DISPLAY APPARATUS

A display apparatus includes a substrate, first, second, and third organic light-emitting diodes configured to respectively emit light of first, second, and third colors above the substrate, and a bank layer defining a first opening, second openings, and a third opening, the first opening overlapping the first organic light-emitting diode, at least one of the second openings overlapping the second organic light-emitting diode, and the third opening overlapping the third organic light-emitting diode, wherein the bank layer further defines a fourth opening arranged between the first opening and the third opening in plan view, wherein the first opening, the second openings, and the third opening include respective edges substantially parallel to, or substantially complimentary to, respective boundary lines of the fourth opening, and wherein the first opening, the second openings, and the third opening include five or more interior angles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and benefit of, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0039055, filed on Mar. 24, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0048360, filed on Apr. 12, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

One or more embodiments relate to a structure of a display apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

A display apparatus visually displays data. Recently, the usage of display apparatuses has diversified. In addition, as display apparatuses have become thinner and more lightweight, their range of use has gradually been extended.

As a display apparatus is variously utilized, there may be various methods of designing the shape of a display apparatus, and also, functions that may be combined or associated with a display apparatus have increased.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments include a display apparatus with a reduced loss of an aperture ratio and with improved display quality. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above aspect.

According to one or more embodiments, a display apparatus includes a substrate, a first organic light-emitting diode configured to emit light of a first color, a second organic light-emitting diode configured to emit light of a second color, and a third organic light-emitting diode configured to emit light of a third color above the substrate, and a bank layer defining a first opening, second openings, and a third opening, the first opening overlapping the first organic light-emitting diode, at least one of the second openings overlapping the second organic light-emitting diode, and the third opening overlapping the third organic light-emitting diode, wherein the bank layer further defines a fourth opening arranged between the first opening and the third opening in plan view, wherein the first opening, the second openings, and the third opening include respective edges substantially parallel to, or substantially complimentary to, respective boundary lines of the fourth opening, and wherein the first opening, the second openings, and the third opening include five or more interior angles.

The second openings may be arranged along a first column in a first direction, wherein the first opening and the third opening are alternately arranged along a second column parallel to the first column, wherein the second openings are staggered from the first opening and the third opening in the first direction, wherein the first column and the second column are alternately arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, and wherein the fourth opening is arranged between the first opening and the third opening along the second column.

The second openings may be arranged along a first row in the second direction, wherein the first opening and the third opening are alternately arranged along a second row parallel to the first row, wherein the second openings are arranged in a staggered manner relative to the first opening and the third opening in the second direction, wherein the first row and the second row are alternately arranged in the first direction, and wherein the fourth opening is arranged between respective adjacent ones of the second openings along the first row.

A unit pixel may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction and the second direction on the substrate, the unit pixel including the fourth opening at a center of the unit pixel, the first opening and the third opening adjacent to the fourth opening in the first direction, and the second openings adjacent to two sides of the fourth opening in the second direction.

A number of fourth openings above the substrate may be equal to a number of first openings above the substrate.

In a plan view, a virtual quadrangle may have one of the second openings as a center, wherein first openings are respectively arranged on a first vertex and a third vertex of the virtual quadrangle opposite each other, and third openings are respectively arranged on a second vertex and a fourth vertex of the virtual quadrangle.

The vertices of the virtual quadrangle may be respectively at centroids of the first openings and the third openings in plan view.

The second openings arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction with the fourth opening therebetween may have symmetrical shapes with each other with respect to a virtual straight line passing through a center of the fourth opening in the first direction.

A shape of the fourth opening may be a quadrangle in plan view, and respective edges of the first opening, the second openings, and the third opening that face the fourth opening are straight.

The first opening, the second openings, and the third opening may respectively have a pentagonal shape in plan view.

The fourth opening may include a first edge extending in the second direction, and a second edge extending in the first direction, wherein the first opening includes a first edge facing the fourth opening, the second openings include first edges facing the fourth opening, and the third opening includes a first edge facing the fourth opening.

A length of the first edge of the fourth opening may be greater than a length of the second edge of the fourth opening, wherein the shape of the fourth opening is rectangular.

The first edge of the first opening and the first edge of the third opening may be equal to or greater than the first edges of the second openings in length.

The first edge of the third opening may be equal to or greater than the first edge of the first opening in length.

The first opening may further include a second edge adjacent to the first edge of the first opening, wherein the third opening further includes a second edge adjacent to the first edge of the third opening, and wherein a length of the second edge of the third opening is greater than a length of the second edge of the first opening.

Respective corner portions of the first opening, the second openings, and the third opening may have a round shape in plan view.

The first opening, the second openings, and the third opening may respectively have an octagonal shape in plan view.

A shape of the fourth opening may be a circular shape or an elliptical shape in plan view, wherein respective edges of the first opening, the second openings, and the third opening that face the fourth opening are curved.

The first color may be red, the second color green, and the third color blue.

The display apparatus may further include a fourth organic light-emitting diode overlapping the fourth opening, and configured to emit light of at least one of red, green, blue, or white.

The display apparatus may further include a light-receiving element overlapping the fourth opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. The present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and technical scope of the present disclosure. Further, each of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or combined with each other, in part or in whole, and technically various interlocking and driving are possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in an association.

For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments.

It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being “formed on,” “on,” “connected to,” or “(operatively or communicatively) coupled to” another element, layer, region, or component, it can be directly formed on, on, connected to, or coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed on, on, connected to, or coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. In addition, this may collectively mean a direct or indirect coupling or connection and an integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being “electrically connected” or “electrically coupled” to another layer, region, or component, it can be directly electrically connected or coupled to the other layer, region, and/or component or intervening layers, regions, or components may be present. However, “directly connected/directly coupled,” or “directly on,” refers to one component directly connecting or coupling another component, or being on another component, without an intermediate component. In addition, in the present specification, when a portion of a layer, a film, an area, a plate, or the like is formed on another portion, a forming direction is not limited to an upper direction but includes forming the portion on a side surface or in a lower direction. On the contrary, when a portion of a layer, a film, an area, a plate, or the like is formed “under” another portion, this includes not only a case where the portion is “directly beneath” another portion but also a case where there is further another portion between the portion and another portion. Meanwhile, other expressions describing relationships between components, such as “between,” “immediately between” or “adjacent to” and “directly adjacent to” may be construed similarly. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

A display apparatus may be used as a display screen of various products including televisions, notebook computers, monitors, advertisement boards, Internet of things (IoT) as well as portable electronic apparatuses including mobile phones, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile communication terminals, electronic organizers, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigations, and ultra mobile personal computers (UMPCs). In addition, the display apparatus according to one or more embodiments may be used in wearable devices including smartwatches, watchphones, glasses-type displays, and head-mounted displays (HMDs). In addition, in one or more embodiments, the display apparatus is applicable to a display screen in instrument panels for automobiles, center fascias for automobiles, or center information displays (CIDs) arranged on a dashboard, room mirror displays that replace side mirrors of automobiles, and displays of an entertainment system arranged on the backside of front seats for backseat passengers in automobiles.

FIG.1is a schematic plan view of a display apparatus1according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, the display apparatus1may include a display area DA, and a non-display area NDA outside the display area DA. The display apparatus1may be configured to display images through an array of a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally in the display area DA.

Each pixel of the display apparatus1is a region that may be configured to emit light of a corresponding color. The display apparatus1may be configured to display images by using light from the pixels. As an example, the pixel may be configured to emit red, green, blue, or white light.

Each of the pixels may be configured to emit light of a corresponding color using a light-emitting element, for example, an organic light-emitting diode. Each organic light-emitting diode may be configured to emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light. Each organic light-emitting diode may be connected to a pixel circuit including a thin-film transistor and a capacitor.

The non-display area NDA is a region that is configured not to display images, and may surround the display area DA entirely. A driver or a main power line configured to provide electrical signals or power to pixel circuits may be arranged in the non-display area NDA. A pad may be arranged in the non-display area NDA, wherein the pad is a region to which electronic elements or a printed circuit board may be electrically connected.

As shown inFIG.1, the display area DA may have a polygonal shape including a quadrangular shape. As an example, the display area DA may have a rectangular shape in which a horizontal length thereof is greater than a vertical length, a rectangular shape in which a horizontal length thereof is less than a vertical length, or a square shape. Alternatively, the display area DA may have various shapes, such as an elliptical shape or a circular shape.

FIG.2is an equivalent circuit diagram of a circuit connected to an organic light-emitting diode OLED of the display apparatus1according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, the organic light-emitting diode OLED is electrically connected to a pixel circuit PC. The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin-film transistor T1, a second thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

The second thin-film transistor T2is a switching thin-film transistor, and may be connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL to transfer a data voltage (or a data signal Dm) to the first thin-film transistor T1based on a switching voltage (or a switching signal Sn), the data voltage being input from the data line DL, and the switching voltage being input from the scan line SL.

The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the second thin-film transistor T2and a driving voltage line PL to store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage transferred from the second thin-film transistor T2and a first power voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

The first thin-film transistor T1is a driving thin-film transistor, and may be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst to control a driving current according to the voltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst, the driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL to the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The organic light-emitting diode OLED may be configured to emit light having a corresponding brightness corresponding to the driving current. An opposite electrode (e.g., a cathode) of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may receive a second power voltage ELVSS.

Although it is described with reference toFIG.2that the pixel circuit PC includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of thin-film transistors and the number of storage capacitors may be variously changed according to the design of the pixel circuit PC. As an example, the pixel circuit PC may include three or more thin-film transistors. In one or more embodiments, at least one thin-film transistor may be further provided between the first thin-film transistor T1and the organic light-emitting diode OLED, and the first thin-film transistor T1may be electrically connected to the organic light-emitting diode OLED through the at least one thin-film transistor.

FIG.3is a plan view of a configuration of pixels of a portion of the display apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, a plurality of pixels may be arranged in the display area DA of the display apparatus. In the present specification, a pixel is a minimum unit configured to implement an image, and denotes an emission area. In the case where an organic light-emitting diode is employed as a display element, the emission area may be defined by the opening of a bank layer119. As an example, an emission area of a first pixel P1may be defined by a first opening OP1of the bank layer119, an emission area of a second pixel P2may be defined by a second opening OP2of the bank layer119, and an emission area of a third pixel P3may be defined by a third opening OP3of the bank layer119, as described further below.

As shown inFIG.3, first pixels P1, second pixels P2, and third pixels P3in the display area DA may be arranged in a PENTILE™ structure (e.g., a RGBG matrix structure, a PENTILE™ matrix structure, or an RGBG structure, PENTILE™ being a registered trademark of Samsung Display Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea). In one or more embodiments, the first pixel P1may be a red pixel configured to emit red light, the second pixel P2may be a green pixel configured to emit green light, and the third pixel P3may be a blue pixel configured to emit blue light.

The shape of each of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may have five or more interior angles. In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.3, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may have a pentagonal shape. For example, the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3may have a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a square shape. In addition, the second opening OP2may have a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a rectangular shape. In this case, a truncated corner of the corner portions of each of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may be a corner portion facing the fourth opening OP4. Accordingly, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may include an edge that is parallel to a boundary line of the fourth opening OP4.

Because the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3have a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a square shape, they may be horizontally symmetrical to each other. As an example, each of the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3may be horizontally symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line in a first direction (e.g., a y direction) passing through the central point of the opening. Because the second opening OP2has a pentagonal shape in which a corner is truncated from a rectangle, the second opening OP2may not be horizontally symmetrical. However, the second openings OP2arranged adjacent to each other with the fourth opening OP4therebetween may be symmetrical to each other with respect to a virtual straight line in the first direction (e.g., the y direction) passing through the central point of the fourth opening OP4.

The first opening OP1of the first pixel P1, the second opening OP2of the second pixel P2, and the third opening OP3of the third pixel P3may have different areas. In one or more embodiments, the area of the third opening OP3of the third pixel P3may be greater than the area of the first opening OP1of the first pixel P1. In addition, the area of the third opening OP3of the third pixel P3may be greater than the area of the second opening OP2of the second pixel P2. The area of the first opening OP1of the first pixel P1may be greater than the area of the second opening OP2of the second pixel P2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the areas of the first to third openings OP1, OP2, and OP3may be variously modified.

A plurality of second pixels P2may be arranged apart from each other at a corresponding interval in a first column1M, a plurality of first pixels P1and a plurality of third pixels P3may be alternately arranged in a second column2M adjacent thereto, a plurality of second pixels P2may be arranged apart from each other at a corresponding interval in a third column3M adjacent thereto, and a plurality of first pixels P1and a plurality of third pixels P3may be alternately arranged in a fourth column4M adjacent thereto. Such configurations of the pixels may be repeated up to an M-th column. That is, the second opening OP2defining the second pixel P2may be arranged along the first column1M in the first direction (e.g., the y direction), and the first opening OP1defining the first pixel P1and the third opening OP3defining the third pixel P3may be alternately arranged along the second column2M that is parallel to the first column1M. In this case, the plurality of second pixels P2arranged in the first column1M and the plurality of first pixels P1and the plurality of third pixels P3arranged in the second column2M may be alternately arranged with each other. That is, the second opening OP2may be alternately arranged with the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3, and the first column1M and the second column2M may be alternately arranged in the second direction (e.g., an x direction) and repeated up to the M-th column, noting that every other one of the even columns may have the order of the first and third openings OP1and OP3reversed.

The plurality of second pixels P2arranged in the first column1M and the plurality of first pixels P1and the plurality of third pixels P3arranged in the second column2M may be alternately arranged with each other. A plurality of second pixels P2may be arranged apart from each other at a corresponding interval in a first row1N. A plurality of first pixels P1and a plurality of third pixels P3may be alternately arranged in a second row2N adjacent to the first row1N. A plurality of second pixels P2may be arranged apart from each other at a corresponding interval in a third row3N adjacent to the second row2N. A plurality of first pixels P1and a plurality of third pixels P3may be alternately arranged in a fourth row4N adjacent to the third row3N, noting that the order of the first pixels P1and the third pixels P3in the fourth row4N may be opposite to the order in the second row2N.

Such configurations of the pixels may be repeated up to an N-th row. That is, the second opening OP2defining the second pixel P2may be arranged along the first row1N in the second direction (e.g., the x direction), and the first opening OP1defining the first pixel P1and the third opening OP3defining the third pixel P3may be alternately arranged along the second row2N parallel to the first row1N. In this case, the plurality of second pixels P2arranged in the first row1N and the plurality of first pixels P1and the plurality of third pixels P3arranged in the second row2N may be alternately arranged with each other. That is, the second opening OP2may be alternately arranged with the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3, and the first row1N and the second row2N may be alternately arranged in the first direction (e.g., the y direction) and repeated up to the N-th row.

Such pixel configuration structure may be expressed differently, in which the first pixel P1and the third pixel P3may be arranged on vertices of a virtual quadrangle VS with the second pixel P2approximately centered therein. For example, the first openings OP1may be arranged on first and third vertices facing each other among the vertices of the virtual quadrangle VS with the center of second opening OP2positioned approximately at the central point of the quadrangle, and the third openings OP3may be arranged on second and fourth vertices, which are the remainder of the vertices of the virtual quadrangle VS. The virtual quadrangle VS may be variously changed to a rectangle, a rhombus, a square, and the like.

In this case, the vertices of the virtual quadrangle VS may be positioned at the centroids of the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3, and the central point of the virtual quadrangle VS may be positioned at the centroid of the second opening OP2. In the present specification, the center of the pixel may denote a geometrical centroid of the shape of the pixel. However, as inFIG.3, in the case where the first opening OP1has a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion facing the fourth opening OP4is truncated, the center of the first opening OP1may be the same as the center of a square in which a corner portion is not truncated. Likewise, because the second opening OP2and the third opening OP3have a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion facing the fourth opening OP4is truncated from a quadrangle, the center of the second opening OP2and the third opening OP3may be the same as the center of the quadrangle in which a corner portion is not truncated.

This configuration structure of the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3may be referred to as a pentile matrix structure or a pentile structure. By applying rendering, in which a color of a pixel is represented by sharing the colors of its adjacent pixels, a high resolution may be obtained via a small number of pixels.

Referring toFIG.3again, the fourth pixel P4may be arranged in the display area DA together with the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3. In one or more embodiments, the fourth pixel P4may be a white pixel configured to emit white light. Alternatively, in one or more other embodiments, the fourth pixel P4may be configured to emit at least one of red, green, and/or blue light like one or more of the first, second, and/or third pixels P1, P2, and/or P3. In one or more other embodiments, the fourth pixel P4may include a light-receiving element configured to detect light. In this case, the emission area or light-receiving area of the fourth pixel P4may be defined by the fourth opening OP4of the bank layer119.

The fourth opening OP4may have a quadrangular shape. In one or more embodiments, the fourth opening OP4may have a rectangular shape as inFIG.3. In one or more other embodiments, the fourth opening OP4may have a square shape or a rhombus shape. The fourth opening OP4may be vertically symmetrical or horizontally symmetrical with respect to the central point of the opening. As an example, the fourth opening OP4may be horizontally symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line in the first direction (e.g., the y direction) passing through the central point of the opening, and may be vertically symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line in the second direction (e.g., the x direction) passing through the central point of the opening.

The fourth opening OP4may be arranged between the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3in the first direction (e.g., the y direction), and may be arranged between the second openings OP2adjacent to each other in the second direction (e.g., the x direction). For example, in the case where the plurality of second openings OP2are arranged along the first column1M, and the plurality of first openings OP1and the plurality of third openings OP3are arranged along the second column2M, the fourth openings OP4may be arranged between the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3arranged adjacent to each other along the second column2M. That is, a pattern of the first opening OP1, the fourth opening OP4, and the third opening OP3may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction. Likewise, in the case where the plurality of second openings OP2are arranged along the first row1N, and the plurality of first openings OP1and the plurality of third openings OP3are arranged along the second row2N, the fourth openings OP4may be arranged between the second openings OP2arranged adjacent to each other. That is, a pattern of the second opening OP2, the fourth opening OP4, and the second opening OP2may be repeatedly arranged in the second direction.

In other words, a unit pixel PU including the first to fourth openings OP1, OP2, OP3, and OP4may be repeatedly arranged in the display area DA. The unit pixel PU may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction (e.g., the y direction) and the second direction (e.g., the x direction). In this case, the unit pixel PU may include one first opening OP1, two second openings OP2, one third opening OP3, and one fourth opening OP4. For example, the unit pixel PU may include the fourth pixel OP4arranged at the center of the unit pixel PU, the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3arranged adjacent to the fourth opening OP4in the first direction, and the two second openings OP2arranged adjacent to the fourth opening OP4in the second direction. As an example, as inFIG.3, in the case where the unit pixel PU includes the fourth opening OP4arranged in the N-th row and an M-th column, the unit pixel PU may include the first opening OP1arranged in an (N−1)th row and an M-th column, the second opening OP2arranged in the N-th row and an (M−1)th column, the second opening OP2arranged in the N-th row and an (M+1)-th column, and the third opening OP3arranged in an (N+1)-th row and the M-th column.

The number of fourth openings OP4located on the substrate100may be substantially the same as the number of first openings OP1or the number of third openings OP3. That is, the fourth openings OP4may not be arranged in all areas between the first openings OP1and the third openings OP3. As inFIG.3, the fourth opening OP4may be arranged between the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3such that the first opening OP1is relatively arranged in the upper portion and the third opening OP3is relatively arranged in the lower portion in the first direction. That is, the fourth opening OP4may be arranged such that the pattern of the order of the first opening OP1, the fourth opening OP4, and the third opening OP3is repeated in the first direction (e.g., the y direction).

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the pixel configuration structure shown inFIG.3. In one or more other embodiments, the fourth opening OP4may be arranged between the third opening OP3and the first opening OP1such that the third opening OP3is relatively arranged in the upper portion, and the first opening OP1is relatively arranged in the lower portion in the first direction. That is, the fourth opening OP4may be arranged such that the pattern of the order of the third opening OP3, the fourth opening OP4, and the first opening OP1is repeated in the first direction (e.g., the y direction).

Through this pixel configuration structure, the display apparatus according to one or more embodiments may be configured to implement images of suitable quality while additional openings are suitably arranged. That is, because the first to third openings OP1, OP2, and OP3have a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion is partially truncated and the fourth opening OP4is arranged in a resulting surplus area, a loss in an aperture ratio may be reduced, and suitable visibility may be concurrently or substantially simultaneously implemented. In addition, because the fourth opening OP4may be arranged, the display apparatus according to one or more embodiments may additionally include a light-receiving element, a biosensor, an IR sensor, and the like in addition to a light-emitting element. Accordingly, the use of the display apparatus may be further diversified.

FIG.4Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the display apparatus according to one or more embodiments, andFIG.4Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the display apparatus according to one or more other embodiments. For example,FIGS.4A and4Bare cross-sectional views of the display apparatus, taken along the line I-I′ ofFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.4A, the display apparatus1may include the substrate100, the pixel circuit PC located on the substrate100, and the organic light-emitting diode OLED located over the pixel circuit PC, and electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may include a first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, a second organic light-emitting diode OLED2, a third organic light-emitting diode OLED3, and a fourth organic light-emitting diode OLED4. Each of the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2, the third organic light-emitting diode OLED3, and the fourth organic light-emitting diode OLED4may be electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC, and thus, light emission may be controlled.

The substrate100may include glass or a polymer resin. The polymer resin may include polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate100including the polymer resin may be flexible, rollable, or bendable. The substrate100may have a multi-layered structure including a layer that includes the polymer resin and an inorganic layer.

A buffer layer111may be configured to reduce or block foreign materials, moisture, or external air penetrating from below the substrate100and may provide a flat surface on the substrate100. The buffer layer111may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide, and may include a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including the above materials.

The pixel circuit PC may be located on the buffer layer111, and may include a thin-film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst.

The thin-film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer Act, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE, wherein the gate electrode GE overlaps a channel region of the semiconductor layer Act, and the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE are respectively connected to a source region and a drain region of the semiconductor layer Act. A gate-insulating layer112may be located between the semiconductor layer Act and the gate electrode GE, and a first interlayer insulating layer113and a second interlayer insulating layer115may be located between the gate electrode GE and the source electrode SE, and/or between the gate electrode GE and the drain electrode DE.

The storage capacitor Cst may overlap the thin-film transistor TFT. The storage capacitor Cst may include a first electrode CE1and a second electrode CE2overlapping each other. In one or more embodiments, the gate electrode GE of the thin-film transistor TFT may include (e.g., may be the same as) the first electrode CE1of the storage capacitor Cst. The first interlayer insulating layer113may be located between the first electrode CE1and the second electrode CE2.

The semiconductor layer Act may include polycrystalline silicon. In one or more embodiments, the semiconductor layer Act may include amorphous silicon. In one or more embodiments, the semiconductor layer Act may include an oxide of at least one of indium (In), gallium (Ga), stannum (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), or zinc (Zn). The semiconductor layer Act may include a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, the source region and the drain region being doped with impurities.

The gate-insulating layer112may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide, and may include a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including the above materials.

The gate electrode GE or the first electrode CE1may include a conductive material of a metal material, such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (AI), copper (Cu) and/or titanium (Ti), and may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including the above materials.

The first interlayer insulating layer113may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide, and may include a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including the above materials.

The second electrode CE2may include aluminum (AI), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chrome (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or a multi-layer including the above metals.

The second interlayer insulating layer115may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide, and may include a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including the above materials.

The source electrode SE and/or the drain electrode DE may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chrome (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or a multi-layer including the above materials. As an example, the source electrode SE and/or the drain electrode DE may each have a three-layered structure of a titanium layer/aluminum layer/titanium layer.

The pixel circuit PC including the thin-film transistor TFT and the storage capacitor Cst may be electrically connected to a pixel electrode210. In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.4, the pixel circuit PC and the pixel electrode210may be electrically connected to each other through a contact metal CM. In one or more other embodiments, an additional contact metal may be further located between the pixel circuit PC and the pixel electrode210. In this case, the pixel circuit PC and the pixel electrode210may be electrically connected to each other through a contact metal CM, and through an additional contact metal between the contact metal CM and the pixel electrode210. Alternatively, the pixel circuit PC and the pixel electrode210may be electrically and directly connected to each other without the contact metal CM.

The contact metal CM may be located on a first upper insulating layer117, and may be connected to the pixel circuit PC through a contact hole formed in the first upper insulating layer117. The contact metal CM may include aluminum (AI), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chrome (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or a multi-layer including the above materials. In one or more embodiments, the contact metal CM may have a three-layered structure of a titanium layer/an aluminum layer/a titanium layer.

The first upper insulating layer117may include an inorganic insulating material and/or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material of the first upper insulating layer117may include silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride. The organic insulating material of the first upper insulating layer117may include acryl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO).

A second upper insulating layer118may be located on the contact metal CM. The second upper insulating layer118may include an inorganic insulating material and/or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material of the second upper insulating layer118may include silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride. In one or more embodiments, the second upper insulating layer118may include the organic insulating material, such as acryl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO).

The first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2, the third organic light-emitting diode OLED3, and the fourth organic light-emitting diode OLED4may be located apart from each other on the second upper insulating layer118. The first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2, and the third organic light-emitting diode OLED3may be configured to emit light of different or respective colors. As an example, the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1may be configured to emit red light, the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2may be configured to emit green light, and the third organic light-emitting diode OLED3may be configured to emit blue light. In one or more embodiments, the fourth organic light-emitting diode OLED4may be configured to emit white light. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one or more other embodiments, the fourth organic light-emitting diode OLED4may be configured to emit at least one of red, green, and/or blue light.

Each of the first to fourth organic light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, OLED3, and OLED4may include the pixel electrode210, an intermediate layer220, and an opposite electrode230. As an example, the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1may include a first pixel electrode210-1, a first intermediate layer220-1, and the opposite electrode230, the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2may include a second pixel electrode210-2, a second intermediate layer220-2, and the opposite electrode230, the third organic light-emitting diode OLED3may include a third pixel electrode210-3, a third intermediate layer220-3, and the opposite electrode230, and the fourth organic light-emitting diode OLED4may include a fourth pixel electrode210-4, a fourth intermediate layer220-4, and the opposite electrode230. The pixel electrode210may be patterned and provided for each pixel, and the opposite electrode230may be integrally provided over the first to fourth organic light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, OLED3, and OLED4.

The first pixel electrode210-1, the second pixel electrode210-2, the third pixel electrode210-3, and the fourth pixel electrode210-4may be apart from each other, and may be located on the second upper insulating layer118. The pixel electrode210includes a light-transmissive conductive layer and a reflective layer, wherein the light-transmissive conductive layer includes a light-transmissive conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium oxide (In2O3), or indium zinc oxide (IZO), and wherein the reflective layer includes metal, such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag). As an example, the pixel electrode210may have a three-layered structure of ITO/Ag/ITO.

As shown inFIG.4, the pixel electrode210may be electrically connected to the thin-film transistor TFT by being in contact with one of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. Alternatively, the pixel electrode210may be electrically connected to one of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE by being connected to the contact metal CM through a contact hole defined in the second upper insulating layer118.

The bank layer119may be located on the second upper insulating layer118and the pixel electrode210. The bank layer119defines the emission area by including an opening OP corresponding to the organic light-emitting diode OLED, that is, the opening OP exposing at least the central portion of the pixel electrode210. For example, the bank layer119may include the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, the third opening OP3, and the fourth opening OP4described above with reference toFIG.3. The first opening OP1exposes the central portion of the first pixel electrode210-1of the first pixel P1, the second opening OP2exposes the central portion of the second pixel electrode210-2of the second pixel P2, the third opening OP3exposes the central portion of the third pixel electrode210-3of the third pixel P3, and the fourth opening OP4exposes the central portion of the fourth pixel electrode210-4of the fourth pixel P4. Because the opening OP of the bank119defines the emission area of the organic light-emitting diode OLED, the size and/or width of the pixel may depend on the size and/or width of the opening OP of the bank layer119.

The bank layer119may increase a distance between the pixel electrode210and the opposite electrode230(e.g., a distance between respective portions of the pixel electrode210and the opposite electrode230), and thus, may reduce or prevent the likelihood of arcs and the like occurring at the edges of the pixel electrode210. The bank layer119may include, for example, an organic material, such as polyimide or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO).

The intermediate layer220may be located on the pixel electrode210and the bank layer119. The intermediate layer220may include an emission layer222overlapping the pixel electrode210. The emission layer222may include a first emission layer222-1, a second emission layer222-2, a third emission layer222-3, and a fourth emission layer222-4. The first emission layer222-1, the second emission layer222-2, and the third emission layer222-3may be configured to emit light of different or respective colors. As an example, the first emission layer222-1may be configured to emit red light, the second emission layer222-2may be configured to emit green light, and the third emission layer222-3may be configured to emit blue light. In one or more embodiments, the fourth emission layer222-4may be configured to emit white light. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one or more other embodiments, the fourth emission layer222-4may be configured to emit at least one of red, green, and/or blue light. The emission layer222may include an organic material. The emission layer222may include a polymer organic material or a low-molecular weight organic material configured to emit light having a corresponding color.

The intermediate layer220may further include at least one functional layer. As an example, the intermediate layer220may include a first functional layer221and a second functional layer223respectively located under and on the emission layer222.

The first functional layer221may include a single layer or a multi-layer. As an example, in the case where the first functional layer221includes a polymer material, the first functional layer221may include a hole transport layer (HTL), which has a single-layered structure, and may include polyethylene dihydroxythiophene (PEDOT: poly-(3,4)-ethylene-dihydroxy thiophene) or polyaniline (PANI: polyaniline). In the case where the first functional layer221includes a low-molecular weight material, the first functional layer221may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and an HTL.

The second functional layer223may include a single layer or a multi-layer. In the case where the first functional layer221and the emission layer222include a polymer material, it may suitable that the second functional layer223is formed. The second functional layer223may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL).

Each of the first functional layer221and the second functional layer223may be integrally formed to cover the display area DA entirely.

The opposite electrode230may include a conductive material having a relatively low work function. As an example, the opposite electrode230may include a (semi) transparent layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (AI), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca) or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the opposite electrode230may further include a layer on the (semi) transparent layer, the layer including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3. In one or more embodiments, the opposite electrode230may include silver (Ag) and magnesium (Mg).

A stack structure of the pixel electrode210, the intermediate layer220, and the opposite electrode230, which are sequentially stacked, may form a light-emitting diode, for example, an organic light-emitting diode OLED. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may be configured to emit red, green, blue, or white light. The emission area of each organic light-emitting diode OLED corresponds to a pixel.

However, as described above, the fourth pixel P4may include not only the organic light-emitting diode OLED, but also may include the light-receiving element. Referring toFIG.4B, the other characteristics, except for the characteristic of a first light-receiving element PD, are the same as those described with reference toFIG.4A. Same respective reference numerals among common elements ofFIG.4Bare used with those previously described with reference toFIG.4A, and differences are mainly described below.

Referring toFIG.4B, the display apparatus1may include the substrate100, the pixel circuit PC located on the substrate100, and the organic light-emitting diode OLED and the light-receiving element PD located over the pixel circuit PC and electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC. Like the organic light-emitting diode OLED, the light-receiving element PD may be electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC, and thus, light detection may be controlled.

The first to third organic light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3, and the light-receiving element PD may be located apart from each other on the second upper insulating layer118. The first to third organic light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3may be configured to respectively emit light of different colors, and the light-receiving element PD may be configured to detect light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode OLED and reflected by an object.

Like the first to third organic light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3, the light-receiving element PD may include a fourth pixel electrode210-4′, an intermediate layer220-4′, and the opposite electrode230. The first pixel electrode210-1, the second pixel electrode210-2, the third pixel electrode210-3, and the fourth pixel electrode210-4′ respectively of the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2, the third organic light-emitting diode OLED3, and the light-receiving element PD may be patterned for each pixel, and the opposite electrode230may be integrally provided over the organic light-emitting diodes OLED and the light-receiving element PD.

The intermediate layer220-4′ of the light-receiving element PD may include an active layer222-4overlapping the fourth pixel electrode210-4′. The active layer222-4configured to detect light may be located inside the fourth opening OP4of the bank layer119. That is, each of the first emission layer222-1, the second emission layer222-2, the third emission layer222-3, and the active layer222-4′ may be patterned for each pixel, and may be individually provided. The active layer222-4′ may be configured to detect light in a visible light band emitted by the first to third organic light emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3and reflected by an object. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a band of light that may be detected by the active layer224-4′ may vary depending on the material that the active layer222-4′ includes.

The active layer222-4′ may include a p-type organic semiconductor and an n-type organic semiconductor. In this case, the p-type organic semiconductor may act as an electron donor, and the n-type organic semiconductor may act as an electron acceptor. Alternatively, the active layer222-4′ may be a mixed layer in which the p-type organic semiconductor and the n-type organic semiconductor are mixed with each other. In this case, the active layer222-4′ may be formed by co-depositing the p-type organic semiconductor and the n-type organic semiconductor. In the case where the active layer222-4′ is a mixed layer, excitons may be generated within a diffusion length from a donor-acceptor interface.

In one or more embodiments, the p-type organic semiconductor may be a compound acting as an electron donor configured to supply electrons. For example, the p-type organic semiconductor may include boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc), copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc), tetraphenyldibenzoperiplanthene (DBP), or any combination thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In one or more embodiments, the n-type organic semiconductor may be a compound acting as an electron acceptor configured to accommodate electrons. As an example, the n-type organic semiconductor may include C60 fullerene, C70 fullerene, or any combination thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

A stack structure of the fourth pixel electrode210-4, the intermediate layer220-4including the active layer222-4, and the opposite electrode230that are sequentially stacked may form the light-receiving element. Accordingly, the display apparatus according to one or more other embodiments may be configured to improve a light-detecting function by efficiently incorporating the light-receiving element, and to secure suitable visibility by reducing a loss in an aperture ratio.

FIG.5is a plan view of some of pixels ofFIG.3. For example,FIG.5is an enlarged plan view of a region B ofFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.5, the unit pixel PU may include one first pixel P1, two second pixels P2, one third pixel P3, and one fourth pixel P4. For example, the unit pixel PU may include the fourth opening OP4arranged at the center of the unit pixel PU, the first opening OP1arranged one row above the fourth opening OP4in the first direction (e.g., the y direction), the third opening OP3arranged one row below the fourth opening OP4in the first direction (e.g., the y direction), and the second openings OP2and OP2arranged adjacent to the fourth opening OP4with respect to the second direction (e.g., the x direction).

First, the fourth opening OP4may have a quadrangular shape. For example, the fourth opening OP4may include a first edge E4-1of the fourth opening OP4extending in the second direction (e.g., the x direction), and a second edge E4-2of the fourth opening OP4extending in the first direction (e.g., the y direction). In this case, the first edge E4-1of the fourth opening OP4may be greater than the second edge E4-2of the fourth opening OP4, and accordingly, the fourth opening OP4may be provided in a rectangular shape.

Next, the shape of each of the first to third openings OP1, OP2, and OP3may have five or more interior angles. In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.5, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may have a pentagonal shape. For example, the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3may have a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a square shape. In addition, the second opening OP2may have a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a rectangular shape. In this case, a truncated corner of the corner portions of each of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may be a corner portion facing the fourth opening OP4.

Accordingly, the first opening OP1may include a first edge E1-1facing the fourth opening OP4. In addition, the first opening OP1may include a second edge E1-2arranged adjacent to the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1, and may include a third edge E1-3that does not meet the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1. In this case, the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1is a straight line parallel to the first edge E4-1of the fourth opening OP4, and may be a straight line extending in the second direction (e.g., the x direction). The second edge E1-2of the first opening OP1and the third edge E1-3of the first opening OP1may be straight lines extending in an oblique direction with respect to the first direction (e.g., the y direction) and the second direction (e.g., the x direction). The second edge E1-2of the first opening OP1and the third edge E1-3of the first opening OP1may face respective second openings OP2.

The second opening OP2may include a first edge E2-1facing the fourth opening OP4. In addition, the second opening OP2may include a second edge E2-2and a third edge E2-3arranged adjacent to the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2. In this case, the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2is a straight line parallel to the second edge E4-2of the fourth opening OP4, and may be a straight line extending in the first direction (e.g., the y direction). The second edge E2-2of the second opening OP2and the third edge E2-3of the second opening OP2may be straight lines extending in an oblique direction with respect to the first direction (e.g., the y direction) and the second direction (e.g., the x direction). The second edge E2-2of the second opening OP2and the third edge E2-3of the second opening OP2may respectively face the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3.

The third opening OP3may include a first edge E3-1facing the fourth opening OP4. In addition, the third opening OP3may include a second edge E3-2arranged adjacent to the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3, and may include a third edge E3-3that does not meet the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3. In this case, the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3is a straight line parallel to the first edge E4-1of the fourth opening OP4, and may be a straight line extending in the second direction (e.g., the x direction). The second edge E3-2of the third opening OP3and the third edge E3-3of the third opening OP3may be straight lines extending in an oblique direction with respect to the first direction (e.g., the y direction) and the second direction (e.g., the x direction). The second edge E3-2of the third opening OP3and the third edge E3-3of the third opening OP3may face respective ones of the second openings OP2.

In this case, to efficiently arrange the fourth opening OP4, the length of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1and the length of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3may be equal to or greater than the length of the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2. Accordingly, as described above, the fourth opening OP4may have a rectangular shape in which the length of the first edge E4-1of the fourth opening OP4is greater than the length of the second edge E4-2of the fourth opening OP4. This is to ensure suitable visibility by taking into account the area ratio of the first to third openings OP1, OP2, and OP3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the length of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1and the length of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3are designed to be less than the length of the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2, and the fourth opening OP4may be arranged in various shapes and sizes.

The length of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3may be equal to or greater than the length of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1. In one or more embodiments, the length of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3may be designed to be equal to the length of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1, or a little greater than the length of the length of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1. That is, as inFIG.5, when designing the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3in a pentagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a quadrangle, the region of the corner portions truncated may be designed to be substantially equal. In this case, because the area of the third opening OP3is greater than the area of the first opening OP1(that is, the length of the third edge E3-3of the third opening OP3is greater than the length of the third edge E1-3of the first opening OP1), a value of the second edge E3-2of the third opening OP3compared to the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3(E3-2/E3-1) may be greater than a value of the second edge E1-2of the first opening OP1compared to the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1(E1-2/E1-1).

FIGS.6and7are plan views of some pixels of a display apparatus according to one or more other embodiments. Referring toFIGS.6and7, the other characteristics except for the characteristic of the shape of the first to fourth openings OP1, OP2, OP3, and OP4are the same as those described with reference toFIGS.3to5. Same respective reference numerals among elements ofFIGS.6and7are used with those previously described with reference toFIGS.3to5, and differences are mainly described below.

First, referring toFIG.6, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may have an octagonal shape. For example, the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3may have an octagonal shape in which all of four corner portions are truncated from a square shape. In addition, the second opening OP2may have an octagonal shape in which all of four corner portions are truncated from a rectangular shape.

Accordingly, the first opening OP1may further include a fourth edge E1-4in addition to the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1, the second edge E1-2of the first opening OP1, and the third edge E1-3of the first opening OP1. That is, as inFIG.6, in the case where the first opening OP1has an octagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a quadrangle, the fourth edge E1-4of the first opening OP1may be an edge facing the region of the truncated corner portion. For example, the fourth edge E1-4of the first opening OP1may be a straight line connecting the second edge E1-2of the first opening OP1and the third edge E1-3of the first opening OP1to each other. Accordingly, the fourth edge E1-4of the first opening OP1may be a straight line extending in the first direction (e.g., the y direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fourth edge E1-4of the first opening OP1may be a curve in one or more other embodiments. That is, regions of the corner portions of the first opening OP1except for the corner portion that is in contact with the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1may have a round shape.

However, as inFIG.6, in the case where the first opening OP1has an octagonal shape, regions of the corner portions that do not face the fourth opening OP4among the regions of the truncated corner portions may have areas that are smaller than the area of a region of the truncated corner portion facing the fourth opening OP4. That is, in one or more embodiments, the length of the fourth edge E1-4of the first opening OP1may be less than the length of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1.

Likewise, the second opening OP2may further include a fourth edge E2-4in addition to the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2, the second edge E2-2of the second opening OP2, and the third edge E2-3of the second opening OP2. That is, as inFIG.6, in the case where the second opening OP2has an octagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a quadrangle, the fourth edge E2-4of the second opening OP2may be an edge facing the region of the truncated corner portion. For example, the fourth edge E2-4of the second opening OP2may be a straight line connected to the third edge E2-3of the second opening OP2. Accordingly, the fourth edge E2-4of the second opening OP2may be a straight line extending in the second direction (e.g., the x direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fourth edge E2-4of the second opening OP2may be a curve in one or more other embodiments. That is, regions of the corner portions of the second opening OP2except for the corner portion that is in contact with the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2may have a round shape.

However, as inFIG.6, in the case where the second opening OP2has an octagonal shape, regions of the corner portions that do not face the fourth opening OP4among the regions of the truncated corner portions may have areas that are less than the area of a region of the truncated corner portion facing the fourth opening OP4. That is, in one or more embodiments, the length of the fourth edge E2-4of the second opening OP2may be less than the length of the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2.

Similarly, the third opening OP3may further include a fourth edge E3-4in addition to the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3, the second edge E3-2of the third opening OP3, and the third edge E3-3of the third opening OP3. That is, as inFIG.6, in the case where the third opening OP3has an octagonal shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a quadrangle, the fourth edge E3-4of the third opening OP3may be an edge facing the region of the truncated corner portion. For example, the fourth edge E3-4of the third opening OP3may be a straight line connecting the second edge E3-2of the third opening OP3and the third edge E3-3of the third opening OP3to each other. Accordingly, the fourth edge E3-4of the third opening OP3may be a straight line extending in the second direction (e.g., the x direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fourth edge E3-4of the third opening OP3may be a curve in one or more other embodiments. That is, regions of the corner portions of the third opening OP3except for the corner portion that is in contact with the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3may have a round shape.

However, as inFIG.6, in the case where the third opening OP3has an octagonal shape, regions of the corner portions that do not face the fourth opening OP4among the regions of the truncated corner portions may have areas less than the area of a region of the truncated corner portion facing the fourth opening OP4. That is, in one or more embodiments, the length of the fourth edge E3-4of the third opening OP3may be less than the length of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3.

Next, referring toFIG.7, the fourth opening OP4may have a closed curve shape. As an example, the fourth opening OP4may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a curved shape. In one or more embodiments, the fourth opening OP4may have an elliptical shape as inFIG.7. In this case, the fourth opening OP4may have an elliptical shape having a major axis or length d4-1in the second direction (e.g., x direction) and a minor axis or length d4-2in the first direction (e.g., y direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fourth opening OP4may have an elliptical shape having a major axis in the first direction (e.g., the y direction).

In this case, the shape of each of the first to third openings OP1, OP2, and OP3may have five or more interior angles. LikeFIG.5, the first opening OP1and the third opening OP3may have a shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a square shape, and the second opening OP2may have a shape in which a corner portion is truncated from a rectangular shape. However, inFIG.7, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3may include an edge that is parallel to, or complimentary to, a boundary line of the fourth opening OP4. That is, in the case where the fourth opening OP4has a circular shape or an elliptical shape, the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1, the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2, and the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3may be curved.

In addition, to efficiently arrange the fourth opening OP4, a length d1of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1and a length d3of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3may be equal to or greater than a length d2of the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2. Accordingly, the fourth opening OP4may have an elliptical shape having a major axis in the second direction (e.g., the x direction). This is to ensure suitable visibility by accounting for the area ratio of the first to third openings OP1, OP2, and OP3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the length d1of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1and the length d3of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3are designed to be less than the length d2of the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2, and the fourth opening OP4may be arranged in various shapes and sizes. In addition, in this case, the length d1of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1may denote a straight length or a curved length of both ends of the first edge E1-1of the first opening OP1. Likewise, the length d2of the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2may denote a straight length or a curved length of both ends of the first edge E2-1of the second opening OP2, and the length d3of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3may denote a straight length or a curved length of both ends of the first edge E3-1of the third opening OP3.

In the display apparatus according to one or more other embodiments as inFIGS.6and7, while the shapes of the first to fourth openings OP1, OP2, OP3, and OP4are variously arranged, suitable visibility may be implemented. That is, embodiments may provide a display apparatus with a reduced loss of an aperture ratio, and improved display quality while elements that may be embedded in the fourth opening OP4are efficiently arranged.

Embodiments may provide a display apparatus with a reduced loss of an aperture ratio while various sensors and/or elements may be embedded therein. However, this aspect is an example, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited by this effect.