Display module and display device

Abstract

Provided is a display module comprising: a first panel including a plurality of pixels composed of a light-emitting portion and a light-transmitting portion; and a second panel located on the rear surface of the first panel and including a plurality of light shielding shutters. The light shielding shutters include: a diffusion unit; a first chamber located on one side of the diffusion unit; a second chamber located on the other side of the diffusion unit; a first metallic membrane which is located in the first chamber and changes shape when power is applied, so as to adjust the size of the first chamber from a first state in which the size of the first chamber is expanded to a second state in which the size of the first chamber is contracted; and an opaque first fluid and a transparent second fluid which are located in the diffusion unit, the first chamber, and the second chamber and which are not mixed with each other.

Description

Display Module and Display Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display module capable of controlling transmittance and a display device including the same.

[0002] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices is increasing in various forms. In response to this, display devices in recent years include Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), Field Emission Displays (FEDs), Plasma Display Panels (PDPs), and Electroluminescence Devices.

[0003] A liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer and a TFT substrate and a color filter substrate facing each other with the liquid crystal layer in between, and can display an image using light provided from a backlight unit.

[0004] As an example of an electroluminescence device, an active matrix type organic light-emitting display device is commercially available. Since organic light-emitting display devices are self-emissive, they do not require a backlight compared to liquid crystal display devices and offer advantages in response speed and viewing angle, making them a focus of attention as next-generation displays.

[0005] Recently, materials such as OLEDs can realize flexible display panels because they emit light without a backlight structure on the back, enabling the realization of curved display devices.

[0006] Recently, display devices that provide various content and messages through display devices, rather than hardware media such as outdoor advertising signs or posters, are being utilized. Due to the rapid development of intelligent digital video devices based on LED and OLED technologies, there is a need for large-scale display devices.

[0007] Digital signage is a representative example of a large display. It is a communication tool that enables corporate marketing, advertising, training, and customer experience. It is a display device that provides not only broadcast programs but also specific information in public places such as airports, hotels, hospitals, and subway stations.

[0008] In particular, video walls implemented by arranging display panels in a grid pattern to create large display devices are widely used in spacious areas such as exhibition halls or event venues where large screens are required, or for outdoor advertising purposes.

[0009] Furthermore, since organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) emit light themselves, transparent displays can be realized, allowing large displays to be applied to glass windows and the like. Due to the advantage of being able to utilize the display while allowing the influx of external light, they are being installed in buildings with curtain wall structures featuring large glass windows.

[0010] However, unlike conventional displays, transparent display devices lack a structure that reflects light toward the back, and light entering from the back is emitted toward the front, resulting in a problem of reduced visibility.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a transparent display device with improved visibility. More specifically, it aims to provide a transparent display device capable of changing transmittance.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display module is provided comprising: a first panel having a plurality of pixels arranged in an array, each pixel comprising a light-emitting part and a light-transmitting part; and a second panel having a plurality of light-blocking shutters located on the back surface of the first panel and corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels, wherein the light-blocking shutters include: a diffusion part; a first chamber located on one side of the diffusion part; a second chamber located on the other side of the diffusion part; a first metallic membrane located in the first chamber that changes shape when power is applied to adjust the size of the first chamber from a first state in which the size is expanded to a second state in which the size is contracted; and an opaque first fluid and a transparent second fluid located within the diffusion part, the first chamber, and the second chamber that do not mix with each other, wherein when the first chamber is in the first state, the diffusion part is filled with the second fluid, and when the first chamber is in the second state, the diffusion part is filled with the first fluid.

[0013] In the first state, the second chamber is contracted, and in the second state, the second chamber is expanded so that the second fluid can be filled.

[0014] The sizes of the first chamber and the second chamber may have a capacity corresponding to the volume of the diffusion section.

[0015] It includes a second metallic membrane located in the second chamber that shrinks the size of the second chamber in the first state and expands the size of the second chamber in the second state, and the second metallic membrane can expand the size of the second chamber when power is applied.

[0016] The above-mentioned diffusion section is positioned at a location corresponding to the above-mentioned light-emitting section and may include a fluid passage in which one side is connected to the first chamber and the other side is connected to the second chamber.

[0017] The above fluid channel may include a plurality of transparent channel walls formed in the diffusion section.

[0018] The above-mentioned Euro walls can be arranged in a zigzag pattern to realize a serpentine-shaped Euro.

[0019] The first chamber and the second chamber are located below the light-emitting part and may be smaller than the light-emitting part.

[0020] The first chamber and the second chamber include a flexible insulating layer, and the first metallic membrane can move the insulating layer.

[0021] The above-mentioned light-emitting unit may include red, blue, and green color filters, an organic light-emitting diode, and a TFT.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided comprising: a first panel having a plurality of pixels arranged in an array, each pixel comprising a light-emitting part and a light-transmitting part; a second panel located on the back surface of the first panel and including a plurality of light-blocking shutters corresponding to each of the pixels; and a control unit that controls the light-emitting part of the first panel to output an image and controls the light-blocking shutters of the second panel to adjust the contrast ratio, and a diffusion part; a first chamber located on one side of the diffusion part; a second chamber located on the other side of the diffusion part; a first metallic membrane located in the first chamber that changes shape when power is applied to adjust the size of the first chamber from a first state in which the size is expanded to a second state in which the size is contracted; and a first fluid that is opaque and a second fluid that are located within the diffusion part, the first chamber, and the second chamber and do not mix with each other, wherein when the first chamber is in the first state, the diffusion part is filled with the second fluid, and when the first chamber is in the second state, the diffusion part is filled with the first fluid.

[0023] The display device of the present invention can adjust transparency in a short period of time, thereby producing different screen effects depending on the situation.

[0024] In addition, the display device of the present invention can omit a transparent electrode in the diffusion portion, thereby increasing the transparency of the second panel.

[0025] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining each configuration of the display device of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a display device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating brightness control of a conventional display device.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the first panel and the second panel of the display module of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating various embodiments of each pixel of the first panel of the transparent display module of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a light-blocking shutter according to one embodiment of the display module of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light-blocking shutter according to one embodiment of the display module of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a light-blocking shutter according to one embodiment of the display module of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the operation of a light-blocking shutter according to one embodiment of the display module of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light-blocking shutter according to another embodiment of the display module of the present invention.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0039] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0040] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0042] Meanwhile, the video display device described in this specification is, for example, an intelligent video display device that adds computer support functions to broadcast reception functions. While faithful to broadcast reception functions, it also includes internet functions, and can be equipped with interfaces that are more convenient to use, such as a handwriting input device, a touch screen, or a spatial remote control. Furthermore, by supporting wired or wireless internet functions, it can be connected to the internet and computers, and can perform functions such as email, web browsing, banking, or games. A standardized general-purpose OS may be used for these various functions.

[0043] Accordingly, the image display device described in the present invention allows various applications to be freely added or removed, for example, on a general-purpose OS kernel, thereby enabling various user-friendly functions to be performed. More specifically, the image display device may be, for example, a network TV, HBB TV, a smart TV, etc., and may also be applicable to a smartphone depending on the circumstances.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining each configuration of a display device (100). The display device (100) may include a broadcast receiver (110), an external device interface unit (171), a network interface unit (172), a storage unit (140), a user input interface unit (173), an input unit (130), a control unit (180), a display (150), an audio output unit (160), and / or a power supply unit (190).

[0045] The broadcast receiving unit (110) may include a tuner unit (111) and a demodulating unit (112).

[0046] Meanwhile, unlike the drawing, the display device (100) may include only the external device interface unit (171) and the network interface unit (172) among the broadcast receiver (110), the external device interface unit (171), and the network interface unit (172). That is, the display device (100) may not include the broadcast receiver (110).

[0047] The tuner unit (111) can select a broadcast signal corresponding to a channel selected by the user or all previously stored channels among the broadcast signals received through an antenna (not shown) or a cable (not shown). The tuner unit (111) can convert the selected broadcast signal into an intermediate frequency signal or a baseband video or audio signal.

[0048] For example, the tuner unit (111) can convert the selected broadcast signal into a digital IF signal (DIF) if it is a digital broadcast signal, and convert it into an analog baseband video or audio signal (CVBS / SIF) if it is an analog broadcast signal. That is, the tuner unit (111) can process a digital broadcast signal or an analog broadcast signal. The analog baseband video or audio signal (CVBS / SIF) output from the tuner unit (111) can be directly input to the control unit (180).

[0049] Meanwhile, the tuner unit (111) can sequentially select broadcast signals of all broadcast channels stored through a channel memory function among the received broadcast signals and convert them into intermediate frequency signals or baseband video or audio signals.

[0050] Meanwhile, the tuner unit (111) may be equipped with multiple tuners to receive multiple channels of broadcast signals. Alternatively, a single tuner that simultaneously receives multiple channels of broadcast signals is also possible.

[0051] The demodulator (112) can receive the digital IF signal (DIF) converted by the tuner (111) and perform a demodulation operation. The demodulator (112) can output a stream signal (TS) after performing demodulation and channel decoding. At this time, the stream signal may be a signal in which a video signal, an audio signal, or a data signal is multiplexed.

[0052] The stream signal output from the demodulation unit (112) can be input to the control unit (180). After performing demultiplexing, video / audio signal processing, etc., the control unit (180) can output video through the display (150) and output audio through the audio output unit (160).

[0053] The sensing unit (120) refers to a device that detects changes within the display device (100) or detects external changes. For example, it may include at least one proximity sensor, illumination sensor, touch sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), ultrasonic sensor, optical sensor (e.g., camera), voice sensor (e.g., microphone), battery gauge, and environmental sensor (e.g., hygrometer, thermometer, etc.).

[0054] The control unit (180) can check the status of the display device (100) based on information collected from the sensing unit (120), and control it to maintain the best state by notifying the user of any problems that may occur or by adjusting it itself.

[0055] In addition, the content, quality, size, etc. of the video provided to the display module (180) can be controlled differently depending on the viewer detected by the sensing unit or the ambient light level, thereby providing an optimal viewing environment. As smart TVs advance, the number of functions installed in the display device increases, and the number of sensing units (20) also increases accordingly.

[0056] The input unit (130) may be provided on one side of the main body of the display device (100). For example, the input unit (130) may include a touch pad, a physical button, etc. The input unit (130) may receive various user commands related to the operation of the display device (100) and transmit a control signal corresponding to the input command to the control unit (180).

[0057] Recently, as the size of the bezel of the display device (100) decreases, there are many display devices (100) in which the physical button-shaped input part (130) exposed externally on the device itself is minimized. Instead, a minimum number of physical buttons are located on the back or side, and user input can be received through a remote control device (200) via a touchpad or a user input interface part (173) to be described later.

[0058] The storage unit (140) may store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit (180), and may also store signal-processed video, audio, or data signals. For example, the storage unit (140) may store applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the control unit (180), and may selectively provide some of the stored applications upon request from the control unit (180).

[0059] The program, etc. stored in the storage unit (140) is not specifically limited as long as it can be executed by the control unit (180). The storage unit (140) may also perform the function of temporarily storing video, audio, or data signals received from an external device through the external device interface unit (171). The storage unit (140) may store information regarding a predetermined broadcast channel through a channel memory function such as a channel map.

[0060] Although the storage unit (140) of FIG. 1 is illustrated in an embodiment in which it is provided separately from the control unit (180), the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the storage unit (140) may be included within the control unit (180).

[0061] The storage unit (140) may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0062] The display module (150) can generate a driving signal by converting a video signal, data signal, OSD signal, control signal processed by the control unit (180), or a video signal, data signal, control signal, etc. received from the interface unit (171). The display (150) may include a display panel (181) having a plurality of pixels.

[0063] A plurality of pixels provided in the display panel may have RGB subpixels. Alternatively, a plurality of pixels provided in the display panel may have RGBW subpixels. The display (150) can convert an image signal, data signal, OSD signal, control signal, etc. processed by the control unit (180) to generate a driving signal for a plurality of pixels.

[0064] The display (150) can be a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), flexible display, etc., and can also be a 3D display. The 3D display (150) can be classified into a glasses-free type and a glasses type.

[0065] The display device (100) includes a display module that occupies most of the front surface area and a case that packages the display module, covering the back and side surfaces of the display module.

[0066] Recently, a display device (100) can use a flexible display module (150), such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), to implement a curved screen, going beyond a flat surface.

[0067] Conventional LCDs, which were primarily used, received light through a backlight unit because the LCD itself has difficulty emitting light. A backlight unit is a device that supplies light from a light source uniformly to a liquid crystal located on the front. While thin LCDs could be realized as the backlight unit became thinner, it is difficult to implement the backlight unit using a flexible material, and when the backlight unit bends, it becomes difficult to supply light uniformly to the liquid crystal, resulting in a problem where the brightness of the screen changes.

[0068] On the other hand, in the case of LED or OLED, since the elements forming the pixels each emit light on their own, a backlight unit is not used, so it can be implemented to be flexible. In addition, since each element emits light on its own, it does not affect its own brightness even if the positional relationship with neighboring elements changes, so a flexible display module (150) can be implemented using LED or OLED.

[0069] OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panels made their debut in earnest in the mid-2010s and are rapidly replacing LCDs in the small and medium-sized display market. OLEDs are displays created using the self-luminous phenomenon where light is emitted when an electric current flows through fluorescent organic compounds; they have a faster image response speed compared to LCDs, resulting in almost no ghosting when displaying videos.

[0070] OLEDs use three types of phosphor organic compounds, such as red, green, and blue, which have self-emissive functions. Since they are light-emitting display products that utilize the phenomenon where electrons injected from the cathode and anode combine with positively charged particles within the organic material to emit light on their own, they do not require a backlight that degrades color quality.

[0071] An LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel is a technology that uses a single LED element as a single pixel, and since the size of the LED element can be reduced compared to conventional methods, a flexible display module (150) can be realized. In the past, devices called LED TVs used LEDs as a light source for a backlight unit that supplied light to an LCD, but the LEDs themselves could not form the screen.

[0072] If a backlight-less display module is formed on a transparent substrate, a transparent screen can be realized when no image is output.

[0073] The display module includes a display panel, a coupling magnet located on the back of the display panel, a first power supply, and a first signal module. The display panel may include a plurality of pixels (R, G, B). The plurality of pixels (R, G, B) may be formed in each area where a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines intersect. The plurality of pixels (R, G, B) may be arranged or configured in a matrix form.

[0074] For example, multiple pixels (R, G, B) may include a red (Red, hereinafter 'R') subpixel, a green (Green, 'G') subpixel, and a blue (Blue, 'B') subpixel. Multiple pixels (R, G, B) may further include a white (White, hereinafter 'W') subpixel.

[0075] The side of the display module (150) that displays an image may be referred to as the front or front side. When the display module (150) displays an image, the side where the image cannot be viewed may be referred to as the rear or rear side. Meanwhile, the display (150) may be configured as a touch screen and may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0076] The audio output unit (160) receives a voice-processed signal from the control unit (180) and outputs it as voice.

[0077] The interface section (170) serves as a passage for various types of external devices connected to the display device (100). The interface section may include not only a wired method of transmitting and receiving data through a cable but also a wireless method using an antenna.

[0078] The interface section (170) may include at least one of a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, an audio I / O (Input / Output) port, a video I / O (Input / Output) port, and an earphone port.

[0079] As an example of a wireless method, the aforementioned broadcast receiver (110) may be included, and may include not only broadcast signals but also mobile communication signals, short-range communication signals, wireless internet signals, etc.

[0080] The external device interface unit (171) can transmit or receive data with a connected external device. To this end, the external device interface unit (171) may include an A / V input / output unit (not shown).

[0081] The external device interface section (171) can be connected wirelessly or via wired connection to external devices such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray, game console, camera, camcorder, computer (laptop), set-top box, etc., and can also perform input / output operations with external devices.

[0082] Additionally, the external device interface unit (171) can establish a communication network with various remote control devices (200) to receive control signals related to the operation of the display device (100) from the remote control device (200) or transmit data related to the operation of the display device (100) to the remote control device (200).

[0083] The external device interface unit (171) may include a wireless communication unit (not shown) for short-range wireless communication with other electronic devices. Through this wireless communication unit (not shown), the external device interface unit (171) can exchange data with an adjacent mobile terminal. In particular, the external device interface unit (171) can receive device information, information on an application being executed, an application image, etc. from a mobile terminal in mirroring mode.

[0084] The network interface unit (172) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network including the Internet network. For example, the network interface unit (172) may receive content or data provided by the Internet or a content provider or network operator through the network. Meanwhile, the network interface unit (172) may include a communication module (not shown) for connecting to a wired / wireless network.

[0085] The external device interface section (171) and / or network interface section (172) may include a communication module for short-range communication such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, NFC (Near Field Communication), a communication module for cellular communication such as LTE (long-term evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advance), CDMA (code division multiple access), WCDMA (wideband CDMA), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), etc.

[0086] The user input interface unit (173) can transmit a signal input by the user to the control unit (180) or transmit a signal from the control unit (180) to the user. For example, it can transmit / receive user input signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen settings from the remote control device (200), transmit user input signals input from local keys (not shown) such as power key, channel key, volume key, and setting value to the control unit (180), transmit user input signals input from a sensor unit (not shown) that senses user gestures to the control unit (180), or transmit a signal from the control unit (180) to the sensor unit.

[0087] The control unit (180) may include at least one processor and can control the overall operation of the display device (100) using the included processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0088] The control unit (180) can demultiplex a stream input through the tuner unit (111), demodulator unit (112), external device interface unit (171), or network interface unit (172), or process the demultiplexed signals to generate and output a signal for video or audio output.

[0089] The image signal processed by the control unit (180) can be input to the display (150) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. Additionally, the image signal processed by the control unit (180) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit (171).

[0090] The voice signal processed by the control unit (180) can be sound-outputted to the audio output unit (160). Additionally, the voice signal processed by the control unit (180) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit (171). Although not shown in FIG. 2, the control unit (180) may include a demultiplexer, an image processing unit, etc. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0091] In addition, the control unit (180) can control the overall operation within the display device (100). For example, the control unit (180) can control the tuner unit (111) to control the selection (tuning) of a broadcast corresponding to a channel selected by the user or a previously stored channel.

[0092] Additionally, the control unit (180) can control the display device (100) by means of a user command or an internal program input through the user input interface unit (173). Meanwhile, the control unit (180) can control the display (150) to display an image. At this time, the image displayed on the display (150) may be a still image or a video, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0093] Meanwhile, the control unit (180) can make a predetermined 2D object appear within the image displayed on the display (150). For example, the object may be at least one of a connected web screen (newspaper, magazine, etc.), an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), various menus, widgets, icons, still images, videos, and text.

[0094] Meanwhile, the control unit (180) can modulate and / or demodulate the signal using an Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) method. Here, the Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) method may refer to a method of modulating the signal by varying the amplitude of the carrier wave according to the data value, or restoring the analog signal to a digital data value according to the amplitude of the carrier wave.

[0095] For example, the control unit (180) can modulate the video signal using an amplitude shift keying (ASK) method and transmit it through a wireless communication module.

[0096] For example, the control unit (180) can demodulate and process the video signal received through the wireless communication module using an amplitude shift keying (ASK) method.

[0097] Through this, the display device (100) can easily transmit and receive signals with other adjacent video display devices without using a unique identifier such as a MAC address (Media Access Control Address) or complex communication protocols such as TCP / IP.

[0098] Meanwhile, the display device (100) may further include a shooting unit (not shown). The shooting unit can photograph the user. The shooting unit may be implemented with one camera, but is not limited thereto, and may also be implemented with multiple cameras. Meanwhile, the shooting unit may be embedded in the display device (100) on the upper part of the display (150) or placed separately. Image information captured by the shooting unit may be input to the control unit (180).

[0099] The control unit (180) can recognize the user's location based on the image captured by the capturing unit. For example, the control unit (180) can determine the distance (z-axis coordinate) between the user and the display device (100). Additionally, the control unit (180) can determine the x-axis coordinate and y-axis coordinate within the display (150) corresponding to the user's location.

[0100] The control unit (180) can detect a user's gesture based on each of the images captured by the shooting unit or the signals detected by the sensor unit, or a combination thereof.

[0101] The power supply unit (190) can supply power throughout the display device (100). In particular, it can supply power to a control unit (180) which can be implemented in the form of a System On Chip (SOC), a display (150) for displaying images, and an audio output unit (160) for audio output.

[0102] Specifically, the power supply unit (190) may be equipped with a converter (not shown) that converts AC power into DC power and a DC / DC converter (not shown) that converts the level of DC power.

[0103] Meanwhile, the power supply unit (190) receives power from an external source and distributes power to each component. The power supply unit (190) may use a method of supplying AC power by directly connecting to an external power source, and may include a power supply unit (190) that can be recharged and used by including a battery.

[0104] In the former case, it is used by connecting a wired cable, making movement difficult or limiting the range of motion. In the latter case, movement is free, but the weight increases by the amount of the battery, the volume becomes larger, and for charging, it must be directly connected to a power cable for a certain period of time or combined with a charging dock (not shown) that supplies power.

[0105] The charging dock can be connected to a display device through an externally exposed terminal, or the built-in battery can be charged by bringing it close using a wireless method.

[0106] The remote control device (200) can transmit user input to the user input interface unit (173). To this end, the remote control device (200) may use Bluetooth, RF (Radio Frequency) communication, infrared (Infrared Radiation) communication, UWB (Ultra-wideband), ZigBee, etc. Additionally, the remote control device (200) may receive video, audio, or data signals output from the user input interface unit (173) and display or output audio from the remote control device (200).

[0107] Meanwhile, the above-described display device (100) may be a digital broadcast receiver capable of receiving fixed or mobile digital broadcasts.

[0108] Meanwhile, the block diagram of the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely a block diagram for one embodiment of the present invention, and each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the actual implemented display device (100).

[0109] That is, as needed, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the functions performed in each block are intended to explain embodiments of the present invention, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0110] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a display device (100) of the present invention.

[0111] Since the transparent display device (100) allows objects on the back to be seen, the image output on the display module overlaps with the objects on the back, allowing it to harmonize with surrounding objects. Additionally, when not in use, the black screen does not take up much space, and the back can be seen in a transparent state, providing a sense of openness.

[0112] In addition, the transparent display device (100) is installed on a glass window or the like to allow light to enter while still being able to output an image, so it is a type of display device (100) that has recently become more useful.

[0113] However, the transparent display device (100) has a problem in that light entering from the back is ejected to the front, and the image output from the display module (150) is not reflected from the back and does not reach the user in the front direction. In other words, there is a problem in that the contrast ratio is low and a clear screen cannot be obtained.

[0114] Accordingly, a light-blocking panel is optionally provided on the back surface to switch from a transparent state as in (a) to an opaque state as in (b). Transparency can be adjusted to provide a clear screen.

[0115] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining brightness control of a conventional display device (100), (a) is an embodiment in which a light-blocking panel corresponding to the size of the display module (150) is placed on the back surface of the display module (150), and is an embodiment equipped with a light-blocking panel capable of controlling transparency by an electrical signal.

[0116] A type like (a) requires a driving unit such as a motor to physically place the light-blocking panel on the back of the display module (150), requires a separate structure to house the light-blocking panel, and has the problem of taking time to place and remove the light-blocking panel.

[0117] As shown in (b), a light-blocking panel containing an electrochromic material can control transparency through transparent electrodes on both sides. Liquid crystals can be cited as examples of electrochromic materials. However, since the range of change in transmittance of such electrochromic materials is up to 45%, the effect of improving contrast ratio is limited. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to implement in large panels.

[0118] Accordingly, the present invention provides a display module (300) including a light-blocking panel using a light-blocking shutter (330).

[0119] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the first panel (310) and the second panel (320) of the display module (300) of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view thereof. It is an enlarged drawing of a part of the display device (100) and may include a visible area where an image is output and an invisible area where side wiring, etc. are arranged.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the display device (100) of the present invention may be composed of a first panel (310) on which an image is output and a second panel (320) located on the back of the first panel (310) to control transparency. The first panel (310) is composed of a plurality of pixels (311), and a light-blocking shutter (330) may be disposed on the second panel (320) corresponding to each pixel (311) of the first panel (310).

[0121] Each pixel (311) includes a light-emitting part (311a) and a light-transmitting part (311b), and since the area of ​​the light-transmitting part is larger than that of the light-emitting part, the first panel (310) can implement a transparent display module (150) that allows the opposite side to be seen. Here, transparency means a state in which the area excluding the light-emitting part (311a) is transparent so that the back side is visible.

[0122] The second panel (320) may include a light-blocking shutter (330) positioned at a location corresponding to each pixel. The light-blocking shutter (330) may include a first chamber (331) and a diffusion section (333).

[0123] An opaque first fluid can move between the first chamber (331) and the diffusion section (333). In the first state where the first fluid is located in the first chamber (331), the second panel (320) can be switched to transparent, and in the second state where the first fluid is located in the diffusion section (333), the second panel (320) can be switched to opaque.

[0124] Since the first chamber (331) of the light-blocking shutter (330) always maintains an opaque state due to the first fluid, although the part where the first chamber (331) is located is opaque, the second panel (320) can be said to be transparent because most of the area of ​​the first panel (310) is transparent in the first state where the opaque first fluid (334) is located in the first chamber (331). The first chamber (331) of the light-blocking shutter (330) is positioned at a location corresponding to the light-emitting part (311a) of the first panel (310), and the diffusion part (333) of the light-blocking shutter (330) is positioned at a location corresponding to the light-emitting part (311b) of the first panel (310), and may have a larger size than the light-emitting part (311b) of the first panel (310). The opaque first fluid filled in the first chamber (331) is obscured by the light-emitting part (311a) in the first state and cannot be perceived by the user.

[0125] The size of the first chamber (331) is smaller than that of the light-emitting part (311a) and is covered by the light-emitting part (311a), and the diffusion part (333) can be formed larger than that of the light-emitting part (311b). Therefore, the diffusion part (333) can partially overlap with the light-emitting part (311a) as well as the light-emitting part (311b).

[0126] Since the size of one pixel of the first panel (310) and one light-blocking shutter (330) of the second panel (320) are the same, the sum of the size of the light-emitting part (311a) and the size of the light-transmitting part (311b) corresponds to the sum of the size of the first chamber (331) and the size of the diffusion part (333). FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating various embodiments of each pixel (311) of the first panel (310) of the transparent display device (100) of the present invention. Each pixel (311) of the first panel (310) includes a light-emitting part (311a) and a light-transmitting part (311b), and the light-emitting part (311a) is divided into red, blue, and green to express colors, and may also include white. The light-transmitting part (311b) may be arranged adjacent to the light-emitting part (311a) and may include a transparent material that transmits light from the back surface.

[0127] The user can view an image through the light emitted from the light-emitting part (311a) and simultaneously see objects on the back through the light-emitting part (311b). If the area of ​​the transparent part is too large, there is a problem that the size of the pixel (311) becomes large, so the area ratio of the light-emitting part (311b) and the light-emitting part (311a) can be configured to be around 50%.

[0128] For example, in the case of a 77-inch display module (150), if the width of one pixel (311) is implemented as 444 µm and the width of the transparent part is designed to be about 200 µm, the transparent part can have an area of ​​about 45% per pixel (311).

[0129] The light-emitting part (311a) may be arranged in a vertical direction as in (a) of FIG. 6, in a horizontal direction as in (b), or implemented in an array form as in (c). The vertical structure of the light-emitting part (311a) can be configured to have a layered structure of a color filter (315), an organic light-emitting diode (313), and a TFT (thin film transistor, 314) on a transparent substrate (319) as shown in FIG. 5.

[0130] The color filter (315) may include three or four colors, including white, to implement the colors for each pixel (311) described above, and may include a light source that emits light on its back surface. A TFT (313) may be placed for each pixel (311) as a switch to control the ON / OFF of the light source.

[0131] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a light-blocking shutter according to one embodiment of the display module (150) of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light-blocking shutter (330) according to one embodiment of the display module (150) of the present invention.

[0132] The light-blocking shutter (330) of the present invention is formed on a transparent substrate (321) and may include a first chamber (331), a diffusion section (333), and a second chamber (332). Although the second chamber (332) is obscured by the first chamber (331) and is not shown in the drawing of FIG. 5, the second chamber (332) may also be arranged overlappingly on the back surface of the light-emitting section (331a) like the first chamber (331).

[0133] The diffusion section (333) is located between the first chamber (331) and the second chamber (332), and the first chamber (331), the second chamber (332), and the diffusion section (333) can form a sealed space. Each light-blocking shutter (330) can be partitioned from an adjacent light-blocking shutter (330) through a partition wall (322) so that the sealed space of the first chamber (331), the second chamber (332), and the diffusion section (333) is not affected by the adjacent light-blocking shutter (330).

[0134] The interior of the sealed space maintains a vacuum state and is filled with a first fluid (334) and a second fluid (335), and the first fluid (334) and the second fluid (335) have different polarities and do not mix with each other.

[0135] The first chamber (331) and the second chamber (332) can be varied in size. When the first chamber (331) is expanded, the sealed space is in a vacuum state, so the size of the second chamber (332) is contracted. When the first chamber (331) is contracted, the first fluid (334) is pushed into the diffusion section (333), the second fluid (335) flows into the second chamber (332), and the size of the second chamber (332) is expanded.

[0136] The diffusion section (333) has a thinner thickness than the first chamber (331), and a mesa (323) having a predetermined thickness corresponding to the height difference between the first chamber (331) and the diffusion section may be located at the bottom of the diffusion section (333). The mesa (323) may include a transparent material.

[0137] Meanwhile, the thickness of the first chamber (331) and the second chamber (332) in the expanded state is deep, and the planar area of ​​the diffusion section (333) is larger than the planar area of ​​the first chamber (331) and the second chamber (332). Although the thickness and area of ​​the first chamber (331), the second chamber (332), and the diffusion section (333) are different, the volumes of the first chamber (331), the second chamber (332), and the diffusion section (333) are similar.

[0138] Since the first fluid (334) is located in the first chamber (331) in the first state and fills the diffusion section (333) in the second state, the sizes of the first chamber (331) and the diffusion section (333) are similar. Since the second fluid (335) is located in the diffusion section (333) in the first state and moves to the second chamber (332) in the second state, the sizes of the diffusion section (333) and the second chamber (332) in the expanded state are similar.

[0139] The first fluid (334) is opaque and the second fluid (335) is transparent. In the first state, where the first fluid (334) is located in the first chamber (331), the diffusion section (333) is filled with the second fluid (335) and is therefore transparent. In the second state, where the first fluid (334) moves from the first chamber (331) to the diffusion section (333), the diffusion section (333) becomes opaque, and the second fluid (335) located in the diffusion section (333) can move to the second chamber (332).

[0140] When the first chamber (331) expands, the second chamber (332) contracts, and when the first chamber (331) contracts, the second chamber (332) expands, so that the volume of the sealed space formed by the first chamber (331), the second chamber (332), and the expansion part can be maintained constant.

[0141] The first fluid (334) and the second fluid (335) have different polarities and do not mix with each other, but the first fluid (334) and the second fluid (335) may mix due to physical impact or the like. In this case, the opaque first fluid (334) is positioned in a circular shape within the second fluid (335), and a problem occurs where the first fluid (334) remains in the diffusion section (333) in the first state.

[0142] To resolve the above problem, it is necessary to configure the size of the boundary where the first fluid (334) and the second fluid (335) meet to be small. Instead of having the diffusion section (333) as one large open space, a fluid path leading from the first chamber (331) to the second chamber (332) can be configured.

[0143] Since the first fluid (334) and the second fluid (335) meet only in the area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid path, they do not easily mix due to the surface tension of the first fluid (334) and the second fluid (335).

[0144] Although fluid channels can be configured in various shapes, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, a serpentine-shaped fluid channel can be implemented through transparent channel walls (3335) arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0145] To control the size of the first chamber (331), the first chamber (331) may include a first metallic membrane (336). The first metallic membrane (336) may utilize an electrically driven shape memory alloy whose shape changes when power is applied. When current is passed through the first metallic membrane (336), the temperature of the first metallic membrane (336) rises instantaneously and its shape changes.

[0146] The first metallic membrane (336) may be provided as a pair on the upper and lower sides of the first chamber (331), and only one side (lower side) may be composed of a metallic membrane with a variable shape, while the other side may be composed of a conductive material (aluminum, ITO, etc.) that does not change shape but allows current to flow.

[0147] Since the conductive material does not change shape, it can be fixed to the transparent substrate (321), and the metallic membrane (336) that changes shape can be separated from the transparent substrate (321) so that at least a portion of it may not be attached to the transparent substrate (321).

[0148] To prevent corrosion of the first metallic membrane (336), the portion in contact with the first fluid (334) may include an insulating layer (338), and the insulating layer (338) may form the inner surface of the first chamber (331). As shown in FIG. 8, the insulating layer (338) may extend from the first chamber (331) to cover the inner surface of the diffusion portion (333) and the second chamber (332), thereby forming the inner surface of the sealed space where the first fluid (334) and the second fluid (335) are located.

[0149] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a light-blocking shutter (330) according to one embodiment of the display module (150) of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the operation of a light-blocking shutter (330) according to one embodiment of the display module (150) of the present invention.

[0150] FIGS. 9(a) and FIGS. 10(a) illustrate the first state, FIGS. 9(c) and FIGS. 10(c) illustrate the second state, and FIGS. 9(b) and FIGS. 10(b) illustrate the intermediate state of transitioning from the first state to the second state.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 9 (a), in the first state, the first chamber (331) is in an expanded state, and as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the opaque first fluid (334) is located only on the back side of the light-emitting part of the first panel (310).

[0152] When power is applied to the first metallic membrane (336), the first metallic membrane (336) can change into a shape that shrinks the size of the first chamber (331) as shown in Fig. 9 (b).

[0153] In this case, the first fluid (334) flows out of the first chamber (331) and moves to the diffusion section (333), and can be sequentially filled along the shape of the fluid path of the diffusion section (333). The second fluid (335) located in the diffusion section (333) is pushed by the first fluid (334) and moves to the second chamber (332), and the second chamber (332) expands by the amount that the first chamber (331) has contracted.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 9 (c) and FIG. 10 (c), when the transition to the second state is completed, the diffusion section (333) is filled with the first fluid (334) and transitions to an opaque state, and the display device (100) becomes opaque.

[0155] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light-blocking shutter (330) according to another embodiment of the display module (150) of the present invention.

[0156] As in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the light-blocking shutter (330), in which the first metallic membrane (336) is located only in the first chamber (331), has a second chamber (332) that is passively variable in size. Since the size of the enclosed space formed by the first chamber (331), the diffusion section (333), and the second chamber (332) is constant, that is, when the first chamber (331) expands, the second chamber (332) contracts, and when the first chamber (331) contracts, the second chamber (332) expands.

[0157] In this case, since the movement speed of the first fluid (334) is slow, a second metallic membrane (337) may be added to the second chamber (332) to make the movement speed of the first fluid (334) faster. The second metallic membrane (337) can operate in the opposite way to the first metallic membrane (336). When the first metallic membrane (336) expands the first chamber (331), the second metallic membrane (337) can contract the second chamber (332).

[0158] The first metallic membrane (336) maintains the first chamber (331) in an expanded state when power is not applied. When power is applied to the first metallic membrane, the first chamber (331) can change into a contracted state.

[0159] Conversely, the second metallic membrane (337) can change to a form in which the second chamber (332) remains in a contracted state as shown in FIG. 11 when power is not applied, and expands when power is applied.

[0160] In this embodiment, the first fluid (334) moves faster than in the previously described embodiment, so that the transition between the transparent state and the opaque state can be implemented quickly.

[0161] As seen above, the display device (100) of the present invention can adjust transparency in a short period of time, so that different screen effects can be produced depending on the situation.

[0162] In addition, the display device (100) of the present invention may omit a transparent electrode in the diffusion portion (333), thereby increasing the transparency of the second panel (320).

[0163] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

[0164] Regarding various embodiments for implementing the present invention, descriptions that are redundant with those described above in the previous section on the best mode for carrying out the invention are omitted.

[0165] Since the present invention is applicable to display devices in various fields, its industrial applicability is recognized.

Claims

1. A first panel having a plurality of pixels, each composed of a light-emitting part and a light-transmitting part, arranged in an array; and It includes a second panel located on the back surface of the first panel and comprising a plurality of light-blocking shutters corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels, and The above light-blocking shutter is, Diffusion section; A first chamber located on one side of the above-mentioned diffusion section; A second chamber located on the other side of the above-mentioned diffusion section; A first metallic membrane located in the first chamber and changing shape when power is applied to adjust the size of the first chamber from a first state in which the size is expanded to a second state in which the size is contracted; and It includes an opaque first fluid and a transparent second fluid located within the above diffusion section, the above first chamber and the above second chamber, which do not mix with each other, and When the first chamber is in the first state, the diffusion section is filled with the second fluid, and A display module in which the diffusion part is filled with the first fluid when the first chamber is in the second state.

2. In Paragraph 1, A display module characterized in that, in the first state, the second chamber is contracted, and in the second state, the second chamber is expanded to be filled with the second fluid.

3. In Paragraph 1, A display module characterized in that the sizes of the first chamber and the second chamber have a capacity corresponding to the volume of the diffusion section.

4. In Paragraph 1, It includes a second metallic membrane located in the second chamber, which shrinks the size of the second chamber in a first state and expands the size of the second chamber in a second state, and A display module characterized in that the second metallic membrane expands the size of the second chamber when power is applied.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above diffusion part A display module characterized by including a fluid passage positioned at a location corresponding to the light-emitting part, with one side connected to the first chamber and the other side connected to the second chamber.

6. In Paragraph 5, A display module characterized by the above fluid channel including a plurality of transparent channel walls formed in the diffusion section.

7. In Paragraph 6, A display module characterized by the above-mentioned Euro walls being arranged in a zigzag pattern to implement a serpentine-shaped Euro.

8. In Paragraph 1, A display module characterized in that the first chamber and the second chamber are located below the light-emitting part and are smaller than the light-emitting part.

9. In Paragraph 1, The first chamber and the second chamber include a flexible insulating layer, and A display module characterized in that the first metallic membrane moves the insulating layer.

10. In Paragraph 1, A display module characterized by the above-mentioned light-emitting part including red, blue, and green color filters, an organic light-emitting diode, and a TFT.

11. A first panel in which a plurality of pixels, each composed of a light-emitting part and a light-transmitting part, are arranged to form an array; A second panel located on the back surface of the first panel and comprising a plurality of light-blocking shutters corresponding to each of the pixels; and It includes a control unit that controls the light-emitting part of the first panel to output an image and controls the light-blocking shutter of the second panel to adjust the contrast ratio. Diffusion section; A first chamber located on one side of the above-mentioned diffusion section; A second chamber located on the other side of the above-mentioned diffusion section; A first metallic membrane located in the first chamber and changing its shape when power is applied to adjust the size of the first chamber from a first state in which the size is expanded to a second state in which the size is contracted; It includes an opaque first fluid and a transparent second fluid located within the above diffusion section, the above first chamber and the above second chamber, which do not mix with each other, and When the first chamber is in the first state, the diffusion section is filled with the second fluid, and A display device in which the diffusion portion is filled with the first fluid when the first chamber is in a second state.

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