Display device and method for driving the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method for driving the display device, wherein the display device includes: a foldable display panel that displays an image; a gate driver that outputs a gate signal to the foldable display panel; and a data driver that outputs a data voltage to the foldable display panel according to a driving current, wherein the driving current changes according to a display mode corresponding to a folded state of the foldable display panel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0085985 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on July 16, 2019, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0082242 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on July 3, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a display device and a method of driving the same, and more particularly, to a foldable display device and a method of driving the same. Background Art

[0004] Typically, a display device includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel includes multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, multiple emission lines, and multiple pixels. The display panel driver includes a gate driver, a data driver, an emission driver, and a drive controller. The gate driver outputs gate signals to the gate lines. The data driver outputs data voltages to the data lines. The emission driver outputs emission signals to the emission lines. The drive controller controls the gate driver, data driver, and emission driver.

[0005] Foldable display devices have been developed using the maximized flexibility of flexible display panels. Foldable display devices can have at least two display areas. The display areas can be formed in a single flexible display panel.

[0006] A display area from among the plurality of display areas may be in an inactive area depending on the folded state (or condition) of the display device. A black image may be displayed on the inactive area. Although a black image is displayed on the inactive area, a certain amount of power may still be consumed.

[0007] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One or more exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept are directed to a display device capable of reducing power consumption of the display device.

[0009] One or more exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept are directed to a method of driving the display apparatus.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a foldable display panel configured to display an image; a gate driver configured to output a gate signal to the foldable display panel; and a data driver configured to output a data voltage to the foldable display panel according to a driving current that changes according to a display mode corresponding to a folded state of the foldable display panel.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the display mode may include a normal display mode and a partial display mode; the driving current may include a first driving current and a second driving current; the data driver may be configured to be driven by the first driving current in the normal display mode, thereby displaying an image on the entire display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the normal display mode; the data driver may be configured to be driven by the second driving current in the partial display mode, thereby displaying an image on a portion of the display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the partial display mode; and the first driving current may be greater than the second driving current.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include: a plurality of output buffers configured to output the data voltages to a plurality of data lines of the foldable display panel, and the driving current of the data driver may correspond to a driving current of the output buffers.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a current mirror circuit connected to each of the output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; and a second switch connected in series to the second current source. In a normal display mode, both the first and second switches may be configured to be turned on, and in the partial display mode, the first switch may be configured to be turned off and the second switch may be configured to be turned on.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving current of the data driver may be determined according to an active line that may be farthest from the data driver at an active display area of the foldable display panel where the image is to be displayed.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the foldable display panel may include a first display area and a second display area; the first display area may be closer to the data driver than the second display area; the driving current may include a first driving current and a second driving current; when both the first display area and the second display area are in an active state, the data driver may be configured to be driven by the first driving current; when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area is in an inactive state, the data driver may be configured to be driven by the second driving current; and the first driving current may be greater than the second driving current.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a current mirror circuit connected to each of a plurality of output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; and a second switch connected in series to the second current source. When both the first display area and the second display area are in an active state, the first switch and the second switch may be configured to be turned on, and when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area is in an inactive state, the first switch may be configured to be turned off and the second switch may be configured to be turned on.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, when both the first display area and the second display area are in an active state, a data voltage that can be transmitted to the last active line of the second display area can have a first slew rate; when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area is in an inactive state, a data voltage that can be transmitted to the last active line of the first display area can have a second slew rate, and the first slew rate can be substantially the same as the second slew rate.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the foldable display panel may include a first display area and a second display area; the first display area may be closer to the data driver than the second display area; the driving current may include a first driving current and a third driving current; when both the first display area and the second display area are in an active state, the data driver may be configured to be driven by the first driving current; when the first display area is in an inactive state and the second display area is in an active state, the data driver may be configured to be driven by the third driving current; and the first driving current may be substantially equal to the third driving current.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the foldable display panel may include a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area; the first display area may be closer to the data driver than the second display area; the second display area may be closer to the data driver than the third display area; the driving current may include a first driving current and a second driving current; when the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, the data driver may be configured to be driven by the first driving current; when the first display area and the second display area are all in an active state and the third display area is in an inactive state, the data driver may be configured to be driven by the second driving current; and the first driving current may be greater than the second driving current.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a current mirror circuit connected to each of a plurality of output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; a second switch connected in series to the second current source; a third current source; and a third switch connected in series to the third current source. When the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch may be configured to be turned on; and when the first display area and the second display area are all in an active state and the third display area is in an inactive state, the first switch may be configured to be turned off, and the second switch and the third switch may be configured to be turned on.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, when the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, a data voltage that can be transmitted to the last active line of the third display area can have a first slew rate; when the first display area and the second display area are all in an active state and the third display area is in an inactive state, a data voltage that can be transmitted to the last active line of the second display area can have a second slew rate; and the first slew rate can be substantially the same as the second slew rate.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving current may further include a third driving current; when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area and the third display area are in an inactive state, the data driver may be configured to be driven by the third driving current; and the second driving current may be greater than the third driving current.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a current mirror circuit connected to each of a plurality of output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in parallel to the first current source; a second current source; a second switch connected in series to the second current source; a third current source; and a third switch connected in series to the third current source. When the first display area is in an active state and the second and third display areas are both in an inactive state, the first and second switches may be configured to be off, and the third switch may be configured to be on.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, when the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, a data voltage that can be transmitted to the last active line of the third display area can have a first slew rate; when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area and the third display area are both in an inactive state, a data voltage that can be transmitted to the last active line of the first display area can have a third slew rate; and the first slew rate can be substantially the same as the third slew rate.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of driving a display device includes: outputting a gate signal to a foldable display panel; adjusting a driving current of a data driver according to a display mode, the display mode corresponding to a folded state of the foldable display panel; and outputting a data voltage to the foldable display panel according to the driving current of the data driver.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the display mode may include a normal display mode and a partial display mode; the driving current may include a first driving current and a second driving current; the data driver may be configured to be driven by the first driving current in the normal display mode, thereby displaying an image on the entire display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the normal display mode; the data driver may be configured to be driven by the second driving current in the partial display mode, thereby displaying an image on a portion of the display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the partial display mode; and the first driving current may be greater than the second driving current.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a plurality of output buffers configured to output the data voltages to a plurality of data lines of the foldable display panel, and the driving current of the data driver may correspond to the driving current of the output buffers.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a current mirror circuit connected to each of the output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; and a second switch connected in series to the second current source. The first and second switches may both be configured to be turned on in a normal display mode, and the first switch may be configured to be turned off and the second switch may be configured to be turned on in the partial display mode.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving current of the data driver may be determined according to an active line that may be farthest from the data driver at an active display area of the foldable display panel where an image is to be displayed.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image; a gate driver configured to output a gate signal to the display panel; and a data driver configured to output a data voltage to the display panel according to a driving current that varies according to a size of an active display area of the display panel.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may be a foldable display panel. When the display panel is folded along a folding line, the size of the active display area may decrease. When the display panel is unfolded, the size of the active display area may increase.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may be a rollable display panel. When the display panel is rolled around an axis, the size of the active display area may decrease. When the display panel is unrolled from the axis, the size of the active display area may increase.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may be a sliding display panel. When the display panel is pulled in a sliding direction, the size of the active display area may increase. When the display panel is pushed in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, the size of the active display area may decrease.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, as the size of the active display area increases, a slew rate of the driving current may increase.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a plurality of output buffers configured to output data voltages to corresponding data lines of the display panel. The driving current of the data driver may correspond to the driving current of the output buffers. The data driver may include a current mirror circuit commonly connected to the output buffers. The current mirror circuit may include a current source and a variable resistor connected in series to the current mirror circuit. When the size of the active display area increases, the variable resistor may decrease.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, when the size of the active display area increases, the driving current may increase.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may include a plurality of output buffers configured to output data voltages to corresponding data lines of the display panel. The driving current of the data driver may correspond to the driving current of the output buffers. The data driver may include a current mirror circuit commonly connected to the output buffers. The current mirror circuit may include a plurality of current sources and a plurality of switches respectively connected in series to the current sources. As the size of the active display area increases, the number of switches that are turned on among the plurality of switches may increase.

[0038] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the display device and the method of driving the display device, different driving currents are used to drive the data driver in normal display mode and in partial display mode, thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driver in partial display mode. For example, the driving current of the data driver can be changed (e.g., adjusted) based on the position of the last horizontal line (active line) farthest from the data driver in the active display area where an image is to be displayed, thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driver.

[0039] In addition, different driving currents are used to drive the data driver according to the size of the display area of the rollable display device, so that power consumption of the data driver can be reduced.

[0040] In addition, the data driver is driven using different driving currents according to the size of the display area of the sliding display device, thereby reducing power consumption of the data driver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The above and other aspects and features of the inventive concept will become more apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0043] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the display device;

[0044] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A block diagram of a display device;

[0045] Figure 4 In the first display mode, Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a display panel and a data driver of a display device;

[0046] Figure 5 In the first display mode, Figure 1 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0047] Figure 6 is shown in the first display mode output to Figure 1 A waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver of a display device;

[0048] Figure 7 In the second display mode Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a display panel and a data driver of a display device;

[0049] Figure 8 In the second display mode Figure 1 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0050] Figure 9 is shown in the second display mode output to Figure 1 A waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver of a display device;

[0051] Figure 10 The third display mode is shown Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a display panel and a data driver of a display device;

[0052] Figure 11 The third display mode is shown Figure 1 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0053] Figure 12 The third display mode is output to Figure 1 A waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver of a display device;

[0054] Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0055] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A plan view of the display device;

[0056] Figure 15 In the first display mode, Figure 13 A conceptual diagram of a display panel and a data driver of a display device;

[0057] Figure 16 In the first display mode, Figure 13 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0058] Figure 17 is shown in the first display mode output to Figure 13 A waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver of a display device;

[0059] Figure 18 In the second display mode Figure 13 A conceptual diagram of a display panel and a data driver of a display device;

[0060] Figure 19 In the second display mode Figure 13 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0061] Figure 20 is shown in the second display mode output to Figure 13 A waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver of a display device;

[0062] Figure 21 The third display mode is shown Figure 13 A conceptual diagram of a display panel and a data driver of a display device;

[0063] Figure 22 The third display mode is shown Figure 13 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0064] Figure 23 The third display mode is output to Figure 13 A waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver of a display device is shown in FIG.

[0065] Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0066] Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 a plan view of a display panel;

[0067] Figure 26 It shows Figure 24 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0068] Figure 27 is a plan view illustrating a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0069] Figure 28 It shows Figure 27 a circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device;

[0070] Figure 29 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0071] Figure 30 It shows Figure 29 a plan view of a display panel;

[0072] Figure 31 It shows Figure 29 a circuit diagram of an example of a data driver for a display device; and

[0073] Figure 32 It shows Figure 29 A circuit diagram of an example of a data driver for a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments shown here. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the inventive concept may not be described. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore, their descriptions may not be repeated.

[0075] In the accompanying drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers and regions may be exaggerated and / or simplified for clarity. For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "below," "above," and "on" may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature and other (multiple) elements or (multiple) features as shown in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, an element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be positioned as "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "below" and "below" can cover both "above" and "below" orientations. The device can be positioned otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0076] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe different 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 used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first part described below may be termed a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second part without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept.

[0077] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

[0078] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit inventive concepts. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the "one" and "a kind of" in the singular are also intended to include plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises, comprising" and "includes, including" are used in this specification, it is to be understood that the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components of the present invention are present, but it is not excluded that one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups are present or added. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Statements such as "at least one of ... ", when following an element list, modify the entire element list and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0079] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Furthermore, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the inventive concept refers to "one or more embodiments of the inventive concept." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. Additionally, the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It will be further understood that, unless expressly defined otherwise herein, 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 art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted as an ideal or overly formal meaning.

[0081] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of a display device (eg, a view viewed from a plane parallel or substantially parallel to a top surface of the display device).

[0082] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device may include a flexible display panel. The display device may be a foldable display device. The display device may be foldable along a folding line FL.

[0083] The display device may include a first display area DA1 disposed at a first side (or first region) of the display device relative to a folding line FL (e.g., in or on the first side) and a second display area DA2 disposed at a second side (or second region) of the display device relative to the folding line FL (e.g., in or on the second side).

[0084] In some embodiments, when a display device such as Figure 1 When folded as shown, the first display area DA1 may display an image, and the second display area DA2 may not display an image. Figure 1 When folded as shown, the second display area DA2 may display an image, and the first display area DA1 may not display an image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, it may be configured (e.g., set) according to (e.g., depending on or based on) user settings to display an image on the first display area DA1 and / or the second display area DA2 according to the folding of the display device.

[0085] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Block diagram of a display device.

[0086] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600.

[0087] The display panel 100 may be a flexible display panel or a foldable display panel.

[0088] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines GWL, GIL, and GBL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of emission lines EL, and a plurality of pixels PX electrically connected to the gate lines GWL, GIL, and GBL, the data lines DL, and the emission lines EL. The gate lines GWL, GIL, and GBL, and the emission lines EL may each extend in a first direction D1, and the data lines DL may each extend in a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. Each pixel PX may be disposed at an intersection of the gate lines GWL, GIL, and GBL, the emission lines EL, and the data lines DL.

[0089] The drive controller 200 receives input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from an external device (e.g., a host device). For example, in some embodiments, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. In some embodiments, the input image data IMG may include white image data. In some embodiments, the input image data IMG may include magenta image data, cyan image data, and yellow image data. However, the present invention is not limited to the types of input image data IMG described above, and the input image data IMG may include any appropriate image data that will be known to those skilled in the art. The input control signal CONT may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may also include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0090] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 , a second control signal CONT2 , a third control signal CONT3 , a fourth control signal CONT4 and a data signal DATA according to (eg, based on) input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT.

[0091] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 according to (eg, based on) the input control signal CONT and outputs the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. For example, the first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0092] The driving controller 200 generates a second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 500 according to (eg, based on) the input control signal CONT and outputs the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. For example, the second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0093] The driving controller 200 generates a data signal DATA according to (eg, based on) input image data IMG and outputs the data signal DATA to the data driver 500 .

[0094] The driving controller 200 generates a third control signal CONT3 for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400 according to (eg, based on) the input control signal CONT. The driving controller 200 outputs the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400.

[0095] The driving controller 200 generates a fourth control signal CONT4 for controlling the operation of the emission driver 600 according to (eg, based on) the input control signal CONT. The driving controller 200 outputs the fourth control signal CONT4 to the emission driver 600.

[0096] The gate driver 300 generates a gate signal for driving the gate lines GWL, GIL, and GBL in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the drive controller 200. The gate driver 300 can output (e.g., sequentially output) the gate signals to the gate lines GWL, GIL, and GBL. In some embodiments, the gate driver 300 can be integrated on the display panel 100 (e.g., integrally formed with the display panel 100). In other embodiments, the gate driver 300 can be connected to the display panel 100 (e.g., mounted on the display panel 100).

[0097] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 generates a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to the third control signal CONT3 received from the driving controller 200. The gamma reference voltage generator 400 provides the gamma reference voltage VGREF to the data driver 500. The gamma reference voltage VGREF has a value corresponding to a level of the data signal DATA.

[0098] although Figure 3 The gamma reference voltage generator 400 is shown as a separate display panel driver of the display device, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be provided at the drive controller 200 (e.g., in or on the drive controller 200), or at the data driver 500 (e.g., in or on the data driver 500). For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be part of the drive controller 200 or part of the data driver 500, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0099] The data driver 500 receives the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DATA from the driving controller 200, and receives the gamma reference voltage VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The data driver 500 converts the data signal DATA into a corresponding data voltage (e.g., an analog data voltage) using the gamma reference voltage VGREF. The data driver 500 outputs the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0100] The emission driver 600 generates an emission signal to drive the emission line EL in response to the fourth control signal CONT4 received from the driving controller 200. The emission driver 600 may output the emission signal to the emission line EL.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be formed (e.g., integrally formed) as a single driving chip. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500 may be formed (e.g., integrally formed) as a single driving chip. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, the data driver 500, and the emission driver 600 may be formed (e.g., integrally formed) as a single driving chip.

[0102] Figure 4 In the first display mode, Figure 1 1 is a conceptual diagram of a display panel 100 and a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 5 In the first display mode, Figure 1 1 is a circuit diagram of a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 6 is shown in the first display mode output to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver 500 of a display device.

[0103] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , the display mode of the foldable display panel 100 can be determined by the folding condition (or folding state) of the foldable display panel 100. For example, the display mode may include a normal display mode (e.g., a first display mode) and a partial display mode (e.g., a second display mode). In the normal display mode, an image is displayed on the entire display area of the foldable display panel 100 (e.g., on each of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2). In the partial display mode, an image is displayed on a part of the display area of the foldable display panel 100 (e.g., on the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2). For example, when the foldable display panel 100 is folded, the foldable display panel 100 may operate in a partial display mode (e.g., the second display mode). In another example, when the foldable display panel 100 is unfolded (or in an unfolded state), the foldable display panel 100 may operate in a normal display mode (e.g., the first display mode).

[0104] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be changed according to the display mode. For example, when the display mode is the normal display mode, the data driver 500 may be driven according to a first driving current. In another example, when the display mode is the partial display mode, the data driver 500 may be driven according to a second driving current. The first driving current may be greater than the second driving current.

[0105] exist Figure 4In the embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display panel 100 may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 may be closer to the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2. For example, the first display area DA1 may be disposed between the data driver 500 and the second display area DA2, such that the first display area DA1 is more adjacent to (e.g., closer to) the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2.

[0106] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be activated (eg, in an active state). Figure 4 In the embodiment, the foldable display panel 100 can operate in a normal display mode (eg, a first display mode). Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display panel 100 may have an unfolded state (or be in an unfolded state). However, the normal display mode may not be limited to the unfolded state of the foldable display panel 100. In another exemplary embodiment, when in the folded state (e.g., folded state) of the foldable display panel 100, the foldable display panel 100 may operate in the normal display mode. For example, according to (e.g., depending on or based on) user settings, when in the folded state (e.g., folded state) of the foldable display panel 100, the foldable display panel 100 may operate in the normal display mode.

[0107] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., based on) the position of the active line farthest from the data driver 500 at (e.g., in or on) the active display area where an image is to be displayed. Figure 4 In the example, the active display area includes a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. Figure 4 In the active display area (e.g., in or on the active display area), the active line farthest from the data driver 500 may be disposed at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3). Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., based on) the waveform of the data voltage applied to the last active line at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3). For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined so that the data voltage applied to the last active line in the third area A3 is sufficiently charged to (e.g., the data voltage is sufficiently charged in) the pixel at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3) connected to the last active line in the third area A3.

[0108] The data driver 500 may include a plurality of output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN for outputting data voltages to the corresponding data lines DL of the foldable display panel 100. The data driver 500 may also include a digital-to-analog converter DAC for providing the data voltages to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN. The data driver 500 may also include a current mirror circuit connected (e.g., commonly connected) to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN to provide a driving current to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN. The driving current of the data driver 500 may include (or may be) the driving current of the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN.

[0109] The current mirror circuit may include a first current source for providing a first reference current IREF1, a first switch SW1 connected to (e.g., connected in series with) the first current source, a second current source for providing a second reference current IREF2, and a second switch SW2 connected to (e.g., connected in series with) the second current source. The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 may be connected to each other (e.g., connected in parallel with each other). The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 may be controlled by a switch control signal CONS determined according to a display mode. In some embodiments, the switch control signal CONS may be output from the driver controller 200 to the data driver 500. In other embodiments, the switch control signal CONS may be output from a host (or an application processor) to the data driver 500.

[0110] The current mirror circuit may include a first transistor TR1 connected to each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 and a second transistor TR2 connected to the first transistor TR1 .

[0111] A first power supply voltage AVDD may be applied to the first current source and the second current source, and a second power supply voltage AVSS may be applied to the first transistor TR1 and the second transistor TR2.

[0112] The first transistor TR1 includes an input electrode connected to each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 , a control electrode connected to the input electrode of the first transistor TR1 , and an output electrode to receive the second power supply voltage AVSS.

[0113] The second transistor TR2 includes an input electrode connected to each of the output buffers B1 , B2 , . . . , BN- 1 , and BN, a control electrode connected to the control electrode of the first transistor TR1 , and an output electrode to receive the second power supply voltage AVSS.

[0114] The current IREF flowing through the input electrode of the first transistor TR1 and the output electrode of the first transistor TR1 is equal to or substantially equal to the current IREF flowing through the input electrode of the second transistor TR2 and the output electrode of the second transistor TR2.

[0115] Figure 4 The first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and Figure 5 The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 may be turned on. The data driver 500 may be driven according to a first driving current corresponding to the sum of the first reference current IREF1 applied through the first switch SW1 and the second reference current IREF2 applied through the second switch SW2 (eg, IREF=IREF1+IREF2).

[0116] Figure 6 The waveform of the first data voltage VD1 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (or may be) the waveform of the first data voltage VD1 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 4 The waveform of the data voltage of the first horizontal line corresponding to the first area A1. Figure 6 The waveform of the second data voltage VD2 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (or may be) the waveform of the second data voltage VD2 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 4 The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the second area A2 is shown in FIG. Due to propagation delay, the second data voltage VD2 may have a slew rate that is less than that of the first data voltage VD1. Figure 6 The waveform of the third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (or may be) the waveform of the third data voltage VD3 transmitted to the second display area DA2. Figure 4 The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the third area A3 of FIG. Due to propagation delay, the third data voltage VD3 may have a slew rate less than that of the second data voltage VD2.

[0117] exist Figure 4 In the example, the active display area includes a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. Figure 4 , the driving current of the data driver 500 can be determined so that the third data voltage VD3 of the last horizontal line corresponding to the third area A3 applied to the active display area (e.g., the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2) is sufficiently charged to the pixel connected to the last horizontal line of the active display area at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3) (e.g., the third data voltage VD3 is sufficiently charged in the pixel).

[0118] Figure 7 In the second display mode Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram of a display panel 100 and a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 8 In the second display mode Figure 1 1 is a circuit diagram of a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 9 is shown in the second display mode output to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver 500 of a display device.

[0119] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The foldable display panel 100 may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 may be closer to the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2. For example, the first display area DA1 may be disposed between the data driver 500 and the second display area DA2, such that the first display area DA1 is closer to the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2.

[0120] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and the second display area DA2 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state). Figure 7 In the embodiment, the foldable display panel 100 can operate in a partial display mode (eg, a second display mode). Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display panel 100 may have a folded state (e.g., may be in a folded state). However, the partial display mode may not be limited to the folded state (or folded state) of the foldable display panel 100. In another exemplary embodiment, when in the unfolded state (or unfolded state) of the foldable display panel 100, the foldable display panel 100 may operate in the partial display mode. For example, according to (e.g., depending on or based on) user settings, when in the unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state) of the foldable display panel 100, the foldable display panel 100 may operate in the partial display mode.

[0121] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the position of the active line farthest from the data driver 500 at (e.g., in or on) the active display area where an image is to be displayed. Figure 7 In the example, the active display area includes the first display area DA1. Figure 7 In the active display area (e.g., in or on the active display area) the active line farthest from the data driver 500 may be disposed at the second area A2 (e.g., in or on the second area A2). Figure 7In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the waveform of the data voltage applied to the last active line at the second area A2 (e.g., in or on the second area A2). For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined so that the data voltage applied to the last active line in the second area A2 is sufficiently charged to (e.g., the data voltage is sufficiently charged in) a pixel disposed at (e.g., in or on) the second area A2 and connected to the last active line in the second area A2.

[0122] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and the second display area DA2 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state), and in the embodiment Figure 8 In the embodiment, the first switch SW1 can be turned off and the second switch SW2 can be turned on. Figure 8 The data driver 500 shown in FIG. Figure 5 The data driver 500 has the same or substantially the same circuit structure as shown in FIG. The data driver 500 may be driven according to a second driving current (e.g., IREF=IREF2) corresponding to a second reference current IREF2 applied through the second switch SW2 (e.g., the data driver 500 is driven with the second driving current).

[0123] Figure 4 The first driving current in (eg, IREF=IREF1+IREF2) may be greater than Figure 7 The second driving current in (for example, IREF=IREF2). Figure 7 In the partial display mode (eg, the second display mode), the data driver 500 may generate a plurality of Figure 4 The data driver 500 is driven by a second driving current (eg, IREF=IREF2) that is smaller than a first driving current (eg, IREF=IREF1+IREF2) of a normal display mode (eg, a first display mode) (eg, the data driver 500 is driven with the driving current).

[0124] Figure 9 The waveform of the first data voltage VD1 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the first data voltage VD1 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 7 The waveform of the data voltage of the first horizontal line corresponding to the first area A1. Figure 9 The waveform of the second data voltage VD2 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the second data voltage VD2 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 7The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the second area A2 is shown in FIG. Due to propagation delay, the second data voltage VD2 may have a slew rate that is less than that of the first data voltage VD1. Figure 9 The waveform of the third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the third data voltage VD3 transmitted to the second display area DA2. Figure 7 The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the third area A3 of FIG. Due to propagation delay, the third data voltage VD3 may have a slew rate less than that of the second data voltage VD2.

[0125] exist Figure 7 In the example, the active display area includes the first display area DA1. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the driving current of the data driver 500 can be determined so that the second data voltage VD2 of the last horizontal line corresponding to the second area A2 applied to the active display area (e.g., the first display area DA1) is sufficiently charged to the pixel connected to the last horizontal line of the active display area at the second area A2 (e.g., in or on the second area A2) (e.g., the second data voltage VD2 is sufficiently charged in the pixel).

[0126] When Figure 4 As shown, when the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are activated (eg, in an active state), the data voltage (eg, Figure 6 The third data voltage VD3 in the embodiment has a first conversion rate. Figure 7 As shown, when the first display area DA1 is activated (e.g., in an active state) and the second display area DA2 is deactivated (e.g., in an inactive state), the data voltage (e.g., the last active line at the second area A2) transmitted to the first display area DA1 is Figure 9 The second data voltage VD2 in the data circuit has a second conversion rate. Figure 6 The first conversion rate of the third data voltage VD3 in the data voltage (eg, Figure 9 The second conversion rate of the second data voltage VD2 in the same or substantially the same. For example, Figure 9 The waveform of the second data voltage VD2 can be Figure 6 The waveform of the third data voltage VD3 in is the same or substantially the same.

[0127] Figure 9The third data voltage VD3 in the third region A3 may not be sufficiently charged to the pixel at (eg, in or on) the third region A3 (eg, the third data voltage VD3 may not be sufficiently charged in the pixel). Figure 7 As shown, the second display area DA2 is an inactive area (eg, an area displaying a black image), so that even if Figure 9 Even if the third data voltage VD3 is not sufficiently charged to the pixel at the third area A3 (eg, in or on the third area A3) (eg, the third data voltage VD3 is not sufficiently charged in the pixel), the display quality will not be degraded.

[0128] Figure 10 The third display mode is shown Figure 1 1 is a conceptual diagram of a display panel 100 and a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 11 The third display mode is shown Figure 1 1 is a circuit diagram of a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 12 The third display mode is output to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver 500 of a display device.

[0129] Reference Figures 1 to 12 The foldable display panel 100 may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 may be closer to the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2. For example, the first display area DA1 may be disposed between the data driver 500 and the second display area DA2, such that the first display area DA1 is more adjacent to (e.g., closer to) the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2.

[0130] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state), and the second display area DA2 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state). Figure 10 In the embodiment, the foldable display panel 100 can be operated in a partial display mode. For example, in Figure 10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display panel 100 may have a folded state (e.g., may be in a folded state). However, the partial display mode may not be limited to the folded state (or folded state) of the foldable display panel 100. In another exemplary embodiment, when in the unfolded state (or unfolded state) of the foldable display panel 100, the foldable display panel 100 may operate in the partial display mode. For example, according to (e.g., depending on or based on) user settings, when in the unfolded state (or unfolded state) of the foldable display panel 100, the foldable display panel 100 may operate in the partial display mode.

[0131] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the position of the active line farthest from the data driver 500 at (e.g., in or on) the active display area where an image is to be displayed. Figure 10 In the embodiment, the active display area includes the second display area DA2. Figure 10 In the active display area (e.g., in or on the active display area), the active line farthest from the data driver 500 may be disposed at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3). Figure 10 , the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the waveform of the data voltage applied to the last active line at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3). For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined so that the data voltage applied to the last active line of the third area A3 is sufficiently charged to the pixel disposed at (e.g., in or on) the third area A3 and connected to the last active line of the third area A3 (e.g., the data voltage is sufficiently charged in the pixel). Although Figures 10 to 12 The third display mode in the embodiment refers to a local display mode, but the active line farthest from the data driver 500 in the active display area is connected to the active line 500 of the active display area. Figures 4 to 7 The active lines farthest from the data driver 500 in the active display area in the normal display mode are identical or substantially identical, so that Figures 10 to 12 The driving current of the data driver 500 can be Figures 4 to 7 The driving currents of the data drivers 500 in FIG. 5 are the same or substantially the same.

[0132] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state), and the second display area DA2 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and in the embodiment Figure 11 In the embodiment, both the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 can be turned on. Figure 11 The data driver 500 shown in FIG. Figure 5 The data driver 500 may be driven according to a third driving current corresponding to the sum of the first reference current IREF1 applied through the first switch SW1 and the second reference current IREF2 applied through the second switch SW2 (e.g., IREF=IREF1+IREF2).

[0133] Figure 4The first drive current in (eg, IREF=IREF1+IREF2) can be Figure 10 The third driving current in (eg, IREF=IREF1+IREF2) is the same or substantially the same.

[0134] Figure 12 The waveform of the first data voltage VD1 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the first data voltage VD1 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 10 The first area A1 corresponds to the waveform of the data voltage of the first horizontal line. Figure 12 The waveform of the second data voltage VD2 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the second data voltage VD2 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 10 The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the second area A2 is shown in FIG. Due to propagation delay, the second data voltage VD2 may have a slew rate that is less than that of the first data voltage VD1. Figure 12 The waveform of the third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the third data voltage VD3 transmitted to the second display area DA2. Figure 10 The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the third area A3 of FIG. Due to propagation delay, the third data voltage VD3 may have a slew rate less than that of the second data voltage VD2.

[0135] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, the active display area includes the second display area DA2. Figure 10 In the embodiment, the driving current of the data driver 500 can be determined so that the third data voltage VD3 of the last horizontal line corresponding to the third area A3 applied to the active display area (e.g., the second display area DA2) is sufficiently charged to the pixel connected to the last horizontal line of the active display area at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3) (e.g., the third data voltage VD3 is sufficiently charged in the pixel).

[0136] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the data driver 500 is driven using different driving currents when operating in the normal display mode and the partial display mode, thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driver 500 when operating in the partial display mode. For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be adjusted differently according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the position of the last horizontal line farthest from the data driver 500 at the active display area where an image is to be displayed (e.g., in or on the active display area), thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driver 500.

[0137] Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 14It shows Figure 13 A plan view of a display device (eg, a view viewed from a plane parallel or substantially parallel to a top surface of the display device).

[0138] The display device and the method of driving the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference embodiment except that the foldable display panel of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes three display areas. Figures 1 to 12 The display device and the method of driving the display device of one or more exemplary embodiments described are the same or substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same as those in the referenced Figures 1 to 12 The same or substantially the same (eg, or similar) parts and components as those described in one or more exemplary embodiments may be used, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof may not be repeated.

[0139] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14 The display device may include a flexible display panel. The display device may be a foldable display device. For example, the display device may be foldable along a first folding line FL1 and a second folding line FL2.

[0140] The display device may include a first display area DA1 arranged at a first side (or first region) of the display device relative to a first folding line FL1 (e.g., in or on the first side), a second display area DA2 arranged at a second side (or second region) of the display device relative to the first folding line FL1 (e.g., in or on the second side) and at the first side (or first region) of the display device relative to the second folding line FL2 (e.g., in or on the first side), and a third display area DA3 arranged at a second side (or second region) of the display device relative to the second folding line FL2 (e.g., in or on the second side).

[0141] In some embodiments, when a display device such as Figure 13 When the display device is folded (e.g., in a folded state), the first display area DA1 may display an image, and the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may not display an image. In other embodiments, when the display device is folded (e.g., in a folded state), the third display area DA3 may display an image, and the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may not display an image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the display of images in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and / or the third display area DA3 may be configured (e.g., set) according to (e.g., depending on or based on) user settings.

[0142] Figure 15 In the first display mode, Figure 131 is a conceptual diagram of a display panel 100A and a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 16 In the first display mode, Figure 13 1 is a circuit diagram of a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 17 is shown in the first display mode output to Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver 500 of a display device.

[0143] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 13 to 17 , the display mode of the foldable display panel 100A can be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the folding condition (e.g., folded state) of the foldable display panel 100A. For example, the display mode may include a normal display mode and a partial display mode. In the normal display mode, an image is displayed on the entire display area of the foldable display panel 100A (e.g., on each of the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3). In the partial display mode, an image is displayed on a part (or a portion) of the display area of the foldable display panel 100A. For example, when the foldable display panel 100A is folded (e.g., in a folded state), the foldable display panel 100A can operate in the partial display mode. For example, when the foldable display panel 100A is unfolded (e.g., in an unfolded state), the foldable display panel 100A can operate in the normal display mode.

[0144] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be changed according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the display mode. For example, when the display mode is the normal display mode, the data driver 500 may be driven according to a first driving current. For example, when the display mode is the partial display mode, the data driver 500 may be driven according to a second driving current. The first driving current may be greater than the second driving current.

[0145] exist Figure 15 In the embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display panel 100A may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a third display area DA3. The first display area DA1 may be closer to the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2. For example, the first display area DA1 may be disposed between the data driver 500 and the second display area DA2, such that the first display area DA1 is closer to the data driver 500 than the second display area DA2. The second display area DA2 may be closer to the data driver 500 than the third display area DA3. For example, the second display area DA2 may be disposed between the first display area DA1 and the third display area DA3, such that the second display area DA2 is closer to the data driver 500 than the third display area DA3.

[0146] exist Figure 15 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 can all be activated (eg, can be in an active state). Figure 15 In the foldable display panel 100A, the foldable display panel 100A can operate in the normal display mode. Figure 15 In the embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display panel 100A may have an unfolded state (e.g., may be in an unfolded state). However, the normal display mode may not be limited to the unfolded state (or unfolded state) of the foldable display panel 100A. In other embodiments, the foldable display panel 100A may operate in the normal display mode while in the folded state of the foldable display panel 100A (or while in the folded state). For example, according to (e.g., depending on or based on) user settings, the foldable display panel 100A may operate in the normal display mode while in the folded state (or folded state) of the foldable display panel 100A.

[0147] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the position of the active line farthest from the data driver 500 at (e.g., in or on) the active display area where an image is to be displayed. Figure 15 In the embodiment, the active display area includes each of the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3. Figure 15 In the active display area (e.g., in or on the active display area), the active line farthest from the data driver 500 may be disposed at the fourth area A4 (e.g., in or on the fourth area A4). Figure 15 In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the waveform of the data voltage applied to the last active line at the fourth area A4 (e.g., in or on the fourth area A4). For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined so that the data voltage applied to the last active line in the fourth area A4 is sufficiently charged to (e.g., the data voltage is sufficiently charged in) a pixel disposed at (e.g., in or on) the fourth area A4 and connected to the last active line in the fourth area A4.

[0148] The data driver 500 may include a current mirror circuit. The current mirror circuit of the data driver 500 may include a first current source for providing a first reference current IREF1, a first switch SW1 connected in series to the first current source, a second current source for providing a second reference current IREF2, a second switch SW2 connected in series to the second current source, a third current source for providing a third reference current IREF3, and a third switch SW3 connected in series to the third current source. The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 may be connected to one another. For example, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 may be connected in parallel to one another. The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 may be controlled by a switch control signal CONS determined according to a display mode.

[0149] exist Figure 15 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 can all be activated (eg, can be in an active state), and in the embodiment Figure 16 In the embodiment, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 may all be turned on. The data driver 500 may be driven according to a first driving current corresponding to the sum of a first reference current IREF1 applied through the first switch SW1, a second reference current IREF2 applied through the second switch SW2, and a third reference current IREF3 applied through the third switch SW3 (e.g., IREF=IREF1+IREF2+IREF3).

[0150] Figure 17 The waveform of the first data voltage VD1 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the first data voltage VD1 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 15 The waveform of the data voltage of the first horizontal line corresponding to the first area A1. Figure 17 The waveform of the second data voltage VD2 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the second data voltage VD2 transmitted to the first display area DA1. Figure 15 The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the second area A2 is shown in FIG. Due to propagation delay, the second data voltage VD2 may have a slew rate that is less than that of the first data voltage VD1. Figure 17 The waveform of the third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the third data voltage VD3 transmitted to the second display area DA2. Figure 15 The waveform of the data voltage of the last horizontal line corresponding to the third area A3 of FIG. Due to propagation delay, the third data voltage VD3 may have a slew rate less than that of the second data voltage VD2. Figure 17 The waveform of the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to (eg, may be) the waveform of the fourth data voltage VD4 transmitted to the third display area DA3. Figure 15The fourth data voltage VD4 may have a slew rate that is less than that of the third data voltage VD3 due to propagation delay.

[0151] exist Figure 15 In the embodiment, the active display area includes each of the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3. Figure 15 In the embodiment, the driving current of the data driver 500 can be determined so that the fourth data voltage VD4 of the last horizontal line corresponding to the fourth area A4 applied to the active display area (e.g., the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3) is sufficiently charged to the pixel connected to the last horizontal line of the fourth area A4 at (e.g., in the middle or above) the fourth area A4 (e.g., the fourth data voltage VD4 is sufficiently charged in the pixel).

[0152] Figure 18 In the second display mode Figure 13 1 is a conceptual diagram of a display panel 100A and a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 19 In the second display mode Figure 13 1 is a circuit diagram of a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 20 is shown in the second display mode output to Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver 500 of a display device.

[0153] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 13 to 20 ,exist Figure 18 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and the third display area DA3 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state). Figure 18 In the embodiment, the foldable display panel 100A may operate in a partial display mode, displaying images at the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 and not displaying an image at the third display area DA3.

[0154] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the position of the active line farthest from the data driver 500 at (e.g., in or on) the active display area (e.g., the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2) where an image is to be displayed. Figure 18 In the example, the active display area includes a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. Figure 18In the active display area (e.g., in or on the active display area), the active line farthest from the data driver 500 may be disposed at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3). Figure 18 In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the waveform of the data voltage applied to the last active line at the third area A3 (e.g., in or on the third area A3). For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined so that the data voltage applied to the last active line in the third area A3 is sufficiently charged to (e.g., the data voltage is sufficiently charged in) a pixel disposed at (e.g., in or on) the third area A3 and connected to the last active line in the third area A3.

[0155] exist Figure 18 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and the third display area DA3 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state), and in the embodiment Figure 19 In the embodiment, the first switch SW1 can be turned off, and the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 can be turned on. Figure 19 The data driver 500 shown in FIG. Figure 16 The data driver 500 may be driven according to a second driving current corresponding to the sum of the second reference current IREF2 applied through the second switch SW2 and the third reference current IREF3 applied through the third switch SW3 (e.g., IREF=IREF2+IREF3).

[0156] Figure 15 The first driving current in (eg, IREF=IREF1+IREF2+IREF3) may be greater than Figure 18 The second driving current in (for example, IREF=IREF2+IREF3). Figure 18 In the partial display mode, the data driver 500 can Figure 15 The display is driven by a first driving current (eg, IREF=IREF1+IREF2+IREF3) of a normal display mode which is smaller than a second driving current (eg, IREF=IREF2+IREF3).

[0157] exist Figure 18 In the embodiment, the active display area includes each of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Figure 18In the embodiment, the driving current of the data driver 500 can be determined so that the third data voltage VD3 of the last horizontal line corresponding to the third area A3 applied to the active display area (for example, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2) is fully charged to the pixel connected to the last horizontal line of the third area A3 (for example, the third data voltage VD3 is fully charged in the pixel).

[0158] When Figure 15 As shown, when the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 are all activated (eg, in an active state), the data voltage (eg, Figure 17 The fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG has a first conversion rate. Figure 18 As shown, when the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are both activated (e.g., in an active state) and the third display area DA3 is deactivated (e.g., in an inactive state), the data voltage of the last active line transmitted to the second display area DA2 (e.g., Figure 20 The third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG has a second conversion rate. The data voltage (eg, Figure 17 The first conversion rate of the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG. 1 may be different from the first conversion rate of the data voltage (eg, Figure 20 The second slew rate of the third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG. 1 is the same or substantially the same as the second slew rate of the third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG. Figure 20 The waveform of the third data voltage VD3 shown in FIG. Figure 17 The waveform of the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG. 1 is the same or substantially the same as that of FIG.

[0159] Figure 20 The fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG may not be sufficiently charged to the pixel at the third area A3 (eg, in or on the third area A3) (eg, the fourth data voltage VD4 may not be sufficiently charged in the pixel). However, as Figure 18 As shown, the third display area DA3 is an inactive area (eg, an area for displaying a black image), so that even if Figure 20 Even if the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG is not sufficiently charged to the pixel at the fourth area A4 (eg, in or on the fourth area A4) (eg, the fourth data voltage VD4 is not sufficiently charged in the pixel), the display quality will not be degraded.

[0160] Figure 21 The third display mode is shown Figure 13 1 is a conceptual diagram of a display panel 100A and a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 22 The third display mode is shown Figure 13 1 is a circuit diagram of a data driver 500 of a display device. Figure 23 The third display mode is output to Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a waveform diagram of a data voltage of a data driver 500 of a display device.

[0161] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 13 to 23 ,exist Figure 21 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state). Figure 21 In the embodiment, the foldable display panel 100A can operate in a partial display mode.

[0162] The driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the position of the active line farthest from the data driver 500 at (e.g., in or on) the active display area (e.g., the first display area DA1) where an image is to be displayed. Figure 21 In the example, the active display area includes the first display area DA1. Figure 21 In the active display area (e.g., in or on the active display area) the active line farthest from the data driver 500 may be disposed at the second area A2 (e.g., in or on the second area A2). Figure 21 In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the waveform of the data voltage applied to the last active line at the second area A2 (e.g., in or on the second area A2). For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be determined so that the data voltage applied to the last active line in the second area A2 is sufficiently charged to the pixel disposed at (e.g., in or on) the second area A2 and connected to the last active line in the second area A2 (e.g., the data voltage is sufficiently charged in the pixel).

[0163] exist Figure 21 In the embodiment, the first display area DA1 may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may be deactivated (eg, may be in an inactive state), and in the embodiment Figure 22 In the embodiment, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 can both be turned off, and the third switch SW2 can be turned on. Figure 22 The data driver 500 shown in FIG. Figure 16The data driver 500 may have the same or substantially the same circuit structure as shown in FIG. The data driver 500 may be driven according to a third driving current corresponding to a third reference current IREF3 applied through the third switch SW3 (eg, IREF=IREF3).

[0164] Figure 18 The second driving current in (eg, IREF=IREF2+IREF3) may be greater than Figure 21 The third driving current in (for example, IREF=IREF3). Figure 21 In the partial display mode, the data driver 500 can Figure 18 The display device is driven by a third driving current (for example, IREF=IREF3) which is smaller than the second driving current (for example, IREF=IREF2+IREF3) of the partial display mode.

[0165] exist Figure 21 In the example, the active display area includes the first display area DA1. Figure 21 In the embodiment, the driving current of the data driver 500 can be determined so that the second data voltage VD2 of the last horizontal line corresponding to the second area A2 applied to the active display area (e.g., the first display area DA1) is sufficiently charged to the pixel disposed at the second area A2 (e.g., in or on the second area A2) and connected to the last horizontal line of the second area A2 (e.g., the second data voltage VD2 is sufficiently charged in the pixel).

[0166] When Figure 15 As shown, when the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 are all activated (eg, in an active state), the data voltage (eg, Figure 17 The fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG has a first conversion rate. Figure 21 As shown, when the first display area DA1 is activated (e.g., in an active state) and the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 are both deactivated (e.g., in an inactive state), the data voltage (e.g., Figure 23 The second data voltage VD2 shown in FIG. 1 has a third conversion rate. The data voltage (eg, Figure 17 The first conversion rate of the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG. 1 may be different from the first conversion rate of the data voltage (eg, Figure 23 The third slew rate of the second data voltage VD2 shown in FIG. 1 is the same or substantially the same as that of the second data voltage VD2. Figure 23 The waveform of the second data voltage VD2 shown in FIG. Figure 17The waveform of the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG. 1 is the same or substantially the same as that of FIG.

[0167] Figure 23 The third data voltage VD3 and the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG may not be sufficiently charged to the pixels at (eg, in or on) the third and fourth areas A3 and A4. However, as Figure 21 As shown, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 are inactive areas (eg, areas displaying black images), so that even if Figure 23 The third data voltage VD3 and the fourth data voltage VD4 shown in FIG are not fully charged to the pixels at the third area A3 and the fourth area A4 (for example, in or on the third area A3 and the fourth area A4), and the display quality will not deteriorate.

[0168] Although not shown in the figures, in various embodiments, when operating in partial display mode, the Figure 13 Only the second display area DA2 among the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 of the foldable display panel 100A can be activated (eg, can be in an active state), Figure 13 Only the third display area DA3 among the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 of the foldable display panel 100A can be activated (eg, can be in an active state), Figure 13 Only the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 of the foldable display panel 100A may be activated (eg, may be in an active state), and / or from Figure 13 Of the first, second, and third display areas DA1, DA2, and DA3 of the foldable display panel 100A, only the first and third display areas DA1 and DA3 may be activated (e.g., may be in an active state). In these cases, various aspects and features of the present inventive concept may be applied thereto. For example, in these cases, the driving current of the data driver 500 may be variously changed to an appropriate or corresponding data voltage applied to the last horizontal line of the active display area, so that the appropriate or corresponding data voltage is sufficiently charged in the pixels connected to the last horizontal line of the active display area.

[0169] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, different driving currents are used to drive the data driver 500 when operating in the normal display mode and in the partial display mode, thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driver 500 when operating in the partial display mode. For example, the driving current of the data driver 500 can be variously adjusted according to (e.g., depending on or based on) the position of the last horizontal line farthest from the data driver 500 at the active display area (e.g., in the middle or top) where an image is to be displayed, thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driver 500.

[0170] Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 A plan view of the display panel. Figure 26 It shows Figure 24 A circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device.

[0171] The display device and the method of driving the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference device except that the display device is a rollable display device. Figures 1 to 12 The display device and the method of driving the display device of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment described are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same as those in Figures 1 to 12 The present invention relates to components that are the same as or similar to those described in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, and any repeated explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted.

[0172] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 24 to 26 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600.

[0173] The display device may include a flexible display panel. The display device may be a rollable display device. When the display panel 100 is rolled around an axis, the size of the active display area ON may decrease, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may increase. In contrast, when the display panel 100 is unrolled from the axis, the size of the active display area ON may increase, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may decrease.

[0174] The slew rate of the drive current of the data driver 500 can vary (or change, or adjust) according to the size (or display mode) of the active display area ON. For example, when the size of the active display area ON increases, the slew rate of the drive current can increase. The slew rate refers to the rate at which the output signal changes according to the change of the input signal. When the slew rate is relatively high, the drive current can be applied relatively quickly. When the slew rate is relatively low, the drive current can be applied relatively slowly.

[0175] The data driver 500 may include a plurality of output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN for outputting data voltages to corresponding data lines DL of the rollable display panel 100. The data driver 500 may also include a digital-to-analog converter DAC for providing the data voltages to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN. The data driver 500 may also include a current mirror circuit connected to (e.g., commonly connected to) the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN to provide a driving current to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN.

[0176] In this exemplary embodiment, the slew rate of the driving current of the data driver 500 may be controlled by the variable resistor VR of the current mirror circuit. For example, when the variable resistor VR increases, the slew rate of the driving current may decrease.

[0177] The current mirror circuit may include a current source for providing a reference current IREF and a variable resistor VR connected to (eg, connected in series to) the current source.

[0178] The current mirror circuit may further include a first transistor TR1 connected to the variable resistor VR and a second transistor TR2 connected to the first transistor TR1 .

[0179] A first power supply voltage AVDD may be applied to a power supply, and a second power supply voltage AVSS may be applied to the first transistor TR1 and the second transistor TR2 .

[0180] exist Figure 25 In the embodiment, when the active display area ON increases, the variable resistor VR can be adjusted to a low value, thereby increasing the slew rate of the drive current IREF. In contrast, when the active display area ON decreases, the variable resistor VR can be adjusted to a high value, thereby decreasing the slew rate of the drive current IREF.

[0181] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the data driver 500 is driven using different slew rates of the driving current according to the size of the active display area ON of the rollable display device, so that power consumption of the data driver 500 can be reduced when the size of the active display area ON is reduced.

[0182] Figure 27 is a plan view illustrating a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 28 It shows Figure 27 A circuit diagram of a data driver of a display device.

[0183] The display device and the method of driving the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference embodiment except for the structure of the data driver. Figures 24 to 26 The display device and the method of driving the display device of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment described are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same as those in Figures 24 to 26 The present invention relates to components that are the same as or similar to those described in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, and any repeated explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted.

[0184] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 24 、 Figure 27 and Figure 28 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600.

[0185] The display device may include a flexible display panel. The display device may be a rollable display device. When the display panel 100 is rolled around an axis, the size of the active display area ON may decrease, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may increase. In contrast, when the display panel 100 is unrolled from the axis, the size of the active display area ON may increase, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may decrease.

[0186] The driving current of the data driver 500 may vary (or change, or adjust) according to the size (or display mode) of the active display area ON. For example, when the size of the active display area ON increases, the driving current may increase.

[0187] like Figure 27 As shown, the display panel 100 may be divided into a plurality of display areas (eg, DA1 to DA5). Although the display panel 100 is divided into five display areas DA1 to DA5 in the present exemplary embodiment, the inventive concept may not be limited to this number of display areas.

[0188] The data driver 500 may include a plurality of output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN for outputting data voltages to corresponding data lines DL of the rollable display panel 100. The data driver 500 may also include a digital-to-analog converter DAC for providing the data voltages to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN. The data driver 500 may also include a current mirror circuit connected to (e.g., commonly connected to) the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN to provide a driving current to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN.

[0189] The driving current of the data driver 500 may vary (or change, or adjust) according to the size of the active display area ON. For example, when the size of the active display area ON increases, the driving current may increase. For example, when the size of the active display area ON decreases, the driving current may decrease.

[0190] The current mirror circuit may include a plurality of current sources IREF1 to IREF5, a plurality of switches SW1 to SW5 connected in series to the current sources IREF1 to IREF5, respectively. When the size of the active display area ON increases, the number of turned-on switches among all the switches SW1 to SW5 may increase.

[0191] The current mirror circuit of the data driver 500 may include a first current source providing a first reference current IREF1, a first switch SW1 connected in series to the first current source, a second current source providing a second reference current IREF2, a second switch SW2 connected in series to the second current source, a third current source providing a third reference current IREF3, a third switch SW3 connected in series to the third current source, a fourth current source providing a fourth reference current IREF4, a fourth switch SW4 connected in series to the fourth current source, a fifth current source providing a fifth reference current IREF5, and a fifth switch SW5 connected in series to the fifth current source. The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the fifth switch SW5 may be connected in parallel. The first to fifth switches SW1 to SW5 may be controlled by a switch control signal CONS determined according to the size of the active display area ON.

[0192] exist Figure 27 When the first to fifth display areas DA1 to DA5 are all activated, Figure 28The first to fifth switches SW1 to SW5 in the data driver 500 may all be turned on. The data driver 500 may be driven according to a driving current corresponding to the sum of a first reference current IREF1 applied through the first switch SW1, a second reference current IREF2 applied through the second switch SW2, a third reference current IREF3 applied through the third switch SW3, a fourth reference current IREF4 applied through the fourth switch SW4, and a fifth reference current IREF5 applied through the fifth switch SW5 (e.g., IREF=IREF1+IREF2+IREF3+IREF4+IREF5).

[0193] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment, when some of the first to fifth display areas DA1 to DA5 are activated, Figure 28 Some of the first to fifth switches SW1 to SW5 may be turned on.

[0194] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the data driver 500 is driven using different driving currents according to the size of the active display area ON of the rollable display device, so that power consumption of the data driver 500 can be reduced when the size of the active display area ON is reduced.

[0195] Figure 29 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 30 It shows Figure 29 A plan view of the display panel. Figure 31 It shows Figure 29 A circuit diagram of an example of a data driver for a display device.

[0196] The display device and the method of driving the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference device except that the display device is a sliding display device. Figures 1 to 12 The display device and the method of driving the display device of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment described are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same as those in Figures 1 to 12 The present invention relates to components that are the same as or similar to those described in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, and any repeated explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted.

[0197] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 29 to 31 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600.

[0198] The display device may include a flexible display panel. The display device may be a sliding display device. When the display panel 100 is pulled in the sliding direction SD, the size of the active display area ON may increase, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may decrease. In contrast, when the display panel 100 is pushed in a direction opposite to the sliding direction SD, the size of the active display area ON may decrease, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may increase.

[0199] The slew rate of the drive current of the data driver 500 can vary (or change, or adjust) according to the size (or display mode) of the active display area ON. For example, when the size of the active display area ON increases, the slew rate of the drive current can increase. The slew rate refers to the rate at which the output signal changes according to the change of the input signal. When the slew rate is relatively high, the drive current can be applied relatively quickly. When the slew rate is relatively low, the drive current can be applied relatively slowly.

[0200] The data driver 500 may include a plurality of output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN for outputting data voltages to corresponding data lines DL of the sliding display panel 100. The data driver 500 may also include a digital-to-analog converter DAC for providing the data voltages to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN. The data driver 500 may also include a current mirror circuit connected to (e.g., commonly connected to) the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN to provide a driving current to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN.

[0201] In this exemplary embodiment, the slew rate of the driving current of the data driver 500 may be controlled by the variable resistor VR of the current mirror circuit. For example, when the variable resistor VR increases, the slew rate of the driving current may decrease.

[0202] The current mirror circuit may include a current source for providing a reference current IREF and a variable resistor VR connected to (eg, connected in series to) the current source.

[0203] The current mirror circuit may further include a first transistor TR1 connected to the variable resistor VR and a second transistor TR2 connected to the first transistor TR1 .

[0204] A first power supply voltage AVDD may be applied to a power supply, and a second power supply voltage AVSS may be applied to the first transistor TR1 and the second transistor TR2 .

[0205] exist Figure 30In the embodiment, when the active display area ON increases, the variable resistor VR can be adjusted to a low value, thereby increasing the slew rate of the drive current IREF. In contrast, when the active display area ON decreases, the variable resistor VR can be adjusted to a high value, thereby decreasing the slew rate of the drive current IREF.

[0206] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the data driver 500 is driven using different slew rates of the driving current according to the size of the active display area ON of the sliding display device, so that power consumption of the data driver 500 can be reduced when the size of the active display area ON is reduced.

[0207] Figure 32 It shows Figure 29 A circuit diagram of an example of a data driver for a display device.

[0208] The display device and the method of driving the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the reference embodiment except for the structure of the data driver. Figures 29 to 31 The display device and the method of driving the display device of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment described are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same as those in Figures 29 to 31 The present invention relates to components that are the same as or similar to those described in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, and any repeated explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted.

[0209] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 27 、 Figure 29 and Figure 32 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and an emission driver 600.

[0210] The display device may include a flexible display panel. The display device may be a sliding display device. When the display panel 100 is pulled in the sliding direction SD, the size of the active display area ON may increase, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may decrease. In contrast, when the display panel 100 is pushed in a direction opposite to the sliding direction SD, the size of the active display area ON may decrease, and the size of the inactive display area OFF may increase.

[0211] The driving current of the data driver 500 may vary (or change, or adjust) according to the size (or display mode) of the active display area ON. For example, when the size of the active display area ON increases, the driving current may increase.

[0212] like Figure 27As shown, the display panel 100 may be divided into a plurality of display areas (eg, DA1 to DA5). Although the display panel 100 is divided into five display areas DA1 to DA5 in the present exemplary embodiment, the inventive concept may not be limited to this number of display areas.

[0213] The data driver 500 may include a plurality of output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN for outputting data voltages to corresponding data lines DL of the sliding display panel 100. The data driver 500 may also include a digital-to-analog converter DAC for providing the data voltages to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN. The data driver 500 may also include a current mirror circuit connected to (e.g., commonly connected to) the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN to provide a driving current to the output buffers B1, B2, ..., BN-1, and BN.

[0214] The driving current of the data driver 500 may vary (or change, or adjust) according to the size of the active display area ON. For example, when the size of the active display area ON increases, the driving current may increase. For example, when the size of the active display area ON decreases, the driving current may decrease.

[0215] The current mirror circuit may include a plurality of current sources IREF1 to IREF5, a plurality of switches SW1 to SW5 connected in series to the current sources IREF1 to IREF5, respectively. When the size of the active display area ON increases, the number of turned-on switches among all the switches SW1 to SW5 may increase.

[0216] The current mirror circuit of the data driver 500 may include a first current source providing a first reference current IREF1, a first switch SW1 connected in series to the first current source, a second current source providing a second reference current IREF2, a second switch SW2 connected in series to the second current source, a third current source providing a third reference current IREF3, a third switch SW3 connected in series to the third current source, a fourth current source providing a fourth reference current IREF4, a fourth switch SW4 connected in series to the fourth current source, a fifth current source providing a fifth reference current IREF5, and a fifth switch SW5 connected in series to the fifth current source. The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the fifth switch SW5 may be connected in parallel. The first to fifth switches SW1 to SW5 may be controlled by a switch control signal CONS determined according to the size of the active display area ON.

[0217] exist Figure 27 When the first to fifth display areas DA1 to DA5 are all activated, Figure 28The first to fifth switches SW1 to SW5 in the data driver 500 may all be turned on. The data driver 500 may be driven according to a driving current corresponding to the sum of a first reference current IREF1 applied through the first switch SW1, a second reference current IREF2 applied through the second switch SW2, a third reference current IREF3 applied through the third switch SW3, a fourth reference current IREF4 applied through the fourth switch SW4, and a fifth reference current IREF5 applied through the fifth switch SW5 (e.g., IREF=IREF1+IREF2+IREF3+IREF4+IREF5).

[0218] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment, when some of the first to fifth display areas DA1 to DA5 are activated, Figure 28 Some of the first to fifth switches SW1 to SW5 may be turned on.

[0219] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the data driver 500 is driven using different driving currents according to the size of the active display area ON of the sliding display device, so that power consumption of the data driver 500 can be reduced when the size of the active display area ON is reduced.

[0220] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept as described above, power consumption of a foldable display device, a rollable display device, and a sliding display device may be reduced.

[0221] However, the foregoing is an illustration of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the aspects and features described herein. Thus, although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications may be possible in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0222] In this disclosure, means-plus-function clauses, if any, are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the recited function, and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. It should be understood, therefore, that the foregoing is illustrative of the present inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the exemplary embodiments described herein, such that various modifications of the disclosed exemplary embodiments, as well as other exemplary embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications are therefore intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as defined by this disclosure and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: a foldable display panel configured to display an image; a gate driver configured to output a gate signal to the foldable display panel; and a data driver configured to output a data voltage to the foldable display panel according to a driving current that changes according to a display mode corresponding to a folded state of the foldable display panel, The driving current of the data driver is determined according to an active line farthest from the data driver at an active display area of the foldable display panel where the image is to be displayed.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display mode includes a normal display mode and a partial display mode; The driving current includes a first driving current and a second driving current; the data driver being configured to be driven by the first driving current in the normal display mode so as to display an image on the entire display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the normal display mode; The data driver is configured to be driven by the second driving current in the partial display mode so as to display an image on a portion of the display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the partial display mode; and The first driving current is greater than the second driving current.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The data driver includes a plurality of output buffers configured to output the data voltage to a plurality of data lines of the foldable display panel, and The driving current of the data driver corresponds to the driving current of the output buffer.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The data driver includes a current mirror circuit connected to each of the output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; and a second switch, connected in series to the second current source, Wherein, in the normal display mode, the first switch and the second switch are both configured to be turned on, and Wherein, in the partial display mode, the first switch is configured to be turned off, and the second switch is configured to be turned on.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The foldable display panel includes a first display area and a second display area; The first display area is closer to the data driver than the second display area; The driving current includes a first driving current and a second driving current; When the first display area and the second display area are both in an active state, the data driver is configured to be driven by the first driving current; When the first display area is in an active state and the second display area is in an inactive state, the data driver is configured to be driven by the second driving current; and The first driving current is greater than the second driving current. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: The data driver includes a current mirror circuit connected to each of a plurality of output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; and a second switch, connected in series to the second current source, Wherein, when the first display area and the second display area are both in an active state, the first switch and the second switch are both configured to be turned on, and Wherein, when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area is in an inactive state, the first switch is configured to be turned off, and the second switch is configured to be turned on.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein When the first display area and the second display area are both in an active state, the data voltage of the last active line transmitted to the second display area has a first slew rate, Wherein, when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area is in an inactive state, the data voltage of the last active line transmitted to the first display area has a second slew rate, and The first conversion rate is the same as the second conversion rate.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The foldable display panel includes a first display area and a second display area; The first display area is closer to the data driver than the second display area; The driving current includes a first driving current and a third driving current; When the first display area and the second display area are both in an active state, the data driver is configured to be driven by the first driving current; When the first display area is in an inactive state and the second display area is in an active state, the data driver is configured to be driven by the third driving current; and The first driving current is equal to the third driving current.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The foldable display panel includes a first display area, a second display area and a third display area; The first display area is closer to the data driver than the second display area; The second display area is closer to the data driver than the third display area; The driving current includes a first driving current and a second driving current; When the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, the data driver is configured to be driven by the first driving current; When the first display area and the second display area are both in an active state and the third display area is in an inactive state, the data driver is configured to be driven by the second driving current; and The first driving current is greater than the second driving current.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The data driver includes a current mirror circuit connected to each of a plurality of output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; a second switch connected in series to the second current source; a third current source; and a third switch, connected in series to the third current source, When the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are all configured to be turned on, and Wherein, when the first display area and the second display area are both in an active state and the third display area is in an inactive state, the first switch is configured to be disconnected, and the second switch and the third switch are configured to be connected.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: When the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, a data voltage of a last active line transmitted to the third display area has a first slew rate; When the first display area and the second display area are both in active states and the third display area is in an inactive state, a data voltage of a last active line transmitted to the second display area has a second slew rate; and The first slew rate is the same as the second slew rate.

12. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The driving current further includes a third driving current; When the first display area is in an active state and the second display area and the third display area are both in an inactive state, the data driver is configured to be driven by the third driving current; and The second driving current is greater than the third driving current.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein The data driver includes a current mirror circuit connected to each of a plurality of output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in parallel to the first current source; a second current source; a second switch connected in series to the second current source; a third current source; and a third switch connected in series to the third current source, and Wherein, when the first display area is in an active state and the second display area and the third display area are both in an inactive state, the first switch and the second switch are both configured to be disconnected, and the third switch is configured to be connected.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: When the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are all in an active state, a data voltage of a last active line transmitted to the third display area has a first slew rate; When the first display area is in an active state and the second display area and the third display area are both in an inactive state, a data voltage of a last active line transmitted to the first display area has a third slew rate; and The first slew rate is the same as the third slew rate.

15. A method for driving a display device, wherein: The method comprises: outputting a gate signal to the foldable display panel; adjusting a driving current of a data driver according to a display mode corresponding to a folded state of the foldable display panel; and outputting a data voltage to the foldable display panel according to the driving current of the data driver, The driving current of the data driver is determined according to an active line farthest from the data driver at an active display area of the foldable display panel where an image is to be displayed.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The display mode includes a normal display mode and a partial display mode; The driving current includes a first driving current and a second driving current; the data driver being configured to be driven by the first driving current in the normal display mode so as to display an image on the entire display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the normal display mode; The data driver is configured to be driven by the second driving current in the partial display mode so as to display an image on a portion of the display area of the foldable display panel when operating in the partial display mode; and The first driving current is greater than the second driving current.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The data driver includes a plurality of output buffers configured to output the data voltages to a plurality of data lines of the foldable display panel, and The driving current of the data driver corresponds to the driving current of the output buffer.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The data driver includes a current mirror circuit connected to each of the output buffers, the current mirror circuit including: a first current source; a first switch connected in series to the first current source; a second current source; and a second switch, connected in series to the second current source, Wherein, when in the normal display mode, the first switch and the second switch are both configured to be turned on, and Wherein, in the partial display mode, the first switch is configured to be turned off, and the second switch is configured to be turned on.

19. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: a display panel configured to display an image; a gate driver configured to output a gate signal to the display panel; and a data driver configured to output a data voltage to the display panel according to a driving current that varies according to a size of an active display area of the display panel, Wherein, when the size of the active display area increases, the conversion rate of the driving current increases.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The display panel is a foldable display panel, wherein when the display panel is folded along a folding line, the size of the active display area decreases, and When the display panel is unfolded, the size of the active display area increases.

21. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The display panel is a rollable display panel, wherein when the display panel is rolled around an axis, the size of the active display area decreases, and When the display panel is unrolled from the axis, the size of the active display area increases.

22. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The display panel is a sliding display panel, wherein, when the display panel is pulled in the sliding direction, the size of the active display area increases, and When the display panel is pushed in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, the size of the active display area decreases.

23. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The data driver includes a plurality of output buffers configured to output data voltages to corresponding data lines of the display panel. wherein the driving current of the data driver corresponds to the driving current of the output buffer, wherein the data driver comprises a current mirror circuit commonly connected to the output buffer, wherein the current mirror circuit comprises a current source and a variable resistor connected in series to the current mirror circuit, and Wherein, when the size of the active display area increases, the variable resistance decreases.

24. The display device according to claim 19, wherein When the size of the active display area increases, the driving current increases.

25. The display device according to claim 24, wherein The data driver includes a plurality of output buffers configured to output data voltages to corresponding data lines of the display panel. wherein the driving current of the data driver corresponds to the driving current of the output buffer, wherein the data driver comprises a current mirror circuit commonly connected to the output buffer, The current mirror circuit includes a plurality of current sources and a plurality of switches connected in series to the current sources, respectively, and Wherein, when the size of the active display area increases, the number of the switches that are turned on among the plurality of switches increases.

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