Patent Description:
With the development of information technology (IT), various forms of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and the like, which include a display have been widely used.

A display of an electronic device may include an active area in which a screen is displayed and an inactive area that surrounds the active area.

Sensors may be exposed on a front side of the electronic device. The sensors, such as various sensors including an illuminance sensor, an iris sensor, and the like and a camera module, may be disposed. For example, the electronic device may detect the brightness outside the electronic device through the illuminance sensor and may adjust screen brightness of the display, based on an outcome of the detection. In another example, the electronic device may take a photo or a video through the camera module.

The sensors may be disposed inside the electronic device or inside the display. A sensor exposed through a bezel area on the front side may be disposed in the inactive area of the display or inside a housing to which the display does not extend. In contrast, a sensor exposed through a display area on the front side may be disposed in the active area of the display.

Recently, to meet user demands for design and maximize visibility, there is a tendency to eliminate a bezel area from a front side of an electronic device and utilize the entire front side as a display area. Accordingly, an attempt is made to mount a sensor in an active area of a display.

To mount the sensor in the active area of the display, a hole has to be formed in a display panel. In this case, light emitting elements, a common electrode, or a circuit board may be exposed to the outside through the hole. In particular, there is a problem that pixels constituted by organic light emitting diodes are vulnerable to oxygen or moisture.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a display for solving the aforementioned problems.

According to various embodiments, a display is provided, corresponding to the appended claims.

According to the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a display comprising: a display substrate layer; an organic light emitting layer formed over the display substrate layer, the organic light emitting layer including a plurality of pixels; a thin film transistor array layer disposed between the display substrate layer and the organic light emitting layer, the thin film transistor array layer including a plurality of thin film transistors electrically connected with the pixels; a thin film encapsulation layer formed on at least part of the organic light emitting layer; a sensor mounting part including an opening formed through the organic light emitting layer, the thin film transistor array layer, and the display substrate layer and a sensor disposed in the opening. The display is characterised by a sealing member formed in the opening to prevent the organic light emitting layer and the thin film transistor array layer from being exposed to the outside through an inner sidewall of the opening, wherein the opening includes a first portion formed in the display substrate layer and a second portion formed in the remainder, wherein the opening includes a first step portion formed by the organic light emitting layer and the thin film encapsulation layer and a second step portion formed on the display substrate layer, and wherein the sealing member is formed in the second portion and at least part of the first portion.

In similar regards, publication <CIT> discloses display panel assemblies including a polymer layer, a TFT layer, an organic light emitting layer, and a TFE layer stacked together under a transparent layer, and publication <CIT> discloses organic light emitting diodes with water barrier films disposed thereon for protecting the organic light emitting diodes from water damage.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, the sensor may be mounted in an active area, and the active area may be expanded by reducing or removing an inactive area of the display. Accordingly, the active area may be expanded to the entire front side of an electronic device.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes various modifications, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a front side of an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> including the display <NUM> according to various embodiments is illustrated.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and the display <NUM> provided inside the housing <NUM>. A display area <NUM> of the electronic device may refer to an area where a screen is displayed by pixels and may correspond to an active area of the display <NUM> disposed inside the housing of the electronic device <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the display area <NUM> may be formed on at least part of a front part of the housing <NUM>. The display area <NUM> may be formed on the entire front part of the housing <NUM>.

An opening having a shape corresponding to the display area <NUM> may be formed in the front part of the housing <NUM>. In the display area <NUM> where the opening is formed, the display <NUM> provided inside the housing <NUM> may be disposed so as to be exposed.

A transparent layer <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be formed at the opening of the front part of the housing <NUM>. Through the transparent layer of the display <NUM>, the screen of the display <NUM> may be displayed on the front side of the electronic device <NUM>. Furthermore, a sensor <NUM> mounted in the display may be exposed through the front side.

The display <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the transparent layer <NUM> and a second surface 22b of the housing <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> may be mounted in an opening <NUM> formed in the active area of the display <NUM>. An upper surface of the sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face the transparent layer <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be an optical sensor capable of receiving external light passing through the transparent layer <NUM>.

By mounting the sensor <NUM> in the active area <NUM> of the display <NUM>, the entire front part of the housing <NUM> may be configured as the display area <NUM>. Accordingly, a large screen may be provided to a user of the electronic device <NUM>.

To this end, a structure for mounting the sensor <NUM> in the active area of the display <NUM> may be considered.

The type or position of the sensor <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> or the number of sensors <NUM> is illustrative and is not limited to that illustrated. For example, the sensor <NUM> may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a gesture sensor, a motion sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, and a biometric sensor. The sensor may include an image sensor for taking an image or a video. Alternatively, the sensor may be a camera.

According to various embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may obtain image data. For example, external light may be incident through the sensor, and the sensor <NUM> may obtain image data corresponding to the incident light. In various embodiments, the image data may correspond to data obtained by converting the incident light into an electrical signal by the sensor.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM>, a polymer layer <NUM>, a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) <NUM>, and a module-flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display panel may include a plurality of pixels.

The plurality of pixels may each include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel. Alternatively, the plurality of pixels may each include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a green sub-pixel. In another case, the plurality of pixels may each include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a white sub-pixel.

The polymer layer <NUM> may be disposed in the -z direction of the display panel <NUM>. The polymer layer <NUM> may include wiring for supplying power and/or signals to the display panel <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the polymer layer <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material and may extend from one end of the display panel <NUM> to the module-flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

The display driver IC (DDI) <NUM> may be disposed on a partial area of the polymer layer <NUM>. The display driver IC <NUM> may control the pixels through the polymer layer <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a film may be disposed between the display driver IC <NUM> and the polymer layer <NUM>. That is, the film is attached to one end of the polymer layer <NUM>, and the display driver IC <NUM> may be disposed on the film.

The module-flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected with a partial area of the polymer layer <NUM>. For example, the module-flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected with a conductive pattern (or, wiring) formed on the polymer layer <NUM>. In this disclosure, the module-flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be referred to as the M-FPCB (module-flexible printed circuit board).

The printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the -z direction of the display <NUM>. Various types of parts (e.g., the processor <NUM> and a memory) included in the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The power management integrated circuit <NUM> may supply pixel power to the pixels. For example, the power management integrated circuit <NUM> may apply a first voltage (e.g., ELVDD) to one end of each of the pixels and may apply a second voltage (e.g., ELVSS) to an opposite end of the pixel. The pixels receiving the pixel power may emit light.

The processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor) may turn on the sensor <NUM> in response to a user input for recognizing biometric information.

For example, in a case where the sensor <NUM> is a camera, the processor <NUM> may control the sensor <NUM> to obtain image data corresponding to light that is reflected from a subject outside the electronic device <NUM> or is generated from the subject. As will be described below, the sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the opening <NUM> formed through at least part of the display <NUM> and may receive external light.

In another example, in a case where the sensor <NUM> is an infrared sensor, when the user wants to unlock a lock screen, the processor <NUM> may control the sensor <NUM> (or, a light emitting element) to emit light in the infrared band. The light emitted from the sensor <NUM> may be reflected from a body (e.g., an iris or a finger) of the user and may be introduced into the electronic device <NUM> again. The processor <NUM> may perform user authentication, based on the introduced light. When an outcome of the authentication shows that the user is authenticated, the processor <NUM> may unlock the lock screen.

Meanwhile, the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is merely illustrative, and a stack structure of the electronic device <NUM> and components included in the electronic device <NUM> are not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the display <NUM> may be configured in a chip on film (COF) type in which various types of parts are disposed on a thin film or in a chip on glass (COG) type in which the display driver IC <NUM> is directly mounted on a glass substrate.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a memory (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>). The memory may include instructions capable of controlling the display driver IC <NUM> and/or the processor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM> disposed inside the housing.

The display <NUM> may include, from a lower side toward an upper side, a first adhesive layer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, a third adhesive layer <NUM>, a touch screen panel <NUM>, a polarizer <NUM>, a second adhesive layer <NUM>, and the transparent layer <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be exposed through the transparent layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the transparent layer <NUM> may serve to protect the touch screen panel <NUM> in the display <NUM> from external shock and may be formed of a transparent material. For example, the transparent layer <NUM> may allow light generated inside the electronic device <NUM> to transmit to the outside. Furthermore, the transparent layer <NUM> may allow light outside the electronic device <NUM> to transmit into the electronic device. The transparent layer <NUM> may be formed of a material having excellent light transmittance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and the like.

The transparent layer <NUM> may be a transparent film or a glass substrate formed of polyethyleneterephthalate or the like, or may be a plastic substrate formed of polymethylmethacrylate, polyamide, polyimide, polypropylene, polyurethane, or the like.

The display <NUM> may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display.

According to various embodiments, the first adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the second surface 22b of the housing <NUM> and the transparent layer <NUM>. The first adhesive layer <NUM> may be a double-sided tape that is at least partially opaque. The first adhesive layer <NUM> may bond the display panel <NUM> and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (not illustrated) that is able to be disposed on the second surface 22b of the housing <NUM>. The first adhesive layer <NUM> may be an optical clear adhesive (OCA). The first adhesive layer <NUM> may be a thin adhesive film corresponding to the shape of the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may be disposed between the first adhesive layer <NUM> and the third adhesive layer <NUM> disposed under the touch screen panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the touch screen panel <NUM> may be disposed between the third adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> disposed under the transparent layer <NUM>. The touch screen panel <NUM> may be coupled with the transparent layer <NUM> by the third adhesive layer <NUM> and may sense the position of the user's touch occurring on the transparent layer <NUM>. The touch screen panel <NUM> may be constituted by a touch detection sensor of a capacitive overlay type, a resistive overlay type, an infrared beam type, or the like, or may include at least one of a pressure sensor or a fingerprint sensor. In addition to the sensors, various sensors capable of sensing contact or pressure of an object may be included in the touch screen panel <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the touch screen panel <NUM> may be formed in an add-on type separate from the display <NUM>. However, this is illustrative, and the touch screen panel <NUM> may include various types of touch screen panels.

For example, the touch screen panel <NUM> may be integrally formed with the display, in an on-cell type in which the touch screen panel <NUM> is coupled to the top of the display <NUM>. Alternatively, the touch screen panel <NUM> may be formed in an in-cell type in which the touch screen panel <NUM> is included inside the display <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the second adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the touch screen panel <NUM> and the transparent layer <NUM> and may bond the touch screen panel <NUM> and the transparent layer <NUM>. The polarizer <NUM> may be disposed between the second adhesive layer <NUM> and the touch screen panel <NUM>. The second adhesive layer <NUM> may be an optical clear adhesive (OCA) that is substantially transparent. The second adhesive layer <NUM> may contain an optically transparent polymer material.

According to various embodiments, the polarizer <NUM> may be further included between the second adhesive layer <NUM> and the touch screen panel <NUM>. The polarizer (POL) <NUM> may polarize incident light incident on the touch screen panel <NUM> and reflective light resulting from reflection of the incident light from the touch screen panel <NUM>. The polarizer <NUM> may be attached to the transparent layer <NUM> through the second adhesive layer <NUM> and may perform a function of preventing scattering when the transparent layer <NUM> is damaged.

According to various embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be formed through at least some or all of the first adhesive layer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the third adhesive layer <NUM>, the touch screen panel <NUM>, the polarizer <NUM>, and the second adhesive layer <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be located within the range of <NUM> to <NUM> from the periphery of the front part of the housing <NUM>.

As will be described below, a thin film encapsulation layer may be formed inward of the display panel <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The thin film encapsulation layer, when the opening <NUM> is formed in the display <NUM>, may interrupt contact with an external environment such that moisture does not infiltrate into the display panel <NUM>. For planarization of the thin film encapsulation layer, a buffer layer formed of the same material as the thin film encapsulation layer may be additionally provided on the thin film encapsulation layer.

According to various embodiments, at least part of the sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the opening <NUM>. Alternatively, the sensor <NUM> may be disposed under the opening depending on the form of the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may include one or more image sensors (e.g., front sensors or rear sensors) that pass through at least part of the opening <NUM> and face toward the transparent layer <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be, for example, a device capable of taking a still image and a video and may include a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., an LED, a xenon lamp, or the like).

According to various embodiments, one or more sponges <NUM> may preferably be mounted between the transparent layer <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>, which is disposed under the transparent layer <NUM>, to prevent infiltration of dust into the lens of the sensor <NUM> and absorb shock applied from the outside to the sensor <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a plurality of conductive wires <NUM> extending to a surrounding portion of the opening <NUM> when viewed from the transparent layer <NUM> may be disposed in the display panel <NUM> of the display <NUM> so as not to optically block the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of another example of the electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include, from top to bottom, the transparent layer <NUM>, the second adhesive layer <NUM>, the polarizer <NUM>, the touch screen panel <NUM>, the third adhesive layer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the first adhesive layer <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM>.

The configuration disclosed in <FIG> differs from the configuration disclosed in <FIG> in terms of only the position in which the sensor <NUM> is mounted in the opening <NUM>. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the opening <NUM> may further extend through at least parts of the first adhesive layer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the third adhesive layer <NUM>, and the touch screen panel <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be mounted in the opening <NUM> formed up to the touch screen panel <NUM>. In this case, although the opening <NUM> further extends through the touch screen panel <NUM>, the opening <NUM> may not be formed through the polarizer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layer may be included at opposite ends of the opening <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>. In this case, the one or more sponges <NUM> may preferably be mounted between the sensor <NUM> and the thin film encapsulation layer, which is formed at the opposite ends of the display panel <NUM>, to prevent infiltration of dust into the lens of the sensor <NUM> and absorb shock applied from the outside to the sensor <NUM>.

Although it has been described that the thin film encapsulation layer (<NUM> of <FIG>) is formed at the opposite ends of the opening <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>, the thin film encapsulation layer (<NUM> of <FIG>) may not be formed at the opposite ends of the opening <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>, and the one or more sponges <NUM> may be mounted at the opposite ends of the opening <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> as will be described below.

According to various embodiments, although it has been exemplified in the configuration illustrated in <FIG> that the opening <NUM> is formed up to the touch screen panel <NUM>, the opening <NUM> may further extend through the polarizer <NUM>.

Hereinafter, structures of the display panel <NUM> of the display <NUM> for mounting the sensor <NUM> in the active area <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the following description of <FIG>, the direction in which the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> is located is referred to as the upper direction, and the direction in which the polymer layer <NUM> is located is referred to as the lower direction.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the display panel <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a sectional view of the display panel <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to the claimed invention, the display panel <NUM> includes a display substrate layer, a thin film transistor (TFT) array <NUM>, an organic light emitting layer <NUM>, and the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>.

The display substrate layer may be a base layer that forms the base of the display panel. The display substrate layer may be formed of, but is not limited to, a polymer material having flexibility. Hereinafter, the display substrate layer in this disclosure may be referred to as the polymer layer <NUM>. As described above with reference to <FIG>, the opening <NUM> for mounting the sensor <NUM> may be formed through the display panel <NUM>.

According to the claimed invention, the opening <NUM> is formed through the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>, the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, the thin film transistor array <NUM>, and the polymer layer <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is mounted in the opening <NUM>.

The polymer layer <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material. The thin film transistor array <NUM> may be disposed over the polymer layer <NUM>, and the first adhesive layer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be bonded to the bottom of the polymer layer <NUM>.

The polymer layer <NUM> may include a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer disposed under the first polymer layer.

According to various embodiments, the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer may contain at least one of polyethyleneterephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyamide, polyimide, polypropylene, or polyurethane.

According to various embodiments, the first polymer layer may be formed of polyimide that is a flexible material.

According to various embodiments, the second polymer layer for supporting the first polymer layer may be formed of polyethyleneterephthalate. According to various embodiments, the thin film transistor array <NUM> may be disposed over the polymer layer <NUM>. The thin film transistor array may include a plurality of transistors formed in a thin film form. The thin film transistor array <NUM> is electrically connected to the pixels included in the active area of the display panel <NUM> and may drive the pixels.

The organic light emitting layer <NUM> having a plurality of pixels <NUM> formed therein may be formed on an upper surface of the thin film transistor array <NUM>. The pixels <NUM> may each include sub-pixels. The sub-pixels may be implemented with light emitting elements. The light emitting elements may include organic light emitting diodes containing organic materials.

According to various embodiments, the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, which emits light by itself when receiving electricity through electrodes, may contain red, green, and blue fluorescent substances or phosphorus organic compounds. The organic light emitting layer <NUM> may not at least partially overlap the opening <NUM> when the front part of the housing <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is viewed from above.

According various embodiments, the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may include a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and organic light emitting diodes and may be deposited on the thin film transistor array <NUM>.

The organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be disposed to face toward the transparent layer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The pixels <NUM> formed in the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be vulnerable to external oxygen or moisture.

Accordingly, the display <NUM> according to various embodiments may include the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> for interrupting exposure of the pixels <NUM> and the organic light emitting layer <NUM> to the external oxygen or moisture. For planarization of the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>, a buffer layer may be additionally provided over the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>.

According various embodiments, the thin film transistor array <NUM> may be a buffer layer. The buffer layer may prevent infiltration of tramp elements into the polymer layer <NUM> and may provide a flat surface on the top of the polymer layer <NUM>. The thin film transistor array <NUM>, which is a buffer layer, may be formed of various materials capable of providing a flat surface. For example, the buffer layer may contain glass, a synthetic resin (PET), an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxy-nitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, titanium oxide, titanium nitride, or the like, or an organic material such as polyimide, polyester, acryl, or the like. The buffer layer may be deposited by various deposition methods such as a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method, an atmospheric pressure CVD (APCVD) method, a low pressure CVD (LPCVD) method, and the like.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include a first encapsulation portion 140a formed on the organic light emitting layer <NUM> to cover the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and a second encapsulation portion 140b extending from the first encapsulation portion 140a into the opening <NUM>.

According to the claimed invention, a sealing member <NUM> is further included as illustrated in <FIG>. The sealing member <NUM> is formed inside the opening <NUM>. An upper end portion of the sealing member <NUM> may be connected to the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include a plurality of layers. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include a first layer formed on the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and a second layer formed on the first layer. The first layer may be formed of an inorganic material and/or an organic material, and the second layer may be formed of an inorganic material.

According to various embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include at least one layer among an organic layer, an inorganic layer, an organic metal layer, and/or a silicate layer, and may cover the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may prevent the organic light emitting layer <NUM> from being oxidized by moisture and oxygen. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may have a structure in which one or more organic layers and one or more inorganic layers are alternately stacked.

In a case where a plurality of organic layers and inorganic layers are alternately stacked, the uppermost layer may be formed of an inorganic layer to more effectively prevent infiltration of moisture into the organic light emitting layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the organic layer may contain aluminum tris <NUM>-hydroxyquinoline, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, polycyclic aromatics, or a compound thereof. The inorganic layer may contain laser induced fluorescence (LIF), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), or a compound thereof.

According to various embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may further include a functional layer, in addition to at least one layer among the organic layer, the inorganic layer, the organic metal layer, and/or the silicate layer. The functional layer may include at least one of hardcoat layers, photoresist layers, antiglare layers, antireflective layers, and impact protective coatings. The functional layer may contain at least one of an etch resistant material, siloxanes, hexafluorobenzene, pentafluorostyrene, perfluoro-<NUM>, <NUM>-butadiene, chlorocarbon compounds, and thermoplastic polymers. The etch resistant material may include at least one of antismear/fingerprint coatings and silanes.

In a case where the opening <NUM> for mounting the sensor <NUM> is formed in the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film transistor array <NUM>, the pixels <NUM>, the light emitting elements, or the electrodes of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film transistor array <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through inner sidewalls of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film transistor array <NUM>, which are formed by the opening <NUM>, despite the first encapsulation portion 140a.

According to various embodiments, a method for preventing organic light emitting materials contained in the organic light emitting layer <NUM> from being exposed to external moisture or oxygen may be considered.

The display panel <NUM> according to various embodiments may include the second encapsulation portion 140b extending into the opening <NUM>. The second encapsulation portion 140b may be understood as being formed of the same material as the first encapsulation portion 140a and extending from the first encapsulation portion 140a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second encapsulation portion 140b may extend from the top of the opening <NUM> to the bottom thereof. The second encapsulation portion 140b may be formed of a film member formed on an inner surface of the opening <NUM>. The second encapsulation portion 140b may be formed to extend from the first encapsulation portion 140a to the inner surface of the opening <NUM> and cover the inner sidewall of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the inner sidewall of the thin film transistor array <NUM>.

Furthermore, the second encapsulation portion 140b may be formed to further extend along a lower side of the opening <NUM> and cover at least part of the second encapsulation portion 140b of the polymer layer <NUM>. Alternatively, the second encapsulation portion 140b may be formed to cover the entire inner sidewall of each layer.

According to various embodiments, the polymer layer <NUM> disposed outside the opening <NUM> may be covered by the second encapsulation portion 140b that the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> extends to form.

In various embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be formed through at least some of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, the thin film transistor array <NUM>, and the polymer layer <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be inserted in a direction toward a second portion through a first portion. The first portion may be sealed by the transparent layer <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may have a circular cross-section. Without being limited thereto, however, the opening <NUM> may have cross-sections in various shapes.

According to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it is exemplified that there is no space between the sensor <NUM> and the second encapsulation portion 140b. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The sensor <NUM> and the second encapsulation portion 140b may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and a predetermined space may be formed between the sensor <NUM> and the second encapsulation portion 140b.

In various embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, the sealing member <NUM> may be formed separately from the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may have a film form that is formed on an inner sidewall of the opening <NUM>. Alternatively, the sealing member <NUM> may be a filler that fills the space between the inner sidewall of the opening <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>. The filler may contain a curable material such as epoxy or resin.

The inner sidewall of the opening <NUM> includes the first portion formed in the polymer layer <NUM> and the second portion formed in the remaining inner sidewalls. The sealing member <NUM> may be formed to cover the second portion and at least part of the first portion. Alternatively, the sealing member <NUM> may be inserted between the second portion and the sensor <NUM> and between the at least part of the first portion and the sensor <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> may include an insert portion <NUM> inserted into the opening <NUM> and a support portion <NUM> extending from the insert portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the insert portion <NUM> may be formed to have a diameter, a size, or a cross-sectional area by which the insert portion <NUM> is able to be inserted into the opening <NUM> through the first portion.

The support portion <NUM> may be formed to have a larger cross-sectional area than the insert portion <NUM>. The support potion <NUM> may be formed so as not to be inserted into the opening <NUM>. Unlike the insert portion <NUM>, the support portion <NUM> may be disposed outside the opening <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> may be formed to have a larger diameter or cross-sectional area than the opening <NUM> and may not be inserted into the opening <NUM>.

The support portion <NUM> may be formed on an internal substrate of the electronic device <NUM> and may support the insert portion <NUM>. Furthermore, referring to <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> may include a support surface <NUM> formed such that at least part thereof makes contact with a lower surface of the polymer layer <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> may be formed to seal the first portion of the opening <NUM>, that is, the first portion formed on the lower surface of the polymer layer <NUM>.

As described above, the second encapsulation portion 140b may be formed inside the opening <NUM>. In a case where the second encapsulation portion 140b extends to an area formed on the polymer layer <NUM>, part of the second encapsulation portion 140b may be formed on the support surface <NUM>. Alternatively, the second encapsulation portion 140b inside the opening <NUM> may be supported by the support surface <NUM>.

According to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include the first encapsulation portion 140a that covers an upper surface of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the second encapsulation portion 140b extending from the first encapsulation portion 140a into the opening <NUM>. In particular, the second encapsulation portion 140b may cover the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film transistor array <NUM> exposed to the outside through the opening <NUM>, thereby preventing the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the display <NUM> from being faulty or damaged, and extending the lifetimes thereof.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> covering the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the separate sealing member <NUM> formed in the opening may cover the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film transistor array layer <NUM> that may be exposed to the outside, thereby preventing the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the display <NUM> from being faulty or damaged, and extending the lifetimes thereof.

The display panel <NUM> according to various embodiments may include, from a lower side, the polymer layer <NUM>, the thin film transistor array <NUM> formed on the upper surface of the polymer layer <NUM>, the organic light emitting layer <NUM> formed on the upper surface of the thin film transistor array <NUM>, and the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> formed on the organic light emitting layer <NUM>.

Furthermore, the opening <NUM> for mounting the sensor <NUM> may be formed through the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, the thin film transistor array <NUM>, and the polymer layer <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> and a filler <NUM> or a blocking film <NUM> may be disposed inside the opening <NUM>. The filler <NUM> may contain epoxy, a resin, or a material similar thereto.

The organic light emitting layer <NUM>, the thin film transistor array <NUM>, the opening <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> are the same as described above, and therefore descriptions thereabout will be omitted.

The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and may include the sealing member <NUM> disposed inside the opening <NUM>. In this case, the sealing member <NUM> may include the filler <NUM> or the blocking film <NUM>.

The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> of the display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may be formed to cover at least part of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may be referred to as the thin film encapsulation layer or the thin film encapsulation film.

Unlike in the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may not be formed in an area adjacent to the opening <NUM> of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>.

The organic light emitting layer <NUM> may include an encapsulated area that is encapsulated by the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> and an exposed area that is not encapsulated by the thin film encapsulation layer. The exposed area may refer to an area extending from the encapsulated area in a direction toward the center of the opening <NUM>.

The exposed area may include a first step surface <NUM> formed on the upper surface of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and an inner sidewall of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> that is formed by the opening <NUM>.

In this case, the exposed area of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be exposed to external oxygen or moisture. Furthermore, the inner sidewall of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be exposed to external oxygen or moisture by a section of the opening <NUM> formed through the organic light emitting layer <NUM>.

To prevent this, the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may include the sealing member <NUM> formed inside the hole. The sealing member <NUM> may include the filler <NUM> or the blocking film <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the filler <NUM> may be formed inside the opening <NUM>. The filler <NUM> may be disposed between the inner surface of the opening <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> disposed inside the opening <NUM>. The filler <NUM> may be received in the opening <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> may be formed on the second portion of the opening <NUM>, and the filler <NUM> received in the opening <NUM> may be supported by the support surface.

Referring to <FIG>, the opening <NUM> includes a first step portion including the first step surface <NUM> formed by the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>. Because the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> is not formed in the exposed area formed on the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> and the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be formed to have a step.

Due to this structure, the first step surface <NUM> and the inner sidewall of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be exposed to external oxygen and moisture. Accordingly, the blocking film <NUM> formed to cove the exposed area may be included.

The blocking film <NUM> may be formed of a film member containing metal and/or an inorganic material. The blocking film <NUM> may be formed to cover at least the first step surface <NUM> of the upper surface of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, on which the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> is not formed, and the inner sidewall of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. Furthermore, the blocking film <NUM> may further extend along the direction toward the bottom of the opening <NUM> and may extend up to the opening <NUM> formed in the polymer layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a moisture barrier <NUM> disposed over the sensor <NUM>. The moisture barrier <NUM> may prevent moisture introduced through the transparent layer <NUM> from infiltrating into the organic light emitting layer <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the moisture barrier <NUM> may be formed to be transparent and may be formed to cover the top of the sensor <NUM>.

In this case, the moisture barrier <NUM> may further extend from the top of the sensor <NUM> in the radially outward direction of the sensor <NUM> and may cover the entire top side of the opening <NUM>. Furthermore, the moisture barrier <NUM> may extend to the first step surface <NUM> formed on the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, or may extend to the blocking film <NUM> formed on the first step surface <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the moisture barrier <NUM> may be formed along the outer periphery of the top of the sensor <NUM>. In this case, the moisture barrier <NUM> may be formed to be opaque, and an air layer may be formed inside the moisture barrier <NUM>, or a transparent member may be inserted into the moisture barrier <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the opening <NUM> may include at least one step portion. As described above, the first step portion may be formed by the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM>. The first step portion may include the first step surface <NUM>, and the first step surface <NUM> may be formed toward the front part of the housing <NUM>.

A second step portion is formed on the polymer layer <NUM>. The polymer layer <NUM> may include a protrusion, part of which protrudes toward the center of the opening <NUM>. The protrusion may include a lower surface of the polymer layer <NUM>. The second step portion may include a second step surface <NUM> formed on the protrusion, and the second step surface <NUM> may be formed toward the front part of the housing <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may be disposed over the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. Furthermore, the sealing member <NUM> may be formed inside the opening <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may include the filler <NUM> or the blocking film <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the blocking film <NUM> may be formed on the first step portion. The blocking film <NUM> may be formed to cover the first step surface <NUM>, the inner sidewall of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>, and the inner sidewall of the thin film transistor array <NUM>. The blocking layer <NUM> may further extend downward along the inner surface of the opening <NUM> and may cover at least part of the inner sidewall of the polymer layer <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the filler <NUM> may be disposed inside the opening <NUM>. The filler <NUM> may be received in the opening <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> formed on the support portion <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> may be formed in the second portion of the opening <NUM> and may support the bottom of the filler <NUM> in the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a method for manufacturing the display <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the display <NUM> according to various embodiments will be described with reference to <FIG>.

First, a recess <NUM> may be formed on the polymer layer <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may be formed by using a laser in the same way as laser etching or laser cutting. The recess <NUM> may be formed on a partial area of the polymer layer <NUM> that corresponds to an area in which the sensor <NUM> is to be mounted.

Next, the thin film transistor array <NUM> may be stacked on the polymer layer <NUM>. A hole corresponding to the recess <NUM> formed on the polymer layer <NUM> may be formed in the thin film transistor array <NUM>. The plurality of pixels <NUM> may be formed and arranged on the upper surface of the thin film transistor array <NUM>. The plurality of pixels <NUM> may be implemented with various types of light emitting elements including OLED elements.

After the stack of the thin film transistor array <NUM>, the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may be stacked on one surface of the thin film transistor array <NUM>. Likewise to the thin film transistor array <NUM>, the organic light emitting layer <NUM> may have an opening corresponding to the recess <NUM> formed on the polymer layer <NUM>. The organic light emitting layer <NUM> may include a cathode element electrically connected with the pixels <NUM>.

Then, the thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may be formed to cover part of the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. The thin film encapsulation layer <NUM> may not be formed on an area of the upper surface of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> that is adjacent to the hole. Accordingly, the first step portion including the first step surface <NUM> formed to face upward may be formed on the organic light emitting layer <NUM>.

After that, the sensor mounting hole <NUM> for mounting the sensor <NUM> may be formed in the polymer layer <NUM>. The sensor mounting hole <NUM> may be formed by laser cutting in the same way that the recess <NUM> is formed on the polymer layer <NUM>.

In a case of performing laser cutting on the polymer layer <NUM>, the second step portion including the second step surface <NUM> may be formed. Likewise to the first step surface <NUM>, the second step surface <NUM> may be formed to face toward the front part of the housing that is located on an upper side thereof.

At this time, foreign matter <NUM> generated from the polymer layer <NUM> may be scattered. The first step portion may prevent the foreign matter <NUM> from being scattered to the active area. The foreign matter <NUM> may be left on the second step surface <NUM> by the first step portion without being scattered to the active area.

Thereafter, the foreign matter <NUM> left on the second step surface <NUM> around the sensor mounting hole <NUM> may be removed.

After that, the sensor <NUM> may be mounted in the sensor mounting hole <NUM>. Part of the sensor <NUM> may be inserted into the sensor mounting hole <NUM>, and the rest may be located outside the sensor mounting hole <NUM>.

After the sensor <NUM> is inserted, the filler <NUM> may be received in the sensor mounting hole <NUM>, the recess <NUM> formed on the polymer layer <NUM>, and the holes formed in the thin film transistor array <NUM> and the organic light emitting layer <NUM>. The filler <NUM> may prevent the organic light emitting layer <NUM> and the thin film transistor array <NUM> exposed to the outside from being exposed to oxygen and moisture.

After the filler <NUM> is received, the moisture barrier <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the sensor <NUM>. The moisture barrier <NUM> may block a path along which moisture infiltrates.

In the case of manufacturing the display <NUM> as described above, the foreign matter <NUM> generated when the sensor mounting hole <NUM> is formed by the cutting may be prevented from being scattered to the active area. Accordingly, even in the case where the sensor <NUM> is mounted in the display <NUM>, the display <NUM> having no defect in the active area, and the electronic device may be provided. Furthermore, as the filler <NUM> is disposed in the sensor mounting hole <NUM> and the moisture barrier <NUM> is disposed on the sensor <NUM>, the display <NUM> and the electronic device that have a low defect rate and high reliability may be provided.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM>(e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> through a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> through a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication network) in the network environment <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. According to some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) among components of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device <NUM>. According to some embodiments, some of the above components may be implemented with one integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module <NUM>(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be embedded in the display device <NUM> (e.g., a display).

The processor 1220may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one of other components (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM> and may process or compute a variety of data. According to an embodiment, as a part of data processing or operation, the processor <NUM> may load a command set or data, which is received from other components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module1290), into a volatile memory <NUM>, may process the command or data loaded into the volatile memory <NUM>, and may store result data into a nonvolatile memory1234. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) and an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphic processing device, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor), which operates independently from the main processor <NUM> or with the main processor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may use less power than the main processor <NUM>, or is specified to a designated function. The auxiliary processor <NUM> may be implemented separately from the main processor <NUM> or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor1223 may control, for example, at least some of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM> instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., an application execution) state. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor1223 (e.g., the image signal processor or the communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor1223.

The memory <NUM> may store a variety of data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, data may include software (e.g., the program <NUM>) and input data or output data with respect to commands associated with the software. The memory 1230may include the volatile memory <NUM> or the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

The program 1240may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software and may include, for example, an operating system <NUM>, a middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data, which is used for a component (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from an outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The sound output device <NUM> may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia play or recordings play, and the receiver may be used for receiving calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver and the speaker may be either integrally or separately implemented.

The display device 1260may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., the user) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the display device 1260may include a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may include a touch circuitry configured to sense the touch or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) for measuring an intensity of pressure on the touch.

The audio module <NUM> may convert a sound and an electrical signal in dual directions. According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound through the input device <NUM> or may output the sound through the sound output device 1255or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) inside or an environmental state (e.g., a user state) outside the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 1276may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more designated protocols to allow the electronic device <NUM> to connect directly or wirelessly to the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface), a USB (universal serial bus) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal1278 may include a connector that physically connects the electronic device <NUM> to the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

The haptic module 1279may convert an electrical signal to a mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulation perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic sensations.

The camera module <NUM> may shoot a still image or a video image. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include, for example, at least one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

According to an embodiment, the power management module <NUM> may be implemented as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a non-rechargeable (primary) battery, a rechargeable (secondary) battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 1290may establish a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and support communication execution through the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include at least one communication processor operating independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the application processor) and supporting the direct (e.g., wired) communication or the wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 1290may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., an LAN (local area network) communication module or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among the above communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device through the first network <NUM> (e.g., the short-range communication network such as a Bluetooth, a WiFi direct, or an IrDA (infrared data association)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., the long-distance wireless communication network such as a cellular network, an internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). The above-mentioned various communication modules may be implemented into one component (e.g., a single chip) or into separate components (e.g., chips), respectively. The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device 1201using user information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 1296in the communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include one or more antennas. For example, the communication module <NUM> may select one antenna suitable for a communication method used in the communication network such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>. The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module <NUM> and the external electronic device through the selected one antenna.

At least some components among the components may be connected to each other through a communication method (e.g., a bus, a GPIO (general purpose input and output), an SPI (serial peripheral interface), or an MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) used between peripheral devices to exchange signals (e.g., a command or data) with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM> connected to the second network <NUM>. Each of the electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same or different types as or from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations performed by the electronic device <NUM> may be performed by one or more external electronic devices among the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> performs some functions or services automatically or by request from a user or another device, the electronic device <NUM> may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least some of the functions related to the functions or services, in addition to or instead of performing the functions or services by itself. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may carry out at least a part of the requested function or service or the additional function or service associated with the request and transmit the execution result to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide the result as is or after additional processing as at least a part of the response to the request. To this end, for example, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> of the display device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM> for controlling the display <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may include an interface module <NUM>, a memory <NUM> (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module <NUM>, or a mapping module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may receive, for example, image data or image information including an image control signal corresponding to an instruction for controlling the image data, from another component of the electronic device <NUM> through the interface module <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the main processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor) or the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphic processing device) that operates independently of a function of the main processor <NUM>). The DDI <NUM> may communicate with touch circuitry <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the like through the interface module <NUM>. Furthermore, the DDI <NUM> may store at least part of the received image information in the memory <NUM>, for example, on a frame-by-frame basis. The image processing module <NUM>, for example, may pre-process or post-process at least part of the image data (e.g., may adjust the resolution, brightness, or size thereof), based at least on characteristics of the image data or characteristics of the display <NUM>. The mapping module <NUM> may generate a voltage value or a current value that corresponds to the image data pre-processed or post-processed through the image processing module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the generation of the voltage value or the current value may be performed based at least partly on, for example, attributes of pixels of the display <NUM> (e.g., an arrangement of the pixels (an RGB stripe or pentile structure) or the size of each of sub-pixels). At least some pixels of the display <NUM> may be driven based at least partly on, for example, the voltage value or the current value, and therefore visual information (e.g., text, an image, or an icon) that corresponds to the image data may be displayed through the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include the touch circuitry <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> may include a touch sensor <NUM> and a touch sensor IC <NUM> for controlling the touch sensor <NUM>. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may control the touch sensor <NUM> to detect, for example, a touch input or a hovering input to a specific position of the display <NUM>. For example, the touch sensor IC <NUM> may detect the touch input or the hovering input by measuring a change of a signal (e.g., voltage, an amount of light, resistance, or an amount of electric charge) for the specific position of the display <NUM>. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may provide information (e.g., position, area, pressure, or time) regarding the detected touch input or hovering input to the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a part (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) of the touch circuitry <NUM> may be included as a part of the display driver IC <NUM> or the display <NUM> or a part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM>) that is disposed outside the display device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module <NUM> or control circuitry for the at least one sensor. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuitry for the same may be embedded in a part (e.g., the display <NUM> or the DDI <NUM>) of the display device <NUM> or a part of the touch circuitry <NUM>. For example, in a case where the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) associated with a touch input, through a partial area of the display <NUM>. In another example, in a case where the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information associated with a touch input, through all or part of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display <NUM>, or over or under the pixel layer.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a mobile medical appliance, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure should not be limited to the above-mentioned devices.

It should be understood that various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used in the embodiments do not intend to limit technical features disclosed in the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed herein; rather, the disclosure should be construed to cover various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of embodiments of the disclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar or related components may be assigned with similar reference numerals. As used herein, singular forms of noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the disclosure disclosed herein, each of the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", or "one or more of A, B, or C", and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The expressions, such as "a first", "a second", "the first", or "the second", may be used merely for the purpose of distinguishing a component from the other components, but do not limit the corresponding components in other aspect (e.g., the importance or the order).

The term "module" used in the disclosure may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware and may be interchangeably used with the terms "logic", "logical block", "part" and "circuit". The "module" may be a minimum unit of an integrated part or may be a part thereof. The "module" may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. For example, according to an embodiment, the "module" may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented by software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including an instruction stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>) readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). For example, the processor (e.g., the processor1220) of a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may call the instruction from the machine-readable storage medium and execute the instructions thus called. This means that the machine may perform at least one function based on the called at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory", as used herein, means that the storage medium is tangible, but does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave). The term "non-transitory" does not differentiate a case where the data is permanently stored in the storage medium from a case where the data is temporally stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may be provided as a part of 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 machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be directly distributed (e.g., download or upload) online through an application store (e.g., a Play Store™) or between two user devices (e.g., the smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Claim 1:
A display (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a display substrate layer (<NUM>);
an organic light emitting layer (<NUM>) formed over the display substrate layer (<NUM>), the organic light emitting layer (<NUM>) including a plurality of pixels;
a thin film transistor array layer (<NUM>) disposed between the display substrate layer (<NUM>) and the organic light emitting layer (<NUM>), the thin film transistor array layer (<NUM>) including a plurality of thin film transistors electrically connected with the pixels;
a thin film encapsulation layer (<NUM>) formed on at least part of the organic light emitting layer (<NUM>);
a sensor mounting part including an opening (<NUM>) formed through the organic light emitting layer, the thin film transistor array layer (<NUM>), and the display substrate layer (<NUM>) and a sensor (<NUM>) disposed in the opening (<NUM>); characterised by
a sealing member (<NUM>) formed in the opening (<NUM>) to prevent the organic light emitting layer (<NUM>) and the thin film transistor array layer (<NUM>) from being exposed to the outside through an inner sidewall of the opening (<NUM>),
wherein the opening (<NUM>) includes a first portion formed in the display substrate layer (<NUM>) and a second portion formed in the remainder,
wherein the opening (<NUM>) includes a first step portion formed by the organic light emitting layer and the thin film encapsulation layer and a second step portion formed on the display substrate layer (<NUM>), and
wherein the sealing member (<NUM>) is formed in the second portion and at least part of the first portion.