Electronic device having stretchable display panel and driving method therefor

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device comprising: a stretchable display panel comprising a display area and a peripheral area on the outer side of the display area; a deformation detection unit for generating deformation data by detecting a deformation direction and a deformation rate of the display panel; a memory for storing a plurality of pieces of image data; and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive the deformation data; identify an event in which the display area having a first size is increased to a second size while displaying a first image having the first size; and control the display panel so as to display the first image having the first size on one portion of the display area and display a second image on the remaining portion of the display area.

Description

Electronic device having a flexible display panel and method for driving the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device having a flexible display panel and a driving method thereof.

[0002] With the advancement of display panels, which visually display electrical signals, a variety of display panels with superior characteristics such as thinness, weight reduction, and low power consumption, as well as electronic devices incorporating them, are being introduced. For example, active research and development is underway on display panels with various structures, such as flexible display panels that can be folded or rolled without damage, stretchable display panels, and electronic devices incorporating them.

[0003] However, the content disclosed in this background art is intended to help understand the background of the invention, and the technology described as background art does not necessarily correspond to prior art.

[0004] A stretchable display panel can change not only the aspect ratio of the display area but also the resolution due to changes in the distance between pixels due to deformation of the display panel. Therefore, an image displayed before deformation of the display panel may be distorted after deformation of the display panel. The present invention aims to solve various problems including the above-mentioned problems, and provides an electronic device having a stretchable display panel and a driving method thereof, which relatively reduces image distortion due to deformation of the display panel and provides a new user interface. However, these tasks are exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device having a stretchable display panel is provided, comprising: a stretchable display panel including a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area; a deformation detection unit for detecting a deformation direction and a deformation rate of the display panel to generate deformation data; a memory for storing a plurality of image data; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor receives the deformation data, identifies an event in which the display area having a first size is expanded to a second size while displaying a first image having the first size, and controls the display panel to display the first image having the first size on a portion of the display area and display a second image on a remaining portion of the display area.

[0006] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to load first image data from the memory while the display area has the first size, generate a display control signal based on the first image data, and transmit the display control signal to the display panel, and load second image data from the memory while the display area has the second size, generate the display control signal based on the second image data, and transmit the display control signal to the display panel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first image data may include information of the first image having the first size at the first resolution, and the second image data may include information of the first image having the first size at the second resolution and information of the second image.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the first image and the second image may be a portion of one image.

[0009] In one embodiment, the at least one processor is configured to execute a first software application in a foreground state and execute a second software application in a background state while the display area has the first size, and the first image may be a user interface of the first software application and the second image may be a user interface of the second software application.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a deformation direction of the display panel and determine a position of the first image in the display area based on the deformation direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to display a boundary of the first image fixed to one side of the display area while the display panel is being stretched.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to display the center of the first image fixedly at the center of the display area while the display panel is being stretched.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device having a stretchable display panel, comprising: a stretchable display panel including a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area; a panel deformation device for elongating or contracting the display panel; an eye tracking unit for detecting a user's eye position and eye movement to generate tracking data; a memory for storing a plurality of image data; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor receives the tracking data, calculates a deformation direction and a deformation rate of the display panel based on the tracking data while the display area having a first size displays a first image having the first size, and controls the panel deformation device to have a second size according to the deformation direction and the deformation rate, and controls the display panel to display the first image having the first size on a portion of the display area and to display a second image on a remaining portion of the display area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to load first image data from the memory while the display area has the first size, generate a display control signal based on the first image data, and transmit the display control signal to the display panel, and load second image data from the memory while the display area has the second size, and generate the display control signal based on the second image data, and transmit the display control signal to the display panel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first image data may include information of the first image having the first size at the first resolution, and the second image data may include information of the first image having the first size at the second resolution and information of the second image.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the first image and the second image may be a portion of one image.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a driving method of an electronic device having a stretchable display panel is provided, comprising: a step of displaying a first image in a display area having a first size; a step of detecting a deformation direction and a strain rate of the display panel to generate deformation data; a step of loading corresponding image data from a memory according to the deformation data; and a step of displaying the first image having the first size in a portion of the display area stretched to a second size, and displaying a second image in a remaining portion of the display area.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the step of displaying the first image in the display area having the first size, the first image is displayed at a first resolution, and in the step of displaying the first image in a part of the display area having the second size and displaying the second image in the remaining part of the display area, the first image and the second image may be displayed at a second resolution lower than the first resolution.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the first image and the second image may be a portion of one image.

[0020] In one embodiment, in the step of displaying a first image in the display area having the first size, the first software application may be executed in a foreground state, the second software application may be executed in a background state, the first image may be a user interface of the first software application, and the second image may be a user interface of the second software application.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of displaying the first image in a portion of the display area having the second size and displaying the second image in the remaining portion of the display area may include the step of determining a position of the first image in the display area according to the deformation direction.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for driving an electronic device having a stretchable display panel is provided, the method comprising: displaying a first image in a display area having a first size; generating tracking data by detecting an eye position and movement of the eye by an eye tracking unit; calculating a deformation direction and a deformation rate of the display panel based on the tracking data; controlling the panel deformation device so that the display area has a second size according to the deformation direction and the deformation rate; loading corresponding image data from a memory according to the deformation direction and the deformation rate; and displaying the first image having the first size in a portion of the display area and displaying a second image in a remaining portion of the display area.

[0023] In one embodiment, the step of displaying a first image on a display area having a first size includes the steps of loading first image data from a memory, generating a display control signal based on the first image data, and transmitting the display control signal to the display panel; and the step of displaying the first image having the first size on a portion of the display area and displaying the second image on a remaining portion of the display area includes the steps of loading second image data from the memory, generating the display control signal based on the second image data, and transmitting the display control signal to the display panel; and the first image data may include information of the first image having the first size at a first resolution, and the second image data may include information of the first image having the first size at a second resolution and information of the second image.

[0024] In one embodiment, a method of driving an electronic device may further include: a step of controlling the panel deformation device so that the elongated display area contracts to the first size according to the deformation direction and the strain rate; a step of loading corresponding image data from a memory according to the deformation direction and the strain rate; and a step of displaying the first image on the display area having the first size.

[0025] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become clearer from the drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention below.

[0026] These general and specific aspects may be implemented using any system, method, computer program, or combination of any system, method, or computer program.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, an electronic device having a flexible display panel and a driving method thereof can be implemented, which reduces image distortion due to deformation of the display panel and provides a novel user interface. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views schematically illustrating a state in which the display panel of FIG. 1 is extended in the first direction.

[0030] Figure 2c is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the display panel of Figure 1 is extended in the second direction.

[0031] Figure 2d is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the display panel of Figure 1 is extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0032] Figure 2e is a perspective view showing the display panel of Figure 1 extended in the third direction.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, and FIG. 4c are equivalent circuit diagrams of one pixel included in a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0035] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light emitting element according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of driving an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing an initial state of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the display panel of FIG. 9 is extended in a first direction.

[0040] Fig. 11a is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of pixels before stretching of the display panel, and Fig. 11b is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of pixels after stretching of the display panel.

[0041] Fig. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the display panel of Fig. 9 extended in the first direction.

[0042] FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b are each a schematic plan view showing a state in which the display panel of FIG. 9 is extended in the fourth direction.

[0043] Fig. 14 is a plan view schematically showing the display panel of Fig. 9 extended in the first direction and the fourth direction.

[0044] Fig. 15 is a plan view schematically showing the display panel of Fig. 9 extended in four directions.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 17 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of driving an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGS. 18A to 18C are each a plan view schematically showing a panel deformation portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 19a is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 19b is a drawing showing the electronic device of Figure 19a extended in the first direction.

[0050] FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 20b is a schematic diagram showing the electronic device of Figure 20a extended in the second and fourth directions.

[0052] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0054] In this specification, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0055] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0056] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification exists, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0057] In this specification, when it is said that a part such as a film, region, or component is on or above another part, it includes not only the case where it is directly on top of the other part, but also the case where another film, region, component, etc. is interposed in between.

[0058] In this specification, when it is said that a film, region, component, etc. are connected, it includes cases where the films, regions, components, etc. are directly connected, and / or cases where other films, regions, components, etc. are interposed between the films, regions, components, etc. and are indirectly connected. For example, when it is said in this specification that a film, region, component, etc. are electrically connected, it refers to cases where the films, regions, components, etc. are directly electrically connected, and / or cases where other films, regions, components, etc. are interposed between them and are indirectly electrically connected.

[0059] In this specification, “A and / or B” refers to the case where it is A, or B, or both A and B. And, “at least one of A and B” refers to the case where it is A, or B, or both A and B.

[0060] In this specification, the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction are not limited to directions along the three axes on the orthogonal coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broad sense that includes them. For example, the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction may be orthogonal to each other, but may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0061] In this specification, when we say “planar”, it means when the target portion is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate), and when we say “cross-sectional”, it means when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0062] In this specification, when a first component is said to "overlap" a second component, it means that the first component is positioned above or below the second component so that at least a portion of the first component overlaps the second component in a plane.

[0063] In this specification, "ON" used in connection with a device state may refer to an activated state of the device, and "OFF" may refer to a deactivated state of the device. "ON" used in connection with a signal received by a device may refer to a signal that activates the device, and "OFF" may refer to a signal that deactivates the device. A device may be activated by a high-level voltage or a low-level voltage. For example, a P-channel transistor (P-type transistor) is activated by a low-level voltage, and an N-channel transistor (N-type transistor) is activated by a high-level voltage. Therefore, it should be understood that the "ON" voltages for P-type transistors and N-type transistors are opposite (lower versus higher) voltage levels.

[0064] In some embodiments of this specification, where implementations are otherwise feasible, specific process sequences may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order from the described order.

[0065] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0066] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display panel (10) according to one embodiment. Figs. 2a and 2b are perspective views schematically illustrating a state in which the display panel (10) of Fig. 1 is extended in a first direction. Fig. 2c is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which the display panel (10) of Fig. 1 is extended in a second direction. Fig. 2d is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which the display panel (10) of Fig. 1 is extended in the first and second directions. Fig. 2e is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which the display panel (10) of Fig. 1 is extended in a third direction.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, the display panel (10) may be a stretchable display panel that can be expanded or contracted in various directions. The display panel (10) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DA) may include a plurality of pixels. The display panel (10) may provide a predetermined image using light emitted from the plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) is arranged outside the display area (DA) and may be referred to as a peripheral area. The non-display area (NDA) may entirely surround the display area (DA).

[0068] The display panel (10) can be stretched in the first direction (x direction) and / or the fourth direction (-x direction) by an external force applied by an external object, for example, a human body or a panel deformation part. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display area (DA) and / or the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (10) can be stretched in the first direction (x direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the display panel (10) can be stretched in the first direction (x direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction), or one side of the display panel (10) can be fixed while being stretched in the first direction (x direction) or the fourth direction (-x direction). FIG. 2B illustrates an example in which one side of the display panel (10) is fixed while being stretched in the first direction (x direction).

[0069] The display panel (10) can be stretched in the second direction (y direction) and / or the fifth direction (-y direction) by an external force applied by an external object, a part of a human body, or a panel deformation part. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2c, the display area (DA) and / or the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (10) can be stretched in the second direction (y direction) and the fifth direction (-y direction). In another embodiment, one side of the display panel (10) can be fixed while being stretched in the second direction (y direction) or the fifth direction (-y direction).

[0070] The display panel (10) can be stretched in a plurality of directions, for example, a first direction (x direction), a second direction (y direction), a fourth direction (-x direction), and a fifth direction (-y direction), by an external force applied by an external object, a part of a human body, or a panel deformation part. As illustrated in FIG. 2d, the display area (DA) and / or the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (10) can be stretched in the first direction (x direction), the second direction (y direction), the fourth direction (-x direction), and the fifth direction (-y direction).

[0071] The display panel (10) may be elongated in a third direction (z direction) by an external force applied by an external object, a part of a human body, or a panel deformation member. In one embodiment, FIG. 2e illustrates that a part of the display panel (10), for example, a part of the display area (DA), protrudes in the third direction (z direction). In another embodiment, a part of the display panel (10), for example, a part of the display area (DA), may protrude (or recess) along a sixth direction (-z direction).

[0072] Although FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate that the display panel (10) is stretched in the first direction (x direction), the second direction (y direction), the third direction (z direction), the fourth direction (-x direction), the fifth direction (-y direction) and / or the sixth direction (-z direction) without damage to the display panel (10), the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display panel (10) can be variously deformed into an irregular shape, such as being bent or twisted about two or more axes, without damage to the display panel (10).

[0073] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of pixels may be arranged in the display area (DA) of the display panel (10). Each pixel may emit light of a different color to display an image in the display area (DA). In one embodiment, each pixel may emit red, green, or blue light. In another embodiment, each pixel may emit red, green, blue, or white light.

[0075] In the display area (DA), light emitting diodes corresponding to each pixel and transistors electrically connected to the light emitting diodes may be arranged. In the non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA), a circuit for providing electrical signals to the light emitting diodes and transistors arranged in the display area (DA) may be located. A gate driving circuit (GDC) may be arranged in each of a first non-display area (NDA1) and a second non-display area (NDA2) arranged on both sides of the display area (DA). The gate driving circuit (GDC) may include drivers for providing electrical signals to gate electrodes of each of the transistors electrically connected to the light emitting diodes. FIG. 3 illustrates that the gate driving circuit (GDC) is arranged in each of the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the gate drive circuit (GDC) may be placed in either the first non-display area (NDA1) or the second non-display area (NDA2).

[0076] The data drive circuit (DDC) may be disposed in a third non-display area (NDA3) and / or a fourth non-display area (NDA4) connecting the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2). In one embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates that the data drive circuit (DDC) is disposed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4). In another embodiment, the data drive circuit (DDC) may be disposed in each of the third non-display area (NDA3) and the fourth non-display area (NDA4).

[0077] Although Fig. 3 illustrates that the data drive circuit (DDC) is arranged in the fourth non-display area (NDA4) of the display panel (10), the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display panel (10) may further include a flexible circuit board electrically connected through a terminal portion arranged in the fourth non-display area (NDA4), and the data drive circuit (DDC) may be arranged on the aforementioned flexible circuit board.

[0078] In some embodiments, the elongation of the non-display area (NDA) may be equal to or less than the elongation of the display area (DA). In one embodiment, the elongation of the non-display area (NDA) may be different for each area. For example, the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3) may have substantially the same elongation, but the elongation of the fourth non-display area (NDA4) may be less than the elongation of each of the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3).

[0079] Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c are equivalent circuit diagrams of a pixel included in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Figures 4a to 4c illustrate various components within a pixel, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A pixel may further include additional components, or some components may be omitted, within the technical scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4A, a pixel may include a light-emitting element (ED) and a pixel driver circuit (PC) electrically connected to the light-emitting element (ED). The pixel driver circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel driver circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to a signal line and a voltage line. The signal line may include a gate line such as a first scan line (SL1) and a data line (DL), and the voltage line may include a first voltage line (driving power supply voltage line) (VDDL).

[0081] The second transistor (T2) may be electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The first scan line (SL1) may provide a first scan signal (GW) to a gate electrode of the second transistor (T2). The second transistor (T2) may be a switching transistor that is turned on or off according to the first scan signal (GW) input from the first scan line (SL1). The second transistor (T2) may be electrically connected to the first transistor (T1) and may transmit a data signal (Dm) input from the data line (DL) to the first transistor (T1).

[0082] The storage capacitor (Cst) is electrically connected to the second transistor (T2) and the first voltage line (VDDL), and can store a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the second transistor (T2) and the first power supply voltage (VDD) supplied by the first voltage line (VDDL).

[0083] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor and can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (ED). The first transistor (T1) can be connected to a first voltage line (VDDL) and a storage capacitor (Cst). The first transistor (T1) can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (ED) from the first voltage line (VDDL) in response to the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst).

[0084] A light-emitting element (ED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by a driving current. A first electrode (anode) of the light-emitting element (ED) can be electrically connected to a first transistor (T1), and a second electrode (cathode) can be electrically connected to a second voltage line (VSSL) that supplies a second power voltage (common power voltage) (VSS).

[0085] Although FIG. 4a illustrates that the pixel driver circuit (PC) includes two transistors and one storage capacitor, in other embodiments, the pixel driver circuit (PC) may include three or more transistors.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 4b, the pixel driver circuit unit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel driver circuit unit (PC) is electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), a third scan line (SL3), and an emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include a first initialization voltage line (VIL1), a second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0087] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driver circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light emitting element (ED) to the pixel driver circuit (PC).

[0088] The first transistor (T1) may be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and may be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (ED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) functions as a driving transistor and receives a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) to supply a driving current to the light-emitting element (ED). The second to seventh transistors (T2 to T7) may be switching transistors that are turned on or off according to a gate-source voltage or a gate voltage.

[0089] The second transistor (T2) is a data writing transistor and is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5). The second transistor (T2) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0090] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light emitting element (ED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) can be turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) to diode-connect the first transistor (T1).

[0091] The fourth transistor (T4) is a first initialization transistor and is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1). The fourth transistor (T4) is turned on according to the third scan signal (GI) received through the third scan line (SL3) and transmits the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driver circuit unit arranged in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driver circuit unit (PC).

[0092] The fifth transistor (T5) may be a motion control transistor, and the sixth transistor (T6) may be a light emission control transistor. The fifth transistor (T5) and the sixth transistor (T6) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML), and are simultaneously turned on in response to the light emission control signal (EM) transmitted through the light emission control line (EML), thereby forming a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light emission element (ED).

[0093] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) transmitted through the second scan line (SL2), and can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (ED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (ED).

[0094] The storage capacitor (Cst) includes a first capacitor electrode (CE1) and a second capacitor electrode (CE2). The first capacitor electrode (CE1) is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second capacitor electrode (CE2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL). The storage capacitor (Cst) can maintain the voltage applied to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) by storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltages at both ends of the first voltage line (VDDL) and the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 4c, the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), an eighth transistor (T8), a ninth transistor (T9), a storage capacitor (Cst), and an auxiliary capacitor (Ca).

[0096] The pixel driver circuit (PC) is electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), a third scan line (SL3), and an emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2), a sustain voltage line (VSL), and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0097] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit a first power voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit a first initialization voltage (Vint) for initializing the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driver circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit a second initialization voltage (Vaint) for initializing the first electrode of the light emitting element (ED) to the pixel driver circuit (PC). The sustain voltage line (VSL) can provide a sustain voltage (VSUS) to the second node (N2), for example, the second capacitor electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization period and the data writing period.

[0098] The first transistor (T1) may be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8), and may be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (ED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) functions as a driving transistor, and may receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) to supply a driving current to the light-emitting element (ED).

[0099] The second to ninth transistors (T2 to T9) may be switching transistors that are turned on or off depending on the gate-source voltage or gate voltage.

[0100] The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL), and is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0101] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light emitting element (ED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1), thereby diode-connecting the first transistor (T1), thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0102] The fourth transistor (T4) is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1), and is turned on in response to the third scan signal (GI) transmitted through the third scan line (SL3) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driving circuit unit arranged in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0103] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML), and are simultaneously turned on in response to the light emission control signal (EM) transmitted through the light emission control line (EML), thereby forming a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) in the direction of the light emission element (ED).

[0104] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on in response to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2) and transmits the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (ED), thereby initializing the first electrode of the light-emitting element (ED).

[0105] The ninth transistor (T9) may be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second capacitor electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), and the sustain voltage line (VSL). The ninth transistor (T9) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) transmitted through the second scan line (SL2), and may transmit the sustain voltage (VSUS) to the second node (N2), for example, the second capacitor electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization section and the data writing section.

[0106] The eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9) may be electrically connected to a second node (N2), for example, a second capacitor electrode (CE2) of a storage capacitor (Cst), respectively. In some embodiments, the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned off and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned on in an initialization period and a data writing period, and the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned on and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned off in an emission period. Since the sustain voltage (VSUS) is transmitted to the second node (N2) in the initialization period and the data writing period, the uniformity of the luminance (e.g., LRU, Long Range Uniformity) of the display device according to the voltage drop of the first voltage line (VDDL) may be improved.

[0107] The storage capacitor (Cst) includes a first capacitor electrode (CE1) and a second capacitor electrode (CE2). The first capacitor electrode (CE1) is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second capacitor electrode (CE2) is electrically connected to the eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9).

[0108] The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor (T6), the sustain voltage line (VSL), and the first electrode of the light-emitting element (ED). The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) stores and maintains a voltage corresponding to a voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting element (ED) and the sustain voltage line (VSL) while the seventh transistor (T7) and the ninth transistor (T9) are turned on, thereby preventing or reducing the problem of black luminance increasing when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0109] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light emitting element according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5A, a light-emitting element according to one embodiment of the present invention may be an organic light-emitting diode (220) including an organic material. The organic light-emitting diode (220) may include a first electrode (221) disposed on an insulating layer, a second electrode (225) facing the first electrode (221), and a light-emitting layer (223) interposed between the first electrode (221) and the second electrode (225). A first functional layer (222) may be disposed between the first electrode (221) and the light-emitting layer (223), and a second functional layer (224) may be disposed between the light-emitting layer (223) and the second electrode (225).

[0111] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered with a bank layer (BKL) including an insulating material. The bank layer (BKL) may include an opening (B-OP) overlapping the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0112] The first electrode (221) may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In another embodiment, the first electrode (221) may include a reflective layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound thereof. In another embodiment, the first electrode (221) may further include a layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on / under the aforementioned reflective layer.

[0113] The light-emitting layer (223) may include a polymer or low-molecular organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. The first functional layer (222) may include a hole transport layer and / or a hole injection layer. The second functional layer (224) may include an electron transport layer and / or an electron injection layer.

[0114] The second electrode (225) may be formed of a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the second electrode (225) may include a (semi-)transparent layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode (225) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on the (semi-)transparent layer including the aforementioned material.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 5b, in one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element may include an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) including an inorganic material. The inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may include a first semiconductor layer (231), a second semiconductor layer (232), an intermediate layer (233) between the first semiconductor layer (231) and the second semiconductor layer (232), a first electrode (235) electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer (231), and a second electrode (238) electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer (232). The first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242), respectively, which are disposed on the same layer.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer may be InxAl y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from among, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and a p-type dopant such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, Ba, etc. can be doped.

[0117] The second semiconductor layer (232) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer may be InxAl y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from among, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and an n-type dopant such as Si, Ge, or Sn can be doped.

[0118] The intermediate layer (233) is a region where electrons and holes recombine, and as electrons and holes recombine, they transition to a lower energy level and can generate light having a corresponding wavelength. The intermediate layer (233) is, for example, InxAl y Ga1-x-y It can be formed by including a semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), and can be formed as a single quantum well structure or a multi-quantum well structure (MQW: Multi Quantum Well). In addition, it can also include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0119] Although FIG. 5b illustrates that the first semiconductor layer (231) includes a p-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) includes an n-type semiconductor layer, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include an n-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) may include a p-type semiconductor layer.

[0120] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] An electronic device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device that displays a moving image or a still image, and can be used as a display screen for various products such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), etc., as well as a television, a laptop, a monitor, a billboard, an Internet of Things (IOT), etc. The electronic device (1) according to one embodiment can be used in a wearable device such as a smart watch, a watch phone, a glasses-type display, and a head mounted display (HMD). An electronic device (1) according to one embodiment can be used as a dashboard of a vehicle, a CID (Center Information Display) placed on a center fascia or dashboard of a vehicle, a room mirror display replacing a side mirror of a vehicle, and a display placed on the back of a front seat as entertainment for the rear seat of a vehicle.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6, the display panel (10) may further include a control unit (510), a wireless communication unit (520), an input unit (530), a sensor unit (540), an output unit (550), an interface unit (560), a memory (570), and / or a power supply unit (580).

[0123] The control unit (510) can control all functions of the electronic device (1). The control unit (510) can include at least one processor that performs processing or calculation of various data. The control unit (510) can control other components of the electronic device (1), such as hardware components and / or software components. For example, the control unit (510) can output digital image data to the controller of the display panel (10) so that the display panel (10) displays an image. The control unit (510) can receive touch detection data from the touch sensor driver. The control unit (510) can determine whether a user touches the display panel based on the touch detection data and execute an operation corresponding to the user's direct touch or proximity touch. The control unit (510) can be an application processor formed of an integrated circuit, a central processing unit, or a system chip. The control unit (510) can include an auxiliary processor that can operate independently of the main processor. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models.

[0124] The wireless communication unit (520) may include at least one of a broadcast reception module (521), a mobile communication module (522), a wireless Internet module (523), a short-range communication module (524), and a location information module (525).

[0125] The broadcast reception module (521) receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel or a terrestrial channel.

[0126] The mobile communication module (522) transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (e.g., GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.). The wireless signal may include various types of data according to voice call signals, video call call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0127] The wireless Internet module (523) refers to a module for wireless Internet access. The wireless Internet module (523) can be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies. Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance).

[0128] The short-range communication module (524) is for short-range communication, and can support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-range communication module (524) can support wireless communication between an electronic device (1) and a wireless communication system, between an electronic device (1) and another electronic device, or between an electronic device (1) and a network where another electronic device (or an external server) is located through a short-range wireless communication network (Wireless Area Network). The short-range wireless communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Network). The other electronic device may be a wearable device capable of exchanging (or linking) data with the electronic device (1).

[0129] The location information module (525) is a module for obtaining the location (or current location) of the electronic device (1), and may include a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module.

[0130] The input unit (530) may include a video input unit such as a camera device (531) for inputting a video signal, an audio input unit such as a microphone (532) for inputting an audio signal, and an input device (533) for receiving information from a user.

[0131] The camera device (531) processes image frames, such as still images or moving images, obtained by the image sensor in camera mode and outputs them to the control unit (510). The camera device (531) may include at least one of a camera sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor. The camera device (531) may be connected to an image sensor among components overlapping the display panel (10) and may process images input to the image sensor.

[0132] The camera device (531) processes image frames, such as still images or moving images, obtained by an image sensor in video call mode or shooting mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on a display panel (10) or stored in a memory (570).

[0133] A microphone (532) processes external acoustic signals into electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be utilized in various ways depending on the function being performed (or the application being executed) in the electronic device (1).

[0134] The control unit (510) can control the operation of the electronic device (1) to correspond to information input through the input device (533). The input device (533) can include a mechanical input means or a touch input means, such as a button, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., located on the rear or side of the electronic device (1). The touch input means can be formed of a touch screen layer of the display panel (10).

[0135] The sensor unit (540) may include one or more sensors that sense at least one of information within the electronic device (1), information about the surrounding environment surrounding the electronic device (1), and user information, and generate a sensing signal corresponding thereto. The control unit (510) may control the operation or behavior of the electronic device (1), or perform data processing, functions, or operations related to an application installed in the electronic device (1), based on such sensing signals.

[0136] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (540) may include a strain sensor that detects the elasticity of the display panel (10). The strain sensor may have electrical and / or optical characteristics that change due to deformation of the display panel (10). In one embodiment, the strain sensor may be provided integrally with the display panel (10).

[0137] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (540) may include an eye tracking sensor that detects the gaze (e.g., eye position and eye movement) of a user gazing at the display panel (10). In one embodiment, the eye tracking sensor may include a near-infrared LED device and a camera device (531) that acquires a reflection pattern of light generated by the user's eye.

[0138] The sensor unit (540) may optionally include a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor (IR sensor), a fingerprint recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a heat detection sensor, a gas detection sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (e.g., an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric recognition sensor, etc.), etc.

[0139] The output unit (550) is for generating output related to visual, auditory, or tactile sensations, and may include at least one of a display panel (10), an audio output unit (551), a haptic module (552), and an optical output unit (553).

[0140] The display panel (10) displays (outputs) information processed in the electronic device (1). For example, the display panel (10) may display execution screen information of an application running in the electronic device (1), or UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphical User Interface) information according to the execution screen information. The display panel (10) may include a display layer that displays an image and a touch screen layer that detects a user's touch input. Accordingly, the display panel (10) may function as one of the input devices (533) that provides an input interface between the electronic device (1) and the user, and at the same time, function as one of the output units (550) that provides an output interface between the electronic device (1) and the user.

[0141] The audio output unit (551) can output audio data received from the wireless communication unit (520) or stored in the memory (570) in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, etc. The audio output unit (551) also outputs audio signals related to functions performed in the electronic device (1) (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.). The audio output unit (551) may include a receiver and a speaker. At least one of the receiver and the speaker may be a sound generating device attached to the lower portion of the display panel (10) to vibrate the display panel (10) and output audio. The audio generating device may be a piezoelectric element or piezoelectric actuator that contracts and expands according to an electric signal, or an exciter that generates magnetic force using a voice coil to vibrate the display panel (10).

[0142] The haptic module (552) generates various tactile effects that can be felt by the user. The haptic module (552) can provide vibrations to the user as tactile effects. The haptic module (552) can not only deliver tactile effects through direct contact, but can also be implemented so that the user can feel the tactile effects through the kinesthetic senses of the fingers or arms.

[0143] The light output unit (553) outputs a signal to notify the occurrence of an event using light from a light source. Examples of events occurring in the electronic device (1) may include receiving a message, receiving a call signal, receiving a missed call, an alarm, receiving a schedule reminder, receiving an email, receiving information through an application, etc. The signal output by the light output unit (553) is implemented by the electronic device (1) emitting light of a single color or multiple colors from the front or rear. The signal output may be terminated when the electronic device (1) detects the user's confirmation of an event.

[0144] The interface unit (560) serves as a passageway for various types of external devices connected to the electronic device (1). The interface unit (560) may include at least one of a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, an audio I / O (Input / Output) port, a video I / O (Input / Output) port, and an earphone port. The electronic device (1) may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit (560).

[0145] The memory (570) stores data supporting various functions of the electronic device (1). The memory (570) can store a plurality of applications (application programs) running on the electronic device (1), data for the operation of the electronic device (1), and commands. At least some of the plurality of applications can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.

[0146] The memory (570) can store an application for the operation of the control unit (510), and can also temporarily store input / output data, such as a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc. The memory (570) can include a plurality of image data corresponding to the deformed shape of the display panel (10) in order to reduce or prevent deformation of an image displayed by the display panel (10) when the display panel (10) is deformed. In addition, the memory (570) can store haptic data for various patterns of vibration provided to the haptic module (552) and audio data regarding various sounds provided to the audio output unit (551).

[0147] The memory (570) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, an SSD (Solid State Disk type), an SDD (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0148] The power supply unit (580) receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit (510) and supplies power to each component included in the electronic device (1). The power supply unit (580) may include a battery. In addition, the power supply unit (580) is provided with a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface unit (560) to which an external charger that supplies power for charging the battery is electrically connected. Alternatively, the power supply unit (580) may be configured to charge the battery wirelessly without using a connection port.

[0149] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1) may optionally further include a panel deformation unit (400). The panel deformation unit (400) may include at least one arm frame that extends or contracts in one direction. The panel deformation unit (400) may extend or contract the display panel (10) according to a control signal from the control unit (510). The panel deformation unit (400) may be omitted, in which case the electronic device (1) may be deformed by a user's hand, etc.

[0150] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] FIG. 7 illustrates only some components of the electronic device (1) in order to explain the operation of the electronic device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device (1) may include a flexible display panel (10), a control unit (510), a deformation detection unit (541), and a memory (570).

[0153] The display panel (10) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) outside the display area (DA). The display panel (10) may display an image using pixels arranged in the display area (DA). The display panel (10) may be stretched by an external force applied by an external object or a user. When no external force is applied to the display panel (10), the display panel (10) may contract to its original state.

[0154] The deformation detection unit (541) can detect the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10) to generate deformation data (PSD). Here, the strain can include the elongation of the display panel (10) in the first direction (x direction) and the elongation in the second direction (y direction). The deformation detection unit (541) can include a strain sensor whose electrical characteristics or optical characteristics change according to the deformation of the display panel (10). The deformation detection unit (541) can measure the change in the electrical characteristics or the change in the optical characteristics of the strain sensor, convert it into deformation data (PSD) which is an electrical signal, and transmit it to the control unit (510). The deformation data (PSD) can include information on the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10).

[0155] The memory (570) can store various data used to drive software applications. The memory (570) can store a plurality of image data (Idata). The plurality of image data (Idata) can include image data stored in advance in response to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10).

[0156] The control unit (510) may include at least one processor. The control unit (510) may receive deformation data (PSD) from the deformation detection unit (541) and identify an event in which the display panel (10) is extended or contracted (or restored). The control unit (510) may load image data (Idata) corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) from the memory (570). The control unit (510) may transfer the loaded image data (Idata) to the display panel (10), and the display panel (10) may display an image.

[0157] Before the display panel (10) is stretched, the display area (DA) may have a first size (or a first area). Before the stretch, the display panel (10) may have a first resolution. The control unit (510) may load first image data from the memory (570) and transmit it to the display panel (10). The display panel (10) may display a first image corresponding to the first image data on the entire surface of the display area (DA). Here, the image may mean a visual representation that is displayed on the display panel (10) and recognized by a user. For example, a first image displayed with a first resolution and a first image displayed with a second resolution may be recognized as the same image by the user.

[0158] After the display panel (10) is stretched, the display area (DA) may have a second size (or a second area). Although the area of ​​the display area (DA) increases, the number of pixels arranged in the display area (DA) does not change, so the stretched display panel (10) may have a second resolution smaller than the first resolution. The control unit (510) may load second image data corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) from the memory (570), generate a display control signal (DCS) based on the second image data, and transmit the display control signal (DCS) to the display panel (10). The second image data may include information corresponding to a first image having a first size at a second resolution and information corresponding to a second image displayed outside the first image. The display panel (10) can display a first image having a first size in a part of the display area (DA) corresponding to the second image data, and display a second image in the remaining part of the display area (DA).

[0159] When the external force applied to the display panel (10) disappears or decreases, the stretched display panel (10) can shrink to its original state, and the display area (DA) can have the first size again. The control unit (510) can receive deformation data (PSD) from the deformation detection unit (541) to identify an event in which the display panel (10) shrinks. The control unit (510) can load image data (Idata) corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) from the memory (570) and transmit the image data to the display panel (10). The display panel (10) can display a first image having a first size on the display area (DA). Therefore, even when the display panel (10) stretches or shrinks, the first image is displayed in substantially the same size, and a second image having new information can be displayed in an area expanded by the stretching of the display panel (10).

[0160] Figure 8 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. While Figure 8 illustrates various steps of the method for operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. Unless otherwise specified or implied, additional steps may be included, some steps may be omitted, and the order of the steps may vary within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 8, a driving method of an electronic device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S11) of displaying a first image in a display area having a first size, a step (S12) of detecting a deformation direction and a deformation rate to generate deformation data, a step (S13) of loading corresponding image data from a memory, and a step (S14) of displaying a first image having a first size in a part of a display area stretched to a second size and displaying a second image in the remaining part.

[0162] In the step (S11) of displaying a first image on a display area (DA) having a first size, the control unit (510) may be configured to load first image data corresponding to an initial state from a memory (570) and transmit a display control signal (DCS) based on the first image data to the display panel (10). The first image data may include information on a first image having a first size at a first resolution. The display panel (10) may display the first image having the first size on the entire surface of the display area (DA).

[0163] In the step (S12) of detecting the deformation direction and strain rate to generate deformation data (PSD), the deformation detection unit (541) can detect changes in electrical characteristics and / or optical characteristics of the strain sensor, convert them into deformation data (PSD), which is an electrical signal, and transmit them to the control unit (510). The deformation data (PSD) can include information on the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10).

[0164] In the step (S13) of loading the corresponding image data (Idata) from the memory (570), the control unit (510) may receive the deformation data (PSD) and load the image data (Idata) corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) from the memory (570). For example, the control unit (510) may identify an event in which the display panel (10) is extended so that the display area (DA) has a second size, and load the second image data. The second image data may include information of a first image having a first size at a second resolution and information of a second image displayed outside the first image.

[0165] In the step (S14) of displaying a first image having a first size on a part of a display area (DA) extended to a second size and displaying a second image on the remaining part, the control unit (510) transmits a display control signal (DCS) based on the second image data to the display panel (10), and the display panel (10) can display the first image having the first size on a part of the display area (DA) and display the second image on the remaining part.

[0166] The electronic device (1) can repeat each step during the elongation process of the display panel (10). Accordingly, the user can perceive that while the display panel (10) is elongated, the first image is displayed in substantially the same size without deformation, and a second image with new information is displayed in an area expanded by the elongation of the display panel (10).

[0167] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing an initial state of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the display panel of FIG. 9 is extended in a first direction.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 9, the display panel (10) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) outside the display area (DA). Before the display panel (10) is stretched, i.e., in the initial state of the display panel (10), the display area (DA) may have a first size. For example, the display area (DA) may have a first width (w1) in a first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in a second direction (y direction). The display panel (10) may have a first resolution.

[0169] The control unit (510) can load first image data from the memory (570) and transmit it to the display panel (10). The first image data can include information of a first image (Img1) having a first size at a first resolution. The display panel (10) can display the first image (Img1) having a first width (w1) and a first height (h1) on the entire surface of the display area (DA). The first image (Img1) can be a part of the user interface of a first software application running in a foreground state.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 10, the display panel (10) can be stretched in a first direction (x direction) by a stretching width (Δw). The display area (DA) of the stretched display panel (10) can have a second width (w2) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). Since the number of pixels arranged in the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) does not change, the display panel (10) after stretching can have a second resolution smaller than the first resolution.

[0171] The deformation detection unit (541) can generate deformation data (PSD) including information on the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) using a strain sensor, and transmit the generated deformation data (PSD) to the control unit (510). The control unit (510) can identify an event in which the display area (DA) is elongated to have a second width (w2) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction) from the deformation data (PSD), and can load second image data corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) from the memory (570). The second image data can include information on a first image (Img1) having a first size at a second resolution and information on a second image (Img2). The control unit (510) can generate a display control signal (DCS) based on the second image data, and transmit the display control signal (DCS) to the display panel (10). The display panel (10) can display a first image (Img1) having a first size in a first area (1A) which is a part of the display area (DA), and can display a second image (Img2) in a second area (2A) which is the remaining part of the display area (DA).

[0172] The first region (1A) may have a first size that is the same as the size (or area) of the display region (DA) in the initial state of the display panel (10). The first region (1A) may have a first width (w1) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). Therefore, even in the stretched display panel (10), the first image (Img1) may be displayed in substantially the same size as before the display panel (10) was stretched. The second region (2A) may be a part of the display region (DA) of the stretched display panel (10) and may be an area outside the first region (1A). The second region (2A) may have a stretching width (Δw) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction).

[0173] In one embodiment, the second image (Img2) may be a portion of the user interface of a first software application running in the foreground state. The first image (Img1) and the second image (Img2) may each be a portion of a single image. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the first image (Img1) may be a left portion of the entire image, and the second image (Img2) may be a right portion of the entire image. The second image (Img2) may be an image that continues from the right border of the first image (Img1). Accordingly, the user may perceive that a hidden portion of the entire image is displayed when the display panel (10) is stretched in the first direction (x direction). The electronic device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may provide a seamless user experience.

[0174] The control unit (510) can identify the deformation direction of the display panel (10) based on the deformation data (PSD) and determine the position of the first image (Img1) in the display area (DA) according to the deformation direction of the display panel (10). For example, when the control unit (510) identifies an event in which the display panel (10) is elongated in the first direction (x direction), the control unit (510) can control the display panel (10) so that the first area (1A) in which the first image (Img1) is displayed is fixed and displayed on the left side (-x side) of the display area (DA). That is, the control unit (510) can load image data in which the first image (Img1) is located on the left side (-x side) of the display area (DA) among a plurality of image data and transmit the load to the display panel (10).

[0175] Fig. 11a is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of pixels before stretching of the display panel, and Fig. 11b is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of pixels after stretching of the display panel.

[0176] Referring to Fig. 11a, a plurality of pixels (PXr, PXg, PXb) may be arranged in a display area (DA) of a display panel (10). The display area (DA) may include a pixel area (11) and a connection area (15) outside the pixel area (11). A red pixel (PXr), a green pixel (PXg), and a blue pixel (PXb) may be arranged in the pixel area (11).

[0177] Wires may be arranged in the connection area (15). The connection area (15) may be elongated relatively more than the pixel area (11) when the display panel (10) is elongated. In one embodiment, the connection area (15) may include openings defined in the substrate for deformation of the display panel (10). In another embodiment, the substrate of the display panel (10) includes an elastic body, and the openings of the connection area (15) may be omitted. The pixel areas (11) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (y direction).

[0178] In a state where the display panel (10) is not stretched, an area where a 3×3 pixel area (11) is arranged can be defined as a unit area (UAp) before stretching. The unit area (UAp) before stretching can have a first width (uw1) in a first direction (x direction) and a first height (uh1) in a second direction (y direction).

[0179] Referring to FIG. 11b, the display panel (10) can be stretched in a first direction (x direction) and / or a fourth direction (-x direction). In a state where the display panel (10) is stretched, an area where 3×3 pixel areas (11) are arranged can be defined as a unit area (UAs) after stretching. The unit area (UAs) after stretching can have a second width (uw2) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (uh1) in the second direction (y direction). The second width (uw2) can be greater than the first width (uw1).

[0180] Although Fig. 11 illustrates that the unit area (UAs) after stretching has the same first height (uh1) in the second direction (y direction) as the unit area (UAp) before stretching, the present invention is not limited thereto. When the display panel (10) is stretched in the first direction (x direction) and / or the fourth direction (-x direction), the display panel (10) may shrink in the second direction (y direction) and / or the fifth direction (-y direction). In this case, the width of the unit area (UAs) after stretching in the second direction (y direction) may be smaller than the first height (uh1).

[0181] In a state where the display panel (10) is stretched, a smaller number of pixel areas (11), for example, only 2×3 pixel areas (11), can be arranged in an area of ​​the same size as the unit area (UAp) before stretching. That is, the number of pixels arranged in an area of ​​the same size in the stretched display panel (10) may be smaller than that in the display panel (10) before stretching. The resolution of the stretched display panel (10) may be lower than that of the display panel (10) before stretching. Therefore, in order to display the first image (Img1) of the same size despite the deformation of the display panel (10), the control unit (510) needs to load image data (Idata) corresponding to the deformation of the display panel (10).

[0182] Although FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a case where the display panel (10) is stretched in the first direction (x direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction), the present invention is not limited thereto. The display panel (10) may stretch or shrink in the first direction (x direction), the second direction (y direction), the fourth direction (-x direction), and / or the fifth direction (-y direction), and accordingly, the resolution of the display panel (10) may change.

[0183] Fig. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the display panel of Fig. 9 extended in the first direction.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 12, the display area (DA) of the stretched display panel (10) may have a second size. The display area (DA) may have a second width (w2) in a first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in a second direction (y direction). The first area (1A) may have a first size. The first area (1A) may have a first width (w1) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). The second area (2A) may have a stretched width (Δw) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction).

[0185] The second image (Img2) displayed in the second area (2A) may be an image that is not continuous with the first image (Img1) displayed in the first area (1A). In one embodiment, at least one processor included in the control unit (510) may be configured to execute the first software application in the foreground state and the second software application in the background state while the display area (DA) has the first size (e.g., when the display panel is in the initial state).

[0186] The first image (Img1) may be a user interface of a first software application, and the second image (Img2) may be a user interface of a second software application. When the display panel (10) is extended, the second software application running in the background state may be displayed in the display area (DA) of the display panel (10). That is, the user interface of the first software application may be provided in the first area (1A) of the extended display panel (10), and the user interface of the second software application may be provided in the second area (2A).

[0187] Figure 12 illustrates a second software application providing weather information and favorites for other software applications, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The second software application may be a variety of applications, such as a memo application or an Internet search application.

[0188] FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic plan views illustrating a state in which the display panel of FIG. 9 is extended in a fourth direction. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view illustrating a state in which the display panel of FIG. 9 is extended in the first and fourth directions. FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view illustrating a state in which the display panel of FIG. 9 is extended in four directions.

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the display panel (10) can be elongated in a fourth direction (-x direction). The display area (DA) of the elongated display panel (10) can have a second width (w2) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). Since the number of pixels arranged in the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) does not change, the elongated display panel (10) can have a second resolution smaller than the first resolution.

[0190] The deformation detection unit (541) can generate deformation data (PSD) including information on the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) using a strain sensor, and transmit the generated deformation data (PSD) to the control unit (510). The control unit (510) can identify the deformation rate and deformation direction of the display area (DA) from the deformation data (PSD). For example, the control unit (510) can identify an event in which the display area (DA) is elongated by the elongation width (Δw) in the fourth direction (-x direction) to have the second width (w2), and load third image data corresponding to the deformation rate and deformation direction of the display area (DA) from the memory (570). The third image data may include information of a first image (Img1) having a first width (w1) in a first direction (x direction) at a second resolution and a first height (h1) in a second direction (y direction), and information of a third image (Img3) having a stretch width (Δw) in a fourth direction (-x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). The control unit (510) may transmit a display control signal (DCS) generated based on the third image data to the display panel (10). The display panel (10) may display the first image (Img1) in a first area (1A), which is a part of the stretched display area (DA), and may display the third image (Img3) in a third area (3A), which is the remaining part of the stretched display area (DA). In one embodiment, the control unit (510) can control the display panel (10) so that the first area (1A) in which the first image (Img1) is displayed is fixed and displayed on the right side (x side) of the display area (DA).

[0191] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, the third image (Img3) may be the remainder of the user interface of the first software application. Each of the first image (Img1) and the third image (Img3) may be a portion of a single image. For example, the first image (Img1) may be the right portion of the entire image, and the third image (Img3) may be the left portion of the entire image. The third image (Img3) may be an image that continues from the left border of the first image (Img1).

[0192] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13b, the third image (Img3) may be a user interface of a third software application running in the background while the display area (DA) has the first size. That is, the user interface of the first software application may be provided in the first area (1A) of the extended display panel (10), and the user interface of the third software application may be provided in the third area (3A).

[0193] While Figure 13b illustrates that the third software application is a system settings application, the present invention is not limited thereto. The third software application may be a variety of applications, such as a memo application or an internet search application. In one embodiment, the software application displayed may vary depending on the deformation direction of the display panel (10), i.e., depending on the direction in which the user extends the display panel (10).

[0194] Referring to FIG. 14, the display panel (10) can be stretched in a first direction (x direction) and a fourth direction (-x direction). For example, a pulling force is applied to the right (+x side) boundary and the left (-x side) boundary of the display panel (10), so that the display panel (10) can be stretched in the first direction (x direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction). The display area (DA) of the stretched display panel (10) can have a second width (w2) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). Since the number of pixels arranged in the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) before and after stretching does not change, the display panel (10) after stretching can have a second resolution smaller than the first resolution.

[0195] The control unit (510) can identify an event in which the display area (DA) is stretched in the first direction (x direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction) to have a second width (w2), and load fourth image data corresponding to the strain and strain direction of the display area (DA) from the memory (570). The fourth image data can include information of a first image (Img1) having a first width (w1) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction), information of a second image (Img2) having a first stretch width (Δw1) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction), and information of a third image (Img3) having a second stretch width (Δ2) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). The control unit (510) transmits the fourth image data to the display panel (10), so that the display panel (10) can display the first image (Img1) in the first area (1A) of the display area (DA), the second image (Img2) in the second area (2A), and the third image (Img3) in the third area (3A). In one embodiment, the control unit (510) can control the display panel (10) so that the center of the first area (1A) where the first image (Img1) is displayed is fixed and displayed in the center of the display area (DA).

[0196] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, each of the first image (Img1), the second image (Img2), and the third image (Img3) may be a portion of one image. For example, the first image (Img1) may be a central portion of the entire image, the second image (Img2) may be a right portion of the entire image, and the third image (Img3) may be a left portion of the entire image. The second image (Img2) may be an image that is continuous from the left boundary of the first image (Img1), and the third image (Img3) may be an image that is continuous from the right boundary of the first image (Img1).

[0197] Referring to FIG. 15, the display panel (10) can be stretched in a first direction (x direction), a second direction (y direction), a fourth direction (-x direction), and a fifth direction (-y direction). The display area (DA) of the display panel (10) in an initial state can have a first width (w1) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). The display area (DA) of the stretched display panel (10) can have a second width (w2) in the first direction (x direction) and a second height (h2) in the second direction (y direction). Since the number of pixels arranged in the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) before and after stretching does not change, the display panel (10) after stretching can have a second resolution smaller than the first resolution.

[0198] The control unit (510) can identify an event in which the display area (DA) is stretched in the first direction (x direction), the second direction (y direction), the fourth direction (-x direction), and the fifth direction (-y direction), and can load fifth image data corresponding to the strain and strain direction of the display area (DA) from the memory (570). The fifth image data can include information of a first image (Img1) having a first width (w1) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction) at a second resolution, and information of a second image (Img2). The control unit (510) can transmit the fifth image data to the display panel (10), so that the display panel (10) can display the first image (Img1) in the first area (1A) of the display area (DA) and display the second image (Img2) in the second area (2A) outside the first area (1A). In one embodiment, the control unit (510) can control the display panel (10) so that the center of the first area (1A) where the first image (Img1) is displayed is fixed to the center of the display area (DA).

[0199] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, each of the first image (Img1) and the second image (Img2) may be a portion of a single image. For example, the first image (Img1) may be a central portion of the entire image, and the second image (Img2) may be an outer portion of the entire image. The second image (Img2) may be an image that continues from the four boundaries of the first image (Img1).

[0200] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 16, the electronic device (1) may include a flexible display panel (10), a panel deformation unit (400), a control unit (510), an eye tracking unit (542), and a memory (570).

[0202] The display panel (10) can be expanded or contracted by an external force applied by the panel deformation unit (400). The panel deformation unit (400) may include at least one arm frame fixed to the display panel (10) and a motor driving the arm frame. The panel deformation unit (400) receives a panel deformation control signal (PCS) from the control unit (510) and can elongate or contract the display panel (10).

[0203] The eye tracking unit (542) may include an eye tracking sensor. For example, the eye tracking unit (542) may detect the position and movement of the user's eyes from images acquired by the eye tracking sensor, thereby generating tracking data (ETD).

[0204] The control unit (510) may include at least one processor. The control unit (510) may include a strain calculation unit (511), a first driving controller (512), and a second driving controller (513). Each of the strain calculation unit (511), the first driving controller (512), and the second driving controller (513) may be a functional block implemented with various numbers of hardware and software configurations. For example, each of the strain calculation unit (511), the first driving controller (512), and the second driving controller (513) may employ integrated circuit configurations including one or more processors. Alternatively, the strain calculation unit (511), the first driving controller (512), and the second driving controller (513) may be implemented with an algorithm or the like that is executed on at least one processor.

[0205] The strain calculation unit (511) can receive tracking data (ETD) from the gaze tracking unit (542) and calculate the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10) so that the display panel (10) can be elongated according to the user's gaze direction. The first driving controller (512) can generate a panel deformation control signal (PCS) that controls the panel deformation unit (400) according to the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10). The second driving controller (513) can load image data (Idata) corresponding to the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10) from the memory (570). The second driving controller (513) can transfer the loaded image data (Idata) to the display panel (10), and the display panel (10) deformed by the panel deformation unit (400) can display an image.

[0206] In one embodiment, before stretching of the display panel (10), the display area (DA) may have a first size. Before stretching, the display panel (10) may have a first resolution. The second driving controller (513) may load first image data corresponding to an initial state from the memory (570) and transmit it to the display panel (10). The first image data may include information corresponding to a first image having a first size at a first resolution. The display panel (10) may display a first image corresponding to the first image data on the entire surface of the display area (DA).

[0207] The display panel (10) is elongated by the panel deformation unit (400), and the elongated display area (DA) can have a second size. The second driving controller (513) can load second image data corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) to generate a display control signal (DCS), and transmit the generated display control signal (DCS) to the display panel (10). The second image data can include information corresponding to a first image having a first size at a second resolution, which is a resolution after deformation, and information corresponding to a second image displayed outside the first image. The elongated display panel (10) can display the first image having the first size on a part of the display area (DA) and the second image on the remaining part of the display area (DA), corresponding to the second image data.

[0208] When the user's gaze leaves the display panel (10) or returns to the display area (DA) in the initial state, the strain calculation unit (511) can calculate the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10) based on the tracking data (ETD) so that the display area (DA) contracts to the first size. The first driving controller (512) can generate a panel deformation control signal (PCS) that controls the panel deformation unit (400) according to the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10). The second driving controller (513) can load first image data corresponding to the initial state from the memory (570) so as to correspond to the deformation direction and strain of the display panel (10). The second driving controller (513) transmits the first image data to the display panel (10), and the display panel (10) can display the first image having the first size on the entire surface of the display area (DA).

[0209] Figure 17 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 illustrates various steps of the method for operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Unless otherwise specified or implied, additional steps may be included, some steps may be omitted, and the order of the steps may vary within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 17, a driving method of an electronic device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S21) of displaying a first image in a display area having a first size, a step (S22) of generating tracking data by detecting the position and movement of the user's eyes, a step (S23) of calculating a deformation direction and a deformation rate of a display panel based on the tracking data, a step (S24) of elongating the display panel (10) according to the deformation direction and the deformation rate of the display panel, a step (S25) of loading corresponding image data from a memory, and a step (S26) of displaying a first image having a first size in a part of a display area elongated to a second size and displaying a second image in the remaining part.

[0211] In the step (S21) of displaying a first image in a display area having a first size, the control unit (510) can load first image data from the memory (570) and transmit the first image data to the display panel (10). The display panel (10) can display the first image having the first size on the entire display area (DA).

[0212] In the step (S22) of generating tracking data by detecting the user's eye position and eye movement, the eye tracking unit (542) can detect the user's eye position and eye movement using an eye tracking sensor, convert this into tracking data (ETD), and transmit it to the control unit (510).

[0213] In the step (S23) of calculating the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel based on the tracking data, the control unit (510) can determine the user's gaze direction from the tracking data (ETD). The control unit (510) can calculate the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) for elongating the display area (DA) in the user's gaze direction.

[0214] In the step (S24) of deforming the display panel (10) according to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel, the control unit (510) can generate a panel deformation control signal (PCS) according to the calculated deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) and transmit the signal to the panel deformation unit (400). The panel deformation unit (400) can elongate the display panel (10) based on the panel deformation control signal (PCS).

[0215] In the step (S25) of loading corresponding image data from the memory, the control unit (510) can load second image data corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) from the memory (570). The step (S24) of deforming the display panel according to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel and the step (S25) of loading corresponding image data from the memory can be performed substantially simultaneously.

[0216] In the step (S26) of displaying a first image having a first size on a part of a display area extended to a second size and displaying a second image on the remaining part, the control unit (510) transmits the second image data to the display panel (10), and the display panel (10) can display the first image having the first size on a part of the display area (DA) and display the second image on the remaining part.

[0217] Here, the first image data may include information corresponding to a first image having a first size at a first resolution, which is the resolution of the display panel (10) in its initial state. The second image data may include information corresponding to a first image having a first size at a second resolution, which is the resolution of the display panel (10) after deformation, and information corresponding to a second image displayed outside the first image.

[0218] In one embodiment, a driving method of an electronic device (1) may further include a step of controlling a panel deformation unit (400) so that a display area (DA) elongated to a second size is contracted to a first size according to a deformation direction and a deformation rate of the display panel, a step of loading corresponding image data from a memory (570) based on the deformation direction and the deformation rate of the display panel (10), and a step of displaying a first image on the display area (DA) contracted to have a first size.

[0219] In the step of controlling the panel deformation unit (400) so that the display area (DA) stretched to the second size is contracted to the first size along the determined viewing direction, the control unit (510) can receive tracking data (ETD) and determine the user's viewing direction. When the user's viewing direction leaves the display panel (10) or returns to the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) before stretching, the control unit (510) can calculate the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) so that the display area (DA) is contracted to the first size along the viewing direction.

[0220] The control unit (510) can generate a panel deformation control signal (PCS) that controls the panel deformation unit (400) according to the deformation direction and strain rate of the generated display panel (10). The panel deformation unit (400) can reduce the display panel (10) to have a first size according to the panel deformation control signal (PCS).

[0221] In the step of loading corresponding image data from the memory (570) based on the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10), the control unit (510) can load image data corresponding to the calculated deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10), i.e., the first image data, from the memory (570).

[0222] In the step of displaying a first image on a display area (DA) that has been contracted to have a first size, the control unit (510) can generate a display control signal (DCS) based on the first image data and transmit the display control signal (DCS) to the display panel (10). The display panel (10) can display the first image having the first size on the entire surface of the display area (DA).

[0223] FIGS. 18A to 18C are each a plan view schematically illustrating a panel deformation portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0224] Referring to FIGS. 18A to 18C together, the electronic device (1) may include a display panel (10) and a panel deformation unit (400). The display panel (10) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). In one embodiment, the display panel (10) may be stretched or contracted in a first direction (x direction), a second direction (y direction), a fourth direction (-x direction), and a fifth direction (-y direction). The panel deformation unit (400) is fixed to the display panel (10) and may provide a driving force to the display panel (10) so that the display panel (10) may be stretched or contracted in the first direction (x direction), the second direction (y direction), the fourth direction (-x direction), and the fifth direction (-y direction).

[0225] The panel deformation unit (400) can be connected to the display panel (10). The panel deformation unit (400) can be fixed to the back surface of the display panel (10). As illustrated in FIGS. 18b and 18c, the panel deformation unit (400) can include at least one arm frame (441, 442) that can extend or contract in one direction, and connecting units (451, 452, 453) that are connected to the display panel (10).

[0226] The first connecting portion (451) extends in the second direction (y direction) and is attached to the outer right side (+x side) of the display panel (10), so as to connect the display panel (10) and the first arm frame (441). The second connecting portion (452) extends in the first direction (x direction) and is attached to the outer upper side (+y side) of the display panel (10), so as to connect the display panel (10) and the second arm frame (442). The third connecting portion (453) is attached to the outer lower left side (-x side and -y side) of the display panel (10), so as to fix the display panel (10) to the first arm frame (441) and the second arm frame (442). The first connecting portion (451), the second connecting portion (452), and the third connecting portion (453) may include an adhesive material such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive to fix the display panel (10) and the panel deformation portion (400).

[0227] The first arm frame (441) can move the first connecting portion (451) in the first direction (x direction) or the fourth direction (-x direction). The first arm frame (441) can include a first part (4411) and a second part (4412) that can be inserted into a hollow space inside the first part (4411). The second part (4412) can be connected to the first connecting portion (451). The first arm frame (441) can include a motor for moving the second part (4412). The second part (4412) can move along the first part (4411) in the first direction (x direction) or the fourth direction (-x direction), thereby elongating the display panel (10) in the first direction (x direction) or contracting it in the fourth direction (-x direction).

[0228] The second arm frame (442) can move the second connecting portion (452) in the second direction (y direction) or the fifth direction (-y direction). The second arm frame (442) can include a third part (4421) and a fourth part (4422) that can be inserted into a hollow space inside the third part (4421). The fourth part (4422) can be connected to the second connecting portion (452). The second arm frame (442) can include a motor for moving the fourth part (4422). The fourth part (4422) moves along the third part (4421) in the second direction (y direction) or the fifth direction (-y direction), so that the display panel (10) can be stretched in the second direction (y direction) or contracted in the fifth direction (-y direction).

[0229] Although FIGS. 18b and 18c disclose a configuration in which the panel deformation unit (400) includes two arm frames, the present invention is not limited thereto. The panel deformation unit (400) may be designed in various ways, such as including one arm frame or four arm frames.

[0230] FIG. 19a is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19b is a diagram illustrating the electronic device of FIG. 19a in a state in which the electronic device is extended in a first direction.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 19a, an electronic device (1) may include a display panel (10) and a housing (HS). The housing (HS) forms the exterior of the electronic device (1) and may expose a display area (DA) of the display panel (10) on the front surface. The housing (HS) is connected to a panel deformation unit (400) and may expand or contract together with the display panel (10).

[0232] Before the display panel (10) is stretched, the display area (DA) may have a first size. The display area (DA) may have a first width (w1) in a first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in a second direction (y direction). The display panel (10) before stretching may have a first resolution. The control unit (510) may load first image data from the memory (570) and transmit a display control signal (DCS) based on the first image data to the display panel (10). The first image data may include information of a first image (Img1) having a first width (w1) in a first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in a second direction (y direction) at the first resolution. The control unit (510) may control the display panel (10) to display the first image (Img1) on the entire surface of the display area (DA).

[0233] The eye tracking unit (542) can detect the user's eye position and eye movement to generate tracking data (ETD). The control unit (510) can determine the user's eye direction from the tracking data (ETD). The strain calculation unit (511) of the control unit (510) can calculate the strain direction and strain of the display panel (10) to elongate the display area (DA) in the determined eye direction.

[0234] For example, when the user's gaze direction moves in the first direction (x direction), the display panel (10) can be stretched in the first direction (x direction). The control unit (510) can control the panel deformation unit (400) according to the deformation direction and deformation rate of the display panel (10). The display panel (10) can be stretched in the first direction (x direction) by the panel deformation unit (400). The display area (DA) of the deformed display panel (10) can have a second width (w2) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). Since the number of pixels arranged in the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) does not change, after the display panel (10) is stretched, the display area (DA) can have a second resolution smaller than the first resolution.

[0235] The control unit (510) can load second image data corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) from the memory (570). The second image data can include information of a first image (Img1) having a first size at a second resolution and information of a second image (Img2) outside the first image (Img1). The control unit (510) can transmit a display control signal (DCS) generated based on the second image data to the display panel (10). The display panel (10) can display the first image (Img1) in the first area (1A) of the display area (DA) and display the second image (Img2) in the second area (2A).

[0236] The first area (1A) may have a first size that is the same as the size of the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) in its initial state. The first area (1A) may have a first width (w1) in the first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). Therefore, even after the display panel (10) is deformed, the first image (Img1) may be displayed in substantially the same size. The second area (2A) may be an area outside the first area (1A) in the display area (DA) after stretching.

[0237] In one embodiment, each of the first image (Img1) and the second image (Img2) may be a portion of one image. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, the first image (Img1) may be a left portion of the entire image, and the second image (Img2) may be a right portion of the entire image. The second image (Img2) may be an image that is continuous from the right border of the first image (Img1). The control unit (510) may control the display panel (10) so that the first area (1A) on which the first image (Img1) is displayed is fixedly displayed with respect to the user. For example, the control unit (510) may control the display panel (10) so that the first area (1A) on which the first image (Img1) is displayed is fixedly displayed at the left (-x direction) border of the display area (DA) when the user's gaze direction moves in the first direction (+x direction).

[0238] FIG. 20A is a schematic drawing of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20B is a schematic drawing of the electronic device of FIG. 20A extended in the second direction and the fourth direction.

[0239] Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the display panel (10) can be stretched in two or more directions depending on the user's viewing direction. Before the display panel (10) is stretched, the display area (DA) can have a first size. For example, the display area (DA) can have a first width (w1) in a first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in a second direction (y direction). The display area (DA) of the first size can have a first resolution.

[0240] The control unit (510) can load the first image data from the memory (570) and transmit a display control signal (DCS) generated based on the first image data to the display panel (10). The first image data can include information of a first image (Img1) having a first size at a first resolution. The display panel (10) can display the first image (Img1) on the entire surface of the display area (DA).

[0241] The eye tracking unit (542) can detect the user's eye position and eye movement to generate tracking data (ETD). The control unit (510) can determine the user's eye direction from the tracking data (ETD). The control unit (510) can calculate the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) to elongate the display area (DA) in the user's eye direction, for example, in the second direction (y direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction).

[0242] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20a, when the user's gaze direction moves in the diagonal direction toward the upper left, the control unit (510) can control the panel deformation unit (400) to elongate the display panel (10) in the second direction (y direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction). The control unit (510) can control the panel deformation unit (400) according to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10). The display area (DA) of the elongated display panel (10) can have a second size. The display area (DA) of the elongated display panel (10) can have a second width (w2) greater than the first width (w1) in the first direction (x direction) and a second height (h2) greater than the first height (h1) in the second direction (y direction). The elongated display panel (10) can have a second resolution smaller than the first resolution.

[0243] The control unit (510) can load second image data corresponding to the deformation direction and strain rate of the display panel (10) generated from the memory (570). The second image data can include information of a first image (Img1) having a first size at a second resolution and information of a second image (Img2). The control unit (510) can transmit a display control signal (DCS) generated based on the second image data to the display panel (10). The stretched display panel (10) can display the first image (Img1) in a first area (1A), which is a part of the display area (DA), and display the second image (Img2) in a second area (2A), which is the remaining part, according to the display control signal (DCS).

[0244] The first area (1A) may have substantially the same size as the display area (DA) of the display panel (10) before stretching. The first area (1A) may have a first width (w1) in a first direction (x direction) and a first height (h1) in a second direction (y direction). Therefore, even after the display panel (10) is deformed, the first image (Img1) may be displayed in substantially the same size. The position at which the first area (1A) is displayed is fixed with respect to the user, so that the user may perceive that the size and position of the first image (Img1) are fixed while the display panel (10) is stretched. For example, the control unit (510) can control the display panel (10) so that the first area (1A) on which the first image (Img) is displayed is fixed and displayed on the right (+x direction) boundary and the lower (-y direction) boundary of the display area (DA) when the user's gaze direction increases in the second direction (y direction) and the fourth direction (-x direction). The second area (2A) may be an area outside the first area (1A).

[0245] In one embodiment, the first image (Img1) and the second image (Img2) may each be a portion of a single image. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20b, the first image (Img1) may include a portion of the lower right side of the entire image, and the second image (Img2) may include a portion of the left side and an upper side of the entire image. The second image (Img2) may be an image that continues from the left border and the upper border of the first image (Img1). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device (1) may provide a new user experience by naturally expanding or contracting the display panel (10) according to the movement of the user's gaze.

[0246] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. In an electronic device having a flexible display panel, A stretchable display panel comprising a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area; A deformation detection unit that detects the deformation direction and deformation rate of the above display panel and generates deformation data; A memory for storing multiple image data; and comprising at least one processor; At least one processor, An electronic device configured to receive the deformation data, identify an event in which the display area having the first size expands to a second size while displaying the first image having the first size, and control the display panel to display the first image having the first size on a portion of the display area and display the second image on the remaining portion of the display area.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, wherein the at least one processor is configured to load first image data from the memory based on the display area having the first size, generate a display control signal based on the first image data, and transmit the display control signal to the display panel, and load second image data from the memory based on the display area having the second size, and generate the display control signal based on the second image data, and transmit the display control signal to the display panel.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first image data includes information of the first image having the first size at the first resolution, An electronic device wherein the second image data includes information of the first image having the first size at the second resolution and information of the second image.

4. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein each of the first image and the second image is a portion of one image.

5. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Based on the display area having the first size, the first software application is configured to be executed in the foreground state and the second software application is configured to be executed in the background state. The above first image is a user interface of the first software application, The second image is an electronic device that is a user interface of the second software application.

6. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, An electronic device configured to identify a deformation direction of the display panel and determine a position of the first image in the display area according to the deformation direction.

7. In paragraph 6, At least one processor, An electronic device configured to display a boundary of the first image by fixing it to one side of the display area on the expanded display panel.

8. In paragraph 6, At least one processor, An electronic device configured to display the center of the first image by fixing it to the center of the display area in the expanded display panel.

9. In an electronic device having a flexible display panel, A stretchable display panel comprising a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area; A panel deformation device that extends or contracts the above display panel; An eye tracking unit that detects the user's eye position and eye movement to generate tracking data; Memory for storing multiple image data; and comprising at least one processor; At least one processor, An electronic device configured to receive the tracking data, calculate a deformation direction and a deformation rate of the display panel based on the tracking data while the display area having the first size displays a first image having the first size, control the panel deformation device to have a second size according to the deformation direction and the deformation rate, and control the display panel to display the first image having the first size on a part of the display area and display the second image on the remaining part of the display area.

10. In paragraph 9, At least one processor, An electronic device configured to load first image data from the memory based on the display area having the first size, generate a display control signal based on the first image data, and transmit the generated display control signal to the display panel, and to load second image data from the memory based on the display area having the second size, and generate the display control signal based on the second image data, and transmit the generated display control signal to the display panel.

11. In paragraph 10, The above first image data includes information of the first image having the first size at the first resolution, An electronic device wherein the second image data includes information of the first image having the first size at the second resolution and information of the second image.

12. In paragraph 11, An electronic device wherein each of the first image and the second image is a portion of one image.

13. A method for driving an electronic device having a flexible display panel, A step of displaying a first image in a display area having a first size; A step of generating deformation data including deformation direction and deformation rate of the display panel; A step of loading corresponding image data from memory according to the above transformation data; and A method for driving an electronic device, comprising: displaying a first image having a first size on a portion of the display area extended to a second size, and displaying a second image on the remaining portion of the display area.

14. In paragraph 13, The electronic device further includes a deformation detection unit that detects the deformation direction and deformation rate of the display panel to generate deformation data, A method for driving an electronic device, wherein the deformation direction and the deformation rate of the display panel are detected based on the electrical characteristics or optical characteristics of the deformation detection unit.

15. In paragraph 13, In the step of displaying the first image on the front of the display area having the first size, the first image is displayed at a first resolution, A method for driving an electronic device, wherein, in the step of displaying the first image on a part of the display area having the second size and displaying the second image on the remaining part of the display area, the first image and the second image are displayed at a second resolution lower than the first resolution.

16. In paragraph 13, A method for driving an electronic device, wherein each of the first image and the second image is a part of one image.

17. In paragraph 13, In the step of displaying the first image on the front of the display area having the first size, the first software application is executed in the foreground state, and the second software application is executed in the background state. The above first image is a user interface of the first software application, A method of driving an electronic device, wherein the second image is a user interface of the second software application.

18. In paragraph 13, The step of displaying the first image in a part of the display area having the second size and displaying the second image in the remaining part of the display area is as follows: A method for driving an electronic device, comprising: a step of determining a position of the first image in the display area according to the deformation direction; 19. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a step of controlling a panel deformation device configured to elongate or contract the display panel so that the display area has a second size according to the deformation direction and the strain rate; The step of generating the above-mentioned transformed data is: A step of generating tracking data by detecting the user's eye position and eye movement by the eye tracking unit; and A method for driving an electronic device, comprising: a step of calculating a deformation direction and a deformation rate of the display panel based on the tracking data; 20. In paragraph 19, A step of controlling the panel deformation device so that the extended display area shrinks to the first size according to the deformation data; and A step of loading corresponding image data from memory according to the above transformation data; and A method for driving an electronic device, further comprising: a step of displaying the first image in a display area having the first size.

Images