Foldable display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

A foldable display device and a driving method thereof are provided. The foldable display device comprises: a display panel, comprising a first display area and a second display area; a timing controller, configured to receive input image data and simultaneously provide a first data packet corresponding to the first display area and a second data packet corresponding to the second display area; a data driver, configured to receive the first data packet and the second data packet, determine whether the first display area or the second display area is folded based on the first data packet and the second data packet, and when the first display area or the second display area is folded, not output a first data signal corresponding to the first data packet or a second data signal corresponding to the second data packet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments generally relate to a foldable display device and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Recently, flat panel display (FPD) devices are widely used as display devices of electronic devices because they are relatively lightweight and thin compared to cathode ray tube (CRT) display devices. Examples of FPD devices are liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, field emission display (FED) devices, plasma display panel (PDP) devices, and organic light emitting display (OLED) devices.

[0003] A foldable display device using a flexible display panel has been developed. The foldable display device can be folded or unfolded, making the foldable display device more portable. When the foldable display device is folded, there is a problem of increased power consumption due to displaying images in the folding area and the area viewed by the user. Summary of the invention

[0004] Some example embodiments provide a foldable display device capable of reducing power consumption.

[0005] Some example embodiments provide a driving method of a foldable display device capable of reducing power consumption.

[0006] According to aspects of an example embodiment, a foldable display device includes: a display panel including a first display area and a second display area; a timing controller configured to receive input image data and simultaneously provide a first data packet corresponding to the first display area and a second data packet corresponding to the second display area; and a data driver configured to receive the first data packet and the second data packet, determine whether the first display area or the second display area is folded based on the first data packet and the second data packet, and not output a first data signal corresponding to the first data packet or a second data signal corresponding to the second data packet when the first display area or the second display area is folded.

[0007] In an example embodiment, the data driver may include: a first receiver configured to receive a first data packet and detect whether the first display area is folded based on the first data packet; a second receiver configured to receive a second data packet and detect whether the second display area is folded based on the second data packet; a first shift register configured to output a first pulse based on the first data packet; and a second shift register configured to output a second pulse based on the second data packet.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the first receiver may include: a pattern detector configured to detect a pattern of a first data packet; and a folding control signal generator configured to determine whether the first display area is folded based on the pattern of the first data packet, and output a folding control signal based on the folding state of the first display area.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the folding control signal generator is configured to generate the folding control signal based on the pattern of the first data packet and the folding pattern.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the first receiver may include a switch coupled between an analog front end (AFE) block and a power line through which the power signal is provided.

[0011] In example embodiments, the first shift register may include a switch coupled between a clock data recovery (CDR) block and a power line through which the power signal is provided.

[0012] In an example embodiment, the second receiver may include: a pattern detector configured to detect a pattern of the second data packet; and a folding control signal generator configured to determine whether the second display area is folded based on the pattern of the second data packet, and output a folding control signal based on the folding state of the second display area.

[0013] In an example embodiment, the folding control signal generator is configured to generate the folding control signal based on the pattern of the second data packet and the folding pattern.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the second receiver may include a switch coupled between an analog front end (AFE) block and a power line through which the power signal is provided.

[0015] In example embodiments, the second shift register may include a switch coupled between a clock data recovery (CDR) block and a power line through which the power signal is provided.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the data driver may further include: a black data generator configured to generate a black data signal corresponding to black; a first switching block configured to couple the black data generator to a data line in the first display area when the first display area is folded; and a second switching block configured to couple the black data generator to a data line in the second display area when the second display area is folded.

[0017] In example embodiments, the first switch block and the second switch block are configured to be turned on or off in response to a folding control signal.

[0018] In example embodiments, a black data signal may be provided to the data line in the first display area when the first display area is folded, and a black data signal may be provided to the data line in the second display area when the second display area is folded.

[0019] According to aspects of an example embodiment, a driving method for a foldable display device may include the following steps: simultaneously receiving a first data packet and a second data packet; determining whether a first display area or a second display area of ​​a display panel is folded; when the first display area is folded, not outputting a first data signal corresponding to the first data packet; and when the second display area is folded, not outputting a second data signal corresponding to the second data packet.

[0020] In example embodiments, determining whether the first display area of ​​the display panel is folded may include detecting a pattern of the first data packet based on the first data packet.

[0021] In example embodiments, determining whether the second display area of ​​the display panel is folded may include detecting a pattern of the second data packet based on the second data packet.

[0022] In example embodiments, not outputting the first data signal corresponding to the first data packet may include blocking a power signal provided to a first receiver receiving the first data packet or a first shift register coupled to the first receiver.

[0023] In example embodiments, not outputting the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet may include blocking a power signal provided to a second receiver receiving the second data packet or a second shift register coupled to the second receiver.

[0024] In an example embodiment, not outputting the first data signal corresponding to the first data packet may include providing a black data signal corresponding to a black color to the data line in the first display area.

[0025] In an example embodiment, not outputting the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet may include providing a black data signal corresponding to a black color to the data line in the second display area.

[0026] Therefore, the foldable display device and the driving method of the foldable display device can determine whether the first display area or the second display area is folded based on the first data packet and the second data packet, and do not output the first data signal corresponding to the first data packet or the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet when the first display area or the second display area is folded. Therefore, the power consumption of the foldable display device can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Illustrative, non-limiting example embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a foldable display device according to example embodiments.

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Figure 2. A foldable display device.

[0030] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of operation of a foldable display device.

[0031] Figure 4 is shown as included in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a first data packet and a second data packet input to a data driver in a foldable display device.

[0032] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is shown that the Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the operation of a data driver in a foldable display device.

[0033] Figure 6 It is shown that the Figure 1 Block diagram of a data driver in a foldable display device.

[0034] Figure 7 It is shown that the Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first receiver and a first shift register in a data driver.

[0035] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the operation of a first receiver.

[0036] Fig. 9 It is shown that the Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the operation of a black data generator in a data driver.

[0037] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating a driving method of a foldable display device according to example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, the inventive concept will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a foldable display device according to example embodiments.

[0040] Reference Figure 1, a foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display panel 110 , a timing controller 140 , a data driver 120 , and a scan driver 130 .

[0041] The display panel 110 includes data lines DL, scan lines SL, and a plurality of pixels PX. The scan lines SL may extend in a first direction D1 and may be arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The data lines DL may extend in a second direction D2 and may be arranged along the first direction D1. The first direction D1 may be parallel to a long side of the display panel 110, and the second direction D2 may be parallel to a short side of the display panel 110. Each of the pixels PX may be located at a crossing region of the data lines DL and the scan lines SL.

[0042] The display panel 110 may include a first display area and a second display area. The display panel 110 may include a folding area in an area overlapping the first display area and the second display area. The display panel 110 may be bent or folded based on the folding area. In this case, the user can only view one of the first display area and the second display area. The foldable display device 100 according to an example embodiment may determine whether the display panel 110 is folded and may not output a data signal provided to the folding area to reduce the power consumption of the foldable display device 100. Hereinafter, the foldable display device 100 will be described in detail.

[0043] The timing controller 140 may receive input image data IMG and simultaneously (eg, simultaneously or at the same time) provide a first data packet DATA1 corresponding to the first display area and a second data packet DATA2 corresponding to the second display area.

[0044] The timing controller 140 may receive input image data IMG and an input control signal CON. The timing controller 140 may generate a first data packet DATA1 corresponding to a first display area and a second data packet DATA2 corresponding to a second display area based on the input image data IMG. The timing controller 140 may generate a first data packet DATA1 and a second data packet DATA2 by applying an algorithm for compensating the display quality of the input image data IMG. Alternatively, the timing controller may generate a first data packet DATA1 and a second data packet DATA2 by not applying an algorithm for compensating the display quality of the input image data IMG. The timing controller 140 may provide the first data packet DATA1 to the data driver 120 through a first port, and may provide the second data packet DATA2 to the data driver 120 through a second port. The timing controller 140 may generate a scan control signal CTLS based on the input control signal CON. For example, the scan control signal CTLS may include a vertical start signal and a clock control signal. The first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2 may be signals in which a clock signal in the input control signal CON is embedded.

[0045] The data driver 120 may receive a first data packet DATA1 and a second data packet DATA2, may determine whether the first display area or the second display area is folded based on the first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2, and may not provide a first data signal DS1 corresponding to the first data packet DATA1 or a second data signal DS2 corresponding to the second data packet DATA2 when the first display area or the second display area is folded.

[0046] The data driver 120 may receive a first data packet DATA1 through a first port and a second data packet DATA2 through a second port. The data driver 120 may determine whether the first display area or the second display area is folded based on the first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2. In some example embodiments, the data driver 120 may detect a pattern of an image displayed on the first display area based on the first data packet DATA1, and may determine that the first display area is folded when the first data packet DATA1 includes a set or predetermined folding pattern. In addition, the data driver 120 may detect a pattern of an image displayed on the second display area based on the second data packet DATA2, and may determine that the second display area is folded when the second data packet DATA2 includes a set or predetermined folding pattern. The folding pattern may be stored in the data driver 120. When the first display area is folded, the data driver 120 does not output a first data signal DS1 corresponding to the first data packet DATA1. In addition, when the second display area is folded, the data driver 120 does not output a second data signal DS2 corresponding to the second data packet DATA2.

[0047] The scan driver 130 may generate a scan signal SS based on a scan control signal CTLS provided from the timing controller 140. The scan driver 130 may sequentially output the scan signal SS to the pixels PX. The scan driver 130 may be directly mounted on the display panel 110 or may be coupled to the display panel 110 by being implemented as a chip on film (COF).

[0048] As described above, the foldable display device 100 according to the example embodiment may detect the folding area of ​​the display panel 110 based on the first and second data packets DATA1 and DATA2 and may not output a data signal to the folding area. Therefore, power consumption may be reduced.

[0049] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 Figure 2. A foldable display device. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of operation of a foldable display device.

[0050] Figure 2 The foldable display device 200 may correspond to Figure 1 A foldable display device 100 is provided.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 , the foldable display device 200 may include a display panel 210 , a first printed circuit board (PCB) 222 , a second printed circuit board 224 , a flexible printed circuit film 226 , and a source integrated circuit (IC) 230 .

[0052] The display panel 210 may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The display panel 210 may include a folding area FA in an area overlapping the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 , the display panel 210 may be bent or folded based on the folding area FA.

[0054] The first printed circuit board 222 and the second printed circuit board 224 may include a driving chip and a driving element for driving the display panel 210. For example, a timing control chip may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 222, and a resistor element for generating a gamma voltage may be mounted on the second printed circuit board 224. The timing control chip may correspond to Figure 1 The timing controller 140 of the display panel 210 and the source integrated circuit 230 may be provided. In addition, a voltage generator for generating a power supply voltage provided to the display panel 210 and the source integrated circuit 230 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 222 and the second printed circuit board 224. The first printed circuit board 222 and the second printed circuit board 224 may be combined through the connector CL. The first printed circuit board 222 and the second printed circuit board 224 may receive or provide a logic signal or voltage through the connector CL. Although in Figure 2 2 and 2. The foldable display device 200 including the first printed circuit board 222 and the second printed circuit board 224 is described in detail, but the foldable display device 200 is not limited thereto. For example, the foldable display device 200 may include only one printed circuit board, or may further include a third printed circuit board.

[0055] The second printed circuit board 224 may be coupled to the display panel 210 through a flexible printed circuit film 226. The flexible printed circuit film 226 may transmit an output signal from the second printed circuit board 224 to the display panel 210.

[0056] The source integrated circuit 230 may receive the first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2 and generate a first data signal corresponding to the first data packet DATA1 and a second data signal corresponding to the second data packet DATA2 . Figure 2 The source integrated circuit 230 may correspond to Figure 1 Here, the source integrated circuit 230 may be formed not to overlap the folding area FA. For example, the source integrated circuit 230 may be located on one side of the first display area DA1 or on one side of the second display area DA2.

[0057] Figure 4 is shown as included in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a first data packet and a second data packet input to a data driver in a foldable display device.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 , the timing controller 140 may output the first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2 simultaneously (e.g., simultaneously or at the same time). The first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2 may be differential signals swinging between a high level and a low level. For example, the first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2 may include data corresponding to a red data signal, a green data signal, and a blue data signal provided to a pixel in the display panel. The data driver 120 may receive the first data packet DATA1 through the first port, and may receive the second data packet DATA2 through the second port.

[0059] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is shown that the Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the operation of a data driver in a foldable display device.

[0060] The data driver 120 may receive a first data packet DATA1 and a second data packet DATA2 from the timing controller 140, and may determine whether the first display area or the second display area is folded based on the first data packet DATA1 and the second data packet DATA2. When the first data packet DATA1 includes a set or predetermined folding pattern, the data driver 120 may determine that the first display area is folded. When the second data packet DATA2 includes another set or predetermined folding pattern, the data driver 120 may determine that the second display area is folded.

[0061] Reference Figure 5A , when the data driver 120 determines that the first display area is not folded and the second display area is folded, the second receiver of the data driver 120 may not output the second data packet DATA2 to the second shift register of the data driver 120. For example, when the second display area is folded, the second receiver of the data driver 120 may block the power signal provided to the second receiver and may not output the second data packet DATA2 to the second shift register of the data driver 120.

[0062] Reference Figure 5B , when the data driver 120 determines that the first display area is folded and the second display area is not folded, the first receiver of the data driver 120 may not output the first data packet DATA1 to the first shift register of the data driver 120. For example, when the first display area is folded, the first receiver of the data driver 120 may block the power signal provided to the first receiver and may not output the first data packet DATA1 to the first shift register of the data driver 120.

[0063] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a method of including Figure 1 Block diagram of a data driver in a foldable display device.

[0064] Figure 6 The data driver 300 may correspond to Figure 1 The data driver 120. Figure 6 , the data driver 300 may include a first receiver 310 , a second receiver 315 , a first shift register 320 , a second shift register 325 , a latch 340 , a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 360 , and an output buffer 380 .

[0065] The first receiver 310 may receive a first data packet DATA1 from a timing controller (e.g., 140) through a first port. The first receiver 310 may detect a folding state of the first display area based on the first data packet DATA1. The first receiver 310 may detect a pattern of the first data packet DATA1, and may detect a folding state of the first display area based on the pattern of the first data packet DATA1 and a set or predetermined folding pattern. For example, the first receiver 310 may detect a folding state of the first display area by comparing the pattern of the first data packet DATA1 with a set or predetermined folding pattern. The first receiver 310 may output a first folding control signal CTLF1 based on the folding state of the first display area. In some example embodiments, the first receiver 310 may include a switch that is coupled between an analog front end (AFE) block included in the first receiver 310 and a power line through which a power signal is provided. The first receiver 310 may couple the analog front end block with the power line based on the first folding control signal CTLF1. When the first display area is not folded, the first receiver 310 may couple the analog front end block with the power line based on the first folding control signal CTLF1. When the first display area is folded, the first receiver 310 may not combine the analog front end block with the power line based on the first folding control signal CTLF1. In this case, the analog front end block may not be driven, and the first data packet DATA1 may not be output.

[0066] The second receiver 315 may receive a second data packet DATA2 from a timing controller (e.g., 140) through a second port. The second receiver 315 may detect the folding state of the second display area based on the second data packet DATA2. The second receiver 315 may detect the pattern of the second data packet DATA2, and may detect the folding state of the second display area based on the pattern of the second data packet DATA2 and a set or predetermined folding pattern. For example, the second receiver 315 may detect the folding state of the second display area by comparing the pattern of the second data packet DATA2 with a set or predetermined folding pattern. The second receiver 315 may output a second folding control signal CTLF2 based on the folding state of the second display area. In some example embodiments, the second receiver 315 may include a switch that is coupled between an analog front-end block included in the second receiver 315 and a power line through which a power signal is provided. The second receiver 315 may couple the analog front-end block with the power line based on the second folding control signal CTLF2. When the second display area is not folded, the second receiver 315 may couple the analog front-end block with the power line based on the second folding control signal CTLF2. When the second display area is folded, the second receiver 315 may not combine the analog front end block with the power line based on the second folding control signal CTLF2. In this case, the analog front end block may not be driven, and the second data packet DATA2 may not be output.

[0067] The first shift register 320 may output a first pulse PL1 based on a first data packet DATA1. The first data packet DATA1 may be a signal in which a clock signal is embedded. The first shift register 320 may include a clock data recovery (CDR) block. The clock data recovery block may generate the first pulse PL1 by synchronizing with the clock signal included in the first data packet DATA1. In some example embodiments, the first shift register 320 may include a switch coupled between the clock data recovery block and a power line through which a power signal is provided. The first shift register 320 may couple the clock data recovery block with the power line based on a first folding control signal CTLF1 provided from the first receiver 310. When the first display area is not folded, the first shift register 320 may couple the clock data recovery block with the power line based on the first folding control signal CTLF1. When the first display area is folded, the first shift register 320 may not couple the clock data recovery block with the power line based on the first folding control signal CTLF1.

[0068] The second shift register 325 may output a second pulse PL2 based on the second data packet DATA2. The second data packet DATA2 may be a signal in which a clock signal is embedded. The second shift register 325 may include a clock data recovery block. The clock data recovery block may generate the second pulse PL2 by synchronizing with the clock signal included in the second data packet DATA2. In some example embodiments, the second shift register 325 may include a switch coupled between the clock data recovery block and a power line through which a power signal is provided. The second shift register 325 may couple the clock data recovery block with the power line based on a second folding control signal CTLF2 provided from the second receiver 315. When the second display area is not folded, the second shift register 325 may couple the clock data recovery block with the power line based on the second folding control signal CTLF2. When the second display area is folded, the second shift register 325 may not couple the clock data recovery block with the power line based on the second folding control signal CTLF2.

[0069] The latch 340 may latch the first and second data packets DATA1 and DATA2 in response to the first and second pulses PL1 and PL2 , and may output the latched first and second data packets DATA1 and DATA2 .

[0070] The digital-to-analog converter 360 may convert the first and second data packets DATA1 and DATA2 into first and second data signals DS1 and DS2 , each of which is an analog signal based on a gamma reference voltage.

[0071] The output buffer 380 may output the first data signal DS1 and the second data signal DS2 to data lines in the first display area and the second display area.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the data driver 300 may further include a black data generator. The black data generator may generate a black data signal corresponding to black in response to a first folding control signal CTLF1 and a second folding control signal CTLF2. The data driver 300 may include a first switch block coupled between the black data generator and a data line formed in the first display area and a second switch block coupled between the black data generator and a data line formed in the second display area. When the first display area is folded, the data driver 300 may turn on the first switch block in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. In this case, the black data generator and the data line in the first display area may be combined, and the black data signal may be output to the data line in the first display area. When the second display area is folded, the data driver 300 may turn on the second switch block in response to the second folding control signal CTLF2. In this case, the black data generator and the data line in the second display area may be combined, and the black data signal may be output to the data line in the second display area.

[0073] Figure 7 It is shown that the Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first receiver and a first shift register in a data driver. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the operation of a first receiver.

[0074] Reference Figure 7 , data drivers (e.g., Figure 6 The data driver 300 may include a first receiver 400 and a first shift register 450. Figure 7 The first receiver 400 may correspond to Figure 6 The first receiver 310, Figure 7 The first shift register 450 may correspond to Figure 6 The first shift register 320 is included in Figure 6 The second receiver 315 and the second shift register 325 in the data driver 300 may be connected to Figure 7 The first receiver 400 and the first shift register 450 have the same structure.

[0075] The first receiver 400 may include a pattern detector 410 , a first folding control signal generator 420 , an analog front end block (AFE) 440 , and a first switch 430 .

[0076] The pattern detector 410 may detect a pattern of the first data packet DATA1 provided from the timing controller. The pattern detector 410 may detect the pattern of the first data packet DATA1 which is a differential signal swinging between a high level and a low level.

[0077] The first folding control signal generator 420 may generate a first folding control signal CTLF1 based on a folding pattern and a pattern of the first data packet DATA1. In some example embodiments, the first folding control signal generator 420 may compare the pattern of the first data packet DATA1 with the folding pattern. For example, when the pattern of the first data packet DATA1 is the same as the folding pattern, the first folding control signal generator 420 may determine that the first display area is folded, and may generate the first folding control signal CTLF1. In other example embodiments, when the first data packet DATA1 does not swing between a high level and a low level during a set or predetermined time, the first folding control signal generator 420 may determine that the first display area is folded. Reference Figure 8 , because the first data packet DATA1 regularly swings between a high level (e.g., “P”) and a low level (e.g., “N”) during the first period P1, the first folding control signal generator 420 may determine that the first display area is not folded. Because the first data packet DATA1 does not swing between a high level and a low level for more than a set or predetermined time Tp in the second period P2, the first folding control signal generator 420 may determine that the first display area is folded. Because the first data packet DATA1 regularly swings between a high level and a low level during the third period P3, the first folding control signal generator 420 may determine that the first display area is not folded. The first folding control signal generator 420 may output the first folding control signal CTLF1 to the analog front end block 440 of the first receiver 400 and the clock data recovery (CDR) block 470 of the first shift register 450.

[0078] The first data packet DATA1 provided to the first receiver 400 may be output to the first shift register 450 through the analog front end block 440. The power line that provides the power signal Vp to the analog front end block 440 may be coupled to the analog front end block 440 through the first switch 430. The first switch 430 may be turned on or off in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. When the first display area is not folded, the first switch 430 may be turned on in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. Therefore, the first data packet DATA1 may be output through the analog front end block 440 of the first receiver 400. When the first display area is folded, the first switch 430 may be turned off in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. Therefore, the first data packet DATA1 may not be output from the first receiver 400.

[0079] The first shift register 450 of the data driver may include a clock data recovery block 470. A power line that provides a power signal Vp to the clock data recovery block 470 may be coupled to the clock data recovery block 470 through a second switch 460. The second switch 460 may be turned on or off in response to a first folding control signal CTLF1. When the first display area is not folded, the second switch 460 may be turned on in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. Therefore, the first pulse PL1 may be output from the clock data recovery block 470 of the first shift register 450. When the first display area is folded, the second switch 460 may be turned off in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. Therefore, the clock data recovery block 470 of the first shift register 450 may not be driven, and the first pulse PL1 may not be output.

[0080] Figure 6 The second receiver 315 and the second shift register 325 of the data driver 300 may have Figure 7 The second receiver 315 may have the same structure as the first receiver 400 and the first shift register 450, and may operate in the same method as the first receiver 400 and the first shift register 450. When the second display area is not folded, the second receiver 315 may output the second data packet DATA2. When the second display area is folded, the second receiver 315 may not output the second data packet DATA2. When the second display area is not folded, the second shift register 325 may output the second pulse PL2. When the second display area is folded, the second shift register 325 may not output the second pulse PL2.

[0081] Fig. 9 It is shown that the Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the operation of a black data generator in a data driver.

[0082] Reference Fig. 9 , data drivers (e.g., Figure 6 The data driver 300 may include a black data generator 520 , a first switching block 550 , and a second switching block 555 .

[0083] The black data generator 520 may respond to the black data from the first receiver (eg, Figure 6 The first folding control signal CTLF1 provided by the pattern detector 510 of the first receiver 310 or from the second receiver (eg, Figure 6 The black data generator 520 generates a black data signal DSb corresponding to black based on the second folding control signal CTLF2 provided by the pattern detector 510 of the second receiver 315. When one of the first display area and the second display area is folded, the black data generator 520 may generate the black data signal DSb.

[0084] The first switching block 550 may be coupled between the black data generator 520 and the first data line DL1 in the first display area. The first switching block 550 may be turned on or off in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1.

[0085] The second switching block 555 may be coupled between the black data generator 520 and the second data line DL2 in the second display area. The second switching block 555 may be turned on or off in response to the second folding control signal CTLF2.

[0086] Reference Fig. 9 , the output buffer 530 of the data driver may be coupled to the first data line DL1 formed in the first display area and the second data line DL2 formed in the second display area.

[0087] When the first display area is folded, the first data packet may not be output from the first receiver of the data driver, or the first pulse PL1 may not be output from the first shift register of the data driver. Therefore, the first data signal may not be output from the output buffer 530. The black data generator 520 may generate a black data signal DSb in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. The first switch block 550 may be turned on in response to the first folding control signal CTLF1. Therefore, the black data signal DSb may be provided to the first data line DL1.

[0088] When the second display area is folded, the second data packet may not be output from the second receiver of the data driver, or the second pulse PL2 may not be output from the second shift register of the data driver. Therefore, the second data signal may not be output from the output buffer 530. The black data generator 520 may generate a black data signal DSb in response to the second folding control signal CTLF2. The second switch block 555 may be turned on in response to the second folding control signal CTLF2. Therefore, the black data signal DSb may be provided to the second data line DL2.

[0089] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating a driving method of a foldable display device according to example embodiments.

[0090] Reference Fig.10 , the driving method of the foldable display device may include an operation S100 of simultaneously receiving a first data packet (e.g., DATA1) and a second data packet (e.g., DATA2), an operation S200 of determining whether a first display area or a second display area of ​​the display panel is folded based on the first data packet and the second data packet, an operation S300 of not outputting a first data signal (e.g., DS1) corresponding to the first data packet when the first display area is folded, and an operation S400 of not outputting a second data signal (e.g., DS2) corresponding to the second data packet when the second display area is folded.

[0091] The driving method of the foldable display device may receive a first data packet and a second data packet at the same time (S100). A data driver (eg, Figure 1 The data driver 120 or Figure 6 The data driver 300 can receive data from a timing controller (eg, Figure 1 The timing controller 140 of the embodiment of the present invention receives the first data packet and can receive the second data packet from the timing controller through the second port.

[0092] The driving method of the foldable display device may determine whether the first display area or the second display area is folded based on the first data packet and the second data packet (S200). The driving method of the foldable display device may detect the pattern of the first data packet based on the first data packet. In some example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may compare the pattern of the first data packet with a set or predetermined folding pattern, and may determine that the first display area is folded when the pattern of the first data packet is the same as the folding pattern. In other example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may determine that the first display area is folded when the first data packet does not swing during a set or predetermined time. The driving method of the foldable display device may detect the pattern of the second data packet based on the second data packet. In some example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may compare the pattern of the second data packet with a set or predetermined folding pattern, and may determine that the second display area is folded when the pattern of the second data packet is the same as the folding pattern. In other example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may determine that the second display area is folded when the second data packet does not swing during a set or predetermined time.

[0093] The driving method of the foldable display device may not output a first data signal corresponding to a first data packet when the first display area is folded (S300). In some example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may block power of an analog front-end block of a first receiver and not output the first data packet to a first shift register when the first display area is folded. In other example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may block power of a first shift register (e.g., Figure 7 The clock data recovery block (eg, the first shift register 450) of Figure 7 The first pulse PL1 corresponding to the first data packet is not outputted. Therefore, the first data signal may not be provided to the first display area.

[0094] The operation of not outputting the first data signal corresponding to the first data packet may further include the operation of providing a black data signal corresponding to black to the data line formed in the first display area. When the first display area is folded, the data driver may provide the black data signal instead of the first data signal to the data line formed in the first display area.

[0095] The driving method of the foldable display device may not output the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet when the second display area is folded (S400). In some example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may block the power of the analog front end block of the second receiver and not output the second data packet to the second shift register when the second display area is folded. In other example embodiments, the driving method of the foldable display device may block the power of the clock data recovery block of the second shift register and not output the second pulse corresponding to the second data packet when the second display area is folded. Therefore, the second data signal may not be provided to the second display area.

[0096] The operation of not outputting the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet may further include the operation of providing a black data signal corresponding to black to the data line formed in the second display area. When the second display area is folded, the data driver may provide the black data signal instead of the second data signal to the data line formed in the second display area.

[0097] As described above, the driving method of the foldable display device can detect the folding state of the first display area and the second display area, and can not output the first data signal corresponding to the first data packet when the first display area is folded, and can not output the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet when the second display area is folded. Therefore, the power consumption of the foldable display device can be reduced.

[0098] The inventive concept can be applied to a display device and an electronic device having the display device. For example, the inventive concept can be applied to a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a digital camera, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a smart tablet, a television, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a navigation system, a game console, a video phone, etc.

[0099] 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 parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed herein may be named as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0100] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "below", "below", "above", "on", etc. may be used here to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to including the orientations drawn in the drawings, these spatially relative terms are also intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the element described as "below" or "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be positioned as "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "below" and "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device can be positioned otherwise (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intermediate layers can also be present.

[0101] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the inventive concept. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations of measurements or calculations that would be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0102] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of "a (kind / person)" is also intended to include the plural form. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components are explained, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups are not excluded. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items. When the expression such as "at least one (kind / person) in ... " is after a column of elements, the entire column of elements is modified instead of the individual elements of the column. In addition, the use of "may" when describing the embodiment of the inventive concept refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". In addition, the term "exemplary" is intended to represent an example or illustration. As used herein, the terms "use", "being used" and "used" can be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "being utilized" and "utilized", respectively.

[0103] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “bound to,” or “adjacent to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, directly bound to, or directly adjacent to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly bound to,” or “immediately adjacent to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers.

[0104] The foregoing is an illustration of example embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although some example embodiments have been described, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made in the example embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and aspects of the inventive concept. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is an illustration of various example embodiments and is not to be construed as being limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed example embodiments as well as other example embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, comprising: The display panel comprises a first display area and a second display area; a timing controller configured to receive input image data, generate a first data packet corresponding to the first display area and a second data packet corresponding to the second display area based on the input image data, and provide the first data packet and the second data packet simultaneously; as well as A data driver is configured to: receive the first data packet and the second data packet; determining whether the first display area or the second display area is to be folded based on the first data packet and the second data packet; And when the first display area is determined to be folded based on the pattern of the first data packet including a first predetermined pattern, a first data signal corresponding to the first data packet is not output; or, when the second display area is determined to be folded based on the pattern of the second data packet including a second predetermined pattern, a second data signal corresponding to the second data packet is not output.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The data driver comprises: a first receiver configured to receive the first data packet and detect whether the first display area is folded based on the first data packet; a second receiver configured to receive the second data packet and detect whether the second display area is folded based on the second data packet; a first shift register configured to output a first pulse based on the first data packet; and The second shift register is configured to output a second pulse based on the second data packet.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first receiver comprises: a pattern detector configured to detect the pattern of the first data packet; and A folding control signal generator is configured to determine whether the first display area is folded based on the pattern of the first data packet, and output a folding control signal based on the folding state of the first display area.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The folding control signal generator is configured to generate the folding control signal based on the pattern of the first data packet and a folding pattern.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first receiver includes a switch coupled between an analog front end block and a power line through which a power signal is provided.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first shift register includes a switch coupled between the clock data recovery block and a power line through which a power signal is provided.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The second receiver comprises: a pattern detector configured to detect the pattern of the second data packet; and A folding control signal generator is configured to determine whether the second display area is folded based on the pattern of the second data packet, and output a folding control signal based on the folding state of the second display area.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 7, wherein: The folding control signal generator is configured to generate the folding control signal based on the pattern of the second data packet and a folding pattern.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 7, wherein: The second receiver includes a switch coupled between the analog front end block and a power line through which a power signal is provided.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 7, wherein: The second shift register includes a switch coupled between the clock data recovery block and a power line through which a power signal is provided.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The data driver further includes: a black data generator configured to generate a black data signal corresponding to black; a first switching block configured to couple the black data generator to a data line in the first display area when the first display area is folded; and The second switching block is configured to couple the black data generator to the data line in the second display area when the second display area is folded.

12. The foldable display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first switch block and the second switch block are configured to be turned on or off in response to a folding control signal.

13. The foldable display device according to claim 11, wherein: The black data signal is provided to the data line in the first display area when the first display area is folded, and the black data signal is provided to the data line in the second display area when the second display area is folded.

14. A driving method for a foldable display device, the driving method comprising the following steps: simultaneously receiving a first data packet and a second data packet, wherein the first data packet and the second data packet are generated based on input image data and correspond to a first display area and a second display area of ​​a display panel, respectively; determining whether the first display area or the second display area is to be folded based on the first data packet and the second data packet; and When the first display area is determined to be folded based on the fact that the pattern of the first data packet includes a first predetermined pattern, a first data signal corresponding to the first data packet is not output; or, when the second display area is determined to be folded based on the fact that the pattern of the second data packet includes a second predetermined pattern, a second data signal corresponding to the second data packet is not output.

15. The driving method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of determining whether the first display area of ​​the display panel is folded includes detecting the pattern of the first data packet based on the first data packet.

16. The driving method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of determining whether the second display area of ​​the display panel is folded includes detecting the pattern of the second data packet based on the second data packet.

17. The driving method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of not outputting the first data signal corresponding to the first data packet includes blocking a power signal provided to a first receiver receiving the first data packet or a first shift register coupled to the first receiver.

18. The driving method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of not outputting the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet includes blocking a power signal provided to a second receiver receiving the second data packet or a second shift register coupled to the second receiver.

19. The driving method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of not outputting the first data signal corresponding to the first data packet includes providing a black data signal corresponding to black to a data line in the first display area.

20. The driving method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of not outputting the second data signal corresponding to the second data packet includes providing a black data signal corresponding to black to a data line in the second display area.

Images