Apparatus and method for image processing in display driver

Abstract

A display driver includes an image processing circuit and a driver circuit. The image processing circuit is configured to receive spatial distribution information of a physical quantity related to a display panel. The image processing circuit is further configured to generate output voltage data by processing input pixel data associated with sub-pixels of a pixel. The driver circuit is configured to drive the display panel based on the output voltage data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to image processing techniques for display drivers. Background Technology

[0002] Image processing techniques can be applied to image data to improve the image quality of images displayed on display panels such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels and liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a display driver is disclosed. The display driver includes image processing circuitry and driver circuitry. The image processing circuitry is configured to receive spatial distribution information of physical quantities associated with a display panel, and to generate output voltage data by processing input pixel data associated with corresponding sub-pixels of the pixels based on the spatial distribution information and pixel positions. The driver circuitry is configured to drive the display panel based on the output voltage data.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a display system is disclosed. The display system includes a display panel, a host computer, an image processing circuit, and a driving circuit. The host computer is configured to generate spatial distribution information of physical quantities associated with the display panel and input pixel data associated with pixels. The image processing circuit is configured to generate output voltage data by processing the input pixel data of sub-pixels of the pixels based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixels. The driving circuit is configured to drive the display panel based on the output voltage data.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a method is also disclosed. The method includes receiving spatial distribution information of physical quantities associated with a display panel, and generating output voltage data by processing input pixel data associated with subpixels of the pixels based on the spatial distribution information and pixel positions. The method further includes driving the display panel based on the output voltage data. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features described above, a more detailed description of the present disclosure can be obtained by referring to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as other equivalent embodiments are permissible.

[0008] Figure 1 An example configuration of a display module according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example configuration of pixels according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 An example configuration of a display driver according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 4 An example method for driving a display panel is illustrated according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5A and 5B The illustration shows a foldable display panel according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 An example configuration of a mixing ratio generation circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 7 The illustration shows an example correspondence between the Y coordinate of a pixel and the blending ratio according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example correspondence between the Y coordinate of a pixel and the blending ratio according to one or more embodiments.

[0016] Figure 9 An example configuration of a mixing ratio generation circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 10 An example configuration of a mixing ratio generation circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 11 An example operation of a mixing ratio generation circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 12 An example configuration of a mixing ratio generation circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 13 An example configuration of an image processing core according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 14 An example configuration of an image processing core according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 15 An example configuration of an image processing core according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 16 An example operation of a digital gamma circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 17 The diagram illustrates an example relationship between control points and gamma curves.

[0025] Figure 18 An example configuration of an image processing core according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 19 The illustration shows an example relationship between control points and gamma curves according to one or more embodiments.

[0027] Figure 20 An example operation of a flexible gamma circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 21 An example configuration of a display panel according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 22 An example configuration of a display panel according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 23 An example configuration of an image processing circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0031] Figure 24 An example configuration of a display panel according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 25 An example configuration of an image processing circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 26 An example configuration of a display panel according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 27 An example configuration of an image processing circuit according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 28 An example configuration of a display system according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 29 An example configuration of a display system according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0037] Figure 30 An example configuration of a display system according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0038] Figure 31 An example configuration of a display system according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0039] Figure 32 An example configuration of a display system according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0040] Figure 33 An example configuration of a display system according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used where possible to indicate the same elements common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment can be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific description. Unless specifically indicated, the figures discussed herein should not be construed as being drawn to scale. Furthermore, for clarity of presentation and explanation, the figures are generally simplified and details or parts are omitted. The figures and discussion serve to explain the principles discussed below, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following detailed descriptions are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit this disclosure or its application and use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing background, summary of the invention, or the following detailed descriptions.

[0043] Due to the physical properties of the display panel and its operating environment, the display panel may cause a spatial distribution of physical quantities related to the display panel. This spatial distribution may cause position-dependent variations in the characteristics of the display panel, and this may cause deviations in displayed colors from their design values. Various factors can cause deviations in displayed colors, and the amount of deviation may be position-dependent within the display panel. For example, the curvature of the display, the user's viewing angle, the temperature in the plane of the display panel, and ambient light can all cause such deviations. For example, in foldable display panels, the curvature of the display panel can cause a spatial distribution of physical quantities related to the display panel. This spatial distribution may cause position-dependent variations in the characteristics of the display panel, which in turn can degrade image quality. In this description, position-based color correction is introduced to correct for or mitigate the effects caused by this deviation.

[0044] Figure 1 An example configuration of a display module 100 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the display module 100 includes a display panel 1 and a display driver 2 configured to drive the display panel 1. The display panel 1 includes scan lines 3, also referred to as gate lines, data lines 4, also referred to as source lines, sub-pixels 5, and scan driver circuitry 6. The scan lines 3 are connected to the scan driver circuitry 6, and the data lines 4 are connected to the display driver 2. The scan lines 3 are driven by the scan driver circuitry 6.

[0045] Each sub-pixel 5 is connected to a corresponding scan line 3 and data line 4. In embodiments where the display panel 1 includes an OLED display panel, each sub-pixel 5 includes a light-emitting element, a selection transistor, and a holding capacitor. In embodiments where the display panel 1 includes an LCD panel, each sub-pixel 5 includes a pixel electrode, a selection transistor, and a holding capacitor. Depending on the configuration of the sub-pixels 5, the display panel 1 may include various interconnects other than the scan lines 3 and data lines 4.

[0046] Figure 2 An example configuration of pixels 7 of a display panel 1 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, each pixel 7 includes a plurality of subpixels 5 configured to display different colors, such as red (R), green (G), or blue (B). The subpixels 5 configured to display red, green, and blue may be referred to hereinafter as R subpixel 5R, G subpixel 5G, and B subpixel 5B, respectively. In various embodiments, each pixel 7 includes at least one R subpixel 5R, at least one G subpixel 5G, and at least one B subpixel 5B. The R subpixels 5R, G subpixels 5G, and B subpixels 5B of each pixel 7 may be connected to the same scan line 3. Each pixel 7 may include one or more additional subpixels configured to display colors other than red, green, and blue. The combination of colors of the subpixels 5 of pixel 7 is not limited to the combinations disclosed herein. For example, each pixel 7 may also include subpixels configured to display white or yellow. The display panel 1 may be configured for subpixel rendering (SPR). In such an embodiment, each pixel 7 may include a plurality of R sub-pixels 5R, a plurality of G sub-pixels 5G and / or a plurality of B sub-pixels 5B.

[0047] Return to reference Figure 1 An XY coordinate system can be defined for the display panel 1. In one or more embodiments, the X-axis is defined in the horizontal direction of the display panel 1 (i.e., parallel to the scan line 3), and the Y-axis is defined in the vertical direction of the display panel 1 (i.e., parallel to the data line 4). In such embodiments, the Y-axis is orthogonal to the X-axis. The position of each pixel 7 of the display panel 1 can be represented by coordinates (X, Y). The coordinate X can represent the position in the horizontal direction, and the coordinate Y can represent the position in the vertical direction.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the display driver 2 is configured to receive input pixel data and control data from the host 200. The display driver 2 can be configured to supply driving voltages to sub-pixels 5 in each pixel 7 of the display panel 1 based on the input pixel data. In one or more embodiments, the input pixel data associated with pixel 7 describes grayscale values ​​for red, grayscale values ​​for green, and grayscale values ​​for blue. Hereinafter, the grayscale values ​​for red, green, and blue can be referred to as R grayscale value, G grayscale value, and B grayscale value, respectively. The voltage levels of the driving voltages supplied to the R, G, and B sub-pixels 5R, 5G, and 5B can be controlled by the R grayscale value, G grayscale value, and B grayscale value, respectively.

[0049] The operation of the display driver 2 can be controlled based on control data received from the host 200. The display driver 2 can be configured to supply the control signal SOUT to the scan driver circuit 6 of the display panel 1 and thereby control the operation of the scan driver circuit 6.

[0050] Figure 3 An example configuration of a display driver 2 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the display driver 2 includes interface circuitry (IF) 11, display memory 12, image processing circuitry 13, driver circuitry 14, and register circuitry 15. Optionally, the display driver 2 also includes non-volatile memory 16 connected to the register circuitry 15.

[0051] The interface circuit 11 is configured to receive input pixel data from the host 200 and forward the received input pixel data to the display memory 12.

[0052] The display memory 12 is configured to temporarily store input pixel data received from the host 200. The input pixel data can then be used by the image processing circuit 13.

[0053] Image processing circuit 13 is configured to generate output voltage data by processing input pixel data received from display memory 12. In various embodiments, the output voltage data associated with pixel 7 may describe voltage values ​​specifying the driving voltages to be supplied to the R sub-pixel 5R, G sub-pixel 5G, and B sub-pixel 5B of pixel 7. Hereinafter, the voltage values ​​specifying the driving voltages to be supplied to the R sub-pixel 5R, G sub-pixel 5G, and B sub-pixel 5B may be referred to as the R voltage value, G voltage value, and B voltage value, respectively.

[0054] The driving circuit 14 is configured to supply a driving voltage to the corresponding sub-pixel 5 of the corresponding pixel 7 of the display panel 1 based on the output voltage data received from the image processing circuit 13. The driving circuit 14 can be configured to supply a driving voltage corresponding to the voltage value described in the output voltage data to the corresponding sub-pixel 5 of the corresponding pixel 7.

[0055] Register circuit 15 is configured to store a plurality of parameter sets for image processing in image processing circuit 13. Register circuit 15 can be configured to supply the plurality of parameter sets to image processing circuit 13. Each of the plurality of parameter sets may include one or more parameters for image processing.

[0056] The non-volatile memory 16 is configured to store multiple sets of parameters to be stored in the register circuit 15 in a non-volatile manner. In some embodiments, when the display driver 2 is started, the multiple sets of parameters received from the non-volatile memory 16 are forwarded and stored in the register circuit 15.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, there exists a spatial distribution of physical quantities associated with the display panel 1. As described above, this spatial distribution may cause effects that degrade the quality of the image displayed on the display panel 1. In various embodiments, to address the spatial distribution, the host 200 is configured to supply spatial distribution information to the display driver 2. The spatial distribution information may include information related to the spatial distribution of physical quantities of the display panel 1. Examples of physical quantities may include the curvature of the display panel 1, the angle between the line-of-sight direction and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel 1, temperature, ambient light luminance level, and ambient light color temperature. The interface circuit 11 is configured to receive the spatial distribution information from the host 200 and store it in the register circuit 15. The spatial distribution information is forwarded to the image processing circuit 13 and used to process input pixel data.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuit 13 is configured to generate output voltage data from input pixel data associated with the pixel of interest 7 by performing image processing for the corresponding color of the sub-pixel 5 based on the position of the pixel of interest 7 and spatial distribution information received from the register circuit 15. Performing image processing for the corresponding color of the sub-pixel 5 enables color correction. This configuration enables color correction based on changes in the spatial distribution of physical quantities of the display panel 1.

[0059] exist Figure 3In the embodiment illustrated, the image processing circuit 13 is configured to: individually generate a set of mixing parameters for the corresponding color of sub-pixel 5 by mixing multiple sets of parameters received from register circuit 15 based on spatial distribution information and the position of pixel 7 of interest; and perform image processing based on the set of mixing parameters. In some embodiments, the image processing circuit 13 is configured to: generate a set of mixing parameters by mixing parameter sets #1 and #2 based on spatial distribution information and the position of pixel 7 of interest, wherein parameter set #1 is optimized for a first value of the physical quantity, and parameter set #2 is optimized for a second value of the physical quantity. This configuration enables the generation of a set of mixing parameters suitable for the spatial distribution of the physical quantity. In various embodiments, the first value is the maximum value of the physical quantity, and the second value is the minimum value of the physical quantity.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuit 13 is configured to generate a set of blending parameters for each of red, green, and blue. Hereinafter, the sets of blending parameters generated for red, green, and blue may be referred to as a blended R parameter set, a blended G parameter set, and a blended B parameter set, respectively. In such embodiments, the image processing circuit 13 may be configured to: generate an R voltage value from an R grayscale value based on the blended R parameter set; generate a G voltage value from a G grayscale value based on the blended G parameter set; and generate a B voltage value from a B grayscale value based on the blended B parameter set.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuit 13 includes a blending ratio generation circuit 21, a blending circuit 22, and an image processing core 23. The blending ratio generation circuit 21 is configured to generate a blending ratio for each of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels based on the coordinates (X, Y) of the pixel of interest 7 and spatial distribution information received from the register circuit 15. The coordinates (X, Y) indicate the position of the pixel of interest 7 in the display panel 1. Hereinafter, the blending ratios generated for the red, green, and blue sub-pixels may be referred to as the R blending ratio, G blending ratio, and B blending ratio, respectively. The blending circuit 22 is configured to generate a blended R parameter set, a blended G parameter set, and a blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #1 and #2 with the R blending ratio, G blending ratio, and B blending ratio, respectively. The image processing core 23 is configured to calculate the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data based on the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data by performing image processing based on the blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. In various embodiments, a mixed set of R parameters controls the correspondence between R grayscale values ​​and R voltage values, a mixed set of G parameters controls the correspondence between G grayscale values ​​and G voltage values, and a mixed set of B parameters controls the correspondence between B grayscale values ​​and B voltage values. In one or more embodiments, color correction is performed by the image processing core 23 by, for example, individually controlling the grayscale value of the corresponding color of a sub-pixel (and thus controlling the corresponding voltage value).

[0062] The hybrid circuit 22 can be configured to calculate the parameters of the hybrid R, G, and B parameter sets as a weighted sum of the corresponding parameters of parameter sets #1 and #2. In such an embodiment, the weights of the weighted sum can be determined based on the mixing ratio of R, G, and B.

[0063] For example, hybrid circuit 22 can generate a hybrid set of R, G, and B parameters by applying α-mixing to parameter sets #1 and #2. In one or more embodiments, parameter set #1 includes n parameters x. 11 x 12 ...and x 1n And parameter set #2 includes n corresponding parameters x 21 x 22 ...and x 2n Meanwhile, the mixing ratio of R, G and B , and Within the range from zero to one.

[0064] In such an embodiment, the mixed set of R, G, and B parameters can be calculated according to the following equations (1-1) to (1-3):

[0065] (1-1)

[0066] , and (1-2)

[0067] (1-3)

[0068] Where i is any integer from one to n, x Ri It is related to parameter x 1i and x 2i The parameters of the corresponding mixed R parameter set, x Gi It is related to parameter x 1i and x 2i The parameters of the corresponding mixed G-parameter set, and x Bi It is related to parameter x 1i and x 2i The parameters of the corresponding mixed B parameter set. In the embodiments where equations (1-1) to (1-3) hold, when When the parameter set is one, the mixed R parameter set is the same as parameter set #1, and when When the value is zero, the mixed R parameter set is the same as parameter set #2. In such an embodiment, for and The same thing happens.

[0069] The spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuit 21 may include information enabling the determination of the spatial distribution of physical quantities associated with the display panel 1. In other embodiments, the spatial distribution information may include information based on the spatial distribution of physical quantities. In some embodiments, the spatial distribution information may include information generated based on the spatial distribution of physical quantities to indicate the correspondence between the R, G, and B blending ratios and the position of the pixel of interest 7 in the display panel 1. The blending ratio generation circuit 21 may include a lookup table describing the R, G, and B blending ratios for the corresponding position of the pixel of interest 7 in the display panel 1. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information may include the values ​​of the lookup table.

[0070] Figure 4 Method 400 illustrates steps for driving a display panel 1 in one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, in step 410, the display driver 2 receives spatial distribution information of physical quantities associated with the display panel 1. In one or more embodiments, in step 420, the image processing circuit 13 performs image processing on input pixel data associated with the pixel of interest for the corresponding color pair of sub-pixels 5 to generate output voltage data. The pixel of interest may be a pixel currently in the image processing. In various embodiments, the image processing is based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel of interest. In one or more embodiments, in step 430, the driver circuit 14 drives the display panel 1 based on the output voltage data.

[0071] Figure 5A and 5B An example configuration of a display panel 1 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel 1 is configured to be foldable. Figure 5A The solid line indicates the folded state of the display panel 1, and the dashed line indicates the unfolded state of the display panel 1. The display panel 1 can be configured to be foldable between a folded position and an unfolded position. In one or more embodiments, the display panel 1 is configured to be foldable at the foldable region 8. In various embodiments, such as Figure 5B As illustrated, the foldable area 8 can span the display panel 1 horizontally. Figure 5B In the text, "Y_start" indicates the Y coordinate of pixel 7 located at the upper end of the collapsible region 8, and "Y_end" indicates the Y coordinate of pixel 7 located at the lower end of the collapsible region 8.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the image processing performed by the image processing circuit 13 includes color correction of pixels 7 located in the foldable region 8 of the display panel 1. The display panel 1 can be bent at the foldable region 8, and therefore the angle between the nominal orientation of the surface of the display panel 1 and the viewing direction of a user observing the display panel 1 can vary depending on the position within the display panel 1. In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuit 13 is configured to perform image processing to improve image quality by reducing color shift, which may be caused by a change in the angle between the nominal orientation of the surface of the display panel 1 and the viewing direction of the user.

[0073] Spatial distribution information may include folding information generated based on whether the display panel 1 is folded, and the blending ratio generation circuit 21 may be configured to generate R, G, and B blending ratios based on the folding information and the coordinates (X, Y) of the pixel 7 of interest. In various embodiments, the spatial distribution of the curvature of the display panel 1 in the foldable region 8 can be determined based on the folding information. In one example, when the folding information indicates that the display panel 1 is unfolded and flat, the curvature in the foldable region 8 can be determined to be zero. In another example, when the folding information indicates that the display panel 1 is folded, the curvature at each location in the foldable region 8 can be determined to be a specific value dependent on the physical structure. The folding information may indicate the degree of folding, such as the angle formed between two flat portions of the display panel 1 separated by the foldable region 8.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, parameter set #1 may correspond to a first curvature, and parameter set #2 may correspond to a second curvature different from the first curvature. The first curvature may be zero, and the second curvature may be the maximum curvature of the foldable region 8 when the display panel 1 is folded. In one or more embodiments, a mixed set of R, G, and B parameters suitable for the spatial distribution of curvature in the foldable region 8 is generated by mixing parameter sets #1 and #2 based on an R, G, and B mixing ratio, which is generated based on folding information and the coordinates (X, Y) of the pixel 7 of interest.

[0075] Figure 6 An example configuration of a mixture ratio generation circuit 21 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixture ratio generation circuit 21 includes lookup tables (LUTs) 24R, 24G, and 24B for generating mixture ratios of R, G, and B, respectively. Figure 7 The illustration shows sample contents for LUTs 24R, 24G, and 24B. Figure 7The points in the graph indicate the contents of LUTs 24R, 24G, and 24B. LUTs 24R, 24G, and 24B can respectively describe the correspondence between the R, G, and B blending ratios and the Y coordinates in the foldable region 8. The blending ratio generation circuit 21 can be configured to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios by referencing the folding information and the Y coordinates of the pixel of interest 7, and performing a table lookup on LUTs 24R, 24G, and 24B. The blending ratio generation circuit 21 can be configured to perform linear interpolation with respect to the Y coordinates to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, such as Figure 8 As illustrated, the correspondence between the R, G, and B mixing ratios and the Y coordinate in the collapsible region 8 can be represented by a freeform curve, such as a Bézier curve. The use of a freeform curve is an alternative embodiment to using a LUT, which can reduce the circuit size of the image processing circuitry 13. Figure 9 An example configuration of the mixture ratio generation circuit 21 in such an embodiment is illustrated, wherein the mixture ratio generation circuit 21 and Figure 8 The configurations are different as shown in the diagram. Figure 9 In the embodiment illustrated, the mixing ratio generation circuit 21 includes control point calculation circuits 25R, 25G and 25B, and freeform curve circuits 26R, 26G and 26B.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the control point calculation circuit 25R is configured to calculate control points based on folding information, wherein the control points specify a corresponding freeform curve representing the R-mix ratio and the Y-coordinate in the foldable region 8. In such an embodiment, the freeform curve circuit 26R can be configured to generate the R-mix ratio based on the Y-coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the freeform curve specified by the control points calculated by the control point calculation circuit 25R. The calculation of control points based on folding information enables the specification of the freeform curve according to changes in the spatial distribution of the curvature of the display panel 1 and the accurate calculation of the R-mix ratio.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, control point calculation circuits 25G and 25B are configured similarly to control point calculation circuit 25R, and freeform curve circuits 26G and 26B are configured similarly to freeform curve circuit 26R. Control point calculation circuit 25G can be configured to calculate control points based on folding information, wherein the control points specify a corresponding freeform curve representing the G-mix ratio and the Y-coordinate in the foldable region 8. Freeform curve circuit 26G can be configured to generate the G-mix ratio based on the Y-coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the freeform curve specified by the control points calculated by control point calculation circuit 25G. Control point calculation circuit 25B can be configured to calculate control points based on folding information, wherein the control points specify a corresponding freeform curve representing the B-mix ratio and the Y-coordinate in the foldable region 8. Freeform curve circuit 26B can be configured to generate the B-mix ratio based on the Y-coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the freeform curve specified by the control points calculated by control point calculation circuit 25B.

[0079] The correspondence between the mixing ratios of R, G, and B and the Y-coordinate in the collapsible region 8 can be represented as part of a quadratic curve. A quadratic curve can include a circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola, or curve represented by a quadratic function. Figure 10 An example configuration of the mixing ratio generation circuit 21 in such an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 10 In the embodiment illustrated, the mixing ratio generation circuit 21 includes coefficient calculation circuits 27R, 27G and 27B, and quadratic curve circuits 28R, 28G and 28B.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the coefficient calculation circuit 27R is configured to calculate coefficients based on folding information, the coefficients specifying a quadratic curve representing the R-mix ratio and the Y-coordinate in the foldable region 8. In such an embodiment, the quadratic curve circuit 28R can be configured to generate the R-mix ratio based on the Y-coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the quadratic curve specified by the coefficients calculated by the coefficient calculation circuit 27R. The calculation of the coefficients of the quadratic curve based on folding information enables the specification of the quadratic curve according to the change in the spatial distribution of the curvature of the display panel 1 and the accurate calculation of the R-mix ratio.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, coefficient calculation circuits 27G and 27B are configured similarly to coefficient calculation circuit 27R, and quadratic curve circuits 28G and 28B are configured similarly to quadratic curve circuit 28R. Coefficient calculation circuit 27G can be configured to calculate coefficients based on folding information, wherein the coefficients specify a corresponding quadratic curve representing the G blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable region 8. Quadratic curve circuit 28G can be configured to generate the G blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the quadratic curve specified by the coefficients calculated by coefficient calculation circuit 27G. Coefficient calculation circuit 27B can be configured to calculate coefficients based on folding information, wherein the coefficients specify a corresponding quadratic curve representing the B blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable region 8. Quadratic curve circuit 28B can be configured to generate the B blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the quadratic curve specified by the coefficients calculated by coefficient calculation circuit 27B.

[0082] Figure 11 Example operation of the blending ratio generation circuit 21 in other embodiments is illustrated. The blending ratio generation circuit 21 can be configured to calculate the curvature at the location of the pixel of interest 7 based on folding information and to calculate the R, G, and B blending ratios based on the calculated curvature.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the correspondence between the Y-coordinate and curvature in the collapsible region 8 is represented by a freeform curve such as a Bézier curve. Figure 12 An example configuration of the mixing ratio generation circuit 21 in such an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 12 In the embodiment illustrated, the blending ratio generation circuit 21 includes a control point calculation circuit 31, a freeform curve circuit 32, and LUTs 33R, 33G, and 33B. The control point calculation circuit 31 is configured to calculate control points based on folding information, which specify a corresponding freeform curve representing the relationship between the Y-coordinate and curvature in the foldable region 8. The freeform curve may be a Bézier curve. The freeform curve circuit 32 is configured to calculate the curvature at the location of the pixel of interest 7 based on the Y-coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the freeform curve specified by the control points calculated by the control point calculation circuit 31. LUTs 33R, 33G, and 33B describe the correspondence between the R, G, and B blending ratios and curvature, respectively. The blending ratio generation circuit 21 can be configured to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios by table lookups in LUTs 33R, 33G, and 33B, respectively, with reference to the calculated curvature. The blending ratio generation circuit 21 can be configured to perform linear interpolation based on curvature to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios.

[0084] Figure 13 An example configuration of an image processing core 23 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. Figure 13In the embodiment illustrated, image processing core 23 is configured to generate color-compensated pixel data by correcting input pixel data based on a set of mixed parameters, and to calculate output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the color-compensated pixel data. This configuration allows color correction to be achieved based on the spatial distribution of curvature in the foldable region 8.

[0085] In one or more embodiments, the parameter sets #1 and #2 supplied to the mixing circuit 22 respectively include RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2. Each of the RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 may include R, G, and B gains, and the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data are multiplied by the R, G, and B gains, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the mixing circuit 22 is configured to generate a mixed RGB balance gain set by mixing the RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R, G, and B mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 may be configured to generate the R gain of the mixed RGB balance gain set by mixing the R gain of the RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 may also be configured to generate the G gain of the mixed RGB balance gain set by mixing the G gain of the RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the G mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 may also be configured to generate the B gain of the mixed RGB balance gain set by mixing the B gain of the RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the B mixing ratio.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the image processing core 23 includes a multiplier 34 and a digital gamma circuit 35. The multiplier 34 can be configured to calculate the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the color-compensated pixel data by multiplying the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data by the R, G, and B gains of a mixed RGB balanced gain set, respectively. The digital gamma circuit 35 can be configured to generate output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the color-compensated pixel data. In various embodiments, a set of gamma parameters, including at least one gamma parameter, is supplied to the digital gamma circuit 35 to control the input-output characteristics of the digital gamma processing. In such embodiments, the correspondence between the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the color-compensated pixel data and the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data can be controlled by the set of gamma parameters.

[0087] Figure 14 The illustration shows an example configuration of image processing core 23 according to other embodiments, wherein processing core 23 and Figure 13 The processing cores shown in the diagram are configured differently. Figure 14In the embodiment illustrated, the image processing core 23 is configured to generate output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the input pixel data, and to generate color-compensated voltage data by correcting the output voltage data based on a set of mixed parameters. In such an embodiment, the driving circuit 14 can be configured to supply a driving voltage to the corresponding sub-pixel 5 of the corresponding pixel 7 of the display panel 1 based on the color-compensated voltage data. The driving circuit 14 can be configured to supply a driving voltage corresponding to the voltage value described in the color-compensated voltage to the corresponding sub-pixel 5 of the corresponding pixel 7. Such a configuration can achieve color correction according to the spatial distribution of curvature in the foldable region 8.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the parameter sets #1 and #2 supplied to the mixing circuit 22 respectively include RGB balanced gain sets #1 and #2. Each of the RGB balanced gain sets #1 and #2 may include R, G, and B gains, and the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data are multiplied by the R, G, and B gains, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the mixing circuit 22 is configured to generate a mixed RGB balanced gain set by mixing the RGB balanced gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R, G, and B mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 may be configured to generate the R gain of the mixed RGB balanced gain set by mixing the R gain of the RGB balanced gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 may also be configured to generate the G gain of the mixed RGB balanced gain set by mixing the G gain of the RGB balanced gain sets #1 and #2 based on the G mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 may also be configured to generate the B gain of the mixed RGB balanced gain set by mixing the B gain of the RGB balanced gain sets #1 and #2 based on the B mixing ratio.

[0089] exist Figure 14 In the embodiment illustrated, the image processing core 23 includes a digital gamma circuit 36 ​​and a multiplier 37. The digital gamma circuit 36 ​​can be configured to generate output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the input pixel data. The multiplier 37 can be configured to calculate the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the color-compensated voltage data by multiplying the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data by the R, G, and B gains of a mixed RGB balanced gain set, respectively.

[0090] Figure 15 The illustration shows an example configuration of the image processing core 23 in other embodiments, wherein the image processing core 23 is... Figure 13 and 14The image processing cores illustrated are configured differently. In the illustrated embodiment, parameter set #1 supplied to the mixing circuit 22 includes R, G, and B gamma parameter sets #1, and parameter set #2 supplied to the mixing circuit 22 includes R, G, and B gamma parameter sets #2. R gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 can each represent the correspondence between the R grayscale value of the input pixel data and the R voltage value of the output voltage data. Furthermore, G gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 can each represent the correspondence between the G grayscale value and the G voltage value, and B gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 can each represent the correspondence between the B grayscale value and the B voltage value.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the mixing circuit 22 is configured to generate a mixed set of R, G, and B gamma parameters by mixing R, G, and B gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 respectively based on the R, G, and B mixing ratios. The mixing circuit 22 can also be configured to generate a mixed set of R gamma parameters by mixing R gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the R mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 can also be configured to generate a mixed set of G gamma parameters by mixing G gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the G mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22 can also be configured to generate a mixed set of B gamma parameters by mixing B gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the B mixing ratio.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the image processing core 23 may include a digital gamma circuit 38 configured to generate output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on input pixel data based on a mixed set of R, G, and B gamma parameters. The digital gamma circuit 38 may be configured to generate an R voltage value from the R grayscale value of the input pixel data by performing digital gamma processing based on a mixed set of R gamma parameters. The digital gamma circuit 38 may also be configured to generate a G voltage value from the G grayscale value of the input pixel data by performing digital gamma processing based on a mixed set of G gamma parameters. The digital gamma circuit 38 may also be configured to generate a B voltage value from the B grayscale value of the input pixel data by performing digital gamma processing based on a mixed set of B gamma parameters. Such a configuration can achieve color correction based on the spatial distribution of curvature in the foldable region 8.

[0093] Figure 16 The illustration shows an example operation of a digital gamma circuit 38 according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments, the R-gamma parameter set represents the correspondence between the R-grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data and the R-voltage values ​​of the output voltage data in the form of an R-gamma curve; the G-gamma parameter set represents the correspondence between the G-grayscale values ​​and the G-voltage values ​​in the form of a G-gamma curve; and the B-gamma parameter set represents the correspondence between the B-grayscale values ​​and the B-voltage values ​​in the form of a B-gamma curve. In one or more embodiments, Figure 17The diagram illustrates an example relationship between control points and gamma curves. Each of the R, G, and B gamma curves can include a freeform curve specified by multiple control points CP#0 to CP#m. Figure 17 In the example illustrated, m = 12. However, in other embodiments, m may be greater than 12 or less than 12. In some embodiments, each of the R, G, and B gamma curves comprises a Bézier curve specified by a plurality of control points CP#0 to CP#m.

[0094] In various embodiments, each of the R, G, and B gamma parameter sets describes the position or coordinates of control points CP#0 to CP#m in a coordinate system. The coordinate system can be defined using a first coordinate axis representing grayscale values ​​and a second coordinate axis representing voltage values. Figure 17 In the diagram, the first coordinate axis is depicted as the horizontal axis, i.e., the x-axis, while the second coordinate axis is depicted as the vertical axis, i.e., the y-axis.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, such as Figure 16 As illustrated, the positions of control points CP#0 to CP#m of the mixed R-gamma parameter set are adjusted based on the R-mixing ratio to control the corresponding R-gamma curve representing the R-grayscale value of the input pixel data and the R-voltage value of the output voltage value. In one or more embodiments, the positions of control points CP#0 to CP#m of the mixed G-gamma parameter set are adjusted based on the G-mixing ratio to control the corresponding G-gamma curve representing the G-grayscale value of the input pixel data and the G-voltage value of the output voltage value. In one or more embodiments, the positions of control points CP#0 to CP#m of the mixed B-gamma parameter set are adjusted based on the B-mixing ratio to control the corresponding B-gamma curve representing the B-grayscale value of the input pixel data and the B-voltage value of the output voltage value. In various embodiments, color correction based on the spatial distribution of curvature in the foldable region 8 is achieved by individually controlling the R, G, and B gamma curves.

[0096] Figure 18 The illustration shows an example configuration of the image processing core 23 according to other embodiments, wherein the image processing core 23 is... Figure 13 and 14 The image processing core illustrated in Figure 15 is configured differently. In the illustrated embodiment, image processing core 23 includes a flexible gamma circuit 39. In various embodiments, the flexible gamma circuit 39 is configured to perform digital gamma processing based on a gamma curve obtained by scaling a default gamma curve based on a gamma top parameter. (See reference...) Figure 19 The default gamma curve can be defined using a default set of gamma parameters. This default set of gamma parameters describes the position or coordinates of control points CP#0 to CP#m in a coordinate system using a first coordinate axis (…). Figure 19 (x-axis) and second coordinate axis ( Figure 19 The first coordinate axis (y-axis) is defined by the first coordinate axis representing grayscale values, and the second coordinate axis representing voltage values. The gamma top parameter can indicate a scaling ratio, which is used to scale the default gamma curve in the direction of the first coordinate axis. Scaling of the gamma parameter can be achieved by setting control points CP#0 to CP#m on the first coordinate axis (y-axis). Figure 19 The x-coordinate in the graph is multiplied by the scaling factor indicated by the gamma top parameter.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, such as Figure 18 As illustrated, gamma top parameters are individually supplied to flexible gamma circuits 39 for red, green, and blue. The gamma top parameters for red, green, and blue may hereinafter be referred to as R-gamma top parameters, G-gamma top parameters, and B-gamma top parameters, respectively. In various embodiments, color correction is achieved by performing digital gamma processing for red, green, and blue individually based on R, G, and B gamma curves obtained by scaling default gamma curves based on the R, G, and B gamma top parameters, respectively.

[0098] The parameter sets #1 and #2 supplied to the hybrid circuit 22 may respectively include gamma top parameter sets #1 and #2, wherein each of the gamma top parameter sets #1 and #2 includes an R gamma top parameter, a G gamma top parameter, and a B gamma top parameter.

[0099] The hybrid circuit 22 can be configured to generate a hybrid gamma top parameter set by mixing gamma top parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the mixing ratios of R, G, and B. The hybrid gamma top parameter set may include hybrid R gamma top parameters, hybrid G ​​gamma top parameters, and hybrid B gamma top parameters. The hybrid circuit 22 can also be configured to generate hybrid R gamma top parameters of the hybrid gamma top parameter set by mixing the R gamma top parameters of mixing gamma top parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the mixing ratios of R. The hybrid circuit 22 can also be configured to generate hybrid G ​​gamma top parameters of the hybrid gamma top parameter set by mixing the G gamma top parameters of mixing gamma top parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the mixing ratios of G. Finally, the hybrid circuit 22 can be configured to generate hybrid B gamma top parameters of the hybrid gamma top parameter set by mixing the B gamma top parameters of mixing gamma top parameters sets #1 and #2 based on the mixing ratios of B.

[0100] Figure 20The illustration shows an example operation of a flexible gamma circuit 39 according to one or more embodiments. The flexible gamma circuit 39 can be configured to calculate an R-value of output voltage data from the R-grayscale values ​​of input pixel data via digital gamma processing based on an R-gamma curve, the R-gamma curve being obtained by scaling a default gamma curve in the direction of a first coordinate axis using a hybrid R-gamma top parameter based on a hybrid gamma top parameter set. The flexible gamma circuit 39 can also be configured to calculate a G-value of output voltage data from the G-grayscale values ​​of input pixel data via digital gamma processing based on a G-gamma curve, the G-gamma curve being obtained by scaling a default gamma curve in the direction of a first coordinate axis using a hybrid G-gamma top parameter based on a hybrid gamma top parameter set. The flexible gamma circuit 39 can also be configured to calculate a B-value of output voltage data from the B-grayscale values ​​of input pixel data via digital gamma processing based on a B-gamma curve, the B-gamma curve being obtained by scaling a default gamma curve in the direction of a first coordinate axis using a hybrid B-gamma top parameter based on a hybrid gamma top parameter set. In various embodiments, color correction is achieved by performing digital gamma processing based on R, G, and B gamma curves obtained individually based on the hybrid R, G, and B gamma top parameters.

[0101] Figure 21 and 22 An example configuration of display panel 1 according to other embodiments is illustrated. Figure 21 and 22 In the embodiment illustrated, the display panel 1 is curved in the thickness direction in a vertical edge region 9A located at the vertical edge of the display panel 1, wherein the thickness direction is... Figure 21 The diagram shows the Z-direction. In such an embodiment, the angle between the user's line of sight and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel 1 can vary depending on the position in the vertical edge region 9A. In some embodiments, such as Figure 22 As shown in the figure, the foldable region 8 partially overlaps with the vertical edge region 9A in the overlapping region 10A.

[0102] Figure 23An example configuration of an image processing circuit 13A according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the image processing circuit 13A is configured to perform image processing to suppress color shift that may be caused by changes in the angle between the user's viewing direction in the foldable region 8 and the vertical edge region 9A and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel 1. This can improve image quality. The image processing circuit 13A can be configured to perform a first color correction for the foldable region 8 and a second color correction for the vertical edge region 9A. The first color correction for the foldable region 8 may be based on the position of the pixel of interest 7 in the vertical direction, i.e., the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7. The second color correction for the vertical edge region 9A may be based on the position of the pixel of interest 7 in the horizontal direction, i.e., the X coordinate of the pixel of interest 7. In one or more embodiments, when both the first and second color corrections are performed on pixel 7, the result of a selected one of the first and second color corrections is used. In such an embodiment, the selected one of the first and second color corrections causes a lower brightness level of the sub-pixel 5 of pixel 7 compared to the other.

[0103] like Figure 23 As illustrated, the image processing circuit 13A may include blending ratio generation circuits 21A and 21B, blending circuits 22A and 22B, and an image processing core 23A. Blending ratio generation circuits 21A and 22A can be used for first color correction of the foldable region 8, and blending ratio generation circuits 21B and 22B can be used for second color correction of the vertical edge region 9A.

[0104] and Figure 3 Similar to the blending ratio generation circuit 21 illustrated, the blending ratio generation circuit 21A can be configured to generate a first R blending ratio, a first G blending ratio, and a first B blending ratio based on folding information and the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7. In some embodiments, in addition to folding information, the blending ratio generation circuit 21A may also receive correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. This correspondence information can be used as spatial distribution information in the blending ratio generation circuit 21A. The blending ratio generation circuit 21A may include a LUT indicating the correspondence between the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuit 21A may include the table value of the LUT.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, the mixing circuit 22A is configured to generate a first mixing R parameter set, a first mixing G parameter set, and a first mixing B parameter set based on mixing parameter sets #1 and #2, respectively, for a first R mixing ratio, a first G mixing ratio, and a first B mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22A may be configured similarly to the mixing circuit 22 described with respect to the preceding figures.

[0106] Unlike the blending ratio generation circuit 21A, the blending ratio generation circuit 21B can be configured to generate a second R blending ratio, a second G blending ratio, and a second B blending ratio based on the X coordinate of the pixel of interest 7. In some embodiments, the blending ratio generation circuit 21B can receive correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the X coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the second R, G, and B blending ratios. The blending ratio generation circuit 21B may include a LUT indicating the correspondence between the X coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the second R, G, and B blending ratios. In such an embodiment, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuit 21B may include the table value of the LUT.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the mixing circuit 22B is configured to generate a second mixing R parameter set, a second mixing G parameter set, and a second mixing B parameter set based on mixing parameter sets #3 and #4, respectively, for a second R mixing ratio, a second G mixing ratio, and a second B mixing ratio. The mixing circuit 22B may be configured similarly to the mixing circuit 22 described with respect to the preceding figures.

[0108] In various embodiments, image processing core 23A is configured to generate R, G, and B voltage values ​​of output voltage data from the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of input pixel data, respectively, by performing image processing based on a set of mixing parameters received from mixing circuits 22A and 22B. Image processing core 23A can be used with... Figure 13 , 14 Any of the image processing cores 23 illustrated in Figures 15 and 18 is similarly configured. Image processing core 23A can be configured to generate first R, G, and B voltage values ​​by performing a first color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data based on a first set of mixed R, G, and B parameters, respectively. For a pixel 7 located in the collapsible region 8 but not in the vertical edge region 9A, the first R, G, and B voltage values ​​can be used as the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data.

[0109] In various embodiments, the image processing core 23A can also be configured to generate second R, G, and B voltage values ​​by performing a second color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data based on a second set of mixed R, G, and B parameters, respectively. For a pixel 7 located in the vertical edge region 9A but not in the collapsible region 8, the second R, G, and B voltage values ​​can be used as the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data.

[0110] For the overlapping region 10A where the foldable region 8 and the vertical edge region 9A overlap, the image processing core 23A can be configured to: select one of the first and second R voltage values ​​as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected R voltage value causing a lower brightness level of the R sub-pixel 5R compared to the other; select one of the first and second G voltage values ​​as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected G voltage value causing a lower brightness level of the G sub-pixel 5G compared to the other; and select one of the first and second B voltage values ​​as the B voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected B voltage value causing a lower brightness level of the B sub-pixel 5B compared to the other. The selection of the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data as described herein can obtain a smooth image.

[0111] Figure 24 The illustration shows an example configuration of the display panel 1 in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion region 8A and a second portion region 8B that partially overlap each other are defined in a foldable region 8. In some embodiments, the first portion region 8A and the second portion region 8B are shifted relative to each other in the vertical direction.

[0112] Figure 25 The illustration shows a suitable embodiment according to one or more embodiments. Figure 24 An example configuration of the image processing circuit 13B of the display panel 1 illustrated herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the image processing circuit 13B is configured to perform a first color correction for a first partial region 8A, a second color correction for a second partial region 8B, and a third color correction for a vertical edge region 9A. In various embodiments, the first and second color corrections for the first partial region 8A and the second partial region 8B are based on the position of the pixel of interest 7 in the vertical direction, i.e., the Y coordinate of the pixel 7. In various embodiments, the third color correction for the vertical edge region 9A is based on the position of the pixel 7 in the horizontal direction, i.e., the X coordinate of the pixel 7. In some embodiments, when both the first and second color corrections, both based on the position of the pixel 7 in the vertical direction, are performed, the result of the selected one of the first and second color corrections is used, and compared to the other, the selected one causes a higher brightness level in the sub-pixel 5 of the pixel 7.

[0113] Image processing circuit 13B may include blending ratio generation circuits 21A-1, 21A-2, 21B, blending circuits 22A-1, 22A-2, 22B, and image processing core 23B. Blending ratio generation circuits 21A-1 and 22A-1 can be used for first color correction of a first portion region 8A of the foldable region 8. Blending ratio generation circuits 21A-2 and 22A-2 can be used for second color correction of a second portion region 8B of the foldable region 8. Blending ratio generation circuits 21B and 22B can be used for third color correction of the vertical edge region 9A.

[0114] The blending ratio generation circuit 21A-1 can be configured to generate a first R blending ratio, a first G blending ratio, and a first B blending ratio based on folding information and the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7. The blending circuit 22A-1 can be configured to generate a first blending R parameter set, a first blending G parameter set, and a first blending B parameter set based on blending parameter sets #1 and #2 of the first R blending ratio, the first G blending ratio, and the first B blending ratio, respectively.

[0115] The blending ratio generation circuit 21A-2 can be configured to generate a second R blending ratio, a second G blending ratio, and a second B blending ratio based on folding information and the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7. The blending circuit 22A-2 can be configured to generate a second blending R parameter set, a second blending G parameter set, and a second blending B parameter set based on the blending parameter sets #3 and #4 of the second R blending ratio, the second G blending ratio, and the second B blending ratio, respectively.

[0116] The blending ratio generation circuit 21B can be configured to generate a third R blending ratio, a third G blending ratio, and a third B blending ratio based on the X coordinate of the pixel of interest 7. The blending circuit 22B can be configured to generate a third blending R parameter set, a third blending G parameter set, and a third blending B parameter set based on blending parameter sets #5 and #6 of the third R blending ratio, the third G blending ratio, and the third B blending ratio, respectively.

[0117] In various embodiments, the image processing core 23B is configured to generate R, G, and B voltage values ​​of output voltage data from the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data, respectively, by performing image processing based on a set of mixing parameters received from the mixing circuits 22A-1, 22A-2, and 22B. The image processing core 23B can be used with... Figure 13 , 14 Any of the image processing cores 23 illustrated in Figures 15 and 18 are similarly configured.

[0118] Image processing core 23B can be configured to generate first R, G, and B voltage values ​​by performing a first color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data based on a first set of mixed R, G, and B parameters, respectively. For a pixel 7 located in the first partial region 8A but not in the second partial region 8B and the vertical edge region 9A, the first R, G, and B voltage values ​​can be used as the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data.

[0119] Image processing core 23B can also be configured to generate second R, G, and B voltage values ​​by performing a second color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data based on a second set of mixed R, G, and B parameters, respectively. For a pixel 7 located in the second partial region 8B but not in the first partial region 8A and the vertical edge region 9A, the second R, G, and B voltage values ​​can be used as the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data.

[0120] Image processing core 23B can also be configured to generate third R, G, and B voltage values ​​by performing third color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data based on a third set of mixed R, G, and B parameters, respectively. For pixel 7 located in the vertical edge region 9A but not in the collapsible region 8, the third R, G, and B voltage values ​​can be used as the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data.

[0121] In one or more embodiments, for an overlapping region 10A in which the foldable region 8 and the vertical edge region 9A overlap, the image processing core 23B can be configured to: select one of a first, second, and third R voltage value as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected R voltage value causing the lowest brightness level of the R sub-pixel 5R; select one of a first, second, and third G voltage value as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected G voltage value causing the lowest brightness level of the G sub-pixel 5G; and select one of a first, second, and third B voltage value as the B voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected B voltage value causing the lowest brightness level of the B sub-pixel 5B. The selection of the R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data as described herein can obtain a smooth image.

[0122] For the first and second portions 8A and 8B of the foldable region 8, which overlap with region 10B outside the vertical edge region 9A, the image processing core 23B can be configured to: select one of the first and second R voltage values ​​as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected R voltage value causing a higher brightness level of R sub-pixel 5R; select one of the first and second G voltage values ​​as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected G voltage value causing a higher brightness level of G sub-pixel 5G; and select one of the first and second B voltage values ​​as the B voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected B voltage value causing a higher brightness level of B sub-pixel 5B. The selection of R, G, and B voltage values ​​of the output voltage data as described herein can obtain a smooth image.

[0123] Figure 26 An example configuration of a display panel 1 according to other embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel 1 is curved in the thickness direction in a vertical edge region 9A located at the vertical edge of the display panel 1 and a horizontal edge region 9B located at the horizontal edge of the display panel 1, wherein the thickness direction is... Figure 26 The direction is illustrated as Z. In such an embodiment, the angle between the user's line of sight and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel 1 can vary depending on the positions in the vertical edge region 9A and the horizontal edge region 9B. In one or more embodiments, the vertical edge region 9A and the horizontal edge region 9B partially overlap at the corner region 10C. Although in Figure 26 The embodiment shown in the figure does not have a foldable area 8, but the display panel 1 may also include a foldable area 8.

[0124] Figure 27 The illustration shows a suitable embodiment according to one or more embodiments. Figure 26An example configuration of the image processing circuit 13C of the display panel 1 illustrated herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the image processing circuit 13C is configured to perform a first color correction for a vertical edge region 9A and a second color correction for a horizontal edge region 9B. The image processing circuit 13C may include blending ratio generation circuits 21B, 21C, blending circuits 22B, 22C, and an image processing core 23C. Blending ratio generation circuits 21B and 22B can be used for the first color correction for the vertical edge region 9A, and blending ratio generation circuits 21C and 22C can be used for the second color correction for the horizontal edge region 9B. The first color correction for the vertical edge region 9A may be based on the position of the pixel of interest 7 in the horizontal direction, i.e., the X coordinate of pixel 7. The second color correction for the horizontal edge region 9B may be based on the position of the pixel of interest 7 in the vertical direction, i.e., the Y coordinate of pixel 7. In one or more embodiments, when both the first and second color corrections are performed on pixel 7, the result of the selected one of the first and second color corrections is used, and compared to the other, the selected color correction causes a lower brightness level in the sub-pixel 5 of pixel 7.

[0125] The blending ratio generation circuit 21B can be configured to generate a first R blending ratio, a first G blending ratio, and a first B blending ratio based on folding information and / or the X coordinate of the pixel 7 of interest. In such an embodiment, the blending circuit 22B can be configured to generate a first blending R parameter set, a first blending G parameter set, and a first blending B parameter set based on blending parameter sets #1 and #2 of the first R blending ratio, the first G blending ratio, and the first B blending ratio, respectively. The blending ratio generation circuit 21C can be configured to generate a second R blending ratio, a second G blending ratio, and a second B blending ratio based on folding information and / or the Y coordinate of the pixel 7 of interest. In such an embodiment, the blending circuit 22C can be configured to generate a second blending R parameter set, a second blending G parameter set, and a second blending B parameter set based on blending parameter sets #3 and #4 of the second R blending ratio, the second G blending ratio, and the second B blending ratio, respectively. The blending circuits 22B and 22C can be configured similarly to the blending circuit 22 described with respect to the previous figures.

[0126] In some embodiments, the spatial distribution information received by the blending ratio generation circuit 21B may include first correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the X coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. The blending ratio generation circuit 21B may include a Level Transform (LUT) indicating the correspondence between the X coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuit 21B may include the table value of the LUT.

[0127] In some embodiments, unlike the blending ratio generation circuit 21B, the spatial distribution information received by the blending ratio generation circuit 21C may include second correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the second R, G, and B blending ratios. The blending ratio generation circuit 21C may include a Level Transform (LUT) indicating the correspondence between the Y coordinate of the pixel of interest 7 and the second R, G, and B blending ratios. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuit 21C may include the table value of the LUT.

[0128] In various embodiments, the image processing core 23C is configured to generate R, G, and B voltage values ​​of output voltage data from the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of the input pixel data, respectively, by performing image processing based on a set of mixed parameters received from the mixing circuits 22B and 22C.

[0129] Image processing core 23C can be configured to generate first R, G, and B voltage values ​​by performing a first color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of input pixel data based on a first mixed R, G, and B parameter set, respectively. Image processing core 23C can also be configured to generate second R, G, and B voltage values ​​from the R, G, and B grayscale values ​​of input pixel data by performing a second color correction based on a second mixed R, G, and B parameter set, respectively. In some embodiments, image processing core 23C can be configured to: select one of the first and second R voltage values ​​as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected R voltage value causing a lower brightness level in R sub-pixel 5R; select one of the first and second G voltage values ​​as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected G voltage value causing a lower brightness level in G sub-pixel 5G; and select one of the first and second B voltage values ​​as the B voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected B voltage value causing a lower brightness level in B sub-pixel 5B. The selection of R, G, and B voltage values ​​for the output voltage data as described above can obtain a smooth image.

[0130] In a display system where the user's eyes are positioned near the display panel 1, the direction of the line of sight to the display panel 1 can vary depending on the user's eye position, in addition to the position of the pixel of interest 7 on the display panel 1. This can be applied to display systems in head-mounted displays (HMDs) integrated into vertical reality (VR) systems. Figure 28 An example configuration of such a display system according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, a camera 41 is provided for the display system including display module 100, and color correction is performed based on the position of the user's eye 300 (determined based on camera images captured by camera 41) to reduce or suppress color shift that may be caused by changes in the direction of the gaze.

[0131] Figure 29The illustration shows one or more embodiments. Figure 28 The illustrated display system is configured in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, host 200 is configured to perform eye tracking based on camera images captured by camera 41 to generate eye tracking data for the user. The eye tracking data may indicate the position and / or gaze direction of the user's eyes 300. In one or more embodiments, spatial distribution information sent from host 200 to display driver 2 includes eye tracking data. In such an embodiment, image processing circuitry 13 of display driver 2 may be configured to apply image processing to input pixel data based on eye tracking data to generate output voltage data. In embodiments where eye tracking data is supplied to, instead of folding information or in addition to folding information, other methods may be used to... Figure 3 In the image processing circuit 13 configured as shown in the figure, the image processing circuit 13 can be configured to generate an R, G and B mixing ratio based on eye tracking data other than folding information or folding information, generate a set of mixing parameters based on the R, G and B mixing ratio, and perform image processing based on the set of mixing parameters.

[0132] Figure 30 An example configuration of a display system modified according to other embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the display module 100, the display system includes a gyroscope sensor 42, and gyroscope data indicating the attitude of the display system is sent to the host 200. In such an embodiment, the host 200 may be configured to generate eye-tracking data based on the gyroscope data and camera images captured by the camera 41. The image processing circuit 13 of the display driver 2 may be configured to generate an R, G, and B blending ratio based on the eye-tracking data, generate a set of blending parameters based on the R, G, and B blending ratio, and perform image processing based on the set of blending parameters.

[0133] Figure 31 An example configuration of a display system according to other embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the display module 100, the display system includes a plurality of thermal sensors 43 and 44, and temperature data indicating the temperature measured by the thermal sensors 43 and 44 is sent to the host 200. The host 200 can be configured to analyze the temperature data and generate temperature distribution data corresponding to the temperature distribution. In such an embodiment, the image processing circuit 13 of the display driver 2 can be configured to generate output voltage data by performing image processing on the input pixel data based on the temperature distribution data. In one or more embodiments, instead of folding information or in addition to folding information, the temperature distribution data is supplied to, for example,... Figure 3The image processing circuit 13 is configured as shown in the figure. In such an embodiment, the image processing circuit 13 can be configured to generate an R, G, and B mixing ratio based on temperature distribution data that replaces folding information or other than folding information, generate a set of mixing parameters based on the R, G, and B mixing ratio, and perform image processing based on the set of mixing parameters.

[0134] Figure 32 An example configuration of a display system according to other embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the display module 100, the display system includes an ambient light sensor 45, and ambient light data obtained by the ambient light sensor 45 is sent to the host 200. In such an embodiment, the host 200 may be configured to analyze the ambient light data and generate ambient light distribution data corresponding to the brightness distribution of ambient light on the display panel 1. The image processing circuit 13 of the display driver 2 may be configured to generate output voltage data by performing image processing on input pixel data based on the ambient light distribution data. In one or more embodiments, instead of folding information or in addition to folding information, the ambient light distribution data is supplied to, for example,... Figure 3 The image processing circuit 13 is configured as shown in the figure. In such an embodiment, the image processing circuit 13 can be configured to generate an R, G, and B mixing ratio based on ambient light distribution data that replaces folding information or other than folding information, generate a set of mixing parameters based on the R, G, and B mixing ratio, and perform image processing based on the set of mixing parameters.

[0135] Figure 33 An example configuration of a display system according to other embodiments is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the display module 100, the display system includes a camera 46, and camera images captured by the camera 46 are sent to a host 200. In such an embodiment, the host 200 may be configured to analyze the camera images and generate color temperature distribution data corresponding to the color temperature distribution of ambient light on the display panel 1. The image processing circuit 13 of the display driver 2 may be configured to generate output voltage data by performing image processing on input pixel data based on the color temperature distribution data. In one or more embodiments, instead of folding information or in addition to folding information, the color temperature distribution data is supplied to, for example,... Figure 3 The image processing circuit 13 is configured as shown in the figure. In such an embodiment, the image processing circuit 13 may be configured to generate an R, G, and B mixing ratio based on color temperature distribution data that replaces folding information or other than folding information, generate a set of mixing parameters based on the R, G, and B mixing ratio, and perform image processing based on the set of mixing parameters.

[0136] Although various embodiments have been specifically described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the techniques disclosed herein can be implemented with various modifications.

[0137] Reference number

[0138] 1 Display Panel

[0139] 2 Display Drivers

[0140] 3 scan lines

[0141] 4 data cables

[0142] 5 sub-pixels

[0143] 5B subpixel

[0144] 5G sub-pixel

[0145] 5R subpixel

[0146] 6-scan driver circuit

[0147] 7 pixels

[0148] 8 foldable areas

[0149] 8A Part 1 Area

[0150] 8B Part 2 Area

[0151] 9A Vertical Edge Area

[0152] 9B Horizontal Edge Region

[0153] 10A Overlapping Region

[0154] Area 10B

[0155] 10C corner area

[0156] 11 Interface Circuit

[0157] 12 Display Memory

[0158] 13 Image Processing Circuit

[0159] 13A Image Processing Circuit

[0160] 13B Image Processing Circuit

[0161] 13C Image Processing Circuit

[0162] 14 driver circuits

[0163] 15 Register Circuit

[0164] 16 Non-volatile Memory

[0165] 21 Mixture Ratio Generation Circuit

[0166] 21A Mixture Ratio Generation Circuit

[0167] 21B Mixing Ratio Generation Circuit

[0168] 21C Mixture Ratio Generation Circuit

[0169] 22 Hybrid Circuits

[0170] 22A hybrid circuit

[0171] 22B hybrid circuit

[0172] 22C hybrid circuit

[0173] 23 Image Processing Cores

[0174] 23A Image Processing Core

[0175] 23B Image Processing Core

[0176] 23C Image Processing Core

[0177] 24B LUT

[0178] 24G LUT

[0179] 24R LUT

[0180] 25B Control Point Calculation Circuit

[0181] 25G control point calculation circuit

[0182] 25R control point calculation circuit

[0183] 26B Freeform Curve Circuit

[0184] 26G free-form curve circuit

[0185] 26R freeform curve circuit

[0186] 27B coefficient calculation circuit

[0187] 27G coefficient calculation circuit

[0188] 27R coefficient calculation circuit

[0189] 28B quadratic curve circuit

[0190] 28G quadratic curve circuit

[0191] 28R quadratic curve circuit

[0192] 31 control point calculation circuit

[0193] 32 Freeform Curve Circuits

[0194] 33G LUT

[0195] 33R LUT

[0196] 34 multipliers

[0197] 35 Digital Gamma Circuit

[0198] 36 Digital Gamma Circuit

[0199] 37 multipliers

[0200] 38 digital gamma circuit

[0201] 39 Flexible Gamma Circuit

[0202] 41 cameras

[0203] 42 Gyroscope Sensor

[0204] 43 thermal sensors

[0205] 44 thermal sensors

[0206] 45 Ambient Light Sensor

[0207] 46 cameras

[0208] 100 display module

[0209] 200 host

[0210] 300 eyes

[0211] 400 methods

[0212] 410 steps

[0213] 420 steps

[0214] 430 steps

Claims

1. A display driver, comprising: Image processing circuit, the image processing circuit being configured to: Receive spatial distribution information of physical quantities related to the display panel; as well as Output voltage data is generated by processing data associated with the corresponding sub-pixels of the pixel based on the spatial distribution information and the pixel's position. as well as A driving circuit, configured to drive corresponding sub-pixels of the display panel based on the output voltage data. The display panel includes a first area and a second area that partially overlap each other. The image processing circuit is further configured to: When the pixel is located in the first region, a first mixed parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple first parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel in the first direction of the display panel; When the pixel is located in the second region, a second mixed parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple second parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction; as well as When the pixel is located in an area that overlaps with the first region and the second region, the output voltage data is generated based on one of the first set of mixing parameters and the second set of mixing parameters, wherein the first set of mixing parameters and the second set of mixing parameters cause a lower brightness level in the corresponding one of the sub-pixels of the pixel compared to the other.

2. The display driver of claim 1, wherein the image processing circuitry is further configured to generate a first mixed parameter set for each of the sub-pixels by mixing a plurality of first parameter sets based on the position of the pixel and the spatial distribution information of the pixel, and Generating the output voltage data includes generating the output voltage data by processing the data based on the first set of mixed parameters.

3. The display driver according to claim 1, wherein the display panel is foldable between a folded position and an unfolded position, and The spatial distribution information includes folding information generated in response to the display panel located in the folded position.

4. The display driver of claim 3, wherein the image processing circuitry is further configured to generate a first mixed parameter set for each of the sub-pixels by mixing a plurality of first parameter sets based on the position of the pixel and the folding information, and Generating the output voltage data includes generating the output voltage data by processing the data based on the first set of mixed parameters.

5. The display driver of claim 4, wherein the image processing circuitry is further configured to determine a first blending ratio for each of the sub-pixels based on the folding information and the position of the pixel, and Generating the first set of mixing parameters includes generating the first set of mixing parameters based on the first mixing ratio.

6. The display driver of claim 5, wherein the image processing circuitry is further configured to determine control points based on the folding information, the control points specifying a freeform curve representing a position in the display panel and a corresponding relationship to the first mixing ratio, and Determining the first mixing ratio includes determining the first mixing ratio based on the freeform curve.

7. The display driver of claim 6, wherein the freeform curve includes a Bezier curve.

8. The display driver of claim 5, wherein the image processing circuitry is further configured to determine, based on the folding information, coefficients of a quadratic curve representing the position in the display panel and the first mixing ratio, and Determining the first mixing ratio includes determining the first mixing ratio based on the quadratic curve.

9. The display driver of claim 5, wherein the image processing circuitry is further configured to determine control points based on the folding information, the control points specifying a corresponding freeform curve representing a position in the display panel and the curvature of the display panel, and in, Determining the first mixing ratio includes: The curvature of the display panel is determined based on the freeform curve; and The first mixing ratio is determined based on the determined curvature.

10. The display driver of claim 1, wherein the display panel includes a third region and a fourth region that partially overlap each other. The image processing circuit is further configured to: When the pixel is located in the third region, a third mixing parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple third parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel in the third direction on the display panel; When the pixel is located in the fourth region, a fourth mixing parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple fourth parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel in the third direction on the display panel; as well as When the pixel is located in a region that overlaps with the third region and the fourth region, the output voltage data is generated based on one of the third set of mixing parameters and the fourth set of mixing parameters, wherein the one of the third set of mixing parameters and the fourth set of mixing parameters causes a higher brightness level in the corresponding one of the sub-pixels of the pixel compared to the other.

11. The display driver of claim 1, wherein the spatial distribution information includes eye-tracking data of a user observing the display panel.

12. The display driver of claim 11, wherein the eye-tracking data is generated based on camera images captured by the camera.

13. The display driver of claim 11, wherein the eye-tracking data is generated based on camera images captured by a camera and gyroscope data obtained by a gyroscope sensor.

14. The display driver according to claim 1, wherein the spatial distribution information includes temperature distribution data of the display panel.

15. The display driver according to claim 1, wherein the spatial distribution information includes ambient light distribution data of the display panel.

16. The display driver according to claim 1, wherein the spatial distribution information includes color temperature distribution data of the display panel.

17. A display system, comprising: Display panel, wherein the display panel includes a first region and a second region that partially overlap with each other; The host is configured to generate spatial distribution information of physical quantities related to the display panel and data associated with pixels; An image processing circuit configured to generate output voltage data by processing the data of sub-pixels based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixels; as well as A driving circuit, configured to drive corresponding sub-pixels of the display panel based on the output voltage data. The image processing circuit is further configured to: When the pixel is located in the first region, a first mixed parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple first parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel in the first direction of the display panel; When the pixel is located in the second region, a second mixed parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple second parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction; as well as When the pixel is located in an area that overlaps with the first region and the second region, the output voltage data is generated based on one of the first set of mixing parameters and the second set of mixing parameters, wherein the first set of mixing parameters and the second set of mixing parameters cause a lower brightness level in the corresponding one of the sub-pixels of the pixel compared to the other.

18. The display system of claim 17, wherein the display panel is foldable between a folded position and an unfolded position, and The spatial distribution information includes folding information generated in response to the display panel located in the folded position.

19. The display system of claim 17, wherein the spatial distribution information includes eye-tracking data of a user observing the display panel.

20. The display system of claim 19, further comprising a camera, The host computer is configured to generate the eye-tracking data based on camera images captured by the camera.

21. The display system of claim 20, further comprising a gyroscope sensor, wherein the host is configured to generate the eye-tracking data based on gyroscope data obtained by the gyroscope sensor and the camera image.

22. A method comprising: Receive spatial distribution information of physical quantities related to the display panel; Output voltage data is generated by processing data associated with sub-pixels of the pixel based on the spatial distribution information and the pixel's position. as well as The corresponding sub-pixels of the display panel are driven based on the output voltage data. The display panel includes a first area and a second area that partially overlap each other. The method further includes: When the pixel is located in the first region, a first mixed parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple first parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel in the first direction of the display panel; When the pixel is located in the second region, a second blending parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by blending multiple second parameter sets based on the spatial distribution information and the pixel's position in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and When the pixel is located in an area that overlaps with the first region and the second region, the output voltage data is generated based on one of the first set of mixing parameters and the second set of mixing parameters, wherein the first set of mixing parameters and the second set of mixing parameters cause a lower brightness level in the corresponding one of the sub-pixels of the pixel compared to the other.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein generating the output voltage data further comprises: A mixed parameter set is generated for each of the sub-pixels by mixing multiple parameter sets based on the pixel's position and spatial distribution information. as well as The output voltage data is generated by processing the data based on the set of mixed parameters.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the display panel is foldable between a folded position and an unfolded position, and The spatial distribution information includes folding information generated in response to the display panel located in the folded position.

Images