Driving controller group, display device and method for driving display panel

Abstract

A drive controller group, a display device, and a method for driving a display panel are provided. The drive controller group includes a net power control setter, a data clamper, a data line, and a data driver. The net power control setter can determine a first scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N+1 frame data based on the load of the N-th frame data and the net power control reference value. N is an integer equal to or greater than two. The data clamper can determine a second scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N-th frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the N-th frame data. The data signal can be generated using the first scaling factor and / or the second scaling factor. The data line may include a conductive material. The data driver can convert the data signal into a data voltage and can output the data voltage to the data line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field relates to a driving controller, a display device including the driving controller, and a method of driving a display panel using the driving controller. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a display device includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel displays an image based on input image data. The display panel includes multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, and multiple pixels. The display panel driver includes a gate driver, a data driver, and a drive controller. The gate driver outputs gate signals to the gate lines. The data driver outputs data voltages to the data lines. The drive controller controls the gate driver and data driver.

[0003] If the brightness of the display panel is not adjusted according to the load of input image data, the data driver or the display panel may be damaged due to overcurrent flowing through the data driver or the display panel.

[0004] To determine the load of input image data, a one-frame delay occurs. When input image data that does not require brightness adjustment is input in the N-1th frame and input image data that requires brightness adjustment is input in the Nth frame, brightness adjustment does not immediately operate in the Nth frame due to the one-frame delay. When brightness adjustment does not immediately operate in the Nth frame, an overcurrent may flow through the data driver or the display panel during the Nth frame, potentially damaging the data driver or the display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Example embodiments may relate to a driving controller that adjusts brightness of a display panel according to a load of input image data to prevent damage to a data driver or a display panel.

[0006] Example embodiments may relate to a display device including a driving controller.

[0007] Example embodiments may relate to a method of driving a display panel using a driving controller.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of a drive controller according to the present invention, the drive controller includes a net power control setter and a data clamper. The net power control setter is configured to determine a first proportional factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N+1 frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the net power control reference value. The data clamper is configured to determine a second proportional factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the N frame data. N is an integer equal to or greater than two.

[0009] In an example embodiment, when the N-1th frame data is different from the Nth frame data, the data clamper may be activated, and when the N-1th frame data is the same as the Nth frame data, the data clamper may be deactivated.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the data clamper may be configured to receive a payload of the N-1th frame data, a net power control signal of the N-1th frame, and the Nth frame data.

[0011] In an example embodiment, when the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is invalid, the second proportional factor may gradually decrease as the load of the N-1th frame data increases from 0% to the net power control reference value.

[0012] In an example embodiment, when the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is valid, the second proportional factor may gradually decrease as the load of the N-1th frame data increases from the net power control reference value to 100%.

[0013] In an example embodiment, when the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is invalid, the second scaling factor may be fixed regardless of the load of the N-1th frame data.

[0014] In an example embodiment, when the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is valid, the second scaling factor may be fixed regardless of the load of the N-1th frame data.

[0015] In an example embodiment, the driving controller may further include: a load sum calculator configured to receive the N-th frame data and calculate a sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data.

[0016] In example embodiments, the driving controller may further include a load calculator configured to receive the sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data and calculate the load of the N-th frame data.

[0017] In example embodiments, the data clamper may be configured to receive the payload of the N-th frame data from the payload calculator.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the final scale factor of the (N+1)th frame data may be determined by multiplying the first scale factor by the second scale factor.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present invention, the display device includes a display panel, a drive controller, and a data driver. The display panel is configured to display an image based on input image data. The drive controller includes a net power control setter and a data clamper. The net power control setter is configured to determine a first proportional factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N+1 frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the net power control reference value. The data clamper is configured to determine a second proportional factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the N frame data. The drive controller is configured to generate a data signal based on the input image data. The data driver is configured to convert the data signal into a data voltage and output the data voltage to the display panel. N is an integer equal to or greater than two.

[0020] In an example embodiment, when the N-1th frame data is different from the Nth frame data, the data clamper may be activated, and when the N-1th frame data is the same as the Nth frame data, the data clamper may be deactivated.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the data clamper may be configured to receive a payload of the N-1th frame data, a net power control signal of the N-1th frame, and the Nth frame data.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the driving controller may further include: a load sum calculator configured to receive the N-th frame data and calculate a sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data.

[0023] In example embodiments, the driving controller may further include a load calculator configured to receive the sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data and calculate the load of the N-th frame data.

[0024] In example embodiments, the data clamper may be configured to receive the payload of the N-th frame data from the payload calculator.

[0025] In an example embodiment of a method for driving a display panel according to the present inventive concept, the method includes: determining a first scaling factor for adjusting a grayscale value of an N+1th frame of data based on a load and a net power control reference value of an Nth frame of data; determining a second scaling factor for adjusting a grayscale value of the Nth frame of data based on the load of an N-1th frame of data and the Nth frame of data; compensating input image data based on the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor; generating a data signal based on the compensated input image data, converting the data signal into a data voltage, and outputting the data voltage to the display panel. N is an integer equal to or greater than two.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, when the N-1th frame data is different from the Nth frame data, a second scale factor may be generated. When the N-1th frame data is the same as the Nth frame data, the second scale factor may not be generated.

[0027] In an example embodiment, the method may further include determining a final scale factor of the (N+1)th frame data by multiplying the first scale factor by the second scale factor.

[0028] Embodiments may relate to a drive controller group. The drive controller group may include a net power control setter, a data clamper, a data line, and a data driver. The net power control setter may determine a first scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N+1 frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the net power control reference value. N is an integer equal to or greater than two. The data clamper may determine a second scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N-1 frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the N-frame data. The data signal may be generated using at least one of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor. The data line may be formed of at least one conductive material. The data driver may be electrically connected to each of the net power control setter, the data clamper, and the data line, and may convert the data signal into a data voltage, and may output the data voltage to the data line.

[0029] When the data of the N-1th frame is different from the data of the Nth frame, the data clamper may be activated, and when the data of the N-1th frame is the same as the data of the Nth frame, the data clamper may be deactivated.

[0030] The data clamper may receive the payload of the N-1th frame data, the net power control signal of the N-1th frame, and the Nth frame data.

[0031] When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is invalid, the second proportional factor may gradually decrease as the load of the N-1th frame data increases from 0% to the net power control reference value.

[0032] When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is valid, the second proportional factor may gradually decrease as the load of the N-1th frame data increases from the net power control reference value to 100%.

[0033] When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame may be invalid, the second scaling factor may be fixed regardless of the load of the N-1th frame data.

[0034] When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is valid, the second proportional factor may be fixed regardless of the load of the N-1th frame data.

[0035] The driving controller group may include a load sum calculator configured to receive the N-th frame data and calculate a sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data.

[0036] The driving controller group may include a load calculator configured to receive the sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data and calculate the load of the N-th frame data.

[0037] The data clamper may receive the payload of the Nth frame data from the payload calculator.

[0038] The final scale factor of the (N+1)th frame data may be determined by multiplying the first scale factor by the second scale factor.

[0039] Embodiments may be directed to a display device. The display device may include the following elements: a display panel including data lines and pixels electrically connected to the data lines, wherein the data lines may be formed of at least one conductive material; a drive controller including a net power control setter and a data clamper, wherein the net power control setter may determine a first scaling factor for adjusting a grayscale value of an N+1 frame of data based on a load of the N frame of data and a net power control reference value, wherein the data clamper may determine a second scaling factor for adjusting a grayscale value of the N frame of data based on a load of the N-1 frame of data and the N frame of data, wherein N may be an integer equal to or greater than two, and wherein the drive controller may generate a data signal based on at least one of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor; and a data driver electrically connected to each of the drive controller and the display panel, configured to convert the data signal into a data voltage, and configured to output the data voltage to the pixel through the data line to control the brightness of the pixel.

[0040] When the N-1th frame data may be different from the Nth frame data, the data clamper may be activated. When the N-1th frame data may be the same as the Nth frame data, the data clamper may be deactivated.

[0041] The data clamper may receive the payload of the N-1th frame data, the net power control signal of the N-1th frame, and the Nth frame data.

[0042] The driving controller further includes a load sum calculator configured to receive the N-th frame data and calculate the sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data.

[0043] The driving controller may include a load calculator configured to receive a sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data and calculate a load of the N-th frame data.

[0044] The data clamper may receive the payload of the Nth frame data from the payload calculator.

[0045] Embodiments may relate to a method for driving a display panel. The method may include the following steps: determining a first scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N+1 frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and a net power control reference value; determining a second scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N frame data based on the load of the N-1 frame data and the N frame data; generating a data signal using at least one of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor; converting the data signal into a data voltage; and outputting the data voltage to a pixel of the display panel via a data line to control the brightness of the pixel. N may be an integer equal to or greater than two.

[0046] When the N-1th frame data may be different from the Nth frame data, a second scale factor may be generated. When the N-1th frame data is the same as the Nth frame data, no second scale factor may be generated.

[0047] The method may include determining a final scale factor of the (N+1)th frame data by multiplying the first scale factor by the second scale factor.

[0048] According to the embodiment, the brightness of the display panel may be adjusted according to the load of input image data, so that a potential overcurrent flowing through the data driver or the display panel may be prevented.

[0049] The drive controller includes a data clamper for determining a second scale factor for the Nth frame based on the load of the N-1th frame data. This prevents overcurrent from flowing through the data driver or the display panel during the Nth frame, potentially caused by a one-frame delay in determining the load and scale factor of the input image data. Consequently, damage to the data driver or the display panel can be prevented, resulting in satisfactory reliability of the display device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus according to example embodiments.

[0051] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 Block diagram of the drive controller.

[0052] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 2 is a graph of the operation of the data clamp.

[0053] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 2 is a graph of the operation of the data clamp.

[0054] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 2 is a graph of the operation of the data clamp.

[0055] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 2 is a graph of the operation of the data clamp.

[0056] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of input image data of a driving controller when the N-1th frame data represents a grayscale value of 0, the Nth frame data represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1th frame data represents a grayscale value of 255.

[0057] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 7 A graph of the brightness of the input image data.

[0058] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 7 A current graph of the input image data.

[0059] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of input image data of a driving controller when the N-1th frame data represents a grayscale value of 32, the Nth frame data represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1th frame data represents a grayscale value of 255.

[0060] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 10 A graph of the brightness of the input image data.

[0061] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 10 A current graph of the input image data.

[0062] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of input image data of a driving controller when the N-1th frame data represents a grayscale value of 96, the Nth frame data represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1th frame data represents a grayscale value of 255.

[0063] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 13 A graph of the brightness of the input image data.

[0064] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 13 A current graph of the input image data.

[0065] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of input image data of a driving controller when N-1th frame data represents a 50% load, Nth frame data represents a 100% load, and N+1th frame data represents a 100% load.

[0066] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 16 A graph of the brightness of the input image data.

[0067] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a method according to an example embodiment Figure 1 The display panel is based on Figure 16 A current graph of the input image data.

[0068] Figure 19 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller of a display device according to example embodiments.

[0069] Figure 20 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller of a display device according to example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Example embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used to distinguish one element from another element. Without departing from the teachings of one or more embodiments, the first element can be referred to as the second element. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to distinguish elements of different categories or different groups. For simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first type (or first group)", "second type (or second group)", etc.

[0071] The term "connect" may mean "electrically connected" or "not electrically connected through an intermediate transistor." The term "drive" may mean "operate" or "control." The term "brightness" may mean "brightness" or "brightness value." The term "data" used as a plural noun may represent an uncountable noun. In a block diagram, lines between blocks may represent electrical connections between elements / components.

[0072] Figure 1is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus according to example embodiments.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500, which are electrically connected to each other.

[0074] The drive controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed. The drive controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500 may be electrically connected and integrally formed. A drive module including at least the integrally formed drive controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver (TED). Furthermore, the drive controller 200, the data driver 500, and the data lines DL may form a drive controller group.

[0075] The display panel 100 has a display area on which an image is displayed and a peripheral area adjacent to the display area.

[0076] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of pixels P connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL are formed of one or more conductive materials and extend in a first direction D1, and the data lines DL are formed of at least one conductive material and extend in a second direction D2 different from the first direction D1.

[0077] The drive controller 200 receives input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from an external device. The input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The input image data IMG may include white image data. The input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may also include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0078] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 , a second control signal CONT2 , a third control signal CONT3 , and a data signal DATA based on input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT.

[0079] The driving controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 based on the input control signal CONT and outputs the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300 to control the operation of the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0080] The driving controller 200 generates a second control signal CONT2 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500 to control the operation of the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0081] The driving controller 200 generates a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and outputs the data signal DATA to the data driver 500 .

[0082] The driving controller 200 generates a third control signal CONT3 based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400 to control the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400 .

[0083] The gate driver 300 provides a gate signal to the gate line GL in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the driving controller 200. The gate driver 300 may sequentially output the gate signal to the gate line GL. The gate driver 300 may be mounted on a peripheral area of the display panel 100. The gate driver 300 may be integrated in the peripheral area of the display panel 100.

[0084] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 generates a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to the third control signal CONT3 received from the driving controller 200. The gamma reference voltage generator 400 provides the gamma reference voltage VGREF to the data driver 500. The gamma reference voltage VGREF has a value corresponding to a level of the data signal DATA.

[0085] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be provided in the driving controller 200 or in the data driver 500 .

[0086] The data driver 500 receives the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DATA from the driving controller 200 and receives the gamma reference voltage VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The data driver 500 converts the data signal DATA into an analog data voltage using the gamma reference voltage VGREF and outputs the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0087] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of the driving controller 200.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The driving controller 200 includes a load summation calculator 210 , a load calculator 220 , a net power control setter 230 and a data clamper 240 .

[0089] The load sum calculator 210 may receive the Nth frame data IMG[N] and calculate the total grayscale value sum LS[N] of the Nth frame data IMG[N]. The load sum calculator 210 may divide the display panel 100 into a plurality of blocks and calculate the total grayscale value sum of each block. The load sum calculator 210 may add the total grayscale values of each block to determine the total grayscale value sum LS[N] of the Nth frame data IMG[N]. Here, N is an integer equal to or greater than two.

[0090] The load calculator 220 may receive the total grayscale value sum LS[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N] and calculate the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N]. The load LD[N] may have a value between 0% and 100%. When the N-th frame data IMG[N] represents a completely black image, the load LD[N] may be 0%. When the N-th frame data IMG[N] represents a completely white image, the load LD[N] may be 100%.

[0091] The net power control setter 230 may determine a first scaling factor SF[N+1] for adjusting the grayscale value of the input image data (N+1) based on the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N] and the net power control reference value. Furthermore, the net power control setter 230 may generate a net power control signal NPC[N+1] indicating whether the net power control function is activated or deactivated for the N+1-th frame data. The first scaling factor SF[N+1] may be equal to or less than 1 to maintain or reduce the grayscale value of the input image data IMG.

[0092] When the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N] exceeds the net power control reference value, the net power control setter 230 may activate the net power control function.

[0093] When the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N] exceeds the net power control reference value and the net power control function is activated, the first scale factor SF[N+1] may be less than 1. When the first scale factor SF[N+1] is 0.5, the grayscale value of the N+1-th frame data may be reduced to half of the input grayscale value.

[0094] Reference Figure 2 , a one-frame delay occurs in order for the net power control setter 230 to determine the first scale factor SF[N+1]. Therefore, the net power control setter 230 may generate the first scale factor SF[N+1] applied to the N+1 frame data based on the N frame data IMG[N].

[0095] Due to a delay of one frame, the net power control function does not immediately operate in the Nth frame, and an overcurrent may flow through the display panel 100 or the data driver 500 .

[0096] The data clamper 240 may determine a second scale factor SF[N] for adjusting the grayscale value of the N-th frame data IMG[N] based on the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data and the N-th frame data IMG[N]. The second scale factor SF[N] may be equal to or less than 1 to maintain the grayscale value of the input image data IMG or reduce the grayscale value of the input image data IMG.

[0097] The second scale factor SF[N] can be immediately determined without a delay of one frame when the N-th frame data IMG[N] is input.

[0098] When the N-1 frame data is different from the N frame data IMG[N], the data clamper 240 may be activated and generate the second scale factor SF[N]. When the N-1 frame data is the same as the N frame data IMG[N], the data clamper 240 may be deactivated and not generate the second scale factor SF[N].

[0099] The data clamper 240 may compare the total grayscale values of the N-1 frame data with the total grayscale value sum LS[N] of the N-1 frame data IMG[N] to determine whether the N-1 frame data is different from the N-1 frame data IMG[N]. Alternatively or additionally, the data clamper 240 may compare some representative grayscale values of the N-1 frame data with corresponding representative grayscale values of the N-1 frame data IMG[N] to quickly determine whether the N-1 frame data is different from the N-1 frame data IMG[N].

[0100] The data clamper 240 may receive the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data, the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame, and the Nth frame data IMG[N].

[0101] The load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data may be determined in the N-1th frame by the load calculator 220. The net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame may be determined by the net power control setter 230 in the N-1th frame.

[0102] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the operation of the data clamper 240 . Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the operation of the data clamper 240 .

[0103] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4In the embodiment, the second scale factor SF[N] may vary according to the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data. Figure 3 It indicates that the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is invalid. Figure 4 This indicates that the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is valid.

[0104] Reference Figure 3 When the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is invalid, the second proportional factor SF[N] may gradually decrease as the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data increases from 0% to the net power control reference value NPC LIMIT.

[0105] Reference Figure 4 When the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is valid, the second scale factor SF[N] may gradually decrease as the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data increases from the net power control reference value NPC LIMIT to 100%.

[0106] The second scale factor SF[N] may be determined based on the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data. The load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data and the second scale factor SF[N] may be stored in a lookup table.

[0107] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the operation of the data clamper 240 . Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the operation of the data clamper 240 .

[0108] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, the second scale factor SF[N] may be fixed and has nothing to do with the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data. Figure 5 It indicates that the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is invalid. Figure 6 This indicates that the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is valid.

[0109] Reference Figure 5 , when the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is invalid, the second scale factor SF[N] may have a fixed value regardless of the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data.

[0110] Reference Figure 6 When the net power control signal NPC[N-1] of the N-1th frame is valid, the second scale factor SF[N] may have a fixed value regardless of the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data.

[0111] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 Conceptual diagram of the input image data IMG of the driving controller 200 when the N-1th frame data IMG[N-1] represents a grayscale value of 0 (or 0G), the Nth frame data IMG[N] represents a grayscale value of 255 (or 255G), and the N+1th frame data IMG[N+1] represents a grayscale value of 255. Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 7 A graph of brightness values of the input image data IMG. Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 7 A graph showing the amount of current of the input image data IMG.

[0112] Reference Figures 1 to 9 , if the N-1 frame data IMG[N-1] represents a grayscale value of 0, the N frame data IMG[N] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1 frame data IMG[N+1] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the driving controller 200 does not include the data clamper 240, the net power control setter 230 does not operate in the N frame due to a delay of one frame. Therefore, the brightness of the display image of the N frame is high and Figure 8 The current of the display panel 100 of the Nth frame may have an overcurrent outside the normal current range and may be Figure 9 Shown in dashed lines.

[0113] In an embodiment, the driving controller 200 includes the data clamper 240 so that although the net power control setter 230 does not operate in the Nth frame (NPC OFF), the data clamper 240 operates in the Nth frame (DC ON). Figure 8 As shown in , the brightness of the Nth frame can be reduced using the second scale factor SF[N] through the operation of the data clamper 240. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 2 , the current of the display panel 100 in the Nth frame may be reduced to within the range of a normal current through the operation of the data clamper 240 .

[0114] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 Conceptual diagram of the input image data IMG of the driving controller 200 when the N-1th frame data IMG[N-1] represents a grayscale value of 32 (or 32G), the Nth frame data IMG[N] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1th frame data IMG[N+1] represents a grayscale value of 255. Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 10A graph of brightness levels of the input image data IMG. Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 10 A graph showing the amount of current of the input image data IMG.

[0115] Reference Figures 1 to 12 , if the N-1 frame data IMG[N-1] represents a grayscale value of 32, the N frame data IMG[N] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1 frame data IMG[N+1] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the driving controller 200 does not include the data clamper 240, the net power control setter 230 does not operate in the N frame due to a delay of one frame. Therefore, the brightness of the display image of the N frame is high and Figure 11 The current of the display panel 100 of the Nth frame may have an overcurrent outside the normal current range and may be Figure 12 Shown in dashed lines.

[0116] In an embodiment, the driving controller 200 includes the data clamper 240 so that although the net power control setter 230 does not operate in the Nth frame (NPC OFF), the data clamper 240 operates in the Nth frame (DC ON). Figure 11 As shown in , the brightness of the Nth frame can be reduced using the second scale factor SF[N] through the operation of the data clamper 240. Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 2 , the current of the display panel 100 in the Nth frame may be reduced to within the range of a normal current through the operation of the data clamper 240 .

[0117] Figure 13 It shows Figure 1 Conceptual diagram of the input image data IMG of the driving controller 200 when the N-1th frame data IMG[N-1] represents a grayscale value of 96 (or 96G), the Nth frame data IMG[N] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1th frame data IMG[N+1] represents a grayscale value of 255. Figure 14 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 13 A graph of brightness levels of the input image data IMG.

[0118] Figure 15 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 13 A graph showing the amount of current of the input image data IMG.

[0119] Reference Figures 1 to 15, if the N-1 frame data IMG[N-1] represents a grayscale value of 96, the N frame data IMG[N] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the N+1 frame data IMG[N+1] represents a grayscale value of 255, and the driving controller 200 does not include the data clamper 240, the net power control setter 230 does not operate in the N frame due to a delay of one frame. Therefore, the brightness of the display image of the N frame is high and Figure 14 The current of the display panel 100 of the Nth frame may have an overcurrent outside the normal current range and may be Figure 15 Shown in dashed lines.

[0120] In an embodiment, the driving controller 200 includes the data clamper 240 so that although the net power control setter 230 does not operate in the Nth frame (NPC OFF), the data clamper 240 operates in the Nth frame (DC ON). Figure 14 As shown in , the brightness of the Nth frame can be reduced using the second scale factor SF[N] through the operation of the data clamper 240. Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 2 , the current of the display panel 100 in the Nth frame may be reduced to within the range of a normal current through the operation of the data clamper 240 .

[0121] Figure 16 It shows Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of input image data IMG of the driving controller 200 when the N-1th frame data IMG[N-1] represents a 50% load, the Nth frame data IMG[N] represents a 100% load, and the N+1th frame data IMG[N+1] represents a 100% load. Figure 17 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 16 A graph of brightness levels of the input image data IMG. Figure 18 It shows Figure 1 The display panel 100 is based on Figure 16 A graph showing the amount of current of the input image data IMG.

[0122] exist Figures 16 to 18 , the N-1th frame data IMG[N-1] represents a load of 50%, the Nth frame data IMG[N] represents a load of 100%, and the N+1th frame data IMG[N+1] represents a load of 100%.

[0123] In the N-1th frame, the net power control setter 230 may operate due to the 50% load. However, the scale factor for the 50% load may not be sufficient to prevent overcurrent of the input image data IMG having a 100% load.

[0124] If the N-1 frame data indicates a 50% load, the N frame data indicates a 100% load, and the N+1 frame data indicates a 100% load, and the driving controller 200 does not include the data clamper 240, the net power control setter 230 can operate in the N frame (NPC ON), but due to the delay of one frame, the scale factor will be for 50% load. Therefore, the brightness of the display image of the N frame is high and Figure 17 The current of the display panel 100 of the Nth frame may have an overcurrent outside the normal current range and may be Figure 18 Shown in dashed lines.

[0125] In an embodiment, the driving controller 200 includes the data clamper 240 so that the data clamper 240 operates (DC ON) in the Nth frame. Figure 17 As shown in , the brightness of the Nth frame can be reduced using the second scale factor SF[N] through the operation of the data clamper 240. Figure 18 As shown in FIG. 2 , the current of the display panel 100 in the Nth frame may be reduced to within the range of a normal current through the operation of the data clamper 240 .

[0126] According to an embodiment, the brightness of the display panel 100 may be adjusted according to the load of the input image data IMG, so that a potential overcurrent flowing through the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 may be prevented.

[0127] The driving controller 200 includes a data clamper 240 that determines the second scale factor SF[N] of the Nth frame based on the load of the N-1th frame data to prevent overcurrent from flowing through the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 during the Nth frame, which is potentially caused by a one-frame delay for determining the load and scale factor of the input image data IMG. Therefore, damage to the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 can be prevented, so that the reliability of the display device can be satisfactory.

[0128] Figure 19 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller 200A of a display device according to an example embodiment.

[0129] In addition to the structure and operation of the drive controller, Figure 19 The associated driving controller, display device and method of driving a display panel can be used with reference to Figures 1 to 18 The explained driving controller, display device, and method of driving the display panel are substantially the same or similar.

[0130] Reference Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 19The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200A, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500.

[0131] The driving controller 200A includes a load summation calculator 210 , a load calculator 220 , a net power control setter 230 , and a data clamper 240A.

[0132] The load sum calculator 210 may receive the N-th frame data IMG[N] and calculate the sum LS[N] of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data IMG[N].

[0133] The load calculator 220 may receive the total grayscale value sum LS[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N] and calculate the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N].

[0134] The net power control setter 230 may determine a first scale factor SF[N+1] for adjusting a grayscale value of the N+1th frame data based on the load LD[N] of the Nth frame data IMG[N] and the net power control reference value NPC LIMIT.

[0135] The data clamper 240A may determine a second scaling factor SF[N] for adjusting the grayscale value of the N-th frame data IMG[N] based on the load LD[N-1] of the N-1th frame data and the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data. The data clamper 240A may directly receive the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data from the load calculator 220.

[0136] When the N-1 frame data is different from the N-frame data IMG[N], the data clamper 240A may be activated. When the N-1 frame data is the same as the N-frame data IMG[N], the data clamper 240A may be deactivated. The data clamper 240A may compare the load LD[N-1] of the N-1 frame data with the load LD[N] of the N-frame data to determine whether to activate the data clamper 240A.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the brightness of the display panel 100 may be adjusted according to the load of the input image data IMG, so that a potential overcurrent flowing through the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 may be prevented.

[0138] The driving controller 200A includes a data clamper 240A that determines the second scale factor SF[N] of the Nth frame based on the load of the N-1th frame data to prevent overcurrent from flowing through the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 during the Nth frame, which is potentially caused by a one-frame delay for determining the load and scale factor of the input image data IMG. Therefore, damage to the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 can be prevented, so that the reliability of the display device can be satisfactory.

[0139] Figure 20 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller 200B of a display device according to an example embodiment.

[0140] In addition to the structure and operation of the drive controller, Figure 20 The associated driving controller, display device and method of driving a display panel can be used with reference to Figures 1 to 18 The explained driving controller, display device, and method of driving the display panel are substantially the same or similar.

[0141] Reference Figure 1 、 Figures 3 to 18 and Figure 20 The display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller 200B, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500.

[0142] The driving controller 200B includes a load summation calculator 210 , a load calculator 220 , a net power control setter 230 , and a data clamper 240 .

[0143] The load sum calculator 210 may receive the N-th frame data IMG[N] and calculate the sum LS[N] of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data IMG[N].

[0144] The load calculator 220 may receive the total grayscale value sum LS[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N] and calculate the load LD[N] of the N-th frame data IMG[N].

[0145] The net power control setter 230 may determine a first scale factor SF[N+1] for adjusting a grayscale value of the N+1th frame data based on the load LD[N] of the Nth frame data IMG[N] and the net power control reference value NPC LIMIT.

[0146] The data clamper 240 may determine a second scale factor CSF for adjusting a grayscale value of the N-th frame data IMG[N] based on the load LD[N-1] of the N-1-th frame data and the N-th frame data IMG[N].

[0147] The driving controller 200B may determine a final scale factor SF[N+1] of the N+1th frame data by multiplying the first scale factor NSF by the second scale factor CSF. The second scale factor CSF may be determined to reduce the level of the first scale factor NSF. When the second scale factor CSF is 1, the data clamper 240 may be disabled.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the brightness of the display panel 100 may be adjusted according to the load of the input image data IMG, so that a potential overcurrent flowing through the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 may be prevented.

[0149] The driving controller 200B includes a data clamper 240 that determines the second scale factor CSF of the Nth frame based on the load of the N-1th frame data to prevent overcurrent from flowing through the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 during the Nth frame, which is potentially caused by a one-frame delay for determining the load and scale factor of the input image data IMG. Therefore, damage to the data driver 500 or the display panel 100 can be prevented, so that the reliability of the display device can be satisfactory.

[0150] The foregoing is intended to be illustrative and not to be construed as limiting. Numerous modifications are possible in the described example embodiments. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein that perform the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

Claims

1. A drive controller group, comprising: a net power control setter configured to determine a first scaling factor for adjusting a grayscale value of an N+1th frame of data based on a load of the Nth frame of data and a net power control reference value, wherein N is an integer equal to or greater than two, and the first scaling factor is equal to or less than 1; a data clamper configured to determine a second scale factor for adjusting a grayscale value of the N-1 frame data based on a load of the N-1 frame data and the N frame data, wherein the data signal is generated using at least one of the first scale factor and the second scale factor, and the second scale factor is equal to or less than 1; a data line formed of at least one conductive material; and a data driver electrically connected to each of the net power control setter, the data clamper, and the data line, configured to convert the data signal into a data voltage, and configured to output the data voltage to the data line, wherein: When the load of the Nth frame data exceeds the net power control reference value, the net power control setter activates a net power control function, and When the N-1th frame data is different from the Nth frame data, the data clamper is activated and generates the second scale factor, and when the N-1th frame data is the same as the Nth frame data, the data clamper is deactivated and does not generate the second scale factor.

2. The drive controller assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The data clamper is configured to receive the payload of the (N-1)th frame data, the net power control signal of the (N-1)th frame, and the (N)th frame data.

3. The drive controller assembly according to claim 2, wherein: When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is invalid, the second proportional factor gradually decreases as the load of the N-1th frame data increases from 0% to the net power control reference value.

4. The drive controller assembly according to claim 3, wherein: When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is valid, the second proportional factor gradually decreases as the load of the N-1th frame data increases from the net power control reference value to 100%.

5. The drive controller assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is invalid, the second proportional factor is fixed regardless of the load of the N-1th frame data.

6. The drive controller assembly according to claim 5, wherein: When the net power control signal of the N-1th frame is valid, the second proportional factor is fixed regardless of the load of the N-1th frame data.

7. The drive controller assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: The load summation calculator is configured to receive the N-th frame data and calculate the sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data.

8. The drive controller assembly according to claim 7, further comprising: A load calculator is configured to receive the sum of the total grayscale values of the N-th frame data and calculate the load of the N-th frame data.

9. The drive controller assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The data clamper is configured to receive the payload of the Nth frame data from the payload calculator.

10. The drive controller assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The final scale factor of the N+1th frame data is determined by multiplying the first scale factor by the second scale factor.

11. A display device, comprising: A display panel comprising data lines and pixels electrically connected to the data lines, wherein the data lines are formed of at least one conductive material; a driving controller comprising a net power control setter and a data clamper, wherein the net power control setter is configured to determine a first scaling factor for adjusting a grayscale value of an N+1-th frame of data based on a load of the N-th frame of data and a net power control reference value, the first scaling factor being equal to or less than 1, wherein the data clamper is configured to determine a second scaling factor for adjusting a grayscale value of the N-th frame of data based on a load of the N-1-th frame of data and the N-th frame of data, the second scaling factor being equal to or less than 1, wherein N is an integer equal to or greater than two, and wherein the driving controller is configured to generate a data signal based on at least one of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor; and a data driver electrically connected to each of the driving controller and the display panel, configured to convert the data signal into a data voltage, and configured to output the data voltage to the pixel through the data line to control the brightness of the pixel, wherein: When the load of the Nth frame data exceeds the net power control reference value, the net power control setter activates a net power control function, and When the N-1th frame data is different from the Nth frame data, the data clamper is activated and generates the second scale factor, and when the N-1th frame data is the same as the Nth frame data, the data clamper is deactivated and does not generate the second scale factor.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The data clamper is configured to receive the payload of the (N-1)th frame data, the net power control signal of the (N-1)th frame, and the (N)th frame data.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The driving controller further includes a load sum calculator configured to receive the N-th frame data and calculate a sum of total grayscale values of the N-th frame data.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The driving controller further includes a load calculator configured to receive the sum of the total grayscale values of the N-th frame data and calculate the load of the N-th frame data.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein The data clamper is configured to receive the payload of the Nth frame data from the payload calculator.

16. A method for driving a display panel, the method comprising: determining, based on the load and the net power control reference value of the Nth frame data, a first scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the N+1th frame data, wherein the first scaling factor is equal to or less than 1; determining, based on the load of the N-1th frame data and the Nth frame data, a second scaling factor for adjusting the grayscale value of the Nth frame data, wherein the second scaling factor is equal to or less than 1; generating a data signal using at least one of the first scale factor and the second scale factor; converting the data signal into a data voltage; as well as outputting the data voltage to the pixels of the display panel through the data lines to control the brightness of the pixels, Wherein, N is an integer equal to or greater than two, When the load of the Nth frame data exceeds the net power control reference value, activating a net power control function, The second scale factor is generated when the N-1th frame data is different from the Nth frame data, and the second scale factor is not generated when the N-1th frame data is the same as the Nth frame data.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: A final scale factor of the (N+1)th frame data is determined by multiplying the first scale factor by the second scale factor.

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