Display device and method of driving a display panel of the display device

Abstract

A display device and a method for driving a display panel of the display device are disclosed, and the display device includes a display panel, a gate driver, a data driver and a drive controller. The display panel displays an image based on input image data. The gate driver outputs a gate signal to the display panel. The data driver outputs a data voltage to the display panel. The drive controller selectively determines the drive mode of the display device between a normal drive mode and a low-frequency drive mode, and determines the drive frequency of the display panel based on the input image data. The drive controller includes: a flicker value storage unit that stores a plurality of flicker values ​​for a plurality of gray values ​​of the input image data; and a data remapper that converts the gray values ​​of the input image data to reduce the size of the maximum frequency gray region corresponding to the maximum drive frequency in the low-frequency drive mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method for driving a display panel of the display device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a display device with reduced power consumption and a method for driving a display panel of the display device. Background Art

[0002] Display devices and methods of using the display devices have been studied to minimize power consumption of electronic devices such as tablet computers and notebook computers.

[0003] In order to minimize the power consumption of an electronic device including a display panel, the power consumption of the display panel must be minimized. When the display panel displays a still image, the display panel can be driven at a lower frequency, so that the power consumption of the display panel can be reduced.

[0004] However, when the display panel is driven at a lower frequency, a flickering effect may be generated, thereby causing the display quality to degrade. Therefore, in order to prevent the flickering effect, some images may be driven at a high driving frequency, so that power consumption may not be fully realized in this case. Therefore, a new and improved way is needed to reduce power consumption and enhance display quality. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a display device capable of reducing power consumption.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a method for driving a display panel of a display device.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure, the display device includes a display panel, a gate driver, a data driver, and a drive controller. The display panel is configured to display an image based on input image data. The gate driver is configured to output a gate signal to the display panel. The data driver is configured to output a data voltage to the display panel. The drive controller is configured to control the operation of the gate driver and the operation of the data driver to selectively determine the drive mode of the display device between a normal drive mode and a low-frequency drive mode, and determine the drive frequency of the display panel based on the input image data. The drive controller includes: a flicker value storage unit configured to store multiple flicker values ​​for multiple grayscale values ​​of the input image data; and a data remapper configured to convert the grayscale value of the input image data to reduce the size of the maximum frequency grayscale region corresponding to the maximum drive frequency in the low-frequency drive mode.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving controller may further include: a still image determiner, configured to determine whether the input image data is a still image or a video image based on the input image data, and configured to generate a flag indicating whether the input image data is a still image or a video image; and a driving frequency determiner, configured to determine a driving mode of the display device between a normal driving mode and a low-frequency driving mode based on the flag, and configured to determine the driving frequency of the display panel by using a flicker value storage unit.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the data remapper may be configured to convert the grayscale value of the input image data when the input image data is a still image. The data remapper may be configured not to convert the grayscale value of the input image data when the input image data is a video image.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the data remapper may include a data remapping lookup table configured to generate a converted gray value by multiplying a conversion gain by a gray value of the input image data.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the flicker value storage unit and the data remapping lookup table may be formed in the same memory.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the data remapper may be configured to receive a sign and a grayscale value of input image data from the still image determiner, configured to multiply the conversion gain by the grayscale value of the input image data to generate a converted grayscale value, and configured to output the converted grayscale value to the driving frequency determiner.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the data remapper may be configured to extract a luminance component from a grayscale value of input image data, configured to multiply a luminance compensation gain by the extracted luminance component of the input image data to generate a compensated luminance component, and configured to generate a converted grayscale value based on the compensated luminance component.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving controller may further include: a fixed frequency determiner configured to determine whether the input frequency of the input image data is of a normal type by counting the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal or by counting the number of pulses of the data enable signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed frequency determiner may be configured to generate a frequency flag indicating whether an input frequency of the input image data has a normal type. The driving frequency determiner may be configured to determine a driving frequency of the display panel.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum frequency grayscale region may be defined as a region that is equal to or greater than the first grayscale value and less than or equal to the second grayscale value. The converted maximum frequency grayscale region is converted by the driving controller, and the converted maximum frequency grayscale region may be defined as a region that is equal to or greater than the third grayscale value and equal to or less than the fourth grayscale value. The third grayscale value may be greater than the first grayscale value. The fourth grayscale value may be less than the second grayscale value.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, a conversion gain for generating a converted maximum frequency grayscale region may be less than 1 in a first conversion region and may be greater than 1 in a second conversion region.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum frequency grayscale region may be defined as a region equal to or greater than a first grayscale value. The converted maximum frequency grayscale region is converted by a driving controller, and the converted maximum frequency grayscale region may be defined as a region equal to or greater than a second grayscale value. The second grayscale value may be greater than the first grayscale value.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, a conversion gain for generating a maximum frequency grayscale region of the conversion may be equal to or less than 1.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include a plurality of segments in a matrix form. The driving controller may be configured to determine a driving frequency of the display panel based on a plurality of optimal driving frequencies for the plurality of segments.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of a method for driving a display panel, the method includes: selectively determining a driving mode of a display device between a normal driving mode and a low-frequency driving mode; converting a grayscale value of input image data to reduce a maximum frequency grayscale region size corresponding to a maximum driving frequency in the low-frequency driving mode; determining a driving frequency of the display panel by using a flicker value storage unit, and the flicker value storage unit is configured to store a flicker value for a grayscale value of input image data; outputting a gate signal to the display panel based on the driving frequency; and outputting a data voltage to the display panel based on the driving frequency.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the driving frequency may include: selectively determining whether the input image data is a still image or a video image; generating a flag indicating whether the input image data is a still image or a video image; selectively determining a driving mode of the display device between a normal driving mode and a low-frequency driving mode based on the flag; and determining the driving frequency of the display panel by using a flicker value storage unit.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, when the input image data is a still image, the grayscale value of the input image data may be converted. When the input image data is a video image, the grayscale value of the input image data may not be converted.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, converting the grayscale value of the input image data may include generating the converted grayscale value by multiplying the conversion gain by the grayscale value of the input image data.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, converting the grayscale value of the input image data may include: extracting a brightness component from the grayscale value of the input image data; multiplying a brightness compensation gain by the extracted brightness component of the input image data to generate a compensated brightness component; and generating a converted grayscale value based on the compensated brightness component.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include determining whether the input frequency of the input image data is of a normal type by counting the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal, or by counting the number of pulses of the data enable signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal.

[0027] According to the method for driving a display panel and a display device including the display panel, a driving frequency is determined according to an image displayed on the display panel, so that the power consumption of the display device can be reduced. In addition, the driving frequency is determined by using the flicker value of the image on the display panel, so that the flicker of the image can be prevented and the display quality of the display panel can be enhanced. In addition, the high-frequency driving grayscale area can be reduced by the data remapping method, and the high-frequency driving grayscale area is driven at a high driving frequency to prevent flickering, so that the power consumption of the display device can be further reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The block diagram of the drive controller;

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A timing diagram of the operation of the fixed frequency determiner;

[0032] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A table of exemplary flicker value storage units;

[0033] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a display device;

[0034] Figure 6It is shown Figure 5 A circuit diagram of a pixel of a display panel;

[0035] Figure 7 is shown applied to Figure 6 A timing diagram of an input signal of a pixel;

[0036] Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 2 a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value before a data remapping operation of a data remapper;

[0037] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 It is shown Figure 2 a graph of the operation of a data remapper;

[0038] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 2 A table of operations for a data remapper;

[0039] Fig.12 It is shown in Figure 2 a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value after a data remapping operation of a data remapper;

[0040] Fig.13 is a circuit diagram showing a pixel of a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.14 is shown applied to Fig.13 A timing diagram of an input signal of a pixel;

[0042] Fig.15 It is shown in Figure 2 a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value before a data remapping operation of a data remapper;

[0043] Fig.16 It is shown Figure 2 a graph of the operation of a data remapper;

[0044] Fig.17 It is shown Figure 2 A table of operations for a data remapper;

[0045] Fig.18 It is shown in Figure 2 a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value after a data remapping operation of a data remapper;

[0046] Fig.19 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Fig.21 It is shown Fig. 20 A block diagram of a driving controller of a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 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 and a data driver 500.

[0052] In one example, the driving controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed. In another example, the driving controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed. A driving module including at least the driving controller 200 and the data driver 500 integrally formed may be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver (TED).

[0053] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of pixels connected to both of the plurality of gate lines GL and the plurality of data lines DL. The gate lines GL extend in a first direction D1, and the data lines DL extend in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.

[0054] The driving controller 200 receives input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from an external device (not shown). The input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The input image data IMG may further include white image data. The input image data IMG may further include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a main clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may further include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0055] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 , a second control signal CONT2 , a third control signal CONT3 , and a data signal DATA based on input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT.

[0056] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0057] The driving controller 200 generates a second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 500 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0058] The driving controller 200 generates a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG. The driving controller 200 outputs the data signal DATA to the data driver 500.

[0059] For example, the driving controller 200 may adjust the driving frequency of the display panel 100 based on the input image data IMG.

[0060] The driving controller 200 generates a third control signal CONT3 for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400 .

[0061] The gate driver 300 generates a gate signal for driving the gate line GL in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the driving controller 200. The gate driver 300 outputs the gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 may sequentially output a plurality of gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL. For example, the gate driver 300 may be mounted on the display panel 100. For example, the gate driver 300 may be integrated on the display panel 100.

[0062] 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.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be integrally formed with the driving controller 200 , or integrally formed with the data driver 500 .

[0064] 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 plurality of data voltages of an analog type by using the gamma reference voltage VGREF. The data driver 500 outputs the plurality of data voltages to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0065] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the structure and operation of the drive controller 200 are explained in detail.

[0066] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a driving controller 200 . Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 1 is a timing diagram of the operation of the fixed frequency determiner 210. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A table of exemplary flicker value storage unit 240 is shown.

[0067] like Figure 2 As depicted, the driving controller 200 may include a still image determiner 220, a driving frequency determiner 230, a flicker value storage unit 240, and a data remapper 250. The driving controller 200 may further include a fixed frequency determiner 210.

[0068] The fixed frequency determiner 210 may determine whether the input frequency of the input image data IMG is of a normal type. For example, the fixed frequency determiner 210 may determine whether the input frequency of the input image data IMG is of a normal type by counting the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC, or by counting the number of pulses of the data enable signal DE between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC.

[0069] like Figure 3As depicted, the duration between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC may be defined as one frame. When the input frequency of the input image data IMG is 60 Hz, the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC may be 60. In addition, when the input frequency of the input image data IMG is 60 Hz, the number of pulses of the data enable signal DE between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC may be 60. When the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC or the number of pulses of the data enable signal DE between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is equal to the input frequency, the fixed frequency determiner 210 may determine that the input frequency of the input image data IMG is of a normal type. On the contrary, when the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC or the number of pulses of the data enable signal DE between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is not equal to the input frequency, the fixed frequency determiner 210 may determine that the input frequency of the input image data IMG is not of a normal type.

[0070] The fixed frequency determiner 210 may generate a frequency flag FF indicating whether the input frequency of the input image data IMG is of a normal type. The fixed frequency determiner 210 may output the frequency flag FF to the driving frequency determiner 230. The driving frequency determiner 230 may determine the driving frequency of the display panel 100 based on the frequency flag FF. For example, when the input frequency of the input image data IMG is not of a normal type, the driving frequency determiner 230 may drive the switching element in the pixel not at a low driving frequency but at a normal driving frequency. In this case, it is possible that the display panel 100 may generate a display defect due to the normal driving frequency. In addition, when the input frequency of the input image data IMG is not of a normal type, the still image determiner 220 may not operate because the driving frequency is fixed to the normal driving frequency when the input frequency of the input image data IMG is not of a normal type.

[0071] The still image determiner 220 may determine whether the input image data IMG is a still image or a video image. The still image determiner 220 may output a flag SF indicating whether the input image data IMG is a still image or a video image to the driving frequency determiner 230. For example, when the input image data IMG is a still image, the still image determiner 220 may output a flag SF of 1 to the driving frequency determiner 230. When the input image data IMG is a video image, the still image determiner 220 may output a flag SF of 0 to the driving frequency determiner 230. When the display panel 100 is operated in the always-on mode, the still image determiner 220 may output a flag SF of 1 to the driving frequency determiner 230.

[0072] When the flag SF is 1, the driving frequency determiner 230 may drive the switching element in the pixel at a low driving frequency.

[0073] When the flag SF is 0, the driving frequency determiner 230 may drive the switching element in the pixel at a normal driving frequency.

[0074] The driving frequency determiner 230 may determine the low driving frequency with reference to the flicker value storage unit 240. The flicker value storage unit 240 may include a flicker value representing a degree of flicker according to a grayscale value of the input image data IMG.

[0075] The flicker value storage unit 240 may store grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG and flicker values ​​corresponding to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG. The flicker values ​​may be used to determine the driving frequency of the display panel 100. For example, the flicker value storage unit 240 may have a lookup table type.

[0076] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the grayscale value of the input image data IMG may be 8 bits, the minimum grayscale value of the input image data IMG may be 0, and the maximum grayscale value of the input image data IMG may be 255. The number of flicker setting levels of the flicker value storage unit 240 may be 64. When the number of flicker setting levels increases, flicker may be effectively removed, but the logic size of the driving controller 200 may increase. Therefore, the number of flicker setting levels may be limited.

[0077] Despite Figure 4 The input grayscale value of the input image data IMG is 8 bits, but the inventive concept may not be limited.

[0078] exist Figure 4, the number of gray values ​​of the input image data IMG is 256, and the number of flicker setting levels is 64, so that a single flicker value in the flicker value storage unit 240 can correspond to four gray values. For example, the first flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for gray values ​​of 0 to 3. Here, the flicker value of 0 can represent a driving frequency of 1 Hz. For example, the second flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for gray values ​​of 4 to 7. Here, the flicker value of 0 can represent a driving frequency of 1 Hz. For example, the third flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 40 for gray values ​​of 8 to 11. Here, the flicker value of 40 can represent a driving frequency of 2 Hz. For example, the fourth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 80 for gray values ​​of 12 to 15. Here, the flicker value of 80 can represent a driving frequency of 5 Hz. For example, the fifth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 120 for gray values ​​of 16 to 19. Here, the flicker value of 120 can represent a driving frequency of 10 Hz. For example, the sixth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 160 for gray values ​​of 20 to 23. Here, the flicker value of 160 may represent a driving frequency of 30 Hz. For example, the seventh flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 200 for gray values ​​of 24 to 27. Here, the flicker value of 200 may represent a driving frequency of 60 Hz. For example, the sixty-second flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for gray values ​​of 244 to 247. Here, the flicker value of 0 may represent a driving frequency of 1 Hz. For example, the sixty-third flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for gray values ​​of 248 to 251. Here, the flicker value of 0 may represent a driving frequency of 1 Hz. For example, the sixty-fourth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for gray values ​​of 252 to 255. Here, the flicker value of 0 may represent a driving frequency of 1 Hz.

[0079] Return to reference Figure 2 , the data remapper 250 may convert the grayscale value of the input image data IMG to reduce the size of the maximum driving grayscale area corresponding to the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode. If the size of the maximum driving grayscale area corresponding to the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode is reduced, the possibility of driving at the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode is reduced, so that the power consumption of the display device can be reduced.

[0080] For example, when the input image data IMG is a still image, the data remapper 250 may convert the grayscale value of the input image data IMG. On the contrary, when the input image data IMG is a video image, the data remapper 250 may not convert the grayscale value of the input image data IMG.

[0081] For example, the converted grayscale value is converted by the data remapper 250 , and the driving frequency determiner 230 may apply the converted grayscale value to the flicker value storage unit 240 to determine the driving frequency of the display panel 100 .

[0082] In the present exemplary embodiment, the data remapper 250 may include a data remapping lookup table for generating a converted gray value by multiplying a conversion gain by a gray value of the input image data IMG.

[0083] For example, the flicker value storage unit 240 and the data remapping lookup table may be formed in the same memory. Alternatively, the flicker value storage unit 240 and the data remapping lookup table may be formed in different memories, respectively.

[0084] Reference Figures 8 to 12 and Figures 15 to 18 , the operation of the data remapper 250 will be explained in detail.

[0085] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a display device. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 1 is a circuit diagram of a pixel of the display panel 100. Figure 7 is shown applied to Figure 6 Timing diagram of the pixel input signal.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 , the display panel driver may further include an emission driver 600 .

[0087] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines GWPL, GWNL, GIL, and GBL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of emission lines EL, and a plurality of pixels electrically connected to the plurality of gate lines GWPL, GWNL, GIL, and GBL, the plurality of data lines DL, and the plurality of emission lines EL. The plurality of gate lines GWPL, GWNL, GIL, and GBL may extend in a first direction D1, the plurality of data lines DL may extend in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and the plurality of emission lines EL may extend in the first direction D1.

[0088] The driving controller 200 may further generate a fourth control signal CONT4 based on the input control signal CONT.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel includes an organic light emitting element OLED.

[0091] After each pixel receives the data write gate signal GW, the data initialization gate signal GI, the organic light emitting element initialization signal GB, the data voltage VDATA and the emission signal EM, the organic light emitting element OLED of the pixel emits light corresponding to the level of the data voltage VDATA to display an image.

[0092] In this exemplary embodiment, the pixel may include a first type of switching element and a second type of switching element different from the first type. For example, the first type of switching element may be a polysilicon thin film transistor. For example, the first type of switching element may be a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) thin film transistor. For example, the second type of switching element may be an oxide thin film transistor. For example, the first type of switching element may be a P-type transistor, and the second type of switching element may be an N-type transistor.

[0093] For example, the data write gate signal GW may include a first data write gate signal GWP and a second data write gate signal GWN. The first data write gate signal GWP may be applied to a P-type transistor so that the first data write gate signal GWP has a low-level activation signal corresponding to the data write timing. The second data write gate signal GWN may be applied to an N-type transistor so that the second data write gate signal GWN has a high-level activation signal corresponding to the data write timing.

[0094] like Figure 6 As depicted, at least one of the plurality of pixels may include first to seventh pixel switching elements T1 to T7, a storage capacitor CST, and an organic light emitting element OLED.

[0095] The first pixel switching element T1 includes a control electrode connected to the first node N1, an input electrode connected to the second node N2, and an output electrode connected to the third node N3.

[0096] For example, the first pixel switch element T1 may be a polysilicon thin film transistor. For example, the first pixel switch element T1 may be a P-type thin film transistor. The control electrode of the first pixel switch element T1 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the first pixel switch element T1 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the first pixel switch element T1 may be a drain electrode.

[0097] The second pixel switching element T2 includes a control electrode to which the first data write gate signal GWP is applied, an input electrode to which the data voltage VDATA is applied, and an output electrode connected to the second node N2.

[0098] For example, the second pixel switch element T2 may be a polysilicon thin film transistor. For example, the second pixel switch element T2 may be a P-type thin film transistor. The control electrode of the second pixel switch element T2 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the second pixel switch element T2 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the second pixel switch element T2 may be a drain electrode.

[0099] The third pixel switching element T3 includes a control electrode to which the second data write gate signal GWN is applied, an input electrode connected to the first node N1, and an output electrode connected to the third node N3.

[0100] For example, the third pixel switch element T3 may be an oxide thin film transistor. For example, the third pixel switch element T3 may be an N-type thin film transistor. The control electrode of the third pixel switch element T3 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the third pixel switch element T3 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the third pixel switch element T3 may be a drain electrode.

[0101] The fourth pixel switching element T4 includes a control electrode to which the data initialization gate signal GI is applied, an input electrode to which the initialization voltage VI is applied, and an output electrode connected to the first node N1.

[0102] For example, the fourth pixel switch element T4 may be an oxide thin film transistor. For example, the fourth pixel switch element T4 may be an N-type thin film transistor. The control electrode of the fourth pixel switch element T4 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the fourth pixel switch element T4 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the fourth pixel switch element T4 may be a drain electrode.

[0103] The fifth pixel switching element T5 includes a control electrode to which the emission signal EM is applied, an input electrode to which the high power voltage ELVDD is applied, and an output electrode connected to the second node N2.

[0104] For example, the fifth pixel switch element T5 may be a polysilicon thin film transistor. For example, the fifth pixel switch element T5 may be a P-type thin film transistor. The control electrode of the fifth pixel switch element T5 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the fifth pixel switch element T5 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the fifth pixel switch element T5 may be a drain electrode.

[0105] The sixth pixel switching element T6 includes a control electrode to which the emission signal EM is applied, an input electrode connected to the third node N3, and an output electrode connected to the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0106] For example, the sixth pixel switch element T6 may be a polysilicon thin film transistor. For example, the sixth pixel switch element T6 may be a P-type thin film transistor. The control electrode of the sixth pixel switch element T6 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the sixth pixel switch element T6 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the sixth pixel switch element T6 may be a drain electrode.

[0107] The seventh pixel switching element T7 includes a control electrode to which the organic light emitting element initialization gate signal GB is applied, an input electrode to which the initialization voltage V1 is applied, and an output electrode connected to the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0108] For example, the seventh pixel switch element T7 may be an oxide thin film transistor. For example, the seventh pixel switch element T7 may be an N-type thin film transistor. The control electrode of the seventh pixel switch element T7 may be a gate electrode, the input electrode of the seventh pixel switch element T7 may be a source electrode, and the output electrode of the seventh pixel switch element T7 may be a drain electrode.

[0109] The storage capacitor CST includes a first electrode to which the high power voltage ELVDD is applied and a second electrode connected to the first node N1.

[0110] The organic light emitting element OLED includes an anode and a cathode to which a low power voltage ELVSS is applied.

[0111] exist Figure 7 During the first duration DU1, the first node N1 and the storage capacitor CST are initialized in response to the data initialization gate signal GI. During the second duration DU2, the threshold voltage of the first pixel switch element T1 is compensated, and the data voltage VDATA is written to the first node N1 in response to the first data write gate signal GWP and the second data write gate signal GWN, and the threshold voltage is compensated by the data voltage VDATA. In addition, during the second duration DU2, the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED is initialized in response to the organic light emitting element initialization gate signal GB. During the third duration DU3, the organic light emitting element OLED emits light in response to the emission signal EM, so that the display panel 100 displays an image.

[0112] Although the organic light emitting element initialization gate signal GB has the same timing as the timing of the first data write gate signal GWP and the timing of the second data write gate signal GWN in the present exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure may not be limited. The organic light emitting element initialization gate signal GB may have a timing different from the timing of the first data write gate signal GWP and the timing of the second data write gate signal GWN.

[0113] In the present exemplary embodiment, some of the plurality of pixel switching elements may be designed by using oxide thin film transistors. In the present exemplary embodiment, the third pixel switching element T3, the fourth pixel switching element T4, and the seventh pixel switching element T7 may be oxide thin film transistors. The first pixel switching element T1, the second pixel switching element T2, the fifth pixel switching element T5, and the sixth pixel switching element T6 may be polysilicon thin film transistors.

[0114] The display panel 100 may be driven in a normal driving mode in which the display panel 100 is driven at a normal driving frequency and a low frequency driving mode in which the display panel 100 is driven at a frequency lower than the normal driving frequency.

[0115] For example, when the input image data represents a video image, the display panel 100 may be driven in a normal driving mode. For example, when the input image data represents a still image, the display panel 100 may be driven in a low frequency driving mode. For example, when the display device operates in an always-on mode, the display panel 100 may be driven in a low frequency driving mode.

[0116] The display panel 100 may be driven in units of frames. In a normal driving mode, the display panel 100 may be refreshed in each frame. Therefore, the normal driving mode includes only a writing frame in which data is written in pixels.

[0117] In the low frequency driving mode, the display panel 100 may be refreshed at a frequency of the low frequency driving mode. Therefore, the low frequency driving mode includes a writing frame for writing data in pixels and a holding frame for maintaining the written data without writing data in pixels.

[0118] For example, when the frequency of the normal driving mode is 60 Hz and the frequency of the low-frequency driving mode is 1 Hz, the low-frequency driving mode includes one write frame and fifty-nine hold frames in one second. For example, when the frequency of the normal driving mode is 60 Hz and the frequency of the low-frequency driving mode is 1 Hz, fifty-nine consecutive hold frames are arranged between two adjacent write frames.

[0119] For example, when the frequency of the normal driving mode is 60 Hz and the frequency of the low-frequency driving mode is 10 Hz, the low-frequency driving mode includes ten write frames and fifty hold frames in one second. For example, when the frequency of the normal driving mode is 60 Hz and the frequency of the low-frequency driving mode is 10 Hz, five consecutive hold frames are arranged between two adjacent write frames.

[0120] Figure 2The driving controller 200 in the exemplary embodiment may be applied to the structure of the display panel 100 of the exemplary embodiment. When the flag SF is 1, the driving frequency determiner 230 may drive the first type of switching element at a normal driving frequency and drive the second type of switching element at a low driving frequency. When the flag SF is 0, the driving frequency determiner 230 may drive the first type of switching element and the second type of switching element at a normal driving frequency.

[0121] For example, the second data write gate signal GWN and the data initialization gate signal GI may have a first frequency in the low frequency driving mode. The first frequency may be the frequency of the low frequency driving mode. Conversely, the first data write gate signal GWP, the emission signal EM, and the organic light emitting element initialization gate signal GB may have a second frequency greater than the first frequency. The second frequency may be the normal frequency of the normal driving mode.

[0122] Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value before the data remapping operation of the data remapper 250 . Fig. 9 and Fig.10 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a graph of the operation of the data remapper 250 . Fig.11 It is shown Figure 2 A table of operations of the data remapper 250 is shown. Fig.12 It is shown in Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value after a data remapping operation of the data remapper 250 .

[0123] Figures 8 to 12 Indicates application to Figure 6 An instance of a data remapping operation on a pixel structure.

[0124] Reference Figures 1 to 12 , in the lower grayscale region, for Figure 6 The pixel structure can generate flicker. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the maximum frequency grayscale region corresponding to the maximum driving frequency (eg, 60 Hz) in the low frequency driving mode may be defined as a region equal to or greater than the first grayscale value and less than or equal to the second grayscale value. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the size of the maximum frequency grayscale region may be represented as W1. For example, the first grayscale value may be 18, and the second grayscale value may be 30. The central grayscale value of the maximum frequency grayscale region may be 24.

[0125] The data remapper 250 may generate a converted grayscale value (output grayscale value) by multiplying the grayscale value of the input image data IMG by the conversion gain G2. When the conversion gain G2 is 1, the input grayscale value may be equal to the converted grayscale value. When the conversion gain G2 is greater than 1, the converted grayscale value may be greater than the input grayscale value. When the conversion gain G2 is less than 1, the converted grayscale value may be less than the input grayscale value.

[0126] The conversion gain G2 for generating the maximum frequency grayscale region of the conversion may be less than 1 in the first conversion region and may be greater than 1 in the second conversion region. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment, the first conversion region may be a grayscale region equal to or greater than 13 and equal to or less than 23. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment, the second conversion region may be a grayscale region equal to or greater than 25 and equal to or less than 35.

[0127] In the grayscale region, except for the first conversion region and the second conversion region, the conversion gain G2 may be 1. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the first gain line G1 represents a conversion gain of 1. The first gain line G1 is shown for comparison with a curve of a conversion gain G2 of the present exemplary embodiment.

[0128] The maximum frequency grayscale region W1 may be converted into a converted maximum frequency grayscale region W2 by the driving controller 200 .

[0129] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment, the maximum frequency grayscale region W2 corresponding to the maximum driving frequency (eg, 60 Hz) in the low frequency driving mode may be defined as a region equal to or greater than the third grayscale value and less than or equal to the fourth grayscale value. Fig.12 In the figure, the size of the converted maximum frequency grayscale area can be expressed as W2.

[0130] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the grayscale values ​​between 18 and 30 may be driven at a maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. The input grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG may be converted into converted grayscale values ​​by the data remapper 250. Fig.11 In the example, the input grayscale value of 18 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 16.5. The converted grayscale value of 16.5 is located at Figure 8 In this way, when the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale value of 18 of the input image data IMG, the input grayscale value of 18 of the input image data IMG can be driven at a driving frequency less than the maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. Fig.11In the example, the input grayscale value of 19 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 17.75. The converted grayscale value of 17.75 is located at Figure 8 In this way, when the data remapping operation is applied to the grayscale value of the input of the input image data IMG 19, the grayscale value of the input of the input image data IMG 19 can be driven at a driving frequency less than the maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. Fig.11 In the example, the input grayscale value of 20 is converted to the converted grayscale value of 19. The converted grayscale value of 19 is located at Figure 8 The maximum frequency grayscale region range (between 18 and 30) in FIG. Therefore, although the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale value of 20 of the input image data IMG, the input grayscale value of 20 of the input image data IMG can be driven at a maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz.

[0131] Similarly, in Fig.11 In the example, the input grayscale value of 30 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 31.5. The converted grayscale value of 31.5 is located at Figure 8 In this way, when the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale value of the input image data IMG 30, the input grayscale value of the input image data IMG 30 can be driven at a driving frequency less than the maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. Fig.11 In the example, the input grayscale value of 29 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 30.25. The converted grayscale value of 30.25 is located at Figure 8 In this way, when the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale value of 29 of the input image data IMG, the input grayscale value of 29 of the input image data IMG can be driven at a driving frequency less than the maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. Fig.11 In the example, the input grayscale value of 28 is converted to the converted grayscale value of 29. The converted grayscale value of 29 is located at Figure 8 28 of the input image data IMG, the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG 28 may be driven at a maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz.

[0132] As explained above, the third grayscale value and the fourth grayscale value defining the maximum frequency grayscale region W2 of the conversion may be 20 and 28, respectively. As a result, the data remapping operation by the data remapper 250 is performed according to Figure 8The driving frequency curve of the input grayscale value of the input image data IMG is converted into a curve according to Fig.12 Graph of driving frequency of input grayscale value of input image data IMG. Therefore, through the data remapping operation of the data remapper 250, the maximum frequency grayscale area corresponding to the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode can be reduced.

[0133] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the driving frequency is determined according to the image displayed on the display panel 100, so that the power consumption of the display device can be reduced. In addition, the driving frequency is determined by using the flicker value of the image on the display panel 100, so that the flicker of the image can be prevented, and the display quality of the display panel 100 can be enhanced. In addition, the high-frequency driving grayscale area (the high-frequency driving grayscale area is driven at a high driving frequency to prevent flicker) can be reduced by the data remapping method, so that the power consumption of the display device can be further reduced.

[0134] Fig.13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a pixel of a display panel 100 of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 is shown applied to Fig.13 Timing diagram of the pixel input signal.

[0135] The display device and the method of driving the display panel 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment are substantially the same as those of the reference numeral 100 except for an overview of a pixel structure of the display panel 100 and a flicker of a grayscale value according to the pixel structure. Figures 1 to 12 The display device and the method of driving the display panel 100 of the previously explained exemplary embodiment are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same Figures 1 to 12 The same or similar parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein, and any repeated explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted.

[0136] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 The display panel 100 includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes an organic light emitting element OLED.

[0137] After each pixel receives the data write gate signal GW, the data initialization gate signal GI, the organic light emitting element initialization signal GB, the data voltage VDATA and the emission signal EM, the organic light emitting element OLED of the pixel emits light corresponding to the level of the data voltage VDATA to display an image.

[0138] like Fig.14As depicted, although the organic light emitting element initialization gate signal GB has the same timing as the data writing gate signal GW in the present exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The organic light emitting element initialization gate signal GB may have a timing different from that of the data writing gate signal GW.

[0139] In this exemplary embodiment, the pixel may include a first type of switching element. For example, the first type of switching element may be a polysilicon thin film transistor. For example, the first type of switching element may be a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) thin film transistor. For example, the first type of switching element may be a P-type transistor.

[0140] At least one of the plurality of pixels may include first to seventh pixel switching elements T1 to T7, a storage capacitor CST, and an organic light emitting element OLED. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first to seventh pixel switching elements T1 to T7 may be P-type thin film transistors.

[0141] Fig.15 It is shown in Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value before the data remapping operation of the data remapper 250 . Fig.16 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a graph of the operation of the data remapper 250 . Fig.17 It is shown Figure 2 A table of operations of the data remapper 250 is shown. Fig.18 It is shown in Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a graph of a driving frequency according to an input grayscale value after a data remapping operation of the data remapper 250 .

[0142] Figures 15 to 18 Can be applied to Fig.13 The pixel structure of the data remapping operation.

[0143] Reference Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 13 to 18 , for example, in higher grayscale regions, for Fig.13 The pixel structure can generate flicker. For example, Fig.15 In the embodiment, the maximum frequency grayscale region corresponding to the maximum driving frequency (eg, 60 Hz) in the low frequency driving mode may be defined as a region equal to or greater than the first grayscale value. Fig.15 In FIG. 1 , the size of the maximum frequency grayscale region may be expressed as W3. For example, the first grayscale value may be 97.

[0144] The data remapper 250 may generate a converted grayscale value (output grayscale value) by multiplying the grayscale value of the input image data IMG by the conversion gain G4. When the conversion gain G4 is 1, the input grayscale value may be equal to the converted grayscale value. When the conversion gain G4 is greater than 1, the converted grayscale value may be greater than the input grayscale value. When the conversion gain G4 is less than 1, the converted grayscale value may be less than the input grayscale value.

[0145] The conversion gain G4 for generating the converted maximum frequency grayscale region may be equal to or less than 1. For example, the conversion gain G4 may be equal to or less than 1 in the entire grayscale region.

[0146] exist Fig.16 , the third gain line G3 represents a conversion gain of 1. The third gain line G3 is shown for comparison with a curve of a conversion gain G4 of the present exemplary embodiment.

[0147] The maximum frequency grayscale area W3 may be converted into a converted maximum frequency grayscale area W4 by the driving controller 200 .

[0148] exist Fig.18 In the embodiment, the maximum frequency grayscale region W4 of the conversion corresponding to the maximum driving frequency (eg, 60 Hz) in the low frequency driving mode may be defined as a region equal to or greater than the second grayscale value. Fig.18 In the figure, the size of the converted maximum frequency grayscale area can be expressed as W4.

[0149] exist Fig.15 In the embodiment, a grayscale value equal to or greater than 97 may be driven at a maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. The input grayscale value of the input image data IMG may be converted into a converted grayscale value by the data remapper 250. Fig.17 In the example, the input grayscale value of 97 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 88.1. The converted grayscale value of 88.1 is located at Fig.15 In this way, when the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale value of 97 of the input image data IMG, the input grayscale value of 97 of the input image data IMG can be driven at a driving frequency less than the maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. Fig.17 In the example, the input grayscale value of 98 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 89.1. The converted grayscale value of 89.1 is located at Fig.15 In this way, when the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale value of 98 of the input image data IMG, the input grayscale value of 98 of the input image data IMG can be driven at a driving frequency less than the maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. Fig.17In the example, the input grayscale value of 105 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 96.1. The converted grayscale value of 96.1 is located at Fig.15 In this way, when the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale value of the input image data IMG 105, the input grayscale value of the input image data IMG 105 can be driven at a driving frequency less than the maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz. Fig.17 In the example, the input grayscale value of 106 is converted to a converted grayscale value of 97.1. The converted grayscale value of 97.1 is located at Fig.15 Therefore, although the data remapping operation is applied to the input grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG 106, the input grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG 106 may be driven at a maximum driving frequency of 60 Hz.

[0150] As explained above, the second grayscale value defining the maximum frequency grayscale region W4 for conversion may be 106. As a result, the data remapping operation by the data remapper 250 is performed according to Fig.15 The driving frequency curve diagram of the input multiple gray values ​​of the input image data IMG is converted into a curve diagram according to Fig.18 Graph of driving frequencies of multiple grayscale values ​​of input image data IMG. Therefore, a maximum frequency grayscale area corresponding to the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode can be reduced by the data remapping operation of the data remapper 250.

[0151] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the driving frequency is determined according to the image displayed on the display panel 100, so that the power consumption of the display device can be reduced. In addition, the driving frequency is determined by using the flicker value of the image on the display panel 100, so that the flicker of the image can be prevented, and the display quality of the display panel 100 can be enhanced. In addition, through the data remapping method, the high-frequency driving grayscale area (the high-frequency driving grayscale area is driven at a high driving frequency to prevent flickering) can be reduced, so that the power consumption of the display device can be further reduced.

[0152] Fig.19 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller 200A of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] The display device and the method of driving the display panel 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment are substantially the same as those of the reference 100 except for the structure of the driving controller 200A. Figures 1 to 12 The display device and the method of driving the display panel 100 of the previously explained exemplary embodiment are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same Figures 1 to 12The same or similar parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein, and any repeated explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted.

[0154] Reference Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 12 and Fig.19 The driving controller 200A may include a still image determiner 220 , a driving frequency determiner 230 , a flicker value storage unit 240 , and a data remapper 250A. The driving controller 200 may further include a fixed frequency determiner 210 .

[0155] In the present exemplary embodiment, the data remapper 250A may be formed as a logic unit instead of a lookup table.

[0156] In the present exemplary embodiment, the data remapper 250A may receive the flag SF and the input image data IMG from the still image determiner 220. The data remapper 250A may multiply the conversion gain by the input gray value of the input image data IMG to generate a converted gray value. The data remapper 250A may output the converted image data CIMG having the converted gray value to the driving frequency determiner 230.

[0157] For example, the data remapper 250A may extract a luminance component from a grayscale value of the input image data IMG, may multiply a luminance compensation gain by the extracted luminance component to generate a converted luminance component, and may generate a converted grayscale value based on the converted luminance component.

[0158] For example, the input image data IMG may be defined in an RGB color space. The data remapper 250A may convert the input image data IMG having the RGB color space into the input image data IMG having the YCbCr color space. Alternatively, the data remapper 250A may convert the input image data IMG having the RGB color space into the input image data IMG having the YCocg color space. The data remapper 250A may extract the luminance component of the input image data IMG from the input image data IMG having the YCbCr color space or the YCoCg color space.

[0159] The data remapper 250A may multiply the brightness compensation gain by the brightness component (Y component) of the input image data IMG to generate a compensated brightness component. The data remapper 250A may convert the image data having the YCbCr color space or the YCoCg color space to which the compensated brightness component is reflected into the image data having the RGB color space to generate converted image data CIMG.

[0160] The data remapper 250A may multiply the brightness conversion gain to generate the converted image data CIMG such that the color coordinates of the converted image data CIMG may be maintained.

[0161] The drive controller 200A of the present exemplary embodiment can be applied to Figures 13 to 18 Embodiment of the invention.

[0162] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the driving frequency is determined according to the image displayed on the display panel 100, so that the power consumption of the display device can be reduced. In addition, the driving frequency is determined by using the flicker value of the image on the display panel 100, so that the flicker of the image can be prevented and the display quality of the display panel 100 can be enhanced. In addition, through the data remapping method, the high-frequency driving grayscale area (the high-frequency driving grayscale area is driven at a high driving frequency to prevent flicker) can be reduced, so that the power consumption of the display device can be further reduced.

[0163] Fig. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display panel 100 of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.21 It is shown Fig. 20 1 is a block diagram of a driving controller 200B for a display device.

[0164] The display device and the method of driving the display panel 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment are substantially the same as those of the reference numerals except that the display panel 100 is divided into a plurality of segments. Figures 1 to 12 The display device and the method of driving the display panel 100 of the previously explained exemplary embodiment are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same Figures 1 to 12 The same or similar parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein, and any repeated explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted.

[0165] Reference Fig. 20 , the display panel 100 may include a plurality of segments SEG11 to SEG55. Although the display panel 100 includes a plurality of segments in a five-by-five matrix in the present exemplary embodiment, the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0166] When the flicker value is determined in units of pixels and only one pixel has a high flicker value, the entire display panel 100 may be driven at a high driving frequency to prevent flicker in the one pixel. For example, when flicker of only one pixel is prevented at a driving frequency of 30 Hz and other pixels do not generate flicker at a driving frequency of 1 Hz, the display panel 100 may be driven at a driving frequency of 30 Hz, and the power consumption of the display device may be higher than necessary.

[0167] Therefore, when the display panel 100 is divided into a plurality of segments and the flicker value is determined in units of the segments, the power consumption of the display device can be effectively reduced.

[0168] The driving controller 200B may determine optimal driving frequencies for the plurality of segments, and may determine a maximum driving frequency among the optimal driving frequencies for the plurality of segments as a low driving frequency of the display panel 100 .

[0169] For example, when the optimal driving frequency for the first segment SEG11 is 10 Hz and the optimal driving frequencies for the other segments SEG12 to SEG55 except the first segment SEG11 are 2 Hz, the driving controller 200B may determine the low driving frequency to be 10 Hz.

[0170] like Fig.21 As depicted, the driving controller 200B may include a still image determiner 220, a driving frequency determiner 230, a flicker value storage unit 240B, and a data remapper 250. The driving controller 200B may further include a fixed frequency determiner 210.

[0171] The driving frequency determiner 230 may determine the low driving frequency with reference to the flicker value storage unit 240B and information of the segments of the display panel 100 .

[0172] The drive controller 200B of this exemplary embodiment can be applied to Figures 13 to 18 Embodiment of the invention.

[0173] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the driving frequency is determined according to the image displayed on the display panel 100, so that the power consumption of the display device can be reduced. In addition, the driving frequency is determined by using the flicker value of the image on the display panel 100, so that the flicker of the image can be prevented and the display quality of the display panel 100 can be enhanced. In addition, through the data remapping method, the high-frequency driving grayscale area (the high-frequency driving grayscale area is driven at a high driving frequency to prevent flicker) can be reduced, so that the power consumption of the display device can be further reduced.

[0174] In operation, the method of driving the display panel 100 includes: a step of selectively determining a driving mode of the display device between a normal driving mode and a low-frequency driving mode, a step of converting a grayscale value of input image data IMG to reduce a size of a maximum frequency grayscale region corresponding to a maximum driving frequency in the low-frequency driving mode, a step of determining a driving frequency of the display panel 100 by using a flicker value storage unit configured to store a flicker value for a grayscale value of the input image data IMG, a step of outputting a gate signal to the display panel 100 based on the driving frequency, and a step of outputting a data voltage to the display panel 100 based on the driving frequency.

[0175] Specifically, the step of determining the driving frequency includes: a step of determining whether the input image data IMG is a still image or a video image, a step of generating a flag indicating whether the input image data IMG is a still image or a video image, a step of determining a driving mode of the display device between a normal driving mode and a low-frequency driving mode based on the flag, and a step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel 100 by using a flicker value storage unit.

[0176] More specifically, the step of converting the grayscale value of the input image data IMG includes: a step of extracting a brightness component from the grayscale value of the input image data IMG, a step of multiplying a brightness compensation gain by the extracted brightness component of the input image data IMG to generate a compensated brightness component, and a step of generating a converted grayscale value based on the compensated brightness component.

[0177] According to the present disclosure as explained above, power consumption of the display device may be reduced and the display quality of the display panel 100 may be enhanced.

[0178] The foregoing illustrates the present disclosure and is not to be construed as limiting. Although some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. In the claims, method-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the enumerated functions, and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it will be understood that the foregoing is an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as being limited to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments as well as other exemplary embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In the case where equivalents of the claims are included therein, the present disclosure is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel configured to display an image based on input image data; a gate driver configured to output a gate signal to the display panel; a data driver configured to output a data voltage to the display panel; as well as a driving controller configured to control an operation of the gate driver and an operation of the data driver to selectively determine a driving mode of the display device between a normal driving mode and a low frequency driving mode, and determine a driving frequency of the display panel based on the input image data, Wherein, the drive controller comprises: a flicker value storage unit configured to store a plurality of flicker values ​​for a plurality of grayscale values ​​of the input image data; and a data remapper configured to convert the grayscale value of the input image data to reduce the size of a maximum frequency grayscale region corresponding to a maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode, Wherein, the grayscale value in the maximum frequency grayscale area is driven at the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The drive controller further comprises: a still image determiner configured to determine, based on the input image data, whether the input image data is a still image or a video image, and configured to generate a flag indicating whether the input image data is the still image or the video image; and A driving frequency determiner is configured to selectively determine the driving mode of the display device between the normal driving mode and the low-frequency driving mode based on the flag, and is configured to determine the driving frequency of the display panel by using the flicker value storage unit.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The data remapper is configured to convert the grayscale value of the input image data when the input image data is the still image, and Wherein, the data remapper is configured not to convert the grayscale value of the input image data when the input image data is the video image.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The data remapper includes a data remapping lookup table configured to generate a converted grayscale value by multiplying a conversion gain by the grayscale value of the input image data.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The flicker value storage unit and the data remapping lookup table are formed in the same memory.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The data remapper is configured to receive the flag and the grayscale value of the input image data from the still image determiner, to multiply the grayscale value of the input image data by a conversion gain to generate a converted grayscale value, and to output the converted grayscale value to the driving frequency determiner.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The data remapper is configured to extract a luminance component from the grayscale value of the input image data, to multiply a luminance compensation gain by the extracted luminance component of the input image data to generate a compensated luminance component, and to generate the converted grayscale value based on the compensated luminance component.

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The driving controller further includes: a fixed frequency determiner, which is configured to determine whether the input frequency of the input image data is of a normal type by counting the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal or by counting the number of pulses of the data enable signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The fixed frequency determiner is configured to generate a frequency flag indicating whether the input frequency of the input image data has the normal type, and Wherein, the driving frequency determiner is configured to determine the driving frequency of the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum frequency grayscale region is defined as a region that is equal to or greater than the first grayscale value and less than or equal to the second grayscale value, wherein the converted maximum frequency grayscale region is converted by the driving controller, and the converted maximum frequency grayscale region is defined as a region equal to or greater than the third grayscale value and equal to or less than the fourth grayscale value, wherein the third grayscale value is greater than the first grayscale value, and The fourth grayscale value is smaller than the second grayscale value.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The conversion gain for generating the maximum frequency grayscale region of the conversion is less than 1 in the first conversion region and greater than 1 in the second conversion region.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum frequency grayscale region is defined as a region equal to or greater than the first grayscale value, wherein the converted maximum frequency grayscale region is converted by the driving controller, the converted maximum frequency grayscale region is defined as a region equal to or greater than the second grayscale value, and The second grayscale value is greater than the first grayscale value.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The conversion gain of the maximum frequency grayscale region used to generate the conversion is equal to or less than 1.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel includes a plurality of segments in a matrix form, and Wherein the driving controller is configured to determine the driving frequency of the display panel based on a plurality of optimal driving frequencies for the plurality of segments.

15. A method for driving a display panel, the method comprising: selectively determining a driving mode of a display device between a normal driving mode and a low-frequency driving mode, wherein the display device includes the display panel; converting the grayscale value of the input image data to reduce the size of the maximum frequency grayscale area corresponding to the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode; determining a driving frequency of the display panel by using a flicker value storage unit configured to store flicker values ​​for the grayscale values ​​of the input image data; outputting a gate signal to the display panel based on the driving frequency; and outputting a data voltage to the display panel based on the driving frequency, Wherein, the grayscale value in the maximum frequency grayscale area is driven at the maximum driving frequency in the low frequency driving mode.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining the driving frequency includes: selectively determining whether the input image data is a still image or a video image; generating a flag indicating whether the input image data is the still image or the video image; selectively determining the driving mode of the display device between the normal driving mode and the low-frequency driving mode based on the flag; and The driving frequency of the display panel is determined by using the flicker value storage unit.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: When the input image data is the still image, converting the grayscale value of the input image data, and Wherein, when the input image data is the video image, the grayscale value of the input image data is not converted.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Converting the grayscale value of the input image data includes generating a converted grayscale value by multiplying a conversion gain by the grayscale value of the input image data.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Converting the grayscale value of the input image data comprises: extracting a luminance component from the grayscale values ​​of the input image data; multiplying a brightness compensation gain by the extracted brightness component of the input image data to generate a compensated brightness component; and The converted grayscale value is generated based on the compensated luminance component.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Whether the input frequency of the input image data is of a normal type is determined by counting the number of pulses of the horizontal synchronization signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal or by counting the number of pulses of the data enable signal between the first pulse and the second pulse of the vertical synchronization signal.

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