U.S. patent application number 15/139766 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for display apparatus, head-mounted display apparatus, image display method, and image display system.
The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Chio Cho, Yunseon Do, Jaejoong Kwon.
Application Number | 20170064291 15/139766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58096446 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170064291 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Do; Yunseon ; et
al. |
March 2, 2017 |
DISPLAY APPARATUS, HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY APPARATUS, IMAGE DISPLAY
METHOD, AND IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
A display apparatus includes a first pixel and a second pixel.
Each of the first and second pixels includes a first sub-pixel
which emits light having a first color, a second sub-pixel which
emits light having a second color different from the first color, a
third sub-pixel which emits light having a third color different
from the first and second colors, and an infrared sub-pixel which
emits infrared light. The infrared light emitted from the infrared
sub-pixel in the first pixel and the infrared light emitted from
the infrared sub-pixel in the second pixel have different
intensities from each other.
Inventors: |
Do; Yunseon; (Yongin-si,
KR) ; Kwon; Jaejoong; (Yongin-si, KR) ; Cho;
Chio; (Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
58096446 |
Appl. No.: |
15/139766 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 3/2003 20130101;
G09G 3/003 20130101; G09G 2360/141 20130101; G09G 2360/144
20130101; G06F 3/147 20130101; H04N 13/324 20180501; G09G 3/3413
20130101; G02B 27/017 20130101; H04N 13/361 20180501; H04N 13/25
20180501; G02B 27/0172 20130101; H04N 13/271 20180501; G02B 30/34
20200101; H04N 13/344 20180501; G09G 2370/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 13/04 20060101
H04N013/04; G09G 3/3208 20060101 G09G003/3208; G06T 19/00 20060101
G06T019/00; H04N 5/33 20060101 H04N005/33; G09G 3/20 20060101
G09G003/20; G02B 27/01 20060101 G02B027/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0123014 |
Claims
1. A display apparatus comprising: a first pixel; and a second
pixel, wherein each of the first and second pixels comprises: a
first sub-pixel which emits light having a first color; a second
sub-pixel which emits light having a second color, which is
different from the first color; a third sub-pixel which emits light
having a third color, which is different from the first and second
colors; and an infrared sub-pixel which emits infrared light,
wherein the infrared light emitted from the infrared sub-pixel in
the first pixel and the infrared light emitted from the infrared
sub-pixel in the second pixel have different intensities from each
other.
2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first color, the
second color and the third color are red, green and blue,
respectively.
3. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the infrared light
emitted from the infrared sub-pixel in the first pixel and the
infrared light emitted from the infrared sub-pixel in the second
pixel have substantially the same frequency as each other.
4. The display apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a
plurality of pixels comprising the first and second pixels; and a
controller which controls intensities of infrared light emitted by
an infrared sub-pixel in each of the plurality of pixels, based on
data of a depth difference between the plurality of pixels.
5. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the infrared sub-pixel
comprises: an infrared driver circuit; and an infrared inorganic
light-emitting diode electrically connected to and driven by the
infrared driver circuit.
6. The display apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a first
electrode electrically connected to the infrared driver circuit and
contacting an end of the infrared inorganic light-emitting diode;
and a second electrode facing the first electrode and contacting
another end of the infrared light-emitting diode, wherein the
second electrode is commonly disposed in the first sub-pixel, the
second sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel, and the infrared
sub-pixel.
7. The display apparatus of claim 5, wherein the infrared sub-pixel
further comprises a light spreading layer which spreads infrared
light emitted by the infrared inorganic light-emitting diode.
8. The display apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the first to
third sub-pixels comprises an organic light emitting diode.
9. The display apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the first to
third sub-pixels comprises an inorganic light emitting diode.
10. A head-mounted display apparatus comprising: a camera which
receives visible light emitted by an object and converts the
visible light into an electric signal; an infrared sensor which
receives infrared light emitted by the object; a signal processor
which generates three-dimensional rendering data based on color
data obtained by the camera and depth data obtained by the infrared
sensor; and a display unit which receives the three-dimensional
rendering data from the signal processor and display an image
corresponding to the three-dimensional rendering data.
11. The head-mounted display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
signal processor comprises a data matching unit which matches the
color data and the depth data based on a location of the object
which emits the visible light and the infrared light.
12. The head-mounted display apparatus of claim 10, further
comprising: an optical device disposed on a path of light emitted
by the display unit and which focuses the light on a predetermined
area.
13. The head-mounted display apparatus of claim 10, further
comprising: a frame which accommodates the camera, the infrared
sensor, the signal processor, and the display unit, wherein the
frame is shaped to be mounted on a head of a user.
14. The head-mounted display apparatus of claim 13, further
comprising: a lens unit accommodated in the frame and disposed
between the object and the user, wherein the lens unit comprises a
transmittance adjusting unit which adjusts a transmittance of light
incident from the object.
15. The head-mounted display apparatus of claim 14, wherein the
transmittance adjusting unit comprises a liquid crystal.
16. An image display method using a head-mounted display apparatus,
the method comprising: receiving visible light and infrared light
from a display apparatus; extracting color data and depth data from
the visible light and the infrared light, respectively; generating
three-dimensional rendering data based on the color data and the
depth data; and displaying an image corresponding to the
three-dimensional rendering data on the head-mounted display
apparatus.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the display apparatus comprises
a plurality of pixels, and each of the plurality of pixels
comprises a visible light sub-pixel which emits the visible light
and an infrared sub-pixel which emits the infrared light.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the display apparatus further
comprises a controller which controls intensities of infrared light
emitted by the infrared sub-pixel in each of the plurality of
pixels, based on data of a depth difference between the plurality
of pixels.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the infrared sub-pixel
comprises: an infrared driver circuit; and an infrared inorganic
light-emitting diode electrically connected to and driven by the
infrared driver circuit.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: before the
generating the 3D rendering data, matching the color data and the
depth data based on respective locations of the plurality of pixels
in the display apparatus which emits the visible light and the
infrared light.
21. An image display system comprising: a display apparatus
comprising a plurality of pixels emitting visible light and
infrared light; and a head-mounted display apparatus configured to
receive the visible light and the infrared light from the display
apparatus and display image; wherein the head-mounted display
apparatus comprises: a camera which receives the visible light
emitted by the display apparatus and converts the visible light
into an electric signal; an infrared sensor which receives the
infrared light emitted by the display apparatus; a signal processor
which generates three-dimensional rendering data based on color
data obtained by the camera and depth data obtained by the infrared
sensor; and a display unit which receives the three-dimensional
rendering data from the signal processor and display an image
corresponding to the three-dimensional rendering data.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2015-0123014, filed on Aug. 31, 2015, and all
the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, the
content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a display
apparatus, a head-mounted display apparatus, an image display
method, and an image display system, and more particularly, to a
display apparatus, a head-mounted display apparatus, an image
display method, and am image display system of displaying a
three-dimensional ("3D") image by emitting or using infrared rays
having depth information.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A head-mounted display apparatus typically refers to a
display apparatus configured to be mounted on a user's head in the
form of glasses or a helmet. In such a head-mounted display
apparatus, images are displayed in front of the eyes of the user so
that the user may recognize the images. The head-mounted display
apparatus may display the images using self-generated light and/or
light incident from an external source.
[0006] A light-emitting diode ("LED") is a semiconductor device, in
particular, a p-n junction diode that converts energy, which is
generated by a recombination of holes and electrons, into light
energy. When a voltage is applied to the p-n junction diode in a
forward direction, holes and electrons are injected, and a
recombination of the holes and the electrons generate energy.
[0007] Inorganic LEDs emit light using inorganic compounds. The
inorganic LEDs may include red, yellow, blue, white, ultraviolet
and infrared LEDs. The inorganic LEDs are widely used in backlight
of a liquid crystal display ("LCD") device, lighting devices, or
electronic displays, for example. Also, organic LEDs emit light
using organic compounds, and are widely used in small to large
electronic devices, e.g., mobile phones and large screen display
devices.
SUMMARY
[0008] Due to the increasing demand of three-dimensional ("3D")
display apparatuses, various 3D image display methods are being
studied. For example, a display apparatus, such as a television
("TV"), may project different images on left and right eyes of a
user by using a polarizer, a lens array, or a shutter to display a
3D image. However, the method above has limited viewpoints and
cannot simultaneously display two-dimensional ("2D") images and 3D
images.
[0009] One or more exemplary embodiments include an image display
method, a display apparatus, and a head-mounted display apparatus
for providing a continuous wide viewing angle for a 3D display
apparatus and generating augmented reality by connecting a 3D
display apparatus with the head-mounted display apparatus.
[0010] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a display
apparatus includes a first pixel, and a second pixel. In such an
embodiment, each of the first and second pixels includes a first
sub-pixel which emits light having a first color, a second
sub-pixel which emits light having a second color different from
the first color, a third sub-pixel which emits light having a third
color different from the first and second colors, and an infrared
sub-pixel which emits infrared light. In such an embodiment, the
infrared light emitted from the infrared sub-pixel in the first
pixel and the infrared light emitted from the infrared sub-pixel in
the second pixel have different intensities from each other.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the first color, the second
color and the third color may be red, green and blue,
respectively.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the infrared light
emitted from the infrared sub-pixel in the first pixel and the
infrared light emitted from the infrared sub-pixel in the second
pixel may have substantially the same frequency as each other.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus may
further include a plurality of pixels including the first and
second pixels, and a controller which controls intensities of
infrared light emitted by an infrared sub-pixel in each of the
plurality of pixels, based on data of a depth difference between
the plurality of pixels.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the infrared sub-pixel may
include an infrared driver circuit, and an infrared inorganic
light-emitting diode ("LED") electrically connected to and driven
by the infrared driver circuit.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus may
further include a first electrode electrically connected to the
infrared driver circuit and contacting an end of the infrared
inorganic LED, and a second electrode facing the first electrode
and contacting another end of the infrared LED. In such an
embodiment, the second electrode may be commonly disposed in the
first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel and the
infrared sub-pixel.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the infrared sub-pixel may
further include a light spreading layer which spreads infrared
light emitted by the infrared inorganic LED.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first to third
sub-pixels may include an organic light emitting diode
("OLED").
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first to third
sub-pixels may include an inorganic LED.
[0019] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a
head-mounted display apparatus includes a camera which receives
visible light emitted by an object and converts the visible light
into an electric signal, an infrared sensor which receives infrared
light emitted by the object, a signal processor which generates 3D
rendering data based on color data obtained by the camera and depth
data obtained by the infrared sensor, and a display unit which
receives the 3D rendering data from the signal processor and
display an image corresponding to the 3D rendering data.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal processor may include
a data matching unit which matches the color data and the depth
data based on a location of the object that emits the visible light
and the infrared light.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the head-mounted display
apparatus may further include an optical device located on a path
of light emitted by the display unit and which focuses the light on
a predetermined area.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the head-mounted display
apparatus may further include a frame which accommodates the
camera, the infrared sensor, the signal processor, and the display
unit. In such an embodiment, the frame may be shaped to be mounted
on a head of a user.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the head-mounted display
apparatus may further include a lens unit accommodated in the frame
and located between the object and the user. In such an embodiment,
the lens unit may include a transmittance adjusting unit which
adjusts a transmittance of light incident from the object.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmittance adjusting unit
may include a liquid crystal.
[0025] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an image
display method using a head-mounted display apparatus includes
receiving visible light and infrared light from a display
apparatus, extracting color data and depth data from the visible
light and the infrared light, generating 3D rendering data based on
the color data and the depth data, and displaying an image
corresponding to the 3D rendering data on the head-mounted display
apparatus.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus may
include a plurality of pixels, and each of the plurality of pixels
may include a visible light sub-pixel which emits the visible light
and an infrared sub-pixel which emits the infrared light.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus may
further include a controller which controls intensities of infrared
light emitted by the infrared sub-pixel in each of the plurality of
pixels, based on data of a depth difference between the plurality
of pixels.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the infrared sub-pixel may
include an infrared driver circuit, and an infrared inorganic
light-emitting diode ("LED") electrically connected to and driven
by the infrared driver circuit.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include,
before the generating the 3D rendering data, matching the color
data and the depth data based on respective locations of the
plurality of pixels in the display apparatus which emits the
visible light and the infrared light.
[0030] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an image
display system includes a display apparatus including a plurality
of pixels emitting visible light and infrared light and a
head-mounted display apparatus configured to receive the visible
light and the infrared light from the display apparatus and display
image. In such an embodiment, the head-mounted display apparatus
includes a camera which receives the visible light emitted by the
display apparatus and converts the visible light into an electric
signal, an infrared sensor which receives the infrared light
emitted by the display apparatus, a signal processor which
generates three-dimensional rendering data based on color data
obtained by the camera and depth data obtained by the infrared
sensor, and a display unit which receives the three-dimensional
rendering data from the signal processor and display an image
corresponding to the three-dimensional rendering data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] These and/or other features will become apparent and more
readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a display apparatus,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a plan view of two adjacent pixels in the display
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line of a pixel
FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display
apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a head-mounted
display apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic conceptual view of some components in
the head-mounted display apparatus of FIG. 5;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a lens unit in the head-mounted display apparatus of
FIG. 5;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an image display method, according
to an exemplary embodiment; and
[0040] FIG. 9 is a conceptual view of a system for providing the
image display method of FIG. 8, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various
embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
[0042] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element
or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast,
when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another
element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0043] It will be understood that, although the terms "first,"
"second," "third" etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, "a first
element," "component," "region," "layer" or "section" discussed
below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or
section without departing from the teachings herein.
[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms, including at least one," unless the
content clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and/or." As used
herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or
"includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, regions,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0045] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and
"upper" or "top," may be used herein to describe one element's
relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It
will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation
depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the
figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower"
side of other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of
the other elements. The exemplary term "lower," can therefore,
encompasses both an orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending
on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the
device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as
"below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above"
the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can,
therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.
[0046] "About" or "approximately" as used herein is inclusive of
the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation
for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in
the art, considering the measurement in question and the error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the
limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can
mean within one or more standard deviations, or within .+-.30%,
20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.
[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0048] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present claims.
[0049] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a display apparatus
100, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of
two adjacent pixels in the display apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3
is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the pixel of
FIG. 2.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of the
display apparatus 100 may include a display panel 10, a driver 20,
and a processor 30.
[0052] The display panel 10 may include a plurality of pixels,
including a first pixel P1 and a second pixel P2. The driver 20 may
include a scan driver and a data driver that respectively apply
scan signals and data signals to scan lines and data lines, which
are connected to the plurality of pixels. The driver 20 is
connected with the processor 30, and may receive information from
the processor 30, for example, information on timing for applying
the scan signals and the data signals to the plurality of pixels
and amplitude of signals.
[0053] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a structure of the first
and second pixels P1 and P2 from among the plurality of pixels. In
an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second
pixels P1 and P2 are adjacent to each other, but exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment,
other pixels may be provided between the first and second pixels P1
and P2.
[0054] Each of the first and second pixels P1 and P2 may include a
first sub-pixel SP1 that emits light having a first color, a second
sub-pixel SP2 that emits light having a second color that is
different from the first color, a third sub-pixel SP3 that emits
light having a third color that is different from the first and
second colors, and an infrared sub-pixel IR that emits infrared
light. The infrared light emitted from the infrared sub-pixel IR in
the first pixel P1 and the infrared light emitted from the infrared
sub-pixel IR in the second pixel P2 emit infrared light of
different intensities.
[0055] The infrared light is provided so that depth information is
included in light with a predetermined color emitted from the first
and second pixels P1 and P2, a difference between intensities of
infrared light emitted from the first and second pixels P1 and P2
may correspond to a depth difference between the first and second
pixels P1 and P2.
[0056] Herein, the term `depth` refers to a distance from an
arbitrary point. Depth information of an image may indicate 3D
information of the image. That is, the display apparatus 100
includes the plurality of pixels including the first and second
pixels P1 and P2, and may display images by using the plurality of
pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels may be turned on or off.
When the pixels are turned on, light having a predetermined color
may be emitted by using a combination of first to third sub-pixels
SP1 to SP3 that emit visible light in different colors. A display
apparatus including only pixels that include the first to third
sub-pixels SP1 to SP3 may only display a two-dimensional ("2D")
image.
[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus 100
includes the infrared sub-pixel IR that may include depth
information in each of the plurality of pixels, and may obtain
depth information of an image displayed by the display apparatus
100 from a combination of infrared light emitted from each of the
plurality of pixels. Thus, the display apparatus 100 may obtain 3D
information of an image displayed by the display apparatus 100 from
a combination of the depth information and 2D image.
[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first color, the
second color and the third color may be red, green and blue,
respectively, but not being limited thereto. The first to third
colors may be other colors that show white light when combined,
e.g., other primary colors.
[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the infrared
sub-pixels IR of the first and second pixels P1 and P2 may emit
infrared light having substantially the same frequency as each
other, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In an
alternative exemplary embodiment, the infrared sub-pixels IR of the
first and second pixels P1 and P2 may emit infrared light having
different frequencies from each other, respectively.
[0060] The processor 30 may include a controller 31 that controls
intensity of infrared light emitted by the infrared sub-pixel IR in
each of the plurality of pixels, based on data of a depth
difference between the plurality of pixels in the display apparatus
100. The controller 31 may control the intensity of infrared light
by controlling amplitude of data signals applied to the infrared
sub-pixel IR or controlling time when the scan signals are applied
to the infrared sub-pixel IR. Although not illustrated, the
processor 30 may further include a calculator and a register.
[0061] The processor 30 may process signals by using the controller
31 so that the display apparatus 100 may display a 2D image
including 3D information. A user in front of the display apparatus
100 may not see infrared light without an additional device, and
may only see the 2D image displayed by the user display apparatus
100. When an additional device for receiving a processing infrared
light emitted by the display apparatus 100, the user may see a 3D
image displayed by the display apparatus 100, which will be
described later in detail.
[0062] Although FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which
sub-pixels in the first and second pixels P1 and P2 are arranged in
the form of a 2x2 matrix, exemplary embodiments are not limited
thereto, and the sub-pixels may be arranged in various ways.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the third sub-pixel SP3
and the infrared sub-pixel IR of the first pixel P1 of FIG. 2,
according to an exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, some elements in
the third sub-pixel SP3 and the infrared sub-pixel IR will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.
[0064] In the first pixel P1, a buffer layer 111 is on a substrate
110. A driver circuit including a transistor T.sub.IR and a
capacitor (not shown), and an infrared inorganic light-emitting
diode ("LED") LED.sub.IR that is connected to and driven by the
driver circuit are disposed in an area of the buffer layer 111
corresponding to the infrared sub-pixel IR.
[0065] The substrate 110 may include glass or plastic. The buffer
layer 111 may effectively prevent impurities from penetrating to
the driver circuit from the substrate 110, and planarizes a surface
of the substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 may have a single layer
structure or a multi-layer structure including a layer of an
inorganic material such as silicon nitride (SiN.sub.x) and/or
silicon oxide (SiO.sub.x).
[0066] The transistor T.sub.IR may include an active layer 112, a
gate electrode 114, a source electrode 116S and a drain electrode
116D. The active layer 112 may have a source area and a drain area
that are conductive, and a channel area between the source and
drain areas. The gate electrode 114 may be disposed on the active
layer 112 but insulated from the active layer 112. The source
electrode 116S and the drain electrode 116D may be electrically
connected with the source area and the drain area of the active
layer 112, respectively. At least one of the source electrode 116S
and the drain electrode 116D may be omitted.
[0067] A first insulating layer 113 may be disposed between the
active layer 112 and the gate electrode 114. A second insulating
layer 115 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 113 and
cover the gate electrode 114. The first insulating layer 113 and
the second insulating layer 115 may have a single layer structure
or a multilayer structure including a layer of an inorganic
material such as silicon nitride (SiN.sub.x) and/or silicon oxide
(SiO.sub.x).
[0068] A third insulating layer 117 may be disposed on the second
insulating layer 115 and cover the source electrode 116S and the
drain electrode 116D. The third insulating layer 117 may include an
organic material and/or an inorganic material.
[0069] Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the gate electrode 114 of
the transistor T.sub.IR is disposed above the active layer 112,
exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The gate electrode
114 may be disposed under the active layer 112.
[0070] A bank 170 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 117
and define a sub-pixel area. The bank 170 may include a concave
area 170a that accommodates the infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR.
A height of the bank 170 may be determined based on a height of the
infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR and a viewing angle. A size
(e.g., a width) of the concave area 170a may be determined based on
resolution of the display apparatus 100. Although FIG. 2
illustrates that the concave area 170a is square-shaped, exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the concave
area 170a may have various shapes, for example, a polygonal,
rectangular, circular, oval, or triangular shape.
[0071] The first electrode 120a may be disposed on a side surface
and a bottom surface of the concave area 170a and at least a
portion of an upper surface of the bank 170. The first electrode
120a may be electrically connected to the source electrode 116S or
the drain electrode 116D of the transistor T.sub.IR via a hole H
formed in the third insulating layer 117.
[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, the bank 170 may
function as a light blocking unit and include a material with low
light transmittance. The bank 170 may effectively prevent light
from being emitted through a side surface of the infrared inorganic
LED LED.sub.IR, and thus effectively prevent interference with
light emitted from adjacent sub-pixels. In such an embodiment, the
bank 170 may increase a bright room contrast ratio ("BRCR") of the
display apparatus 100 by absorbing and blocking light incident from
an external source outside the display apparatus 100. However,
exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The bank 170 may
include a semi-transparent material, an optical reflective
material, or a light spreading material.
[0073] The infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR may be disposed in the
concave area 170a of the bank 170. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR may be, but is
not limited to, a micro LED having about 1 micrometer (.mu.m) to
about 100 .mu.m. A single piece or a plurality of the infrared
inorganic LED LED.sub.IR may be picked up by a transfer device from
a wafer, transferred to the substrate 110, and then, accommodated
in the concave area 170a. The infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR may
emit infrared light with a wavelength of about 700 nanometers (nm)
to about 1 mm. Infrared light may be not visible to the user's
eyes.
[0074] The infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR may include a p-n
junction diode 140a, a first contact electrode 130a and a second
contact electrode 150a. The first contact electrode 130a and/or the
second contact electrode 150a may have a single-layer structure or
a multi-layer structure including at least one of metal, conductive
oxide, and conductive polymer. The first contact electrode 130a and
the second contact electrode 150a may selectively include a
reflective layer, for example, a layer of silver. The first contact
electrode 130a may be electrically connected to the first electrode
120a. The second contact electrode 150a may be electrically
connected to a second electrode 160. The p-n junction diode 140a
may include a p-doping layer 141a, an n-doping layer 142a, and an
intermediate layer 143a between the p-doping layer 141a and the
n-doping layer 142a. The intermediate layer 143a is an area that
emits light as excitons generated by a recombination of electrons
and holes transitions from a higher energy level to a lower energy
level. The intermediate layer 143a includes a semiconductor
material and may have a single quantum well or a multi quantum well
structure.
[0075] The first electrode 120a may include a reflective electrode,
and the second electrode 160 may include a transparent or
semi-transparent electrode. The second electrode 160 may be
commonly disposed in the plurality of pixels in the display
apparatus 100 as a common electrode.
[0076] A passivation layer 180 may surround at least a portion of
the infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR in the concave area 170a, and
may cover the bank 170. The passivation layer 180 may have a
predetermined height such that an upper portion of the infrared
inorganic LED LED.sub.IR, for example, the second contact electrode
150a, is not covered. Therefore, the second contact electrode 150a
may be not covered by, but exposed through, the passivation layer
180. The exposed second contact electrode 150a may be electrically
connected to the second electrode 160.
[0077] Although not illustrated, an exemplary embodiment of the
display apparatus 100 may further include a light spreading layer
(not shown) that spreads infrared light. The light spreading layer
may be disposed on a path of infrared light emitted by the infrared
inorganic LED LED.sub.IR. The light spreading layer may be arranged
in various locations and shapes. The light spreading layer may
allow the infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR to uniformly emit
infrared light from a front surface of the infrared sub-pixel IR to
the outside, and increase an angle range, e.g., a viewing angle, of
infrared light emitted by the display apparatus 100.
[0078] In an area on the buffer layer 111 corresponding to the
third sub-pixel SP3, a driver circuit including a transistor
T.sub.SP3 and a capacitor, and an inorganic LED LED.sub.SP3 that is
electrically connected to the driver circuit and driven by the
driver circuit.
[0079] The third sub-pixel SP3 may have substantially the same
structure as the infrared sub-pixel IR described above, except for
a difference in wavelengths of light emitted by the inorganic LED.
The third sub-pixel SP3 may include a first electrode 120b
electrically connected to the transistor T.sub.SP3, and the
inorganic LED LED.sub.SP3 on the first electrode 120b. The
inorganic LED LED.sub.SP3 may include a first contact electrode
130b that is electrically connected to the first electrode 120b, a
p-n junction diode 140b including a p-doping layer 114b, an
n-doping layer 142b and an intermediate layer 143b on the first
contact electrode 113b, and a second contact electrode 150b on the
p-n junction diode 140b and electrically connected to the second
electrode 160.
[0080] In such an embodiment, the first and second sub-pixels SP1
and SP2 of FIG. 2 may have the same structure as the third
sub-pixel SP3, except for a difference in colors of light emitted
by the inorganic LED.
[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first to third
sub-pixels SP1 to SP3 and the infrared sub-pixel IR may be disposed
or transferred by an identical LED transfer device. The size of the
display apparatus 100 may be easily reduced by including a small
inorganic LED.
[0082] In such an embodiment, the infrared sub-pixel IR is included
in each of the plurality of pixels of the display apparatus 100,
such that both a 2D image and depth information corresponding to
each of the plurality of pixels may be displayed.
[0083] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display
apparatus 200 according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of the display
apparatus 200 may include a plurality of pixels, including a
visible light sub-pixel SP that emits visible light and an infrared
sub-pixel IR that emits infrared light.
[0085] In such an embodiment, the display apparatus 200 includes a
substrate, and a buffer layer 211 on the substrate 210. A driver
circuit including at least one transistor T.sub.IR and at least one
capacitor (not shown), and an infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR
that is connected to and driven by the driver circuit are disposed
in an area of the buffer layer 211 corresponding to the infrared
sub-pixel IR.
[0086] The transistor T.sub.IR may include an active layer 212, a
gate electrode 214, a source electrode 216S, and a drain electrode
216D. A first insulating layer 213 may be disposed between the
active layer 212 and the gate electrode 214. A second insulating
layer 215 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 213 and
cover the gate electrode 214.
[0087] A third insulating layer 217 may be disposed on the second
insulating layer 215 and cover the source electrode 216S and the
drain electrode 216D. A bank 270 may be disposed on the third
insulating layer 217 and define a sub-pixel area. The bank 270 may
include a concave area 270a that accommodates the infrared
inorganic LED LED.sub.IR.
[0088] A first electrode 220a is disposed on the third insulating
layer 217. The first electrode 220a may be electrically connected
with the transistor T.sub.IR via a hole H formed in the third
insulating layer 217. Both ends of the first electrode 220a may be
covered by the bank 270.
[0089] The infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR may be disposed in the
concave area 270a of the bank 270. The infrared inorganic LED
LED.sub.IR may be a micro LED with a size (e.g., a length or width)
of about 1 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m that emits infrared light with
a wavelength in a range of about 700 nm to about 1 mm.
[0090] The infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR may include a p-n
junction diode 240a, a first contact electrode 230a and a second
contact electrode 250a. The p-n junction diode 240a may include a
p-doping layer 241a, an n-doping layer 242a, and an intermediate
layer 243a between the p-doping layer 241a and the n-doping layer
242a.
[0091] The first electrode 220a may include a reflective electrode,
and a second electrode 260 may include a transparent or
semi-transparent electrode. The second electrode 260 may be
commonly disposed in the plurality of pixels in the display
apparatus 200 as a common electrode.
[0092] A passivation layer 280 may surround at least a portion of
the infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR in the concave area 270a, and
may cover the bank 270 and the infrared inorganic LED LED.sub.IR.
The passivation layer 280 may have a predetermined height such that
the second contact electrode 250a of the infrared inorganic LED
LED.sub.IR is not covered. Therefore, the second contact electrode
250a may be not covered by but exposed through the passivation
layer 280. The exposed second contact electrode 250a may be
electrically connected to the second electrode 260.
[0093] In an area on the buffer layer 211 corresponding to the
visible light sub-pixel SP, a driver circuit including a transistor
T.sub.SP and a, and an organic LED OLED.sub.SP that is electrically
connected to the driver circuit and driven by the driver
circuit.
[0094] The visible light sub-pixel SP may include the organic LED
OLED.sub.SP that includes a first electrode 220b electrically
connected to the transistor T.sub.SP, a second electrode 260 facing
the first electrode 220b, and an organic emission layer 240b
between the first electrode 220b and the second electrode 260.
[0095] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus
200 may include the visible light sub-pixel SP that includes the
organic LED OLED.sub.SP that is appropriate for a large screen
display apparatus and has fast response speed, and the infrared
sub-pixel IR that includes the inorganic LED LED.sub.IR that
generates infrared light. As in an exemplary embodiment of the
display apparatus 100 described above with reference to FIG. 3, the
display apparatus 200 may not only display a 2D image but also
depth information corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels
by including the infrared sub-pixel IR in each of the plurality of
pixels.
[0096] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a head-mounted
display apparatus 300, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6
is a schematic conceptual view of some components in the
head-mounted display apparatus 300 of FIG. 5.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary embodiment of the
head-mounted display apparatus 300 may include a camera 310 that
receives visible light emitted by an object and converts the
visible light into an electric signal, an infrared sensor 320 that
receives infrared light emitted by the object, a signal processor
330 that generates 3D rendering data based on color data obtained
by the camera 310 and depth data obtained by the infrared sensor
320, and a display unit 340 that receives 3D rendering data from
the signal processor 330 and displays an image corresponding to the
3D rendering data.
[0098] The camera 310 may include an image sensor (not shown) such
as a charge coupled device ("CCD") or a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor ("CMOS"), and an optical system (not shown) that
focuses light incident from the object. An infrared ray block
filter and/or an ultraviolet ray block filter may be disposed in
front of the image sensor.
[0099] The infrared sensor 320 may also include an image sensor
(not shown) such as a CCD or a CMOS. A band-pass filter that passes
infrared rays of a certain frequency range and/or a block filter
that blocks light having a wavelength range lower than that of
visible light rays.
[0100] The camera 310 may obtain the color data of the object,
e.g., color data of a 2D image of the object. The depth data of the
object may be obtained by the infrared sensor 320 that receives
infrared light including the depth information. The object may be
the display apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 in which each of the plurality
of pixels include the infrared sub-pixel IR.
[0101] The signal processor 330 may generate 3D rendering data
based on the color data obtained by the camera 310 and the depth
data obtained by the infrared sensor 320. Herein, `3D rendering`
refers to a process of generating a 3D image by using a 2D image
based on shadows, colors and density thereof, or a process of
adding a 3D effect to a 2D image by changing shadows or
density.
[0102] According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal processor
330 of the head-mounted display apparatus 300 may generate the 3D
rendering data by combining the 2D image obtained by the camera 310
with the depth information obtained by the infrared sensor 320 and
thus changing shadows or density of the 2D image. The signal
processor 330 may include a data matching unit 331 that matches the
color data and the depth data based on a location of the object
that emits visible light and infrared light. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the object may be the display apparatus 100
of FIG. 2. The data matching unit 331 may match a value of a pixel
from the color data to a value of a pixel in the depth data
corresponding to the pixel in the color data.
[0103] The display unit 340 may be a small display device that may
be mounted on the head-mounted display apparatus 300, for example,
an organic light-emitting display or a liquid crystal display
("LCD") device.
[0104] The 3D rendering data generated by the signal processor 330
may be input to the display unit 340. The display unit 340 may
display an image that corresponds to the 3D rendering data. The
image may be a 3D image, in particular, a 2D image with a 3D
effect.
[0105] In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, optical devices
R1 and R2, which changes the path of light and an optical device
350 that converges light to a predetermined area may be disposed on
a path of light emitted by the display unit 340. The predetermined
area may be a crystalline lens 41 of an eye 40 of the user. Light
converged to the crystalline lens 41 may pass through the lens 41
and reach a retina 42 of the eye 40 of the user.
[0106] The shortest focal length of the eye of a person may be
about 20 centimeters (cm) or more. According to an exemplary
embodiment, even when a distance between the eye 40 of the user and
the display unit 340 is smaller than the shortest focal length, the
shortest focal length may be provided by the optical device 350
between the display unit 340 and the eye 40. In such an embodiment,
the shortest focal length is effectively provided, such that the
user may clearly and easily recognize the image displayed by the
display unit 340.
[0107] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment, where the
display unit 340 is located beside the eye 40, rather than the
front of the eye 40, and the optical devices R1 and R2 changes the
path of light emitted by the display unit 340 toward a direction of
the eye 40. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the display unit 340 may be
located in front of the eye 40, and the optical devices R1 and R2
may be omitted. According to another exemplary embodiment, the
display unit 340 may be a transparent display by which the user may
not only see the image displayed by the display unit 340, but also
see the external background.
[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment, the head-mounted
display apparatus 300 may include a frame 360 that accommodates the
camera 310, the infrared sensor 320, the signal processor 330 and
the display unit 340. The frame 360 may be shaped such that the
frame 360 may be disposed or mounted on the head of the user. In
such an embodiment, the frame 360 may include a lens unit 370 that
is disposed between the object and the user.
[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens unit 370 may include a
transparent or semi-transparent lens to generate augmented reality.
In such an embodiment, the user may not only see the image
displayed by the display unit 340 in the head-mounted display
apparatus 300, but also the background image passing through the
lens unit 370.
[0110] However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In
an alternative exemplary embodiment, the lens unit 370 may be
configured as an opaque lens to generate virtual reality. In such
an embodiment, the user wearing the head-mounted display apparatus
300 may only see the image displayed by the display unit 340.
[0111] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of the lens unit 370 in the head-mounted display
apparatus 300 of FIG. 5.
[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens unit 370 of the
head-mounted display apparatus 300 of FIG. 5 may be a lens unit 470
shown in FIG. 7.
[0113] The lens unit 470 may be disposed between the object and the
user, be accommodated in the frame 360 of FIG. 5, and include a
transmittance adjusting unit for adjusting transmittance of light
incident from the object.
[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transmittance
adjusting unit may include a liquid crystal 473 (e.g., a liquid
crystal layer or liquid crystal molecules). In such an embodiment,
the lens unit 470 may include a first polarizer 471, a first
substrate 472, the liquid crystal 473, a second substrate 474, and
a second polarizer 475. The transmittance of the lens unit 470 may
be adjusted by controlling an arrangement direction of the liquid
crystal 473 by applying an electric field to the liquid crystal
473.
[0115] In such an embodiment, the head-mounted display apparatus
300 may selectively display augmented reality in which the image
displayed by the display unit 340 of FIG. 5 and the external
background are visible, or virtual reality in which the external
background is not visible.
[0116] Although FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
transmittance adjusting unit including the liquid crystal 473,
exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the
transmittance adjusting unit may have various structures, for
example, a light blocking unit may be or not be disposed in front
of a transparent lens to transmit or not transmit light incident
from an external background.
[0117] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an image display method, according
to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual view of a system
for providing the image display method of FIG. 8, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an exemplary embodiment of the
image display method of the head-mounted display apparatus 300 may
include receiving visible light and infrared light emitted from the
display apparatus 100 or 200 (S110), extracting color data and
depth data respectively from visible light and infrared light
(S120), generating 3D rendering data based on the color data and
the depth data (S140), and displaying an image corresponding to the
3D rendering data (S150).
[0119] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus
100 or 200 may be the display apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 to 3 or the
display apparatus 200 of FIG. 4, and the head-mounted display
apparatus 300 may be the head-mounted display apparatus 300 of FIG.
5. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The
display apparatus and the head-mounted display apparatus may be
modified in various ways.
[0120] Each of the display apparatuses 100 and 200 includes a
plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels may include
the visible light sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP that emit
visible light and the infrared sub-pixel IR that emits infrared
light. The display apparatus 100 or 200 may include the controller
31 of FIG. 1 that controls intensity of infrared light emitted by
the infrared sub-pixel IR in each of the plurality of pixels, based
on data of a depth difference between the plurality of pixels.
[0121] Such an embodiment of the display apparatus 100 or 200 have
been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, and any
repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0122] According to an exemplary embodiment, before the generating
of the 3D rendering data (S140), the image display method may
further include matching the color data and the depth data based on
respective locations of the plurality of pixels in the display
apparatus 100 or 200 that emits visible light and infrared light
(S130).
[0123] The head-mounted display apparatus 300 of FIG. 5 may include
the camera 310, the infrared sensor 320, the signal processor 330
and the display unit 340. The camera 310 and the infrared sensor
320 may perform the receiving of visible light and infrared light
emitted from the display apparatus 100 or 200 (S110) and the
extracting of the color data and the depth data respectively from
visible light and infrared light (S120). The signal processor 330
may perform the generating of the 3D rendering data based on the
color data and the depth data (S140). The display unit 340 may
perform the displaying of the image corresponding to the 3D
rendering data (S150).
[0124] In such an embodiment, the matching of the color data and
the depth data (S130) may be performed by the data matching unit
331 in the signal processor 330 of the head-mounted display
apparatus 300.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 9, the image displayed by the display
apparatus 100 or 200 may include visible light VL that is visible
to the user and infrared light IRL that is invisible to the user.
The image may be emitted not only in a normal direction to a main
plane on which the image of the display apparatus 100 or 200 is
displayed, but also within an angle range with respect to the
normal direction. The angle range may be equal to or greater than
about .+-.60.degree.. As shown in FIG. 9, some users U1 to U4 may
be located at an angle range equal to or greater than about
120.degree. with respect to the display apparatus 100. The users U1
to U4 may simultaneously watch the image displayed by the display
apparatus 100 or 200.
[0126] Light emitted from the display apparatus 100 or 200 may be
simultaneously observed by the users U1, U2, U3 and U4 that are
located within a predetermined angle range in front of the display
apparatus 100 or 200. However, the user U3 that is not wearing the
head-mounted display apparatus 300 may not see the infrared light
IRL but only see the visible light VL. That is, the user U3 may
only see the 2D image on the display apparatus 100 or 200.
[0127] However, the users U1, U2, and U4 that are wearing the
head-mounted display apparatus 300 may see a 3D image, e.g., a 2D
image with a 3D effect, according to the above-described image
display method.
[0128] The users U1, U2, and U4 may be located in front of the
display apparatus 100 or 200, and simultaneously see the 3D image
displayed by the display apparatus 100 or 200. In such an
embodiment, as described above, the user U3 that is not wearing the
head-mounted display apparatus 300 sees only the 2D image.
Therefore, 2D and 3D images may be simultaneously displayed without
changing a mode of the display apparatus 100 or 200.
[0129] According to the exemplary embodiments described herein, the
display apparatuses 100 and 200 and the head-mounted display
apparatus 300 may simultaneously display the 2D and 3D images, and
may provide a continuous wide viewing angle for the 3D image.
[0130] In such embodiments, the head-mounted display apparatus 300
and the image display method may easily generate augmented reality
by connecting with the display apparatus 100 or 200.
[0131] While one or more exemplary embodiments have been described
with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *