Drive controller, display device and method of driving a display panel

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a driving controller, a display device and a method of driving a display panel. The driving controller comprises an image analyzer, a gray scale setter and a time-space arranger. The image analyzer analyzes input image data to determine a peak luminance. The gray scale setter receives a gamma value and the peak luminance and sets a boundary gray scale value and a minimum gray scale value. The time-space arranger is configured to arrange, in time and in space, first data having the boundary gray scale value and second data having the minimum gray scale value. The driving controller is configured to drive a display panel using the first data and the second data for a low gray scale range whose gray scale is equal to or less than the boundary gray scale value, and to drive the display panel based on a data signal corresponding to a gray scale value of the input image data for a normal gray scale range whose gray scale is greater than the boundary gray scale value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a driving controller, a display apparatus including the same, and a method of driving a display panel using the same. More particularly, embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a driving controller improving display quality, a display apparatus including the same, and a method of driving a display panel using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a display apparatus includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel displays an image based on input image data. The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels. The display panel driver includes a gate driver, a data driver, and a driving controller. The gate driver outputs a gate signal to the gate lines. The data driver outputs a data voltage to the data lines. The driving controller controls the gate driver and the data driver.

[0003] In a low gray scale range, a gamma value of a displayed image can deviate from a target gamma value, a color coordinate of the displayed image can deviate from a target color coordinate, and a stain can be displayed to a user according to a characteristic of the display panel. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a driving controller that digitally drives a display panel corresponding to a low gray scale range, analogically drives the display panel corresponding to a normal gray scale range other than the low gray scale range, and sets a boundary gray scale value of a gray scale value representing a boundary of the low gray scale range and the normal gray scale range according to input image data, to improve display quality.

[0005] Embodiments of the present inventive concept also provide a display apparatus including the same.

[0006] Embodiments of the present inventive concept also provide a method of driving a display panel using the same.

[0007] In an embodiment of the driving controller according to the inventive concept, the driving controller comprises an image analyzer, a gray scale setter, and a space-time arranger. The image analyzer is configured to analyze input image data to determine a peak luminance. The gray scale setter is configured to receive a gamma value and the peak luminance and to set a boundary gray scale value and a minimum gray scale value. The space-time arranger is configured to arrange, in time and in space, first data having the boundary gray scale value and second data having the minimum gray scale value. The driving controller is configured to drive a display panel using the first data and the second data for a low gray scale range whose gray scale is equal to or smaller than the boundary gray scale value, and to drive the display panel based on a data signal corresponding to a gray scale value of the input image data for a normal gray scale range whose gray scale is larger than the boundary gray scale value.

[0008] In an embodiment, the gray scale setter can be configured to set the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value such that a difference between the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value decreases as the peak luminance increases.

[0009] In an embodiment, the minimum gray scale value can be fixed. The boundary gray scale value can be set by the gray scale setter to decrease as the peak luminance increases.

[0010] In an embodiment, the gray scale setter can be configured to set the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value such that a difference between the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value decreases as the gamma value decreases.

[0011] In an embodiment, wherein the minimum gray scale value can be fixed. The boundary gray scale value can decrease as the gamma value decreases.

[0012] In an embodiment, the gray scale setter can be configured to define a plurality of digital driving gray scale ranges. The gray scale setter can be configured to set a first boundary gray scale value and a first minimum gray scale value for a first input gray scale range. The gray scale setter can be configured to set a second boundary gray scale value and a second minimum gray scale value for a second input gray scale range having a gray scale value lower than that of the first input gray scale range.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first boundary gray scale value can be greater than the second boundary gray scale value.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first minimum gray scale value can be equal to the second minimum gray scale value.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first minimum gray scale value can be greater than the second minimum gray scale value.

[0016] In an embodiment, the driving controller can further include a halftone setter that sets a maximum value of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value based on the boundary gray value, the minimum gray value, and the gamma value.

[0017] In an embodiment, the maximum value of the number of pixels having the minimum gray value can decrease as a luminance difference between the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value increases.

[0018] In an embodiment, the gray setter can be configured to define a plurality of digital driving gray ranges. The gray setter can be configured to set a first boundary gray value and a first minimum gray value for a first input gray range. The gray setter can be configured to set a second boundary gray value and a second minimum gray value for a second input gray range having a gray value lower than that of the first input gray range.

[0019] In an embodiment, the halftone setter can be configured to set the maximum value of the number of pixels having the minimum gray value to be fixed regardless of input gray values of the input image data.

[0020] In an embodiment, the halftone setter can be configured to set the maximum value of the number of pixels having the minimum gray value to be variable according to input gray values of the input image data.

[0021] In an embodiment, the maximum value of the number of pixels having the minimum gray value can increase as the input gray values of the input image data decrease.

[0022] In an embodiment, the gray setter can be configured to further receive characteristic values of red, green, and blue sub-pixels. The gray setter can be configured to set the boundary gray values of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels and the minimum gray values of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels based on the gamma value, the peak luminance, and the characteristic values of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels, respectively.

[0023] In an embodiment, the driving controller can further include a halftone setter that sets a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value of the red sub-pixels, a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value of the green sub-pixels, and a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value of the blue sub-pixels based on the boundary gray values of the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, and the blue sub-pixels, the minimum gray values of the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, and the blue sub-pixels, and the gamma value.

[0024] In an embodiment of a display apparatus according to the inventive concept, the display apparatus includes a display panel, a gate driver, a driving controller, and a data driver. The display panel is configured to display an image based on input image data. The gate driver is configured to output a gate signal to the display panel. The driving controller is configured to analyze input image data to determine a peak luminance, set a boundary gray value and a minimum gray value based on a gamma value and the peak luminance, arrange first data having the boundary gray value and second data having the minimum gray value in time and in space to generate a data signal, drive the display panel in a digital driving manner for a low gray range, and drive the display panel in an analog driving manner for a normal gray range whose gray is greater than the boundary gray value. The boundary gray value is a gray value of a boundary between the low gray range and the normal gray range. The data driver is configured to generate a data voltage based on the data signal, and output the data voltage to the display panel.

[0025] In an embodiment, the driving controller can be configured to set a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value based on the boundary gray value, the minimum gray value, and the gamma value.

[0026] In an embodiment of a method of driving a display panel according to the inventive concept, the method includes analyzing input image data to determine a peak luminance, setting a boundary gray value and a minimum gray value based on a gamma value and the peak luminance, and arranging first data having the boundary gray value and second data having the minimum gray value in time and in space to generate a data signal.

[0027] In an embodiment, the method can further include converting the data signal to a data voltage, and outputting the data voltage to the display panel.

[0028] In an embodiment, the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value can be set such that a difference between the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value decreases as the peak luminance increases.

[0029] In an embodiment, the minimum gray value can be fixed. The boundary gray value can decrease as the peak luminance increases.

[0030] In an embodiment, the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value can be set such that a difference between the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value decreases as the gamma value decreases.

[0031] In an embodiment, the minimum gray value can be fixed. The boundary gray value can decrease as the gamma value decreases.

[0032] According to the driving controller, the display apparatus, and the method of driving the display panel, the display panel can be driven in a digital driving manner corresponding to a low gray range, can be driven in an analog driving manner corresponding to a normal gray range which is not the low gray range, and a boundary gray value of a gray value representing a boundary between the low gray range and the normal gray range and a minimum gray value can be adaptively determined.

[0033] Accordingly, a difference between a luminance of the boundary gray value and a luminance of the minimum gray value can be maintained equal to or less than a predetermined level, thereby flicker due to the difference between the luminance of the boundary gray value and the luminance of the minimum gray value can be prevented. In addition, a decrease in resolution for displaying a target gray value due to the digital driving manner can be minimized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other features and advantages of the inventive concept will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of the driving controller of Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 32 on a display panel of Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 5 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 24 on a display panel of Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 32 on a display panel ofFigure 1 a view of a method of displaying an image having a gray scale value of 16 on a display panel of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10;

[0041] Figure 7 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray scale value of 8 on a display panel of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10; Figure 1

[0042] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray scale value of 0 on a display panel of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10; Figure 1

[0043] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a gray scale value and a luminance according to a gamma value input to a gray scale setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10; Figure 2

[0044] Figure 10 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values and a gray scale value according to a gamma value input to a gray scale setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10; Figure 2

[0045] Figure 11 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a peak luminance and a gray scale value according to a peak luminance input to a gray scale setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10; Figure 2

[0046] Figure 12 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values and a gray scale value according to a peak luminance input to a gray scale setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10; Figure 2

[0047] Figure 13 is a graph illustrating a maximum value of a number of pixels having a minimum gray scale value determined by a halftone setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 according to a luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values; Figure 2

[0048] Figure 14 is a graph illustrating a maximum value of a number of pixels having a minimum gray scale value determined by a halftone setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 according to a digital driving gray scale range; Figure 2

[0049] Figure 15 is a graph illustrating a number of pixels having a minimum gray scale value according to an input gray scale value when a maximum value of the number of pixels having the minimum gray scale value determined by a halftone setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 is fixed and a peak luminance is 1000 nits; Figure 2

[0050] Figure 16 is a graph illustrating a number of pixels having a minimum gray scale value according to an input gray scale value when a maximum value of the number of pixels having the minimum gray scale value determined by a halftone setter of the display apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 is fixed and a peak luminance is 1000 nits; Figure 2 ​​​​​​​​​The maximum number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value determined by the halftone setter is fixed and is based on a list of boundary grayscale values ​​and minimum grayscale values ​​when the peak brightness is 1000 nits.

[0051] Figure 17 It shows when by Figure 2 The maximum value of the number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value determined by the halftone setter is fixed, and the curve shows the number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value based on the input grayscale value when the peak brightness is 2000 nits.

[0052] Figure 18 It shows when by Figure 2 The maximum number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value determined by the halftone setter is fixed and is based on a list of boundary grayscale values ​​and minimum grayscale values ​​when the peak brightness is 2000 nits.

[0053] Figure 19 It shows when by Figure 2 A graph showing the maximum number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value determined by the halftone setter, varying according to the input grayscale value, and the number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value according to the input grayscale value when the peak brightness is 1000 nits.

[0054] Figure 20 It shows when by Figure 2 The halftone setter determines the maximum number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value based on the input grayscale value and the list of boundary grayscale values ​​and minimum grayscale values ​​when the peak brightness is 1000 nits.

[0055] Figure 21 It shows when by Figure 2 The maximum number of pixels with the minimum gray value determined by the halftone setter, which varies according to the input gray value, and the graph showing the number of pixels with the minimum gray value according to the input gray value when the peak brightness is 2000 nits.

[0056] Figure 22 It shows when by Figure 2 The halftone setter determines the maximum number of pixels with the minimum grayscale value based on the input grayscale value, and the list of boundary grayscale values ​​and minimum grayscale values ​​based on the input grayscale value when the peak brightness is 2000 nits; and

[0057] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating a drive controller for a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", and the like can 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 only 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 could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be construed as limiting "one" or "one kind". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that the terms "comprise", and / or "comprising", or "have", and / or "having", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Hereinafter, the inventive concept will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1 , the display apparatus 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.

[0061] In an embodiment, for example, the driving controller 200 and the data driver 500 can be integrally formed. For example, the driving controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500 can be integrally formed. A driving module including at least the integrally formed driving controller 200 and the data driver 500 can be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver ("TED").

[0062] The display panel 100 has a display area on which an image is displayed and a peripheral area adjacent to the display area.

[0063] 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 extend in a first direction D1, and the data lines DL extend in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 crosses the first direction D1.

[0064] The drive controller 200 receives input image data IMG and input control signals CONT from an external device. In an embodiment, the input image data IMG can include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. In another embodiment, the input image data IMG can include white image data. In another embodiment, the input image data IMG can include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signals CONT can include a main clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signals CONT can also include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0065] The drive 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 the input image data IMG and the input control signals CONT.

[0066] The drive controller 200 generates the first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signals CONT, and outputs the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 can also include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0067] The drive controller 200 generates the second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 500 based on the input control signals CONT, and outputs the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 can include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0068] The drive controller 200 generates the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG. The drive controller 200 outputs the data signal DATA to the data driver 500.

[0069] The drive controller 200 generates the third control signal CONT3 for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400 based on the input control signals CONT, and outputs the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400.

[0070] The structure and operation of the drive controller 200 will be described later in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 18

[0071] ​The gate driver 300 generates a gate signal that drives the gate line GL in response to a first control signal CONT1 received from the driving controller 200. The gate driver 300 outputs the gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 can sequentially output the gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 can be mounted on a peripheral area of the display panel 100. For example, the gate driver 300 can be integrated on the peripheral area of the display panel 100.

[0072] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 generates a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to a 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.

[0073] In an embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 can be provided in the driving controller 200, or in the data driver 500.

[0074] 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 a data voltage having an analog type using the gamma reference voltage VGREF. The data driver 500 outputs the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0075] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating Figure 1 the driving controller 200. Figure 3 is a graph illustrating Figure 1 operations of the driving controller 200. Figure 4 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 32 on the display panel 100 of Figure 1 Figure 5 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 24 on the display panel 100 of Figure 1 Figure 6 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 16 on the display panel 100 of Figure 1 Figure 7 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 8 on the display panel 100 of Figure 1 Figure 8 is a view illustrating a method of displaying an image having a gray value of 0 on the display panel 100 of Figure 1

[0076] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 ​​​​​The driving controller 200 can drive the display panel 100 in a digital driving manner for a low gray scale range equal to or less than the boundary gray scale value, and in an analog driving manner for a normal gray scale range greater than the boundary gray scale value. In the digital driving manner, the input gray scale value can be represented using only the discrete first data and the second data. For example, in the digital driving manner, the input gray scale value can be represented by arranging the first data and the second data in time and in space. In the analog driving manner, a data signal corresponding to the input gray scale value can be determined from a continuous data signal, so that the input gray scale value can be represented by the determined data signal. Here, the data signal can be an analog data signal.

[0077] The driving controller 200 can include an image analyzer 210, a gray scale setter 220, and a time-space arranger 240. The driving controller 200 can further include a halftone setter 230.

[0078] The image analyzer 210 can receive input image data IMG. The image analyzer 210 can analyze the input image data IMG, and can determine a peak luminance LP. For example, the image analyzer 210 can determine the peak luminance LP based on a maximum gray scale value of the input image data IMG. For another example, the image analyzer 210 can determine the peak luminance LP based on an average gray scale value of the input image data IMG. The image analyzer 210 can output the peak luminance LP to the gray scale setter 220.

[0079] The gray scale setter 220 can receive a gamma value GM and the peak luminance LP. The gamma value GM can be preset by a user or a manufacturer. The gray scale setter 220 can set a boundary gray scale value GSS and a minimum gray scale value GSM. The gray scale setter 220 can output the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM to the halftone setter 230 and the time-space arranger 240.

[0080] The boundary gray scale value GSS can represent a gray scale value of a boundary between the digital driving gray scale range and the analog driving gray scale range. The boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM can be reference gray scale values for driving the digital driving gray scale range. For example, the minimum gray scale value GSM can be 0. However, the minimum gray scale value GSM can not be limited to 0. For example, the minimum gray scale value GSM can be set in a gray scale range greater than 0 and less than the boundary gray scale value GSS. Here, the minimum gray scale value GSM can be different from a minimum gray scale value of the input image data IMG.

[0081] The halftone setter 230 can receive the boundary gray value GSS, the minimum gray value GSM, and the gamma value GM. The halftone setter 230 can set a maximum value NGSM of the number of the pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM based on the boundary gray value GSS, the minimum gray value GSM, and the gamma value GM. The halftone setter 230 can output the maximum value NGSM of the number of the pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM to the space-time arranger 240.

[0082] The space-time arranger 240 can receive the boundary gray value GSS and the minimum gray value GSM. The space-time arranger 240 can generate the data signal DATA corresponding to the input gray value within the digital driving gray range using only the boundary gray value GSS and the minimum gray value GSM.

[0083] The space-time arranger 240 can generate the data signal DATA corresponding to the input gray value by arranging the first data having the boundary gray value GSS and the second data having the minimum gray value GSM in time and in space.

[0084] The space-time arranger 240 can receive the maximum value NGSM of the number of the pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM from the halftone setter 230. The space-time arranger 240 can generate the data signal DATA corresponding to the input gray value so that the number of the pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM does not exceed the maximum value NGSM.

[0085] In Figure 3 , for example, the boundary gray value GSS can be 32. For the input gray value equal to or less than 32, the data signal DATA can be generated in the digital driving manner. For the input gray value greater than 32, the data signal DATA can be generated in the analog driving manner. In the digital driving manner, the input gray value can be represented by arranging the first data corresponding to the boundary gray value GSS and the second data corresponding to the minimum gray value GSM in time and in space. In the analog driving manner, the input gray value can be represented using one analog data signal corresponding to the input gray value. In Figure 3 , for example, the gamma value GM is 1.0, and the peak luminance LP is 1000 nits as the white luminance Yw.

[0086] In Figure 4 , the driving controller 200 can generate only the first data corresponding to the boundary gray value GSS (for example, the gray value of 32) to be applied to the pixels P to represent the gray value of 32.

[0087] In Figure 5In this case, the drive controller 200 can generate first data corresponding to the boundary gray value GSS (e.g., a gray value of 32) and second data corresponding to the minimum gray value GSM (e.g., a gray value of 0) to be applied to the pixel P in a ratio of 3:1 to represent a gray value of 24. For example, while maintaining the ratio of 3:1 between the first data and the second data, the positions of the pixel P representing the first data (e.g., a gray value of 32) and the positions of the pixel P representing the second data (e.g., a gray value of 0) can be set to change for each frame.

[0088] In Figure 6 this case, the drive controller 200 can generate first data corresponding to the boundary gray value GSS (e.g., a gray value of 32) and second data corresponding to the minimum gray value GSM (e.g., a gray value of 0) to be applied to the pixel P in a ratio of 1:1 to represent a gray value of 16. For example, while maintaining the ratio of 1:1 between the first data and the second data, the positions of the pixel P representing the first data and the positions of the pixel P representing the second data can be set to change for each frame.

[0089] In Figure 7 this case, the drive controller 200 can generate first data corresponding to the boundary gray value GSS (e.g., a gray value of 32) and second data corresponding to the minimum gray value GSM (e.g., a gray value of 0) to be applied to the pixel P in a ratio of 1:3 to represent a gray value of 8. For example, while maintaining the ratio of 1:3 between the first data and the second data, the positions of the pixel P representing the first data and the positions of the pixel P representing the second data can be set to change for each frame.

[0090] In Figure 8 this case, the drive controller 200 can generate only the second data corresponding to the minimum gray value GSM (e.g., a gray value of 0) to be applied to the pixel P to represent a gray value of 0.

[0091] As explained in Figures 4 to 8 the case where the difference between the luminance of the boundary gray value GSS (e.g., a gray value of 32) and the luminance of the minimum gray value GSM (e.g., a gray value of 0) is large in the digital driving method, flicker can be displayed to the user. In addition, as explained in Figures 4 to 8 the case where the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM is large in the digital driving method, a stain due to the image of the minimum gray value GSM can be displayed to the user.

[0092] Although in Figures 3 to 8The maximum potential gray scale value of the input image data IMG is 255 (in other words, 255G), but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, when the input image data IMG has 8 bits, the maximum potential gray scale value can be 255. For another example, when the input image data IMG has 9 bits, the maximum potential gray scale value can be 511. For still another example, when the input image data IMG has 10 bits, the maximum potential gray scale value can be 1023.

[0093] Although the boundary gray scale value GSS is 32 (in other words, 32G) in Figures 3 to 8 the present inventive concept, the boundary gray scale value GSS can not be limited to 32.

[0094] Although the peak luminance LP is 1000 nits as the white luminance Yw in Figures 3 to 8 the present inventive concept, the peak luminance LP can not be limited to 1000 nits.

[0095] Figure 9 is a graph showing a relationship between a gray scale value (x-axis) according to a gamma value GM input to the gray scale setter 220 of Figure 2 and a luminance (y-axis). Figure 10 is a graph showing a relationship between a gray scale value (x-axis) according to a gamma value GM input to the gray scale setter 220 of Figure 2 and a luminance difference (y-axis) between adjacent gray scale values.

[0096] Referring to Figures 1 to 10 , the gray scale setter 220 can set the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM such that a difference between the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM decreases as the gamma value GM decreases.

[0097] In Figure 10 , the luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values in a low gray scale range (e.g., a digital driving range) is greater when the gamma value GM is small (e.g., GAMMA is 1.0) than when the gamma value GM is large (e.g., GAMMA is 2.2). Here, the luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values refers to a luminance difference between a first gray scale value and a second gray scale value having a gray scale value one level (one gray scale) higher than the first gray scale value.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the digital driving method is applied only to the low gray scale range, so that the luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values can be large as the gamma value GM decreases in the low gray scale range. In the embodiment, when the luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values is large, the difference between the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM can be set to be small to prevent flicker.

[0099] In an embodiment, the minimum gray scale value GSM can be fixed. For example, the minimum gray scale value GSM can be fixed to the gray scale value 0. When the minimum gray scale value GSM is fixed, the boundary gray scale value GSS can decrease as the gamma value GM decreases.

[0100] Figure 11 is a graph showing a relationship between a gray scale value (x-axis) and a luminance (y-axis) according to a peak luminance LP input to the gray scale setter 220 of Figure 2 Figure 12 is a graph showing a relationship between a gray scale value (x-axis) and a luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values (y-axis) according to a peak luminance LP input to the gray scale setter 220 of Figure 2

[0101] Considering Figures 1 to 12 , the gray scale setter 220 can set the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM such that a difference between the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM decreases as the peak luminance LP increases.

[0102] In Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values can be greater when the peak luminance LP is large (e.g., 2000 nits) than when the peak luminance LP is small (e.g., 1000 nits).

[0103] As the peak luminance LP increases, the luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values increases (see Figure 12 ). In an embodiment, when the luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values is large, the difference between the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM can be set to be small to prevent flicker.

[0104] In an embodiment, the minimum gray scale value GSM can be fixed. For example, the minimum gray scale value GSM can be fixed to the gray scale value 0. In an embodiment, when the minimum gray scale value GSM is fixed, the boundary gray scale value GSS can be set to decrease as the peak luminance LP increases.

[0105] Figure 13 is a graph showing a maximum value NGSM (y-axis) of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 according to a luminance difference between adjacent gray scale values (x-axis). Figure 14 is a graph showing a maximum value NGSM (y-axis) of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 according to a digital driving gray scale range (x-axis).

[0106] Referring to Figures 1 to 14 ​​The halftone setter 230 can receive the boundary gray value GSS, the minimum gray value GSM, and the gamma value GM. The halftone setter 230 can set the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P with the minimum gray value GSM based on the boundary gray value GSS, the minimum gray value GSM, and the gamma value GM.

[0107] With the brightness difference between the boundary gray value GSS and the minimum gray value GSM (i.e., Figure 14 As the digital driving grayscale range on the x-axis increases, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM decreases. When the brightness difference between the boundary grayscale value GSS and the minimum grayscale value GSM is large, the possibility of flickering may be high. Therefore, in the embodiment, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM can be set to small (see...). Figure 14 Therefore, as the number of pixels P with the smallest grayscale value GSM decreases, the likelihood of flickering can be reduced.

[0108] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, as the brightness difference between adjacent grayscale values ​​increases, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM decreases. As the brightness difference between adjacent grayscale values ​​increases, the likelihood of flickering increases. In this embodiment, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM can be set to decrease. Therefore, according to this embodiment, as the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM decreases, the likelihood of flickering can be reduced.

[0109] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, as the digital driving grayscale range (i.e., the difference between the boundary grayscale value GSS and the minimum grayscale value GSM) increases, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM decreases. As the digital driving grayscale range increases, the likelihood of flickering increases. In an embodiment, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM can be set to decrease. Therefore, according to the embodiment, as the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM decreases, the likelihood of flickering can be reduced.

[0110] Figure 15 It shows when by Figure 2 The halftone setter 230 sets the maximum value of the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM to be fixed and the peak brightness LP to be 1000 nits. The graph shows the number of pixels P with the minimum grayscale value GSM (y-axis) based on the input grayscale value (x-axis). Figure 16 It shows when by Figure 2The maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 is fixed and the list of the boundary gray values GSS and the minimum gray values GSM according to the input gray values when the peak luminance LP is 1000 nits.

[0111] Referring to Figures 1 to 16 , the gray setter 220 can define a plurality of digital driving gray ranges. As shown in Figure 16 , the digital driving gray ranges can include first to sixth digital driving gray ranges.

[0112] In an embodiment, for example, for a first input gray range between 31G and 23G, the gray setter 220 can set a first boundary gray value of 32G and a first minimum gray value of 0G. For example, for a second input gray range between 22G and 17G having a gray value lower than that of the first input gray range, the gray setter 220 can set a second boundary gray value of 23G and a second minimum gray value of 0G. Here, the first boundary gray value of 32G can represent a gray value of a boundary between the analog driving gray range and the digital driving gray range. The second boundary gray value of 23G can represent a gray value of a boundary between the first input gray range and the second input gray range.

[0113] The first boundary gray value (e.g., 32G) of the first input gray range (e.g., a gray value between 31G and 23G) can be greater than the second boundary gray value (e.g., 23G) of the second input gray range (e.g., a gray value between 22G and 17G). The first minimum gray value (e.g., 0G) of the first input gray range (e.g., a gray value between 31G and 23G) can be equal to the second minimum gray value (e.g., 0G) of the second input gray range (e.g., a gray value between 22G and 17G).

[0114] In an embodiment, for example, for a third input gray scale range between 16G and 12G having a gray scale value lower than that of the second input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a third boundary gray scale value of 17G and a third minimum gray scale value of 0G. For example, for a fourth input gray scale range between 11G and 8G having a gray scale value lower than that of the third input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a fourth boundary gray scale value of 12G and a fourth minimum gray scale value of 0G. For example, for a fifth input gray scale range between 7G and 4G having a gray scale value lower than that of the fourth input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a fifth boundary gray scale value of 8G and a fifth minimum gray scale value of 0G. For example, for a sixth input gray scale range between 3G and 0G having a gray scale value lower than that of the fifth input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a sixth boundary gray scale value of 4G and a sixth minimum gray scale value of 0G.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the halftone setter 230 can set a maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM to be fixed regardless of the input gray scale value of the input image data IMG. In the present embodiment, the halftone setter 230 can set the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM to be fixed to 1000. Figure 15 In the present embodiment, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM is shown to be uniform.

[0116] The space-time arranger 240 can generate the data signal DATA corresponding to the input gray scale value using the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM so that the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM does not exceed the maximum value NGSM.

[0117] Figure 17 is a graph showing the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM according to the input gray scale value (x-axis) when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 is a graph showing the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM according to the input gray scale value (x-axis) when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 18 is a list showing the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM according to the input gray scale value when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 is a list showing the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM according to the input gray scale value when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of

[0118] Referring to Figures 1 to 18 , the gray scale setter 220 can define a plurality of digital driving gray scale ranges. As shown in Figure 18 , the digital driving gray scale ranges can include first to sixth digital driving gray scale ranges.

[0119] In an embodiment, for example, for a first input gray scale range between 31G and 23G, the gray scale setter 220 can set a first boundary gray scale value of 32G and a first minimum gray scale value of 23G. For example, for a second input gray scale range between 22G and 17G having a gray scale value lower than that of the first input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a second boundary gray scale value of 23G and a second minimum gray scale value of 17G.

[0120] The first boundary gray scale value (e.g., 32G) of the first input gray scale range (e.g., gray scale values between 31G and 23G) can be greater than the second boundary gray scale value (e.g., 23G) of the second input gray scale range (e.g., gray scale values between 22G and 17G). The first minimum gray scale value (e.g., 23G) of the first input gray scale range (e.g., gray scale values between 31G and 23G) can be greater than the second minimum gray scale value (e.g., 17G) of the second input gray scale range (e.g., gray scale values between 22G and 17G).

[0121] In an embodiment, for example, for a third input gray scale range between 16G and 12G having a gray scale value lower than that of the second input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a third boundary gray scale value of 17G and a third minimum gray scale value of 12G. For example, for a fourth input gray scale range between 11G and 8G having a gray scale value lower than that of the third input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a fourth boundary gray scale value of 12G and a fourth minimum gray scale value of 8G. For example, for a fifth input gray scale range between 7G and 4G having a gray scale value lower than that of the fourth input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a fifth boundary gray scale value of 8G and a fifth minimum gray scale value of 4G. For example, for a sixth input gray scale range between 3G and 0G having a gray scale value lower than that of the fifth input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a sixth boundary gray scale value of 4G and a sixth minimum gray scale value of 0G.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the halftone setter 230 can set a maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM to be fixed regardless of the input gray scale value of the input image data IMG. In the present embodiment, the halftone setter 230 can set the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM to be fixed to 100. Figure 17 In the present embodiment, the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM is shown to be uniform.

[0123] The space-time arranger 240 can generate the data signal DATA corresponding to the input gray scale value using the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM so that the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM does not exceed the maximum value NGSM.

[0124] According to the present embodiment, the display panel 100 can be driven in a digital driving manner corresponding to a low gray scale range, the display panel 100 can be driven in an analog driving manner corresponding to a normal gray scale range other than the low gray scale range, and a boundary gray scale value GSS representing a gray scale value of a boundary of the low gray scale range and the normal gray scale range and a minimum gray scale value GSM can be adaptively set.

[0125] Accordingly, a difference between the luminance of the boundary gray scale value GSS and the luminance of the minimum gray scale value GSM can be kept equal to or less than a predetermined level, so that flicker due to the difference between the luminance of the boundary gray scale value GSS and the luminance of the minimum gray scale value GSM can be prevented in the embodiment. In addition, a decrease in resolution for displaying a target gray scale value due to the digital driving manner can be effectively minimized.

[0126] Figure 19 is a graph showing the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM according to an input gray scale value (x-axis) when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 is a graph showing the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM according to an input gray scale value (x-axis) when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 20 is a list of the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM according to an input gray scale value when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 is a list of the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM according to an input gray scale value when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of

[0127] Referring to Figures 1 to 14 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the gray scale setter 220 can define a plurality of digital driving gray scale ranges. As shown in Figure 20 , the digital driving gray scale ranges can include a first digital driving gray scale range to a third digital driving gray scale range.

[0128] In the embodiment, for example, for a first input gray scale range between 31G and 19G, the gray scale setter 220 can set a first boundary gray scale value of 32G and a first minimum gray scale value of 0G. For example, for a second input gray scale range between 18G and 11G having a gray scale value lower than that of the first input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a second boundary gray scale value of 19G and a second minimum gray scale value of 0G. Here, the first boundary gray scale value of 32G can represent a gray scale value of a boundary between an analog driving gray scale range and a digital driving gray scale range. The second boundary gray scale value of 19G can represent a gray scale value of a boundary between the first input gray scale range and the second input gray scale range.

[0129] A first boundary gray value (e.g., 32G) of a first input gray range (e.g., gray values between 31G and 19G) can be greater than a second boundary gray value (e.g., 19G) of a second input gray range (e.g., gray values between 18G and 11G). A first minimum gray value (e.g., 0G) of the first input gray range (e.g., gray values between 31G and 19G) can be equal to a second minimum gray value (e.g., 0G) of the second input gray range (e.g., gray values between 18G and 11G).

[0130] In an embodiment, for example, for a third input gray range between 10G and 0G having gray values lower than the gray values of the second input gray range, the gray setter 220 can set a third boundary gray value of 11G and a third minimum gray value of 0G.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the halftone setter 230 can set a maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM to be variable according to the input gray value of the input image data IMG. In Figure 19 In the present embodiment, the halftone setter 230 can set a maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM to be variable according to the input gray value of the input image data IMG. In

[0132] The space-time arranger 240 can generate the data signal DATA corresponding to the input gray value using the boundary gray value GSS and the minimum gray value GSM so that the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM does not exceed the maximum value NGSM.

[0133] Figure 21 is a graph showing the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM according to the input gray value (x-axis) when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 is a graph showing the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM according to the input gray value (x-axis) when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 22 is a graph showing the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM according to the input gray value (x-axis) when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of Figure 2 is a list of the boundary gray value GSS and the minimum gray value GSM according to the input gray value when the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray value GSM set by the halftone setter 230 of

[0134] Referring to Figures 1 to 14 , Figures 19 to 22 The gray setter 220 can define a plurality of digital driving gray ranges. As Figure 22As shown in FIG. 10, the digital driving gray scale range can include a first digital driving gray scale range to a third digital driving gray scale range.

[0135] In an embodiment, for example, for a first input gray scale range between 31G and 19G, the gray scale setter 220 can set a first boundary gray scale value of 32G and a first minimum gray scale value of 19G. For example, for a second input gray scale range between 18G and 11G having a gray scale value lower than that of the first input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a second boundary gray scale value of 19G and a second minimum gray scale value of 11G. Here, the first boundary gray scale value of 32G can represent a gray scale value of a boundary between the analog driving gray scale range and the digital driving gray scale range. The second boundary gray scale value of 19G can represent a gray scale value of a boundary between the first input gray scale range and the second input gray scale range.

[0136] The first boundary gray scale value (e.g., 32G) of the first input gray scale range (e.g., a gray scale value between 31G and 19G) can be greater than the second boundary gray scale value (e.g., 19G) of the second input gray scale range (e.g., a gray scale value between 18G and 11G). The first minimum gray scale value (e.g., 19G) of the first input gray scale range (e.g., a gray scale value between 31G and 19G) can be greater than the second minimum gray scale value (e.g., 11G) of the second input gray scale range (e.g., a gray scale value between 18G and 11G).

[0137] In an embodiment, for example, for a third input gray scale range between 10G and 0G having a gray scale value lower than that of the second input gray scale range, the gray scale setter 220 can set a third boundary gray scale value of 11G and a third minimum gray scale value of 0G.

[0138] In the present embodiment, the halftone setter 230 can set a maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM to be variable according to an input gray scale value of the input image data IMG. In Figure 21 In FIG. 10, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM is shown to be variable. For example, as the input gray scale value of the input image data IMG decreases, the maximum value NGSM of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM can increase.

[0139] The space-time arranger 240 can generate a data signal DATA corresponding to the input gray scale value using the boundary gray scale value GSS and the minimum gray scale value GSM so that the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale value GSM does not exceed the maximum value NGSM.

[0140] According to the present embodiment, the display panel 100 can be driven in a digital driving manner corresponding to a low gray scale range, the display panel 100 can be driven in an analog driving manner corresponding to a normal gray scale range other than the low gray scale range, and a boundary gray scale value GSS representing a gray scale value of a boundary of the low gray scale range and the normal gray scale range and a minimum gray scale value GSM can be adaptively set.

[0141] Accordingly, a difference between the luminance of the boundary gray scale value GSS and the luminance of the minimum gray scale value GSM can be kept equal to or less than a predetermined level, so that flicker due to a difference between the luminance of the boundary gray scale value GSS and the luminance of the minimum gray scale value GSM can be effectively prevented in the present embodiment. In addition, a decrease in resolution for displaying a target gray scale value due to the digital driving manner can be minimized.

[0142] Figure 23 is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller 200A of a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0143] The driving controller, the display apparatus, and the method of driving a display panel according to the present embodiment are substantially the same as the driving controller, the display apparatus, and the method of driving a display panel of the previous embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 18 , except for the structure and operation of the driving controller. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar components as those described in the previous embodiments, and any repetitive explanation regarding the above elements will be omitted. Figures 1 to 18

[0144] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 23 , the display apparatus 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.

[0145] The driving controller 200A can drive the display panel 100 in a digital driving manner for a low gray scale range equal to or less than a boundary gray scale value GSS, and drive the display panel 100 in an analog driving manner for a normal gray scale range greater than the boundary gray scale value GSS.

[0146] The driving controller 200A can include an image analyzer 210, a gray scale setter 220A, and a time-space arranger 240. The driving controller 200A can further include a halftone setter 230A.

[0147] ​The image analyzer 210 can receive input image data IMG. The image analyzer 210 can analyze the input image data IMG and can determine a peak luminance LP. For example, the image analyzer 210 can determine the peak luminance LP based on a maximum gray value of the input image data IMG. The image analyzer 210 can output the peak luminance LP to the gray scale setter 220A.

[0148] The gray scale setter 220A can receive the gamma value GM and the peak luminance LP. The gray scale setter 220A can also receive characteristic values RGBCH of red, green, and blue sub-pixels. The characteristic values RGBCH of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels can include a luminance difference between adjacent gray values of the red sub-pixels, a luminance difference between adjacent gray values of the green sub-pixels, and a luminance difference between adjacent gray values of the blue sub-pixels.

[0149] The gray scale setter 220A can set boundary gray scale values GSSR, GSSG, and GSSB of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels and minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels, respectively, based on the characteristic values RGBCH of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels, the gamma value GM, and the peak luminance LP. The gray scale setter 220A can output the boundary gray scale values GSSR, GSSG, and GSSB and the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB to the halftone setter 230A and the spatio-temporal arranger 240.

[0150] The halftone setter 230A can receive the characteristic values RGBCH of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels, the boundary gray scale values GSSR, GSSG, and GSSB, the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB, and the gamma value GM. The halftone setter 230A can set maximum values NGSMR, NGSMG, and NGSMB of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB based on the boundary gray scale values GSSR, GSSG, and GSSB, the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB, and the gamma value GM. The halftone setter 230A can output the maximum values NGSMR, NGSMG, and NGSMB of the number of pixels P having the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB to the spatio-temporal arranger 240.

[0151] According to the present embodiment, the display panel 100 can be driven in a digital driving manner corresponding to the low gray scale range, the display panel 100 can be driven in an analog driving manner corresponding to a normal gray scale range other than the low gray scale range, and the boundary gray scale values GSSR, GSSG, and GSSB representing the gray scale values of the boundary of the low gray scale range and the normal gray scale range and the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB can be adaptively set.

[0152] Accordingly, the difference between the luminance of the boundary gray scale values GSSR, GSSG, and GSSB and the luminance of the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB can be maintained equal to or less than a predetermined level, so that flicker due to the difference between the luminance of the boundary gray scale values GSSR, GSSG, and GSSB and the luminance of the minimum gray scale values GSMR, GSMG, and GSMB can be effectively prevented by the present embodiment. In addition, a decrease in resolution for displaying a target gray scale value due to the digital driving manner can be minimized.

[0153] According to the driving controller, the display apparatus, and the method of driving a display panel according to the present embodiment, display quality of the display panel can be improved.

[0154] The foregoing is a summary of the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the inventive concept. Although some embodiments of the inventive concept have been described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made to the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the inventive concept. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. In the claims, the means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited functions and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is a summary of the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the inventive concept. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. The inventive concept is defined by the following claims, and equivalents thereof, are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A drive controller, wherein, The drive controller comprises: an image analyzer that analyzes input image data to determine a peak luminance; a gray scale setter that receives a gamma value and the peak luminance and sets a boundary gray scale value and a minimum gray scale value; and a time-space arranger configured to generate a data signal corresponding to input gray scale values of the input image data within a digital drive gray scale range using the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value, wherein the time-space arranger generates the data signal by arranging first data having the boundary gray scale value and second data having the minimum gray scale value in time and in space, wherein the drive controller is configured to drive a display panel using the first data and the second data for a low gray scale range whose gray scale is equal to or less than the boundary gray scale value, and to drive the display panel based on the data signal corresponding to the gray scale values of the input image data for a normal gray scale range whose gray scale is greater than the boundary gray scale value.

2. The drive controller of claim 1, wherein, The gray scale setter is configured to set the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value such that a difference between the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value decreases as the peak luminance increases.

3. The drive controller of claim 2, wherein, The minimum gray scale value is fixed, and wherein the boundary gray scale value is set by the gray scale setter to decrease as the peak luminance increases.

4. The drive controller of claim 1, wherein, The gray scale setter is configured to set the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value such that a difference between the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value decreases as the gamma value decreases.

5. The drive controller of claim 4, wherein, The minimum gray scale value is fixed, and wherein the boundary gray scale value decreases as the gamma value decreases.

6. The drive controller of claim 1, wherein, The gray scale setter is configured to define a plurality of digital drive gray scale ranges, wherein the gray scale setter is configured to set a first boundary gray scale value and a first minimum gray scale value for a first input gray scale range, and wherein the gray scale setter is configured to set a second boundary gray scale value and a second minimum gray scale value for a second input gray scale range having a lower gray scale value than the gray scale values of the first input gray scale range.

7. The drive controller of claim 6, wherein, The first boundary gray scale value is greater than the second boundary gray scale value.

8. The drive controller of claim 7, wherein, The first minimum gray scale value is equal to the second minimum gray scale value.

9. The drive controller of claim 7, wherein, The first minimum gray scale value is greater than the second minimum gray scale value.

10. The drive controller of claim 1, wherein, The drive controller further comprises a halftone setter that sets a maximum value of a number of pixels having the minimum gray scale value based on the boundary gray scale value, the minimum gray scale value, and the gamma value.

11. The drive controller of claim 10, wherein, The maximum value of the number of pixels having the minimum gray scale value decreases as a luminance difference between the boundary gray scale value and the minimum gray scale value increases.

12. The drive controller of claim 10, wherein, The gray scale setter is configured to define a plurality of digital drive gray scale ranges, wherein the gray scale setter is configured to set a first boundary gray scale value and a first minimum gray scale value for a first input gray scale range, and wherein the gray scale setter is configured to set a second boundary gray scale value and a second minimum gray scale value for a second input gray scale range having a lower gray scale value than the gray scale values of the first input gray scale range. The first boundary gray scale value is greater than the second boundary gray scale value.

13. The drive controller of claim 12, wherein, The halftone setter is configured to set the maximum of the number of pixels having the minimum gray value to be fixed regardless of an input gray value of the input image data.

14. The drive controller of claim 12, wherein, The halftone setter is configured to set the maximum of the number of pixels having the minimum gray value to be varied according to an input gray value of the input image data.

15. The drive controller of claim 14, wherein, The maximum of the number of pixels having the minimum gray value increases as the input gray value of the input image data decreases.

16. The drive controller of claim 1, wherein, The gray setter is configured to further receive characteristic values of red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels, wherein the gray setter is configured to set the boundary gray values of the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, and the blue sub-pixels and the minimum gray values of the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, and the blue sub-pixels based on the gamma value, the peak luminance, and the characteristic values of the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, and the blue sub-pixels, respectively.

17. The drive controller of claim 16, wherein, The driving controller further includes a halftone setter that sets a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value of the red sub-pixels, a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value of the green sub-pixels, and a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value of the blue sub-pixels based on the boundary gray values of the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, and the blue sub-pixels, the minimum gray values of the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, and the blue sub-pixels, and the gamma value.

18. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: a display panel that displays an image based on input image data; a gate driver that outputs a gate signal to the display panel; a driving controller that analyzes input image data to determine a peak luminance, sets a boundary gray value and a minimum gray value based on a gamma value and the peak luminance, generates a data signal corresponding to an input gray value of the input image data within a digital driving gray range using the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value, wherein the driving controller generates the data signal by arranging first data having the boundary gray value and second data having the minimum gray value in time and in space, drives the display panel in a digital driving manner for a low gray range, and drives the display panel in an analog driving manner for a normal gray range whose gray is greater than the boundary gray value, wherein the boundary gray value is a gray value of a boundary between the low gray range and the normal gray range; and a data driver that generates a data voltage based on the data signal and outputs the data voltage to the display panel.

19. The display device of claim 18, wherein, The driving controller is configured to set a maximum of a number of pixels having the minimum gray value based on the boundary gray value, the minimum gray value, and the gamma value.

20. A method of driving a display panel, wherein, The method includes: analyzing input image data to determine a peak luminance; setting a boundary gray value and a minimum gray value based on the gamma value and the peak luminance; and generating a data signal corresponding to an input gray value of the input image data within a digital driving gray range using the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value, wherein the data signal is generated by arranging a first data having the boundary gray value and a second data having the minimum gray value in time and in space.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further includes converting the data signal into a data voltage; and outputting the data voltage to the display panel.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein, The boundary gray value and the minimum gray value are set such that a difference between the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value decreases as the peak luminance increases.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The minimum gray value is fixed, and wherein the boundary gray value decreases as the peak luminance increases.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein, The boundary gray value and the minimum gray value are set such that a difference between the boundary gray value and the minimum gray value decreases as the gamma value decreases.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The minimum gray value is fixed, and wherein the boundary gray value decreases as the gamma value decreases.

Images