Display Devices

Abstract

The display device includes a display panel, which includes a first display area and a second display area adjacent to each other. The processor generates first image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area in a first mode, and generates second image data corresponding to the first display area or the second display area in a second mode. The display driver generates a first data signal corresponding to the first image data in the first mode, and generates a second data signal corresponding to the second image data in the second mode. The first display area and the second display area are alternately selected. When entering the second mode, the second data signal is provided to the selected one of the first display area and the second display area.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0043248, filed on Apr. 12, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0004] At least a portion of a display panel in a flexible display device such as a foldable display device or a rollable display device is deformable. Therefore, a full display mode for displaying an effective image using the entire display area and a partial display mode for displaying an effective image using only a portion of the display area are being studied. Therefore, a display device supporting multiple display modes can be effectively operated according to a use environment, a state, etc., thereby improving convenience of use. Summary of the invention

[0005] When only a portion of the display area of ​​the display panel is used in the partial display mode, the degradation of the partial area may be relatively accelerated. In this case, in the full display mode, the quality of the image displayed by the display panel deteriorates due to the unevenness of the degradation degree of the entire display area, and the life of the display device may be shortened.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a display device and a driving method thereof capable of improving the image quality and lifespan of the display device by making the degree of degradation of a display panel uniform.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of a display device includes: a display panel including a first display area and a second display area adjacent to each other; a processor that generates first image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area in a first mode, and generates second image data corresponding to the first display area or the second display area in a second mode; and a display driver that generates a first data signal corresponding to the first image data in the first mode, and generates a second data signal corresponding to the second image data in the second mode, wherein the first display area and the second display area are alternately selected, and at a time of entering the second mode, the second data signal is provided to a selected one of the first display area and the second display area.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, during the continuous maintenance of the second mode, the second data signal may be provided to a selected one of the first display area and the second display area.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first display area and the second display area may be continuously provided.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display panel may be a foldable display panel that is folded with respect to a folding axis, and the first display area and the second display area may be divided with respect to the folding axis.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display panel may be folded outwardly with respect to a folding axis.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the display panel is unfolded, the processor may operate in the first mode, and when the display panel is folded, the processor may operate in the second mode.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include a sensor which senses deformation of the display panel and outputs a sensing signal.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display driver may include: an image converter that generates second conversion data by arranging second image data in a second mode based on area selection information corresponding to a selected one of a first display area and a second display area; an area selector that updates the area selection information based on the second image data or the second conversion data; and a data driver that generates a first data signal based on the first image data and generates a second data signal based on the second image data, wherein the area selection information may include a first set value corresponding to the first display area and a second set value corresponding to the second display area.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the region selector may calculate cumulative data by accumulating the second image data, and may change the region selection information when an average value of the cumulative data exceeds a first reference value.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the region selector may accumulate some of the grayscale values ​​included in the second image data to calculate the cumulative data.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the area selector may initialize the accumulated data when entering or exiting the second mode.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the area selector may adjust the first reference value based on the accumulated data when entering or exiting the second mode, and the first reference value is larger as the accumulated data is larger.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a change over time of the second image data during the second mode is smaller than a reference value, the region selector may change the region selection information.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, whenever entering the second mode, the area selector may alternately select the first setting value and the second setting value.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the area selector may generate first sub-accumulated data corresponding to the first display area and second sub-accumulated data corresponding to the second display area by accumulating the first image data and the second conversion data, and may change the area selection information based on the difference between the first sub-accumulated data and the second sub-accumulated data.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data driver may block the output to the remaining one of the first display area and the second display area.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include a first indicator corresponding to the first display area and a second indicator corresponding to the second display area, wherein the first indicator may be activated when the first display area is selected and the second indicator may be activated when the second display area is selected.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the first indicator and the second indicator may be implemented as a lamp.

[0025] An exemplary embodiment of a driving method for a display device, wherein the display device includes a display panel, the display panel is folded relative to a folding axis and includes a first display area and a second display area divided relative to the folding axis, the driving method of the display device including: when the display panel is folded, selecting one of the first display area and the second display area; generating conversion data by arranging image data corresponding to the selected one of the first display area and the second display area; generating a data signal based on the conversion data; and providing the data signal to the display panel.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driving method of the display device may further include updating usage information of each of the first display area and the second display area based on the image data, wherein one of the first display area and the second display area may be selected based on the usage information.

[0027] The exemplary embodiment of the display device and the driving method thereof can alternately select the display area based on the usage information of the display area of ​​the display panel (e.g., the total size or change degree of the image data, whether the image data is used in the previous partial display mode) when entering the partial display mode. Therefore, the degradation degree of the display panel is uniform as a whole, and the image quality and life of the display device can be improved.

[0028] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, but can be variously extended within a range not departing from the idea and scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other exemplary embodiments, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the deformation state of the display panel.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C It shows that according to Figure 3 A diagram of a mode of operation of a display panel of a display device.

[0034] Figure 5 It is shown that the Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selector in a display device.

[0035] Fig. 6A It is shown that the Figure 5 A block diagram of an exemplary implementation of a calculator in a selector.

[0036] Figure 6B It is shown Fig. 6A Diagram of the operation of a calculator.

[0037] Figure 7 It is shown Fig. 6A A diagram of another operation of a calculator.

[0038] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is shown that the Figure 5 A diagram of the operation of a determiner in a selector.

[0039] Fig. 9 It is shown that the Figure 5 A block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a calculator in a selector of.

[0040] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 5 A diagram of the operations of a selector.

[0041] Fig.11 is a block diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present invention.

[0042] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a driving method of a display device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0044] In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals throughout the specification. Therefore, the above reference numerals may be used in other drawings.

[0045] In addition, since the size and thickness of each structure shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for better understanding and ease of description, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the structures shown. In the drawings, the sizes of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity of illustration.

[0046] It should 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 exist between them. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0047] It should 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. Therefore, the "first element", "first component", "first region", "first layer" or "first section" discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer or second section without departing from the teachings of this article.

[0048] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the content clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms, including "at least one". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" or "include" and / or "including" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0049] In addition, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" can be used in this article to describe the relationship between one element and another element as shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device. For example, if the device in one of the drawings is turned over, the element described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements will be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements. Therefore, the exemplary term "lower" can include both "lower" and "upper" orientations according to the specific orientation of the drawings. Similarly, if the device in one of the drawings is turned over, the element described as being "below" or "under" the other elements will be oriented to be "above" the other elements. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" or "under" can include both upper and lower orientations.

[0050] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "down", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature as shown in the figure and another element (multiple elements) or feature (multiple features). It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements or features described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented as being "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and the mean within an acceptable deviation range of the particular value determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations of the stated value, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as that commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense unless explicitly so defined herein.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to schematically illustrated cross-sectional illustrations as idealized embodiments. As such, variations relative to the illustrated shapes, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, can be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as shown herein, but should include shape deviations, for example, due to manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0054] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the present invention.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 , the display panel 100 may include a display area DA. A data signal corresponding to image data is provided to the display area DA, and an image corresponding to the data signal is displayed in the display area DA.

[0056] The display panel 100 may be a flexible display panel. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, at least one region of the display panel 100 may be flexibly implemented to be able to be bent, folded, and / or rolled.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 may be a flexible organic light-emitting display panel including a flexible substrate, a plurality of pixels (e.g., pixels including a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit) disposed on the flexible substrate, and a flexible thin film package that seals the pixels. However, the type and / or form of the display panel 100 of the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 may display an effective image in the entire display area DA in a non-deformed state (e.g., in a flat unfolded state). In addition, the display panel 100 may display an effective image only in a portion of the display area DA (e.g., an area exposed to a user in a deformed state (e.g., a bent, folded, and / or rolled state)).

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA may be divided into a first display area AA1 (or a first area) and a second display area AA2 (or a second area) with respect to a folding axis FA1 (or a folding line).

[0060] The first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 are Figure 1 In the figure, the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 are shown to be continuously arranged, but are not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may be spaced apart from each other with respect to the folding axis FA1.

[0061] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the deformation state of the display panel. Figure 1 shows the display panel in an unfolded state, and Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display panel is shown in a folded state.

[0062] The display panel 100 can be folded outward. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 can be folded outward, for example, with respect to the folding axis FA1 (or the folding line FA2 intersecting the folding axis FA1) with the display area DA facing outward. That is, the image can be displayed through the front surface of the display panel 100, and the display panel 100 is folded so that the rear surface of the display panel 100 can be relatively adjacent or abutting. However, this is an exemplary embodiment, and the display panel 100 can be implemented to be capable of both inward folding and outward folding. In this case, the folding axis for inward folding and the folding axis FA1 for outward folding may coincide with each other or not coincide with each other.

[0063] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present invention.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 , the display device 1000 may include a display panel 100 , a display driver 200 , and a processor 300 . In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 may further include a sensor 400 for sensing deformation of the display panel 100 .

[0065] The display panel 100 may be a flexible display panel, that is, the display panel 100 may be bent, folded, and / or rolled.

[0066] The display device 1000 including the display panel 100 can display an effective image in at least a portion of the entire display area DA according to the use environment, conditions and / or state. In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 can be driven in a full display mode (or a first mode, for example, a first display mode) in an extended state, and an effective image can be displayed by the entire display area DA during, for example, a period of executing the full display mode. In another exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 is switched to a partial display mode (or a second mode, for example, a second display mode or a third display mode) in an outer folding state (or a folded state), and an effective image can be displayed only through a portion of the display area DA that is exposed to the user during a period of executing the partial display mode (for example, the first display area AA1 or the second display area AA2).

[0067] Display area DA Figure 3 1000 is shown as having a long strip shape in the horizontal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in the present invention, the shape and setting direction of the display area DA are not particularly limited. In an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA may have a long strip shape in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction according to the use direction of the display device 1000, and the image displayed in the display area DA may be rotated according to the use direction.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA may be divided into a plurality of display areas (e.g., a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the display area DA may include a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2 adjacent thereto. However, this is an exemplary embodiment, and the number of areas (e.g., a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2) constituting the display area DA is not limited thereto.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the scan line S and the data line D disposed in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may be disposed continuously without interruption between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the scan line S may be disposed continuously between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. That is, the scan line S may extend in the first direction across the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0070] In another exemplary embodiment, the data line D may be continuously disposed between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. That is, the data line D may extend in one direction across the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0071] The first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may include a plurality of pixels P1 or P2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first display area AA1 may include a scan line S, a data line D, and a first pixel P1 connected to the scan line S and the data line D. Similarly, the second display area AA2 may include a scan line S, a data line D, and a second pixel P2 connected to the scan line S and the data line D.

[0072] The display driver 200 may include a selector 220 (or area selector), a scan driver 240 (or gate driver), a data driver 260 and a timing controller 280 (or image converter). In an exemplary embodiment, the selector 220 may be configured inside the timing controller 280, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the scan driver 240, the data driver 260, and the timing controller 280 may be integrally integrated. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the display driver 200 may be implemented as a timing controller embedded driver integrated circuit ("TEDD-IC") including the timing controller 280 therein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, at least one of the scan driver 240, the data driver 260, and the timing controller 280 may be separated.

[0074] The scan driver 240 receives a scan control signal SCS from the timing controller 280 and generates a scan signal SS in response to the scan control signal SCS. In an exemplary embodiment, the scan control signal SCS may include a gate start pulse and a gate shift clock. In an exemplary embodiment, the scan driver 240 may sequentially generate the scan signal SS by sequentially shifting the gate start pulse using the gate shift clock, and provide the scan signal SS to the scan line S.

[0075] The data driver 260 may receive a data control signal DCS and second image data DATA2 (or compensated image data) from the timing controller 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the data control signal DCS may include a source start pulse, a source shift clock, and a source output enable signal. The data driver 260 may generate a data signal DS corresponding to the second image data DATA2 using the data control signal DCS, and provide the data signal DS to the data line D.

[0076] When the display device 1000 is driven in a full display mode (hereinafter, referred to as a first display mode) for displaying a valid image in the entire display area DA, the timing controller 280 may convert input image data (e.g., first image data DATA1) provided from the processor 300 and provide the converted first image data DATA1′ to the data driver 260. The first image data DATA1 may correspond to the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0077] When the display device 1000 is driven in a partial display mode in which a valid image is displayed only in a portion of the display area DA, the timing controller 280 may convert input image data (e.g., second image data DATA2) provided from the processor 300, and provide the converted second image data DATA2' (or second conversion data) to the data driver 260. The second image data DATA2 may correspond to one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. In an exemplary embodiment, the second image data DATA2 may correspond to, for example, the first display area AA1.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, when the display device 1000 is driven in a partial display mode (hereinafter, referred to as a second display mode) in which a valid image is displayed only in the first display area AA1, for example, the timing controller 280 may convert (or arrange) the input image data (e.g., the second image data DATA2) provided from the processor 300 corresponding to the first display area AA1, and provide the converted second image data DATA2' to the data driver 260. In this case, the data driver 260 may generate a data signal DS corresponding to the first display area AA1 based on the converted second image data DATA2', and the display panel 100 may display an image corresponding to the converted second image data DATA2' in the first display area AA1.

[0079] The data driver 260 may block the output corresponding to the second display area AA2. In an exemplary embodiment, the area selection signal SEL may be provided to the data driver 260 while being included in the data control signal DCS, so that the data driver 260 may turn off, for example, an output buffer (or source amplifier) ​​of the data line D connected to the second display area AA2.

[0080] In another exemplary embodiment, when the display device 1000 is driven in a partial display mode (hereinafter, referred to as a third display mode) in which a valid image is displayed only in the second display area AA2, the timing controller 280 may convert (or arrange) the input image data (e.g., second image data DATA2) provided from the processor 300 corresponding to the second display area AA2, and provide the converted second image data DATA2' to the data driver 260. In this case, the data driver 260 may generate a data signal DS corresponding to the second display area AA2 based on the converted second image data DATA2', and the display panel 100 may display an image corresponding to the converted second image data DATA2' in the second display area AA2. The data driver 260 may block the output corresponding to the first display area AA1.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller 280 may convert the second image data DATA2 based on the area selection signal SEL (or area selection information) provided from the selector 220. That is, one of the second display mode and the third display mode is selected or determined based on the area selection signal SEL, and the timing controller 280 may convert the second image data DATA2 based on the selected one of the second display mode and the third display mode.

[0082] Herein, the area selection signal SEL may include a first set value (or first selection information) corresponding to the first display area AA1 or a second set value (or second selection information) corresponding to the second display area AA2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the area selection signal SEL includes the first set value, the timing controller 280 may operate in the second display mode and generate the converted second image data DATA2' corresponding to the first display area AA1. In another exemplary embodiment, when the area selection signal SEL includes the second set value, the timing controller 280 may operate in the third display mode and generate the converted second image data DATA2' corresponding to the second display area AA2.

[0083] The selector 220 may generate an area selection signal SEL based on the usage information of the first display area AA1 and / or the usage information of the second display area AA2. Here, the usage information may include a stress value (e.g., cumulative gray value, driving time, degree of degradation, life span, etc.) occurring when the corresponding area displays an image, or may include information on whether the corresponding area was used in the previous mode.

[0084] In example embodiments, the selector 220 may generate the region selection signal SEL based on the second image data DATA2 (or the first image data DATA1 ).

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the display device 1000 is continuously driven in the second display mode or the third display mode, the selector 220 may accumulate or sum the second image data DATA2 or a value (e.g., a grayscale value) included in the second image data DATA2, and when the summed value exceeds a reference value, may change a set value of the area selection signal SEL to another set value.

[0086] In another exemplary embodiment, when the display device 1000 is continuously driven in the second display mode or the third display mode, the selector 220 can determine whether to continuously output images of the same pattern based on the second image data DATA2, and can change one set value of the area selection signal SEL to another set value according to the determination result.

[0087] That is, the selector 220 can obtain usage information for at least one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 based on the second image data DATA2 (or the first image data DATA1), and select or change the area in which the image is to be displayed (i.e., the first display area AA1 or the second display area AA2) based on the usage information.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the selector 220 may provide the area selection signal SEL to the timing controller 280 when entering the partial display mode (for example, when entering the partial display mode from the full display mode or the standby mode). In this case, screen switching between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may be prevented from occurring when the display device 1000 is driven in the partial display mode.

[0089] Will refer to it later Figure 5 and Fig.10 A more specific configuration and operation of the selector 220 are described.

[0090] Selector 220 Figure 3 2 is shown as being separated from the timing controller 280, the data driver 260, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, at least a portion of the selector 220 may be disposed inside the timing controller 280 and / or the data driver 260. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the selector 220 may be disposed inside the processor 300.

[0091] The processor 300 generates a control signal CS and first image data DATA1 or second image data DATA2 for driving the display driver 200 and / or the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 300 may be an application processor of a mobile device. However, the type of the processor 300 is not limited thereto, and the processor 300 may be another type of processor that is compatible with the display device 1000.

[0092] The processor 300 may select one of the full display mode (or the first display mode) and the partial display mode (or the second display mode or the third display mode), and control the display driver 200 and / or the display panel 100 according to the selected mode. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the processor 300 may provide the first image data DATA1 corresponding to the entire display area DA and the control signal CS for controlling the display driver 200 to the display driver 200 corresponding to the full display mode. In an optional exemplary embodiment, the processor 300 may provide the second image data DATA2 corresponding to the first display area AA1 and the control signal CS to the display driver 200 corresponding to the partial display mode. For convenience, when describing the present invention, the display mode is broadly divided into the full display mode (or the first display mode) and the partial display mode, and the partial display mode is divided into the second display mode and the third display mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the display mode may be subdivided into a plurality of partial display modes, each of which displays an effective image as a part in an area of ​​a different position and / or an area of ​​a different range. In this case, the display mode may be divided into at least four modes.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing signal SES may include information about the deformation, deformation degree, and / or deformation area of ​​the display panel 100. In this case, the processor 300 may select one of the effective display area and / or mode in response to the sensing signal SES, and operate in response to the selected mode. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the processor 300 may generate a selection signal corresponding to the selected mode, and generate the second image data DATA2 by matching a predetermined image to be displayed with the selected effective display area.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the selection signal may be included in the control signal CS and provided to the display driver 200. Then, the display driver 200 may operate in a full display mode or a partial display mode corresponding to the selection signal. In this case, the selector 220 may provide the region selection signal SEL to the timing controller 280 in response to the selection signal corresponding to the partial display mode. Accordingly, the display driver 200 may operate in the second display mode or the third display mode.

[0095] When the selector 220 is provided inside the processor 300 , the selection signal may include the region selection signal SEL, and the display driver 200 may operate in one display mode corresponding to the selection signal from among the first to third display modes.

[0096] The sensor 400 may include a sensing element for sensing the use environment and / or state of the display device 1000. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the sensor 400 may include a sensing element disposed inside or around the display panel 100 to sense the deformation of the display panel 100 and output a sensing signal SES corresponding to the deformation of the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the type of the sensor 400 is not particularly limited. That is, the sensor 400 may be implemented with various types of sensing elements currently known, such as a bending sensor, a folding sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 may further include a pointer 500 .

[0098] The indicator 500 may be provided inside or around the display panel 100 to provide the user with information for the effective display area driven by the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the indicator 500 may be implemented as a lamp provided adjacent to each of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2, and the lamp adjacent to the effective display area may periodically emit light based on the area selection signal SEL provided from the selector 220. In this case, the user can recognize the effective display area based on whether the lamp emits light.

[0099] As described above, the display device 1000 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can alternately select the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 as the effective display area for displaying an image in the partial display mode based on the usage information of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 of the display panel 100 (e.g., the total size of the image data, the degree of change of the image data, whether the image data is used in the previous partial display mode). Therefore, the degree of degradation of the display panel 100 is uniform as a whole, and the image quality and life of the display device 1000 can be improved.

[0100] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C It shows that according to Figure 3 A diagram of a mode of operation of a display panel of a display device.

[0101] refer to Figures 3 to 4CAccording to a predetermined usage environment, state and / or condition, etc., the display device 1000 can be driven in one of a first display mode MODE1, a second display mode MODE2, and a third display mode MODE3.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 may be driven in the first display mode MODE1 when the display panel 100 or the display area DA is fully extended. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the sensor 400 cannot sense deformation (e.g., bending or folding) of the display panel 100, the display device 1000 may be driven in the first display mode MODE1.

[0103] The processor 300 may set the entire display area DA including the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 as a valid display area in response to the first display mode MODE1 and generate first image data DATA1 corresponding to the entire display area DA.

[0104] The display driver 200 may generate a first data signal corresponding to the first image data DATA1 and provide the first data signal to the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 through the data line D. Figure 4A As shown in , the valid image VALID IMAGE corresponding to the first image data DATA1 may be displayed in the entire display area DA.

[0105] The first indicator IND1 may be disposed adjacent to the first display area AA1 of the display panel 100, and the second indicator IND2 may be disposed adjacent to the second display area AA2 of the display panel 100. The first indicator IND1 and the second indicator IND2 may include a first display area AA2 and a second display area AA2 of the display panel 100. Figure 3 Each of the first indicator IND1 and the second indicator IND2 may be implemented as a lamp, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] When the display device 1000 operates in the first display mode MODE1, both the first indicator IND1 and the second indicator IND2 may be activated (e.g., periodically emit light) or deactivated (e.g., not emit light). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when switching to the partial display mode at a predetermined time, only one indicator (e.g., the second indicator IND2) corresponding to the area to be selected (e.g., the second display area AA2) may be activated, and the other indicator may be deactivated.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, in a state where the display panel 100 or the display area DA is deformed, the display device 1000 may be driven in a partial display mode (i.e., the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the sensor 400 senses the deformation (bending or folding) of the display panel 100, the display device 1000 may be driven in the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3. Specifically, when the display panel 100 is folded outward beyond a predetermined rotation angle, the sensor 400 may output a sensing signal SES.

[0108] The processor 300 may generate second image data DATA2 corresponding to a portion of the display area DA (eg, the first display area AA1 ) in response to the partial display mode.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the selector 220 may set the first display area AA1 or the second display area AA2 as the effective display area based on the input image data (e.g., the first image data DATA1 or the second image data DATA2), and may provide an area selection signal SEL for the effective display area to the timing controller 280 in response to the sensing signal SES.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 4B As shown in, for example, when the first display area AA1 is set as the valid display area, the timing controller 280 may appropriately convert the second image data DATA2 corresponding to the first display area AA1 (or the array of first pixels P1 in the first display area AA1), and the data driver 260 may generate a second data signal corresponding to the converted second image data DATA2' and provide the second data signal to the first pixel P1 through the data line D. Therefore, a valid image VALIDIMAGE corresponding to the second image data DATA2 may be displayed in the first display area AA1.

[0111] When the first display area AA1 is set as the effective display area, the first indicator IND1 may be activated and the second indicator IND2 may be deactivated.

[0112] In another exemplary embodiment, Figure 4CAs shown in , when the second display area AA2 is set as the valid display area, the timing controller 280 may shift the second image data DATA2 in response to the second display area AA2, and convert the shifted second image data DATA2 corresponding to the second display area AA2 (or the array of second pixels P2 in the second display area AA2), and the data driver 260 may generate a second data signal corresponding to the converted second image data DATA2', and provide the second data signal to the second pixel P2 through the data line D. Therefore, a valid image VALID IMAGE corresponding to the second image data DATA2 may be displayed in the second display area AA2.

[0113] When the second display area AA2 is set as the effective display area, the second indicator IND2 may be activated, and the first indicator IND1 may be deactivated.

[0114] Figure 5 It is shown that the Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selector in a display device.

[0115] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the selector 220 may generate and update the area selection signal SEL based on the second image data DATA2 (or the converted second image data DATA2 ′).

[0116] The selector 220 may include a calculator 221 (or a calculation circuit) and a determiner 222 (or a determination circuit).

[0117] The calculator 221 may calculate the second image data DATA2 (or frame data) which is provided in a time-sequential manner.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the calculator 221 may sum or accumulate at least some of the grayscale values ​​included in the second image data DATA2. In this case, the calculator 221 may output the sum SUM (or the accumulated data, the accumulated value of the grayscale value, and the average value of the accumulated value) of the second image data DATA2.

[0119] In another exemplary embodiment, the calculator 221 may subtract the frame data included in the second image data DATA2. In this case, the calculator 221 may output a change value DIFF (or a difference value, such as a difference value between image data) of the second image data DATA2. Here, the change value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 indicates the degree of change of the second image data DATA2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, in the case of a still image, the size of the change value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 may be smaller, and in the case of a moving image, the size of the change value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 may be larger.

[0120] Will refer to it later Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Fig. 9 A more specific operation of the calculator 221 is described.

[0121] The determiner 222 may compare the output of the calculator 221 with the reference value, and generate or change the region selection signal SEL (or the set value of the region selection signal SEL) based on the comparison result. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the sum SUM of the second image data DATA2 output from the calculator 221 exceeds the first reference value, the determiner 222 may change the set value of the region selection signal SEL to another set value. In another exemplary embodiment, when the variation value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 output from the calculator 221 exceeds the second reference value, the determiner 222 may change the set value of the region selection signal SEL to another set value. Here, each of the first reference value and the second reference value may be predetermined to have a fixed value, or may be variable.

[0122] Fig. 6A It is shown that the Figure 5 A block diagram of an exemplary implementation of a calculator in a selector. Figure 6B It is shown Fig. 6A Diagram of the operation of a calculator.

[0123] refer to Figures 5 to 6B , the calculator 221 may include an adder ADD and a storage unit FF (or a counter).

[0124] The adder ADD may add the grayscale value included in the second image data DATA2 and the stored sum SUM (ie, the sum of the second image data DATA2).

[0125] The storage unit FF may store the output, ie, the newly calculated sum SUM of the adder ADD in response to the clock signal CLK, and simultaneously output the stored sum SUM. Here, the clock signal CLK may be synchronized with the transmission speed of the second image data DATA2.

[0126] like Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , when included in the data control signal DCS (reference Figure 3 ) has a logic high level, the grayscale values ​​20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 of the second image data DATA2 may be sequentially provided to the adder ADD. In addition, the storage unit FF may sequentially provide the sum SUM to the adder ADD in response to the clock signal CLK. According to the operation of the adder ADD and the storage unit FF, the sum SUM may be updated to 20, 30, 90, 140, 200, etc.

[0127] Figure 7 It is shown Fig. 6A A diagram of another operation of a calculator.

[0128] refer to Figure 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 7 At the first time T1, the display device 1000 (reference Figure 3 ) may enter a partial display mode or operate in a partial display mode, namely, a second display mode MODE2 or a third display mode MODE3. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the display device 1000 may change the mode from the first display mode MODE1 or the standby mode STANDBY MODE to the second display mode MODE2. Here, in the standby mode STANDBY MODE, an image may not be displayed on the display panel 100.

[0129] At the second time T2, the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3 may end. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the display device 1000 may change the mode from the second display mode MODE2 to the first display mode MODE1 or the standby mode STANDBY MODE.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the calculator 221 may calculate the sum SUM of the second image data DATA2 when the display device 1000 operates in the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3 , that is, in the first interval between the first time T1 and the second time T2 .

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the calculator 221 may sum first to k-th frame data FRAME1 to FRAMEk (here, k is an integer of 2 or more) included in the second image data DATA2.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, when the display device 1000 enters a partial display mode (i.e., the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3) or exits a partial display mode (i.e., when switched to the first display mode MODE1 or the standby mode STANDBY MODE), the sum SUM may be initialized. In this case, the capacity of the storage unit FF for storing the sum SUM may be reduced. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the sum SUM calculated from the partial display mode (i.e., the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3) may be stored and updated in a separate memory device for each of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the calculator 221 may calculate the sum SUM by summing a portion of the second image data DATA2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the calculator 221 may calculate the sum SUM by summing a portion of the grayscale value included in the second image data DATA2 and the grayscale value of the display panel 100 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ) is summed or accumulated to calculate the sum SUM.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the display panel 100 has a resolution of FHD (i.e., 1920×1080), the first frame data FRAME1 to the k-th frame data FRAMEk may include 1920×1080 grayscale values. In addition, the partial data SP1 to SPk of the first frame data FRAME1 to the k-th frame data FRAMEk may include, for example, 192×108 grayscale values. The calculator 221 may reduce the load on the calculator 221 by summing the grayscale values ​​of the partial data SP1 to SPk.

[0135] Each of the partial data SP1 to SPk may be column data including a grayscale value corresponding to a specific row or column.

[0136] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is shown that the Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram of the operation of the determiner 222 in the selector 220 of FIG. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B shows and SUB (ie, reference Figure 5 The second image data DATA2 and SUB described above change with time and the change of the mode corresponding to SUB. Fig. 8A and Figure 8BIn the embodiment, the first graph G1, the second graph G2 and the third graph G3 may represent SUB, and the first reference graph G_REF1 may represent a first reference value. For ease of understanding and description, the first graph G1, the second graph G2 and the third graph G3 are shown as linear changes.

[0137] First, refer to Figure 5 and Fig. 8A , the display device 1000 may enter the second display mode MODE2 at the first time T1, and may exit the second display mode MODE2 at the second time T2.

[0138] In a first interval between the first time T1 and the second time T2 , the first reference value may be the same as a predetermined initial reference value REF0 .

[0139] and SUB may increase along the first graph G1.

[0140] The determiner 222 may periodically compare the sum SUB and the first reference value, and may change the region selection signal SEL (or the set value of the region selection signal SEL) when the sum SUB exceeds the first reference value.

[0141] At the intersection of the first graph G1 and the first reference graph G_REF1, the determiner 222 may change the region selection signal SEL. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the determiner 222 may change the set value of the region selection signal SEL from the first set value (i.e., the first set value corresponding to the second display mode MODE2 or the first display area AA1) to the second set value (i.e., the second set value corresponding to the third display mode MODE3 or the second display area AA2).

[0142] When the region selection signal SEL is provided to the timing controller 280 only at the time of entering the partial display mode (i.e., the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3), the display device 1000 can operate in the second display mode MODE2 until the second time T2. Similarly, even when the region selection signal SEL is provided to the timing controller 280 at the time when the region selection signal SEL changes, the timing controller 280 can maintain the region selection signal SEL until the second display mode MODE2 ends, so that the display device 1000 operates in the second display mode MODE2 until the second time T2.

[0143] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the display device 1000 may change the mode to another mode (eg, the third display mode MODE3 ) at the time when the region selection signal SEL changes.

[0144] Then, the display device 1000 may enter the third display mode MODE3 based on the area selection signal SEL (eg, the area selection signal SEL updated before the third time T3 ) at a third time T3 , and exit the third display mode MODE3 at a fourth time T4 .

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, when entering a partial display mode (i.e., the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3) or exiting the partial display mode, the determiner 222 (or the selector 220) may update the first reference value based on the sum SUM. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the larger the sum SUM, the larger the first reference value.

[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, the determiner 222 may adjust the first reference value in the current mode based on a difference between the sum SUM in the previous mode and the first reference value.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, at the second time T2, the sum SUM may be greater than the first reference value, and the difference between the sum SUM and the first reference value may be the same as the first excess value EX1. In this case, at the third time T3, the determiner 222 may adjust the first reference value to be equal to the sum of the initial reference value REF0 and the first excess value EX1 (i.e., REF0+EX1). That is, since the first display area AA1 is relatively more deteriorated due to exceeding the first reference value in the first interval between the first time T1 and the second time T2, the first reference value in the second interval between the third time T3 and the fourth time T4 may become larger so that the degree of degradation of the second display area AA2 matches the degree of degradation of the first display area AA1. That is, the entire first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2, i.e., the display area DA (reference Figure 1 ), can be uniformly degraded by adjusting the first reference value.

[0148] The sum SUB may increase along the second graph G2 in a second interval between the third time T3 and the fourth time T4.

[0149] At the intersection of the second graph G2 and the first reference graph G_REF1, the determiner 222 may change the region selection signal SEL. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the determiner 222 may change the set value of the region selection signal SEL from the second set value to the first set value.

[0150] Therefore, the display device 1000 may operate in the second display mode MODE2 at the fifth time T5.

[0151] At the fourth time T4, the sum SUM may be greater than the first reference value, and the difference between the sum SUM and the first reference value may be the same as the second excess value EX2. In this case, at the fifth time T5, the determiner 222 may adjust the first reference value to be equal to the sum of the initial reference value REF0 and the second excess value EX2 (ie, REF0+EX2).

[0152] exist Fig. 8A , the first reference value is shown as only increasing, but is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, according to the third graph G3, for example, the second display mode MODE2 may end in a state where SUB and SUB do not reach the first reference value. In this case, based on the difference between SUB and the first reference value, the first reference value of the latter mode of the second display mode MODE2 may be set to be less than the initial reference value REF0.

[0153] Furthermore, when the region selection signal SEL does not change in a previous mode of the second display mode MODE2, a first reference value of a subsequent mode of the second display mode MODE2 may be set to a difference between the first reference value of the previous mode and SUB.

[0154] refer to Figure 5 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , except for the interval between the sixth time T6 and the seventh time T7, Figure 8B The graphs G1, G2, G3 and C_REF1 shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. Fig. 8A The graphs G1, G2, G3 and C_REF1 shown in FIG. 1 are the same or similar. Therefore, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0155] At a sixth time T6 , the display device 1000 may exit the third display mode MODE3 .

[0156] According to the second graph G2, the sum SUM at the sixth time T6 may be less than the first reference value. In this case, the region selection signal SEL does not change, so the sum SUM may not be initialized, and the first reference value may not be adjusted.

[0157] At the seventh time T7, the display device 1000 may enter the third display mode MODE3 again according to the area selection signal SEL of the previous mode (ie, the unchanged area selection signal SEL). In this case, the sum SUM and the first reference value at the sixth time T6 may be applied as they are.

[0158] As reference Fig. 8A and Figure 8BAs described, the determiner 222 may change or update the area selection signal SEL by comparing the sum SUB of the second image data DATA2 with the first reference value. In addition, the determiner 222 may adjust the first reference value in the subsequent mode (or the partial display mode at a later time) based on the difference between the sum SUB in the previous mode (or the previous partial display mode) and the first reference value. Therefore, the degradation of the display panel 100 may be uniform throughout the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2.

[0159] Fig. 9 It is shown that the Figure 5 A block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a calculator in a selector of.

[0160] refer to Figure 5 and Fig. 9 , the calculator 221 may include a buffer BUFFER (or a storage unit) and a subtractor SUBSTR.

[0161] The buffer BUFFER may store grayscale values ​​included in the second image data DATA2.

[0162] The subtractor SUBSTR may calculate the change value DIFF by subtracting the buffer output BUFF (e.g., the buffered / stored second image data DATA2) from the second image data DATA2 provided at the current time. Here, the change value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 indicates the degree of change of the second image data DATA2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, in the case of a still image, the size of the change value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 may be smaller, while in the case of a moving image, the size of the change value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 may be larger.

[0163] In this case, the determiner 222 may determine whether the variation value DIFF exceeds the second reference value and change the region selection signal SEL based on the determination result. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the variation value DIFF does not exceed the second reference value for a predetermined time or longer, the determiner 222 may change the set value of the region selection signal SEL to another set value.

[0164] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram of the operation of the selector 220 . Fig.10 A change in the mode of the display device 1000 over time is shown.

[0165] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Fig.10, whenever the display device 1000 enters the partial display mode, the selector 220 may change the area selection signal SEL. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the selector 220 may alternately select the first setting value and the second setting value.

[0166] like Fig.10 As shown, at the first time T1, the display device 1000 may enter the second display mode MODE2 from the first display mode MODE1 or the standby mode STANDBY MODE according to a predetermined area selection signal SEL. In an exemplary embodiment, according to a variation of the display device 1000, for example, the display device 1000 may perform a mode change from the first display mode MODE1 to the second display mode MODE2, or enter the second display mode MODE2 from the standby mode STANDBY MODE.

[0167] The selector 220 may change the region selection signal SEL based on the mode change to the second display mode MODE2 (or the partial display mode). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the selector 220 may change the first set value of the region selection signal SEL to the second set value. The selector 220 may change the region selection signal SEL at the first time T1, immediately after the first time T1, or between the first time T1 and the second time T2.

[0168] At the second time T2 , the display device 1000 may exit the second display mode MODE2 and may enter, for example, the first display mode MODE1 or the standby mode STANDBY MODE.

[0169] At the third time T3, the display device 1000 may enter the third display mode MODE3 according to the changed area selection signal SEL. In addition, the selector 220 may change the area selection signal SEL again based on the mode change to the third display mode MODE3 (or the partial display mode). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the selector 220 may change the second set value of the area selection signal SEL to the first set value again.

[0170] At a fourth time T4 , the display device 1000 may exit the third display mode MODE3 , and may enter, for example, the first display mode MODE1 or the standby mode STANDBY MODE .

[0171] At the fifth time T5, the display device 1000 may enter the second display mode MODE2 according to the region selection signal SEL changed again. The operation of the selector 220 after the fifth time T5 may be substantially the same as or similar to the operation of the selector 220 after the first time T1.

[0172] Fig.11is a block diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present invention.

[0173] refer to Figure 3 and Fig.11 middle, Fig.11 The display device 1000 and Figure 3 The display device 1000 is different in that Fig.11 The selector 220 of the display device 1000 receives the converted second image data DATA2' (and / or the converted first image data DATA1') but does not receive the second image data DATA2.

[0174] The selector 220 may generate an area selection signal SEL based on the usage information of the first display area AA1 and / or the usage information of the second display area AA2. Here, the usage information may include a stress value (e.g., cumulative gray value, driving time, degree of degradation, lifespan, etc.) occurring when the corresponding area displays an image, or may include information on whether the corresponding area was used in the previous mode.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the selector 220 may generate and update the region selection signal SEL based on the converted second image data DATA2 ′.

[0176] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in reference Figures 5 to 8B As described, for example, when the display device 1000 is continuously driven in the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3, the selector 220 can accumulate or sum the converted second image data DATA2' or the value included in the converted second image data DATA2' (for example, the grayscale value), and when the summed value exceeds the reference value, one set value of the area selection signal SEL can be changed to another set value.

[0177] In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in reference Figure 3 As described, when the display device 1000 is continuously driven in the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3, the selector 220 can determine whether to continuously output images of the same pattern based on the second image data DATA2, and can change one set value of the area selection signal SEL to another set value according to the determination result.

[0178] That is, the selector 220 may calculate the sum SUM or the variation value DIFF of the converted second image data DATA2 ′ and change the set value of the region selection signal SEL based on the sum SUM or the variation value DIFF.

[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, the selector 220 may accumulate the first image data DATA1 and the converted second image data DATA2' to generate first sub-accumulated data corresponding to the first display area AA1 and second sub-accumulated data corresponding to the second display area AA2, and may update the area selection signal SEL or change the set value of the area selection signal SEL based on the difference between the first sub-accumulated data and the second sub-accumulated data.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the selector 220 may derive first usage information such as stress, degradation degree, and lifespan for the first display area AA1 by calculating a sum, an average, or the like of the first sub-accumulated data, and similarly derive second usage information for the second display area AA2 based on the second sub-accumulated data. The selector 220 may change the area selection signal SEL based on the first usage information of the first display area AA1 and the second usage information of the second display area AA2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the selector 220 may compare the degradation degree of the first usage information with the degradation degree of the second usage information when entering the partial display mode, and may update the area selection signal SEL to select a relatively non-degraded area.

[0181] That is, the selector 220 may select an area for displaying an image in the partial display mode in consideration of the usage degree (e.g., degradation degree) of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 in the full display mode (or the first display mode MODE1) and the partial display mode (i.e., the second display mode MODE2 and the third display mode MODE3). Therefore, the degradation degree of the display panel 100 may be more uniform as a whole, and the image quality and life of the display device 1000 may be improved.

[0182] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a driving method of a display device according to the present invention.

[0183] refer to Figure 3 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 , Fig.12 The method can be Figure 3 The display device 1000 or Fig.11 is executed in the display device 1000.

[0184] Fig.12 The method may sense deformation of the display panel 100 (S1210).

[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.12 The method may use the sensor 400 to sense deformation (eg, bending) of the display panel 100 and generate a sensing signal SES corresponding to the deformation.

[0186] Fig.12 The method may determine whether the display panel 100 is in the folded state based on the sensing signal SES, and may determine a mode (eg, display mode) of the display device 1000 based on the determination result (S1220).

[0187] In an exemplary embodiment, Fig.12 In the method, for example, when the display panel 100 is in the unfolded state, the display device 1000 may be driven in the full display mode (i.e., the first display mode MODE1), and the display device 1000 may generate the first image data DATA1 (i.e., the input image data corresponding to the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 of the display panel 100) through the processor 300. In another exemplary embodiment, Fig.12 In the method, when the display panel 100 is in a folded state, the display device 1000 can be driven in a partial display mode (i.e., the second display mode MODE2 or the third display mode MODE3), and the display device 1000 can generate second image data DATA2 (i.e., input image data corresponding to the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 of the display panel 100) through the processor 300.

[0188] When the display panel 100 is in the unfolded state, Fig.12 The method may generate a first data signal based on the first image data DATA1 (S1230), and may display an image on the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 of the display panel 100 based on the first data signal (S1240).

[0189] When the display panel 100 is in the folded state, Fig.12 The method may select one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 based on the usage information of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 of the display panel 100 (S1250). Here, the usage information may indicate the total size of the image data, the degree of change of the image data, whether the image data is used in the previous partial display mode, and the usage information may be calculated in the selector 220 based on at least one of the second image data DATA2, the converted second image data DATA2', and the converted first image data DATA1' (or the first image data DATA1), as shown in reference Figures 5 to 11 as described.

[0190] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.12The method may calculate the sum SUM of the second image data DATA2 during the partial display mode, and when the sum SUM exceeds the first reference value, change the set value of the area selection signal SEL to another set value. In another exemplary embodiment, Fig.12 The method can calculate the variation value DIFF of the second image data DATA2 during the partial display mode, and the determiner 222 can change the set value of the area selection signal SEL to another set value when the variation value DIFF exceeds the second reference value (for example, determining whether the second image data DATA2 having the same pattern continues for a predetermined time or longer). As described above, each of the first reference value and the second reference value can be predetermined to have a fixed value, or as a reference value. Fig. 8A As mentioned above, the first reference value may be variable.

[0191] Then, Fig.12 The method may generate a second data signal corresponding to a selected one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 based on the second image data DATA2 (S1260). In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As described, for example, in the second display area AA2 (or when the third display mode MODE3 is selected), the timing controller 280 can shift and / or arrange the second image data DATA2 corresponding to the second display area AA2 to generate converted second image data DATA2', and the data driver 260 can generate a second data signal in an analog form corresponding to the converted second image data DATA2'.

[0192] Fig.12 The method may provide the second data signal to the selected one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, in the second display area AA2 (or when the third display mode MODE3 is selected), the data driver 260 may provide the second data signal to the second display area AA2 (i.e., the selected one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). The data driver 260 may block the output to the first display area AA1 (i.e., the other one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 that is not selected), and, for example, may turn off the output buffer of the data line D connected to the first display area AA1. Thus, an image may be displayed in the selected one of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 (S1270).

[0193] Fig.12 The method can update the usage information of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 (S1280). As described above, when the display device 1000 is driven in the partial display mode (or the full display mode), Fig.12 The method may update usage information (eg, SUM, change value DIFF, degree of degradation, etc.) and an area selection signal SEL based on at least one of the second image data DATA2, the converted second image data DATA2', the converted first image data DATA1' (or the first image data DATA1).

[0194] As described above, the driving method of the display device 1000 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can alternately select the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 as the effective display area for displaying an image in the partial display mode based on the use information of the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 of the display panel 100 (e.g., the total size of the image data, the degree of change of the image data, whether the image data is used in the previous partial display mode). Therefore, the degree of degradation of the display panel 100 is uniform as a whole, and the image quality and life of the display device 1000 can be improved.

[0195] The above-mentioned drawings and detailed description of the present invention are only descriptive and are only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit their meaning or the scope of the present invention described in the claims. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand from the above that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are also possible. Therefore, the actual protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a first display area and a second display area adjacent to each other; a processor that generates first image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area in a first mode, and generates second image data corresponding to the first display area or the second display area in a second mode; as well as a display driver that generates a first data signal based on the first image data in the first mode and generates a second data signal based on the second image data in the second mode, wherein the first display area and the second display area are alternately selected based on area selection information, the display panel displays a valid image only on the selected one of the first display area and the second display area, and the unselected other of the first display area and the second display area does not display any image, wherein the display driver includes an image converter that generates second conversion data by arranging the second image data based on the area selection information corresponding to the selected one of the first display area and the second display area in the second mode, and Wherein, at the time of entering the second mode, the second data signal is provided to the selected one of the first display area and the second display area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: While the second mode is continuously maintained, the second data signal is provided to the selected one of the first display area and the second display area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display area and the second display area are arranged continuously, Wherein, the display panel is a foldable display panel foldable relative to a folding axis, wherein the first display area and the second display area are divided relative to the folding axis, and Wherein, the display panel is folded outwardly relative to the folding axis.

4. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising: a sensor, sensing the deformation of the display panel and outputting a sensing signal, wherein when the display panel is unfolded, the processor operates in the first mode, and Wherein, when the display panel is folded, the processor operates in the second mode.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display driver further includes: an area selector that updates the area selection information based on the second image data or the second conversion data; and a data driver that generates the first data signal based on the first image data and generates the second data signal based on the second image data, The area selection information includes a first setting value corresponding to the first display area and a second setting value corresponding to the second display area.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The area selector calculates cumulative data by accumulating the second image data, and changes the area selection information when an average value of the cumulative data exceeds a first reference value, wherein the region selector accumulates some of the grayscale values ​​included in the second image data to calculate the accumulated data, wherein the region selector initializes the accumulated data when entering or exiting the second mode, wherein the region selector adjusts the first reference value based on the accumulated data when entering or exiting the second mode, and The first reference value increases as the accumulated data increases.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The area selector changes the area selection information when a change over time of the second image data during the second mode is smaller than a reference value.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: Whenever entering the second mode, the zone selector alternately selects the first setting value and the second setting value.

9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The area selector generates first sub-accumulation data corresponding to the first display area and second sub-accumulation data corresponding to the second display area by accumulating the first image data and the second conversion data, and changes the area selection information based on a difference between the first sub-accumulation data and the second sub-accumulation data.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a first indicator corresponding to the first display area; and a second indicator, corresponding to the second display area, in, The first indicator is activated when the first display area is selected, wherein the second indicator is activated when the second display area is selected, and Wherein, each of the first indicator and the second indicator is implemented as a lamp.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The area selection information is determined based on usage information of each of the first display area and the second display area.

Images