Display device and electronic device including a light-transmitting region

Abstract

A display device and an electronic device are disclosed. The display device includes: a display panel having a display area and including a light-transmitting area superposed with an electronic component within an edge portion of the display area; a panel driver configured to drive the display panel and configured to perform an edge dimming operation that gradually reduces the brightness of an area of the display area other than the light-transmitting area from a central portion of the display area to an edge portion of the display area without reducing the brightness of the light-transmitting area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device including a light-transmitting region and an electronic device including the display device. Background Art

[0002] Portable electronic devices (such as laptop computers, smartphones, etc.) may include electronic components that sense external light to provide various services, such as a camera module, a sensor module, etc. Generally, in order to sense external light through the electronic components, holes should be formed at the frame or bezel of the portable electronic device. Therefore, when the electronic components are located at the front surface of the portable electronic device, the bezel of the portable electronic device will be enlarged, and the screen ratio will be reduced.

[0003] Recently, in order to increase the screen ratio or screen-to-body ratio (STBR), a technology of forming holes for electronic components within the display region of the display panel of a portable electronic device has been developed. For example, this technology may be referred to as a hole in active area (HIAA) technology. However, in this HIAA technology, an image cannot be displayed at the holes within the display region. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device that includes a light-transmitting region for an electronic component within a display region and is capable of displaying an image over the entire display region including the light-transmitting region. In addition, some embodiments provide an electronic device including the display device.

[0005] According to some embodiments, there is provided a display device including: a display panel having a display region and including a light-transmitting region that overlaps with an electronic component within an edge portion of the display region; and a panel driver configured to drive the display panel and configured to perform an edge dimming operation that gradually reduces the brightness of a region of the display region other than the light-transmitting region from a central portion of the display region to an edge portion of the display region without reducing the brightness of the light-transmitting region.

[0006] The panel driver may include an edge dimming data converter configured to gradually reduce the gray level of the image data of the region of the display region as the distance from the central portion increases and configured to maintain the image data of the light-transmitting region.

[0007] The panel driver may further include an edge dimming parameter memory configured to store an edge dimming brightness parameter representing a ratio of the brightness of the edge portion to the brightness of the central portion, wherein the edge dimming data converter is configured to reduce the gray level of the image data based on the edge dimming brightness parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory.

[0008] The edge dimming brightness parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory can be configured to be changed by user setting.

[0009] The panel driver can also be configured to perform a light transmission area compensation operation to increase the brightness of the light transmission area.

[0010] The panel driver may include an edge dimming data converter configured to gradually reduce the gray level of the image data of the area of the display area as the distance from the central part increases, and configured to increase the gray level of the image data of the light transmission area.

[0011] The panel driver may further include an edge dimming parameter memory configured to store an edge dimming brightness parameter representing the ratio of the brightness of the edge part to the brightness of the central part, and configured to store a light transmission area compensation parameter representing the brightness increase rate of the light transmission area, wherein the edge dimming data converter is configured to reduce the gray level of the image data of the area of the display area based on the edge dimming brightness parameter, and configured to increase the gray level of the image data of the light transmission area based on the light transmission area compensation parameter.

[0012] The edge dimming brightness parameter and the light transmission area compensation parameter can be configured to be changed by user setting.

[0013] The resolution of the light transmission area can be equal to the resolution of the area of the display area.

[0014] Each first pixel in the area of the display area may include a first light emitting area configured to emit light of different colors, wherein each second pixel in the light transmission area includes a second light emitting area configured to emit light of different colors and a light transmission window configured to transmit external light so that the external light reaches the electronic component.

[0015] The size of the second light emitting area may be smaller than the size of the first light emitting area.

[0016] The resolution of the light transmission area can be smaller than the resolution of the area of the display area.

[0017] N first pixels may be located in the area of the display area, N is an integer greater than 0, wherein M second pixels are located in the area of the light transmission area, the area of the light transmission area has the same size as the area of the display area, and M is an integer greater than 0 and less than N.

[0018] The display device may further include a light transmission window for transmitting external light in the light transmission area so that the external light reaches the electronic component.

[0019] The first pixel and the second pixel may be arranged in Structure ( is a registered trademark owned by Samsung Display Co., Ltd.) arrangement.

[0020] According to some embodiments, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a display device including a display panel and a panel driver, the display panel having a display area and a light-transmitting area located within an edge portion of the display area, the panel driver being configured to drive the display panel; and an electronic component stacked with the light-transmitting area. Wherein, the panel driver is configured to perform an edge dimming operation, and the edge dimming operation gradually reduces the brightness of the area of the display area other than the light-transmitting area from the central portion of the display area to the edge portion of the display area while maintaining the brightness of the light-transmitting area.

[0021] The electronic component may include a camera module.

[0022] The electronic component may include a face recognition sensor module, a proximity sensor module, or a motion sensor module.

[0023] The electronic device may include a laptop computer.

[0024] The electronic device may include a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0025] As described above, in the display device and the electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel may include a light-transmitting area positioned to be stacked with the electronic component within the edge portion of the display area, and the panel driver may perform an edge dimming operation. The edge dimming operation gradually reduces the brightness of the display area other than the light-transmitting area from the central portion of the display area to the edge portion of the display area without reducing the brightness of the light-transmitting area. Therefore, since the light-transmitting area for the electronic component is located within the display area, the screen ratio or the screen-to-body ratio (STBR) of the display panel can be improved. In addition, since the edge dimming operation is performed, the power consumption of the display device can be reduced, and the boundary of the light-transmitting area may not be perceived. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Exemplary non-limiting embodiments will be understood more clearly through the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figures 2A to 2D is a diagram showing an example of a display panel including a light-transmitting area at various positions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figures 3A to 3CA diagram showing an example of a first pixel located in a display area other than a light-transmitting area and a second pixel located in the light-transmitting area.

[0030] Figures 4A to 4C A diagram showing another example of a first pixel located in a display area other than a light-transmitting area and a second pixel located in the light-transmitting area.

[0031] Figure 5 A diagram for describing an example of an edge dimming operation performed by a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 A diagram for describing an example of power consumption in a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 A flowchart showing a method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 A diagram showing an example of a display panel included in a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 A diagram for describing an example of an edge dimming operation performed by a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 A diagram for describing an example of a part X of a display panel in a method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 in

[0037] Figure 11 A flowchart showing a method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 A diagram for describing an example of a part X of a display panel in a method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 in

[0039] Figure 13 A block diagram showing an electronic device including a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 14 A diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 15 A diagram showing another example of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0042] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and their implementation methods can be more easily understood by referring to the detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the described embodiments can be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects of the present disclosure may not be described.

[0043] Unless otherwise noted, throughout the drawings and the written description, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof represent the same elements, and thus, their description will not be repeated. In addition, for clarity of description, components that are not relevant to the description of the embodiments may not be shown. In the drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Additionally, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Thus, unless stated otherwise, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc. of the elements.

[0044] Here, various embodiments are described with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic illustrations of the embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. In addition, for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes shown in the regions, but will include, for example, deviations in shape caused by manufacturing. Thus, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shape of the regions of the device, nor are they intended to be restrictive. Additionally, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways, all of which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] In the detailed description, for purposes of illustration, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it is apparent that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] In this specification, the phrase “in a plane” or “plan view” means observing the target part from the top, and the phrase “in a cross-section” means observing the cross-section formed by vertically cutting the target part from the side.

[0048] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” are used in this specification, there is stated the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but there is not excluded the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations of measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, “about” or “approximately” includes the stated value and means within an acceptable deviation range of the particular value as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurements discussed and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value. Further, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.”

[0050] When one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described order.

[0051] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges having the same numerical precision contained within the recited range. For example, a range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0 (and including the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, by way of example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-range contained within the ranges expressly recited herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that amendment to expressly recite any such sub-range will be in compliance with the requirements.

[0052] An electronic or electrical device and / or any other related device or component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices may be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. In addition, various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, tape carrier package (TCP), printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate.

[0053] In addition, various components of these devices may be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory, which may be implemented in a computing device using a standard memory device (such as, by way of example, random access memory (RAM)). The computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media (such as, by way of example, CD-ROM, flash drive, etc.). In addition, those skilled in the art should recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the functions of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device may be distributed across one or more other computing devices.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in a general dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or in this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figures 2A to 2D is a diagram showing an example of a display panel including a light-transmitting region at various positions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figures 3A to 3C is a diagram showing an example of a first pixel located in a display region other than the light-transmitting region and a second pixel located in the light-transmitting region, Figures 4A to 4C is a diagram showing another example of a first pixel located in a display region other than the light-transmitting region and a second pixel located in the light-transmitting region, Figure 5 is a diagram for describing an example of an edge dimming operation performed by a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 is a diagram for describing an example of power consumption in a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 , a display device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110 and a panel driver 120. The display panel 110 includes a plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2, and the panel driver 120 drives the display panel 110. In some embodiments, the panel driver 120 may include a data driver 130 that provides data signals DS to the plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2, a scan driver 140 that provides scan signals SS to the plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2, and a controller 150 that controls the data driver 130 and the scan driver 140.

[0057] The display panel 110 may include a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2 coupled to the plurality of scan lines and the plurality of data lines. In some embodiments, each pixel PX1 and each pixel PX2 may include at least one capacitor, at least two transistors, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The display panel 110 may be an OLED display panel. In other embodiments, the display panel 110 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or any other suitable panel.

[0058] The display panel 110 may have a display area DR in which pixels PX1 and PX2 are formed, and may include a light-transmitting area LTR within an edge portion EP of the display area DR. The light-transmitting area LTR may be positioned to overlap with an electronic component. For example, the edge portion EP of the display area DR may be, but is not limited to, a portion of the display area DR that includes the four edges of the display area DR, as Figure 1 shown.

[0059] In other embodiments, the edge portion EP of the display area DR may be a portion of the display area DR that includes one, two, or three edges of the display area DR. The light-transmitting area LTR may transmit external light (and / or light generated by the electronic component), and the external light may reach the electronic component through the light-transmitting area LTR. In an example, the electronic component may be a camera module, and the camera module may capture an external image through the light-transmitting area LTR. In other examples, the electronic component may be a sensor module, such as a face recognition sensor module, a proximity sensor module, a motion sensor module, etc., and the sensor module may sense the external light transmitted through the light-transmitting area LTR.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the light-transmitting area LTR may be located at any position within the edge portion EP of the display area DR. In an example, as Figure 2A shown, the light-transmitting area LTRa may be located within the edge portion EPa of the display area DRa of the display panel 110a, and may have a vertical position adjacent to the top edge of the display area DRa and a horizontal position corresponding to the horizontal center of the display area DRa.

[0061] In another example, as Figure 2B shown, the light-transmitting area LTRb may be located within the edge portion EPb of the display area DRb of the display panel 110b, and may have a vertical position adjacent to the top edge of the display area DRb and a horizontal position adjacent to the left edge of the display area DRb.

[0062] In yet another example, as Figure 2C shown, the light-transmitting area LTRc may be located within the edge portion EPc of the display area DRc of the display panel 110c, and may have a vertical position adjacent to the top edge of the display area DRc and a horizontal position adjacent to the right edge of the display area DRc.

[0063] In yet another example, as Figure 2D shown, the light-transmitting area LTRd may be located within the edge portion EPd of the display area DRd of the display panel 110d, and may have a vertical position adjacent to the bottom edge of the display area DRd and a horizontal position corresponding to the horizontal center of the display area DRd.

[0064] AlthoughFigures 2A to 2D shows an example of the positions of the light-transmitting regions LTRa to LTRd, but the position of the light-transmitting region LTR is not limited to the example of Figures 2A to 2D . In addition, although Figures 2A to 2D shows examples of the display panel 110a including one light-transmitting region LTRa, the display panel 110b including one light-transmitting region LTRb, the display panel 110c including one light-transmitting region LTRc, and the display panel 110d including one light-transmitting region LTRd, in some embodiments, the display panels 110a to 110d may include two or more light-transmitting regions LTRa to LTRd.

[0065] In the display device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first pixel PX1 located in the display region DR other than the light-transmitting region LTR and the second pixel PX2 located in the light-transmitting region LTR may have different structures, different resolutions, or different arrangements.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first pixel PX1 located in the display region DR other than the light-transmitting region LTR and the second pixel PX2 located in the light-transmitting region LTR may have substantially the same resolution, but may have different structures. For example, as shown in Figures 3A to 3C , different from each first pixel PX1 in the display region DR other than the light-transmitting region LTR, although each second pixel PX2 in the light-transmitting region LTR may further include light-transmitting windows 238a, 238b, and 238c, the resolution (or pixels per inch (PPI)) of the light-transmitting region LTR may be substantially the same as the resolution (or PPI) of the display region DR other than the light-transmitting region LTR.

[0067] As shown in Figures 3A to 3C 210, the first pixel PX1 in the display region DR other than the light-transmitting region LTR (for example, the region of the display region DR outside the light-transmitting region LTR, the region not including the light-transmitting region LTR, or the region excluding the light-transmitting region LTR) may include first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216 that respectively emit light of different colors. For example, the first pixel PX1 may include a first red light-emitting region 212, a first green light-emitting region 214, and a first blue light-emitting region 216, and the first red light-emitting region 212, the first green light-emitting region 214, and the first blue light-emitting region 216 may be the light-emitting regions of a red OLED, a green OLED, and a blue OLED.

[0068] In addition, as shown in Figures 3A to 3CAs shown in 230a, 230b, and 230c, the second pixel PX2 in the light-transmitting region LTR may include second light-emitting regions 232a, 234a, 236a, 232b, 234b, 236b, 232c, 234c, 236c that emit light of different colors, and light-transmitting windows 238a, 238b, 238c that transmit external light so that the external light reaches the electronic component. For example, the second pixel PX2 may include second red light-emitting regions 232a, 232b, 232c, second green light-emitting regions 234a, 234b, 234c, second blue light-emitting regions 236a, 236b, 236c, and light-transmitting windows 238a, 238b, 238c, and the second red light-emitting regions 232a, 232b, 232c, the second green light-emitting regions 234a, 234b, 234c, and the second blue light-emitting regions 236a, 236b, 236c may be light-emitting regions of a red OLED, a green OLED, and a blue OLED, respectively. In addition, the light-transmitting region LTR may transmit external light (and / or light generated by the electronic component) through the light-transmitting windows 238a, 238b, 238c included in each second pixel PX2.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sizes (e.g., surface areas in a plan view) of the plurality of second light-emitting regions 232a, 234a, 236a, 232b, 234b, 236b, 232c, 234c, and 236c of each second pixel PX2 may be smaller than the sizes of the plurality of first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216 of each first pixel PX1, and the sizes of the light-transmitting windows 238a, 238b, 238c included in each second pixel PX2 may correspond to the difference between the sizes of the plurality of first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216 and the sizes of the plurality of second light-emitting regions 232a, 234a, 236a, 232b, 234b, 236b, 232c, 234c, and 236c.

[0070] In an example, as Figure 3A shown in 230a, the sizes of the plurality of second light-emitting regions 232a, 234a, and 236a of each second pixel PX2 may be about 70% of the sizes of the plurality of first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216, and the size of the light-transmitting window 238a included in each second pixel PX2 may be about 30% of the sizes of the plurality of first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216.

[0071] In another example, as Figure 3BAs shown by 230b in [reference], the sizes of the multiple second light-emitting regions 232b, 234b, and 236b of each second pixel PX2 can be approximately 50% of the sizes of the multiple first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216, and the size of the light-transmitting window 238b included in each second pixel PX2 can be approximately 50% of the sizes of the multiple first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216.

[0072] In another example, as Figure 3C shown by 230c in [reference], the sizes of the multiple second light-emitting regions 232c, 234c, and 236c of each second pixel PX2 can be approximately 25% of the sizes of the multiple first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216, and the size of the light-transmitting window 238c included in each second pixel PX2 can be approximately 75% of the sizes of the multiple first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216.

[0073] Although Figures 3A to 3C Examples 230a, 230b, and 230c of each second pixel PX2 are shown where the sizes of the light-transmitting windows 238a, 238b, and 238c correspond to approximately 30%, approximately 50%, and approximately 75% of the sizes of the multiple first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216 respectively, in other embodiments according to the present disclosure, the light-transmitting windows 238a, 238b, 238c of each second pixel PX2 can have any size, or can have a size greater than approximately 0% and less than approximately 100% of the sizes of the multiple first light-emitting regions 212, 214, and 216.

[0074] In other embodiments, the first pixel PX1 located in the display region DR except for the light-transmitting region LTR and the second pixel PX2 located in the light-transmitting region LTR can have different resolutions (or different PPI). For example, as Figures 4A to 4C shown, each second pixel PX2 in the light-transmitting region LTR can have a structure substantially the same as that of each first pixel PX1 in the display region DR except for the light-transmitting region LTR, but the resolution of the light-transmitting region LTR can be smaller than the resolution of the display region DR except for the light-transmitting region LTR.

[0075] For example, N first pixels PX1 can be located in the region of the display region DR except for the light-transmitting region LTR (e.g., a predetermined region), where N is an integer greater than 0, and M second pixels PX2 can be located in a certain region of the light-transmitting region LTR (e.g., having the same size as the predetermined region of the display region DR), where M is an integer greater than 0 and less than N. For example, the number of first pixels PX1 in the predetermined region of the display region DR except for the light-transmitting region LTR can be twelve (as Figures 4A to 4Cas shown at 310 in [reference], and the number of second pixels PX2 in a certain area of the light-transmitting region LTR (which has the same size as the predetermined area of the display region DR) can be less than twelve, as Figures 4A to 4C as shown at 330a, 330b, and 330c in [reference]. In addition, the light-transmitting region LTR may include light-transmitting windows 335a, 335b, 335c having sizes corresponding to the difference between the number of first pixels PX1 and the number of second pixels PX2. The light-transmitting region LTR can transmit external light (and / or light generated by electronic components) through the light-transmitting windows 335a, 335b, 335c.

[0076] In an example, as Figure 4A shown at 330a in [reference], ten second pixels PX2 may be located in the corresponding area of the light-transmitting region LTR, and the light-transmitting region LTR may include a light-transmitting window 335a having a size corresponding to about two first pixels PX1 (or second pixels PX2), and the size corresponds to about 17% of the corresponding area.

[0077] In another example, as Figure 4B shown at 330b in [reference], six second pixels PX2 may be located in the corresponding area of the light-transmitting region LTR, and the light-transmitting region LTR may include a light-transmitting window 335b having a size corresponding to about six first pixels PX1 (or second pixels PX2), and the size corresponds to about 50% of the corresponding area.

[0078] In yet another example, as Figure 4C shown at 330c in [reference], four second pixels PX2 may be located in the corresponding area of the light-transmitting region LTR, and the light-transmitting region LTR may include a light-transmitting window 335c having a size corresponding to about eight first pixels PX1 (or second pixels PX2), and the size corresponds to about 67% of the corresponding area.

[0079] Although Figures 4A to 4C examples 330a, 330b, and 330c of the light-transmitting region LTR are shown (where the light-transmitting windows 335a, 335b, and 335c having respective sizes corresponding to about 17%, about 50%, and about 67% of the corresponding area (e.g., the predetermined area) are differently located within the area corresponding to twelve second pixels PX2), according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of the size of the light-transmitting windows 335a, 335b, 335c to the size of the light-transmitting region LTR can be any ratio (e.g., any ratio greater than about 0% and less than about 100%).

[0080] In addition, in some embodiments, as Figures 4A to 4CAs shown, the first pixel PX1 located in the display region DR except for the light-transmitting region LTR and the second pixel PX2 located in the light-transmitting region LTR may have substantially the same structure and / or substantially the same arrangement.

[0081] For example, as Figures 4A to 4C shown, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be arranged in an RGBG structure ( a registered trademark owned by Samsung Display Co., Ltd.). In this case, as Figures 4A to 4C shown in 310, each first pixel PX1 may include a first red light-emitting region 311 and a first green light-emitting region 312, or may include a first blue light-emitting region 313 and a second red light-emitting region 314. In addition, as Figures 4A to 4C shown in 330a, 330b, and 330c, each second pixel PX2 may include a second red light-emitting region 331 and a third green light-emitting region 332, or may include a second blue light-emitting region 333 and a fourth green light-emitting region 334.

[0082] Although Figures 4A to 4C examples 310, 330a, 330b, and 330c are shown where the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be arranged in an RGBG structure ( a registered trademark owned by Samsung Display Co., Ltd.), the arrangement of the first pixel PX1 and / or the arrangement of the second pixel PX2 is not limited to the RGBG structure ( a registered trademark owned by Samsung Display Co., Ltd.).

[0083] Referring back to Figure 1 , the data driver 130 may generate a data signal DS based on a data control signal DCTRL, may output the image data ODAT received from the controller 150, and may also provide the data signal DS to the plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2 through a plurality of data lines. In some embodiments, the data control signal DCTRL may include but is not limited to an output data enable signal, a horizontal start signal, and a load signal. In some embodiments, the data driver 130 and the controller 150 may be implemented with a single integrated circuit, and this integrated circuit may be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver (TED). In other embodiments, the data driver 130 and the controller 150 may be implemented with separate integrated circuits.

[0084] The scan driver 140 may generate a scan signal SS based on a scan control signal SCTRL received from the controller 150, and may provide the scan signal SS to a plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2 through a plurality of scan lines. In some embodiments, the scan control signal SCTRL may include, but is not limited to, a scan start signal and a scan clock signal. In some embodiments, the scan driver 140 may be integrated in or formed in a peripheral portion around the display area DR of the display panel 110. In other embodiments, the scan driver 140 may be implemented with one or more integrated circuits.

[0085] The controller 150 (e.g., a timing controller (TCON)) may receive input image data IDAT and a control signal CTRL from an external host processor (e.g., Figure 13 the processor 1030 shown in). In some embodiments, the control signal CTRL may include, but is not limited to, a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, an input data enable signal, a main clock signal, etc. The controller 150 may generate output image data ODAT, a data control signal DCTRL, and a scan control signal SCTRL based on the input image data IDAT and the control signal CTRL. The controller 150 may control the operation of the data driver 130 by providing the output image data ODAT and the data control signal DCTRL to the data driver 130, and may control the operation of the scan driver 140 by providing the scan control signal SCTRL to the scan driver 140.

[0086] In the display device 100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, since the display panel 110 includes a light-transmitting region LTR within the display area DR, a user may distinguish an image displayed in the display area DR other than the light-transmitting region LTR from an image displayed in the light-transmitting region LTR. Accordingly, the user may perceive the boundary of the light-transmitting region LTR. To reduce or prevent the perceptibility of the boundary of the light-transmitting region LTR and to reduce the power consumption of the display device 100, the panel driver 120 of the display device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may perform an edge dimming operation that gradually (e.g., spatially) reduces the brightness of the display area DR other than the light-transmitting region LTR from a central portion CP of the display area DR to an edge portion EP of the display area DR while not reducing the brightness of the light-transmitting region LTR (e.g., while maintaining the brightness of the light-transmitting region LTR).

[0087] For example, as Figure 5As shown, even when input image data IDAT representing the same gray level is received with respect to the entire display area DR of the display panel 110, the panel driver 120 can perform edge dimming operation such that the central portion CP of the display area DR has a first luminance LT1, the edge portion EP of the display area DR has a second luminance LT2 lower than the first luminance LT1, and the luminance of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR gradually decreases from the first luminance LT1 to the second luminance LT2 along the direction from the central portion CP to the edge portion EP.

[0088] The power consumption of the display device 100 can be reduced by the edge dimming operation. For example, as Figure 6 shown, without performing the edge dimming operation, about 2.1 W of power is consumed at the logic circuit (“LOGIC”) of the display device 100 or at the panel driver 120, and about 5.3 W of power is consumed at the display panel (“PANEL”) 110 of the display device 100. Therefore, a total of about 7.4 W of power is consumed at the display device 100.

[0089] However, when the edge dimming operation is performed at a dimming level of about 10%, about 4.8 W of power is consumed at the display panel 110 of the display device 100, and thus the total power consumption of the display device 100 can be reduced from about 7.4 W to about 6.9 W.

[0090] In addition, when the edge dimming operation is performed at a dimming level of about 20%, about 4.3 W of power is consumed at the display panel 110 of the display device 100, and thus the total power consumption of the display device 100 can be reduced from about 7.4 W to about 6.4 W.

[0091] In some embodiments, to perform the edge dimming operation, the panel driver 120 may include an edge dimming data converter 160. The edge dimming data converter 160 can perform an edge dimming data conversion operation that generates output image data ODAT by gradually decreasing the input image data IDAT of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR (e.g., gradually decreasing the gray level of the input image data IDAT) as the distance from the central portion CP increases while not decreasing the input image data IDAT of the light transmissive area LTR (e.g., while maintaining the input image data IDAT of the light transmissive area LTR). The data driver 130 can provide a data signal DS to the plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2 based on the output image data ODAT on which the edge dimming data conversion operation has been performed. Therefore, as Figure 5As shown, the brightness of the display region DR except for the light transmissive region LTR may gradually decrease from the first brightness LT1 to the second brightness LT2 in a direction from the central portion CP to the edge portion EP. In some embodiments, as Figure 1 shown, the edge dimming data converter 160 may be located or formed inside the controller 150, but the position of the edge dimming data converter 160 is not limited to Figure 1 the example of.

[0092] In addition, as Figures 3A to 4C shown, since the light transmissive region LTR includes the light transmissive windows 238a, 238b, 238c, 335a, 335b, 335c, the light emitting region size per unit area of the light transmissive region LTR may be smaller than the light emitting region size per unit area of the display region DR except for the light transmissive region LTR. In addition, the brightness of the light transmissive region LTR may be lower than the brightness of the display region DR except for the light transmissive region LTR. Accordingly, a user may distinguish an image displayed in the display region DR except for the light transmissive region LTR and an image displayed in the light transmissive region LTR. Accordingly, the user may perceive the boundary of the light transmissive region LTR.

[0093] However, in the display device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the edge dimming data converter 160 may reduce the input image data IDAT of the first pixel PX1 within the edge portion EP or the input image data IDAT of the first pixel PX1 adjacent to the light transmissive region LTR without reducing the input image data IDAT of the second pixel PX2 of the light transmissive region LTR. Accordingly, the first pixel PX1 adjacent to the light transmissive region LTR and the second pixel PX2 of the light transmissive region LTR may have substantially the same brightness, and the boundary of the light transmissive region LTR may not be perceived by the user.

[0094] In some embodiments, the panel driver 120 may further include an edge dimming parameter memory 170 that stores an edge dimming brightness parameter representing a ratio of the brightness of the edge portion EP to the brightness of the central portion CP. For example, the edge dimming brightness parameter may represent a ratio of the second brightness LT2 of the edge portion EP to the first brightness LT1 of the central portion CP, as Figure 5 shown. In addition, in some embodiments, as Figure 1 shown, the edge dimming parameter memory 170 may be located or formed inside the controller 150, but the position of the edge dimming parameter memory 170 is not limited to Figure 1Example. The edge dimming data converter 160 may reduce the input image data IDAT of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR based on the edge dimming luminance parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory 170. For example, when the edge dimming luminance parameter indicates about 50%, the edge dimming data converter 160 may perform an edge dimming data conversion operation such that the edge portion EP has a luminance corresponding to about 50% of the luminance of the center portion CP.

[0095] In addition, in some embodiments, the edge dimming luminance parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory 170 may be changed by user setting. For example, the user may set the ratio of the luminance of the edge portion EP to the luminance of the center portion CP, and the external host processor may provide an edge dimming parameter signal EDPS representing the ratio set by the user. The controller 150 may change the edge dimming luminance parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory 170 in response to the edge dimming parameter signal EDPS.

[0096] In some embodiments, the panel driver 120 may also perform a light transmissive area compensation operation to increase the luminance of the light transmissive area LTR. For example, in order to generate the output image data ODAT, the edge dimming data converter 160 may not only perform an edge dimming data conversion operation to gradually reduce the input image data IDAT of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR as the distance from the center portion CP increases, but also perform a light transmissive area compensation data conversion operation to increase the input image data IDAT of the light transmissive area LTR. The data driver 130 may provide the data signal DS to the plurality of pixels PX1 and PX2 based on the output image data ODAT on which the edge dimming data conversion operation and the light transmissive area compensation data conversion operation have been performed. Accordingly, the first pixel PX1 adjacent to the light transmissive area LTR and the second pixel PX2 of the light transmissive area LTR may have substantially the same luminance, and the boundary of the light transmissive area LTR may not be perceived by the user.

[0097] In other embodiments, the edge dimming parameter memory 170 may store an edge dimming luminance parameter representing the ratio of the luminance of the edge portion EP to the luminance of the center portion CP and a light transmissive area compensation parameter representing the luminance increase rate of the light transmissive area LTR. The edge dimming data converter 160 may generate the output image data ODAT by reducing the input image data IDAT of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR based on the edge dimming luminance parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory 170 and by increasing the input image data IDAT of the light transmissive area LTR based on the light transmissive area compensation parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory 170.

[0098] For example, when the edge dimming luminance parameter indicates approximately 70% and the light transmissive area compensation parameter indicates approximately 30%, the edge dimming data converter 160 may perform an edge dimming data conversion operation such that the edge portion EP has a luminance corresponding to approximately 70% of the luminance of the central portion CP, and may perform a light transmissive area compensation data conversion operation to increase the luminance of the light transmissive area LTR by approximately 30%.

[0099] In some embodiments, the edge dimming luminance parameter and the light transmissive area compensation parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory 170 may be changed by user setting. For example, the user may set the ratio of the luminance of the edge portion EP to the luminance of the central portion CP, and may set the luminance increase rate of the light transmissive area LTR, and the external host processor may provide an edge dimming parameter signal EDPS representing the ratio and the luminance increase rate set by the user. The controller 150 may change the edge dimming luminance parameter and the light transmissive area compensation parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory 170 in response to the edge dimming parameter signal EDPS.

[0100] As described above, in the display device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel 110 may include a light transmissive area LTR positioned within the edge portion EP of the display area DR and stacked with electronic components. Since the light transmissive area LTR is located within the display area DR, the screen ratio or screen-to-body ratio (STBR) of the display panel 110 may be improved. In addition, the panel driver 120 may perform an edge dimming operation that gradually reduces the luminance of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR from the central portion CP to the edge portion EP of the display area DR without reducing the luminance of the light transmissive area LTR. Therefore, the power consumption of the display device 100 may be reduced, and the boundary of the light transmissive area LTR is hardly perceptible.

[0101] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display panel included in a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 9 is a diagram for describing an example of an edge dimming operation performed by a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is for describing in a method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 example of a portion X of the display panel.

[0102] Refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8, the panel driver 120 may receive image data (or input image data IDAT) (S410), and may perform an edge dimming operation of gradually reducing the brightness of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR from the central portion CP to the edge portion EP of the display area DR without reducing the brightness of the light transmissive area LTR (S430). For example, the panel driver 120 may perform an edge dimming data conversion operation of gradually reducing the image data of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR while not reducing the image data of the light transmissive area LTR as the distance from the central portion CP increases (S430). For example, as the horizontal distance from the central portion CP to the first pixel PX1 increases from 0 to the horizontal maximum distance MDISH, the image data of the first pixel PX1 may gradually decrease. In addition, as the vertical distance from the central portion CP to the first pixel PX1 increases from 0 to the vertical maximum distance MDISV, the image data of the first pixel PX1 may gradually decrease.

[0103] For example, as shown in Figure 9 , when the ratio of the brightness of the edge portion EP to the brightness of the central portion CP is set to about 70% and the first pixel PX1 in the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR receives image data representing the same gray level (for example, the maximum gray level or 255 gray levels), the following may hold: the first pixel PX1 in the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 400 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance of about 0.5 mm from the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 399 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance of about 1 mm from the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 398 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance of about 1.5 mm from the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 397 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance corresponding to about 1.5 mm less than the maximum distance MDIS from the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 283 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance corresponding to about 1 mm less than the maximum distance MDIS from the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 282 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance corresponding to about 0.5 mm less than the maximum distance MDIS from the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 281 nits; and the first pixel PX1 having the maximum distance MDIS from the central portion CP may have a brightness of about 280 nits.

[0104] In addition, as shown in Figure 9As shown, when the ratio of the luminance of the edge portion EP to the luminance of the center portion CP is set to approximately 50%, the following can hold: The first pixel PX1 in the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 400 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance of approximately 0.5 mm from the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 398 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance of approximately 1 mm from the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 397 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance of approximately 1.5 mm from the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 395 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance corresponding to approximately 1.5 mm less than the maximum distance MDIS from the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 205 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance corresponding to approximately 1 mm less than the maximum distance MDIS from the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 203 nits; the first pixel PX1 having a distance corresponding to approximately 0.5 mm less than the maximum distance MDIS from the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 202 nits; and the first pixel PX1 having the maximum distance MDIS from the center portion CP can have a luminance of approximately 200 nits.

[0105] The data driver 130 can provide the data signal DS to the display panel 110 based on the image data (or the output image data ODAT) on which the edge dimming data conversion operation has been performed, and the display panel 110 can display an image based on the data signal DS (S450).

[0106] Figure 10 Shows a first case where the edge dimming operation is not performed Figure 8 A first example 510 of a portion X of the display panel 110, in a second case where the edge dimming operation is performed at a ratio of the luminance of the edge portion EP to the luminance of the center portion CP of approximately 70% Figure 8 A second example 530 of a portion X of the display panel 110, and in a third case where the edge dimming operation is performed at a ratio of the luminance of the edge portion EP to the luminance of the center portion CP of approximately 50% Figure 8 A third example 550 of a portion X of the display panel 110.

[0107] As Figure 10 As shown, in the first example 510 where the edge dimming operation is not performed, the user can distinguish the image displayed in the light transmissive region LTR and the image displayed around the light transmissive region LTR, and the boundary of the light transmissive region LTR can be perceived. However, in the second example 530 where the edge dimming operation is performed at a ratio of approximately 70%, the boundary of the light transmissive region LTR can tend to not be perceived by the user. Furthermore, in the third example 550 where the edge dimming operation is performed at a ratio of approximately 50%, the boundary of the light transmissive region LTR can even be less likely to be perceived by the user.

[0108] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 12 is for describing in the method of operating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 an example of a portion X of a display panel.

[0109] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 11 , the panel driver 120 may receive image data (or input image data IDAT) (S610), may perform an edge dimming operation of gradually decreasing the brightness of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR from the central portion CP to the edge portion EP of the display area DR (S630), and may also perform a light transmissive area compensation operation of increasing the brightness of the light transmissive area LTR (S650). For example, the panel driver 120 may perform an edge dimming data conversion operation of gradually decreasing the image data of the display area DR except for the light transmissive area LTR as the distance from the central portion CP increases (S630), and may perform a light transmissive area compensation data conversion operation of increasing the image data of the light transmissive area LTR (S650).

[0110] The data driver 130 may provide a data signal DS to the display panel 110 based on the image data (or output image data ODAT) on which the edge dimming data conversion operation and the light transmissive area compensation data conversion operation have been performed, and the display panel 110 may display an image based on the data signal DS (S670).

[0111] Figure 12 shows a first example 710 of a portion X of the display panel 110 in a first case where the edge dimming operation and the light transmissive area compensation operation are not performed Figure 8 . Figure 12 Also shown is a second example 730 of a portion X of the display panel 110 in a second case, where the edge dimming operation is performed at a ratio of the brightness of the edge portion EP to the brightness of the central portion CP of about 70% and the light transmissive area compensation operation is performed at a lightness increase rate of the light transmissive area LTR of about 40%. As Figure 8 shown in Figure 12 , in the first example 710 where the edge dimming operation and the light transmissive area compensation operation are not performed, the user can distinguish the image displayed in the light transmissive area LTR and the image displayed around the light transmissive area LTR, and can perceive the boundary of the light transmissive area LTR. However, in the second example 730 where the edge dimming operation is performed at the ratio of about 70% and the light transmissive area compensation operation is performed at a lightness increase rate of about 40%, the perceptibility of the boundary of the light transmissive area LTR by the user can be reduced or prevented.

[0112] To reduce or prevent the perceptibility of the boundary of the light-transmitting region LTR, although Figure 10 Example 550 in which the edge dimming operation is performed at a ratio of about 50% is shown, and although Figure 12 Example 730 in which the edge dimming operation is performed at a ratio of about 70% and the light-transmitting region compensation operation is performed at a light increase rate of about 40% is shown, the ratio of the brightness of the edge portion EP to the brightness of the central portion CP and / or the light increase rate of the light-transmitting region LTR can be changed according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an electronic device including a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to Figure 13 , an electronic device 1000 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display device 1010 and electronic components 1020. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may further include a processor 1030, a memory device 1040, a storage device 1050, and an input / output (I / O) device 1060. The electronic device 1000 may further include a power supply for supplying power and a plurality of ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device, other electrical devices, etc.

[0115] The display device 1010 may include a display panel having a display area and including a light-transmitting region within an edge portion of the display area, and a panel driver for driving the display panel. The panel driver may perform an edge dimming operation that gradually reduces the brightness of the display area except for the light-transmitting region from the central portion to the edge portion of the display area without reducing the brightness of the light-transmitting region. The light-transmitting region for the electronic components 1020 may be located within the display area, so that the screen ratio or screen-to-body ratio (STBR) of the display panel can be improved. In addition, since the edge dimming operation is performed, the power consumption of the display device 1010 can be reduced, and the boundary of the light-transmitting region may not be perceived.

[0116] The electronic component 1020 can be positioned to overlap with the light-transmissive region. In some embodiments, the electronic component 1020 can be a camera module. The camera module can be located under the display panel to overlap with the light-transmissive region, and the camera module can be referred to as an under-panel camera (UPC). The camera module can capture an external image through the light-transmissive region. In other embodiments, the electronic component 1020 can be a sensor module, such as a face recognition sensor module, a proximity sensor module, a motion sensor module, etc. The sensor module can be located under the display panel to overlap with the light-transmissive region, and the sensor module can be referred to as an under-panel sensor (UPS). The sensor module can sense external light transmitted through the light-transmissive region LTR.

[0117] The processor 1030 can perform various computing functions or tasks. The processor 1030 can be an application processor (AP), a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), etc. The processor 1030 can be coupled to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the processor 1030 can also be coupled to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0118] The memory device 1040 can store data for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1040 can include at least one non-volatile memory device such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device, etc. and / or at least one volatile memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, a mobile dynamic random access memory (mobile DRAM) device, etc.

[0119] The storage device 1050 can be a solid state drive (SSD) device, a hard disk drive (HDD) device, a CD-ROM device, etc. The I / O device 1060 can be an input device such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch screen, etc. and an output device such as a printer, a speaker, etc.

[0120] In some embodiments, as Figure 14 shown, the electronic device 1000 can be a laptop computer 1000a. The laptop computer 1000a can include a light-transmissive region LTR within an edge portion of the display area. In other embodiments, as Figure 15As shown in the figure, the electronic device 1000 may be a smart phone 1000b. The smart phone 1000b may include a light-transmitting region LTR within an edge portion of the display region. In other embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may be any electronic device including a display device 1010, such as a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a digital TV, a 3D TV, a personal computer (PC), a household appliance, a cellular phone, a wearable device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a digital camera, a music player, a portable game console, a navigation system, etc.

[0121] The foregoing is illustrative of embodiments and should not be construed as limiting thereof. Although some embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, it will be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various embodiments and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the claims (which will include functional equivalents of the claims).

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display panel having a display area and including a light-transmitting area superposed with electronic components within an edge portion of the display area; And A panel driver configured to drive the display panel and configured to perform an edge dimming operation that gradually reduces the brightness of an area of the display area other than the light-transmitting area from a central portion of the display area to the edge portion of the display area without reducing the brightness of the light-transmitting area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The panel driver includes an edge dimming data converter configured to gradually reduce the gray level of image data of the area of the display area as the distance from the central portion increases and configured to maintain the image data of the light-transmitting area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The panel driver further includes: An edge dimming parameter memory configured to store an edge dimming brightness parameter representing a ratio of the brightness of the edge portion to the brightness of the central portion, and wherein the edge dimming data converter is configured to reduce the gray level of the image data based on the edge dimming brightness parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The edge dimming brightness parameter stored in the edge dimming parameter memory is configured to be changed by user setting.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The panel driver is further configured to perform a light-transmitting area compensation operation to increase the brightness of the light-transmitting area.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The panel driver includes an edge dimming data converter configured to gradually reduce the gray level of image data of the area of the display area as the distance from the central portion increases and configured to increase the gray level of the image data of the light-transmitting area.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The panel driver further includes an edge dimming parameter memory configured to store an edge dimming brightness parameter representing a ratio of the brightness of the edge portion to the brightness of the central portion and configured to store a light-transmitting area compensation parameter representing a brightness increase rate of the light-transmitting area, and wherein the edge dimming data converter is configured to reduce the gray level of the image data of the area of the display area based on the edge dimming brightness parameter and configured to increase the gray level of the image data of the light-transmitting area based on the light-transmitting area compensation parameter.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each first pixel in the area of the display area includes a first light-emitting area configured to emit light of different colors, and wherein each second pixel in the light-transmitting area includes: A second light-emitting area configured to emit light of the different colors; and A light-transmitting window configured to transmit external light such that the external light reaches the electronic components.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, N first pixels are located in the area of the display area, N is an integer greater than 0, and wherein M second pixels are located in the area of the light-transmitting area, the area of the light-transmitting area has the same size as the area of the display area, and M is an integer greater than 0 and less than N.

10. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A display device, comprising a display panel and a panel driver, the display panel having a display area and a light-transmitting area located within an edge portion of the display area, the panel driver being configured to drive the display panel; and an electronic component, superimposed on the light-transmitting area, wherein the panel driver is configured to perform edge dimming operation, the edge dimming operation gradually reducing the brightness of the area of the display area other than the light-transmitting area from a central portion of the display area to the edge portion of the display area while maintaining the brightness of the light-transmitting area.

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