Display device and method for driving display device

Abstract

A display device and a method for driving the display device are provided. The display device includes a first pixel, a sensor, and a sensing controller, wherein the first pixel is divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks being classified as a first block or a second block; the sensor is configured to generate first sensing data of at least two first pixels in the first pixels of each of the plurality of blocks during a first time period; and the sensing controller is configured to generate interpolated data of first pixels not sensed by the sensor for the first block by interpolating the first sensing data, and is configured to abandon interpolation of the first sensing data for the second block. During a second time period following the first time period, the sensor generates second sensing data of the first pixels not sensed by the sensor for the second block.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0145728, filed on November 14, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device and a method for driving the display device. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices are frequently used as a medium to connect users and information. Examples of such display devices include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, and plasma displays.

[0005] The display device may include multiple pixels, and the multiple pixels may emit light of various colors and brightness levels, thereby displaying various images.

[0006] Display devices may include pixel circuits with substantially the same structure. However, as the display area of ​​a display device increases, process variations may occur depending on the position of the pixels in the display area. For example, pixel transistors designed to perform the same function in their respective pixels may exhibit different characteristics, such as mobility or threshold voltage. Similarly, the threshold voltages of light-emitting diodes in their respective pixels may exhibit different characteristics from each other.

[0007] In addition to manufacturing variations, the degree of degradation of components, including those within individual pixels, can vary with the use of the display device, depending on factors such as the frequency of use of the corresponding pixels and ambient temperature.

[0008] To minimize such process variations and variability within pixels, sensors can be used to sense pixel characteristics (e.g., mobility, threshold voltage, etc.). However, this would be time-consuming to sense the characteristics of all pixels. When sensing and using the characteristics of a subset of multiple pixels, the sensing information for those pixels may not provide an accurate representation of all pixels. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a display device and a method for driving a display device that can accurately sense the feature information of pixels while reducing the time required to sense feature information.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes a first pixel, a sensor, and a sensing controller, wherein the first pixel is divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks being classified as a first block or a second block; the sensor is configured to generate first sensing data of at least two first pixels in the first pixels of each of the plurality of blocks during a first time period; and the sensing controller is configured to generate interpolated data of first pixels not sensed by the sensor for the first block by interpolating the first sensing data and is configured to abandon interpolation of the first sensing data for the second block, wherein during a second time period after the first time period, the sensor generates second sensing data of the first pixels not sensed by the sensor for the second block.

[0011] The first pixel may have the first color.

[0012] The display device may further include a second pixel and a third pixel, wherein the second pixel has a second color different from the first color, and the third pixel has a third color different from the first color and the second color, wherein one of the first pixel, one of the second pixel and one of the third pixel are connected to the sensor via a common sensing line.

[0013] The sensing controller may include a representative block value calculator, a fine sensing determiner, and an interpolation calculator, wherein the representative block value calculator is configured to calculate a representative block value of the first sensing data for each of a plurality of blocks, the fine sensing determiner is configured to classify each of the plurality of blocks into one of a first block and a second block based on the representative block value, and the interpolation calculator is configured to generate interpolated data for the first block by interpolating the first sensing data.

[0014] For each of the multiple blocks, the block value can be at least one of the standard deviation, average, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the first sensed data.

[0015] The fine sensing classifier can be configured to classify a block with a standard deviation value greater than the block threshold as a second block, and a block with a standard deviation value less than or equal to the block threshold as a first block.

[0016] The interpolation calculator can generate first interpolated data from the interpolated data using first sensing data and generate second interpolated data using the first interpolated data.

[0017] The interpolation calculator can generate first interpolated data by using first sensing data and generate second interpolated data by using the first interpolated data and the first sensing data.

[0018] The display device may further include a timing controller, wherein the timing controller is configured to generate a grayscale value of the first pixel by using interpolated data and second sensed data.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device includes a first pixel, a lookup table, a sensor, and a sensing controller, wherein the lookup table includes stress values ​​of the first pixel, the sensor is configured to generate sensing data of at least some of the first pixels, and the sensing controller is configured to interpolate the sensing data by referencing the stress values ​​to generate interpolated data of at least some of the first pixels that were not sensed.

[0020] The first pixel may have the first color.

[0021] The display device may further include a second pixel and a third pixel, wherein the second pixel has a second color different from the first color, and the third pixel has a third color different from the first color and the second color, wherein one of the first pixel, one of the second pixel and one of the third pixel are connected to the sensor via a common sensing line.

[0022] The sensing controller may include an interpolation group designator and an interpolation calculator, wherein the interpolation group designator is configured to designate adjacent first pixels having stress values ​​whose difference between them is less than or equal to a stress threshold as an interpolation group, and the interpolation calculator is configured to generate interpolation data for each of the plurality of interpolation groups.

[0023] The first pixel can be divided into multiple blocks, and the sensing controller may include a fine sensing determiner and an interpolation calculator, wherein the fine sensing determiner is configured to classify each of the multiple blocks into one of a first block and a second block for each of the multiple blocks based on a representative stress value of the stress value, and the interpolation calculator is configured to generate interpolated data for the first block by interpolating the sensing data.

[0024] For each of the multiple blocks, the stress value can be at least one of the standard deviation, average, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the stress value.

[0025] The fine sensing categorizer can be configured to classify blocks with a standard deviation value greater than the stress threshold as second blocks, and blocks with a standard deviation value less than or equal to the stress threshold as first blocks.

[0026] The sensor can generate first sensing data for at least two of the first pixels belonging to the first block and generate second sensing data for all of the first pixels belonging to the second block.

[0027] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for driving a display device comprising pixels divided into a plurality of blocks includes: generating first sensing data of at least two pixels in each of the plurality of blocks during a first time period; generating interpolated data of a first group of unsensitized pixels for a first block of the plurality of blocks by interpolating the first sensing data; and generating second sensing data of a second group of unsensitized pixels for a second block of the plurality of blocks during a second time period following the first time period.

[0028] The method may further include: calculating a representative block value of the first sensing data for each of the plurality of blocks; and classifying each of the plurality of blocks into one of a first block and a second block based on the representative block value, wherein the representative block value for each of the plurality of blocks may be at least one of a standard deviation, an average, a maximum, and a minimum value of the first sensing data.

[0029] Classifying each of a plurality of blocks into one of a first block and a second block may include: classifying a block among the plurality of blocks that has a standard deviation value greater than a block threshold into a second block; and classifying a block among the plurality of blocks that has a standard deviation value less than or equal to a block threshold into a first block.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for driving a display device comprising pixels divided into a plurality of blocks includes: sensing some of the pixels in each of the plurality of blocks during a first time period; and sensing the remaining unsensitized pixels in at least one of the plurality of blocks during a second time period following the first time period. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a diagram used to explain the display time periods of pixels according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a diagram used to explain the mobility sensing period of the driving transistor according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram used to explain the threshold voltage sensing period of the driving transistor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram used to explain the threshold voltage sensing period of a light-emitting diode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10This is a diagram showing points according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an interpolation scheme according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an interpolation scheme according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a sensing controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a sensing controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a sensing controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 20 A diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily practice the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in various forms, but is not limited to the exemplary embodiments.

[0044] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, parts not directly related to this disclosure will be omitted in order to provide a clearer and more concise explanation of this disclosure. Reference will be made to drawings in which similar reference numerals are used throughout this disclosure to designate similar components. Therefore, reference numerals described in one drawing may be used in other drawings.

[0045] Furthermore, since the dimensions and thicknesses of various components are arbitrarily indicated in the accompanying drawings for ease of description, this disclosure is not limited to the drawings. The dimensions, thicknesses, etc., of components, layers, and regions in the drawings may be exaggerated to clarify their description.

[0046] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] The display device 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a timing controller 11, a data driver 12, a scan driver 13, a pixel component 14, a sensor 15, and a sensing controller 16.

[0048] The timing controller 11 can receive grayscale values ​​and control signals for each image frame from an external processor (not shown). The timing controller 11 can render grayscale values ​​to suit the display device 10. For example, the external processor can provide red, green, and blue grayscale values ​​for each unit point. For example, when the pixel component 14 has a pentile structure, adjacent unit points can share pixels, and therefore multiple pixels may not correspond to their respective grayscale values ​​in a one-to-one manner. In this case, grayscale value rendering may be necessary. When multiple pixels correspond to their respective pixel values ​​in a one-to-one manner, grayscale value rendering is not necessary. Grayscale values, whether rendered or not, can be provided to the data driver 12. The timing controller 11 can provide control signals to the data driver 12, the scan driver 13, and the sensor 15 to display image frames using the pixel component 14.

[0049] The data driver 12 can generate a data voltage and provide the data voltage to multiple data lines D1, D2, D3, ..., Dm using grayscale values ​​and control signals received from the timing controller 11. For example, the data driver 12 can sample grayscale values ​​using a clock signal received as one of the multiple control signals, and apply the data voltage corresponding to the grayscale value to the multiple data lines D1 to Dm on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Here, m can be an integer greater than 0.

[0050] The scan driver 13 can receive clock signals, scan start signals, etc., from the timing controller 11 as control signals, and can generate multiple first scan signals and provide them to multiple first scan lines S11, S12, ..., S1n, and generate multiple second scan signals and provide them to multiple second scan lines S21, S22, ..., S2n. Here, n can be an integer greater than 0.

[0051] The scan driver 13 can sequentially provide multiple first scan signals to multiple first scan lines S11, S12, ..., S1n, each of which has a conduction level pulse, and can sequentially provide multiple second scan signals to multiple second scan lines S21, S22, ..., S2n, each of which has a conduction level pulse.

[0052] For example, scan driver 13 may include a first scan driver connected to a plurality of first scan lines S11, S12, ..., S1n and a second scan driver connected to a plurality of second scan lines S21, S22, ..., S2n. Each of the first and second scan drivers may include a scan stage configured in the form of a shift register. Under the control of a clock signal, each of the first and second scan drivers may generate a scan signal by sequentially transmitting a scan start signal with an on-level pulse to the next scan stage.

[0053] In this implementation, the multiple first scan signals and the multiple second scan signals may be identical to each other. In this case, the first scan line and the second scan line connected to each pixel PXij may be connected to the same node, and the scan driver 13 may be implemented as a single scan driver, instead of being divided into a first scan driver and a second scan driver.

[0054] Sensor 15 can receive control signals from timing controller 11 and can supply multiple initialization voltages to multiple sensing lines I1, I2, I3, ..., Ip and / or receive multiple sensing signals from multiple sensing lines I1, I2, I3, ..., Ip. For example, sensor 15 can supply initialization voltages to multiple sensing lines I1, I2, I3, ..., Ip during at least a portion of the display period, and can receive sensing signals from multiple sensing lines I1, I2, I3, ..., Ip during at least another portion of the sensing period. Here, p can be an integer greater than 0.

[0055] Sensor 15 may include multiple sensing channels connected to multiple sensing lines I1, I2, I3, ..., Ip. For example, the multiple sensing lines I1, I2, I3, ..., Ip may correspond one-to-one with the multiple sensing channels.

[0056] Pixel component 14 may include multiple pixels. Each pixel PXij may be connected to a corresponding data line, scan line, and sense line. The multiple pixels PXij may be divided into multiple blocks. In one embodiment, each of the multiple blocks may include the same number of pixels and may not overlap with each other. In another embodiment, the multiple blocks may include different numbers of pixels. In some embodiments, the multiple blocks may overlap with each other and share at least one or more pixels.

[0057] A controller may be provided for each block comprising multiple pixels. The controller may be a virtual or logical group of multiple pixels, independent of physical components. In one implementation, multiple blocks may be defined in memory before the product leaves the factory, or multiple blocks may be actively redefined during the use of the product.

[0058] The sensing controller 16 receives sensing data from the sensor 15, generates interpolated data by interpolating the sensing data, and provides the interpolated data to the timing controller 11. The timing controller 11 can generate grayscale values ​​for pixels in the pixel component 14 by using the interpolated data. In an embodiment, the timing controller 11 can generate grayscale values ​​for pixels by using both the interpolated data and all of the sensing data.

[0059] Sensor 15 can generate sensing data in response to control signals supplied from sensing controller 16 or timing controller 11 by sensing only some pixels or all pixels for each block.

[0060] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a diagram used to explain the display time period of pixel PXij according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 2 An exemplary waveform is shown of the signals applied during the display period to the first scan line S1i, the second scan line S2i, the data line Dj, and the sensing line Ik connected to the pixel PXij. Here, k can be an integer greater than 0.

[0062] The following will refer to Figure 3 An exemplary configuration of pixel PXij and sensing channel 151 is described.

[0063] Pixel PXij may include multiple transistors T1, T2 and T3, storage capacitor Cst and light-emitting diode LD.

[0064] In one embodiment, the plurality of transistors T1, T2, and T3 may be implemented as N-type transistors. In another embodiment, the plurality of transistors T1, T2, and T3 may be implemented as P-type transistors. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of transistors T1, T2, and T3 may be implemented as a combination of N-type and P-type transistors. The term "P-type transistor" refers to a transistor through which an increased current flows as the voltage difference between the gate and source electrodes increases in the negative direction. The term "N-type transistor" refers to a transistor through which an increased current flows as the voltage difference between the gate and source electrodes increases in the positive direction. Each of the plurality of transistors T1, T2, and T3 may be implemented as any type of transistor, such as a thin-film transistor (TFT), a field-effect transistor (FET), and a bipolar junction transistor (BJT).

[0065] The first transistor T1 may have a gate electrode connected to a first node N1, a first electrode connected to a first power supply ELVDD, and a second electrode connected to a second node N2. The first transistor T1 may be referred to as a driving transistor.

[0066] The second transistor T2 may have a gate electrode connected to the first scan line S1i, a first electrode connected to the data line Dj, and a second electrode connected to the first node N1. The second transistor T2 may be referred to as a scan transistor.

[0067] The third transistor T3 may have a gate electrode connected to the second scan line S2i, a first electrode connected to the second node N2, and a second electrode connected to the sensing line Ik. The third transistor T3 may be referred to as a sensing transistor.

[0068] The storage capacitor Cst may have a first electrode connected to a first node N1 and a second electrode connected to a second node N2.

[0069] The light-emitting diode (LD) may have an anode connected to the second node N2 and a cathode connected to the second power supply ELVSS.

[0070] Typically, the voltage of the first power supply ELVDD can be higher than the voltage of the second power supply ELVSS. However, in special cases, such as to prevent the light-emitting diode (LD) from emitting light, the voltage of the second power supply ELVSS can be set to be equal to or higher than the voltage of the first power supply ELVDD.

[0071] The sensing channel 151 may include multiple switches SW1 to SW7, a sensing capacitor CS1, an amplifier AMP, and a sampling capacitor CS2.

[0072] The second switch SW2 may have a first terminal connected to the third node N3 and a second terminal connected to the initialization power supply VINT.

[0073] An amplifier AMP may have a first input terminal (e.g., a non-inverting terminal), a second input terminal (e.g., an inverting terminal), and an output terminal connected to a reference power supply VREF. The amplifier AMP may be implemented as an operational amplifier.

[0074] The third switch SW3 may have a first terminal connected to the third node N3 and a second terminal connected to the second input terminal of the amplifier AMP.

[0075] The sensing capacitor CS1 may have a first electrode connected to the second input terminal of the amplifier AMP and a second electrode connected to the output terminal of the amplifier AMP.

[0076] The sampling capacitor CS2 may have a first electrode connected to the sensing capacitor CS1 via a fifth switch SW5 and a sixth switch SW6.

[0077] The fourth switch SW4 may have a first end connected to the first electrode of the sensing capacitor CS1 and a second end connected to the second electrode of the sensing capacitor CS1.

[0078] The fifth switch SW5 may have a first terminal connected to the output terminal of the amplifier AMP and a second terminal connected to the fourth node N4.

[0079] The sixth switch SW6 may have a first terminal connected to the fourth node N4 and a second terminal connected to the first electrode of the sampling capacitor CS2.

[0080] The seventh switch SW7 may have a first terminal connected to the first electrode of the sampling capacitor CS2 and a second terminal connected to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0081] The first switch SW1 may have a first end connected to the third node N3 and a second end connected to the fourth node N4.

[0082] Sensor 15 may include sensing channels 151 and ADCs. For example, sensor 15 may include multiple ADCs corresponding to the number of sensing channels 151. In other embodiments, sensor 15 may include a single ADC and may store sampled signals in sensing channels 151 and convert sampled signals by time division.

[0083] Refer again Figure 2 During the display period, the sensing line Ik is connected to the initialization power supply VINT. During the display period, the second switch SW2 can be in the ON state.

[0084] During the display period, the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 can be in the off state. Therefore, it prevents the sensing line Ik from being connected to the reference power supply VREF.

[0085] During the display period, multiple data voltages DS(i-1)j, DSij, and DS(i+1)j can be sequentially applied to data line Dj. During the period when data voltage DSij is applied to data line Dj, a scan signal with an on-level (i.e., high level) can be applied to the first scan line S1i. Additionally, a scan signal with an on-level can also be applied to the second scan line S2i synchronously with the scan signal applied to the first scan line S1i. In this embodiment, during the display period, a scan signal with an on-level can always be applied to the second scan line S2i.

[0086] For example, when a scan signal with a conduction level is applied to the first scan line S1i and the second scan line S2i, the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 can be turned on. Therefore, the voltage corresponding to the difference between the data voltage DSij and the voltage of the initialization power supply VINT can be stored in the storage capacitor Cst of the pixel PXij.

[0087] In pixel PXij, the amount of drive current flowing through the drive path from the first power supply ELVDD through the first transistor T1 to the second power supply ELVSS can be determined based on the voltage difference between the gate electrode and the source electrode of the first transistor T1. The brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting diode LD can be determined based on the amount of drive current flowing through the drive path.

[0088] Subsequently, when a scan signal with a turn-off level (i.e., low level) is applied to the first scan line S1i and the second scan line S2i, the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 can be turned off. In this case, regardless of the voltage change of the data line Dj, the storage capacitor Cst can maintain the voltage difference between the gate electrode and the source electrode of the first transistor T1, thereby maintaining the brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting diode LD during the display period.

[0089] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a diagram used to explain the mobility sensing period of the driving transistor or the first transistor T1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Figure 4 An exemplary waveform of the signal applied to the first scan line S1i, the second scan line S2i, the data line Dj, and the sensing line Ik connected to the pixel PXij is shown during the mobility sensing period. Figure 5 It shows in Figure 4 The state of pixel PXij and sensing channel 151 at time point tm is shown.

[0091] During the mobility sensing period, multiple sensing voltages SS(i-1), SSij, and SS(i+2)j may be sequentially applied to the data line Dj. In an implementation, when only a single pixel row (i.e., pixels connected to the same scan line) is sensed during the mobility sensing period, only the sensing voltage SSij may be applied to the data line Dj, and the multiple sensing voltages SS(i-1)j and SS(i+1)j may not be applied to the data line Dj.

[0092] The sensing line Ik can be connected to the reference power supply VREF. (Reference) Figure 5 The third switch SW3 can be in the ON state. Since the non-inverting and inverting terminals of the amplifier AMP can be in a virtual short-circuit state, the sensing line Ik can indicate that it is connected to the reference power supply VREF.

[0093] Synchronously with the sensing voltage SSij, when a scan signal with a conduction level is applied to the first scan line S1i and the second scan line S2i, the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 can be turned on.

[0094] Therefore, the sensing voltage SSij can be applied to the first node N1 of pixel PXij, and the voltage of the reference power supply VREF can be applied to the second node N2. The difference between the sensing voltage SSij and the voltage of the reference power supply VREF can be higher than the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1. In this case, the first transistor T1 can be turned on, and the sensing current can flow through the sensing current path from the first power supply ELVDD via the first transistor T1, the second node N2, the third transistor T3, the third node N3, and the third switch SW3 to the first electrode of the sensing capacitor CS1. The sensing current can include the characteristic information of the first transistor T1 by the following equation (1).

[0095]

[0096] Here, Id represents the sense current flowing through the first transistor T1, u represents the mobility, Co represents the capacitance formed by the sense channel 151, one or more insulating layers and the gate electrode of the first transistor T1, W represents the channel width of the first transistor T1, L represents the channel length of the first transistor T1, Vgs represents the voltage difference between the gate electrode and the source electrode of the first transistor T1, and Vth represents the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1.

[0097] Here, Co, W, and L can be fixed constants. Vth can be determined by using additional detection schemes (e.g., see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 The additional detection scheme will be discussed in more detail below. Vgs can be the voltage difference between the sensed voltage SSij and the reference power supply VREF. Since the voltage of the third node N3 is fixed, the voltage of the fourth node N4 decreases as the sensed current Id increases. The voltage of the fourth node N4 can be stored as a sample signal in the sampling capacitor CS2. The ADC can calculate the magnitude of the sensed current Id by converting the sample signal stored in the sampling capacitor CS2 into a digital signal using the turned-on seventh switch SW7. Therefore, during the mobility sensing period of the driving transistor or the first transistor T1, the remaining variable, i.e., the mobility u, can be obtained.

[0098] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram used to explain the threshold voltage sensing period of the driving transistor or the first transistor T1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Figure 7 It shows in Figure 6 The state of pixel PXij at time point th4 and the state of sensing channel 151. The third switch SW3 and the fifth switch SW5 can remain off, and the first switch SW1 can remain on.

[0100] refer to Figure 6 At time point th1, the voltage of the second power supply ELVSS increases, thereby preventing the light-emitting diode LD from emitting light.

[0101] Next, at time point th2, the second switch SW2 is turned on, and therefore the sensing line Ik can be initialized to the voltage of the initial power supply VINT.

[0102] Next, at time point th3, a scan signal with a conduction level can be applied to the first scan line S1i and the second scan line S2i. At this time, the sensing voltage SSth can be applied to the data line Dj. Therefore, the first node N1 can be maintained at the sensing voltage SSth. In addition, the sensing line Ik can be connected to the second node N2.

[0103] The second node N2 can rise from the initial power supply VINT voltage to the voltage SSth-Vth. When the voltage of the second node N2 reaches the voltage SSth-Vth, the first transistor T1 can be turned off, and therefore the voltage of the second node N2 stops rising further.

[0104] The sixth switch SW6 can be turned on, and therefore the sampled signal can be stored in the sampling capacitor CS2. Here, since the fourth node N4 is connected to the second node N2, the sampled signal can include the threshold voltage Vth of the first transistor T1. The seventh switch SW7 is turned on, and therefore the ADC can convert the sampled signal into a digital signal during the threshold voltage sensing period of the driving transistor or the first transistor T1.

[0105] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram used to explain the threshold voltage sensing period of a light-emitting diode (LD) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It shows in Figure 8 The state of pixel PXij at time point td4 and the state of sensing channel 151.

[0106] At time point td1, the sensed voltage SSId can be applied to the data line Dj. The voltage of the reference power supply VREF can be applied to the sense line Ik via the third switch SW3. Here, a scan signal with an on level can be applied to the first scan line S1i and the second scan line S2i, and multiple transistors T2 and T3 can be turned on. Accordingly, the storage capacitor Cst can store the difference between the sensed voltage SSId and the voltage of the reference power supply VREF.

[0107] At time point td2, a scan signal with a turn-off level can be applied to the first scan line S1i and the second scan line S2i. Since the first transistor T1 can remain on due to the voltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst, the voltage at the second node N2 can increase depending on the degree of degradation of the light-emitting diode LD. For example, as the degradation of the light-emitting diode LD becomes more severe, the voltage at the second node N2 may increase more significantly. The voltage converging at the second node N2 can correspond to the threshold voltage of the light-emitting diode LD.

[0108] At time point td3, a scan signal with an on level can be applied to the first scan line S1i and the second scan line S2i. At this time, the data reference voltage Dref can be applied to the data line Dj. The data reference voltage Dref can be a voltage with an off level. Therefore, while the first transistor T1 remains off, the voltage of the second node N2 can be stably sensed by the sensing channel 151. During the period when the sensing channel 151 senses the voltage of the second node N2, the fourth switch SW4 can be in the off state.

[0109] Since the third switch SW3 is in the ON state and the voltage of the third node N3 is fixed at the reference power supply VREF, the voltage of the fourth node N4 can decrease as the voltage of the second node N2 increases (i.e., as the amount of charge to be supplied increases). The voltage of the fourth node N4 can be stored in the sampling capacitor CS2, and the ADC can convert the voltage into a digital value. Accordingly, during the threshold voltage sensing period of the LED LD, characteristic information corresponding to the threshold voltage of the LED LD can be sensed.

[0110] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating point DOTik according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] refer to Figure 10 A point DOTik may include multiple pixels PXi(j-1), PXij, and PXi(j+1). Multiple pixels PXi(j-1), PXij, and PXi(j+1) included in the same point DOTik can be connected to the sensing channel 151 through the same sensing line Ik.

[0112] For example, multiple pixels PXi(j-1), PXij, and PXi(j+1) can correspond to pixels of different colors. For instance, pixel PXi(j-1) can be a pixel of a first color, pixel PXij can be a pixel of a second color, and pixel PXi(j+1) can be a pixel of a third color. That is, pixel PXi(j-1) can include a light-emitting diode LDR capable of emitting light of the first color, pixel PXij can include a light-emitting diode LDg capable of emitting light of the second color, and pixel PXi(j+1) can include a light-emitting diode LDb capable of emitting light of the third color.

[0113] The first color, the second color, and the third color may be different from each other. In one embodiment, the first color may be one of red, green, and blue; the second color may be one of red, green, and blue other than the first color; and the third color may be the remaining one of red, green, and blue other than the first and second colors. In another embodiment, magenta, cyan, and yellow may be used instead of red, green, and blue as the first to third colors.

[0114] According to the embodiment, when sensing feature information of pixels in the pixel component 14, the sensor 15 can sense pixels of the same color. The sensing controller 16 can interpolate the data of pixels of the same color. For example, during a first color sensing period, the sensor 15 can sense feature information from pixels of the first color in the pixel component 14, and the sensing controller 16 can interpolate the sensed feature information of the pixels of the first color. Similarly, during a second color sensing period different from the first color sensing period, the sensor 15 can sense feature information from pixels of the second color, and the sensing controller 16 can interpolate the sensed feature information of the pixels of the second color. Furthermore, during a third color sensing period different from the first and second color sensing periods, the sensor 15 can sense feature information from pixels of the third color, and the sensing controller 16 can interpolate the sensed feature information of the pixels of the third color.

[0115] For example, during the sensing of pixel PXi(j-1) of the first color, a data voltage with a turn-off level can be applied to the data line Dj of pixel PXij of the second color and the data line D(j+1) of pixel PXi(j+1) of the third color. Therefore, during the sensing of pixel PXi(j-1) of the first color, the first transistor T1 of pixel PXij and the first transistor T1 of PXi(j+1) are turned off, thereby preventing multiple pixels PXij and PXi(j+1) from affecting the feature information of pixel PXi(j-1).

[0116] It should be noted that Figure 10An example of each point having an RGB stripe structure is shown as a non-limiting example, and three pixels PXi(j-1), PXij, and PXi(j+1) are shown as being equivalently connected to multiple scan lines S1i and S2i. In another embodiment, when each point is configured as a pentile structure, the point may consist of only two pixels. Multiple points may be connected to their respective different scan lines and may include pixels of different colors that share the same sensing line.

[0117] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an interpolation scheme according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] exist Figure 11 And in the accompanying figures, for the purpose of convenience of description, relative to Figure 10 The point indicates whether sensing / non-sensing will be performed. As mentioned above, during the sensing period of a point, a pixel of that point is sensed according to the color sensing period, and it may not be possible to sense all pixels included in that point synchronously. For example, during the first color sensing period, the first pixel of the first color in the point is sensed. Therefore, each point can be described as a specific pixel during each color sensing period. For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, it is assumed that sensing and interpolation are performed during the first color sensing period. Therefore, each point can be described as a first pixel, and the terms "point" and "first pixel" can be used interchangeably.

[0119] Figure 11 An exemplary case is shown in which points DOTik, DOTi(k+2), DOTi(k+4), DOT(i+2)k, DOT(i+2)(k+2), and DOT(i+2)(k+4) of pixel component 14 are sensed during the first time period, and points DOTi(k+1), DOTi(k+3), DOT(i+1)k, DOT(i+1)(k+1), DOT(i+1)(k+2), DOT(i+1)(k+3), DOT(i+1)(k+4), DOT(i+2)(k+1), DOT(i+2)(k+3), DOT(i+3)k, DOT(i+3)(k+1), DOT(i+3)(k+2), DOT(i+3)(k+3), and DOT(i+3)(k+4) are not sensed. That is, in odd-numbered pixel rows, the first pixel of the odd number is sensed, while the first pixel of the even number is not sensed, and all even-numbered pixel rows are not sensed. According to the implementation, the pixels to be sensed can be set to be either odd-numbered or even-numbered pixels.

[0120] exist Figure 11 In this diagram, each arrow pointing from one point to another indicates that the starting point of the arrow has the data used for interpolation, and the ending point of the arrow has the calculated interpolated data. (See later...) Figure 13 This will be described in detail.

[0121] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an interpolation scheme according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Figure 12 It shows the relationship with Figure 11 The first time period in different implementation methods.

[0123] Figure 12 An exemplary case is shown in which points DOTik, DOTi(k+2), DOTi(k+4), DOT(i+2)(k+1), and DOT(i+2)(k+3) of pixel component 14 are sensed during the first time period, and points DOTi(k+1), DOTi(k+3), DOT(i+1)k, DOT(i+1)(k+1), DOT(i+1)(k+2), DOT(i+1)(k+3), DOT(i+1)(k+4), DOT(i+2)k, DOT(i+2)(k+2), DOT(i+2)(k+4), DOT(i+3)k, DOT(i+3)(k+1), DOT(i+3)(k+2), DOT(i+3)(k+3), and DOT(i+3)(k+4) are not sensed. That is, Figure 12 Implementation methods and Figure 11 The implementation method is similar to that of the one that does not sense even-numbered pixel rows, but is similar to... Figure 11 The difference in the implementation method is that, among the multiple first pixels sensed in multiple odd-numbered pixel rows, odd-numbered first pixels and even-numbered first pixels are sensed alternately.

[0124] Figures 13 to 15 This is a diagram illustrating a sensing controller 16a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] refer to Figure 13 The sensing controller 16a may include a block value calculator 161a, a fine sensing decision 162a, and an interpolation calculator 163a.

[0126] refer to Figure 14 The pixel component 14 may include a plurality of first pixels divided into a plurality of blocks BL1, BL2, BL3 and BL4. Each of the plurality of blocks BL1 to BL4 may include at least three first pixels.

[0127] Sensor 15 can generate first sensing data RSD for at least two first pixels in each of a plurality of blocks BL1 to BL4 during a first time period. Figure 14 It shows the basis Figure 11 The interpolation scheme senses the state (i.e., dot pattern) of the first sensing data RSD during the first time period.

[0128] Among the multiple blocks BL1 to BL4, for the first block, for the first pixel that is not sensed, the sensing controller 16a can generate interpolated data IPSD by interpolating the first sensing data RSD, and for the second block, the sensing controller 16a may not interpolate the first sensing data RSD.

[0129] The representative block value calculator 161a can calculate a representative block value BLRV for each of a plurality of blocks BL1 to BL4 of the first sense data RSD. For each of the plurality of blocks BL1 to BL4, the representative block value BLRV can be at least one of the standard deviation, average, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the first sense data RSD. In the following description, for convenience, the case where the standard deviation of the first sense data RSD is used as the representative block value BLRV will be described.

[0130] The fine-grained sensing determiner 162a can classify or determine each of a plurality of blocks BL1 to BL4 as either a first block or a second block by using a representative block value BLRV. For example, the fine-grained sensing determiner 162a can determine block BL2, whose standard deviation value is greater than a block threshold, as a second block, and can determine a plurality of blocks BL1, BL3, and BL4, whose standard deviation values ​​are less than or equal to the block threshold, as first blocks. That is, the fine-grained sensing determiner 162a can determine that block BL2, which includes first sensing data RSD with a large deviation, is not suitable for interpolation, and that a plurality of blocks BL1, BL3, and BL4, which include first sensing data RSD with a small deviation, are suitable for interpolation.

[0131] Accordingly, the fine sensing determiner 162a can transmit the coarse sensing margin signal RSA to the interpolation calculator 163a to interpolate the data corresponding to the multiple blocks BL1, BL3, and BL4 in the first sensing data RSD. In addition, the fine sensing determiner 162a can transmit the fine sensing signal FSS to the sensor 15, thereby enabling the sensor 15 to perform fine sensing on all the first pixels in block BL2.

[0132] The interpolation calculator 163a can generate interpolated data IPSD by interpolating the first sensing data RSD for multiple blocks BL1, BL3, and BL4 designated as the first block. Therefore, sensing time can be saved since it is not necessary to sense all pixels of the multiple blocks BL1, BL3, and BL4.

[0133] According to an implementation, the interpolation calculator 163a can generate first interpolated data in interpolated data IPSD using first sense data RSD, and can generate second interpolated data in interpolated data IPSD using the first interpolated data. (See reference...) Figure 11First interpolation data for point DOTi(k+1) interpolated between adjacent points DOTik and DOTi(k+2) can be generated using the first sensing data RSD of multiple adjacent points DOTik and DOTi(k+2). Similarly, first interpolation data for point DOT(i+2)(k+1) interpolated between adjacent points DOT(i+2)k and DOT(i+2)(k+2) can be generated using the first sensing data RSD of multiple adjacent points DOT(i+2)k and DOT(i+2)(k+2). Next, second interpolation data for point DOT(i+1)(k+1) interpolated between adjacent points DOTi(k+1) and DOT(i+2)(k+1) can be generated using the first interpolation data of multiple adjacent points DOTi(k+1) and DOT(i+2)(k+1).

[0134] According to an implementation, the interpolation calculator 163a can generate first interpolation data in interpolation data IPSD using first sensing data RSD, and can generate second interpolation data using the first interpolation data and the first sensing data RSD. (See reference...) Figure 12 First interpolation data for point DOTi(k+1), interpolated between multiple adjacent points DOTik and DOTi(k+2), can be generated by using the first sensing data RSD of multiple adjacent points DOTik and DOTi(k+2). Next, second interpolation data for point DOT(i+1)(k+1), interpolated between multiple adjacent points DOTi(k+1) and DOT(i+2)(k+1), can be generated by using the first interpolation data of point DOTi(k+1) and the first sensing data RSD of point DOT(i+2)(k+1).

[0135] refer to Figure 15 Sensor 15 can generate second sensing data FSD for the first pixel that was not sensed during a second time period following the first time period, for the block BL2 designated as the second block. Therefore, since all directly sensed data from the first pixel in block BL2 is used, errors may not occur in the feature information of the first pixel in block BL2.

[0136] The timing controller 11 can generate the grayscale value of the first pixel using interpolated data IPSD and second sensing data FSD. (See above reference.) Figure 1 As described, the timing controller 11 can receive grayscale values ​​of respective image frames from an external processor. The timing controller 11 can convert the received grayscale values ​​based on the feature information of the first pixel, and incorporate the current physical state of the pixel component 14 (e.g., processing deviation, degree of degradation, etc.) into the converted grayscale values. Therefore, the display device 10 can prevent problems such as the indication of blemishes.

[0137] Figures 16 to 18 This is a diagram illustrating a sensing controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] refer to Figure 16 The sensing controller 16b may include an interpolation group designator 164b and an interpolation calculator 163b.

[0139] The timing controller 11 may include a lookup table (LUT). The lookup table (LUT) may exist in data form or physical form (e.g., memory). In one embodiment, the lookup table (LUT) may be located outside the timing controller 11.

[0140] The lookup table (LUT) may include the stress value (STRV) of the first pixel. The stress value (STRV) can accumulate up to the current point in time, rather than being a value at a specific point in time. Thus, a larger stress value can accumulate as the amount of current flowing through each first pixel increases, as the ambient temperature of the first pixel increases, and / or as the gray level represented by the first pixel increases. In other embodiments, factors other than current, temperature, and gray level may also contribute to the stress value of the first pixel. The stress value (STRV) may differ from sensing data in that it is a cumulative information about external factors that may affect the first pixel, rather than being obtained by instantaneously measuring the physical state of the first pixel.

[0141] The stress value STRV can correspond to a specific element of the first pixel. For example, the stress value STRV can be associated with a light-emitting diode LD or a first transistor T1. The lookup table LUT can also include the stress values ​​of the second and third pixels.

[0142] Sensor 15 can generate sensing data RSD for at least some of the first pixels.

[0143] The sensing controller 16b can interpolate the sensing data RSD by referencing the stress value STRV to generate interpolated data IPSD for at least some of the unsensed first pixels.

[0144] Interpolation group designator 164b can designate adjacent first pixels with stress values ​​STRV whose difference between them is less than or equal to the stress threshold as the same interpolation group.

[0145] Figure 17The diagram below illustrates exemplary stress values ​​for their respective point address values. Stress values ​​can be numeric and can be unitless. For example, the difference DIF between the stress value STRVi(k+3) of the first pixel in point DOTi(k+3) and the stress value STRVi(k+4) of the first pixel in point DOTi(k+4) can be greater than the stress threshold THST. For example, multiple points DOTi(k+4), DOTi(k+5), and DOTi(k+6) can correspond to a constant display area (e.g., an area continuously displaying information such as time, communication status, etc.). For example, multiple points DOTik, DOTi(k+1), DOTi(k+2), and DOTi(k+3) can correspond to a normal display area (e.g., an area displaying a changing image).

[0146] In this example, the interpolation group designator 164b can designate multiple adjacent points DOTik, DOTi(k+1), and DOTi(k+2) as a single interpolation group, and multiple adjacent points DOTi(k+4), DOTi(k+5), and DOTi(k+6) as additional interpolation groups. Conversely, the interpolation group designator 164b can choose not to designate interpolation groups for multiple adjacent points DOTi(k+2), DOTi(k+3), and DOTi(k+4).

[0147] The interpolation calculator 163b can generate interpolation data IPSDs for each interpolation group. (Compared with reference...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 Interpolation is performed on the specified points DOTi(k+1) and DOTi(k+5) of the interpolation group in the same or similar manner, and interpolation data IPSD is generated accordingly. However, for point DOTi(k+3) whose interpolation group is not specified, the sensing data of point DOTi(k+2) with similar stress values ​​between points DOTi(k+2) and DOTi(k+4) can be copied, and interpolation data IPSD is generated accordingly. Figure 18 An example of generating interpolated data IPSD that prevents it from falling outside the error range of point DOTi(k+3) is shown.

[0148] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a sensing controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] refer to Figure 19 The sensing controller 16c may include a fine sensing decision 162c and an interpolation calculator 163c.

[0150] The timing controller 11 may include a lookup table (LUT). A description of the lookup table (LUT) can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 16 The implementation method.

[0151] The sensing controller 16c can interpolate the sensing data RSD by referencing the stress value STRV to generate interpolated data IPSD for at least some of the unsensitized first pixels.

[0152] The fine sensing decision 162c can determine each block as one of the first and second blocks by using the representative stress value of the stress value STRV.

[0153] For each block, the representative stress value can be at least one of the standard deviation, average, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the stress value STRV. For ease of description, the case where the standard deviation of the stress value STRV is used as the representative stress value will be described below.

[0154] The fine sensing determiner 162c can determine blocks whose standard deviation value is greater than the stress threshold THST as second blocks, and blocks whose standard deviation value is less than or equal to the stress threshold THST as first blocks. The fine sensing determiner 162c can transmit a coarse sensing signal RSS, thereby allowing some pixels to be sensed only for the blocks designated as first blocks, and can transmit a fine sensing signal FSS, thereby allowing all pixels to be sensed for the blocks designated as second blocks.

[0155] Sensor 15 can generate first sensing data RSD and second sensing data FSD for at least some of the first pixels. Sensor 15 can generate first sensing data RSD for at least two first pixels belonging to a first block, and can generate second sensing data FSD for all first pixels belonging to a second block. For example, sensor 15 can transmit the first sensing data RSD obtained by sensing only some pixels of the block designated as the first block in response to a coarse sensing signal RSS to an interpolator 163c. In addition, sensor 15 can transmit the second sensing data FSD obtained by sensing all pixels of the block designated as the second block in response to a fine control signal FSS to a timing controller 11.

[0156] The interpolation calculator 163c can generate interpolated data IPSD for a first block by interpolating the first sensing data RSD.

[0157] The timing controller 11 can generate the grayscale value of the first pixel by using interpolated data IPSD and second sensing data FSD.

[0158] Figure 20 A diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] The display device 10' may include a timing controller 11, a data driver 12', a scan driver 13, a pixel component 14, and a sensing controller 16.

[0160] Figure 20The data driver 12' of the display device 10' can be integrated Figure 1 The display device 10 is configured with a data driver 12 and a sensor 15. That is, in Figure 1 In the display device 10, the data driver 12 and the sensor 15 can be implemented as separate integrated circuit (IC) chips, but are integrated with... Figure 1 The display device 10 and the sensor 15 Figure 20 The data driver 12' of the display device 10' can be implemented as a single IC chip.

[0161] Therefore, the data driver 12' can be connected to multiple data lines D1, D2, ..., Dm and multiple sensing lines I1 and I2. For example, the multiple data lines D1, D2, ..., Dm and multiple sensing lines I1 and I2 can be arranged alternately.

[0162] The display device and method for driving the display device according to this disclosure can accurately sense the feature information of pixels while reducing the time required to sense feature information.

[0163] The accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions of this disclosure are illustrative and provided for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to limit or constrain the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and other embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A plurality of first pixels, the plurality of first pixels being divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks being classified as a first block or a second block; A sensor configured to generate first sensing data for at least two of the first pixels in each of the plurality of blocks during a first time period; as well as A sensing controller is configured to: for the first block, generate interpolated data for the first pixels not sensed by the sensor by interpolating the first sensing data; and for the second block, abandon interpolation of the first sensing data. During a second time period following the first time period, for the second block, the sensor generates second sensing data for the first pixel that was not sensed by the sensor.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first pixels have a first color.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: A plurality of second pixels, wherein the plurality of second pixels have a second color different from the first color; as well as Multiple third pixels, wherein the multiple third pixels have a third color different from the first color and the second color, One of the plurality of first pixels, one of the plurality of second pixels, and one of the plurality of third pixels are connected to the sensor via a common sensing line.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensing controller includes: A representative block value calculator, configured to calculate a representative block value for the first sensed data for each of the plurality of blocks; A fine-sensing determiner, configured to: classify each of the plurality of blocks into one of a first block and a second block based on the representative block value; and An interpolation calculator configured to generate interpolated data for the first block by interpolating the first sensed data.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, For each of the plurality of blocks, the representative block value is at least one of the standard deviation, average, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the first sensed data.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The fine sensing determiner is configured to: Among the plurality of blocks, those blocks having a standard deviation value greater than the block threshold are classified as the second block, and Among the plurality of blocks, the blocks having a standard deviation value less than or equal to the block threshold are classified as the first block.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The interpolation calculator generates first interpolated data in the interpolated data using the first sensing data, and generates second interpolated data using the first interpolated data.

8. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The interpolation calculator generates first interpolated data in the interpolated data using the first sensing data, and generates second interpolated data using the first interpolated data and the first sensing data.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A timing controller configured to generate a plurality of grayscale values ​​for the plurality of first pixels by using the interpolated data and the second sensing data.

10. A method of driving a display device, the display device comprising a plurality of pixels divided into a plurality of blocks, the method comprising: During the first time period, first sensing data is generated for at least two pixels in each of the plurality of blocks; For the first block of the plurality of blocks, interpolation data for the first group of unsensed pixels is generated by interpolating the first sensing data, and for the second block of the plurality of blocks, interpolation of the first sensing data is abandoned; as well as During the second time period following the first time period, for the second block, second sensing data is generated for the second group of pixels that were not sensed.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: For each of the plurality of blocks, calculate a representative block value of the first sensed data; as well as Based on the representative block value, each of the plurality of blocks is classified into one of the first block and the second block. Wherein, for each of the plurality of blocks, the representative block value is at least one of the standard deviation, average, maximum and minimum values ​​of the first sensed data.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Classifying each of the plurality of blocks into one of the first block and the second block includes: Among the plurality of blocks, blocks having a standard deviation value greater than the block threshold are classified as the second block; and Among the plurality of blocks, the blocks having a standard deviation value less than or equal to the block threshold are classified as the first block.

13. A method of driving a display device, the display device comprising a plurality of pixels divided into a plurality of blocks, the method comprising: During the first time period, some pixels in each of the plurality of blocks are sensed to generate sensing data. For some of the plurality of blocks, interpolation data is generated for unsensitized pixels by interpolating the sensing data using a reference stress value, and for at least one of the plurality of blocks, interpolation of the sensing data is abandoned, wherein the stress value is a cumulative value of the level of stress applied to the pixel based on the amount of current flowing through the pixel, the ambient temperature of the pixel, and / or the gray level represented by the pixel. as well as During a second time period following the first time period, the remaining pixels that were not sensed in at least one of the plurality of blocks are sensed.

Images