Display device and operation method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device and an operation method thereof. The display device comprises: a display panel including light-emitting elements arranged two-dimensionally and light-sensing elements corresponding one-to-one to the light-emitting elements; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor, wherein, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the at least one instruction causes the display device to: receive a first sensing signal from the light-sensing elements in a light-emitting interval of the light-emitting elements and a second sensing signal from the light-sensing elements in a non-light-emitting interval of the light-emitting elements; and display, on the display panel, an image corresponding to the first sensing signal and / or the second sensing signal.

Description

Display device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The disclosed embodiment relates to a display device and a method of operating the same, and relates to a display device including light-sensing elements and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Display devices provide various functions that enable organic communication with the user, such as displaying images to provide information or detecting user input. Recent display devices also include functions for detecting the user's biometric information. Biometric recognition methods include the capacitive method, which detects changes in capacitance formed between electrodes; the optical method, which detects incident light using optical sensors; and the ultrasonic method, which detects vibrations using piezoelectric materials.

[0003] The disclosed embodiment provides a display device including a light-sensing element that detects light and a method of operating the same.

[0004] The disclosed embodiment provides a display device including a light sensing element that detects internal light and external light, and a method of operating the same.

[0005] The disclosed embodiment provides a display device capable of detecting both internal and external light with a single light-sensing element and a method of operating the same.

[0006] A display device according to one embodiment includes a display panel comprising two-dimensionally arranged light-emitting elements and light-sensing elements corresponding one-to-one to the light-emitting elements; a memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one instruction, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, receives a first detection signal from the light-sensing elements during the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting elements and a second detection signal from the light-sensing elements during the non-light-emitting portion of the light-emitting elements, and the display device operates such that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed on the display panel.

[0007] A method of operating a display device comprising a display panel including two-dimensionally arranged light-emitting elements and light-sensing elements corresponding one-to-one to the light-emitting elements according to one embodiment may include the step of receiving a first detection signal from the light-sensing elements in a light-emitting section of the light-emitting elements and a second detection signal from the light-sensing elements in a non-light-emitting section of the light-emitting elements.

[0008] A method of operating a display device according to one embodiment may include the step of controlling the display panel so that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed.

[0009] A method of operating a display device according to one embodiment may include the step of controlling the display panel so that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed.

[0010] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of a light-emitting element and a light-sensing element when the display device is in the first sensing mode.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of the light-emitting element and the light-sensing element when the display device is in the second sensing mode.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device according to a detection mode according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a display panel in which a circuit layer, a light-sensing layer, and a light-emitting layer are sequentially arranged according to another embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a display panel including a plurality of light transmission members according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a display panel in which the configuration of the light-emitting layer and the circuit layer according to one embodiment serves as a light-transmitting member.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a display panel having a structure in which light emitted from a light-emitting element according to one embodiment is directly incident on a photoelectric conversion layer.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a display panel in which light emitted from a light-emitting element according to another embodiment is directly incident on a photoelectric conversion layer.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating an example of a light-emitting layer including a common electrode according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a light-emitting layer including a light-emitting element that emits light of a plurality of wavelengths according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a light-emitting layer including an organic-based light-emitting element according to one embodiment.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The described embodiments are merely illustrative, and various modifications are possible from these embodiments. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and the size of each component in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

[0029] In the following, terms described as "upper" or "upper" may include not only those directly above in contact, but also those above without contact.

[0030] Terms such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. These terms do not limit the difference in the material or structure of the components.

[0031] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0032] Additionally, terms such as “...part,” “module,” etc., as described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0033] The specific embodiments described in this embodiment are examples and do not limit the technical scope in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of said systems may be omitted. Additionally, the connections of lines or connecting members between components shown in the drawings are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or additionally represented as various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in the actual device.

[0034] The use of the term "above" and similar descriptive terms may apply to both singular and plural forms.

[0035] Unless there is an explicit statement that the steps constituting the method must be performed in the described order, they may be performed in a suitable order. Furthermore, the use of all exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) is merely intended to describe the technical concept in detail and, unless limited by the claims, such terms do not limit the scope of the rights.

[0036] Expressions such as “at least one ~” used in the sesser modify the entire list of following elements, not each individual element included in the list. For example, the expression “at least one a, b, or c” means not only cases including only a, only b, or only c, but also cases including a and b, a and c, b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0037] Spatial relative terms described in this specification, such as "up," "down," "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "front," and "rear," may be used to easily explain the positional relationships of each component in the direction shown in the drawings. Accordingly, these spatial relative terms indicating the positional relationships of each component may be understood differently when viewed from a direction other than the direction shown in the drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device (DD) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (DD) according to one embodiment.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device (DD) may be a device that is activated by an electrical signal. For example, the display device (DD) may be a mobile phone, a tablet, a car navigation system, a game console, or a wearable device, but is not limited thereto. In FIG. 1, the display device (DD) is exemplarily shown as a mobile phone.

[0040] Additionally, in FIG. 1, a bar-shaped rigid type display device (DD) is illustrated as an example, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the display device (DD) may be a foldable, rollable, or sliderable type display device (DD).

[0041] The top surface (or front surface) of the display device (DD) may be defined as a display surface (IS) and may have a plane defined by a first direction (DR1) and a second direction (DR2). Images (IM) generated by the display device (DD) may be provided to the user through the display surface (IS). Hereinafter, a normal direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) is defined as a third direction (DR3). In this specification, the meaning of "when viewed in a plane" may refer to the state viewed from the third direction (DR3). That is, the plane may be parallel to the plane defined by the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2).

[0042] The display surface (IS) can be divided into a transparent area (TA) and a bezel area (BZA). The transparent area (TA) may be an area where images (IM) are displayed. The user perceives the images (IM) through the transparent area (TA). In this embodiment, the transparent area (TA) is depicted as a square shape with rounded vertices. However, this is illustrated as an example, and the transparent area (TA) may have various shapes and is not limited to any single embodiment.

[0043] The bezel region (BZA) is adjacent to the transparent region (TA). The bezel region (BZA) may have a predetermined color. The bezel region (BZA) may surround the transparent region (TA). Accordingly, the shape of the transparent region (TA) may be substantially defined by the bezel region (BZA). However, this is illustrated as an example, and the bezel region (BZA) may be positioned adjacent to only one side of the transparent region (TA) or may be omitted.

[0044] The display device (DD) can detect external inputs applied from the outside. External inputs may include various forms of inputs provided from outside the display device (DD). For example, external inputs may include contact by a part of the body, such as a user's finger (US_F), as well as external inputs applied while in close proximity to the display device (DD) or at a predetermined distance (e.g., hovering). Additionally, external inputs may take various forms, such as force, pressure, temperature, and light. External inputs may also be provided by a separate device, for example, an active pen or a digitizer pen. Furthermore, the display device (DD) can detect the user's biometric information applied from the outside.

[0045] The exterior of the display device (DD) may be composed of a window (WM) and a housing (EDC). For example, the window (WM) and the housing (EDC) may be combined with each other, and other components of the display device (DD), for example, a display module (DM), may be accommodated therein.

[0046] The front surface of the window (WM) defines the display surface (IS) of the display device (DD). The window (WM) may include an optically transparent insulating material. For example, the window (WM) may include glass or plastic. The window (WM) may have a multilayer structure or a single layer structure. For example, the window (WM) may include a plurality of plastic films bonded by an adhesive, or a glass substrate and a plastic film bonded by an adhesive.

[0047] The housing (EDC) may include a material having relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing (EDC) may include glass, plastic, or metal, or may include a plurality of frames (FT) and / or plates composed of a combination thereof. The housing (EDC) can reliably protect the components of the display device (DD) housed in the internal space from external impact. Although not illustrated, a battery module or the like that supplies power necessary for the overall operation of the display device (DD) may be placed between the display module (DM) and the housing (EDC).

[0048] The display module (DM) may include a display panel (DP) and an anti-reflection layer (CFL).

[0049] A display panel (DP) may be a configuration that substantially generates an image. The display panel (DP) may be a light-emitting display panel (DP), for example, the display panel (DP) may be an organic light-emitting display panel (DP), an inorganic light-emitting display panel (DP), an organic-inorganic light-emitting display panel (DP), a quantum dot display panel (DP), a micro LED display panel (DP), or a nano LED display panel (DP). Hereinafter, the display panel (DP) is described as an organic light-emitting display panel (DP).

[0050] The display panel (DP) includes a base layer (BL), a pixel layer (PXL), and an encapsulation layer (TFE). The display panel (DP) according to the present invention may be a flexible display panel (DP). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the display panel (DP) may be a foldable display panel (DP) or a rigid display panel (DP) that folds along a folding axis.

[0051] The base layer (BL) may include a synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide-based resin layer, and the material is not particularly limited. Additionally, the base layer (BL) may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite material substrate, etc.

[0052] A pixel layer (PXL) is disposed on a base layer (BL). The pixel layer (PXL) may include a circuit layer (DP_CL), a light-sensing layer (DP_DL), and a light-emitting layer (DP_EL). The circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-sensing layer (DP_DL) may be disposed on the same layer, for example, the base layer (BL). Additionally, the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) may be disposed on the circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-sensing layer (DP_DL). However, it is not limited thereto. The circuit layer (DP_CL), the light-sensing layer (DP_DL), and the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) may be arranged sequentially from the surface of the base layer (BL). Alternatively, the circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-sensing layer (DP_DL) may be disposed on the back surface of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL).

[0053] The circuit layer (DP_CL) includes at least one insulating layer and a circuit element. Hereinafter, the insulating layer included in the circuit layer (DP_CL) is referred to as an intermediate insulating layer. The intermediate insulating layer includes at least one intermediate inorganic film and at least one intermediate organic film. The circuit element may include a pixel circuit included in each of a plurality of pixels for displaying an image and a sensor driving circuit included in each of a plurality of sensors for recognizing external information. The circuit layer (DP_CL) may further include signal lines connected to the pixel circuit and / or sensor driving circuit.

[0054] For example, the plurality of sensors may each be a fingerprint recognition sensor, a proximity sensor, an iris recognition sensor, etc. Additionally, the plurality of sensors may each be an optical sensor that recognizes biometric information in an optical manner. According to one embodiment, the plurality of sensors can be used to sense not only biometric information such as fingerprints but also external input (e.g., user touch). Accordingly, the display device (DD) may not include a separate input sensing layer for sensing external input. In this case, the thickness of the display device (DD) can be further reduced, and accordingly, flexibility is improved so that it can be implemented as a display device (DD) of various types, such as the aforementioned foldable, rollable, or sliderable types.

[0055] The light-emitting layer (DP_EL) may include light-emitting elements (ED) arranged in two dimensions, which are included in each pixel. The light-emitting elements (ED) may be organic-based light-emitting elements (ED) or inorganic-based light-emitting elements (ED). Each light-emitting element (ED) may include an electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230) that emits light in response to an input electrical signal. At least one of the light-emitting elements (ED) may output light of a first color (e.g., red), light of a second color (e.g., green), or light of a third color (e.g., blue). However, it is not limited thereto. At least one of the light-emitting elements (ED) may selectively output light of a first color (e.g., red), light of a second color (e.g., green), or light of a third color (e.g., blue).

[0056] The light sensing layer (DP_DL) may include a light sensing element (CD) included in each of the sensors. For example, the light sensing element may be a phototransistor, but is not limited thereto. The light sensing element (CD) may be a photodiode. The light sensing element (CD) may include a photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) that generates an electrical signal in response to incident light.

[0057] A light-sensing element (CD) can receive at least one of internal light or external light and output an electrical signal. Here, internal light refers to light emitted from a light-emitting element (ED) of a light-emitting layer (DP_EL) that travels within the display panel (DP) without being emitted externally and then is incident on the light-sensing element (CD), and external light may refer to light that is incident on the light-sensing element (CD) from the outside through the display panel (DP). External light may include light emitted from the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) that is emitted outside the display panel (DP), reflected by an object outside the display panel (DP), for example, a user's finger, re-incident within the display panel (DP), and then incident on the next light-sensing element (CD). Additionally, external light may be light generated in the external environment that travels within the display panel (DP) and then is incident on the light-sensing element (CD).

[0058] The circuit layer (DP_CL), light sensing layer (DP_DL), and light-emitting layer (DP_EL) will be explained in detail later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0059] The encapsulation layer (TFE) seals the light-emitting layer (DP_EL). The encapsulation layer (TFE) may include at least one organic film and at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may include an inorganic material and can protect the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) from moisture / oxygen. The inorganic film may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but is not particularly limited thereto. The organic film may include an organic material and can protect the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) from foreign substances such as dust particles.

[0060] An anti-reflective layer (CFL) may be placed on a display panel (DP). The anti-reflective layer (CFL) may reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from outside the display device (DD). The anti-reflective layer (CFL) may be formed on the input display panel (DP) through a continuous process, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the anti-reflective layer (CFL) may include color filters, a black matrix, and a flattening layer. The color filters may have a predetermined arrangement. For example, the color filters may be arranged considering the light emission colors of the pixels included in the display panel (DP). In another embodiment, the anti-reflective layer (CFL) may include a black matrix and a reflection adjustment layer. The reflection adjustment layer may selectively absorb light in some bands of light reflected from within the display panel (DP) and / or the display device (DD) or light incident from outside the display panel (DP) and / or the display device (DD). In another embodiment, the anti-reflective layer (CFL) may be a polarizing film.

[0061] A display device (DD) according to one embodiment may further include an adhesive layer (AL). A window (WM) may be attached to an anti-reflective layer (CFL) by the adhesive layer (AL). The adhesive layer (AL) may include an optically clear adhesive, an optically clear adhesive resin, or a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0062] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a display device (DD) according to one embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the display device (DD) includes a display panel (DP), a driving controller (110), a data driver (120), a scan and sensor driver (130), a light-emitting driver (140), a readout circuit (ROC), and a voltage generator (150). The panel driving circuit (PDC) may include a driving controller (110), a data driver (120), a scan and sensor driver (130), a light-emitting driver (140), and a voltage generator (150).

[0064] The driving controller (110) receives an input video signal (RGB) and a control signal (CTRL). The driving controller (110) generates an output video signal (DATA) by converting the data format of the input video signal (RGB) to be suitable for the data driver (120) and the display panel (DP). The driving controller (110) outputs a scan control signal (SCS), a data control signal (DCS), and a light emission control signal (ECS).

[0065] The data driver (120) receives a data control signal (DCS) and an output video signal (DATA) from the drive controller (110). The data driver (120) converts the output video signal (DATA) into data signals and outputs the data signals to a plurality of data lines (DL1-DLm) described later. The data signals are analog voltages corresponding to the grayscale levels of the output video signal (DATA).

[0066] The voltage generator (150) generates voltages required for the operation of the display panel (DP). In this embodiment, the voltage generator (150) generates a driving voltage (VDD), an initialization voltage (VINT), a reset voltage (VRST), a sensor driving voltage (VCOM), and a bias voltage (VBIAS).

[0067] The display panel (DP) includes scan lines (GL1-GLn), sensor scan lines (SL1-SLn), reset lines (RSL), light emission lines (EML1-EMLn), data lines (DL1-DLm), readout lines (RL1-RLk), pixels (PX), and sensors (FX).

[0068] The display panel (DP) may include a display area (DA) corresponding to a transparent area (TA) (see FIG. 1) and a non-display area (NDA) corresponding to a bezel area (BZA) (shown in FIG. 1). Pixels (PX) and sensors (FX) may be placed in the display area (DA).

[0069] The scan and sensor driver (130) and the light-emitting driver (140) can be placed in the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (DP).

[0070] In one embodiment, the scan and sensor driver (130) is positioned adjacent to a first side of a display area (DA) within a display panel (DP). The scan and sensor driver (130) receives a scan control signal (SCS) from a drive controller (110). In response to the scan control signal (SCS), the scan and sensor driver (130) may output scan signals to scan lines (GL1-GLn) and output a reset signal to a reset line (RSL). Each of the scan lines (GL1-GLn) and the reset line (RSL) extends from the scan and sensor driver (130) in a first direction (DR1).

[0071] A light-emitting driver (140) is positioned adjacent to a second side of a display area (DA) within a display panel (DP). The light-emitting driver (140) receives a light-emitting control signal (ECS) from a driving controller (110). In response to the light-emitting control signal (ECS), the light-emitting driver (140) can output light-emitting signals to light-emitting lines (EML1-EMLn). The light-emitting lines (EML1-EMLn) extend from the light-emitting driver (140) in the opposite direction of the first direction (DR1).

[0072] Scan lines (GL1-GLn), reset lines (RSL), and light emission lines (EML1-EMLn) are arranged spaced apart from each other in a second direction (DR2). Data lines (DL1-DLm) extend from the data driver (120) in the opposite direction of the second direction (DR2) and are arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction (DR1).

[0073] Multiple pixels (PX) are electrically connected to scan lines (GL1-GLn), light-emitting lines (EML1-EMLn), and data lines (DL1-DLm), respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the pixels of the first row can be connected to the scan line (GL1) and the light-emitting line (EML1). Also, the pixels of the second row can be connected to the scan line (GL2) and the light-emitting line (EML2).

[0074] Each of the plurality of pixels (PX) includes a light-emitting element (ED) and a pixel circuit that controls the light emission of the light-emitting element (ED). The light-emitting element (ED) is disposed within a light-emitting layer (DP_EL), and the pixel circuit may be disposed within a circuit layer (DP_CL). The pixel circuit may include one or more transistors and one or more capacitors. The scan and sensor driver (130) and the light-emitting driver (140) may include transistors formed through the same process as the pixel circuit.

[0075] Each of the multiple pixels (PX) can receive a driving voltage (VDD) and an initialization voltage (VINT) from a voltage generator (150).

[0076] Each of the sensors (FX) may include a light-sensing element (CD) and a sensor driving circuit. The sensor driving circuit may be formed through the same process as the pixel circuit. That is, the sensor driving circuit and the pixel circuit may be formed within the circuit layer (DP_CL). In addition, the light-sensing element (CD) may also be formed through the same process as the pixel circuit.

[0077] Each of the sensors (FX) may be connected to a corresponding scan line among the scan lines (GL1-GLn) and a readout line among the readout lines (RL1-RLk). The sensors (FX) may be connected in common to the reset line (RSL). In this embodiment, the number of sensors (FX) may be equal to the number of pixels (PX), but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the number of sensors (FX) placed on the display panel (DP) may be greater or less than the number of pixels (PX).

[0078] The readout circuit (ROC) receives a readout control signal (RCS). In response to the readout control signal (RCS), the readout circuit (ROC) receives a detection signal from the readout lines (RL1-RLk) and can output a readout signal (SS) corresponding to the detection signal. For convenience of explanation below, the readout signal (SS) corresponding to the detection signal is also referred to simply as the detection signal.

[0079] FIG. 3 illustrates a readout circuit (ROC) receiving a readout control signal (RCS) from an external source (e.g., an application processor, a graphics controller, a main processor, etc.) and outputting a readout signal (SS) to the external source, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the readout circuit (ROC) may receive a readout control signal (RCS) from a driving controller (110) and output a readout signal (SS) to the driving controller (110).

[0080] In one embodiment, the sensors (FX) and the readout circuit (ROC) may operate in a screen inspection mode, a blood pressure detection mode, a fingerprint detection mode, a touch detection mode, etc. During the screen inspection mode, the readout signal (SS) output from the readout circuit (ROC) may include information regarding the light emission state of the light-emitting elements (ED). During the blood pressure detection mode, the readout signal (SS) output from the readout circuit (ROC) may include information regarding the user's blood pressure. During the fingerprint detection mode, the readout signal (SS) output from the readout circuit (ROC) may include information regarding the user's fingerprint. During the touch detection mode, the readout signal (SS) output from the readout circuit (ROC) may include information regarding the user's touch location. Information regarding the light emission state of the light-emitting elements (ED) may be obtained through internal light, and information regarding the user's blood pressure, information regarding the user's fingerprint, and information regarding the user's touch location may be obtained through external light.

[0081] In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the scan and sensor driver (130) is arranged facing the light-emitting driver (140) with pixels (PX) in between, but is not limited thereto. For example, the scan and sensor driver (130) and the light-emitting driver (140) may be arranged side by side at a position adjacent to either the first side or the second side of the display area (DA) within the display panel (DP). In one embodiment, the scan and sensor driver (130) and the light-emitting driver (140) may be composed of a single circuit.

[0082] Sensor (FX) ij ) is the sensor scan line (SL j ), reset line (RSL) and readout line (RL j It can be electrically connected to ). Sensor (FX ij ) includes a light-sensing element (CD) and a sensor driving circuit. The light-sensing element (CD) may be a phototransistor including a photoelectric conversion layer (OEL). The sensor driving circuit may include one or more transistors. For example, the sensor driving circuit may include a reset transistor, an amplifier transistor, and an output transistor, etc. The sensor driving circuit resets the light-sensing element (CD) in response to a reset signal (RST), amplifies the signal output from the light-sensing element (CD), and then amplifies the sensor scan signal (SL i In response to ) the detection signal (FS j ) readout line (RL j It can be passed as ).

[0083] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment.

[0084] Transistors are arranged in the circuit layer (DP_CL), photodetectors (CD) in the photodetector layer (DP_DL), and light-emitting elements (ED) in the light-emitting layer (DP_EL). For convenience of explanation, one transistor is shown in the circuit layer (DP_CL), one photodetector (CD) in the photodetector layer (DP_DL), and one light-emitting element (ED) in the light-emitting layer (DP_EL).

[0085] A display panel (DP) may include a base layer (BL), a circuit layer (DP_CL), a light-sensing layer (DP_DL), a light-emitting layer (DP_EL), and an encapsulation layer (TFE) disposed on the base layer (BL). The circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-sensing layer (DP_DL) may be disposed on the same layer, for example, the base layer (BL). Alternatively, the circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-sensing layer (DP_DL) may be disposed on the back surface of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL). Furthermore, the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) may be disposed on the circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-sensing layer (DP_DL), and the encapsulation layer (TFE) may be disposed on the light-emitting layer (DP_EL).

[0086] The base layer (BL) may include a synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer may include a thermosetting resin. In particular, the synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide-based resin layer, and the material is not particularly limited. The synthetic resin layer may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylate resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyamide resin, or a perylene resin. Additionally, the base layer (BL) may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite material substrate, etc.

[0087] At least one inorganic layer is formed on the upper surface (or front surface) of the base layer (BL). The inorganic layer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed in multiple layers. The multiple inorganic layers may constitute the barrier layers (BR1, BR2) and / or buffer layer (BFL) described below. The barrier layers (BR1, BR2) and the buffer layer (BFL) may be optionally arranged.

[0088] The barrier layers (BR1, BR2) prevent foreign substances from entering from the outside. The barrier layers (BR1, BR2) may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer. Each of these may be provided in multiple numbers, and the silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers may be stacked alternately.

[0089] A buffer layer (BFL) may be disposed on barrier layers (BR1, BR2). The buffer layer (BFL) enhances the bonding strength between the base layer (BL) and the semiconductor pattern and / or conductive pattern. The buffer layer (BFL) may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer. The silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer may be stacked alternately.

[0090] The barrier layers (BR1, BR2) and the buffer layer (BFL) can be arranged consecutively on the underside of the light sensing layer (DP_DL) and the circuit layer (DP_CL).

[0091] A photodetector (CD) may be disposed in the photodetector layer (DP_DL). The photodetector (CD) may be of the phototransistor or photodiode type. For example, the photodetector (CD) may include a gate electrode (G1), a photoelectric conversion layer (OEL), and two first source / drain electrodes (SD1).

[0092] The circuit layer (DP_CL) may include a driving transistor for driving a light-emitting element (ED). The driving transistor (TR) may include a gate electrode (G2), a channel layer (CH), and two second source / drain electrodes (SD2). Not limited thereto, the circuit layer (DP_CL) may include multiple transistors for screen compensation.

[0093] For example, the gate electrode (G1) of the photodetector (CD) and the gate electrode (G2) of the driving transistor (TR) may be disposed on the buffer layer (BFL). The gate electrode (G1) of the photodetector (CD) and the gate electrode (G2) of the driving transistor (TR) may be disposed on the same layer, for example, the buffer layer (BFL), while being spaced apart from each other.

[0094] The gate electrode (G1) of the photodetector (CD) and the gate electrode (G2) of the driving transistor (TR) may include titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), a silver-containing alloy, molybdenum (Mo), a molybdenum-containing alloy, aluminum (Al), an aluminum-containing alloy, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc., but are not particularly limited thereto.

[0095] The first insulating layer (10) may be disposed on the buffer layer (BFL). The first insulating layer (10) may be disposed extending to the light sensing layer (DP_DL) and the circuit layer (DP_CL), and may cover the gate electrode (G1) of the light sensing element (CD) and the gate electrode (G2) of the driving transistor (TR). The first insulating layer (10) may be a gate insulating layer for the gate electrode (G1) of the light sensing element (CD) and the gate electrode (G2) of the driving transistor (TR).

[0096] The first insulating layer (10) may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer (10) may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. In this embodiment, the first insulating layer (10) may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer.

[0097] The photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) and the channel layer (CH) of the driving transistor (TR) may be disposed on the first insulating layer (10). The photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) and the channel layer (CH) of the driving transistor (TR) may be disposed spaced apart from each other and may be disposed on the same layer, that is, the first insulating layer (10). The photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) and the channel layer (CH) of the driving transistor (TR) may include a semiconductor material (e.g., the same semiconductor material). The semiconductor material may include a silicon semiconductor. For example, the silicon semiconductor may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, etc. Or the semiconductor material may include an oxide of a material selected from group 12, 13, and 14 metals such as indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), germanium (Ge), zinc (Zinc), or hafnium (Hf), and combinations thereof. The photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) and the channel layer (CH) of the driving transistor (TR) may also include perovskite, quantum dot (QD), etc.

[0098] Two first source / drain electrodes (SD1) spaced apart from each other are disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD), and two second source / drain electrodes (SD2) spaced apart from each other can also be disposed on the channel layer (CH) of the driving transistor (TR). The first source / drain electrodes (SD1) and the second source / drain electrodes (SD2) can be formed of a conductive material. The first source / drain electrodes (SD1) and the second source / drain electrodes (SD2) may be formed of the same material as the gate electrodes (G1, G2) or may be formed of a different material.

[0099] As described above, the photodetector (CD) of the photodetector layer (DP_DL) and the transistor of the circuit layer (DP_CL) can be formed on the same layer through the same process, thereby reducing process efficiency and costs.

[0100] A second insulating layer (20) may be disposed on the light sensing element (CD) and the driving transistor (TR). The second insulating layer (20) may be an inorganic layer or an organic layer. The organic layer may include general-purpose polymers such as BCB (Benzocyclobutene), polyimide, HMDSO (Hexamethyldisiloxane), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene (PS), polymer derivatives having a phenolic group, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorine polymers, p-xylene polymers, vinyl alcohol polymers, and blends thereof, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0101] A light-emitting layer (DP_EL) may be disposed on the light-sensing layer (DP_DL) and the circuit layer (DP_CL). The light-emitting layer (DP_EL) may include a light-emitting element (ED), a pixel defining film (PDL), and a third insulating layer (30).

[0102] The light-emitting element (ED) may be an inorganic-based light-emitting element (ED). It is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting element (ED) may be an organic-based light-emitting element. For example, the light-emitting element (ED) may include a first type semiconductor layer (210), a second type semiconductor layer (220), an electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230) between the first type semiconductor layer (210) and the second type semiconductor layer (220), a first electrode (240) electrically connected to the first type semiconductor layer (210), and a second electrode (250) electrically connected to the second type semiconductor layer (220).

[0103] The first electrode (240) and the second electrode (250) of the light-emitting element (ED) may be arranged to face in the same direction. Both the first electrode (240) and the second electrode (250) may be placed on the lower side of the electro-optical conversion layer (230). Accordingly, the first electrode (240) and the second electrode (250) of the light-emitting element (ED) may be directly connected to the first electrode pad (EP1) and the second electrode pad (EP2), respectively, placed on the circuit layer (DP_CL).

[0104] In some embodiments, the first type semiconductor layer (210) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-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 p-type dopants such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, and Ba can be doped.

[0105] The second type semiconductor layer (220) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer may be selected from semiconductor materials having the composition formula InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and may be doped with n-type dopants such as Si, Ge, and Sn.

[0106] The electrophotovoltaic conversion layer (230) 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 electrophotovoltaic conversion layer (230) can be formed by including a semiconductor material having a composition formula of, for example, InxAlyGa1-x-yN (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. Additionally, the electrophotovoltaic conversion layer (230) may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0107] When the photovoltaic conversion layer (230) contains indium (In), the photovoltaic conversion layer (230) can emit light of shorter wavelengths as the indium content decreases. For example, in a photovoltaic conversion layer (230) containing InGaN or AlInGaN, when the indium content in the nitride semiconductor material is about 35 at%, the photovoltaic conversion layer (230) emits red light of about 630 nm, when the indium content is about 30 at%, the photovoltaic conversion layer (230) emits yellow light of about 560 nm, and when the indium content is about 25 at%, the photovoltaic conversion layer (230) can emit green light of about 520 nm. Also, when the indium content is about 15 at%, the photovoltaic conversion layer (230) can emit blue light of about 450 nm. For example, the photoelectric conversion layer (230) of the first light-emitting element (ED1) contains an indium content of about 35 at% and can emit red light.

[0108] FIG. 4 illustrates that the first type semiconductor layer (210) includes a p-type semiconductor layer and the second type semiconductor layer (220) includes an n-type semiconductor layer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first type semiconductor layer (210) may include an n-type semiconductor layer and the second type semiconductor layer (220) may include a p-type semiconductor layer.

[0109] The pixel defining layer (PDL) may form an opening that groups corresponding light-emitting elements (ED) and light-sensing elements (CD). A photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the light-sensing element (CD) and an electro-photoelectric conversion layer (230) of the light-emitting element (ED) may be disposed within the opening. In one embodiment, the pixel defining layer (PDL) may further include a black material. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may further include a black organic dye / pigment such as carbon black or aniline black. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may be formed by mixing a blue organic material and a black organic material. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may further include a liquid-repellent organic material.

[0110] The third insulating layer (30) may have a flat upper surface (or front surface) while covering the light-emitting element (ED) and the pixel defining film (PDL). The third insulating layer (30) may include at least one organic material such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, or hexamethyldisiloxane, or at least one organic material such as silicon oxide (SiOX), silicon nitride (SiNX), silicon oxynitride (SiOXNY).

[0111] A light-transmitting member (OT) may be disposed on the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) to transmit light emitted from a light-emitting element (ED) to a light-sensing element (CD). The light-transmitting member (OT) may have a shape that extends in a direction parallel to the surface of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) (in other words, a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (D3) of the display panel (DP)) between the light-emitting element (ED) and the light-sensing element (CD).

[0112] The photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) may include a region that does not overlap with the light transmission member (OT) in the thickness direction of the display panel (DP). External light can be easily incident through the region of the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) that does not overlap with the light transmission member (OT). The light transmission member (OT) may include at least one of a waveguide or a reflector.

[0113] It was stated that the light transmission member (OT) is disposed on the light-emitting layer (DP_EL), but is not limited thereto. The light transmission member (OT) may also be disposed within the light-emitting layer (DP_EL). For example, the lower surface of the light transmission member (OT) may be disposed higher than the upper surface (or front surface) of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) with respect to the lower surface of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL), thereby allowing light emitted from the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) to be transmitted to the light-sensing element (CD).

[0114] It was stated that the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) includes a region that does not overlap with the light transmission member (OT) in the thickness direction of the display panel (DP), but is not limited thereto. If the light transmission member (OT) is a transparent waveguide, the light transmission member (OT) can transmit light incident from the outside. The entire photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the photodetector (CD) may overlap with the light transmission member (OT) in the thickness direction of the display panel (DP).

[0115] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display device (DD) according to one embodiment.

[0116] The display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP), a panel driving circuit (PDC), a readout circuit (ROC), and a control module (CM). The panel driving circuit (PDC) may include a driving controller (110), a data driver (120), a scan and sensor driver (130), a light-emitting driver (140), and a voltage generator (150) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0117] The control module (CM) can control the panel driving circuit (PDC) so that an image is displayed on the display panel (DP). The control module (CM) provides input image signals (RGB) and control signals (CTRL) to the panel driving circuit (PDC).

[0118] The control module (CM) can control the readout circuit (ROC) in response to the mode of the display panel (DP). The control module (CM) can provide a readout control signal (RCS) to the readout circuit (ROC) and receive a readout signal (SS) from the readout circuit (ROC). The panel driving circuit (PDC), the readout circuit (ROC), and the control module (CM) are collectively referred to as the processor (PR).

[0119] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device (DD) according to one embodiment, FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of a light-emitting element (ED) and a light-sensing element (CD) when the display device (DD) is in a first sensing mode, and FIG. 8 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of a light-emitting element (ED) and a light-sensing element (CD) when the display device (DD) is in a second sensing mode.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6, the processor (PR) can receive a first detection signal of the result detected by the light-sensing element (CD) in the light-emitting section (ET) of the light-emitting element (ED) and a second detection signal of the result detected by the light-sensing element (CD) in the non-light-emitting section (NET) of the light-emitting element (ED) from the display panel (DP) (S310).

[0121] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each light-emitting element (ED) may emit light during a light-emitting period (ET) and not emit light during a non-light-emitting period (NET) on a frame (FT) basis. The light-emitting element (ED) may alternately perform the operation of emitting light during a light-emitting period (ET) and not emitting light during a non-light-emitting period (NET) based on a scan signal (GL), a data signal (DL), and a light-emitting control signal (EML). For example, when the scan signal (GL), the data signal (DL), and the light-emitting control signal (EML) are all ON, the light-emitting element (ED) emits light, and the time during which light is emitted can be referred to as the light-emitting period (ET). When the scan signal (GL) and the data signal (DL) are ON, but the light-emitting control signal (EML) is OFF, the light-emitting element (ED) does not emit light, and the time period during which light is not emitted can be referred to as the non-light-emitting period (NET).

[0122] Each time interval of the light-sensing element (CD) can also be divided into a detection interval (DT1, DT2, DT3) and a non-detection interval (NDT1, NDT2, NDT3). The time interval of the light-sensing element (CD) can be divided into a detection interval (DT1, DT2, DT3) that detects light and a non-detection interval (NDT1, NDT2, NDT3) that does not detect light, based on the sensor scan signal (SL), the readout signal (RL), and the reset signal (RSL). For example, when the scan signal (GL) is ON, the light-sensing element (CD) detects light, and when the readout signal (RL) is ON, the detected detection signal can be output to the readout circuit. The time interval that detects light can be referred to as the detection interval (DT1, DT2, DT3). When the scan signal is off after the reset signal input, the light-sensing element (CD) does not detect light, and the time interval during which light is not detected can be referred to as the non-detection interval (NDT1, NDT2, NDT3).

[0123] The light sensing element (CD) can operate based on different sensing intervals (DT1, DT2, DT3) and non-sensing intervals (NDT1, NDT2, NDT3) depending on the sensing mode.

[0124] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the first detection mode, the light-sensing element (CD) can detect light in the light-emitting section (ET) and the non-light-emitting section (NET), respectively, of the light-emitting element (ED). For example, in the first detection mode, the detection sections (DT1, DT2) may include a first detection section (DT1) included in the light-emitting section (ET) and a second detection section (DT2) included in the non-light-emitting section (NET). Each of the first detection section (DT1) and the second detection section (DT2) may be smaller than the light-emitting section (ET) and the non-light-emitting section (NET). A signal detected in the first detection section (DT1), i.e., the light-emitting section (ET), may be referred to as the first detection signal, and a signal detected in the second detection section (DT2), i.e., the non-light-emitting section (NET), may be referred to as the second detection signal.

[0125] The first detection signal may include information regarding internal light, which is light emitted from a light-emitting element (ED) that is incident on a light-sensing element (CD) through the display panel (DP) without proceeding outside the display panel (DP), and external light, which is light incident on a light-sensing element (CD) through the display panel (DP) from the outside, as detected in the light-emitting section (ET).

[0126] The second detection signal is detected in the non-luminous section (NET) and may include information about external light, which is light incident on the light-sensing element (CD) through the display panel (DP) from the outside. The external light may include light emitted from the display panel (DP) that is reflected by an object (e.g., a user's finger) located outside the display panel (DP) and re-incident upon the display panel (DP).

[0127] In the first detection mode, the optical detection element (CD) can operate repeatedly based on a first detection interval (DT1), a first non-detection interval (NDT1), a second detection interval (DT2), and a second non-detection interval (NDT2) in units of frames (FT). The period between the first detection intervals (DT1) may be the same as the frame (FT) period, and the period between the second detection intervals (DT2) may be the same as the frame (FT) period. The interval between the first detection interval (DT1) and the second detection interval (DT2), i.e., the first non-detection interval (NDT), or the interval between the second detection interval (DT2) and the next first detection interval (DT1), i.e., the second non-detection interval (NDT), may be larger than the first detection interval (DT1) and the second detection interval (DT2). By making the interval between the first detection interval (DT1) and the second detection interval (DT2) larger, noise generation can be reduced.

[0128] In the second detection mode, the optical detection element (CD) can operate repeatedly based on the third detection interval (DT3) and the third non-detection interval (NDT3) on a frame (FT) basis. The period between the third detection intervals (DT3) may be the same as the frame (FT) period. The third detection interval (DT3) may be the same size as the second detection interval (DT2). However, it is not limited to this. The third detection interval (DT3) may be longer than the second detection interval (DT2).

[0129] The signal detected in the third detection section (DT3), that is, the non-luminous section (NET), can be referred to as the second detection signal. The second detection signal may include information about external light, which is light incident on the light-sensing element (CD) through the display panel (DP) from the outside, as detected in the non-luminous section (NET). The external light may include light emitted from the display panel (DP) that is reflected by an object (e.g., a user's finger) located outside the display panel (DP) and re-incident upon the display panel (DP).

[0130] The processor (PR) can control the display panel (DP) so that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed (S320). The processor (PR) can display the image differently depending on the detection mode of the display device.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device according to a detection mode according to one embodiment.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, the display device can determine the detection mode of the display device (S410). For example, the display device may operate in a first detection mode for a certain period of time after the display device is reset, or may periodically operate in a first detection mode for a certain period of time. Additionally, the display device may operate in a second detection mode for a period other than the first detection mode. The second detection mode may vary depending on the application of the display device. For example, the second detection mode may be classified into a blood pressure detection mode, a fingerprint detection mode, a touch mode, etc.

[0133] When the detection mode of the display device is the first detection mode, the processor (PR) can control the display panel (DP) so that the light sensors operate in the first detection mode. Each light-emitting element (ED) within the display panel (DP) repeatedly operates a light-emitting section (ET) and a non-light-emitting section (NET) in units of frames (FT), and the processor (PR) can receive a first detection signal detected by the light-sensing element (CD) in the light-emitting section (ET) of the light-emitting element (ED) and a second detection signal detected by the light-sensing element (CD) in the non-light-emitting section (NET) of the light-emitting element (ED).

[0134] If it is determined that the detection mode of the display device is the first detection mode (S420-YES), the processor (PR) can obtain information about internal light using the first detection signal and the second detection signal (S430). The first detection signal is a signal detected in the emitting section (ET) of the pixel, and may include information about internal light and information about external light. The second detection signal is a signal detected in the non-emitting section (NET) of the pixel, and may include only information about external light. The processor (PR) can obtain information about internal light from the difference between the first detection signal and the second detection signal. Since internal light is information about light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED), the information about internal light may include information about the light-emitting state of the light-emitting element (ED). If the function of the light-emitting element (ED) is degraded, the internal light may have an intensity below a reference value.

[0135] The processor (PR) can control the display panel (DP) so that the brightness of the image is adjusted in response to information about internal light (S440). A light-emitting element (ED) having a light-emitting intensity below a reference value can be provided with a light-emitting control signal of greater intensity. Thus, by increasing the intensity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED), the brightness deviation of the image displayed on the display panel (DP) can be reduced.

[0136] When the detection mode of the display device is a second detection mode, the processor (PR) can control the display panel (DP) to control the light-sensing elements (CD) to operate in the second detection mode. The light-emitting element (ED) within the display panel (DP) operates repeatedly based on the light-emitting section (ET) and the non-light-emitting section (NET) on a frame (FT) basis, and the processor (PR) can receive a second detection signal detected by the light-sensing element (CD) in the non-light-emitting section (NET) of the light-emitting element (ED) from the display panel (DP).

[0137] If it is determined that the detection mode of the display device is the second detection mode (S450-YES), the processor (PR) can obtain information about external light using the second detection signal (S460).

[0138] The processor (PR) can control the display panel (DP) so that an image corresponding to external light is displayed (S470). The method of displaying the image corresponding to external light may vary depending on the type of the second detection mode.

[0139] For example, if the second detection mode is a fingerprint detection mode, the external light may include light emitted from a light-emitting element (ED) that is reflected by the user's fingerprint and incident on a light-sensing element (CD) through a display panel (DP). Information regarding the external light may include the user's fingerprint information. A processor (PR) may acquire fingerprint information using information regarding the external light and perform an authentication process that compares the acquired fingerprint information with pre-stored fingerprint information. The processor (PR) may control the display panel (DP) so that an image containing the fingerprint authentication result is displayed on the display panel (DP).

[0140] When the second detection mode is a fingerprint detection mode, a method for the processor (PR) to display an image corresponding to external light has been described, but is not limited thereto. The second detection mode may be a biometric detection mode, a blood pressure detection mode, a touch detection mode, an illuminance detection mode, etc., and the second detection signal may correspond to external light containing information about a biometric signal, external light containing information about blood pressure, external light containing information about whether a touch is made, or external light containing information about the illuminance of an external environment. The processor (PR) may control an image display panel (DP) so that an image corresponding to the result is displayed.

[0141] If a light-sensing element for detecting internal light and a light-sensing element for detecting external light exist separately, the resolution of the display device may be compromised by the arrangement of the light-sensing elements. A display device according to one embodiment can implement a high-resolution display device because a single light-sensing element can detect both internal and external light.

[0142] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display panel in which a circuit layer (DP_CL), a light-sensing layer (DP_DL), and a light-emitting layer (DP_EL) are sequentially arranged according to another embodiment. Comparing FIG. 4 with FIG. 10, the light-sensing layer (DP_DL) can be placed between the circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-emitting layer (DP_EL). By placing the light-sensing layer (DP_DL) between the circuit layer (DP_CL) and the light-emitting layer (DP_EL), a large area of ​​the circuit layer (DP_CL) can be secured.

[0143] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a display panel (DP) including a plurality of light transmission members (OT) according to one embodiment. Comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 11, the light transmission members (OT) may include a first light transmission member (OT1) and a second light transmission member (OT2) spaced apart with a photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) in between in the thickness direction of the display panel (DP). For example, the light transmission members (OT) may be positioned between a light sensing element (CD) and a light emitting element (ED) that correspond to each other in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the display panel (DP). The first light transmission member (OT1) may be positioned below the light emitting element (ED) and the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL), and the second light transmission member (OT2) may be positioned above the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL).

[0144] Light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED) can be reflected at least once by the first light-transmitting member (OT1) and the second light-transmitting member (OT2) and incident on the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL). The light-transmitting member (OT) of FIG. 11 utilizes the light emitted from the back surface of the light-emitting element (ED), thereby increasing the usability of the light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED).

[0145] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display panel in which the configuration of the light-emitting layer and the circuit layer according to one embodiment serves as a light-transmitting member. Referring to FIG. 12, the first electrode (240) of the light-emitting element (ED) may serve as the second light-transmitting member (OT2), and the gate electrode (G1) of the light-sensing element (CD) may serve as the first light-transmitting member (OT1).

[0146] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display panel having a structure in which light emitted from a light-emitting element according to one embodiment is directly incident on a photoelectric conversion layer. In the thickness direction of the display panel (DP), some regions of the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) may overlap with the light-emitting element (ED), and some regions of the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) may not overlap with the light-emitting element (ED). Since the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) directly detects the light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED), the light detection efficiency can be increased.

[0147] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display panel in which light emitted from a light-emitting element according to another embodiment is directly incident on a photoelectric conversion layer (OEL). In the thickness direction of the display panel (DP), the central region of the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) overlaps with the light-emitting element (ED), and the two edge regions of the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) may not overlap with the light-emitting element (ED). As the area of ​​the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) into which external light is incident increases, the detection efficiency of external light can be increased.

[0148] A light-emitting element applied to a display device according to one embodiment may be of various forms.

[0149] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating an example of a light-emitting layer including a common electrode according to one embodiment.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 15, the light-emitting element (ED) may be an inorganic-based light-emitting element. For example, the light-emitting element (ED) may include a first type semiconductor layer (210), a second type semiconductor layer (220), an electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230) between the first type semiconductor layer (210) and the second type semiconductor layer (220), a first electrode (240) electrically connected to the first type semiconductor layer (210), and a second electrode (250) electrically connected to the second type semiconductor layer (220).

[0151] The first electrode (240) and the second electrode (250) of the light-emitting element (ED) illustrated in FIG. 15 may be positioned to face in different directions. The first electrode (240) may be positioned on the lower side of the electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230), and the second electrode (250) may be positioned on the upper side of the electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230). The second electrode (250) may be electrically connected to a common electrode pad (CP) through a common electrode (CE).

[0152] It has been stated that the light-emitting element (ED) emits light of a specific wavelength, but is not limited thereto. The light-emitting element (ED) may emit light of multiple different wavelengths.

[0153] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a light-emitting layer including a light-emitting element (ED) that emits light of a plurality of wavelengths according to one embodiment.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 16, the light-emitting element (ED) may have a structure in which a first light-emitting element (ED1) emitting light of a first wavelength, a second light-emitting element (ED2) emitting light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength band, and a third light-emitting element (ED3) emitting light of a third wavelength different from the first and second wavelengths are stacked in the thickness direction of the display panel (DP). For example, the first light-emitting element (ED1) may emit red light, the second light-emitting element (ED2) may emit green light, and the third light-emitting element (ED3) may emit blue light.

[0155] Each of the first to third light-emitting elements (ED1, ED2, ED3) may include a first type semiconductor layer, a photoelectric conversion layer disposed on the first type semiconductor layer, and a second type semiconductor layer disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer. The light-emitting element (ED) may include a first electrode pattern (240P) connected to the first type semiconductor layer (P1, P2, P3) of each of the first to third light-emitting elements (ED1, ED2, ED3) and a second electrode pattern (250P) connected to the second type semiconductor layer (N1, N2, N3) of each of the first to third light-emitting elements (ED1, ED2, ED3). Since one light-emitting element (ED) includes a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED1, ED2, ED3) having different wavelengths, the display panel (DP) can be miniaturized.

[0156] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a light-emitting layer including an organic-based light-emitting element according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 17, the light-emitting element (ED) may be a light-emitting element including an organic material. The organic light-emitting diode may include a first electrode (240) disposed on an insulating layer, a second electrode (250) facing the first electrode (240), and an electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230) interposed between the first electrode (240) and the second electrode (250). A first functional layer (260) may be disposed between the first electrode (240) and the electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230), and a second functional layer (224) may be further disposed between the electro-photovoltaic conversion layer (230) and the second electrode (250).

[0157] The electrophotovoltaic conversion layer (230) may include a polymer or low-molecular-weight organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. The first functional layer (260) may include a hole transport layer (HTL) and / or a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer (224) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0158] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product comprising at least one instruction executable by a computer, such as a computer program executed by a computer.

[0159] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0161] A display device according to one embodiment may include a display panel (DP) comprising two-dimensionally arranged light-emitting elements (ED) and light-sensing elements (CD) corresponding one-to-one to the light-emitting elements (ED).

[0162] A display device according to one embodiment may include at least one processor (PR) that receives a first detection signal detected by the light-sensing elements (CD) in the light-emitting section (ET) of the light-emitting elements (ED) and a second detection signal detected by the light-sensing elements (CD) in the non-light-emitting section (NET) of the light-emitting elements (ED) from the display panel (DP), and controls the display panel (DP) so that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed.

[0163] The above processor (PR) can use the first detection signal and the second detection signal to obtain information about internal light, which is light emitted from the light-emitting elements (ED) and travels only within the display panel (DP) and is incident on the light-sensing element, and can adjust the brightness of the image in response to the information about the internal light.

[0164] The above processor (PR) can obtain information about the internal light by using the difference between the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

[0165] The information regarding the internal light above may include information regarding the light emission state of the light-emitting elements (ED).

[0166] The processor (PR) can use the second detection signal to obtain information about external light, which is light incident on the light detection elements (CD) from outside the display panel (DP), and display the image in response to the external light.

[0167] The above external light may include light emitted from the display panel (DP) that is reflected by an object outside the display panel (DP) and re-incident upon the display panel (DP).

[0168] The information regarding the external light above may include at least one of the user's fingerprint information, the user's biometric information, the user's touch information, and the illuminance information of the external environment.

[0169] Based on the rear surface of the display panel (DP), the rear surface of at least one of the light-emitting elements (ED) may be higher than the upper surface (or front surface) of at least one of the light-sensing elements (CD).

[0170] The above display panel (DP) may include a light-emitting layer (DP_EL) in which the light-emitting elements (ED) are arranged.

[0171] The above display panel (DP) may include a light sensing layer (DP_DL) disposed on the rear surface of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) and having light sensing elements (CD) arranged thereon.

[0172] The above display panel (DP) may include a circuit layer (DP_CL) disposed on the rear surface of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL) and comprising a light-emitting driving circuit for driving the light-emitting elements (ED) and a sensing driving circuit for driving the light-sensing elements (CD).

[0173] The light sensing layer (DP_DL) can be placed on the same layer as the circuit layer (DP_CL).

[0174] At least one photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) among the above light sensing elements (CD) may be disposed on the same layer as at least one of the channel layers (CH) included in the circuit layer (DP_CL).

[0175] At least one of the above light sensing elements (CD) may be a phototransistor.

[0176] At least one of the above light-emitting elements (ED) may be an inorganic-based light-emitting element.

[0177] The first light-emitting element among the light-emitting elements (ED) and the first light-sensing element among the light-sensing elements (CD) can correspond to each other.

[0178] In the thickness direction of the display panel (DP), the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the first light-sensing element may include a region that does not overlap with the photoelectric conversion layer (230) of the first light-sensing element.

[0179] The photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the first light-sensing element may include an area that overlaps with the photoelectric conversion layer (230) of the first light-sensing element in the thickness direction of the display panel (DP).

[0180] The above display panel (DP) may further include a light transmission member (OT) disposed between the first light-emitting element and the first light-sensing element in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the display panel (DP), and transmitting light emitted from the first light-emitting element to the first light-sensing element.

[0181] The above light transmission member (OT) may include at least one of a reflective layer or a waveguide.

[0182] The light transmission member (OT) can be disposed on the front surface of the light-emitting layer (DP_EL).

[0183] The light transmission member (OT) may include a first light transmission member (OT1) and a second light transmission member (OT2) spaced apart with the photoelectric conversion layer (OEL) of the first light sensing element in between in the thickness direction of the display panel (DP).

[0184] A method of operation of a display device in one embodiment may include the step of receiving a first detection signal detected by the light-sensing elements (CD) in the light-emitting section (ET) of the light-emitting elements (ED) and a second detection signal detected by the light-sensing elements (CD) in the non-light-emitting section (NET) of the light-emitting elements (ED) from a display panel (DP) comprising light-emitting elements (ED) arranged in two dimensions and light-sensing elements (CD) corresponding to the light-emitting elements (ED).

[0185] The method of operating the display device may include the step of controlling the display panel (DP) so that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed.

[0186] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a display device, A display panel comprising two-dimensionally arranged light-emitting elements and light-sensing elements corresponding one-to-one to the light-emitting elements; Memory for storing at least one instruction; and Includes at least one processor; and A display device that, when the above at least one instruction is executed individually or jointly by the above at least one processor, receives a first detection signal from the light-sensing elements in the light-emitting section of the light-emitting elements and a second detection signal from the light-sensing elements in the non-light-emitting section of the light-emitting elements, and operates the display device so that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed on the display panel.

2. In Paragraph 1, A display device that, when the above at least one instruction is executed individually or jointly by the above at least one processor, acquires information about internal light, which is light emitted from the light-emitting element and travels only within the display panel and is incident on the light-sensing element, based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal, and operates the display device to adjust the brightness of the image in response to the information about the internal light.

3. In Paragraph 2, A display device that operates the display device to acquire information about the internal light based on the difference between the first detection signal and the second detection signal when the above at least one instruction is executed individually or jointly by the above at least one processor.

4. In Paragraph 3, The information regarding the internal light above is, A display device including information on the light emission state of the above-mentioned light-emitting elements.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, A display device that, when the above at least one instruction is executed individually or jointly by the above at least one processor, acquires information about external light, which is light incident on the light-sensing element from outside the display panel, based on the second detection signal, and operates the display device to display the image in response to the external light.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above external light is Light emitted from the above display panel includes light that is reflected by an object outside the above display panel and re-incident to the above display panel, and The information regarding the above external light is, A display device comprising at least one of a user's fingerprint information, a user's biometric information, a user's touch information, or illuminance information of an external environment.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, A display device in which, based on the rear surface of the above-mentioned display panel, the rear surface of at least one of the light-emitting elements is higher than the front surface of at least one of the light-sensing elements.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The above display panel is, A light-emitting layer in which the above-mentioned light-emitting elements are arranged; A light sensing layer disposed on the rear surface of the light-emitting layer and having the light sensing elements arranged thereon; and A display device comprising: a circuit layer disposed on the rear surface of the light-emitting layer, the circuit layer comprising a light-emitting driving circuit for driving the light-emitting elements and a sensing driving circuit for driving the light-sensing elements.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above light-sensing layer is, A display device disposed on the same layer as the circuit layer above.

10. In Paragraph 9, At least one photoelectric conversion layer among the above light sensing elements is, A display device disposed on the same layer as at least one of the channel layers included in the circuit layer.

11. In any of paragraphs 1 through 10, The first light-emitting element among the light-emitting elements and the first light-sensing element among the light-sensing elements correspond to each other, A display device comprising a region in the thickness direction of the display panel in which the photoelectric conversion layer of the first light-sensing element does not overlap with the photoelectric conversion layer of the first light-emitting element.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above display panel is, A display device further comprising: a light transmission member disposed between the first light-emitting element and the first light-sensing element in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the display panel, and transmitting light emitted from the first light-emitting element to the first light-sensing element.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above light transmission member is, A display device comprising at least one of a reflective layer or a waveguide.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above light transmission member is, A display device comprising a first light transmission member and a second light transmission member spaced apart with the photoelectric conversion layer of the first light sensing element in between in the thickness direction of the display panel.

15. A method of operation of a display device comprising a display panel including light-emitting elements arranged in two dimensions and light-sensing elements corresponding to the light-emitting elements, A step of receiving a first detection signal from the light-sensing elements in the light-emitting section of the light-emitting elements and a second detection signal from the light-sensing elements in the non-light-emitting section of the light-emitting elements; and A method of operating a display device comprising the step of controlling the display panel so that an image corresponding to at least one of the first detection signal or the second detection signal is displayed.

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