Controller and display device including the controller

Abstract

A controller and a display device including the controller. A display device is disclosed, the display device including: a display panel having a plurality of pixels, each pixel including at least two sub-pixels, the display panel including a first display area and a second display area, the second display area being arranged to overlap with an optical module; a memory configured to store shape information of the second display area, the shape information of the second display area including position information of a starting point for indicating a boundary of the second display area, vertical length information of the second display area, and line-based direction information and width information; and a controller configured to change an image displayed in at least one of the first display area and the second display area using the shape information of the second display area, and to perform control so that the changed image is displayed on the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller and a display device including the controller. Background Art

[0002] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices configured to display images has increased in various forms. In recent years, various kinds of display devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices and organic light emitting display (OLED) devices have been utilized.

[0003] An electronic module such as a camera module or a sensor module may be placed or installed in such a display device. In the case where an electronic module such as a camera module or a sensor module is placed or installed in the display device, a camera hole may be formed in the display device, and the camera module may be disposed in the camera hole.

[0004] The camera hole may be provided in a display area of ​​the display device in which an image is displayed. In this case, the image is not displayed in the area formed with the camera hole, so that the image displayed on the display device is interrupted, which can be recognized by the user.

[0005] In addition, the camera hole may be provided in a bezel area of ​​the display device, in which case the bezel area is increased. Summary of the invention

[0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a controller capable of preventing problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art described above and a display device including the same.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a controller capable of performing control so that an image is displayed even in a region set to overlap with a camera, and a display device including the controller.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a controller capable of efficiently controlling information on pixels provided in a region provided to overlap a camera and a display device including the same.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a controller capable of controlling an image displayed in a region disposed to overlap a camera and a display device including the same.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the above purpose and other purposes can be achieved by providing a display device, which includes: a display panel, the display panel having a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including at least two sub-pixels, the display panel including a first display area and a second display area; an optical module, the optical module being disposed at a lower portion of the display panel, the optical module being disposed to overlap with the second display area of ​​the display panel; a memory, the memory being configured to store shape information of the second display area, the shape information of the second display area including position information of a starting point indicating a boundary of the second display area, vertical length information of the second display area, and line-based direction information and width information; and a controller, the controller being configured to use the shape information of the second display area to correct an image displayed in at least one of the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display panel, and to perform control so that the corrected image is displayed on the display panel.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, which includes: a display area information generation unit, which is configured to generate display area information of each of a plurality of pixels based on shape information of a second display area, the transmittance of the second display area being higher than the transmittance of the first display area; a boundary information generation unit, which is configured to generate boundary information of each of the plurality of pixels based on the shape information of the second display area; an image processing unit, which is configured to use at least one of the display area information and boundary information of each of the plurality of pixels to correct an image displayed on a display panel; and a control unit, which is configured to perform control so that the corrected image is displayed on the display panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A plan view of a display panel;

[0015] Figure 3 It shows the settings in Figure 2 an enlarged view of pixels in area A;

[0016] Figure 4is a view showing the configuration of a memory and a controller;

[0017] Figure 5A is a view illustrating a start point and a vertical length and direction information of a second display area when the second display area has a U-shape;

[0018] Figure 5B is a view illustrating a start point and a vertical length and direction information of a second display area when the second display area has a circular shape;

[0019] Figure 6 is a view illustrating left boundary information and right boundary information;

[0020] Figure 7 is a view showing an example of a second display area having a U-shape;

[0021] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A view showing an example of shape information of a second display area shown in FIG.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a view illustrating edge regions and boundary pixels;

[0023] Fig.10 is a view showing an example of display area information of each of a plurality of sub-pixels;

[0024] Fig.11 is a view showing an example of a boundary area and boundary information of each of a plurality of pixels;

[0025] Fig.12 is a view showing an example of a kernel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout this specification to represent the same or similar elements. In the following description, if the configuration and function known in the technical field of the present disclosure are irrelevant to the core configuration of the present disclosure, the detailed description of the configuration and function may be omitted. The meaning of the terms described in this specification must be understood as follows.

[0027] According to the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and their implementation methods will be more clearly understood. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided only to fully disclose the present disclosure and fully provide the scope of the present invention to ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0028] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, and quantities disclosed in the accompanying drawings for describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated details. Throughout this specification, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. In the following description, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration unnecessarily obscures the main points of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0029] In the case where “including”, “having” and “comprising” are used in the present specification, another part may also be present unless “only” is used. Terms in a singular form may include a plural meaning unless otherwise indicated.

[0030] When understanding an element, the element is construed as including a range of errors even if it is not explicitly described therefor.

[0031] In describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship is described as “on,” “above,” “below,” and “close to,” a case where there is no contact therebetween may be included unless “exactly” or “just” is used.

[0032] When describing a time relationship, for example, when a time sequence is described as "after," "afterwards," "next," and "before," discontinuous cases may be included unless "exactly" or "just" is used.

[0033] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, within the technical thinking of the present disclosure, the first element can be referred to as the second element.

[0034] The terms “X direction”, “Y direction”, and “Z direction” must not be interpreted only based on the geometric relationship that the above directions are perpendicular to each other, but may mean broader directivity within a range in which the configuration of the present disclosure is functionally applicable.

[0035] It should be understood that the term "at least one" includes all combinations related to any one item. For example, "at least one of a first element, a second element, and a third element" may include all combinations of two or more elements selected from the first element, the second element, and the third element, as well as each element of the first element, the second element, and the third element.

[0036] The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or completely coupled or combined with each other, and may interact with each other in various ways and be driven technically, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in an interrelated manner.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a configuration of a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A plan view of the display panel, and Figure 3 It shows the settings in Figure 2 A magnified view of pixels in area A.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display panel 110 , an optical module 120 , a panel driving unit 130 , an optical driving unit 140 , a controller 150 , and a memory 160 .

[0040] The display panel 110 includes a plurality of pixels and displays a color image. The display panel 110 may be implemented using an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, or an electrophoretic display panel.

[0041] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA in which pixels are formed to display an image and a non-display area NDA in which an image is not displayed.

[0042] The non-display area NDA may be provided to surround the display area DA. A panel driving unit 130 supplying various kinds of signals to a plurality of signal lines in the display area DA and a link unit (not shown) configured to connect the panel driving unit 130 and the plurality of signal lines to each other may be formed in the non-display area NDA.

[0043] In the display area DA, a plurality of pixels are arranged to display an image. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the display area DA includes a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2.

[0044] The first display area DA1 is an area that does not overlap with the area CA in which the optical module 120 is disposed, and displays an image regardless of the operation of the optical module 120. The first display area DA1 may be formed to have a large size.

[0045] A plurality of first pixels P1, each of which includes at least two first sub-pixels SP1, may be disposed in the first display area DA1. Each of the plurality of first pixels P1 may include a light-emitting pixel. Specifically, each of the at least two first sub-pixels SP1 included in each first pixel P1 may be a light-emitting sub-pixel including a light-emitting device that emits light of a predetermined color. Each first pixel P1 may include at least two of a red sub-pixel configured to emit red light, a green sub-pixel configured to emit green light, and a blue sub-pixel configured to emit blue light. As an example, one of the first pixels P1 may include a red sub-pixel and a green sub-pixel, and an adjacent one of the first pixels P1 may include a blue sub-pixel and a green sub-pixel. As another example, each first pixel P1 may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel.

[0046] The second display area DA2 overlaps with the area CA in which the optical module 120 is disposed. The image to be displayed in the second display area DA2 may be determined according to whether the optical module 120 is operated. Specifically, when the optical module 120 is not operated, the second display area DA2 may display an image together with the first display area DA1. On the other hand, when the optical module 120 is operated, the second display area DA2 may not display an image or may display a black image. At this time, the image may be displayed in the first display area DA1.

[0047] The size, position, and shape of the second display area DA2 may be determined in consideration of the optical module 120. The second display area DA2 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the optical module 120. In addition, the second display area DA2 may be disposed to have a size including the area CA in which the optical module 120 is disposed.

[0048] A plurality of second pixels P2, each including at least two second sub-pixels SP2, may be disposed in the second display area DA2. In the second display area DA2, unlike the first display area DA1, the plurality of second pixels P2 may include light-emitting pixels and non-light-emitting pixels. Each light-emitting pixel may be a region including a light-emitting device for emitting light, and each non-light-emitting pixel may be a region that does not include a light-emitting device and transmits external light. That is, unlike the first display area DA1, a region that does not include a light-emitting device and transmits external light may be disposed in the second display area DA2.

[0049] Each of the at least two second sub-pixels SP2 included in each luminescent pixel among the second pixel P2 may be a luminescent sub-pixel including a light-emitting device that emits light of a predetermined color. Each luminescent pixel among the second pixel P2 may include at least two of a red sub-pixel configured to emit red light, a green sub-pixel configured to emit green light, and a blue sub-pixel configured to emit blue light. As an example, one of the luminescent pixels among the second pixel P2 may include a red sub-pixel and a green sub-pixel, and an adjacent one of the luminescent pixels among the second pixel P2 may include a blue sub-pixel and a green sub-pixel. As another example, each luminescent pixel among the second pixel P2 may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel.

[0050] Each of the at least two second sub-pixels SP2 included in each non-light emitting pixel among the second pixels P2 may be a non-light emitting sub-pixel that includes a non-light emitting device and transmits external light.

[0051] As a result, the number of light-emitting sub-pixels disposed in the unit pixel area UPA of the second display area DA2 may be smaller than the number of light-emitting sub-pixels disposed in the unit pixel area UPA of the first display area DA1. Figure 3 As shown in , 4 light emitting sub-pixels may be disposed in the unit pixel area UPA of the second display area DA2 , and 16 light emitting sub-pixels may be disposed in the unit pixel area UPA of the first display area DA1 .

[0052] The transmittance of the second display area DA2 may be changed according to the number of light-emitting sub-pixels arranged in its unit pixel area UPA. In the case where the number of light-emitting sub-pixels arranged in the unit pixel area UPA increases, the brightness and resolution of the second display area DA2 may increase, while the transmittance of the second display area DA2 may decrease. On the other hand, in the case where the number of light-emitting sub-pixels arranged in the unit pixel area UPA decreases, the brightness and resolution of the second display area DA2 may decrease, while the transmittance of the second display area DA2 may increase. In the display panel 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of light-emitting sub-pixels may be determined in consideration of the brightness, resolution, and transmittance of the second display area DA2.

[0053] The transmittance and resolution of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 described above may be different from each other. The first display area DA1 may have a first transmittance, and the second display area DA2 may have a second transmittance higher than the first transmittance. In addition, the first display area DA1 may have a first resolution, and the second display area DA2 may have a second resolution lower than the first resolution.

[0054] The optical module 120 may be disposed at the rear surface of the display panel 110. The optical module 120 may be disposed to overlap with the display area DA (especially the second display area DA2) of the display panel 110. The optical module 120 may include all components configured to use external light input through the display panel 110. For example, the optical module 120 may be a camera. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The optical module 120 may be an ambient light sensor or a fingerprint sensor.

[0055] The panel driving unit 130 controls driving of the display panel 110 based on a control signal received from the controller 150. To this end, the panel driving unit 130 includes a gate driving unit and a data driving unit.

[0056] The gate driving unit generates a gate signal for driving a gate line of the display panel 110 in response to a gate control signal received from the controller 150. The gate driving unit supplies the generated gate signal to subpixels SP1 and SP2 of pixels P1 and P2 included in the display panel 110 via the gate line.

[0057] The data driving unit receives a data control signal and an image data signal from the controller 150. The data driving unit converts the digital image data signal into an analog image data signal in response to the data control signal received from the controller 150. The data driving unit supplies the converted image data signal to the sub-pixels SP1 and SP2 of the pixels P1 and P2 included in the display panel 110 via the data lines.

[0058] The optical driving unit 140 controls driving of the optical module 120 based on a control signal received from the controller 150 .

[0059] The memory 160 stores shape information of the second display area DA2. The shape information of the second display area DA2 includes position information indicating a start point of a boundary of the second display area, vertical length information of the second display area, and line-based direction information and width information.

[0060] The controller 150 uses the shape information of the second display area DA2 stored in the memory 160 to change the image displayed in at least one of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display panel 110. Specifically, the controller 150 may generate display area information and boundary information of each of a plurality of pixels using the shape information of the second display area DA2. The controller 150 may change the image displayed on the display panel 110 using at least one of the display area information and the boundary information of each of the plurality of pixels, and may perform control so that the changed image is displayed on the display panel 110.

[0061] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 12 The memory 160 and the controller 150 will be described in more detail.

[0062] Figure 4 is a view showing the configuration of a memory and a controller. Figure 5A is a view illustrating a start point and a vertical length and direction information of a second display area when the second display area has a U-shape, Figure 5B is a view illustrating a start point and a vertical length and direction information of a second display area when the second display area has a circular shape, and Figure 6 is a view illustrating left boundary information and right boundary information. Figure 7 is a view showing an example of a second display area having a U-shape, and Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of shape information of the second display area. Fig. 9 is a view illustrating edge regions and boundary pixels, and Fig.10 is a view showing an example of display area information of each of a plurality of sub-pixels. Fig.11 is a view showing an example of a boundary area and boundary information of each of a plurality of pixels, and Fig.12 is a view showing an example of a kernel.

[0063] Reference Figures 4 to 12 , the memory 160 stores shape information of the second display area DA2, and the controller 150 corrects an image displayed in at least one of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display panel 110 using the shape information of the second display area DA2 stored in the memory 160.

[0064] The shape information of the second display area DA2 may include position information of the starting point, vertical length information of the second display area DA2, left boundary information related to the left boundary located on the left side of the center axis C based on the second display area DA2, and right boundary information related to the right boundary located on the right side of the center axis C based on the second display area DA2.

[0065] The position information of the starting point may include an X-axis coordinate value and a Y-axis coordinate value at a specific point of the boundary of the second display area DA2. According to the shape of the second display area DA2, one or more starting points may be included.

[0066] As an example, Figure 5A As shown in , the second display area DA2 may have a U-shape. In the case where the second display area DA2 has a U-shape, a plurality of starting points may be set. The starting points may include a first starting point S1 located on the left side of the central axis C and a second starting point S2 located on the right side of the central axis C.

[0067] The position information of the first starting point S1 may include an X-axis value notch_s1x of the first starting point S1 and a Y-axis value notch_sy of the first starting point S1. The position information of the second starting point S2 may include an X-axis value notch_s2x of the second starting point S2 and a Y-axis value notch_sy of the second starting point S2. The Y-axis value of the first starting point S1 and the Y-axis value of the second starting point S2 may be the same as each other, and the X-axis value of the first starting point S1 and the X-axis value of the second starting point S2 may be different from each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Both the Y-axis value and the X-axis value of the first starting point S1 and the second starting point S2 may be different from each other.

[0068] As another example, Figure 5B As shown in , the second display area DA2 may have a circular shape. In the case where the second display area DA2 has a circular shape, a single starting point may be set. The starting point may include a third starting point S3 located at the center axis C. The position information of the third starting point S3 may include an X-axis value circle_sx of the third starting point S3 and a Y-axis value circle_sy of the third starting point S3.

[0069] The vertical length information of the second display area DA2 may include the vertical length of the shape of the second display area DA2. The vertical length of the shape of the second display area DA2 may correspond to the difference between the minimum Y-axis value and the maximum Y-axis value among the coordinate values ​​of the plurality of points constituting the boundary of the second display area DA2. At this time, the Y-axis value of the starting point may be the minimum Y-axis value or the maximum Y-axis value.

[0070] As an example, in Figure 5A In the case where the second display area DA2 has a U-shape as shown in , the vertical length information of the second display area DA2 may include a maximum value notch_hei among vertical lengths between a plurality of points constituting the boundary of the second display area DA2 and the first starting point S1.

[0071] As another example, in Figure 5B In the case where the second display area DA2 has a circular shape as shown in , the vertical length information of the second display area DA2 may include a maximum value circle_hei among vertical lengths between a plurality of points constituting the boundary of the second display area DA2 and the third starting point S3.

[0072] The left boundary information, which is information about the left boundary located on the left side based on the central axis C of the second display area DA2, includes direction information and width information of each of a plurality of lines set within a vertical length from a starting point.

[0073] The left boundary information may include the direction information and width information of each of the first line to the nth line at the starting point. At this time, n may correspond to the vertical length of the second display area DA2. For example, the vertical length of the second display area DA2 may be 20, in which case the left boundary information may include the direction information and width information of each of the first line to the 20th line at the starting point.

[0074] The direction information included in the left boundary information may indicate a direction in which the left boundary located on the left side based on the central axis C of the second display area DA2 moves from the first line to the n-th line.

[0075] Specifically, in the case where the distance between the central axis C and the left boundary set at the previous line is equal to or less than the distance between the central axis C and the left boundary set at the relevant line, the direction information included in the left boundary information may have a first direction value. That is, in the case where the left boundary is parallel to the central axis C or becomes away from the central axis C, the direction information included in the left boundary information may have a first direction value.

[0076] For example, in Figure 5A In the case where the left boundary is parallel to the central axis C as shown in , the direction information included in the left boundary information may have a first direction value of 0. Alternatively, in the case where Figure 5B In the case where the left boundary shown in becomes distant from the central axis C, the direction information included in the left boundary information may have a first direction value of 0.

[0077] In the case where the distance between the central axis C and the left boundary set at the previous line is greater than the distance between the central axis C and the left boundary set at the relevant line, the direction information included in the left boundary information may have a second direction value. That is, in the case where the left boundary becomes close to the central axis C, the direction information included in the left boundary information may have a second direction value.

[0078] For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the case where the left boundary shown in becomes close to the central axis C, the direction information included in the left boundary information may have a second direction value of 1.

[0079] The width information included in the left boundary information may include the width of the left boundary at each of the first line to the nth line. At this time, the width may correspond to the number of pixels or sub-pixels set in the relevant line. The width of the left boundary at each of the first line to the nth line may be sequentially stored as the width information included in the left boundary information.

[0080] The right boundary information, which is information about the right boundary located on the right side based on the central axis C of the second display area DA2, includes direction information and width information of each of a plurality of lines set within a vertical length from a starting point.

[0081] The right boundary information may include direction information and width information of each of the first to n-th lines where the starting point is located. At this time, n may correspond to the vertical length of the second display area DA2.

[0082] The direction information included in the right boundary information may indicate a direction in which the right boundary located on the right side based on the central axis C of the second display area DA2 moves from the first line to the n-th line.

[0083] Specifically, in the case where the distance between the central axis C and the right boundary set at the previous line is equal to or less than the distance between the central axis C and the right boundary set at the relevant line, the direction information included in the right boundary information may have a first direction value. That is, in the case where the right boundary is parallel to the central axis C or becomes away from the central axis C, the direction information included in the right boundary information may have a first direction value.

[0084] For example, in Figure 5A In the case where the right boundary shown in FIG. 1 is parallel to the central axis C, the direction information included in the right boundary information may have a first direction value of 0. Alternatively, in the case where Figure 5B In the case where the right boundary shown in becomes away from the central axis C, the direction information included in the right boundary information may have a first direction value of 0.

[0085] In the case where the distance between the central axis C and the right boundary set at the previous line is greater than the distance between the central axis C and the right boundary set at the relevant line, the direction information included in the right boundary information may have a second direction value. That is, in the case where the right boundary becomes close to the central axis C, the direction information included in the right boundary information may have a second direction value.

[0086] For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the case where the right boundary shown in becomes close to the central axis C, the direction information included in the right boundary information may have a second direction value of 1.

[0087] The width information included in the right boundary information may include the width of the right boundary at each of the first line to the nth line. At this time, the width may correspond to the number of pixels or sub-pixels set in the relevant line. The width of the right boundary at each of the first line to the nth line may be sequentially stored as the width information included in the right boundary information.

[0088] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is illustrated that the first direction value is 0 and the second direction value is 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first direction value may be 1 and the second direction value may be 0.

[0089] The left and right boundary information can be Figure 6 While the structure shown in is stored in the memory 160, for example, the left boundary information and the right boundary information of each of the six lines can be stored as 8 bytes.

[0090] The direction information of each of the three consecutive lines can be stored as 1 byte. For example, in 1 byte among 8 bytes, the direction information line1 ld of the left boundary at the first line, the direction information line1 rd of the right boundary at the first line, the direction information line2 ld of the left boundary at the second line, the direction information line2 rd of the right boundary at the second line, the direction information line3 ld of the left boundary at the third line, and the direction information line3 rd of the right boundary at the third line can each be stored in sequence as 1 bit.

[0091] The width information of each of the three consecutive lines can be stored in 3 bytes. For example, in 3 bytes among the 8 bytes, the width information of the left border at the first line, the width information of the right border at the first line, the width information of the left border at the second line, the width information of the right border at the second line, the width information of the left border at the third line, and the width information of the right border at the third line can each be stored in 4 bits in sequence.

[0092] The direction information of each of the three lines after the previously stored line can be stored by 1 byte. For example, in 1 byte among 8 bytes, the direction information line4 1d of the left boundary at the fourth line, the direction information line4 rd of the right boundary at the fourth line, the direction information line5 1d of the left boundary at the fifth line, the direction information line5 rd of the right boundary at the fifth line, the direction information line6 1d of the left boundary at the sixth line, and the direction information line6 rd of the right boundary at the sixth line can each be stored by 1 bit.

[0093] The width information of each of the three lines after the previously stored line may be stored in 3 bytes. For example, in 3 bytes among the 8 bytes, the width information of the left border at the fourth line, the width information of the right border at the fourth line, the width information of the left border at the fifth line, the width information of the right border at the fifth line, the width information of the left border at the sixth line, and the width information of the right border at the sixth line may each be stored in 4 bits.

[0094] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Specific examples of the left boundary information and the right boundary information are described.

[0095] The second display area DA2 may have a U-shape, such as Figure 7 In this case, the starting point may include a first starting point S1 located on the left side of the central axis C and a second starting point S2 located on the right side of the central axis C.

[0096] Figure 7 The shape information of the second display area DA2 shown in FIG. 4 may include direction information and width information of each of the first to n-th lines where the starting points S1 and S2 are located.

[0097] Since the left boundary at the first line line1 where the starting points S1 and S2 are located becomes close to the center axis C, the direction information of the left boundary at the first line line1 may have a second direction value, for example, 1. In addition, since the right boundary at the first line line1 becomes close to the center axis C, the direction information of the right boundary at the first line line1 may have a second direction value, for example, 1.

[0098] The width information of the left border at the first line line1 may indicate a horizontal distance between a leftmost border pixel of the first line line1 and a leftmost border pixel of a second line line2 located next to the first line line1. Since the horizontal distance between the leftmost border pixel of the first line line1 and the leftmost border pixel of the second line line2 corresponds to six pixels, the width information of the left border at the first line line1 may be 6.

[0099] The width information of the right boundary at the first line line1 may indicate a horizontal distance between the rightmost boundary pixel of the first line line1 and the rightmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 located next to the first line line1. Since the horizontal distance between the rightmost boundary pixel of the first line line1 and the rightmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 corresponds to five pixels, the width information of the right boundary at the first line line1 may be 5.

[0100] Based on the width information and direction information of the first line line1, it can be seen that the leftmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 is set at a position of the second line line2 that is six pixels shifted from the leftmost boundary pixel of the first line line1 toward the center axis C. In addition, it can be seen that the rightmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 is set at a position of the second line line2 that is five pixels shifted from the rightmost boundary pixel of the first line line1 toward the center axis C.

[0101] Since the left boundary at the second line line2 becomes close to the center axis C, the direction information of the left boundary at the second line line2 may have a second direction value of, for example, 1. In addition, since the right boundary at the second line line2 becomes close to the center axis C, the direction information of the right boundary at the second line line2 may have a second direction value of, for example, 1.

[0102] The width information of the left border at the second line line2 may indicate a horizontal distance between the leftmost border pixel of the second line line2 and the leftmost border pixel of the third line line3 located next to the second line line2. Since the horizontal distance between the leftmost border pixel of the second line line2 and the leftmost border pixel of the third line line3 corresponds to four pixels, the width information of the left border at the second line line2 may be 4.

[0103] The width information of the right boundary at the second line line2 may indicate a horizontal distance between the rightmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 and the rightmost boundary pixel of the third line line3 located next to the second line line2. Since the horizontal distance between the rightmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 and the rightmost boundary pixel of the third line line3 corresponds to three pixels, the width information of the right boundary at the second line line2 may be 3.

[0104] Based on the width information and direction information of the second line line2, it can be seen that the leftmost boundary pixel of the third line line3 is set at a position of the third line line3 that is moved four pixels from the leftmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 toward the center axis C. In addition, it can be seen that the rightmost boundary pixel of the third line line3 is set at a position of the third line line3 that is moved three pixels from the rightmost boundary pixel of the second line line2 toward the center axis C.

[0105] The direction information and width information of each of the third line line3 to the sixth line line6 may be set in the same manner as the direction information and width information described above. In an embodiment, when the distance between the boundary at the relevant line and the central axis C is equal to the distance between the boundary at the next line and the central axis C, the width information may be set to 0. For example, Figure 7 As shown in , the distance between the leftmost boundary pixel of the sixth line line6 and the central axis C may be equal to the distance between the leftmost boundary pixel of the seventh line line7 and the central axis C. In this case, since the horizontal distance between the leftmost boundary pixel of the seventh line line7 and the leftmost boundary pixel of the sixth line line6 is 0, the width information of the left boundary at the sixth line line6 may be set to 0.

[0106] The display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may sequentially store the direction information and width information of each of the first to n-th lines in the order of lines in the memory 160. Since the direction information and width information of each of the first to n-th lines are sequentially stored in the order of lines, the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can easily acquire the boundary of the second display area based on only the position information and vertical length information of the starting point of the second display area and the direction information and width information of the lines.

[0107] Therefore, the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can minimize the amount of information stored in the memory 160, thereby using a small-capacity memory 160. In addition, the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain the boundary of the second display area DA2 through simple calculation, thereby reducing the amount of calculation in the process of independently controlling the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0108] In addition, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is sufficient to change only the shape information of the second display area DA2 stored in the memory 160, whereby the shape of the second display area DA2 can be easily changed.

[0109] In addition, the memory 160 may further store edge information of the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 in the second display area DA2. The edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 may include: a first edge area EA1 including a second sub-pixel SP2 disposed in a first column of the second display area DA2 located at the leftmost side thereof; a second edge area EA2 including a second sub-pixel SP2 disposed in a second column of the second display area DA2 disposed adjacent to the first column; a third edge area EA3 including a second sub-pixel SP2 disposed in a third column of the second display area DA2 located at the rightmost side thereof; and a fourth edge area EA4 including a second sub-pixel SP2 disposed in a fourth column of the second display area DA2 disposed adjacent to the third column.

[0110] The edge information may include information about the second sub-pixels SP2 disposed in each of the first edge area EA1, the second edge area EA2, the third edge area EA3, and the fourth edge area EA4. The edge information may include information indicating whether each second sub-pixel SP2 disposed in each of the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 is a light-emitting sub-pixel or a non-light-emitting sub-pixel. In the case where each second sub-pixel SP2 is a light-emitting sub-pixel, the edge information may have a first value, such as 1. In the case where each second sub-pixel SP2 is a non-light-emitting sub-pixel, the edge information may have a second value, such as 0.

[0111] The edge information may include an arrangement in which the second sub-pixel SP2 disposed in each of the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 is sequentially stored according to information about the second sub-pixel SP2. Fig. 9 In the case where the first edge area EA1 is configured as shown in , the edge information of the first edge area EA1 may include an arrangement of “110011001100”. Fig. 9 In a case where the third edge area EA3 is configured as shown in , the edge information of the third edge area EA3 may include an arrangement of “001100110011”.

[0112] Since the edge information is stored in the memory 160, the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can independently control the second sub-pixels SP2 disposed in the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4. Since the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 of the second display area DA2 are disposed adjacent to the first display area DA1, the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 of the second display area DA2 can be more easily identified than the middle area of ​​the second display area DA2 due to the difference in transmittance or resolution. In order to prevent the user from identifying the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 of the second display area DA2, it may be necessary to control the second sub-pixels SP2 disposed in the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 of the second display area DA2 in a manner different from the second sub-pixels SP2 disposed in the middle area, or to control the second sub-pixels SP2 disposed in the edge areas EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 of the second display area DA2 to have a different structure from the second sub-pixels SP2 disposed in the middle area.

[0113] The display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can independently control the second sub-pixels SP2 disposed in the edge areas EA1 , EA2 , EA3 , and EA4 using edge information stored in the memory 160 as needed, thereby being able to meet various requirements.

[0114] Return to reference Figure 4 , the controller 150 generates display area information and boundary information using the shape information of the second display area DA2 stored in the memory 160. The controller 150 may correct an image displayed in at least one of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display panel 110 using the display area information and the boundary information, and may perform control so that the corrected image is displayed on the display panel 110.

[0115] To this end, the controller 150 may include a line counting unit 310 , an edge information extraction unit 320 , a boundary pixel extraction unit 330 , a display area information generation unit 340 , a boundary information generation unit 350 , an image processing unit 360 , and a control unit 370 .

[0116] The line counting unit 310 may count line values ​​from the first line of the display panel 110 in which the plurality of pixels P are arranged one by one, and may provide the counted line values ​​to the boundary pixel extraction unit 330 and the edge information extraction unit 320. The line counting unit 310 may determine whether the counted line values ​​correspond to the first line where the starting point is located using the position information of the starting point stored in the memory 160. When the line counting unit 310 determines that the counted line values ​​correspond to the first line where the starting point is located, the boundary pixel extraction unit 330 and the edge information extraction unit 320 may retrieve the shape information of the second display area DA2 from the memory 160.

[0117] The edge information extraction unit 320 may extract information about the second sub-pixel SP2 disposed in the relevant line from the edge information stored in the memory 160. Here, the relevant line may be a line corresponding to the line value provided by the line counting unit 310.

[0118] The boundary pixel extraction unit 330 may extract the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel from the relevant line using the position information of the starting point, the line-based direction information, and the width information stored in the memory 160. Here, the relevant line may be a line corresponding to the line value provided by the line counting unit 310. The leftmost boundary pixel may be a pixel disposed at the leftmost side of the relevant line among the second pixels P2 disposed in the second display area DA2. The rightmost boundary pixel may be a pixel disposed at the rightmost side of the relevant line among the second pixels P2 disposed in the second display area DA2.

[0119] The boundary pixel extraction unit 330 may extract the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of each of the first line to the nth line where the starting point is located in the order of lines. The boundary pixel extraction unit 330 may extract the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of the relevant line using the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of the previous line, the direction information of the previous line, and the width information of the previous line.

[0120] Specifically, the line value corresponding to the first line where the starting point is located from the line counting unit 310 may be input to the boundary pixel extraction unit 330. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the boundary pixel extraction unit 330 may extract the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 and the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line using the position information of the starting point.

[0121] At this time, in the case where the second display area DA2 has a U-shape, the pixel disposed at a position corresponding to the first starting point S1 may be the leftmost boundary pixel BP1, and the pixel disposed at a position corresponding to the second starting point S2 may be the rightmost boundary pixel BP2. In addition, in the case where the second display area DA2 has a circular shape, Fig. 9 Unlike what is shown in FIG. 1 , the pixels disposed at the position corresponding to the starting point may be the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 and the rightmost boundary pixel BP2.

[0122] The line value corresponding to the second line disposed next to the first line from the line counting unit 310 may be input to the boundary pixel extraction unit 330. The boundary pixel extraction unit 330 may extract the leftmost boundary pixel BP3 and the rightmost boundary pixel BP4 of the second line using the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 and the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line, the direction information of the first line, and the width information of the first line.

[0123] In the case where the direction information of the left boundary of the first line has the first direction value, the leftmost boundary pixel BP3 of the second line may be a pixel disposed at a position of the second line moved from the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 of the first line in a direction opposite to the central axis C by a number corresponding to the width information of the left boundary of the first line. The Y-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP3 of the second line may have a value higher by 1 than the Y-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 of the first line, and the X-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP3 of the second line may have a value obtained by subtracting a value corresponding to the width information of the left boundary of the first line from the X-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 of the first line.

[0124] In the case where the direction information of the left boundary of the first line has the second direction value, the leftmost boundary pixel BP3 of the second line may be a pixel disposed at a position of the second line moved from the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 of the first line toward the central axis C by a number corresponding to the width information of the left boundary of the first line. The Y-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP3 of the second line may have a value higher by 1 than the Y-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 of the first line, and the X-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP3 of the second line may have a value obtained by adding a value corresponding to the width information of the left boundary of the first line to the X-axis value of the leftmost boundary pixel BP1 of the first line.

[0125] In addition, in the case where the direction information of the right boundary of the first line has the first direction value, the rightmost boundary pixel BP4 of the second line may be a pixel disposed at a position of the second line moved from the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line in the direction opposite to the central axis C by the number corresponding to the width information of the right boundary of the first line. The Y-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP4 of the second line may have a value higher by 1 than the Y-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line, and the X-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP4 of the second line may have a value obtained by adding the value corresponding to the width information of the right boundary of the first line to the X-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line. In the case where the direction information of the right boundary of the first line has the second direction value, the rightmost boundary pixel BP4 of the second line may be a pixel disposed at a position of the second line moved from the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line toward the central axis C by the number corresponding to the width information of the right boundary of the first line. The Y-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP4 of the second line may have a value that is 1 higher than the Y-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line, and the X-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP4 of the second line may have a value obtained by subtracting a value corresponding to the width information of the right boundary of the first line from the X-axis value of the rightmost boundary pixel BP2 of the first line.

[0126] As described above, the boundary pixel extraction unit 330 may extract the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of each of the first to nth lines.

[0127] The display area information generating unit 340 may generate display area information of each of the plurality of pixels P using the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of each line.

[0128] The display area information generation unit 340 may decide the leftmost boundary pixel, the rightmost boundary pixel, and the pixel disposed between the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel among the pixels disposed in the relevant line as the second pixel P2 disposed in the second display area DA2. The display area information generation unit 340 may decide the pixels other than the leftmost boundary pixel, the rightmost boundary pixel, and the pixel disposed between the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel among the pixels disposed in the relevant line as the first pixel P1 disposed in the first display area DA1.

[0129] The display area information generating unit 340 may set the display area information of each first sub-pixel SP1 included in the first pixel P1 to the first display area value. For example, the first display area value may be 0, such as Fig.10 as shown in .

[0130] The display area information generating unit 340 may set the display area information of each second sub-pixel SP2 included in the second pixel P2 to the second display area value or the third display area value. The display area information generating unit 340 may generate the display area information in a state where the second pixel P2 disposed in the second display area DA2 is divided into an emitting pixel and a non-emitting pixel.

[0131] In the case where the second pixel P2 is a light-emitting pixel, the display area information generating unit 340 may set the display area information of each second sub-pixel SP2 included in the light-emitting pixel to the second display area value. For example, the second display area value may be 1, such as Fig.10 as shown in .

[0132] In addition, when the second pixel P2 is a non-luminescent pixel, the display area information generating unit 340 may set the display area information of each second sub-pixel SP2 included in the non-luminescent pixel to the third display area value. For example, the third display area value may be 2, such as Fig.10 as shown in .

[0133] Fig.10 It is illustrated that the second display area DA2 is divided into luminous pixels and non-luminous pixels in units of pixels. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second display area DA2 can be divided into luminous sub-pixels and non-luminous sub-pixels in units of sub-pixels. Specifically, the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 included in one second pixel P2 can all be luminous sub-pixels or non-luminous sub-pixels. Alternatively, some of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 included in one second pixel P2 can be luminous sub-pixels, and other second sub-pixels SP2 of the plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 can be non-luminous sub-pixels.

[0134] The boundary information generating unit 350 may generate boundary information of pixels disposed in the boundary area BA located within a predetermined range from the boundary B between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 using the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of each line.

[0135] like Fig.11 As shown in , the border area BA may include a plurality of border areas BA1, BA2, and BA3 arranged in the first display area DA1. For example, the border area BA may include a first border area BA1 arranged to be adjacent to the border B in the first display area DA1, a second border area BA2 arranged to be adjacent to the first border area BA1 in the first display area DA1, and a third border area BA3 arranged to be adjacent to the second border area BA2 in the first display area DA1. At this time, the distance between the second border area BA2 and the border B may be greater than the distance between the first border area BA1 and the border B, and the distance between the third border area BA3 and the border B may be greater than the distance between the second border area BA2 and the border B.

[0136] Fig.11 It is shown that the first display area DA1 includes three boundary areas BA1, BA2 and BA3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first display area DA1 may include two boundary areas, or may include one boundary area. Alternatively, the first display area DA1 may include four or more boundary areas.

[0137] like Fig.11 As shown in , the border area BA may include a plurality of border areas BA4, BA5, and BA6 arranged in the second display area DA2. For example, the border area BA may include a fourth border area BA4 arranged in the second display area DA2 to be adjacent to the border B, a fifth border area BA5 arranged in the second display area DA2 to be adjacent to the fourth border area BA4, and a sixth border area BA6 arranged in the second display area DA2 to be adjacent to the fifth border area BA5. At this time, the distance between the fifth border area BA5 and the border B may be greater than the distance between the fourth border area BA4 and the border B, and the distance between the sixth border area BA6 and the border B may be greater than the distance between the fifth border area BA5 and the border B.

[0138] Fig.11 It is shown that the second display area DA2 includes three boundary areas BA4, BA5 and BA6. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second display area DA2 may include two boundary areas, or may include one boundary area. Alternatively, the second display area DA2 may include four or more boundary areas.

[0139] The boundary information generating unit 350 may generate boundary information of each pixel disposed in the boundary area BA using a kernel K consisting of m rows and m columns (m is a natural number greater than 2). Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in , the kernel K will be described as consisting of seven rows and seven columns. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The size of the kernel K may vary.

[0140] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the boundary information generation unit 350 may set each of the plurality of pixels P at the center of the kernel K. The boundary information generation unit 350 may determine the boundary value of the pixel CP set at the center of the kernel K based on the position where the boundary pixel is set in the kernel K. Here, the boundary pixel may include the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of each line.

[0141] The boundary information generating unit 350 may set the pixel CP in the central area of ​​the kernel K, and may confirm the position in the kernel K where the boundary pixel is set.

[0142] In the case where the kernel K consists of seven rows and seven columns, the kernel K may include a central region (0,0) and eight first regions (-1,-1), (0,-1), (1,-1), (1,0), (1,1), (0,1), (-1,1), and (-1,0) disposed adjacent to the central region around the central region. In addition, the kernel K may include 16 second regions (-2,-2), (-1,-2), (0,-2), (1,-2), (2,-2), (2,-1), (2,0), (2,1), (2,2), (1,2), (0,2), (-1,2), (-2,2), (-2,1), (-2,0), and (-2,-1) disposed adjacent to the first region around the first region. In addition, the kernel K may include 24 third regions (-3, -3), (-2, -3), (-1, -3), (0, -3), (1, -3), (2, -3), (2, -3), (3, -3), (3, -2), (3, -1), (3, 0), (3, 1), (3, 2), (3, 3), (2, 3), (1, 3), (0, 3), (-1, 3), (-2, 3), (-3, 3), (-3, 2), (-3, 1), (-3, 0), (-3, -1) and (-3, -2).

[0143] The boundary information generation unit 350 may determine whether the pixel CP set in the central area of ​​the kernel K is the first pixel P1 set in the first display area DA1 or the second pixel P2 set in the second display area DA2. In the case where the pixel CP set in the central area of ​​the kernel K is the first pixel P1 and the boundary pixel is set in any one of the 24 third areas of the kernel K, the boundary information generation unit 350 may set a first boundary value for the pixel CP set in the central area of ​​the kernel K. For example, the first boundary value may be 1.

[0144] The boundary information generating unit 350 may set the boundary information of each first pixel P1 disposed in the third boundary area BA3 to have a first boundary value of 1, for example. Fig.11 as shown in .

[0145] In the case where the pixel CP disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K is the first pixel P1 and the boundary pixel is disposed in any one of the 16 second areas of the kernel K, the boundary information generating unit 350 may set a second boundary value for the pixel CP disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K. For example, the second boundary value may be 2.

[0146] The boundary information generating unit 350 may set the boundary information of each first pixel P1 disposed in the second boundary area BA2 to have a second boundary value of, for example, 2, such as Fig.11 as shown in .

[0147] In the case where the pixel CP disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K is the first pixel P1 and the boundary pixel is disposed in any one of the eight first areas of the kernel K, the boundary information generating unit 350 may set a third boundary value for the pixel CP disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K. For example, the third boundary value may be 3.

[0148] The boundary information generating unit 350 may set the boundary information of each first pixel P1 disposed in the first boundary area BA1 to have a third boundary value of, for example, 3, such as: Fig.11 as shown in .

[0149] In addition, when the pixel CP set in the central area of ​​the kernel K is the second pixel P2 and the boundary pixel is set in any one of the 8 first areas of the kernel K, the boundary information generating unit 350 may set a fourth boundary value for the pixel CP set in the central area of ​​the kernel K. For example, the fourth boundary value may be 4.

[0150] The boundary information generating unit 350 may set the boundary information of each second pixel P2 disposed in the fourth boundary area BA4 to have a fourth boundary value of, for example, 4, such as: Fig.11as shown in .

[0151] In the case where the pixel CP disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K is the second pixel P2 and the boundary pixel is disposed in any one of the 16 second areas of the kernel K, the boundary information generating unit 350 may set a fifth boundary value for the pixel CP disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K. For example, the fifth boundary value may be 5.

[0152] The boundary information generating unit 350 may set the boundary information of each second pixel P2 disposed in the fifth boundary area BA5 to have a fifth boundary value of, for example, 5, such as: Fig.11 as shown in .

[0153] In the case where the pixel CP disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K is the second pixel P2 and the boundary pixel is disposed in any one of the 24 third areas of the kernel K, the boundary information generating unit 350 may set a sixth boundary value for the pixel P disposed in the central area of ​​the kernel K. For example, the sixth boundary value may be 6.

[0154] The boundary information generating unit 350 may set the boundary information of each second pixel P2 disposed in the sixth boundary area BA6 to have a sixth boundary value of, for example, 6, such as: Fig.11 as shown in .

[0155] As a result, each pixel P disposed in the boundary area BA may have a boundary value that increases or decreases as the distance from the boundary pixel increases. In an embodiment, each first pixel P1 disposed in the first display area DA1 among the pixels P disposed in the boundary area BA may have a boundary value that decreases as the distance from the boundary pixel increases. Each second pixel P2 disposed in the second display area DA2 among the pixels P disposed in the boundary area BA may have a boundary value that increases as the distance from the boundary pixel increases.

[0156] In addition, each of the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 disposed in the region other than the boundary region may be set to a seventh boundary value. For example, the seventh boundary value may be zero.

[0157] The image processing unit 360 may change the image displayed on the display panel 110 using the display area information generated by the display area information generating unit 340 and the boundary information generated by the boundary information generating unit 350 .

[0158] As an example, the image processing unit 360 may change image data of each second pixel P2 disposed in the second display area DA2 using the display area information.

[0159] As another example, the image processing unit 360 may change image data of each of the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 disposed in the boundary area using the boundary information.

[0160] The control unit 370 performs control so that the changed image is displayed on the display panel 110. To this end, the control unit 370 may generate a control signal for controlling the panel driving unit 130. The control unit 370 may generate a data control signal for a data driving unit of the panel driving unit 130 and a gate control signal for a gate driving unit of the panel driving unit 130. The control unit 370 may output the data control signal, the gate control signal, and the image data signal to the panel driving unit 130.

[0161] The control unit 370 may control the operation of the optical module 120. To this end, the control unit 370 may generate a control signal for controlling the optical driving unit 140, and may output the generated control signal to the optical driving unit 140.

[0162] As is apparent from the above description, according to the present disclosure, an image can be displayed even in an area set to overlap with a camera. Therefore, in the present disclosure, a wide image display surface can be provided and the image can be prevented from being interrupted in the area where the camera is located.

[0163] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the shape information of the area set to overlap with the camera can be stored, and the display area information and boundary information of each of the plurality of pixels can be obtained using the shape information. Therefore, in the present disclosure, even if the size, position, etc. of the camera are changed, it is sufficient to change only the shape information of the area set to overlap with the camera stored in the memory, thereby making it possible to easily change the shape of the area set to overlap with the camera.

[0164] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the boundary of the area set to overlap with the camera can be easily obtained based only on the position information and vertical length information of the starting point, the direction information of the line, and the width information of the area set to overlap with the camera. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the amount of information stored in the memory can be minimized, thereby enabling the use of a small-capacity memory.

[0165] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the boundary of the area set to overlap with the camera can be acquired by simple calculation, whereby the amount of calculation is low in the process of independently controlling the general display area and the display area set to overlap with the camera.

[0166] It should be noted that the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description of the present disclosure.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be embodied in specific forms other than those set forth herein without departing from the technical concept and essential characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0168] For example, the data driving device according to the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of an IC, and the function of the data driving device may be installed in the IC in the form of a program. In the case where the function of the data driving device according to the present disclosure is implemented as a program, the function of each component included in the data driving device may be implemented as a specific code, and the code for implementing the specific function may be implemented as a single program or a plurality of separate programs.

[0169] Therefore, the above embodiments are therefore to be understood as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the specific description, and it is intended that all variations or modifications derived from the meaning, scope and equivalent concepts of the claims fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, the display panel having a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including at least two sub-pixels, the display panel including a first display area and a second display area, the second display area being arranged to overlap with the optical module; a memory configured to store shape information of the second display area, the shape information of the second display area including position information for indicating a starting point of a boundary of the second display area, vertical length information of the second display area, and line-based direction information and width information; as well as a controller configured to change an image displayed in at least one of the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display panel using the shape information of the second display area, and to perform control so that the changed image is displayed on the display panel, wherein the shape information of the second display area includes left boundary information related to a left boundary located on the left side based on a central axis of the second display area and right boundary information related to a right boundary located on the right side based on the central axis of the second display area, and Each of the left boundary information and the right boundary information includes direction information and width information of each of a plurality of lines set within a vertical length from the start point.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the left boundary of each of the first line to the nth line where the starting point is located is stored in sequence as the left boundary information. The width of the right boundary of each of the first line to the nth line where the starting point is located is stored in sequence as the right boundary information, and n corresponds to the vertical length.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: In a case where a distance between the central axis and a boundary disposed at a previous line relative to the correlation line is less than or equal to a distance between the central axis and a boundary disposed at the correlation line, the direction information is set to a first direction value, and In the case where the distance between the central axis and the boundary set at the previous line is greater than the distance between the central axis and the boundary set at the relevant line, the direction information is set to a second direction value, The related line is a subsequent line relative to the previous line.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second display area has a U-shape, and The starting points include a first starting point located on the left side of a central axis of the second display area and a second starting point located on the right side of the central axis.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second display area has a circular shape, and The starting points include a third starting point located at a central axis of the second display area.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller generates display area information of each of the plurality of pixels based on the shape information of the second display area.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The controller extracts the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel of each line based on the position information of the starting point, the line-based direction information and the width information, and determines the leftmost boundary pixel, the rightmost boundary pixel and the pixels between the leftmost boundary pixel and the rightmost boundary pixel among the pixels set in the relevant line as the second pixels set in the second display area, and determines the other pixels as the first pixels set in the first display area.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first pixel comprises a light-emitting pixel, The second pixels include luminous pixels and non-luminous pixels, and The controller sets the display area information of each first sub-pixel included in the first pixel to a first display area value, sets the display area information of each second sub-pixel included in the luminous pixel among the second pixel to a second display area value, and sets the display area information of each second sub-pixel included in the non-luminous pixel among the second pixel to a third display area value.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the light-emitting pixels is a region including a light-emitting device, the region being configured to emit light, and Each of the non-light emitting pixels is a region that does not include a light emitting device and is configured to transmit external light.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller generates boundary information of pixels disposed in a boundary area located within a predetermined range from a boundary between the first display area and the second display area based on the shape information of the second display area.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The boundary information includes a boundary value of each of a plurality of pixels determined based on a position where a boundary pixel is set in a kernel consisting of m rows and m columns, where m is a natural number greater than 2.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The controller extracts boundary pixels of each line based on the position information of the starting point, the line-based direction information and the width information, and determines the boundary value of the pixel set at the center of the kernel based on the position of at least one of the boundary pixels in the kernel.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: Each pixel disposed in the boundary region has a boundary value that increases or decreases as a distance from the boundary pixel increases.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: Each pixel disposed in the first display area among the plurality of pixels disposed in the boundary area has a boundary value that decreases as a distance from the boundary pixel increases, and Each pixel disposed in the second display area among the plurality of pixels disposed in the boundary area has a boundary value that increases as a distance from the boundary pixel increases.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: Each pixel disposed in an area outside the boundary area has a boundary value of 0.

16. A controller, comprising: a display area information generating unit configured to generate display area information of each of the plurality of pixels based on shape information of a second display area having a transmittance higher than a transmittance of the first display area; a boundary information generating unit configured to generate boundary information of each of the plurality of pixels based on the shape information of the second display area; an image processing unit configured to correct an image displayed on the display panel using at least one of the display area information and the boundary information of each of the plurality of pixels; as well as a control unit configured to perform control so that the corrected image is displayed on the display panel, The shape information of the second display area includes position information of a starting point at a boundary between the first display area and the second display area, vertical length information of the second display area, and line-based direction information and width information sequentially stored along the boundary from the starting point. The controller further includes a boundary pixel extraction unit configured to extract a leftmost boundary pixel and a rightmost boundary pixel of each line based on the position information of the starting point, the line-based direction information, and the width information.

17. The controller according to claim 16, wherein: The display area information generating unit is configured to: setting display area information of each pixel except for a pixel disposed between the extracted leftmost boundary pixel and the extracted rightmost boundary pixel among the pixels disposed in each line as a first display area value, and Display region information of each light-emitting pixel included in pixels disposed between the extracted leftmost boundary pixel and the extracted rightmost boundary pixel among pixels disposed in each line is set as a second display region value.

18. The controller according to claim 16, wherein: The boundary information generation unit generates boundary information including a boundary value of each of the plurality of pixels using a kernel consisting of m rows and m columns, where m is a natural number greater than 2.

19. The controller according to claim 18, wherein: The boundary information generation unit decides a boundary value of a pixel disposed at the center of the kernel based on a position in the kernel where the boundary pixel is disposed.

Images