Display device and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising multiple first areas spaced apart from each other in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second area for connecting the multiple first areas. The display device comprises: a substrate; multiple light emitting elements arranged on the substrate to overlap the multiple first areas; and a strain sensor layer overlapping the multiple light emitting elements, wherein the second area includes: multiple (2-1)-th areas for connecting two areas spaced apart from each other in the first direction among the multiple first areas; and multiple (2-2)-th areas for connecting two areas spaced apart from each in the second direction among the multiple first areas, and the strain sensor layer includes a first sensing line that senses elongation and contraction of the substrate in the first direction, extends in the first direction, and overlaps each of the multiple first areas and the multiple (2-1)-th areas.

Description

Display device and electronic device including the same

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] In general, as display panels that visually display electrical signals evolve, various display panels with excellent characteristics such as thinness, lightness, and / or low power consumption, and electronic devices containing them are being introduced. For example, research and development is actively underway on display panels of various structures, such as flexible display panels that can be folded or rolled into a roll shape, and / or stretchable display panels, and electronic devices containing them.

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a display device and an electronic device including the same, which have improved stretchability and realize an image of excellent quality even when stretched. However, these objectives are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a display device comprising a plurality of first regions spaced apart from each other along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second region connecting the plurality of first regions, the display device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate to overlap with the plurality of first regions; and a strain sensor layer overlapping with the plurality of light-emitting elements; wherein the second region comprises a plurality of second-1 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the first direction; and a plurality of second-2 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the second direction; and wherein the strain sensor layer includes a first detection line that detects the stretching of the substrate in the first direction, extends in the first direction, and overlaps with each of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second-1 regions.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first detection line may be spaced apart from the plurality of second-2 regions on a plane.

[0006] In one embodiment, the plurality of first regions may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first centerline extending in the first direction and a second centerline extending in the second direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first sensing line is provided in a plurality of numbers, and on a plane, at least one of the plurality of first regions may be spaced apart from the plurality of first sensing lines.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plurality of first sensing lines may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first center line extending in the first direction and a second center line extending in the second direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the strain sensor layer may further include a second sensing line that detects stretching of the substrate in the first direction, extends in the second direction, and overlaps with the plurality of second-1 regions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second detection line may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second-second regions on a plane.

[0011] In one embodiment, on a plane, the first detection line and the second detection line may intersect in the plurality of second-1 regions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second detection lines are provided in a plurality, and on a plane, at least one of the plurality of second-1 regions may be spaced apart from the plurality of second detection lines.

[0013] In one embodiment, the strain sensor layer may further include a second sensing line that detects stretching of the substrate in the second direction, extends in the second direction, and overlaps with each of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second-second regions.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second detection line may be spaced apart from a plurality of second-1 regions on a plane.

[0015] In one embodiment, on a plane, the first detection line and the second detection line may intersect in the plurality of first regions.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an electronic device comprising a plurality of first regions spaced apart from each other along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second region connecting the plurality of first regions, wherein the device comprises: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate to overlap with the plurality of first regions; and a strain sensor layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements; wherein the second region comprises a plurality of second-1 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the first direction; and a plurality of second-2 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the second direction; and wherein the strain sensor layer comprises a first sensing line extending in the first direction that detects the stretching of the substrate in the first direction; and a second sensing line extending in the second direction that detects the stretching of the substrate in the first direction, and wherein the first sensing line and the second sensing line intersect in the second-1 region.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first detection line and the second detection line may each be spaced apart from the plurality of second-2 regions.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first detection line may be provided in a plurality of numbers spaced apart from each other along the second direction, and the second detection line may be provided in a plurality of numbers spaced apart from each other along the first direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, on a plane, at least one of the plurality of first regions may be spaced apart from the plurality of first detection lines.

[0020] In one embodiment, on a plane, at least one of the plurality of second-1 regions may be spaced apart from the plurality of second detection lines.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an electronic device comprising a plurality of first regions spaced apart from each other along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second region connecting the plurality of first regions, wherein the device comprises: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate to overlap with the plurality of first regions; and a strain sensor layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements; wherein the second region comprises a plurality of second-1 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the first direction; and a plurality of second-2 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the second direction; and wherein the strain sensor layer comprises a first sensing line extending in the first direction that detects the stretching of the substrate in the first direction; and a second sensing line extending in the second direction that detects the stretching of the substrate in the second direction, and wherein the first sensing line and the second sensing line intersect in the first region.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second region further includes a plurality of second-third regions disposed between the plurality of second-first regions and the plurality of second-third regions; and the first detection line and the second detection line may each be spaced apart from the plurality of second-third regions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first detection line may be provided in a plurality of numbers spaced apart from each other along the second direction, and the second detection line may be provided in a plurality of numbers spaced apart from each other along the first direction.

[0024] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device that implements an image of excellent quality with improved elasticity and an electronic device including the same may be provided. The aforementioned effects are exemplary and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b are perspective views showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction.

[0028] FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction.

[0029] FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0030] FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIGS. 4a, FIGS. 4b, and FIGS. 4c are each equivalent circuit diagrams of a pixel included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 5a and FIGS. 5b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a cross-section along line I-I' of the display device shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 7a and FIGS. 7b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIGS. 8a and FIGS. 8b are plan views schematically showing a portion of a display area according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are plan views schematically illustrating a strain sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a strain sensor layer and an elongation compensation part according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0039] FIG. 11 is a diagram for schematically explaining the operation of an expansion compensation member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 12a and FIGS. 12b are plan views schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 16a to 16d are plan views schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGS. 19a to 19g are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of electronic devices including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Now, with reference to the attached drawings, the embodiments illustrated therein will be described in detail. As such, the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. The embodiments may take different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents described herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are described below only to explain the various aspects and features of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. The term "and / or" as used herein means any combination including one or more of the items listed in relation thereto. The expression "at least one of a, b, or c" (or "at least one of a, b, and c") as used throughout this specification means including only a, only b, only c, a and b, a and c, b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0049] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0052] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0053] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0054] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a film, region, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is directly on top of another part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed in between.

[0055] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0056] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes in an orthogonal coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0057] Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the description.

[0058] In this specification, "on a plane" means a plane viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a). That is, "A and B spaced apart from each other on a plane" means "A and B spaced apart from each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a)."

[0059] In this specification, "on a cross-section" means a plane cut in a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a). That is, "A and B spaced apart from each other on a plane" means "A and B spaced apart from each other on a plane cut in a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a)."

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand, considering the overall description in this specification, that suitable features of each of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined or combined with one another in some or all and operated in technically linked ways in various suitable ways, and that, unless otherwise stated or implied, each embodiment may be implemented independently or linked with one another in any suitable way.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction. FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction. FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction. FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (1) may be a stretchable display device that can be stretched or contracted in various directions. The display device (1) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) disposed along the edge or periphery of the display area (DA). The display area (DA) may include a plurality of pixels. The display device (1) may provide a predetermined image using light emitted from a plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) is disposed outside the display area (DA) and may be referred to as a periphery area. The non-display area (NDA) may completely surround the display area (DA).

[0063] The display device (1) may be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) by an external force applied by an external object and / or a user. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) may be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, the display device (1) may be extended along the x direction and -x direction, or one side of the display device (1) may be fixed while extending in the x direction or -x direction. FIG. 2b illustrates an example in which one side of the display device (1) is fixed while extending along the x direction.

[0064] The display device (1) can be extended in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) by an external force applied by an external object and / or a user. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2c, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the y direction and the -y direction. In another embodiment, one side of the display device (1) can be extended in the y direction or the -y direction while remaining fixed.

[0065] The display device (1) can be extended in multiple directions, for example, a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction) by an external force applied by an external object and / or part of a person's body. As shown in FIG. 2d, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the ±x direction and ±y direction.

[0066] The display device (1) can be extended in a third direction (e.g., z direction or -z direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. In one embodiment, FIG. 2e illustrates a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), protruding in the z direction. In another embodiment, a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), may protrude along the -z direction (or be sunken along the z direction).

[0067] FIGS. 2a to 2e illustrate a display device (1) extended in a first direction, a second direction, and / or a third direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device (1) may be deformed into various irregular shapes, such as having two or more axes, such as being bent or twisted. In yet another embodiment, the display device (1) may be a foldable display device that folds and unfolds based on a folding axis extending in one direction, or a rollable display device that can be rolled or unfolded around a virtual axis.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the display device (1) may include a display panel (DP), a display driving unit (DDC), and a stretching compensation unit (SCC). The display panel (DP) may include a display layer (200) and a strain sensor layer (600).

[0070] The display layer (200) may include pixels (PX), scan lines (SL_1 to SL_m) connected to the pixels (PX), data lines (DL_1 to DL_n), and power lines (PL). For ease of understanding, only one pixel (PXij) located in the i-th row and j-th column is shown in FIG. 3, but m x n pixels (PX) may be arranged, for example, in a matrix form. Here, i is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and n is a natural number.

[0071] FIG. 3 describes a pixel (PX) employing a pixel driving circuit comprising two transistors and one capacitor solely for exemplary purposes. However, the present invention is not applicable only to a pixel (PX) employing such a specific pixel driving circuit, but can be equally applied to other pixel driving circuits, such as a pixel (PX) employing a pixel driving circuit comprising three transistors and one capacitor, or a pixel (PX) employing a pixel driving circuit comprising seven transistors and one capacitor.

[0072] Pixels (PX) are connected to scan lines (SL_1 to SL_m), data lines (DL_1 to DL_n), and power lines (PL). For example, a pixel (PXij) located in row i, column j can be connected to a scan line (SL_i), a data line (DL_j), and a power line (PL).

[0073] Data lines (DL_1 to DL_n) can be extended in a second direction (y direction) and connected to pixels (PX) located in the same column. Scan lines (SL_1 to SL_m) can be extended in a first direction (x direction) and connected to pixels (PX) located in the same row. Power lines (PL) can be extended in a second direction (y direction) and connected to pixels (PX) located in the same column.

[0074] The display driving unit (DDC) may include a gate driving unit (22), a data driving unit (23), a timing control unit (24), and a voltage generating unit (25).

[0075] Each of the scan lines (SL_1 to SL_m) transmits scan signals (Sn_1 to Sn_m) output from the gate driver (22) to pixels (PX) in the same row. Each of the data lines (DL_1 to DL_n) transmits data signals (Dm_1 to Dm_n) output from the data driver (23) to pixels (PX) in the same column. A pixel (PXij) located in the i-th row and j-th column receives the scan signal (Sn_i) and the data signal (Dm_j).

[0076] The power lines (PL) transmit the first power voltage (VDD) output from the voltage generation unit (25) to the pixels (PX).

[0077] A pixel (PXij) includes a driving transistor that controls the magnitude of the current flowing to a light-emitting element based on a light-emitting element and a data signal (Dm_j). The data signal (Dm_j) is output from a data driving unit (23) and received by the pixel (PXij) through a data line (DL_j). The light-emitting element may be, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). By the light-emitting element emitting light with a brightness corresponding to the magnitude of the current received from the driving transistor, the pixel (PXij) can express a grayscale corresponding to the data signal (Dm_j).

[0078] The voltage generating unit (25) can generate voltages required for driving the pixel (PXij). For example, the voltage generating unit (25) can generate a first power supply voltage (VDD) and a second power supply voltage (VSS). The level of the first power supply voltage (VDD) may be higher than the level of the second power supply voltage (VSS).

[0079] The voltage generating unit (25) can generate an initialization voltage and provide it to the pixels (PX). The initialization voltage can be applied to the gate of the driving transistor and / or the anode of the light-emitting element.

[0080] Additionally, the voltage generation unit (25) may generate a turn-on voltage and a turn-off voltage to control the switching transistor of the pixel (PXij) and provide them to the gate driving unit (22). When the turn-on voltage is applied to the gate of the switching transistor, the switching transistor is turned on, and when the turn-off voltage is applied to the gate of the switching transistor, the switching transistor is turned off. The voltage generation unit (25) may also generate gamma reference voltages and provide them to the data driving unit (23).

[0081] The timing control unit (24) can control the pixels (PX) by controlling the operation timing of the gate driving unit (22) and the data driving unit (23). The pixels (PX) of the display layer (200) receive a new data signal (Dm) every frame period and emit light with a brightness corresponding to the data signal (Dm), thereby displaying an image corresponding to the image source data (RGB) of one frame.

[0082] The timing control unit (24) receives image source data (RGB) and a display control signal (CONT) from the outside. The timing control unit (24) can convert the image source data (RGB) into image data (DATA) based on the electrical characteristics of the display layer (200), etc. The timing control unit (24) can provide the image data (DATA) to the data driving unit (23).

[0083] The display control signal (CONT) may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal, a clock signal, etc. The timing control unit (24) can control the operation timing of the gate driving unit (22) and the data driving unit (23) using the display control signal (CONT). The timing control unit (24) can determine the frame period by counting the data enable signal of the horizontal scanning period. The image source data (RGB) includes luminance information of the pixels (PX). The luminance may have a fixed number of grays, for example, 1024 (=210), 256 (=28), or 64 (=26).

[0084] The timing control unit (24) can generate control signals including a gate timing control signal (GCC) for controlling the operation timing of the gate driving unit (22) and a data timing control signal (DCC) for controlling the operation timing of the data driving unit (23).

[0085] The gate driving unit (22) sequentially generates scan signals (Sn_1 to Sn_m) in response to a gate timing control signal (GCC) supplied from the timing control unit (24) using a turn-on voltage or turn-off voltage provided from the voltage generating unit (25).

[0086] The data driver (23) samples and latches image data (DATA) supplied from the timing control unit (24) in response to a data timing control signal (DCC) supplied from the timing control unit (24), and converts it into data of a parallel data system. When converting to data of a parallel data system, the data driver (23) converts the image data (DATA) into a gamma reference voltage and converts it into an analog data signal (Dm). The data driver (23) provides data signals (Dm_1 to Dm_n) to pixels (PX) through data lines (DL_1 to DL_n). The pixels (PX) receive data signals (Dm_1 to Dm_n) in response to scan signals (Sn_1 to Sn_m).

[0087] In one embodiment, the display driver (DDC) may be provided in the non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1). The gate driver (22), data driver (23), timing control unit (24), and voltage generation unit (25) of the display driver (DDC) may each be formed as separate integrated circuit chips or as a single integrated circuit chip and may be placed on a flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to a pad placed on one side of the substrate.

[0088] In another embodiment, part or all of the gate driver (22) may be formed directly in the non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) during the process of forming the pixel driver circuit of the display area (DA). The data driver (23), the timing control unit (24), and the voltage generation unit (25) may each be formed in the form of separate integrated circuit chips or a single integrated circuit chip and may be placed on an FPCB electrically connected to a pad placed on one side of the substrate. In another embodiment, the data driver (23) and the timing control unit (24) may be placed directly on the substrate in a Chip On Plastic (COP) manner.

[0089] The strain sensor layer (600) may be placed overlapping the display layer (200). The strain sensor layer (600) may be placed overlapping a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs, see FIG. 6). It may include first detection lines (HSLs) extended in a first direction (x direction) and second detection lines (VSLs) extended in a second direction (y direction). Although only one first detection line (HSL) and one second detection line (VSL) are shown in FIG. 3, at least two first detection lines (HSLs) and two second detection lines (VSLs) may be arranged. For example, k (where k is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) of first detection lines (HSLs) may be provided and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (y direction). The second detection lines (VSL) are provided in l (where l is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) and may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (x direction). The first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL) may intersect each other in a display area (DA, see FIG. 1) to form a mesh structure on a plane. The electrical characteristics of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL) may change according to the expansion and contraction of the display panel (DP). The change in electrical characteristics may include a change in voltage or current of each of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL).

[0090] The expansion compensation unit (SCC) can measure the electrical characteristic values ​​of each of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL), generate comparison data by comparing with a reference value, and generate expansion compensation data (SCD) and / or protection control signals (PCS) based on the comparison data and transmit them to the display driving unit (DDC).

[0091] For each of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL), the comparison data may have one of two values ​​by comparing a characteristic value (e.g., measured voltage) with a corresponding reference value (e.g., reference voltage). For example, when the characteristic value of either of the first detection lines (HSL) or the second detection line (VSL) is less than or equal to the reference value, the comparison data may have a first value (e.g., low level voltage) for that detection line. When the characteristic value of either of the first detection lines (HSL) or the second detection line (VSL) is greater than the reference value, the comparison data may have a second value (e.g., high level voltage) for that detection line.

[0092] The stretching compensation unit (SCC) can divide the display area (DA) into multiple sub-areas and generate stretching compensation data (SCD) that compensates the image data (DATA) on a sub-area basis based on comparison data. Compensating the image data (DATA) on a sub-area basis means selecting a sub-area that requires compensation due to stretching, and changing the data signals of the pixels included in the selected sub-area based on the image data (DATA) and stretching compensation data (SCD) in order to compensate the luminance and / or color coordinates of the pixels included in the selected sub-area. The stretching compensation unit (SCC) can select a lookup table corresponding to the comparison data from among a plurality of lookup tables stored in memory in advance, and generate stretching compensation data (SCD) based on the selected lookup table. In one embodiment, the lookup table may include gamma compensation values.

[0093] In one embodiment, the stretching compensation unit (SCC) determines a stretching step for each of the sub-regions based on comparison data and can generate different stretching compensation data (SCD) according to the stretching step. For example, in the first stretching step, the stretching compensation data (SCD) may include compensation values ​​for compensating the color coordinates of the stretched sub-regions. In the second stretching step, the stretching compensation data (SCD) may include compensation values ​​for compensating the luminance of the stretched sub-regions of the image data (DATA). In the third stretching step, the stretching compensation unit (SCC) may generate a protection control signal (PCS) for controlling the first power supply voltage (VDD) and / or the second power supply voltage (VSS). In the fourth stretching step, the stretching compensation unit (SCC) may generate a mechanism control signal for controlling the operation of the stretching mechanism that stretches the display device (1). The step-by-step operation of the stretching compensation unit (SCC) is exemplary and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, some steps may be omitted or added, and two or more actions may be performed simultaneously in each step.

[0094] FIGS. 4a, FIGS. 4b, and FIGS. 4c are equivalent circuit diagrams of a pixel (PX, see FIG. 3) included in a display device (1, see FIG. 3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 4a, a pixel (PX, see FIG. 3) may include a light-emitting element (LED) and a pixel driving circuit (PC) electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED). The pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel driving 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). The first voltage line (VDDL) may be configured to correspond to the power line (PL) shown in FIG. 3.

[0096] 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 the gate electrode of the second transistor (T2). The second transistor (T2) may be a switching transistor that is turned on or turned 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) to transmit a data signal (Dm) input from the data line (DL) to the first transistor (T1).

[0097] 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).

[0098] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor capable of controlling the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED). The first transistor (T1) can be connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) and the light-emitting element (LED). The first transistor (T1) can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED) from the first voltage line (VDDL) in correspondence with the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting element (LED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current. The first electrode (anode) of the light-emitting element (LED) is electrically connected to the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode (cathode) can be electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) which supplies the second power supply voltage (common power supply voltage) (VSS).

[0099] FIG. 4a illustrates that the pixel driving circuit (PC) includes two transistors and one storage capacitor, but in other embodiments, the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include three or more transistors.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4b, the pixel driving circuit (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 driving 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 a light emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include a first initialization voltage line (VL1), a second initialization voltage line (VL2), a first voltage line (VDDL), and a second voltage line (VSSL).

[0101] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VL1) can transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VL2) can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to the pixel driving circuit (PC).

[0102] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and receives a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supplies a driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0103] The second to seventh transistors (T2 to T7) may be switching transistors that are turned on or turned off depending on the gate-source voltage or the gate voltage.

[0104] The second transistor (T2) is a data write 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 according 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).

[0105] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and can connect the first transistor (T1) to the diode.

[0106] 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) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), thereby initializing 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 placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0107] The fifth transistor (T5) may be an operation control transistor, and the sixth transistor (T6) may be a light-emitting control transistor. The fifth transistor (T5) and the sixth transistor (T6) are electrically connected to the light-emitting control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on according to the light-emitting control signal (EM) received through the light-emitting control line (EML) to form a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting element (LED).

[0108] 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 (VL2), the sixth transistor (T6), and the light-emitting element (LED). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2), and can initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) by transmitting the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0109] 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 across the first voltage line (VDDL) and the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 4c, the pixel driving circuit (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).

[0111] The pixel driving 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 a light emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VL1, VL2), a holding voltage line (VL3), a first voltage line (VDDL), and a second voltage line (VSSL).

[0112] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VL1) can transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VL2) can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The holding voltage line (VL3) can provide the holding voltage (VSUS) to the second capacitor electrode (CE2) of the second node (N2), for example, the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization section and the data writing section.

[0113] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8), and can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and can receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supply driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0114] The second to ninth transistors (T2 to T9) may be switching transistors that are turned on or turned off depending on the gate-source voltage or the gate voltage.

[0115] 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 according 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).

[0116] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and connects the first transistor (T1) to the diode, thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0117] The fourth transistor (T4) is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VL1), and is turned on according to the third scan signal (GI) received through the third scan line (SL3) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VL1) 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 placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0118] 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 according to the light emission control signal (EM) received through the light emission control line (EML) to form a current path so that driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting element (LED).

[0119] 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 (VL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on according 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 (VL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0120] The ninth transistor (T9) can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second capacitor electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), and the holding voltage line (VL3). The ninth transistor (T9) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2), and can transmit a holding voltage (VSUS) to the second node (N2), such as the second capacitor electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization period and the data writing period.

[0121] The eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9) can each be electrically connected to the second node (N2), for example, the second capacitor electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst). In some embodiments, the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned off and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned on during the initialization period and the data writing period, and the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned on and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned off during the light emission period. Since the second node (N2) receives the holding voltage (VSUS) during the initialization period and the data writing period, the uniformity of the brightness of the display device (e.g., LRU, Long Range Uniformity) due to the voltage drop of the first voltage line (VDDL) can be improved.

[0122] 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).

[0123] The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor (T6), the holding voltage line (VL3), and the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED). By storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) and the holding voltage line (VL3) while the seventh transistor (T7) and the ninth transistor (T9) are turned on, the auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can prevent the problem of black brightness rising when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0124] FIGS. 5a and FIGS. 5b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a cross-section along line I-I' of the display device (1, see FIG. 1) shown in FIG. 1.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, a display device (1, see FIG. 1) may include a display panel (DP). The display panel (DP) may include a first surface (fs) and a second surface (bs) facing the first surface (fs). In this specification, if a first component is located closer to the first surface (fs) than a second component in the display panel (DP), it means that the first component is placed on the second component, and if a second component is located closer to the second surface (bs) than the first component, it means that the second component is placed below the first component.

[0126] The display panel (DP) may include a substrate (100), a display layer (200), an encapsulation layer (300), a strain sensor layer (600), and a touch sensor layer (400).

[0127] The substrate (100) may be a stretchable substrate that can be stretched or contracted in a predetermined direction. The substrate (100) may include a stretchable material, such as a stretchable polymer resin. In some embodiments, the substrate (100) may include an elastomer. The elastomer may include an organic elastomer, an organic-inorganic elastomer, or a combination thereof. For example, the substrate (100) may include a silicon-based elastomer such as polydimethylsiloxane, a styrene-based elastomer, an olefin-based elastomer, a polyurethane, or a mixture thereof. The substrate (100) may have a single layer or a multilayer structure.

[0128] A display layer (200) may be disposed on a substrate (100). The display layer (200) may be a layer that displays an image and includes a plurality of pixels (PX, see FIG. 3). The display layer (200) may include a pixel circuit layer (PCL) and a light-emitting element layer (DEL) on the pixel circuit layer (PCL). The pixel circuit layer (PCL) may include a pixel driving circuit unit (PC, see FIG. 4a to 4c), signal lines electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit unit (PC), and outer circuits disposed in a non-display area (NDA, see FIG. 1). The light-emitting element layer (DEL) may include light-emitting elements. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element may be a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0129] A sealing layer (300) for sealing light-emitting elements may be disposed on the display layer (200). In one embodiment, the sealing layer (300) may include a structure in which an inorganic sealing layer containing an inorganic insulating material and an organic sealing layer containing an organic insulating material are laminated. In another embodiment, the sealing layer (300) may include an organic material such as resin, urethane, epoxy, and / or acrylate. In yet another embodiment, the sealing layer (300) may include a photosensitive material, such as a photoresist.

[0130] A strain sensor layer (600) may be disposed on the encapsulation layer (300). The strain sensor layer (600) may include detection lines whose electrical characteristics change according to the expansion and contraction of the display panel (DP). In one embodiment, the expansion and contraction of the display panel (DP) can be detected by measuring the voltage of the detection lines included in the strain sensor layer (600). In another embodiment, the expansion and contraction of the display panel (DP) can be detected by measuring the current of the detection lines included in the strain sensor layer (600).

[0131] In one embodiment, the strain sensor layer (600) may be formed through a continuous process with the encapsulation layer (300). For example, the strain sensor layer (600) may be formed directly on the base surface provided by the encapsulation layer (300). In another embodiment, the strain sensor layer (600) may be attached to the encapsulation layer (300) using an adhesive layer or the like.

[0132] A touch sensor layer (400) may be disposed on a strain sensor layer (600). The touch sensor layer (400) may include touch electrodes, touch signal lines, and touch insulating layers disposed below and / or above the touch electrodes. The display device may detect whether a user has made a touch input and the touch location by measuring the change in capacitance of the touch electrodes.

[0133] In one embodiment, the touch sensor layer (400) may be formed through a continuous process with the strain sensor layer (600). For example, the touch sensor layer (400) may be formed directly on the base surface provided by the strain sensor layer (600). In another embodiment, the touch sensor layer (400) may be composed of a separate panel and attached to the strain sensor layer (600) using an adhesive layer or the like.

[0134] FIG. 5a illustrates a strain sensor layer (600) disposed between an encapsulation layer (300) and a touch sensor layer (400), but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 5b, the strain sensor layer (600) may be disposed on the back surface of the substrate (100), for example, on the second surface (bs) of the display panel (DP). In another embodiment, the strain sensor layer (600) may be disposed between the substrate (100) and the display layer (200), or on the touch sensor layer (400). In yet another embodiment, the strain sensor layer (600) may be integrally formed with the display layer (200) or the touch sensor layer (400). For example, the sensing lines constituting the strain sensor may be disposed on some of the conductive layers included in the display layer (200) or the touch sensor layer (400).

[0135] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 6, the display area (DA) may include a first area (11) and a second area (12), and the second area (12) may be an area connecting the first areas (11) that are arranged adjacent to each other. The first area (11) may include a light-emitting element (LED) and a circuit for driving the light-emitting element (LED), such as a pixel driving circuit unit (PC). The second area (12) may include a connecting wire (WL) included in a signal line that supplies a signal to each of the pixel driving circuit units (PC).

[0137] The first region (11) and the second region (12) may be formed on the substrate (100). In other words, the substrate (100) may be defined with the first region (11) and the second region (12), respectively. A light-emitting element (LED) and a pixel driving circuit (PC) may be placed on the first region (11) of the substrate (100), and a connecting wire (WL) may be placed on the second region (12) of the substrate (100).

[0138] The substrate (100) can absorb stress that may occur during the stretching of the display panel (DP). The substrate (100) may include an elastomer. For example, the substrate (100) is thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic rubbers, elastolefin, thermoplastic olefin, polyamide, polyether block amide, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), and / or It may include at least one of the ecoflex.

[0139] A display layer (200) may be disposed on a first region (11) of a substrate (100). The display layer (200) may include an inorganic insulating layer (IIL), a pixel driving circuit (PC), an organic insulating layer (OIL), and a light-emitting element (LED). A pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the substrate (100), and an inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may be disposed between electrodes included in the pixel driving circuit (PC). An organic insulating layer (OIL) may be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer (IIL) to cover the pixel driving circuit (PC). A light-emitting element (LED) may be disposed on the organic insulating layer (OIL) and may be electrically connected to the corresponding pixel driving circuit (PC). The inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride and / or silicon oxide, and the organic insulating layer (OIL) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide.

[0140] In one embodiment, a pixel unit (PU) may be disposed on a first region (11). The pixel unit (PU) may include a red pixel (PXr, FIG. 8a), a green pixel (PXg, FIG. 8a), and a blue pixel (PXb, FIG. 8a). The red pixel (PXr, FIG. 8a) may include a first light-emitting element (LED1), the green pixel (PXg, FIG. 8a) may include a second light-emitting element (LED2), and the blue pixel (PXb, FIG. 8a) may include a third light-emitting element (LED3). For example, the first light-emitting element (LED1) may emit red light, the second light-emitting element (LED2) may emit green light, and the third light-emitting element (LED3) may emit blue light. In some embodiments, the light-emitting element (LED) may emit white light.

[0141] A connecting wire (WL) may be disposed on a second region (12) of the substrate (100). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting wire (WL) may be disposed on the substrate (100). In another embodiment, the connecting wire (WL) may be disposed within the substrate (100). The connecting wire (WL) may include a material having both excellent elasticity and electrical properties. In one embodiment, the connecting wires disposed in the second region (12) may include liquid metal. In another embodiment, the connecting wires (WL) may include metal nanostructures and elastic polymers. In yet another embodiment, the connecting wires (WL) may include a conductive composite material including an elastomer.

[0142] An organic insulating layer (OIL) may be disposed on the second region (12) of the substrate (100). In one embodiment, the organic insulating layer (OIL) disposed in the second region (12) may be a portion of the organic insulating layer (OIL) disposed in the first region (11) that extends to the second region (12). When the display panel (DP) is stretched, the second region (12) may undergo relatively more deformation compared to the first region (11). Accordingly, unlike the first region (11), the second region (12) may not have a layer containing an inorganic insulating material that is prone to cracking.

[0143] In one embodiment, an encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on the light-emitting element (LED). The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed in both the first region (11) and the second region (12). That is, the encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed to cover the entire display area (DA). The encapsulation layer (300) may cover the light-emitting element (LED) and the connecting wire (WL). The encapsulation layer (300) may absorb stress that may occur when the display panel (DP) is stretched. Specifically, the encapsulation layer (300) may serve to prevent stress that may occur when the display panel (DP) is stretched from being transmitted to the light-emitting element (LED) and the pixel driving circuit (PC).

[0144] The encapsulation layer (300) may include an elastomer. The encapsulation layer (300) comprises at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic rubbers, elastolefin, thermoplastic olefin, polyamide, polyether block amide, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, and fluoroelastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane). It is possible.

[0145] FIGS. 7a and FIGS. 7b are schematic cross-sectional views showing a light-emitting element (LED, see FIGS. 4A to 4C) of a display device (1, see FIG. 3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 7a, a light-emitting element according to one embodiment of the present invention may be an organic light-emitting diode (220) containing an organic material. The organic light-emitting diode (220) may include a first electrode (221) disposed on an insulating layer (e.g., an organic insulating layer (OIL)), 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).

[0147] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered with a bank layer (BKL) containing an insulating material. The bank layer (BKL) may include an opening (B-OP) that overlaps the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0148] 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 comprising 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 above and below the aforementioned reflective layer.

[0149] The light-emitting layer (223) may include a polymer or low-molecular-weight 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.

[0150] The second electrode (225) may be made of a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the second electrode (225) may include a (semi)transparent layer comprising 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 alloys thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode (225) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on the (semi)transparent layer comprising the aforementioned materials.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 7b, in one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element may include an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) comprising 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 each be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242) disposed on the same layer.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer is In x Al y Ga 1-x-yA semiconductor material having the composition formula N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and p-type dopants such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, and Ba can be doped.

[0153] The second semiconductor layer (232) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer is In x Al y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having the composition formula N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and can be doped with n-type dopants such as Si, Ge, and Sn.

[0154] 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, In x Al y Ga 1-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 (MQW) structure. In addition, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0155] FIG. 7b 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, but 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.

[0156] FIGS. 8a and FIGS. 8b are plan views schematically showing a portion of a display area (DA) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the display area (DA) may include first areas (11) and a second area (12) between the first areas (11). The first area (11) may include at least one unit pixel (PU). The unit pixel may be a minimum repeating unit of pixels having a predetermined arrangement. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8a, the pixels may be arranged in a stripe structure in the display area (DA). One unit pixel (PU) is placed in the first area (11), and the unit pixel (PU) may include one red pixel (PXr), one green pixel (PXg), and one blue pixel (PXb).

[0158] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8b, the pixels are Pentile in the display area (DA). ® It can be arranged in a structure. PENTILE ® The pixel array structure is an RGBG matrix structure (e.g., PENTILE ® It may also be referred to as a matrix structure or RGBG structure. PENTILE ® is a registered trademark of Samsung Display Co., Ltd. of the Republic of Korea.

[0159] A unit pixel (PU) is placed in the first region (11), and the unit pixel (PU) may include one red pixel (PXr), two green pixels (PXg), and one blue pixel (PXb).

[0160] In FIGS. 8a and 8b, the first region (11) has a rectangular shape on a plane, but the first region (11) may have a shape such as a polygon, circle, or other shapes of various shapes such as a hexagon. The second region (12) may be an area through which signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, voltage lines, etc.) that provide signals to pixels arranged in the first regions (11) pass.

[0161] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are plan views schematically illustrating a strain sensor layer (600) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 9a, the display panel (DP) may include a strain sensor layer (600). The strain sensor layer (600) may include first detection lines (HSL) extending in a first direction (x direction) from the display area (DA) and second detection lines (VSL) extending in a second direction (y direction) from the display area (DA).

[0163] The first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the first detection lines (HSL) may be provided in k numbers (k is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), and the second detection lines (VSL) may be provided in l numbers (l is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0164] For example, the first detection line (HSL) may include a first-1 detection line (HSL1) crossing the upper (+y side) area of ​​the display area (DA) in the first direction (x direction), a first-2 detection line (HSL2) crossing the center area in the first direction (x direction), and a first-3 detection line (HSL3) crossing the lower (-y side) area in the first direction (x direction). The second detection line (VSL) may include a second-1 detection line (VSL1) crossing the left (-x side) area of ​​the display area (DA) in the second direction (y direction), a second-2 detection line (VSL2) crossing the center area of ​​the display area (DA) in the second direction (y direction), and a second-3 detection line (VSL3) crossing the right (+x side) area of ​​the display area (DA) in the second direction (y direction). That is, three first detection lines (HSL) and three second detection lines (VSL) can be placed in the display area (DA).

[0165] In one embodiment, each of the second detection lines (VSL) may include a pair of sub-detection lines crossing the display area (DA). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9a, the second-1 detection line (VSL1) may include a second-11 sub-detection line (VSL1a) and a second-12 sub-detection line (VSL1b), the second-2 detection line (VSL2) may include a second-21 sub-detection line (VSL2a) and a second-22 sub-detection line (VSL2b), and the second-3 detection line (VSL3) may include a second-31 sub-detection line (VSL3a) and a second-32 sub-detection line (VSL3b). A pair of sub-detection lines may be arranged adjacent to each other and may be connected to each other in the non-display area (NDA).

[0166] In FIG. 9a, each of the second detection lines (VSL) includes a pair of sub-detection lines and is arranged to cross the display area (DA) twice, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Referring to FIG. 9b, each of the second detection lines (VSL) may be arranged to cross the display area (DA) once. For example, each of the second detection lines (VSL) may include a first part connected to a corresponding vertical input line (VIL, see FIG. 10) and extending to the upper side (+y side) of the display panel (DP) to cross the display area (DA), and a second part connected to a corresponding vertical output line (VOL, see FIG. 10) and extending to the lower side (-y side) of the display panel (DP) along the non-display area (NDA) by bypassing the display area (DA).

[0167] The first sensing lines (HSL) and the second sensing lines (VSL) may intersect each other in the display area (DA) to form a mesh structure on a plane. The first sensing lines (HSL) and the second sensing lines (VSL) may be arranged on different layers and may be electrically separated by at least one insulating layer.

[0168] FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate a strain sensor layer (600) having three first detection lines (HSL) and three second detection lines (VSL), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of detection lines in the strain sensor layer (600) can be varied, such as including two first detection lines (HSL) and two second detection lines (VSL), or including four first detection lines (HSL) and two second detection lines (VSL). Additionally, the first detection lines (HSL) and second detection lines (VSL) may be arranged more densely in vulnerable areas where stress caused by stretching is concentrated, taking into account the stretching direction and elongation rate of the display panel (DP).

[0169] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a strain sensor layer (600, see FIG. 9a) and a stretching compensation unit (SCC) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for schematically explaining the operation of a stretching compensation unit (SCC) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 10, the display device (1, see FIG. 3) may include a display panel (DP), a first circuit board (50), a second circuit board (60), and a third circuit board (70) connected to the second circuit board (60) through a connector (FFC).

[0171] The display panel (DP) can be electrically connected to the first circuit board (50) through a pad disposed on one side of the substrate. In one embodiment, the first circuit board (50) may be a flexible printed circuit board on which at least a portion of the display driving unit (DDC) is disposed. The first circuit board (50) may be electrically connected to the second circuit board (60) through a pad disposed on one side of the first circuit board (50). In one embodiment, the second circuit board (60) may be a printed circuit board.

[0172] Horizontal input lines, horizontal output lines, vertical input lines, and vertical output lines may be arranged on the first circuit board (50) and the second circuit board (60). FIG. 10 shows only the first horizontal input line (HIL1), the first horizontal output line (HOL1), the first vertical input line (VIL1), and the first vertical output line (VOL1) for convenience of explanation.

[0173] The first horizontal input line (HIL1), the first horizontal output line (HOL1), the first vertical input line (VIL1), and the first vertical output line (VOL1) can be connected to the expansion compensation unit (SCC) through a connector (FFC) connected to a pad portion (PD) disposed on one side of the second circuit board (60). The expansion compensation unit (SCC) can be disposed on the third circuit board (70).

[0174] The horizontal input lines may include a first horizontal input line (HIL1) connected to a first-1 detection line (HSL1, see FIG. 9a). One end of the first horizontal input line (HIL1) is connected to a stretching compensation unit (SCC) and the other end is connected to the first-1 detection line (HSL1), so that a sensor driving voltage can be transmitted to the first-1 detection line (HSL1). The horizontal output lines may include a first horizontal output line (HOL1) connected to the first-1 detection line (HSL1). One end of the first horizontal output line (HOL1) is connected to a stretching compensation unit (SCC) and the other end is connected to the first-1 detection line (HSL1), so that the stretching compensation unit (SCC) can measure the voltage of the first-1 detection line (HSL1).

[0175] The vertical input lines may include a first vertical input line (VIL1) connected to a second-to-first sub-sensor line (VSL1a, see FIG. 9a). One end of the first vertical input line (VIL1) is connected to a stretching compensation unit (SCC) and the other end is connected to the second-to-first sub-sensor line (VSL1a), so that the sensor driving voltage can be transmitted to the second-to-first sensing line (VSL1). The vertical output lines may include a first vertical output line (VOL1) connected to a second-to-second sub-sensor line (VSL1b, see FIG. 9a). One end of the first vertical output line (VOL1) is connected to a stretching compensation unit (SCC) and the other end is connected to a corresponding second sensing line (VSL), so that the stretching compensation unit (SCC) can measure the voltage of the second-to-second sub-sensor line (VSL1b).

[0176] The unillustrated horizontal input lines, horizontal output lines, vertical input lines, and vertical output lines may each have a connection relationship similar to the first horizontal input line (HIL1), the first horizontal output line (HOL1), the first vertical input line (VIL1), and the first vertical output line (VOL1).

[0177] FIG. 10 illustrates a first circuit board (50), a second circuit board (60), and a third circuit board (70) provided separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first circuit board (50), the second circuit board (60), and the third circuit board (70) may be provided as a single unit. For example, the expansion compensation unit (SCC) may be mounted on the first circuit board (50), and the second circuit board (60), the connector (FFC), and the third circuit board (70) may be omitted. In another embodiment, the expansion compensation unit (SCC) may be mounted on the second circuit board (60), and the third circuit board (70) and the connector (FFC) may be omitted.

[0178] The expansion compensation unit (SCC) may include a comparator (71), a voltage supply circuit (72), a memory (73), and a compensation controller (74). A first horizontal input line (HIL1) and a first vertical input line (VIL1) are electrically connected to the voltage supply circuit (72), and a first horizontal output line (HOL1) and a first vertical output line (VOL1) may be electrically connected to the comparator (71).

[0179] The voltage supply circuit (72) can supply reference voltages (Vref_h1, Vref_v1) and sensor driving voltages to each of the first horizontal input line (HIL1) and the first vertical input line (VIL1). In one embodiment, the voltage supply circuit (72) can supply the reference voltages (Vref_h1, Vref_v1) to each of the first horizontal input line (HIL1) and the first vertical input line (VIL1) differently depending on the degree of extension (or extension stage) of the display panel (DP). To this end, the voltage supply circuit (72) may be equipped with a power control integrated circuit chip (power IC chip).

[0180] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 together, the comparator (71) can compare two voltages input to a pair of input terminals and output an output value corresponding to the larger of the two voltages. The comparator (71) may include a plurality of pairs of input terminals, including a first input terminal and a second input terminal.

[0181] The first input terminal pair may include a first input terminal electrically connected to a first horizontal output line (HOL1) and a second input terminal electrically connected to a voltage supply circuit (72). The voltage supply circuit (72) may supply a first horizontal reference voltage (Vref_h1) to the second input terminal of the first input terminal pair. The voltage corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the first-1 detection line (HSL1) measured through the first horizontal output line (HOL1) (hereinafter referred to as the first horizontal measurement voltage, Vh1) may differ from the sensor driving voltage (Vcc). For example, if the first-1 detection line (HSL1) is extended in the first direction (x direction), the resistance of the first-1 detection line (HSL1) increases, and the first horizontal measurement voltage (Vh1) may decrease. The first horizontal reference voltage (Vref_h1) is a first horizontal measurement voltage at the point where a change in brightness or color coordinates due to the stretching of the display panel (DP) is visible to the user and stretching compensation is required, and may be stored in advance during the manufacturing process.

[0182] The comparator (71) compares the first horizontal measurement voltage (Vh1) with the first horizontal reference voltage (Vref_h1), outputs a first value to the compensation controller (74) when the first horizontal measurement voltage (Vh1) is less than or equal to the first horizontal reference voltage (Vref_h1), and outputs a second value to the compensation controller (74) when the first horizontal measurement voltage (Vh1) is greater than the first horizontal reference voltage (Vref_h1).

[0183] The second input terminal pair may include a third input terminal electrically connected to the first vertical output line (VOL1) and a fourth input terminal electrically connected to the voltage supply circuit (72). The voltage supply circuit (72) may supply a first vertical reference voltage (Vref_v1) to the fourth input terminal of the second input terminal pair. The voltage corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the second-1 detection line (VSL1, see FIG. 9a) measured through the first vertical output line (VOL1) (hereinafter, the first vertical measurement voltage, Vv1) may differ from the sensor driving voltage (Vcc). For example, if the second-1 detection line (VSL1) is extended in the second direction (y direction), the resistance of the second-1 detection line (VSL1) increases, and the first vertical measurement voltage (Vv1) may decrease. The first vertical reference voltage (Vref_v1) is a first vertical measurement voltage at the point where a change in brightness or color coordinates due to the stretching of the display panel (DP) is visible to the user and stretching compensation is required, and may be stored in advance during the manufacturing process.

[0184] The comparator (71) compares the first vertical measurement voltage (Vv1) with the first vertical reference voltage (Vref_v1), outputs a first value to the compensation controller (74) when the first vertical measurement voltage (Vv1) is less than or equal to the first vertical reference voltage (Vref_v1), and outputs a second value to the compensation controller (74) when the first vertical measurement voltage (Vv1) is greater than the first vertical reference voltage (Vref_v1).

[0185] The memory (73) can store a plurality of lookup tables (LUTs) and reference voltage information. The reference voltage information may include reference voltage values ​​for each of the first detection lines (HSL, see FIG. 9a) and the second detection lines (VSL, see FIG. 9a). In one embodiment, the reference voltage information may include a plurality of reference voltage values ​​according to the extension stage of the display panel (DP) for each of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL). The voltage supply circuit (72) can supply the reference voltages for each of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL) to the comparator (71) based on the reference voltage information stored in advance in the memory (73).

[0186] The compensation controller (74) can generate comparison data based on the output values ​​of the comparator (71), select a lookup table (LUT) corresponding to the comparison data from among a plurality of lookup tables (LUTs) stored in advance in memory (73), and generate expansion compensation data (SCD) based on the selected lookup table (LUT). To this end, the compensation controller (74) may include a microprocessor (MPU) or a microcontroller (MCU), etc.

[0187] The comparison data may include the output value of the comparator (71) for each of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL). When the comparator (71) outputs a first value for the first-1 detection line (HSL1), the compensation controller (74) may determine that at least a portion of the upper (+y side) area of ​​the display area (DA, see 11a) is stretched in the first direction (x direction) and requires stretching compensation. When the comparator (71) outputs a first value for the second-1 detection line (VSL1), the compensation controller (74) may determine that at least a portion of the left (-x side) area of ​​the display area (DA, see 11a) is stretched in the second direction (y direction) and requires stretching compensation. The compensation controller (74) can determine that when the comparator (71) outputs a first value for the first-1 detection line (HSL1) and outputs a first value for the second-1 detection line (VSL1), the upper-left area of ​​the display area (DA) where the first-1 detection line (HSL1) and the second-1 detection line (VSL1) intersect is stretched in the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (y direction), or stretched in the third direction (z direction), and that stretching compensation is required.

[0188] In one embodiment, the memory (73) may periodically store the measured voltage values ​​of each of the first detection lines (HSL) and each of the second detection lines (VSL). The compensation controller (74) may receive initial voltage information, the measured voltage values ​​of each of the first detection lines (HSL), and the measured voltage values ​​of each of the second detection lines (VSL) from the memory (73). Here, the initial voltage information may be the measured voltage values ​​of each of the first detection lines (HSL) and the second detection lines (VSL) stored in an initial state prior to the display panel (DP) being stretched. The compensation controller (74) may determine a compensation strength based on the difference between the measured voltage values ​​and the initial voltage values. In this case, the compensation controller (74) may generate stretching compensation data including the compensation strength.

[0189] Since the comparator (71) rapidly compares two input voltages and outputs the result, the compensation controller (74) can use the comparison data to quickly determine the area requiring stretching compensation and select a corresponding lookup table (LUT). Accordingly, the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention can correct the image in real time during stretching and / or after the stretching ends, thereby preventing or minimizing changes in image quality caused by stretching from being visible to the user.

[0190] FIGS. 12a and FIGS. 12b are plan views schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0191] Specifically, FIG. 12a is a plan view of a portion of the display area (DA, see FIG. 1) before the display panel (DP) is stretched, and FIG. 12b is a plan view of a portion of the display area (DA, see FIG. 1) after the display panel (DP) is stretched in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction).

[0192] Referring to FIGS. 12a and FIGS. 12b, the display panel (DP) may include a plurality of first regions (11) and second regions (12).

[0193] Referring to FIG. 12a, a plurality of first regions (11) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). The plurality of first regions (11) may be provided in an island type. A plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may each overlap with a plurality of first regions (11). A corresponding light-emitting element (LED) may be placed in one first region (11). A plurality of first regions (11) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first center line (CL1) extending in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and a second center line (CL2) extending in a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), which are virtual center lines of a display area (DA, see FIG. 1). A plurality of first regions (11) may be arranged at equal intervals along a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). A plurality of first regions (11) may be arranged at equal intervals along a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). A plurality of first regions (11) may be arranged in a grid pattern. A plurality of first regions (11) may be arranged spaced apart from each of the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2). However, this is exemplary and the arrangement of the plurality of first regions (11) is not limited thereto.

[0194] A second area (12) can connect a plurality of first areas (11). A second area (12) can be provided to surround a plurality of first areas (11). A second area (12) may include a second-1 area (121), a second-2 area (122), and a second-3 area (123). A plurality of second-1 areas (121) can connect two of the plurality of first areas (11) that are spaced apart in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). Along the first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), a plurality of first areas (11) and a plurality of second-1 areas (121) may be arranged alternately. A plurality of second-2 areas (122) can connect two of the plurality of first areas (11) that are spaced apart in a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). Along a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction), a plurality of first regions (11) and a plurality of second-to-second regions (122) may be alternately arranged.

[0195] A plurality of second-third regions (123) may be arranged between a plurality of second-first regions (121) and a plurality of second-second regions (122). A plurality of second-third regions (123) may be surrounded by a plurality of second-first regions (121) and a plurality of second-second regions (122). Along a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), a plurality of second-second regions (122) and a plurality of second-third regions (123) may be arranged alternately. Along a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), a plurality of second-first regions (121) and a plurality of second-third regions (123) may be arranged alternately.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 12b, since the plurality of first regions (11) are regions where a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) are arranged, the modulus of the plurality of first regions (11) may be greater than the modulus of the second region (12). For example, during the process of stretching the second region (12), the plurality of first regions (11) may not be stretched. The modulus of the second-1 region (121), the second-2 region (122), and the second-3 region (123) may be the same as each other.

[0197] In the process of the display panel (DP) being stretched in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), the sum of the lengths of the multiple first regions (11) being stretched and the lengths of the multiple second-1 regions (121) being stretched may be equal to the sum of the lengths of the multiple second-2 regions (122) being stretched and the lengths of the multiple second-3 regions (123) being stretched. At this time, since the modulus of the multiple first regions (11) is relatively large, the length of the multiple first regions (11) being stretched may be relatively small. Therefore, the length of the multiple second-1 regions (121) being stretched may be relatively large. That is, among the first region (11), the second-1 region (121), the second-2 region (122), and the second-3 region (123), the strain of the second-1 region (121) may be the greatest.

[0198] FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 9a to FIG. 12b refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 13, the strain sensor layer (600, see FIG. 5a) may include a first detection line (HSL) and a second detection line (VSL).

[0201] The first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can each detect stretching in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a). The first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can each overlap with a plurality of second-1 regions (121). On a plane, the first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can intersect in a plurality of second-1 regions (121). A plurality of second-1 regions (121) may be regions with relatively large strain during the stretching process of the display panel (DP). As each of the first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) is placed in a plurality of second-1 regions (121), the first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) can efficiently detect the extension of the display panel (DP) in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction).

[0202] For example, the first detection line (HSL) extends in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121). The first detection line (HSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121) arranged in the same row. In a plane, the first detection line (HSL) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of second-2 regions (122) and the plurality of second-3 regions (123). In a plane, the first detection line (HSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of first detection lines (HSL) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). The plurality of first detection lines (HSL) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2).

[0203] For example, the second detection line (VSL) extends in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of second-1 regions (121) and the plurality of second-3 regions (123). The second detection line (VSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of second-1 regions (121) and the plurality of second-3 regions (123) arranged in the same column. In a plane, the second detection line (VSL) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-2 regions (122). The second detection line (VSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. In a plane, the plurality of second detection lines (VSL) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction). Multiple second detection lines (VSL) can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2).

[0204] FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] In FIG. 14, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 9a to FIG. 12b refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 14, the strain sensor layer (600, see FIG. 5a) may include a first detection line (HSL) and a second detection line (VSL).

[0207] The first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can each detect stretching of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a) in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). The first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can each overlap with a plurality of second-1 regions (121). On a plane, the first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can intersect at a plurality of second-1 regions (121).

[0208] For example, the first detection line (HSL) extends in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121). The first detection line (HSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121) arranged in the same row. The first detection line (HSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. On a plane, the plurality of first detection lines (HSL) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction).

[0209] For example, the second detection line (VSL) extends in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of second-1 areas (121) and the plurality of second-3 areas (123). The second detection line (VSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of second-1 areas (121) and the plurality of second-3 areas (123) arranged in the same column. The second detection line (VSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. In a plane, the plurality of second detection lines (VSL) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction).

[0210] In a planar plane, at least one of the plurality of second-1 regions (121) may be spaced apart from the plurality of second detection lines (VSL). In a planar plane, at least one of the plurality of second-3 regions (123) may be spaced apart from the plurality of second detection lines (VSL). The plurality of second-1 regions (121) and the plurality of second-3 regions (123) arranged in any one row may be spaced apart from the plurality of second detection lines (VSL) in a planar plane.

[0211] FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] In FIG. 15, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 9a to FIG. 12b refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 15, the strain sensor layer (600, see FIG. 5a) may include a first detection line (HSL) and a second detection line (VSL).

[0214] The first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can each detect stretching of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a) in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). The first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can each overlap with a plurality of second-1 regions (121). On a plane, the first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) can intersect at a plurality of second-1 regions (121).

[0215] For example, the first detection line (HSL) extends in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121). The first detection line (HSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121) arranged in the same row. The first detection line (HSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. On a plane, the plurality of first detection lines (HSL) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction).

[0216] For example, the second detection line (VSL) extends in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of second-1 areas (121) and the plurality of second-3 areas (123). The second detection line (VSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of second-1 areas (121) and the plurality of second-3 areas (123) arranged in the same column. The second detection line (VSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. In a plane, the plurality of second detection lines (VSL) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction).

[0217] In a plane, at least one of the plurality of first regions (11) may be spaced apart from the plurality of first detection lines (HSL). In a plane, at least one of the plurality of second-1 regions (121) may be spaced apart from the plurality of first detection lines (HSL). The plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121) arranged in any one row may be spaced apart from the plurality of first detection lines (HSL) in a plane.

[0218] The embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 is merely an example, and the arrangement of the first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) is not limited thereto. The first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) may be concentrated in areas where the strain is large when the display panel (DP) is stretched. Thus, the first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) can efficiently detect the stretching of the display panel (DP). Alternatively, the first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) may be concentrated in areas where the strain is small when the display panel (DP) is stretched. Thus, the first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) can complement the detection of stretching in areas of the display panel (DP) where the strain is small.

[0219] FIGS. 16a to 16d are plan views schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0220] Specifically, FIGS. 16a to 16d are enlarged views of area A of FIG. 13.

[0221] In FIGS. 16a to 16d, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 13 refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 16a through 16d, in the area where the first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) overlap, the first sensing line (HSL) may include a first structure (ST1) that efficiently detects the stretching of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a). The first structure (ST1) may be placed in a second-1 area (121) where the strain is large during the process of stretching the display panel (DP). Thus, the first structure (ST1) can efficiently detect the strain of the display panel (DP).

[0223] For example, the first structure (ST1) may include a curved serpentine shape as illustrated in FIG. 16a. For example, the first structure (ST1) may include a sine wave shape. For example, the first structure (ST1) may include a straight serpentine shape as illustrated in FIG. 16b. For example, the first structure (ST1) may include a square wave shape. For example, the first structure (ST1) may include a polygonal shape as illustrated in FIG. 16c. For example, the first structure (ST1) may include an octagonal shape in which obtuse and acute angles are alternately arranged. For example, the first structure (ST1) may include a honeycomb shape as illustrated in FIG. 16d. For example, the first structure (ST1) may include a shape formed by combining four octagons. However, this is exemplary, and the first structure (ST1) is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments as long as it is a structure capable of sensitively detecting strain.

[0224] The first structure (ST1) may be placed at least one of the points where the second detection line (VSL) intersects the first detection line (HSL). For example, the first structure (ST1) may be placed at each of the points where the second detection line (VSL) intersects the first detection line (HSL). Or, for example, the first structure (ST1) may be placed at some of the points where the second detection line (VSL) intersects the first detection line (HSL). Depending on the design conditions of the display panel (DP), the first structure (ST1) may be placed in various locations where strain of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a) needs to be sensitively detected. Likewise, the second detection line (VSL) may also include the first structure (ST1) for efficiently detecting the elongation of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a) in the area where the first detection line (HSL) and the second detection line (VSL) overlap.

[0225] FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] Specifically, FIG. 17 is a plan view of a portion of a display area (DA, see FIG. 1) after the display panel (DP) is stretched in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction).

[0227] In FIG. 17, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 12a refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 17, since the plurality of first regions (11) are regions where a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) are arranged, the modulus of the plurality of first regions (11) may be greater than the modulus of the second region (12). For example, during the process of stretching the second region (12), the plurality of first regions (11) may not be stretched. The modulus of the second-1 region (121), the second-2 region (122), and the second-3 region (123) may be the same as each other.

[0229] In the process of the display panel (DP) being stretched in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), the sum of the lengths of the multiple first regions (11) being stretched and the lengths of the multiple second-1 regions (121) being stretched may be equal to the sum of the lengths of the multiple second-2 regions (122) being stretched and the lengths of the multiple second-3 regions (123) being stretched. At this time, since the modulus of the multiple first regions (11) is relatively large, the length of the multiple first regions (11) being stretched in the first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) may be relatively small. Accordingly, the length of the multiple second-1 regions (121) being stretched in the first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) may be relatively large. That is, among the first region (11), second-1 region (121), second-2 region (122) and second-3 region (123), the strain in the second-1 region (121) according to the first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) may be the greatest.

[0230] In the process of the display panel (DP) being stretched in a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), the sum of the lengths of the multiple first regions (11) being stretched and the lengths of the multiple second-2 regions (122) being stretched may be equal to the sum of the lengths of the multiple second-1 regions (121) being stretched and the lengths of the multiple second-3 regions (123) being stretched. At this time, since the modulus of the multiple first regions (11) is relatively large, the length of the multiple first regions (11) being stretched in the second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction) may be relatively small. Accordingly, the length of the multiple second-2 regions (122) being stretched in the second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction) may be relatively large. That is, among the first region (11), second-1 region (121), second-2 region (122) and second-3 region (123), the strain in the second-2 region (122) according to the second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction) may be the greatest.

[0231] FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0232] In FIG. 18, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 12a and FIG. 17 refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 18, the strain sensor layer (600, see FIG. 5a) may include a first detection line (HSL) and a second detection line (VSL).

[0234] The first sensing line (HSL) can detect stretching of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a) in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). The first sensing line (HSL) may overlap with the second-1 region (121). A plurality of second-1 regions (121) may be regions with relatively large strain during the stretching process of the display panel (DP) in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). By placing the first sensing line (HSL) in a plurality of second-1 regions (121), the first sensing line (HSL) can efficiently detect stretching of the display panel (DP) in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction).

[0235] The second sensing line (VSL) can detect stretching of the substrate (100, see FIG. 5a) in a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). The second sensing line (VSL) may overlap with the second-2 region (122). The plurality of second-2 regions (122) may be regions with relatively large strain during the stretching process of the display panel (DP) in a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). By placing the second sensing line (VSL) in the plurality of second-2 regions (122), the second sensing line (VSL) can efficiently detect stretching of the display panel (DP) in a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). In such a structure, the first sensing line (HSL) and the second sensing line (VSL) may intersect in the plurality of first regions (11) on a plane.

[0236] For example, the first detection line (HSL) extends in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121). The first detection line (HSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-1 regions (121) arranged in the same row. In a plane, the first detection line (HSL) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of second-2 regions (122) and the plurality of second-3 regions (123). In a plane, the first detection line (HSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of first detection lines (HSL) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction). The plurality of first detection lines (HSL) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2).

[0237] For example, the second detection line (VSL) may extend in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) and may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-second regions (122). The second detection line (VSL) may overlap with each of the plurality of first regions (11) and the plurality of second-second regions (122) arranged in the same column. In a plane, the second detection line (VSL) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of second-first regions (121) and the plurality of second-third regions (123). The second detection line (VSL) may be provided in multiple numbers. In a plane, the plurality of second detection lines (VSL) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction). The plurality of second detection lines (VSL) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2).

[0238] FIGS. 19a to 19g are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of electronic devices including a display panel (DP, see FIG. 3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0239] Referring to FIG. 19a, a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be utilized in a wearable electronic device (3100) that can be worn on a part of a user's body. The wearable electronic device (3100) may include a body portion (3110) and a display portion (3120) provided on the body portion (3110). A stretchable display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be used as the display portion (3120) of the wearable electronic device (3100). As illustrated in FIG. 19a, the wearable electronic device (3100) may be modified. In one embodiment, it may be used as a smart watch and / or a smartphone depending on the user's choice.

[0240] FIG. 19b illustrates a medical electronic device (3200). In one embodiment, the medical electronic device (3200) may include a body part (3210) and a light-emitting part (3220). A stretchable display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be used as the light-emitting part (3220) of the medical electronic device (3200). The light-emitting part (3220) may emit light of a specific wavelength band (e.g., infrared, visible light, etc.) to the patient's body. In one embodiment, the body part (3210) may have a stretchable fiber material and may have a structure that can be worn on the body of the user of the light-emitting part.

[0241] FIG. 19c illustrates an educational electronic device (3300). In one embodiment, the educational electronic device may include a display unit (3320) provided within a frame (3310). The display unit (3320) may utilize a stretchable display device according to embodiments of the present invention. Images such as a sea with waves, a snow-covered mountain, or a volcano with flowing lava may be provided through the display unit (3320), wherein the display unit (3320) may be stretched in the height direction (e.g., z-direction) to reflect the height of the waves, mountain, or volcano. In some embodiments, a portion of the display unit (3320) may sequentially vary in height along the direction of the lava flow to show the movement of the lava in three dimensions. The educational electronic device (3300) may include a plurality of pins (or stroke units, 3330) arranged on the back of the display unit (3320) so that the display unit (3320) may be stretched in the height direction. The pins (3330) can be implemented to move along a third direction (e.g., z direction or -z direction) so that the image displayed on the display unit (3320) has a three-dimensional height. FIG. 19c describes an educational electronic device (3300), but its use is not limited as long as it provides certain image information.

[0242] The electronic device illustrated in FIGS. 19a to 19c describes an electronic device whose shape may be variable, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As in the embodiments described below, the stretchable display device according to the embodiments of the present invention may be used in an electronic device in which a portion capable of displaying an image (e.g., a screen) is fixed.

[0243] FIG. 19d illustrates a robot (3400) as another electronic device in one embodiment of the present invention. The robot (3400) can move or perceive objects using a camera unit (3440) and can display a predetermined image to a user through a display unit (3420, 3430). In some embodiments, since the stretchable display devices according to one embodiment of the present invention can be stretched in various directions as described above, they can be assembled to a body frame having a hemispherical shape, and thus the robot (3400) may include a hemispherical display unit (3420, 3430).

[0244] FIG. 19e illustrates a vehicle display device (3500) as another electronic device in one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle display device (3500) may include a cluster (3510), a Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or a passenger display (1530). Since the stretchable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be stretched in various directions, it can be used in the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display (1530) without being constrained by the shape of the vehicle's internal frame.

[0245] FIG. 19e illustrates the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display (1530) being separated, but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, two or more selected from the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and the co-driver display (1530) may be connected as a single unit.

[0246] In some embodiments, the vehicle display device (3500) may include a button (3540) capable of displaying a predetermined image. Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 19e, the hemispherical button (3540) may include an object (3542) that provides a sense of use of the button while moving in the z-direction or -z-direction, and a stretchable display device placed on the object (3542). In some embodiments, if the object (3542) has a three-dimensionally rounded surface, the stretchable display device may also have a three-dimensionally rounded surface.

[0247] FIG. 19f illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device for advertising or display (3600). In some embodiments, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may be installed on a fixed structure (3610), such as a wall or a column. If the structure (3610) includes an uneven surface as shown in FIG. 19F, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may also be placed along the uneven surface of the structure (3610). In some embodiments, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may be installed on the structure (3610) using a heat-shrink film or the like.

[0248] FIG. 19g illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a controller (3700). The controller (3700) may include an image-type button. For example, the controller (3700) may include first to third button areas (3720, 3730, 3740) in which a portion of the display portion (3710) protrudes in the z-direction or protrudes in the -z-direction (or is recessed in the z-direction). In some embodiments, the first and third button areas (3720, 3740) may protrude in the z-direction, and the second button area (3730) may protrude in the -z-direction (or be recessed in the z-direction).

[0249] As such, the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

A display device comprising a plurality of first regions spaced apart from each other along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second region connecting the plurality of first regions, Substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate to overlap with the plurality of first regions; and A strain sensor layer overlapping with the plurality of light-emitting elements; comprising The above second region is, A plurality of 2-1 regions connecting two of the plurality of 1 regions spaced apart in the 1 direction; and It includes a plurality of second-2 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the second direction; and The strain sensor layer above is, A display device comprising: a first detection line that detects the stretching of the substrate in the first direction, extends in the first direction, and overlaps with each of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second-1 regions. In paragraph 1, The above first detection line is, A display device spaced apart from the plurality of second-2 regions on a plane. In paragraph 1, A display device in which the plurality of first regions are symmetrically arranged with respect to a first centerline extending in the first direction and a second centerline extending in the second direction. In paragraph 1, The above first detection line is provided in multiple numbers, and A display device in which, on a plane, at least one of the plurality of first regions is spaced apart from the plurality of first sensing lines. In paragraph 4, A display device in which the plurality of first sensing lines are symmetrically arranged with respect to a first center line extending in the first direction and a second center line extending in the second direction. In paragraph 1, The strain sensor layer above is, A display device further comprising: a second detection line that detects the stretching of the substrate in the first direction, extends in the second direction, and overlaps with the plurality of second-1 regions. In paragraph 6, The above second detection line is, A display device spaced apart from each of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second-second regions on a plane. In paragraph 6, A display device in which, on a plane, the first detection line and the second detection line intersect in the plurality of 2-1 regions. In paragraph 6, The above second detection line is provided in multiple numbers, and A display device in which, on a plane, at least one of the plurality of 2-1 regions is spaced apart from the plurality of 2-1 sensing lines. In paragraph 1, The strain sensor layer above is, A display device further comprising: a second detection line that detects the expansion of the substrate in the second direction, extends in the second direction, and overlaps with each of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second-second regions. In Paragraph 10, The above second detection line is, A display device spaced apart from a plurality of 2-1 regions on a plane. In Paragraph 10, A display device in which, on a plane, the first detection line and the second detection line intersect in the plurality of first regions. A display device comprising a plurality of first regions spaced apart from each other along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second region connecting the plurality of first regions, Substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate to overlap with the plurality of first regions; and A strain sensor layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements; comprising The above second region is, A plurality of 2-1 regions connecting two of the plurality of 1 regions spaced apart in the 1 direction; and It includes a plurality of second-2 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the second direction; and The strain sensor layer above is, Detecting the expansion and contraction of the above substrate in the above first direction, and a first detection line extending in the above first direction; and It includes a second sensing line extending in the second direction, which detects the expansion and contraction of the substrate in the first direction. The electronic device in which the first detection line and the second detection line intersect in the second-1 region. In Paragraph 13, The electronic device wherein the first detection line and the second detection line are each spaced apart from the plurality of second-2 regions. In Paragraph 13, The first detection line is provided in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the second direction, and An electronic device in which the second sensing line is provided in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the first direction. In paragraph 15, An electronic device in which, on a plane, at least one of the plurality of first regions is spaced apart from the plurality of first sensing lines. In paragraph 15, An electronic device in which, on a plane, at least one of the plurality of 2-1 regions is spaced apart from the plurality of 2-1 sensing lines. A display device comprising a plurality of first regions spaced apart from each other along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second region connecting the plurality of first regions, Substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate to overlap with the plurality of first regions; and A strain sensor layer disposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements; comprising The above second region is, A plurality of 2-1 regions connecting two of the plurality of 1 regions spaced apart in the 1 direction; and It includes a plurality of second-2 regions connecting two of the plurality of first regions spaced apart in the second direction; and The strain sensor layer above is, Detecting the expansion and contraction of the above substrate in the above first direction, and a first detection line extending in the above first direction; and Detecting the expansion and contraction of the substrate in the second direction and including a second detection line extending in the second direction; The electronic device wherein the first detection line and the second detection line intersect in the first area. In Paragraph 18, The above second region is, It further includes a plurality of 2-3 regions disposed between the plurality of 2-1 regions and the plurality of 2-2 regions; and The electronic device wherein the first detection line and the second detection line are each spaced apart from the plurality of second-third regions. In Paragraph 18, The first detection line is provided in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the second direction, and An electronic device in which the second sensing line is provided in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the first direction.

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