Electronic device

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, an electronic device may be provided, comprising: a display panel including a plurality of display areas and an external light-transmitting area; a quarter-wave plate (QWP) cluster ring layer including first areas for converting a linearly polarized image into a circularly polarized image in a first rotational direction, and second areas for converting linearly polarized external light into circularly polarized external light in a second rotational direction; a first pinhole array including a plurality of first pinholes for converting a circularly polarized image in the first rotational direction into a linearly polarized image, and a first pinhole external area for converting circularly polarized external light in the second rotational direction into linearly polarized external light; and a linear polarization panel for transmitting the linearly polarized image and the linearly polarized external light.

Description

electronic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices. More specifically, it relates to electronic devices such as wearable displays used in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and the like.

[0002] Virtual Reality (VR) refers to a specific environment or situation, or the technology itself, that is similar to reality but not real, created using artificial technology such as computers.

[0003] Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that synthesizes virtual objects or information into the real environment to make them appear as objects that exist in the original environment.

[0004] Mixed reality (MR) or hybrid reality refers to the creation of new environments or information by merging the virtual and real worlds. In particular, it refers to real-time interaction between real and virtual worlds.

[0005] At this time, the created virtual environments and situations stimulate the user's five senses, allowing them to experience spatial and temporal experiences similar to reality, freely moving between reality and imagination. Furthermore, users can not only immerse themselves in these environments, but also interact with the objects embodied within them, using real devices to control and command them.

[0006] Recently, research on gear used in these technical fields has been actively conducted.

[0007] There are two main types of wearable displays that project images into space: a helmet-mounted display and glasses-style displays. Helmet-style displays, designed to expand the field of view (FOV) and produce larger images, feature a larger optical lens system, allowing the entire device to be worn on the head. This is where the term "HMD" (Head-Mounted Display) comes from. Helmet-style displays are used in specialized, confined spaces with limited mobility, such as military training (cyber flight control) and cyber gaming.

[0008] On the other hand, the glasses-type structure is designed to be compact in size and placed over the nose and ears like glasses, making it light and small enough to be used in a mobile environment.

[0009] The wearable display (10) may be configured as a direct viewing type structure in which the panel and lens are placed in front of the user's eye (or pupil) (E), as illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, the wearable display (10) of the direct viewing type structure may include a display panel (100), a lens (or lens group) (200) for generating a virtual image, and a lens (250) for correcting vision.

[0010] The above display panel (100) can generate an image that can be viewed by the user of the wearable display (10).

[0011] The above-described virtual image generation lens (200) magnifies the generated image so that the user can view the generated image as a virtual image. The virtual image may appear to be approximately 1 to 3 meters away from the user.

[0012] The above vision correction lens (250) corrects the user's vision (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, etc.) to enable the user to view the image clearly.

[0013] In order for the above-described virtual image generating lens (200) to generate a virtual image, a certain distance is required between the virtual image generating lens (200) and the display panel (100). The distance may be similar to the focal length of the lens. The distance may have a significant effect on the thickness (Z direction) of the wearable display (10). That is, if the distance is long, this may mean that the thickness of the wearable display (10) inevitably becomes thicker.

[0014] In order to reduce the separation distance while maintaining the optical path distance between the virtual image generating lens (200) and the display panel (100), it may be considered to provide a pancake lens (or lens group) between the virtual image generating lens (200) and the display panel (100). Even if the pancake lens is provided, the separation distance can only be reduced to 1 / 2 or 1 / 3, which limits the reduction in the thickness of the wearable display (10). In addition, the pancake lens has the disadvantage of inevitably lowering the light efficiency. In addition, the provision of the pancake lens may increase the manufacturing cost of the wearable display (10).

[0015] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned vision correction lens (250) may itself be a factor that increases the thickness of the wearable display (10). In addition, since each user's vision may vary, there is the inconvenience of having to purchase a vision correction lens that is suitable for each individual.

[0016] The present disclosure is proposed to solve the aforementioned problems and various problems related thereto, and aims to provide an electronic device such as a wearable display that is thinner than conventional devices and can simultaneously provide external light and display images to a user.

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display panel (140, 170) including a plurality of display areas (113, 143) for displaying an image linearly polarized in a first direction, and an external light transmitting area (144) for converting unpolarized external light into external light linearly polarized in the first direction, a QWP (Quarter-Wave Plate) clustering layer (160) including a plurality of first areas (163) for converting the image linearly polarized in the first direction into an image circularly polarized in a first rotational direction, and a second area (161) for converting the external light linearly polarized in the first direction into an external light circularly polarized in a second rotational direction, a plurality of first pinholes (315) for converting the image circularly polarized in the first rotational direction into the image linearly polarized in the first direction, and a second area (161) for converting the external light circularly polarized in the second rotational direction into the external light linearly polarized in the first direction. An electronic device can be provided, comprising a first pinhole array (300) including a first pinhole external region (316) for conversion, and a linear polarizing panel (700) for passing the image linearly polarized in the first direction and the external light linearly polarized in the first direction.

[0018] Each of the plurality of first regions (163) of the QWP clustering layer (160) may include a first QWP layer, and the second region (161) of the QWP clustering layer (160) may include a second QWP layer.

[0019] The plurality of first pinholes (315) of the first pinhole array (300) may include a second QWP layer, and the first pinhole outer region (316) of the first pinhole array (300) may include a first QWP layer.

[0020] The above linear polarization panel (700) may include a linear polarization layer in a first direction.

[0021] The image circularly polarized in the first rotation direction is converted into an image linearly polarized in the second direction as it passes through the first pinhole outer region (316), and the image linearly polarized in the second direction may not pass through the linear polarization panel (700).

[0022] As the external light circularly polarized in the second rotational direction passes through the plurality of first pinholes (315), it is converted into external light linearly polarized in the second direction, and the external light linearly polarized in the second direction may not pass through the linear polarization panel (700).

[0023] The electronic device (10) may further include a first lens array (400) including a plurality of first convex lenses (45) each corresponding to the plurality of first pinholes.

[0024] When viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device (10), each of the plurality of display areas (113, 143) can be positioned to correspond to one of the plurality of first pinholes (315).

[0025] When viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device (10), each of the plurality of display areas (113, 143) can be positioned to correspond to one of the plurality of first areas (163).

[0026] When viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device (10), each of the plurality of first pinholes (315) may be positioned to correspond to one of the plurality of first areas (163).

[0027] The area of ​​each first pinhole (315) may be smaller than the area of ​​each display area (113, 143).

[0028] The electronic device (10) may further include a second pinhole array (500) including a plurality of second pinholes (515) for providing the unpolarized external light to the display panel and a second pinhole outer region for blocking the unpolarized external light.

[0029] The electronic device (10) may further include a second lens array including a plurality of second convex lenses each corresponding to the plurality of second pinholes.

[0030] When viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device (10), each of the plurality of second pinholes (515) may be located between adjacent first pinholes (315).

[0031] The display panel (140) can display the image in the entire area or at least one partial area according to a display driving signal, and the area displaying the image corresponds to the plurality of first display areas (144), and the area not displaying the image corresponds to the external light transmitting area.

[0032] The effects of the electronic device according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0033] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that an electronic device having a thinner thickness than existing products can be implemented.

[0034] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that an electronic device can be implemented that can implement a wearable display that allows a user to clearly view an image without a corrective lens.

[0035] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that an electronic device having improved light efficiency can be implemented.

[0036] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that an electronic device can be implemented that can simultaneously provide external light and display images to a user.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wearable display with a direct-view structure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figures 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining the pinhole effect.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the display panel and pinhole array of the electronic device of FIG. 5.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a plan view of the pinhole array of the electronic device of Fig. 7.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the lens array of the electronic device of FIG. 9.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the pinhole array of the electronic device of FIG. 11.

[0048] Figure 13 illustrates a modification of the electronic device according to Figure 11.

[0049] FIG. 14 illustrates a deformation of a display panel of an electronic device according to FIG. 11.

[0050] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the display panel of the electronic device of Fig. 14.

[0051] Fig. 16 illustrates a deformation of the display panel of the electronic device according to Fig. 10.

[0052] Fig. 17 is a plan view of the display panel of the electronic device of Fig. 16.

[0053] Figure 18 illustrates a modification of the electronic device of Figure 13.

[0054] Fig. 19 is a plan view of the display panel of the electronic device of Fig. 18.

[0055] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the pinhole array and linear polarizing panel of the electronic device of FIG. 18.

[0056] Figure 21 illustrates a modification of the electronic device display panel of Figure 18.

[0057] Figures 22 and 23 illustrate the operating principles of the electronic devices according to Figures 18 to 21.

[0058] Figure 24 illustrates a modification of the electronic device of Figure 18.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0060] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0061] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0062] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0063] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, an electronic device having a direct-view structure and a pinhole array will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic device (10) may include a display panel (100) and a pinhole array (300). A user of the electronic device (10) can view an image output from the display panel (100) through the pinhole array (300).

[0066] The electronic device (10) may, of course, include other components in addition to the above components. Examples of the other components may include a user input unit for receiving user input, a storage unit for storing operating software, etc., a communication unit for communicating with an external device, and a control unit for controlling various electronic components provided in the electronic device (10). However, since the other components are not a main aspect of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. This also applies to the electronic device (10) described below.

[0067] The display panel (100) can generate an image that can be viewed by a user of the wearable display (10). The display panel (100) can include an LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) element, an LCD (liquid crystal display) element, an OLED (organic light emitting diode) element, a DMD (digital micromirror device), and may also include next-generation display elements such as a Micro LED (light emitting diode) and a QD (quantum dot) LED.

[0068] The above pinhole array (300) is a type of optical array, and can be understood as an array in which a plurality of pinholes (315) for light transmission are formed in a certain pattern on a light-blocking layer.

[0069] The image generated on the display panel (100) can be viewed through each pinhole of the pinhole array (300). The user can view the image based on the pinhole effect. The term "pinhole" is derived from the fact that the hole through which an object is viewed looks like it was pierced with a pin. The pinhole effect refers to the phenomenon in which light passing through a small hole appears more distinct due to a deeper depth of field (DOF).

[0070] Hereinafter, the pinhole effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining the pinhole effect.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 3, assume that a user with myopia is looking at a display panel (100) located at a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 m) from the eye (E).

[0072] Light generated (or irradiated) from two adjacent pixels (P1, P2) of the display panel (100) may be irradiated to the retina (R) of the user through the user's pupil (P). However, due to the user's myopia, the two pixels (P1, P2) may appear to overlap each other in one area (B) of the user's retina (R1). Therefore, the two pixels (P1, P2) may appear blurred and indistinguishable to the user.

[0073] However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a pinhole array (300) may be provided between the user's eye (E) and the display panel (100). The pinhole array (300) may be provided with a plurality of pinholes (315). For convenience of illustration, only one pinhole (315) is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0074] Light generated (or irradiated) from two adjacent pixels (P1, P2) of the display panel (100) may have a deeper depth of field due to the pinhole (315). Even if the light with a deeper depth of field is irradiated to the retina (R) through the user's pupil (P), it may not overlap with each other in the area (B). Therefore, the two pixels (P1, P2) may appear distinct from each other to the user.

[0075] Hereinafter, the electronic device will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the display panel and pinhole array of the electronic device of FIG. 5.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the electronic device (100) may be configured to include a display panel (100) and a pinhole array (300).

[0077] The display panel (100) may include a transparent substrate (101) and a light source module array (103) arranged on one side of the transparent substrate (101) to provide images to a user.

[0078] The light source module array (103) may include a plurality of light source modules (113) arranged in a predetermined grid pattern, as illustrated in (6-1) of FIG. 6.

[0079] Each light source module (113) within the light source module array (103) may include a light source element that implements a single pixel, or may include a light source element that implements hundreds to thousands of pixel clusters. The light source elements may be understood as micro light source elements.

[0080] The above light source element may include an LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) element, an LCD (liquid crystal display) element, an OLED (organic light emitting diode) element, a DMD (digital micromirror device), and may also include next-generation display elements such as a Micro LED (light emitting diode) and a QD (quantum dot) LED.

[0081] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the pinhole array (300) may have a plurality of pinholes (315).

[0082] As illustrated in (6-2) of FIG. 6, in the pinhole array (300), each pinhole (315) may be arranged to correspond to each light source module (113). Although it is illustrated in (6-2) of FIG. 6 that each pinhole (135) is arranged to correspond one-to-one (1:1) to each light source module (113), each pinhole (135) may be arranged to correspond one-to-many (1:N) or many-to-one (N:1) to a predetermined number of light source modules (113). The diameter of each pinhole (135) may be a first diameter (d1). The area of ​​each pinhole may be smaller than the area of ​​each light source module.

[0083] The pinhole array (300) can make the image provided by the light source module array (103) appear to the user as a virtual image (VI) through the pinhole effect of each pinhole (135).

[0084] However, if the diameter of the pinhole (315) is small, the pinhole effect is enhanced, but the light efficiency of the electronic device (100) may decrease. If the diameter of the pinhole (315) is increased to increase the light efficiency of the electronic device (100), the pinhole effect may decrease, and the image provided by the light source module array (103) may not be properly displayed to the user.

[0085] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an electronic device (10) that increases the diameter of a pinhole (315) to increase the light efficiency of the electronic device (100) while allowing the image provided by the light source module array (103) to be properly displayed to the user will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the pinhole array of the electronic device of FIG. 7.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the electronic device (100) may be configured to include a display panel (100) and a pinhole array (300).

[0087] The configuration of the display panel (100) is as described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity of the present disclosure.

[0088] The pinhole array (300) may include a plurality of pinholes (315) and a plurality of convex lenses (415).

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the pinhole array (300), each pinhole (315) may be arranged to correspond to each light source module (113). Although FIG. 6 (6-2) illustrates that each pinhole (135) is arranged to correspond one-to-one (1:1) with each light source module (113), each pinhole (135) may be arranged to correspond one-to-many (1:N) with a predetermined number of light source modules (113). The diameter of each pinhole (135) may be a second diameter (d2) larger than the first diameter (d1). However, the area of ​​each pinhole may still be smaller than the area of ​​each light source module.

[0090] Each convex lens (e.g., micro lens) (415) may be provided within each pinhole (315). Each convex lens (415) magnifies an image passing through each pinhole, thereby allowing the user to properly view the image provided by the light source module array (103) even if the diameter of each pinhole (135) increases. If it can function as a convex lens (415), the convex lens (415) may be composed of any one of a general lens, a Fresnel lens, a DOE (Diffractive Optical Element), a HOE (Holographic Optical Element), and a meta lens.

[0091] In FIGS. 7 and 8, it is exemplified that each convex lens (415) is provided within each pinhole (315). However, for convenience of manufacturing, the electronic device (10) may be configured to have a separate lens array (400) adjacent to the pinhole array (300) instead of having each convex lens (415) within each pinhole (315). This will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the lens array of the electronic device of FIG. 9.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the electronic device (100) may be configured to include a display panel (100), a pinhole array (300), and a lens array (400).

[0093] The configuration of the display panel (100) and the pinhole array (300) is as described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity of the present disclosure.

[0094] The lens array (400) may include a transparent substrate (401) and a plurality of convex lenses (415) arranged on one side thereof.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the lens array (400) can be arranged so that each convex lens (415) corresponds to each pinhole (315).

[0096] The diameter of each convex lens may be equal to or greater than the diameter (d2) of each pinhole (315).

[0097] Each convex lens (415) of the lens array (400) can perform the same role as the convex lens (415) in each pinhole (315) of FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0098] The same applies to the description below, where each block lens may be provided within each pinhole, or a separate lens array may be provided adjacent to the pinhole array.

[0099] In FIG. 9, it is illustrated that the lens array (400) is positioned in the electronic device (10) so that when the user wears the electronic device (10), the lens array (400) is positioned between the pinhole array (300) and the user's eye (E). However, the pinhole array (300) may also be positioned between the lens array (400) and the user's eye (E). The positions of the pinhole array (300) and the lens array (400) may be interchanged. This also applies to the following description.

[0100] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, an electronic device (10) that allows a user to simultaneously view images provided by an external light and a light source module array (103) will be described. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the pinhole array of the electronic device of FIG. 11.

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the electronic device (10) may include a display panel (100), a first pinhole array (300), and a second pinhole array (500).

[0102] The display panel (100) may include a transparent substrate (101) and a light source module array (103) arranged on one side of the transparent substrate (101) to provide an image to a user.

[0103] The light source module array (103) may be arranged to irradiate a light beam (323) toward the user's eyes to provide an image as a virtual image to the user. The light beam (323) irradiated by the light source module array (103) may be linearly polarized in a first direction (e.g., vertical direction).

[0104] The light source element of the light source module array (103) may be an element (e.g., an LCD element, etc.) capable of irradiating a light beam (323) linearly polarized in the first direction. If the light source element of the light source module array (103) is not an element capable of irradiating a light beam (323) linearly polarized in the first direction (i.e., an unpolarized light emitting element) (e.g., an OLED element, etc.), a layer (not shown) linearly polarized in the first direction may be arranged on the front of each light source module.

[0105] The first pinhole array (300) may include first pinholes (315) arranged to correspond to the light source modules (103) of the light source module array (103). When the electronic device (10) is worn, the first pinhole array (300) may be positioned between the display panel (100) and the user.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 12, the remaining area (hereinafter, the first pinhole outer area) (316) excluding the first pinholes (315) in the first pinhole array (300) may be linearly polarized in the second direction (e.g., horizontal direction). Although not shown, each of the first pinholes (315) may have a linear polarization layer in the first direction.

[0107] Therefore, the light beam (323) linearly polarized in the first direction cannot pass through the outer region (316) of the pinhole linearly polarized in the second direction in the first pinhole array (300) and can only pass through the first pinholes (315), so that the first pinholes (315) of the first pinhole array (300) can provide a pinhole effect to the user for the light beam (323) linearly polarized in the first direction.

[0108] The second pinhole array (500) may include a plurality of second pinholes (515) arranged in a certain pattern. The second pinhole array (500) is intended to enable users of the electronic device (10) to clearly view external light (i.e., actual images outside the electronic device (10)) without a separate vision correction lens, despite different eyesight levels. As described above, the second pinhole array (500) may include a plurality of convex lenses or lens arrays.

[0109] It goes without saying that a lens for vision correction may be provided instead of the second pinhole array (500) in the electronic device (10). This also applies to the description below.

[0110] In FIG. 11, when the electronic device (10) is worn, the second pinhole array (300) is illustrated as being positioned outside the display panel (100). However, the second pinhole array (300) may also be positioned between the display panel (100) and the first pinhole array (300), or between the first pinhole array (300) and the user.

[0111] The remaining area (hereinafter, the area outside the second pinhole) in the second pinhole array (500) excluding the second pinholes (515) may be composed of a material that blocks, absorbs, or reflects external light.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, each of the second pinholes (515) may be arranged in the second pinhole array (500) so as to be located between adjacent first pinholes (315) when viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device (10).

[0113] The arrangement of the second pinholes (515) in the second pinhole array (500) can cause most of the external light passing through the second pinhole (515) to be directed to the area outside the first pinhole (316), thereby not passing through the first pinhole (315) or passing through it to a minimum.

[0114] Among the external light (410) passing through the second pinhole (515), light linearly polarized in the second direction can pass through the area outside the first pinhole (316) and be visible to the user.

[0115] Accordingly, the user can see a first direction linearly polarized light beam (323) passing through the first pinholes (315) and a second direction linearly polarized external light (410) passing through the second pinholes (515) and the first pinhole external region (316) together. The first direction linearly polarized light beam (323) passing through the first pinholes (315) can be seen as a virtual image to the user, and the second direction linearly polarized external light (410) passing through the second pinholes (515) and the first pinhole external region (316) can be seen as a real image to the user.

[0116] The transparent substrate (101) of the display panel (100) may be a non-polarized transparent substrate or a linearly polarized transparent substrate in the second direction.

[0117] When a plurality of convex lenses or a lens array for the second pinhole array (500) are linearly polarized in the second direction, the transparent substrate (101) of the display panel (100) does not need to be a linearly transparent substrate in the second direction.

[0118] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, a deformation of the electronic device (10) according to FIG. 11 will be examined. FIG. 13 illustrates a deformation of the electronic device according to FIG. 11.

[0119] As illustrated in (13-1) of FIG. 13, each convex lens (415) may be provided within each pinhole (315) of the pinhole array (300) in the electronic device (10). This is to increase the diameter of the pinhole (315) and thereby increase the light efficiency, as previously described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0120] Alternatively, instead of having each convex lens (415) within each pinhole (315) of the pinhole array (300), the electronic device (10) may have a lens array (400), as illustrated in (13-2) of FIG. 13. The lens array (400) is as described above with reference to FIG. 9.

[0121] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a description will be given of a deformation of the display panel of the electronic device (10) according to FIG. 11. FIG. 14 illustrates a deformation of the display panel of the electronic device according to FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the display panel of the electronic device of FIG. 14.

[0122] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the display panel (100) may include a non-polarized transparent display panel (120) and a polarized clustering layer (130).

[0123] A non-polarized transparent display panel (120) can display an image in the entire area or at least one partial area according to a display driving signal. The area where the image is not displayed is transparent and can allow external light to pass through.

[0124] The non-polarized transparent display panel (120) can be driven so that a plurality of display areas (123) corresponding to a plurality of light source modules (113) of the light source module array (103) display images. In addition, the non-polarized transparent display panel (120) can be driven so that the remaining transmission area (124) excluding the plurality of display areas (123) is transparent and allows external light to pass through.

[0125] That is, the role of the plurality of display areas (123) may correspond to the role of the plurality of light source modules (113) of FIG. 11, and the role of the transmission area (124) may correspond to the role of the non-polarized transparent substrate (101) of FIG. 11.

[0126] The polarization clustering layer (130) may include a non-polarized transparent substrate (131) and a plurality of polarization cluster regions (133) formed at positions corresponding to a plurality of display regions (123) on the non-polarized transparent substrate (131). Each polarization cluster region (133) may linearly polarize (LP: Linear Polarization) a light beam passing therethrough (i.e., an image output from each display region (123)) in a first direction.

[0127] Therefore, when the polarization clustering layer (130) is laminated on the non-polarized transparent display panel (120), it can perform the same role as the display panel (100) composed of the non-polarized transparent substrate (101) of FIG. 11.

[0128] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a description will be given of a deformation of the display panel of the electronic device (10) according to FIG. 11. FIG. 16 illustrates a deformation of the display panel of the electronic device according to FIG. 10. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the display panel of the electronic device of FIG. 16.

[0129] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the display panel (100) may include a polarizing transparent display panel (140) and a half-wave plate (HWP) clustering layer (150).

[0130] A polarizing transparent display panel (140) can display an image in the entire area or at least one partial area according to a display driving signal. An area where an image is not displayed can polarize external light and allow it to pass through.

[0131] The polarization transparent display panel (140) can be driven so that a plurality of display areas (143) corresponding to a plurality of light source modules (113) of the light source module array (103) display an image that is linearly polarized in a second direction. In addition, the polarization transparent display panel (140) can be driven so that the remaining transmission area (144) excluding the plurality of display areas (143) allows external light to pass through by linearly polarizing it in the second direction.

[0132] That is, the role of the plurality of display areas (143) may correspond to the role of the plurality of light source modules (113) of FIG. 11, and the role of the transmission area (144) may correspond to the role of the polarizing transparent substrate (101) of FIG. 11.

[0133] The HWP clustering layer (150) may include a non-polarized transparent substrate (151) and a plurality of HWP cluster regions (153) formed at positions corresponding to a plurality of display regions (143) on the non-polarized transparent substrate (151). Each HWP cluster region (133) may allow a light beam linearly polarized in a second direction passing therethrough (i.e., an image linearly polarized in the second direction output from each display region (143)) to be linearly polarized in a first direction.

[0134] Therefore, when the HWP clustering layer (150) is laminated on a polarizing transparent display panel (140), it can perform the same role as the display panel (100) composed of the polarizing transparent substrate (101) of FIG. 11.

[0135] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20, a modification of the electronic device (10) of FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 18 illustrates a modification of the electronic device of FIG. 13. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the display panel of the electronic device of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the pinhole array and linear polarizing panel of the electronic device of FIG. 18.

[0136] As illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20, the electronic device 910 may include a display panel (100), a first pinhole array (300), a second pinhole array (500), and a linear polarizing panel (700).

[0137] The display panel (100) may include a polarizing transparent display panel (140) and a quarter-wave plate (QWP) clustering layer (700).

[0138] A polarizing transparent display panel (140) can display an image in the entire area or at least one partial area according to a display driving signal. An area where an image is not displayed can polarize external light and allow it to pass through.

[0139] The polarization transparent display panel (140) can be driven to display an image that is linearly polarized in a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction) in a plurality of display areas (143) corresponding to a plurality of light source modules (113) of the light source module array (103). In addition, the polarization transparent display panel (140) can be driven to allow external light to pass through the remaining transmission areas (144) by linearly polarizing the light in the first direction (e.g., a vertical direction) except for the plurality of display areas (143).

[0140] That is, the role of the plurality of display areas (143) may correspond to the role of the plurality of light source modules (113) of FIG. 11, and the role of the transmission area (144) may correspond to the role of the polarizing transparent substrate (101) of FIG. 11.

[0141] The QWP clustering layer (160) may be composed of a transparent panel in which a plurality of cluster internal regions (163) and cluster external regions (161) are defined. The plurality of cluster internal regions (163) may each correspond to a plurality of display regions (143).

[0142] A first QWP layer may be provided in the cluster inner region (163) and a second QWP layer may be provided in the cluster outer region (161). The optical axis of the first QWP layer and the optical axis of the second QWP layer may be 90 degrees apart from each other.

[0143] Accordingly, the first QWP layer of the cluster inner region (163) can circularly polarize an image linearly polarized in the first direction output by the flat transparent display panel (140) in the first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise). And, the second QWP layer of the cluster outer region (161) can circularly polarize external light linearly polarized in the first direction in the second rotational direction (counterclockwise).

[0144] The operation of the polarizing transparent display panel (140) and the QWP clustering layer (160) will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0145] A second QWP layer (615) for linearly polarizing an image circularly polarized in the first rotational direction in the first pinhole array (300) may be provided within the first pinholes (315).

[0146] A first QWP layer for linearly polarizing external light circularly polarized in the second rotational direction into the first direction may be provided in the first pinhole outer region (316) of the first pinhole array (300).

[0147] The linear polarizing panel (700) may be linearly polarized in a first direction. For example, the linear polarizing panel (700) may include a linear polarizing layer (not shown) in the first direction.

[0148] The operation of the first pinhole array (300) and the linear polarizing panel (700) will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0149] The second pinhole array (500) is as described in FIG. 11, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity of the present disclosure.

[0150] Meanwhile, the deformation of the electronic device display panel of FIG. 18 will be further described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 illustrates the deformation of the electronic device display panel of FIG. 18.

[0151] The display panel (100) may include a polarization transparent panel (170) in which a light source module array (103) capable of irradiating a linearly polarized light beam in a first direction is arranged, and a QWP clustering layer (160). The polarization transparent panel (170) may linearly polarize external light in the first direction. The polarization transparent panel (170) in which a light source module array (103) capable of irradiating a linearly polarized light beam in the first direction is arranged may also be understood as a polarization transparent display panel.

[0152] The QWP clustering layer (160) is as described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity of the present disclosure.

[0153] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the operation of the electronic device according to FIGS. 18 to 21 will be described. FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate the operating principles of the electronic device according to FIGS. 18 to 21.

[0154] First, referring to FIG. 22, a linearly polarized image (323) generated in a first direction from a polarizing transparent display panel (140, 170) can be converted into a circularly polarized image (323) in a first rotational direction while passing through a cluster internal region (first QWP layer) (163) of a QWP clustering layer (160).

[0155] The image (323) circularly polarized in the first rotation direction can be converted back into an image (323) linearly polarized in the first direction while passing through the second QWP layer (615) in the first pinhole (315) of the first pinhole array (300).

[0156] An image (323) linearly polarized in the first direction can pass through a linear polarizing panel (700) linearly polarized in the first direction and thus can be visible to the user.

[0157] Meanwhile, external light (410) linearly polarized in the first direction while passing through the polarization transparent display panel (140, 170) can be converted into external light (410) circularly polarized in the second rotational direction while passing through the cluster outer region (second QWP layer) (161) of the QWP clustering layer (160).

[0158] External light (410) circularly polarized in the second rotation direction can be converted back into external light (410) linearly polarized in the first direction while passing through the first QWP layer of the first pinhole outer region (316) of the first pinhole array (300).

[0159] External light (410) linearly polarized in the first direction can pass through the linear polarization panel (700) linearly polarized in the first direction and thus can be visible to the user.

[0160] That is, an image (323) linearly polarized in the first direction can be visible to the user by passing through the first pinhole (315), and also, external light (410) linearly polarized in the first direction can be visible to the user by passing through the area outside the first pinhole (316).

[0161] In contrast, an image (323) linearly polarized in the first direction cannot be seen by the user through the first pinhole external region (316), and external light (410) linearly polarized in the first direction cannot be seen by the user through the first pinhole (315). This will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

[0162] An image (323) linearly polarized in the first direction generated from a polarizing transparent display panel (140, 170) can be converted into an image (323) circularly polarized in the first rotational direction while passing through the cluster internal region (first QWP layer) (163) of the QWP clustering layer (160).

[0163] An image (323) circularly polarized in the first rotation direction can be converted into an image (323) linearly polarized in the second direction while passing through the first QWP layer of the first pinhole outer region (316) of the first pinhole array (300).

[0164] An image (323) linearly polarized in the second direction cannot pass through a linearly polarized panel (700) linearly polarized in the first direction and therefore cannot be seen by the user.

[0165] Meanwhile, external light (410) linearly polarized in the first direction while passing through the polarization transparent display panel (140, 170) can be converted into external light (410) circularly polarized in the second rotational direction while passing through the cluster outer region (second QWP layer) (161) of the QWP clustering layer (160).

[0166] External light (410) circularly polarized in the second rotational direction can be converted into external light (410) linearly polarized in the second direction while passing through the second QWP layer (615) in the first pinhole (315) of the first pinhole array (300).

[0167] External light (410) linearly polarized in the second direction cannot pass through the linearly polarized panel (700) linearly polarized in the first direction and therefore cannot be seen by the user.

[0168] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 24, a modification of the electronic device (10) of FIG. 18 will be described. FIG. 24 illustrates a modification of the electronic device of FIG. 18.

[0169] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the electronic device (10) may further include a lens array (400) adjacent to the first pinhole array (300) to increase the light efficiency of the first pinhole array (300). Since the lens array (400) is as described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity of this specification.

[0170] In FIG. 24, the lens array (400) is exemplified as being positioned between the display panel (100) and the first pinhole array (300). However, the lens array (400) may also be positioned between the first pinhole array (300) and the linear polarizing panel (700).

[0171] Similarly, it goes without saying that the lens array (400) may also be provided for the second pinhole array (500).

[0172] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display panel including a plurality of display areas for displaying an image linearly polarized in a first direction and an external light transmitting area for converting unpolarized external light into external light linearly polarized in the first direction; A quarter-wave plate (QWP) clustering layer comprising a plurality of first regions for converting an image linearly polarized in a first direction into an image circularly polarized in a first rotational direction, and a second region for converting external light linearly polarized in the first direction into external light circularly polarized in a second rotational direction; A first pinhole array including a plurality of first pinholes for converting an image circularly polarized in a first rotational direction into the image linearly polarized in the first direction, and a first pinhole outer region for converting the external light circularly polarized in a second rotational direction into the external light linearly polarized in the first direction; and An electronic device comprising a linear polarizing panel for transmitting the image linearly polarized in a first direction and the external light linearly polarized in the first direction.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, characterized in that each of the plurality of first regions of the QWP clustering layer includes a first QWP layer, and the second region of the QWP clustering layer includes a second QWP layer.

3. In paragraph 1 An electronic device, characterized in that the plurality of first pinholes of the first pinhole array include a second QWP layer, and an area outside the first pinholes of the first pinhole array includes a first QWP layer.

4. In paragraph 1, An electronic device characterized in that the linear polarizing panel comprises a linear polarizing layer in a first direction.

5. In paragraph 1, The image circularly polarized in the first rotation direction is converted into an image linearly polarized in the second direction as it passes through the area outside the first pinhole, An electronic device characterized in that the image linearly polarized in the second direction does not pass through the linear polarizing panel.

6. In paragraph 1, The external light circularly polarized in the second rotational direction is converted into external light linearly polarized in the second direction as it passes through the plurality of first pinholes, An electronic device characterized in that said external light linearly polarized in the second direction does not pass through said linear polarizing panel.

7. In paragraph 1, An electronic device further comprising a first lens array including a plurality of first convex lenses each corresponding to the plurality of first pinholes.

8. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, characterized in that each of the plurality of display areas is positioned to correspond to one of the plurality of first pinholes when viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device.

9. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, characterized in that each of the plurality of display areas is positioned to correspond to one of the plurality of first areas when viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device.

10. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, characterized in that each of the plurality of first pinholes is positioned to correspond to one of the plurality of first regions when viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device.

11. In paragraph 1, An electronic device characterized in that the area of ​​each first pinhole is smaller than the area of ​​each display area.

12. In paragraph 1, An electronic device further comprising a second pinhole array including a plurality of second pinholes for providing the unpolarized external light to the display panel and a second pinhole external area for blocking the unpolarized external light.

13. In paragraph 12, An electronic device further comprising a second lens array including a plurality of second convex lenses each corresponding to the plurality of second pinholes.

14. In paragraph 12, An electronic device, characterized in that each of the plurality of second pinholes is located between adjacent first pinholes when viewed in the direction of the gaze of a user wearing the electronic device.

15. In paragraph 1, The above display panel can display the image in the entire area or at least one partial area according to a display driving signal, An electronic device characterized in that the area displaying the image corresponds to the plurality of first display areas, and the area not displaying the image corresponds to the external light transmitting area.

Images