Display device

Abstract

This display device comprises: a valid pixel region in which a plurality of pixels that output display light are disposed; and an invalid pixel region which is disposed adjacent to the outer periphery of the valid pixel region and in which a plurality of pixels that do not output the display light are disposed. The invalid pixel region includes a monitor region, each of the plurality of pixels in the valid pixel region includes a lens, at least some pixels among a plurality of pixels in the monitor region each include a lens, and when seen in plan view, the lens pattern of the monitor region is different from the lens pattern of the valid pixel region.

Description

display device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device.

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a display device in which lenses are provided in pixel regions is known.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 075410

[0004] To manage the lens formation process, the distance between adjacent lenses is sometimes measured, but this becomes impossible if the gap between the lenses becomes too small or disappears. It is possible to form lenses for measurement in an area separate from the pixel area, but this would increase the area of ​​the display device.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to suppress an increase in the area of ​​a display device.

[0006] A display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an effective pixel region in which a plurality of pixels that output light for display are arranged, and an ineffective pixel region in which a plurality of pixels that do not output light for display are arranged adjacent to the periphery of the effective pixel region, wherein the ineffective pixel region includes a monitor region, each of the plurality of pixels in the effective pixel region includes a lens, and at least some of the plurality of pixels in the monitor region include lenses, and when viewed in a plane, the lens pattern of the monitor region is different from the lens pattern of the effective pixel region.

[0007] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a display device 1 according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a pixel region 2; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a pixel region 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pixel array; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern; FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens pattern;

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] The present disclosure will be described in the following order: 0. Introduction 1. Embodiment 2. Modifications 2.1 Example of pixel arrangement 2.2 Example of lens pattern 2.3 Example of monitor area arrangement 3. Conclusion

[0010] 0. Introduction In display devices, for example, in the wafer process, process management by PQC is sometimes performed to check whether each process is performed correctly and to guarantee the final product. The process includes the formation of lenses in the pixel area.

[0011] The lens formation process includes etching (etch-back) of the lens material in the vertical direction, and the width (line width) of the etched portion is measured using an SEM, etc. This measurement can be an important measurement because it provides information about the lens shape.

[0012] When lenses with no gaps between adjacent lenses (gapless lenses) are formed in part or in whole, line width measurement is not possible, making process management difficult. While it is conceivable to provide a monitor area in which lenses for line width measurement are formed separately from the pixel area, this would increase the chip size (footprint), i.e., the area of ​​the display device 1. While it is conceivable to use OCD measurement, film thickness measurement, etc. instead of SEM measurement, OCD requires a similar monitor area, and film thickness measurement can obtain information about the etching rate but not about the lens shape.

[0013] At least some of the above-mentioned problems are addressed by the disclosed technology.

[0014] 1. Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a display device 1 according to an embodiment. An XYZ coordinate system is also shown. The X-axis direction and Y-axis direction (XY plane direction) correspond to the horizontal and vertical directions (display surface direction) of the display device 1. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the display device 1. Fig. 1 shows the display device 1 when viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction).

[0015] The display device 1 includes a pixel region 2. In addition to the pixel region 2, elements included in the display device 1 are a peripheral circuit section 7 and a terminal section 8, which are indicated by reference numerals in FIG.

[0016] The pixel region 2 extends in the display surface direction (XY plane direction) of the display device 1. In this example, the pixel region 2 has a rectangular shape.

[0017] The pixel region 2 includes a plurality of pixels 3. The plurality of pixels 3 are arranged in a two-dimensional array throughout the pixel region 2. The pixel region 2 includes an effective pixel region R1 and an ineffective pixel region R2 (dummy pixel region). The ineffective pixel region R2 may be a region in the pixel region 2 other than the effective pixel region R1.

[0018] A plurality of pixels 3 that output light for display are arranged in the effective pixel region R1. The number of pixels in the effective pixel region R1 (the number of pixels 3) is smaller than the number of pixels in the entire pixel region 2. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the effective pixel region R1 has a rectangular shape.

[0019] The invalid pixel region R2 is a region that does not contribute to image display by the display device 1. The image may be interpreted to include video, and these terms may be interpreted as appropriate within a range that is not inconsistent.

[0020] The ineffective pixel region R2 is disposed adjacent to the outer periphery of the effective pixel region R1. The ineffective pixel region R2 can also be considered an edge region of the pixel region 2. A plurality of pixels 3 (dummy pixels) that do not output light for display are disposed in the ineffective pixel region R2. For example, the dummy pixels are designed (by circuit design, etc.) so as not to have a light output function. The dummy pixels may be designed to always display black when the display device 1 is in operation. The dummy pixels may also be designed so that light extraction is limited by a light-shielding structure, etc.

[0021] The number of pixels in the invalid pixel region R2 is smaller than the number of pixels in the entire pixel region 2. Note that the number of pixels in the invalid pixel region R2 may be smaller than the number of pixels in the valid pixel region R1.

[0022] One of the reasons why the invalid pixel region R2 is not used for image display is that the lens shape at the edge (portion near the periphery) of the pixel region 2 is slightly different from the lens shape at the center of the pixel region 2. By not using such an invalid pixel region R2 for image display, the display quality of the display device 1 is more likely to be improved than when the invalid pixel region R2 is used for image display.

[0023] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the invalid pixel region R2 includes four side regions R21, each extending along a corresponding side of the effective pixel region R1. The side regions R21 are illustrated and referred to as side region R21a, side region R21b, side region R21c, and side region R21d. Side region R21a and side region R21c are located on opposite sides of the effective pixel region R1 in the X-axis direction and extend in the Y-axis direction. Side region R21b and side region R21d are located on opposite sides of the effective pixel region R1 in the Y-axis direction and extend in the X-axis direction. Note that when no particular distinction is made between side regions R21a, side region R21b, side region R21c, and side region R21d, they will simply be referred to as side regions R21.

[0024] The invalid pixel region R2 includes a monitor region R3. The monitor region R3 is arranged in at least one of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the monitor region R3 is arranged in a portion of the side region R21. More specifically, the monitor region R3 is arranged in a portion of the side region R21a in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the side region R21a, and in a portion of the side region R21a in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) of the side region R21a. Further details of the pixel region 2 will be described later.

[0025] The peripheral circuit unit 7 performs various controls necessary for the operation of the display device 1. One example of such controls is light emission control of each pixel 3 in the effective pixel region R1. For example, the peripheral circuit unit 7 drives a transistor connected to a light-emitting unit (light-emitting unit 40 described below) in each pixel 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , four peripheral circuit units 7 are provided to surround the pixel region 2.

[0026] The terminal unit 8 is provided for accessing devices external to the display device 1. For example, a signal for an image to be displayed by the display device 1 is supplied to the peripheral circuit unit 7 via the terminal unit 8. In accordance with this signal, the peripheral circuit unit 7 controls the light emission of each pixel 3 in the effective pixel region R1 of the pixel area 2.

[0027] The pixel region 2 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of a schematic configuration of the pixel region 2. A part of the pixel region 2, particularly a part including the boundary between the effective pixel region R1 and the ineffective pixel region R2, is shown schematically. FIG. 2 shows a planar layout as viewed along line II-II in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional configuration as viewed along line III-III in FIG. 2.

[0029] In this example, the pixels 3 are arranged in a delta arrangement (also called a honeycomb arrangement) in the effective pixel region R1 and the ineffective pixel region R2. Referring to Fig. 2, the pixels 3 and lenses 6 (described later) both have a hexagonal shape when viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0030] Of the multiple pixels 3, pixels 3 configured to be able to output red light (R) are referred to as pixels 3R ​​and illustrated. Pixels 3 configured to be able to output green light (G) are referred to as pixels 3G and illustrated. Pixels 3 configured to be able to output blue light (B) are referred to as pixels 3B and illustrated. When there is no particular need to distinguish between pixels 3R, 3G, and 3B, they are simply referred to as pixels 3.

[0031] 3, the pixel region 2 includes a light-emitting layer 4, a transparent layer 5, and a lens 6. The light-emitting layer 4, the transparent layer 5, and the lens 6 are provided in this order in the positive direction of the Z axis. These elements are formed (together) in the same process throughout the pixel region 2, including the effective pixel region R1 and the ineffective pixel region R2.

[0032] The light-emitting layer 4 includes, in each pixel 3, a light-emitting section 40 capable of emitting light of the color of that pixel 3. The light-emitting section 40 of pixel 3R is referred to as light-emitting section 40R and is illustrated. The light-emitting section 40R is configured to emit red light (R). The light-emitting section 40 of pixel 3G is referred to as light-emitting section 40G and is illustrated. The light-emitting section 40G is configured to emit green light (G). The light-emitting section 40 of pixel 3B is referred to as light-emitting section 40B and is illustrated. The light-emitting section 40B is configured to emit blue light (B). When no particular distinction is made between the light-emitting sections 40R, 40G, and 40B, they will simply be referred to as light-emitting sections 40.

[0033] The light-emitting unit 40 is configured to include a light-emitting element. An example of a light-emitting element is an OLED (organic light-emitting diode). However, this is not limiting, and various known light-emitting elements may be used. The light-emitting unit 40 may also include a color filter that transmits light of the color of the pixel 3, a layer that protects the light-emitting element, and the like.

[0034] The transparent layer 5 is provided on the light-emitting layer 4 so as to cover the light-emitting layer 4. The transparent layer 5 protects the light-emitting layer 4 and provides an appropriate gap between the light-emitting layer 4 and the lens 6. Various known materials may be used. The transparent layer 5 may be omitted, in which case the lens 6 may be provided directly on the light-emitting layer 4.

[0035] The lenses 6 are provided so as to face the corresponding light-emitting units 40. Various known materials may be used. In the effective pixel region R1, light from the light-emitting units 40 passes through the lenses 6 and is output as light for display. The lenses 6 may also be called OCLs (on-chip lenses), microlenses, etc.

[0036] 3, when viewed from the side (when viewed in the positive direction of the Y axis), the cross-sectional shape of the lens 6 has a hemispherical shape that protrudes upward (toward the positive direction of the Z axis). However, the cross-sectional shape of the lens 6 is not limited to this example.

[0037] Each pixel 3 in the effective pixel region R1 includes a lens 6. Furthermore, at least some of the pixels 3 in the monitor region R3 include a lens 6. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, all of the pixels 3 in the monitor region R3 include a lens 6. The pixels 3 in the areas other than the monitor region R3 in the effective pixel region R2 also include a lens 6, and therefore all of the pixels 3 in the effective pixel region R2 include a lens 6.

[0038] The position of the monitor region R3 in the invalid pixel region R2 is not particularly limited, but for example, the monitor region R3 may be positioned so that pixels 3 of the monitor region R3 are located within a range of several pixels (e.g., approximately 5 to 10 pixels) from the outer periphery of the valid pixel region R1.

[0039] In this embodiment, when viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative direction of the Z axis), the pattern of the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 is different from the pattern of the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1. The pattern of the lenses 6 is also referred to as a lens pattern. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0040] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of lens patterns. (A) of each diagram shows two adjacent lenses 6 in the monitor region R3. (B) of each diagram shows two adjacent lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1.

[0041] The lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 are formed so that the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 is greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1. The inter-lens distance refers to the spacing (gap) between adjacent lenses 6. In the example of Fig. 3 described above, the lens pattern in the portion of the ineffective pixel region R2 other than the monitor region R3 is the same as the lens pattern in the effective pixel region R1.

[0042] 5, the portions of adjacent lenses 6 that are closest to each other are indicated as end portions 6a. In this example, the edge of the lower surface (the surface on the negative Y-axis direction side) of lens 6 corresponds to end portion 6a.

[0043] The distance between the ends 6a of adjacent lenses 6 in the XY plane direction corresponds to the inter-lens distance. As shown in the figure, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 is greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1 is zero, and adjacent lenses 6 are in contact with each other. These can also be called gapless lenses. The inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 is greater than zero, and adjacent lenses 6 are spaced apart (not in contact) with each other.

[0044] As can be seen in particular in Figure 4, the shape of the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 when viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative direction of the Z axis) is different from the shape of the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1. Specifically, in this example, the difference in shape is achieved by shrinking and enlarging the shape. More specifically, the shape of the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 is a shrink-shaped shape of the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1. As a result, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 is greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1.

[0045] According to the display device 1 described above, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 is greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1. This increases the likelihood that the width of the portion extending between adjacent lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 (e.g., the line width of the etched-back portion) or the diameter (lens diameter) of the lenses 6 can be accurately measured using an SEM or the like. Because the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 are formed using the same process as the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1, measuring the inter-lens distance or lens diameter in the monitor region R3 makes it possible to manage the formation process of the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1. This is particularly effective when the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1 is zero.

[0046] Additionally, in the display device 1 according to the embodiment, the monitor region R3 is disposed in the invalid pixel region R2 within the pixel region 2. This can prevent an increase in the area (e.g., chip size, footprint) of the display device 1 compared to when the monitor region R3 is disposed separately from the pixel region 2.

[0047] In addition to the above, various other advantages are also obtained. For example, in addition to lens formation, it is possible to manage processes such as development and reflow. Although electron beam irradiation during line width measurement after development of the lens material may harden the lens material, even if such hardening occurs in the monitor region R3 arranged in the ineffective pixel region R2, it does not affect the display performance of the display device 1. In the first place, there is no need to measure the inter-lens distance or lens diameter in the effective pixel region R1, and not performing measurements can avoid the risk of such hardening occurring.

[0048] There are also advantages to arranging the monitor region R3 within the invalid pixel region R2 adjacent to the effective pixel region R1, i.e., near the effective pixel region R1. If the monitor region R3 were arranged far from the effective pixel region R1, the influence of factors other than the lens shape process, such as differences in the underlying structure (base) and in-plane variations, would be greater. In the display device 1 according to the embodiment, both the effective pixel region R1 and the monitor region R3 are arranged closely within the pixel region 2, allowing their base layers to be common (aligned). Furthermore, because they are close to each other, the influence of in-plane variations is minimized. Avoiding the influence of factors other than the lens shape process, such as those described above, allows for more appropriate management of the lens shape process.

[0049] As described above, the ineffective pixel region R2 that is not used for display is included in the pixel region 2, thereby improving the display quality of the display device 1. In other words, it is possible to suppress an increase in the area of ​​the display device 1 while maintaining the display quality and managing the lens tip formation process.

[0050] The monitor region R3 can be placed anywhere in the invalid pixel region R2 located on the periphery of the effective pixel region R1, allowing for flexible placement of the monitor region R3. It is also possible to increase the number of measurement locations or grasp the distribution of measurement results at multiple different locations.

[0051] 2. Modifications The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Some modifications will be described.

[0052] 2.1 Example of Pixel Arrangement In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a plurality of pixels 3 are arranged in a delta arrangement. However, various arrangements other than the delta arrangement may be adopted. An example of another arrangement is a square arrangement. This will be described with reference to FIG. 6 .

[0053] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pixel array. In this example, a plurality of pixels 3 are arranged in a square array. When viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction), the pixels 3 and lenses 6 both have a square shape. When viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction), the pixels 3 and lenses 6 both have a hexagonal shape.

[0054] Fig. 6A shows a portion of the monitor region R3. Fig. 6B shows a portion of the effective pixel region R1. In this example, similar to Fig. 4 described above, the shape of the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 is a reduced version of the shape of the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1. The inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 is greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1.

[0055] 2.2 Examples of Lens Patterns In the above embodiment, the difference in the lens pattern between the monitor region R3 and the effective pixel region R1 is explained as an example where the difference is due to the reduction and enlargement of the shape. However, this is not limiting, and various differences in the lens pattern may be used. Some examples will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 18.

[0056] 7 to 18 are diagrams showing examples of lens patterns.

[0057] 7 and 8, the shape of the lens 6 in the monitor region R3 is a shape obtained by removing (cutting out) a part of the shape of the lens 6 in the effective pixel region R1. Fig. 7 shows a lens pattern in the case of a delta arrangement. Fig. 8 shows a lens pattern in the case of a square arrangement.

[0058] For example, the shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 7 is a shape obtained by removing a part of the shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 4B described above. The shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 8 is a shape obtained by removing a part of the shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 6B described above.

[0059] Even when using a difference in lens pattern due to such partial removal, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 can be made greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1.

[0060] 9 and 10, the shape of the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 is not based on (does not depend on) the shape of the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1, but is a completely different shape. Fig. 9 shows a lens pattern in the case of a delta arrangement. Fig. 10 shows a lens pattern in the case of a square arrangement.

[0061] For example, the shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 9 is different from the shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 4B described above. The shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 10 is different from the shape of the lens 6 in Fig. 6B described above.

[0062] Even if such a difference in lens pattern due to the irregular shape is used, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 can be made larger than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1.

[0063] 11 and 12, the relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in the monitor region R3 is shifted from the relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in the effective pixel region R1 (the relative positional relationship is different). Fig. 11 shows a lens pattern in the case of a delta arrangement. Fig. 12 shows a lens pattern in the case of a square arrangement.

[0064] For example, the relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in Fig. 11 is shifted from the relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in Fig. 4B. The relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in Fig. 12 is shifted from the relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in Fig. 6B.

[0065] Even when using the difference in lens pattern due to such a shift, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 can be made larger than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1.

[0066] 13 and 14, the pattern of the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 is inverted from the pattern of the lenses 6 in the effective pixel region R1. Fig. 13 shows the lens pattern in the case of a delta arrangement. Fig. 14 shows the lens pattern in the case of a square arrangement.

[0067] For example, the pattern of pixels 3 and lenses 6 in Fig. 13 is the inverse of the pattern of pixels 3 and lenses 6 in Fig. 4B described above. The pattern of pixels 3 and lenses 6 in Fig. 14 is the inverse of the pattern of pixels 3 and lenses 6 in Fig. 13B described above.

[0068] Even when using the difference in lens pattern due to such inversion, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 can be made greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1.

[0069] <Thinning Out and Isolation> In the examples shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the monitor region R3 includes pixels 3 that do not include lenses 6.

[0070] In the examples shown in Figures 15 and 16, pixels 3 that do not include lenses 6 are arranged between lenses 6 that do include lenses 6. Figure 15 shows a lens pattern for a delta arrangement, and Figure 16 shows a lens pattern for a square arrangement.

[0071] In the examples shown in Figures 17 and 18, pixels that do not include lenses 6 are arranged to surround pixels 3 that include lenses 6. Figure 17 shows a lens pattern in the case of a delta arrangement, and Figure 18 shows a lens pattern in the case of a square arrangement.

[0072] In this way, by thinning out the lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 or isolating the lenses 6, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 can be made greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1.

[0073] For example, various lens patterns such as those described above are possible. The various lens patterns described above may be combined as appropriate within a range where no contradiction occurs.

[0074] 2.3 Examples of Monitor Region Arrangement In the above embodiment, the monitor region R3 is arranged in a portion of the side region R21a of the invalid pixel region R2 in both the longitudinal and lateral directions of the side region R21a. However, the monitor region R3 may be arranged in a similar manner in the side region R21b, R21c, or R21d, rather than in the side region R21a. Arrangements other than these are also possible, and some examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 25.

[0075] 19 to 25 are diagrams showing examples of the layout of the monitor region R3.

[0076] <Disposed Across the Entire Width of a Part of One Side> In one embodiment, in the side region R21 in which the monitor region R3 is disposed, the monitor region R3 may be disposed across the entire width (short-side direction) of the side region R21. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the monitor region R3 is disposed in a part of the side region R21a in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the side region R21a. In that part, the monitor region R3 is disposed across the entire side region R21a in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) of the side region R21a.

[0077] The monitor region R3 may be similarly arranged in any one of the side regions R21, not limited to the side region R21a.

[0078] <Distributed Arrangement on One Side> In one embodiment, in a side region R21 where a monitor region R3 is arranged, two or more monitor regions R3 may be distributed (spaced apart) in the side region R21. In the example shown in Fig. 20, two monitor regions R3 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the side region R21a.

[0079] Three or more monitor regions R3 may be arranged in the side region R21a. Also, the monitor region R3 may be arranged in any one of the side regions R21, not limited to the side region R21a.

[0080] <Arranged in a Part of Each of Two or More Side Regions> In one embodiment, the monitor region R3 may be arranged in two of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. In the example shown in Fig. 21 , the monitor region R3 is arranged in a part of each of the side regions R21a and R21c.

[0081] The monitor region R3 may be similarly arranged in any two side regions R21, not limited to the side region R21a and the side region R21c, or in any three side regions R21, or in all four side regions R21.

[0082] <Disposed Over the Entire One Side> In one embodiment, in the side region R21 in which the monitor region R3 is disposed, the monitor region R3 may be disposed over the entire side region R21. In the example shown in Fig. 22, the monitor region R3 is disposed over the entire side region R21a.

[0083] The monitor region R3 may be similarly arranged in any one of the side regions R21, not limited to the side region R21a.

[0084] <Disposed Over Two Entire Sides> In one embodiment, the monitor region R3 may be disposed over the entirety of each of two of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. In the example shown in Fig. 23 , the monitor region R3 is disposed over the entirety of each of the side regions R21a and R21c.

[0085] The monitor region R3 may be similarly arranged in any two side regions R21, not limited to the side region R21a and the side region R21c.

[0086] <Disposed Over All Three Sides> In one embodiment, the monitor region R3 may be disposed over all three of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. In the example shown in Fig. 24, the monitor region R3 is disposed over all of the side regions R21a, R21b, and R21d.

[0087] The monitor region R3 may be similarly arranged in any three side regions R21, not limited to the side regions R21a, R21b, and R21d.

[0088] <Disposed Over All Four Sides> In one embodiment, the monitor region R3 may be disposed over the entirety of each of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. That is, as shown in Fig. 25 , the monitor region R3 is disposed over the entirety of each of the side regions R21a, R21b, R21c, and R21d.

[0089] For example, various arrangements of the monitor area R3 are possible as described above. The various arrangements of the monitor area R3 described above may be combined as appropriate within a range that does not cause inconsistencies.

[0090] 3. Summary The techniques described above can be specified, for example, as follows. One of the techniques disclosed is a display device 1. As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 , the display device 1 includes an effective pixel region R1 in which a plurality of pixels 3 that output light for display are arranged, and an ineffective pixel region R2 (dummy pixel region) that is arranged adjacent to the periphery of the effective pixel region R1 and in which a plurality of pixels 3 (dummy pixels) that do not output light for display are arranged. The ineffective pixel region R2 includes a monitor region R3. Each of the plurality of pixels 3 in the effective pixel region R1 includes a lens 6. At least some of the pixels 3 of the monitor region R3 include a lens 6. When viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction), the lens pattern in the monitor region R3 is different from the lens pattern in the effective pixel region R1.

[0091] According to the display device 1 described above, the monitor region R3, which has a lens pattern different from the lens pattern of the effective pixel region R1, is arranged in the ineffective pixel region R2 within the pixel region 2. This can suppress an increase in the area of ​​the display device 1, for example, the chip size (footprint), compared to when the monitor region R3 is arranged separately from the pixel region 2.

[0092] As described with reference to Figures 2 to 18, the inter-lens distance in the monitor region R3 may be greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel region R1. This increases the possibility of measuring the inter-lens distance with high accuracy. This can be useful, for example, for managing the lens shape process.

[0093] 3 and 5, adjacent lenses 6 may be in contact with each other in the effective pixel region R1. In particular, in the case of such a gapless configuration, the distance between lenses or the lens diameter can be effectively measured by utilizing the monitor region R3.

[0094] As described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6 to 18, etc., the shape of the lens 6 in the monitor region R3 may be different from the shape of the lens in the effective pixel region R1 when viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative direction of the Z axis). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6, etc., the shape of the lens 6 in the monitor region R3 may be a reduced shape of the lens 6 in the effective pixel region R1. As described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, etc., the shape of the lens 6 in the monitor region R3 may be a shape obtained by removing a portion of the shape of the lens 6 in the effective pixel region R1. As described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, etc., the relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in the monitor region R3 may be shifted from the relative position of the lens 6 with respect to the pixel 3 in the effective pixel region R1. As described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, etc., the pattern of the lens 6 in the monitor region R3 may be inverted from the pattern of the lens 6 in the effective pixel region R1. For example, in various ways like this, it is possible to make the lens pattern different between the monitor region R3 and the effective pixel region R1, more specifically, to make the inter-lens distance different.

[0095] 15 and 16 , the monitor region R3 may include pixels 3 that do not include lenses 6 and are arranged between pixels 3 that include lenses 6. As described with reference to Figures 17 and 18 , the monitor region R3 may include pixels 3 that do not include lenses 6 and are arranged to surround pixels 3 that include lenses 6. By thinning out or isolating lenses 6 in the monitor region R3 in this way, it is possible to make the lens pattern different between the monitor region R3 and the effective pixel region R1, more specifically, to make the inter-lens distance different.

[0096] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 19 to 25, when viewed in a plan view (when viewed in the negative direction of the Z axis), the effective pixel region R1 has a rectangular shape, the invalid pixel region R2 includes four side regions R21, each extending along a corresponding side of the effective pixel region R1, and the monitor region R3 may be disposed in at least one of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. Because the monitor region R3 can be disposed anywhere within the invalid pixel region R2, the placement of the monitor region R3 can be flexibly determined. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 19 to 21, the monitor region R3 may be disposed in a portion of the side region R21 in which the monitor region R3 is disposed. As described with reference to FIG. 20, two or more monitor regions R3 may be dispersed within the side region R21 in which the monitor region R3 is disposed. As described with reference to Figures 22 to 25, etc., in a side region R21 in which the monitor region R3 is arranged, the monitor region R3 may be arranged over the entire side region R21. As described with reference to Figure 23, etc., the monitor region R3 may be arranged in two of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. As described with reference to Figure 24, etc., the monitor region R3 may be arranged in three of the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. As described with reference to Figure 25, etc., the monitor region R3 may be arranged in the four side regions R21 of the invalid pixel region R2. For example, the monitor region R3 can be arranged in various ways such as these.

[0097] The effects described in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limited to the disclosed contents. Other effects may also be obtained.

[0098] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components of different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0099] The present technology may also be configured as follows. (1) A display device comprising: an effective pixel area in which a plurality of pixels that output light for display are arranged; and an ineffective pixel area in which a plurality of pixels that do not output the light for display are arranged adjacent to the periphery of the effective pixel area, wherein the ineffective pixel area includes a monitor area, each of the plurality of pixels in the effective pixel area includes a lens, and at least some of the plurality of pixels in the monitor area include lenses, wherein, in a planar view, the lens pattern in the monitor area is different from the lens pattern in the effective pixel area. (2) The display device according to (1), wherein the inter-lens distance in the monitor area is greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel area. (3) The display device according to (1) or (2), wherein adjacent lenses are in contact with each other in the effective pixel area. (4) The display device according to any of (1) to (3), wherein, in a planar view, the shape of the lenses in the monitor area is different from the shape of the lenses in the effective pixel area. (5) The display device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein, in a planar view, the shape of the lenses in the monitor region is a reduced shape of the shape of the lenses in the effective pixel region. (6) The display device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein, in a planar view, the shape of the lenses in the monitor region is a shape obtained by removing a portion of the shape of the lenses in the effective pixel region. (7) The display device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein, in a planar view, the relative positions of the lenses with respect to the pixels in the monitor region are shifted from the relative positions of the lenses with respect to the pixels in the effective pixel region. (8) The display device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein, in a planar view, the pattern of the lenses in the monitor region is inverted from the pattern of the lenses in the effective pixel region. (9) The display device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the monitor region includes pixels without lenses that are arranged between pixels with lenses. (10) The display device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the monitor region includes pixels without lenses that are arranged to surround pixels with lenses.(11) The display device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the effective pixel area has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the invalid pixel area includes four side areas each extending along a corresponding side of the effective pixel area, and the monitor area is arranged in at least one of the four side areas of the invalid pixel area. (12) The display device according to (11), wherein, in the side area where the monitor area is arranged, the monitor area is arranged in a part of the side area. (13) The display device according to (11) or (12), wherein, in the side area where the monitor area is arranged, two or more monitor areas are distributed in the side area. (14) The display device according to (11), wherein, in the side area where the monitor area is arranged, the monitor area is arranged in the entire side area. (15) The display device according to any one of (11) to (14), wherein the monitor area is arranged in two of the four side areas of the invalid pixel area. (16) The display device according to any one of (11) to (14), wherein the monitor area is arranged on three of four side areas of the invalid pixel area. (17) The display device according to any one of (11) to (14), wherein the monitor area is arranged on four side areas of the invalid pixel area.

[0100] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 display device 2 pixel region 3 pixel 3B pixel 3G pixel 3R pixel 4 light-emitting layer 40 light-emitting section 40B light-emitting section 40G light-emitting section 40R light-emitting section 5 transparent layer 6 lens 6a edge 7 peripheral circuit section 8 terminal section R1 effective pixel region R2 ineffective pixel region R21 side region R21a side region R21b side region R21c side region R21d side region R3 monitor region

Claims

1. A display device comprising: an effective pixel area in which a plurality of pixels that output light for display are arranged; and an ineffective pixel area in which a plurality of pixels that do not output light for display are arranged adjacent to the periphery of the effective pixel area, wherein the ineffective pixel area includes a monitor area, each of the plurality of pixels in the effective pixel area includes a lens, and at least some of the plurality of pixels in the monitor area include a lens, and when viewed in a plane, the lens pattern of the monitor area is different from the lens pattern of the effective pixel area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the inter-lens distance in the monitor area is greater than the inter-lens distance in the effective pixel area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein adjacent lenses are in contact with each other in the effective pixel area.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, in plan view, the shape of the lenses in the monitor area is different from the shape of the lenses in the effective pixel area.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, in plan view, the shape of the lenses in the monitor area is a reduced shape of the lenses in the effective pixel area.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, in plan view, the shape of the lens in the monitor area is a shape obtained by removing a part of the shape of the lens in the effective pixel area.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, the relative positions of the lenses with respect to the pixels in the monitor area are shifted from the relative positions of the lenses with respect to the pixels in the effective pixel area.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan, the lens pattern in the monitor area is inverted from the lens pattern in the effective pixel area.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the monitor area includes pixels that do not include lenses and are arranged between pixels that include lenses.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the monitor area includes pixels that do not include lenses and are arranged so as to surround pixels that include lenses.

11. The display device of claim 1, wherein, when viewed in a plane, the effective pixel area has a rectangular shape, the ineffective pixel area includes four side areas each extending along a corresponding side of the effective pixel area, and the monitor area is disposed in at least one of the four side areas of the ineffective pixel area.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the monitor area is disposed in a part of the side area in which the monitor area is disposed.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein in a side region where the monitor region is arranged, two or more of the monitor regions are distributed and arranged in the side region.

14. The display device according to claim 11, wherein in the side region where the monitor region is arranged, the monitor region is arranged over the entire side region.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the monitor regions are arranged on two of the four side regions of the ineffective pixel region.

16. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the monitor regions are arranged on three of the four side regions of the ineffective pixel region.

17. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the monitor area is arranged on four sides of the ineffective pixel area.

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