four corners connected to the vertex (VT) of the protruding pattern (151) having a square pyramid or square pyramid shape, respectively.
[0187] The shape of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may have an asymmetrical shape. For example, the vertex (VT) of the shape of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) of the square pyramid or square pyramid may be formed to be biased toward the first area (A1) in the opposite direction to the first direction (X). Accordingly, the angle formed by the first inclined surface (F1) of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) with the light guide plate (150) may be greater than the angle formed by the second inclined surface (F2) with the light guide plate (150), and the area of the second inclined surface (F2) may be greater than the area of the first inclined surface (F1).
[0188] Meanwhile, the third inclined plane (F3) and the fourth inclined plane (F4) of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be symmetrical with respect to a second virtual line (VL2) passing through the vertex (VT) and parallel to the long axis direction of the corresponding protruding pattern (151). Accordingly, the angle formed by the third inclined plane (F3) of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) with the light guide plate (150) is the same as the angle formed by the fourth inclined plane (F4) with the light guide plate (150), and the area of the third inclined plane (F3) and the area of the fourth inclined plane (F4) may be the same.
[0189] In this way, the path of light incident on the light guide plate (150) can be controlled by a plurality of protruding patterns (151) formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) and having an asymmetrical square pyramid or square pyramid shape.
[0190] More specifically, the plurality of protruding patterns (151) can control the viewing angle of light emitted from the second light source (140) disposed on the side of the light guide plate (150), incident on the side of the light guide plate (150), and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150).
[0191] For example, since each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) has an asymmetrical square pyramid or square pyramid shape, the vertex (VT) of the protruding pattern (151) is formed to be biased toward the first region (A1) in the opposite direction to the first direction (X), so that the plurality of protruding patterns (151) can shift the profile of light incident on the side of the light guide plate (150) as a whole toward the first region (A1) in the opposite direction to the first direction (X). Here, as described above, in the first mode, the second light source (140) emits light, so that an image is displayed in the second area (A2) at a first viewing angle, that is, a wide viewing angle. However, since the profile of the light emitted from the second light source (140) disposed on the side of the light guide plate (150) by the plurality of protruding patterns (151) formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), incident on the side of the light guide plate (150), and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150) is shifted toward the first area (A1), the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second area (A2) in the first mode with respect to the first area (A1) side can be increased. Accordingly, the viewing angle of the image of the first viewing angle, that is, the wide viewing angle, displayed on the second area (A2) by the light emitted from the second light source (140) in the first mode can be improved.
[0192] In addition, the plurality of protruding patterns (151) can control the viewing angle of light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed at the lower portion of the light guide plate (150), for example, the lowermost portion of the display device (100), and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150).
[0193] For example, since each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) has an asymmetrical square pyramid or square pyramid shape, as described above, the first inclined surface (F1) and the second inclined surface (F2) of each of the protruding patterns (151) can form a predetermined angle with the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), for example, a surface defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), and since the inclined angle of the first inclined surface (F1) is formed to be greater than the inclined angle of the second inclined surface (F2), the plurality of protruding patterns (151) can focus light incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) and shift the profile of the light toward the second area (A2) on the first direction (X) side.
[0194] Referring further to FIG. 10 to explain more specifically, depending on the difference in inclination angle between the first inclined surface (F1) and the second inclined surface (F2), the angle at which light (La) incident on the first inclined surface (F1) included in each of the plurality of protruding patterns (151) is refracted toward the first direction (X) by the protruding pattern (151) may be greater than the angle at which light (Lb) incident on the second inclined surface (F2) is refracted toward the opposite direction of the first direction (X) by the protruding pattern (151). Accordingly, light provided from the lower portion of the light guide plate (150) may be shifted overall toward the second region (A2). Here, as described above, in the second mode, the first light source unit (110) emits light, so that an image is displayed in the second area (A2) at a second viewing angle, i.e., a narrow viewing angle. The light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed at the lower portion of the light guide plate (150) by a plurality of protruding patterns (151) formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), enters the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), and is emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (150) is focused in the upper direction, i.e., the third direction (Z), and the profile of the light is shifted toward the second area (A2), so that the viewing angle of the image displayed in the second area (A2) in the second mode can be more effectively controlled. Accordingly, the viewing angle of the image of the second viewing angle displayed on the second area (A2) by the light emitted from the first light source (110) in the second mode, i.e., the viewing angle of the image of the narrow viewing angle, can be more effectively controlled.
[0195] Fig. 12a is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 12b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA4 portion of Fig. 12a.
[0196] Meanwhile, for the convenience of explanation in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the area corresponding to the “EA4” portion illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b will be described as a unit area (UR) among the entire area of the light guide plate (150). For example, the unit area (UR) may be defined as an area in which 16 protruding patterns (151), for example, the first protruding pattern (151a), are arranged so that the long axis direction is parallel to the first direction (X) among the entire area of the light guide plate (150). However, such a unit area (UR) is defined to more easily explain the arrangement density and spacing of the protruding patterns (151), and the unit area (UR) may be defined in various ways.
[0197] Referring to FIG. 12a, a plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be arranged spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, a plurality of protruding patterns (151) may be formed to protrude in the lower direction of the light guide plate (150), for example, in the opposite direction of the third direction (Z).
[0198] The plurality of protruding patterns (151) may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) and a plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) having different longitudinal directions. For example, the longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) (hereinafter referred to as “first longitudinal direction”) may be formed to be parallel to the first direction (X), and the longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) (hereinafter referred to as “second longitudinal direction”) may be formed to be oblique to the first direction (X). For example, the second longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the first direction (X). Here, the first direction (X) is a direction perpendicular to the side of the light guide plate (150) on which the second light source portion (140) is arranged, and the first long-axis direction of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be substantially parallel to the direction in which light is transmitted from the plurality of second light sources (142), and the second long-axis direction of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the direction in which light is transmitted from the plurality of second light sources (142).
[0199] A plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be arranged at a constant density and interval on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be arranged at a first density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). Meanwhile, in the present specification, the density at which the protruding patterns (151) are arranged may be defined as the ratio (%) of the area on which the protruding patterns (151) are arranged to the total area of a unit region.
[0200] A plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be arranged at a constant density and spacing on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, a plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be arranged at a second density lower than the first density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150). For example, the second density at which the second protruding patterns (151b) are arranged may be half the first density at which the first protruding patterns (151a) are arranged.
[0201] In addition, a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction, and a plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be arranged in a spaced space between a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a). For example, a plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a diagonal direction in a plurality of spaced spaces formed to extend in a diagonal direction as a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction. Meanwhile, the diagonal direction here may mean a direction that is different from the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) on a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), and forms a predetermined angle with each of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).
[0202] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 12b, a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) are arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150), and can be arranged at a constant density and interval.
[0203] For example, a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be arranged on an area where an odd-numbered row and an odd-numbered column intersect and an area where an even-numbered row and an even-numbered column intersect within a unit area (UR) of a light guide plate (150). For example, eight first protruding patterns (151a) may be arranged on an area where each of the first row (R1), the third row (R3), the fifth row (R5), and the seventh row (R7) intersects the first column (C1) and the third column (C3), and eight first protruding patterns (151a) may be arranged on an area where each of the second row (R2), the fourth row (R4), the sixth row (R6), and the eighth row (R8) intersects the second column (C2) and the fourth column (C4).
[0204] Meanwhile, the position or area where the first protruding pattern (151a) described above is arranged is merely exemplary, and a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be arranged on an area where odd rows and even columns intersect and an area where even rows and odd columns intersect within a unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (150).
[0205] In this way, when 16 first protrusion patterns (151a) are arranged within a unit area (UR), the plurality of first protrusion patterns (151a) can be defined as being arranged at the first density.
[0206] Additionally, a plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (150) may be arranged in a space between a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.
[0207] For example, the second protruding pattern (151b) may be arranged on an area where the first protruding pattern (151a) is not arranged among the areas where a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (150). For example, as described above, when the plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) are arranged on the areas where odd rows and odd columns intersect and the areas where even rows and even columns intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (150), the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be arranged on some areas among the areas where odd rows and even columns intersect and the areas where even rows and odd columns intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (150).
[0208] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12b, eight second protruding patterns (151b) may be arranged on an area where the first row (R1) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, an area where the second row (R2) and the first column (C1) intersect, an area where the third row (R3) and the second column (C2) intersect, an area where the fourth row (R4) and the third column (C3) intersect, an area where the fifth row (R5) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, an area where the sixth row (R6) and the first column (C1) intersect, an area where the seventh row (R7) and the second column (C2) intersect, and an area where the eighth row (R8) and the third column (C3) intersect.
[0209] In this way, when eight second protruding patterns (151b) are arranged within a unit area (UR), the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) can be defined as being arranged at a second density. That is, the second density can be half of the first density. In other words, the second protruding patterns (151b) can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (150) at a density that is half of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns (151a).
[0210] Meanwhile, the position or area where the second protruding pattern (151b) described above is arranged is merely exemplary, and the second protruding pattern (151b) may be arranged in various ways in the space between a plurality of first protruding patterns (151a), such as on an area where the first row (R1) and the second column (C2) intersect, an area where the second row (R2) and the third column (C3) intersect, an area where the third row (R3) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, an area where the fourth row (R4) and the first column (C1) intersect, an area where the fifth row (R5) and the second column (C2) intersect, an area where the sixth row (R6) and the third column (C3) intersect, an area where the seventh row (R7) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, and an area where the eighth row (R8) and the first column (C1) intersect.
[0211] Referring to FIG. 12b, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be parallel to the first direction (X). For example, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be parallel to the propagation direction of light provided from the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) arranged on the side of the light guide plate (150).
[0212] In addition, the second major axis direction (LX2) of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) arranged in the space between the plurality of first protruding patterns (151a) may be formed obliquely with respect to the first direction (X). For example, the second major axis direction (LX2) of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with respect to the first major axis direction (LX1) that is parallel to the first direction (X). For example, each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) may have a shape in which the first protruding pattern (151a) is rotated clockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° on a plane, for example, a lower surface of the light guide plate (150). That is, the second major axis direction (LX2) may be a direction in which the first major axis direction (LX1) is rotated by an acute angle in the clockwise direction.
[0213] Meanwhile, since the first major axis direction (LX1) of the first protruding pattern (151a) is formed parallel to the first direction (X), light provided from a plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) arranged on the side of the light guide plate (150) propagates in a direction parallel to the first major axis direction (LX1), i.e., along the first direction (X), within the light guide plate (150) by the first protruding pattern (151a). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light provided from the second light source unit (140), due to the straightness of the light propagating in a direction parallel to the first major axis direction (LX1) of the first protruding pattern (151a), a phenomenon in which stripes or the like are visible along the first direction (X) or the opposite direction to the first direction (X) may occur.
[0214] In this regard, the light guide plate (150) of the display device (100) according to the embodiment of the present specification includes not only a first protruding pattern (151a) having a first long-axis direction (LX1) parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from a plurality of second light sources (142) of a second light source unit (140) arranged on the side, that is, a first direction (X), but also a plurality of second protruding patterns (151b) having a second long-axis direction (LX2) forming a predetermined angle with the first long-axis direction (LX1), so that the profile of light propagating in a direction parallel to the first long-axis direction (LX1) within the light guide plate (150) can be shifted toward a direction different from the first direction (X), for example, a direction parallel to the second long-axis direction (LX2). Accordingly, the straightness of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first major axis direction (LX1) is dispersed, so that the phenomenon of stripes or the like being visible along the first direction (X) or the direction opposite to the first direction (X) can be minimized.
[0215] Fig. 13a is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 13b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA5 portion of Fig. 13a.
[0216] Meanwhile, FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 12a and 12b with respect to a plurality of protruding patterns (251) included in a light guide plate (250). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 13a and 13b.
[0217] Meanwhile, for the convenience of explanation in FIGS. 13a and 13b, the area corresponding to the “EA5” portion illustrated in FIGS. 13a and 13b will be described as a unit area (UR) among the entire area of the light guide plate (250). For example, the unit area (UR) may be defined as an area in which 16 protruding patterns (251), for example, the first protruding pattern (251a), are arranged so that the long axis direction is parallel to the first direction (X) among the entire area of the light guide plate (250), substantially the same as or similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b. However, such a unit area (UR) is defined to more easily explain the arrangement density and spacing of the protruding patterns (251), and the unit area (UR) may be defined in various ways.
[0218] Referring to FIG. 13a, a plurality of protruding patterns (251) can be arranged spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250).
[0219] The plurality of protruding patterns (251) may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) and a plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) having different longitudinal directions. For example, the first longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be formed to be parallel to the first direction (X), and the longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) (hereinafter referred to as “third longitudinal direction”) may be formed to be oblique to the first direction (X). For example, the third longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the first direction (X).
[0220] According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of third protrusion patterns (251c) may be symmetrical with respect to the second protrusion pattern (151b) described with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b with respect to the first direction (X) or the first long axis direction (LX1).
[0221] Accordingly, the first long axis direction of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the plurality of second light sources (142), and the third long axis direction of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the direction of propagation of light provided from the plurality of second light sources (142).
[0222] A plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be arranged at a constant density and interval on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B , a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be arranged at a first density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250) and may be arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other.
[0223] A plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be arranged at a constant density and spacing on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250). For example, a plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be arranged at a second density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250). For example, the second density at which the third protruding patterns (251c) are arranged may be half of the first density at which the first protruding patterns (251a) are arranged.
[0224] Additionally, a plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be arranged in a spaced apart space between a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a). For example, a plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be arranged in a spaced apart space along a diagonal direction formed so as to extend in a diagonal direction as a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) are arranged in a spaced apart ...
[0225] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 13b, a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) are arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250), and can be arranged at a constant density and interval.
[0226] For example, substantially the same as or similar to the first protruding pattern (151a) described with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be arranged on an area where an odd-numbered row and an odd-numbered column intersect and an area where an even-numbered row and an even-numbered column intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (250). Alternatively, the plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be arranged on an area where an odd-numbered row and an even-numbered column intersect and an area where an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered column intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (250).
[0227] Additionally, a plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (250) can be arranged in a space between a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.
[0228] For example, a third protruding pattern (251c) may be arranged on an area where a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns intersect within a unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (250), in which the first protruding pattern (251a) is not arranged. For example, as described above, when a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) are arranged on an area where an odd-numbered row and an odd-numbered column intersect and an area where an even-numbered row and an even-numbered column intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (250), a plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be arranged on some areas among an area where an odd-numbered row and an even-numbered column intersect and an area where an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered column intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (150).
[0229] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13b, eight third protruding patterns (251c) may be arranged on an area where the first row (R1) and the second column (C2) intersect, an area where the second row (R2) and the third column (C3) intersect, an area where the third row (R3) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, an area where the fourth row (R4) and the first column (C1) intersect, an area where the fifth row (R5) and the second column (C2) intersect, an area where the sixth row (R6) and the third column (C3) intersect, an area where the seventh row (R7) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, and an area where the eighth row (R8) and the first column (C1) intersect.
[0230] In this way, when eight third protruding patterns (251c) are arranged within a unit area (UR), the plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) can be defined as being arranged at a second density. That is, the second density can be half of the first density. In other words, the third protruding patterns (251c) can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250) at a density that is half of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns (251a).
[0231] Meanwhile, the position or area where the third protruding pattern (251c) described above is arranged is merely exemplary, and the third protruding pattern (251c) may be arranged in various ways in the space between a plurality of first protruding patterns (251a), such as on an area where the first row (R1) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, an area where the second row (R2) and the first column (C1) intersect, an area where the third row (R3) and the second column (C2) intersect, an area where the fourth row (R4) and the third column (C3) intersect, an area where the fifth row (R5) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, an area where the sixth row (R6) and the first column (C1) intersect, an area where the seventh row (R7) and the second column (C2) intersect, and an area where the eighth row (R8) and the third column (C3) intersect.
[0232] Referring to FIG. 13b, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be parallel to the first direction (X). For example, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be parallel to the propagation direction of light provided from the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) arranged on the side of the light guide plate (250).
[0233] In addition, the third major axis direction (LX3) of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) arranged in the space between the plurality of first protruding patterns (251a) may be formed obliquely with respect to the first direction (X). For example, the third major axis direction (LX3) of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with respect to the first major axis direction (LX1) which is parallel to the first direction (X). For example, each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) may have a shape in which the first protruding pattern (251a) is rotated counterclockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° on a plane, for example, a lower surface of the light guide plate (250). That is, the third major axis direction (LX3) may be a direction in which the first major axis direction (LX1) is rotated counterclockwise by an acute angle.
[0234] In this way, since a plurality of third protruding patterns (251c) having a third major axis direction (LX3) forming a predetermined angle with the first major axis direction (LX1) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (250), the profile of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first major axis direction (LX1) within the light guide plate (250) can be shifted in a direction different from the first direction (X), for example, toward the direction parallel to the third major axis direction (LX3). Accordingly, the straightness of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first major axis direction (LX1) is canceled out, so that a phenomenon in which stripes or the like are visible along the first direction (X) or the opposite direction to the first direction (X) can be minimized.
[0235] Fig. 14a is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 14b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA6 portion of Fig. 14a.
[0236] Meanwhile, FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 12a and 12b with respect to a plurality of protruding patterns (351) included in a light guide plate (350). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 14a and 14b.
[0237] Meanwhile, for the convenience of explanation in FIGS. 14a and 14b, the area corresponding to the “EA6” portion illustrated in FIGS. 14a and 14b will be described as a unit area (UR) among the entire area of the light guide plate (350). For example, the unit area (UR) may be defined as an area in which 16 protruding patterns (351), for example, the first protruding pattern (351a), are arranged so that the long axis direction is parallel to the first direction (X) among the entire area of the light guide plate (350), substantially the same as or similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b. However, such a unit area (UR) is defined to more easily explain the arrangement density and spacing of the protruding patterns (351), and the unit area (UR) may be defined in various ways.
[0238] Referring to FIG. 14a, a plurality of protruding patterns (351) can be arranged spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350).
[0239] The plurality of protruding patterns (351) may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (351a), a plurality of second protruding patterns (351b), and a plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) having different longitudinal directions. For example, the first longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be formed to be parallel to the first direction (X), and the second longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and the third longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be formed to be oblique to the first direction (X). For example, the second longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and the third longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the first direction (X).
[0240] The second long axis direction of each of the plurality of second protrusion patterns (351b) and the third long axis direction of each of the plurality of third protrusion patterns (351c) may be symmetrical with respect to the first direction (X) or the first long axis direction.
[0241] Accordingly, the first long axis direction of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of light provided from the plurality of second light sources (142), and the second long axis direction of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and the third long axis direction of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the direction of propagation of light provided from the plurality of second light sources (142).
[0242] A plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be arranged at a constant density and interval on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B , a plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be arranged at a first density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350) and may be arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other.
[0243] A plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) may be arranged at a constant density and spacing on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350). For example, a plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) may be arranged at a second density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350). For example, the second density at which the third protruding patterns (351b) are arranged may be half the first density at which the first protruding patterns (351a) are arranged.
[0244] Additionally, a plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be arranged at a constant density and spacing on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350). For example, a plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be arranged at a second density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350). For example, the second protruding patterns (251b) and the third protruding patterns (251c) may be arranged at the same density.
[0245] In addition, a plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and a plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be arranged in a space between the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a), respectively. For example, a plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and a plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be arranged in a space between the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a), respectively, and may be arranged in a space between the plurality of space between the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) and extending in a diagonal direction, respectively.
[0246] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 14b, a plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) are arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350), and can be arranged at a constant density and interval.
[0247] For example, substantially identical to or similar to the first protruding pattern (151a) described with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be arranged on an area where an odd-numbered row and an odd-numbered column intersect and an area where an even-numbered row and an even-numbered column intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (350). Alternatively, the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be arranged on an area where an odd-numbered row and an even-numbered column intersect and an area where an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered column intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (350).
[0248] In addition, a plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and a plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (350) may be arranged in a space between a plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.
[0249] For example, the second protruding pattern (351b) and the third protruding pattern (351c) may be arranged on an area where the first protruding pattern (351a) is not arranged among the areas where a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (350). For example, as described above, when the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) are arranged on an area where odd rows and odd columns intersect and an area where even rows and even columns intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (350), the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be arranged on some areas among the areas where odd rows and even columns intersect and the areas where even rows and odd columns intersect within the unit area (UR) of the light guide plate (350), respectively.
[0250] For example, as shown in FIG. 14b, eight second protruding patterns (351b) are arranged on the area where the first row (R1) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, the area where the second row (R2) and the first column (C1) intersect, the area where the third row (R3) and the second column (C2) intersect, the area where the fourth row (R4) and the third column (C3) intersect, the area where the fifth row (R5) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, the area where the sixth row (R6) and the first column (C1) intersect, the area where the seventh row (R7) and the second column (C2) intersect, and the area where the eighth row (R8) and the third column (C3) intersect, and the area where the first row (R1) and the second column (C2) intersect, the area where the second row (R2) and the third column (C3) intersect, the area where the third row (R3) and the fourth Eight third protruding patterns (351c) may be arranged on the area where the column (C4) intersects, the area where the fourth row (R4) and the first column (C1) intersect, the area where the fifth row (R5) and the second column (C2) intersect, the area where the sixth row (R6) and the third column (C3) intersect, the area where the seventh row (R7) and the fourth column (C4) intersect, and the area where the eighth row (R8) and the first column (C1) intersect.
[0251] In this way, when eight second protruding patterns (351b) and eight third protruding patterns (351c) are arranged within the unit area (UR), the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) can be defined as being arranged at a second density, respectively. That is, the second density can be half of the first density. In other words, the second protruding patterns (351b) and the third protruding patterns (351c) can be arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350) at a density that is half of the arrangement density of the first protruding patterns (351a), respectively.
[0252] Meanwhile, the positions or regions where the second protruding pattern (351b) and the third protruding pattern (351c) described above are merely exemplary and are not limited thereto. For example, the positions or regions where the second protruding pattern (351b) and the third protruding pattern (351c) are arranged may be opposite to the above-described example, or the positions or regions where at least some of the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and at least some of the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) are arranged may be interchanged. In this way, the second protruding pattern (351b) and the third protruding pattern (351c) may be arranged in various ways in the space between the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a).
[0253] Referring to FIG. 14b, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be parallel to the first direction (X). For example, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of each of the plurality of first protruding patterns (351a) may be parallel to the propagation direction of light provided from the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) arranged on the side of the light guide plate (350).
[0254] Additionally, the second long axis direction (LX2) of each of the plurality of second protrusion patterns (351b) and the third long axis direction (LX3) of each of the plurality of third protrusion patterns (351c) may be symmetrical with respect to the first direction (X) or the first long axis direction.
[0255] For example, the second long axis direction (LX2) of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and the third long axis direction (LX3) of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be formed obliquely with respect to the first direction (X). For example, the second long axis direction (LX2) of each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) and the third long axis direction (LX3) of each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may be formed to form a predetermined angle with respect to the first long axis direction (LX1) that is parallel to the first direction (X). For example, each of the plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) may have a shape in which the first protruding pattern (351a) is rotated by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° in the clockwise direction on a plane, for example, on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350), and each of the plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) may have a shape in which the first protruding pattern (351a) is rotated by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° in the counterclockwise direction on a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). That is, the second major axis direction (LX2) may be a direction in which the first major axis direction (LX1) is rotated by an acute angle in the clockwise direction, and the third major axis direction (LX3) may be a direction in which the first major axis direction (LX1) is rotated by an acute angle in the counterclockwise direction. In other words, the second major axis direction (LX2) and the third major axis direction (LX3) may be directions that are rotated in opposite directions with respect to the first major axis direction (LX1).
[0256] In this way, since a plurality of second protruding patterns (351b) having a second long axis direction (LX2) forming a predetermined angle with the first long axis direction (LX1) and a plurality of third protruding patterns (351c) having a third long axis direction (LX3) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (350), the profile of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first long axis direction (LX1) within the light guide plate (350) can be shifted in a direction different from the first direction (X), for example, in a direction parallel to the second long axis direction (LX2) and / or the third long axis direction (LX3). Accordingly, the straightness of light traveling in a direction parallel to the first long axis direction (LX1) is canceled out, so that a phenomenon in which stripes or the like are visible along the first direction (X) or a direction opposite to the first direction (X) can be minimized. In particular, compared to a case where only protrusion patterns having a major axis direction rotated in one direction, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise, based on the first major axis direction (LX1) are formed, the light guide plate (350) includes a second protrusion pattern (351b) and a third protrusion pattern (351c) having major axis directions rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, based on the first major axis direction (LX1), so that a phenomenon in which stripes or the like are visible due to the straightness of light can be more effectively eliminated.
[0257] Fig. 15 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 16 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 17 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 18 is a graph for explaining an example of the arrangement density of protruding patterns included in the light guide plate of the display device of Fig. 2.
[0258] Meanwhile, FIG. 15 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 12a with respect to the arrangement density of a plurality of protruding patterns (451) included in the light guide plate (450), FIG. 16 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 13a with respect to the arrangement density of a plurality of protruding patterns (551) included in the light guide plate (550), and FIG. 17 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 14a with respect to the arrangement density of a plurality of protruding patterns (651) included in the light guide plate (650). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 15 to 17.
[0259] Meanwhile, FIG. 18 shows a graph of the arrangement density (Density) according to the position (Position) in the first direction (X) of the first protruding pattern illustrated in a solid line, for example, the first protruding pattern (451a) of FIG. 15, the first protruding pattern (551a) of FIG. 16, or the first protruding pattern (651a) of FIG. 17, a graph of the arrangement density (Density) according to the position (Position) in the first direction (X) of the second protruding pattern illustrated in a dotted line, for example, the second protruding pattern (451b) of FIG. 15, or the second protruding pattern (651b) of FIG. 17, and a graph of the arrangement density (Density) according to the position (Position) in the first direction (X) of the third protruding pattern illustrated in a dashed line, for example, the third protruding pattern (551c) of FIG. 16, or the third protruding pattern (651c) of FIG. 17.
[0260] First, referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, a plurality of protruding patterns (451) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450), and may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) and a plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) having different longitudinal directions. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of the plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) may be formed to be substantially parallel to the first direction (X), and the second longitudinal direction (LX2) of the plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) may be formed obliquely with the first direction (X). For example, on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450), the second major axis direction (LX2) may be a direction rotated clockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° with respect to the first direction (X) or the first major axis direction (LX1).
[0261] A plurality of protruding patterns (451) may be arranged with different densities in each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450). For example, a plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) and a plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) may be arranged with different densities in each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450).
[0262] A plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) may be arranged at a third density in a first region (A1) and at a fourth density greater than the third density in a second region (A2). In addition, a plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) may be arranged at a fifth density in the first region (A1) and at a sixth density greater than the fifth density in the second region (A2).
[0263] The arrangement density of the plurality of protrusion patterns (451) may decrease as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) of the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) in the first direction (X) and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction (X).
[0264] More specifically, as described above, since a plurality of protruding patterns (451) are formed on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450), the profile of the light emitted from the second light source unit (140) and incident on the side of the light guide plate (450) can be shifted toward the first area (A1) opposite to the first direction (X) and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (450), and the profile of the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) and incident on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450) can be shifted toward the second area (A2) on the first direction (X) and emitted to the upper surface of the light guide plate (450). Here, in the first mode, the image displayed on the second area (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 area (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 greater the number of protruding patterns (451) arranged on the second area (A2), the more the viewing angle in the first mode for the image displayed on the second area (A2) increases, and the more effectively the viewing angle control in the second mode can be performed. Therefore, in the second area (A2), it is necessary to arrange as many protruding patterns (451) as possible, and accordingly, in the second area (A2), the protruding patterns (451) can be arranged at a greater density than the density at which they are arranged in the first area (A1). For example, in the first region (A1), a plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) may be arranged at a third density and a plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) may be arranged at a fifth density, and in the second region (A2), a plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) may be arranged at a fourth density greater than the third density and a plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) may be arranged at a sixth density greater than the fifth density.
[0265] However, the light emitted from the second light source unit (140) and provided to the light guide plate (450) passes through the light guide plate (450) through total reflection and is provided toward the first area (A1) within the light guide plate (450). As described above, the protruding pattern (451) guides the light incident on the side of the light guide plate (450) toward the third direction (Z), which is the upper direction. Therefore, if the arrangement density of the protruding pattern (451) arranged in the area adjacent to the second light source unit (140) among the second areas (A2) is too high, the amount of light provided toward the first area (A1) within the light guide plate (450) may decrease, which may cause a decrease in brightness in the first area (A1).
[0266] Accordingly, the plurality of protruding patterns (451) arranged on the second area (A2) may be arranged at a relatively low density in an area adjacent to the second light source unit (140), and may be arranged at a relatively high density in an area far from the second light source unit (140), for example, an area adjacent to the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2). For example, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) and the plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) arranged on the second area (A2) may decrease as they go from the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) toward the second light source unit (140) in the first direction (X). According to the arrangement density of the first protrusion pattern (451a) and the second protrusion pattern (451b), the viewing angle control in each driving mode is more effectively performed, and at the same time, the decrease in the amount of light provided toward the first region (A1) within the light guide plate (450) is minimized, so that a decrease in brightness in the first region (A1) can be prevented.
[0267] In addition, the protruding pattern (451) collects light provided to the light guide plate (450), for example, light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed below the light guide plate (450) and provided to the light guide plate (450), and guides it toward the third direction (Z). Regardless of the driving mode, the image displayed in the first area (A1) is displayed at the first viewing angle, that is, at a wide viewing angle. Therefore, as the number of protruding patterns (451) disposed on the first area (A1) increases, a problem may arise in which the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first area (A1) narrows. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange the protruding patterns (451) as little as possible in the first area (A1).
[0268] However, if the protruding pattern (451) is not arranged in the first area (A1), a problem may arise in that the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) where the protruding pattern (451) is arranged is visible. In particular, as described above, since the arrangement density of the protruding pattern (451) is the highest in the area adjacent to the boundary line (BL) among the second areas (A2), boundary visibility may increase if the protruding pattern (451) is not arranged in the first area (A1).
[0269] Accordingly, the plurality of protruding patterns (451) arranged on the first region (A1) may be arranged at a relatively high density in the second region (A2), that is, in the region adjacent to the boundary line (BL), and may be arranged at a relatively low density in the region farther from the boundary line (BL). For example, the plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) arranged on the first region (A1) may have a lower arrangement density as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, in the direction opposite to the first direction (X), and the plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) arranged on the first region (A1) may have a lower arrangement density as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). For example, in a third area (A3) adjacent to a second area (A2) among the first areas (A1), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (451a) and the arrangement density of the second protruding pattern (451b) may decrease in the direction opposite to the first direction (X), and in a fourth area (A4) adjacent to the third area (A3) among the first areas (A1) in the direction opposite to the first direction (X), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (451a) and the arrangement density of the second protruding pattern (451b) may be maintained at their minimum values. Meanwhile, in the present specification, the third area (A3) represents a part of the first area (A1) adjacent to the second area (A2), and the fourth area (A4) may represent most of the first area (A1) except for the third area (A3) among the first areas (A1). However, this is merely exemplary, and the division of the areas of the first area (A1) may be defined in various ways depending on the design. Depending on the arrangement density of such protrusion patterns (451), the problem of the viewing angle of the image displayed on the first area (A1) becoming narrow can be prevented, and the visibility of the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) can be minimized.
[0270] According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (451a) disposed 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 pattern (451a) disposed in the second region (A2) may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (451a) disposed 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 pattern (451a) disposed in the third region (A3). That is, with respect to the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (451a) decreases as it moves away from the boundary line (BL), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (451a) may decrease more gradually in the second region (A2) than in the first region (A1), for example, the third region (A3).
[0271] Similarly, the degree to which the arrangement density of the second protruding pattern (451b) arranged in the second area (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 second protruding pattern (451b) arranged in the second area (A2) may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the second protruding pattern (451b) arranged in the third area (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 second protruding pattern (451b) arranged in the third area (A3). That is, with respect to the degree to which the arrangement density of the second protruding pattern (451b) decreases as it moves away from the boundary line (BL), the arrangement density of the second protruding pattern (451b) may decrease more gradually in the second area (A2) than in the first area (A1), for example, the third area (A3).
[0272] Meanwhile, the above description is based on the first protruding pattern (451a) and the second protruding pattern (451b) being arranged at a density having a minimum value in the fourth area (A4), but this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the first protruding pattern (451a) and / or the second protruding pattern (451b) may be arranged only in the third area (A3) adjacent to the second area (A2) among the first areas (A1), and may not be arranged in the fourth area (A4).
[0273] In addition, as described with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the density at which the plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450) may be lower than the density at which the plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450). For example, the density at which the plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450) may be half of the density at which the plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (450), but is not limited thereto.
[0274] For example, referring to FIG. 18, the density at which a plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) are arranged in the entire area, for example, the entire first area (A1) and the second area (A2), may be half the density at which a plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) are arranged.
[0275] Next, referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, a plurality of protruding patterns (551) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550), and may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) and a plurality of third protruding patterns (551b) having different longitudinal directions. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 13a and 13b, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of the plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) may be formed to be substantially parallel to the first direction (X), and the third longitudinal direction (LX3) of the plurality of third protruding patterns (551b) may be formed to be oblique to the first direction (X). For example, the third major axis direction (LX3) on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550) may be a direction rotated counterclockwise by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° with respect to the first direction (X) or the first major axis direction (LX1).
[0276] A plurality of protruding patterns (551) may be arranged at different densities in each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550). For example, a plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) and a plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) may be arranged at different densities in each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550). For example, a plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) may be arranged at a third density in a first region (A1) and at a fourth density greater than the third density in a second region (A2). In addition, a plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) may be arranged at a fifth density in the first region (A1) and at a sixth density greater than the fifth density in the second region (A2).
[0277] In addition, the arrangement density of the plurality of protrusion patterns (551) may decrease as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) of the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) in the first direction (X) and / or in the direction opposite to the first direction (X).
[0278] For example, the plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) and the plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) arranged on the second area (A2) may have a lower arrangement density as they move from the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) toward the second light source (140) in the first direction (X).
[0279] In addition, the arrangement density of the plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) arranged on the first region (A1) may decrease as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, in the direction opposite to the first direction (X), and the arrangement density of the plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) arranged on the first region (A1) may decrease as they get farther away from the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2), for example, in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). For example, in a third area (A3) adjacent to a second area (A2) among the first areas (A1), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (551a) and the arrangement density of the third protruding pattern (551c) may decrease in the direction opposite to the first direction (X), and in a fourth area (A4) adjacent to a third area (A3) among the first areas (A1) in the direction opposite to the first direction (X), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (551a) and the arrangement density of the third protruding pattern (551c) may be maintained at the minimum value, respectively.
[0280] According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (551a) disposed 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 pattern (551a) disposed in the second region (A2) may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (551a) disposed 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 pattern (551a) disposed in the third region (A3). That is, with respect to the degree to which the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (551a) decreases as it moves away from the boundary line (BL), the arrangement density of the first protruding pattern (551a) may decrease more gradually in the second region (A2) than in the first region (A1), for example, the third region (A3).
[0281] Similarly, the degree to which the arrangement density of the third protruding pattern (551c) arranged in the second area (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 third protruding pattern (551c) arranged in the second area (A2) may be smaller than the degree to which the arrangement density of the third protruding pattern (551c) arranged in the third area (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 third protruding pattern (551c) arranged in the third area (A3). That is, with respect to the degree to which the arrangement density of the third protruding pattern (551c) decreases as it moves away from the boundary line (BL), the arrangement density of the third protruding pattern (551c) may decrease more gradually in the second area (A2) than in the first area (A1), for example, the third area (A3).
[0282] In addition, as described with reference to FIGS. 13a and 13b, the density at which the plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550) may be lower than the density at which the plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550). For example, the density at which the plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550) may be half the density at which the plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) are arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (550).
[0283] For example, referring to FIG. 18, the density at which a plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) are arranged in the entire area, for example, the entire first area (A1) and the second area (A2), may be half the density at which a plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) are arranged.
[0284] Finally, referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a plurality of protruding patterns (651) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (650), and may include a plurality of first protruding patterns (651a), a plurality of second protruding patterns (651b), and a plurality of third protruding patterns (651b) having different longitudinal directions. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 14a and 14b, the first longitudinal direction (LX1) of the plurality of first protruding patterns (651a) may be formed to be substantially parallel to the first direction (X), and the second longitudinal direction (LX2) of the plurality of second protruding patterns (651b) and the third longitudinal direction (LX3) of the plurality of third protruding patterns (651b) may be formed to be oblique to the first direction (X), respectively. For example, on the lower surface of the light guide plate (650), the second long axis direction (LX2) may be a direction rotated by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° clockwise with respect to the first direction (X) or the first long axis direction (LX1), and the third long axis direction (LX3) on the lower surface of the light guide plate (650) may be a direction rotated by an angle (acute angle) between 0° and 90° counterclockwise with respect to the first direction (X) or the first long axis direction (LX1). For example, the second long axis direction (LX2) and the third long axis direction (LX3) may be symmetrical with respect to the first direction (X) or the first long axis direction (LX1).
[0285] The plurality of protruding patterns (651) may be arranged at different densities for each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (650). For example, the plurality of first protruding patterns (651a) may be arranged at a density that is substantially the same as the density of the arrangement of the plurality of first protruding patterns (451a) described with reference to FIG. 15 and / or the density of the arrangement of the plurality of first protruding patterns (551a) described with reference to FIG. 16, the plurality of second protruding patterns (651b) may be arranged at a density that is substantially the same as the density of the arrangement of the plurality of second protruding patterns (451b) described with reference to FIG. 15, and the plurality of third protruding patterns (651c) may be arranged at a density that is substantially the same as the density of the arrangement of the plurality of third protruding patterns (551c) described with reference to FIG. 16. Therefore, overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.
[0286] Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 20 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 19. Fig. 22 is a drawing illustrating an example of a light control pattern included in the light guide plate of Fig. 21.
[0287] Meanwhile, FIG. 19 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 2 with respect to a plurality of light control patterns (752) included in the light guide plate (750), and FIG. 20 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 12a with respect to a protruding pattern (751) of the light guide plate (750). Accordingly, in FIGS. 19 to 22, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in order to avoid redundant description.
[0288] Referring to FIG. 19, a light guide plate (750) included in a display device (700) according to another embodiment of the present specification may include a plurality of protruding patterns (751) arranged on a lower surface. For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (751) may be formed in a relief shape protruding downward from the lower surface of the light guide plate (750), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z).
[0289] Additionally, a plurality of protruding patterns (751) are arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750) and may have the same long-axis direction.
[0290] To explain the protruding pattern (751) in more detail, referring further to FIG. 20, a plurality of protruding patterns (751) are arranged at a constant density and interval on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750), and may be arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of protruding patterns (751) may be arranged at a first density and diagonally spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750) in a manner substantially identical to or similar to the first protruding pattern (151a) described with reference to FIG. 12a.
[0291] In addition, the longitudinal directions of the plurality of protruding patterns (751) arranged on the lower surface of the light guide plate (750) may all be formed to be parallel to the first direction (X). For example, the longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (751) may be substantially parallel to the direction in which light is transmitted from the plurality of second light sources (142).
[0292] Meanwhile, in the case where the long axis directions of the plurality of protruding patterns (751) are formed in the same manner, for example, parallel to the first direction (X), a phenomenon in which stripes or the like are visible along the first direction (X) or the opposite direction to the first direction (X) may occur due to the straightness of the light in the image displayed by the light provided from the second light source (140).
[0293] To prevent such a phenomenon, a light guide plate (750) included in a display device (700) according to another embodiment of the present specification may include a plurality of light control patterns (752) arranged on an upper surface.
[0294] Each of the plurality of light control patterns (752) may be formed as a part of the light guide plate (750), and the plurality of light control patterns (752) and the light guide plate (150) may be formed integrally. For example, each of the plurality of light control patterns (752) may include the same material as the light guide plate (750), and each of the plurality of light control patterns (752) may have the same refractive index as the light guide plate (750), but is not limited thereto.
[0295] To describe the light control pattern (752) in more detail, referring further to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, each of the plurality of light control patterns (752) may have a semi-cylindrical shape extending in the first direction (X). For example, the direction in which the semi-cylindrical shape of each of the plurality of light control patterns (752) extends may be parallel to the long-axis direction of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (751) described above. As an example, each of the plurality of light control patterns (752) may be implemented as a lenticular lens or the like.
[0296] Additionally, a plurality of light control patterns (752) may be sequentially arranged along the second direction (Y). For example, a plurality of light control patterns (752) may be sequentially arranged without spacing along the second direction (Y).
[0297] By means of a plurality of light control patterns (752) such as this, the path of light incident on the light guide plate (750) is controlled, so that the phenomenon of stripes or the like being visible in an image displayed by light provided from the second light source unit (140) can be minimized.
[0298] For example, referring to FIG. 22, in the case of light (Lc) emitted in the upper direction of the light guide plate (750) through the upper surface of the light guide plate (750), i.e., a plurality of light control patterns (752), the light (Lc) is refracted at the boundary between the inside and the outside of the light control pattern (752) according to the difference in refractive index between the inside and the outside of the light control pattern (752) having a semi-cylindrical shape, so that the light (Lc) can be refracted or diffused in the second direction (Y) and / or in the direction opposite to the second direction (Y).
[0299] In this case, when light traveling in a first direction (X), for example, in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of a plurality of protruding patterns (751), is emitted from the upper portion of the light guide plate (750) by the protruding pattern (751) within the light guide plate (750), the light profile can be shifted in a second direction (Y) and / or in a direction opposite to the second direction (Y) by the light control pattern (752) having a semi-cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the straightness of the light traveling in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the protruding pattern (751) is dispersed, so that a phenomenon in which stripes or the like are visible along the first direction (X) or the direction opposite to the first direction (X) can be minimized.
[0300] A display device according to embodiments of the present specification can be described as follows.
[0301] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partitions disposed to overlap at least a portion of a 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 parallel to the second light source unit and guiding light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the light guide plate may include a plurality of protruding patterns protruding from a lower surface and having different longitudinal axis directions from each other.
[0302] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of protruding patterns include a plurality of first protruding patterns having a first long axis direction, and a plurality of second protruding patterns having a second long axis direction different from the first long axis direction, wherein the first long axis direction may be a direction perpendicular to a side surface of the light guide plate on which the second light source unit is arranged.
[0303] According to another feature of the present specification, the second major axis direction may be a direction in which the first major axis direction is rotated clockwise by a rotation angle between 0° and 90° on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
[0304] According to another feature of the present specification, the second major axis direction may be a direction in which the first major axis direction is rotated counterclockwise by a rotation angle between 0° and 90° on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
[0305] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns and the plurality of second protruding patterns can be arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate, respectively.
[0306] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns may be arranged at a first density, and the plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged at a second density lower than the first density.
[0307] According to another feature of the present specification, the second density may be half of the first density.
[0308] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns can be arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other.
[0309] According to another feature of the present specification, a plurality of second protruding patterns can be arranged in a space formed diagonally between a plurality of first protruding patterns.
[0310] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of protrusion patterns may further include a plurality of third protrusion patterns having a third long axis direction different from the first long axis direction and the second long axis direction.
[0311] According to another feature of the present specification, the second long axis direction and the third long axis direction can be symmetrical with respect to the first long axis direction.
[0312] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns, the plurality of second protruding patterns and the plurality of third protruding patterns can be arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate, respectively.
[0313] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of first protruding patterns may be arranged at a first density, the plurality of second protruding patterns may be arranged at a second density lower than the first density, and the plurality of third protruding patterns may be arranged at a second density.
[0314] According to another feature of the present specification, a plurality of protruding patterns can be arranged at different densities in different areas on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
[0315] Although the embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be implemented without departing from the technical spirit of this specification. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are not intended to limit the technical spirit of this specification, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical spirit of this specification is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.
Claims
1. A first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; A light control unit including a plurality of partition walls arranged on the first light source unit and overlapping at least a portion of the display area; A second light source unit disposed on the above light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources; A light guide plate arranged parallel to the second light source and guiding light provided from the second light source; and A display panel is disposed on the light guide plate and displays an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit. A display device in which the light guide plate protrudes from the lower surface and includes a plurality of protruding patterns having different longitudinal directions.
2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple protruding patterns are, a plurality of first protrusion patterns having a first longitudinal direction; and It includes a plurality of second protrusion patterns having a second long axis direction different from the first long axis direction, A display device, wherein the first longitudinal direction is a direction perpendicular to the side of the light guide plate on which the second light source unit is arranged.
3. In paragraph 2, A display device wherein the second major axis direction is a direction in which the first major axis direction is rotated clockwise by an angle between 0° and 90° on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
4. In paragraph 2, A display device wherein the second major axis direction is a direction in which the first major axis direction is rotated counterclockwise by a rotation angle between 0° and 90° on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
5. In paragraph 2, A display device, wherein the plurality of first protruding patterns and the plurality of second protruding patterns are respectively arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
6. In paragraph 5, The above plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a first density, A display device wherein the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged at a second density lower than the first density.
7. In paragraph 6, A display device wherein the second density is half of the first density.
8. In paragraph 2, A display device in which the plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged diagonally spaced apart from each other.
9. In paragraph 8, A display device wherein the plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged in a space formed in the diagonal direction between the plurality of first protruding patterns.
10. In paragraph 2, The above multiple protruding patterns are, A display device further comprising a plurality of third protruding patterns having a third long axis direction different from the first long axis direction and the second long axis direction.
11. In paragraph 10, A display device wherein the second long axis direction and the third long axis direction are symmetrical with respect to the first long axis direction.
12. In paragraph 10, A display device, wherein the plurality of first protruding patterns, the plurality of second protruding patterns, and the plurality of third protruding patterns are each arranged at a constant density on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
13. In paragraph 12, The above plurality of first protruding patterns are arranged at a first density, The above plurality of second protruding patterns are arranged at a second density lower than the first density, A display device wherein the plurality of third protruding patterns are arranged at the second density.
14. In paragraph 1, A display device in which a plurality of protruding patterns are arranged at different densities in each area on the lower surface of the light guide plate.
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