Display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

A display device and a driving method thereof are provided. The display device includes a pixel portion including a first pixel column, a second pixel column, and a third pixel column; a timing control portion that converts input image data provided from the outside to generate first image data or second image data; and a data drive portion that generates a data voltage in response to the first image data or the second image data provided from the timing control portion, and supplies the data voltage to the pixel portion, the first pixel column and the second pixel column include first color pixels and second color pixels alternately arranged in a second direction in reverse order to each other, the third pixel column includes third color pixels arranged in the second direction, the timing control portion compares a difference between a gray scale value of the first color pixels and a gray scale value of the second color pixels with a preset reference value, and when the difference is greater than the reference value, adjusts the gray scale value of at least one of the first color pixels and the second color pixels to generate the second image data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of information technology, the importance of display devices as a link between users and information has become increasingly prominent. Accordingly, the use of display devices such as liquid crystal display devices (LCDs), organic light emitting display devices (OLEDs), and plasma display devices is increasing.

[0003] The display device may include red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels arranged in a stripe form or a pentile matrix form.

[0004] In a five-cell matrix pixel arrangement, red and blue sub-pixels are alternately arranged in the same column, with green sub-pixels arranged in adjacent columns. This five-cell matrix pixel arrangement offers the advantages of improved high-resolution display capabilities and enhanced image quality by preventing the detection of vertical line patterns caused by specific pixels. Summary of the Invention

[0005] When a display device using a five-cell matrix pixel arrangement structure displays a red image or a blue image, there is a problem of unnecessary increase in power consumption due to alternating voltages applied to data lines connected to red and blue sub-pixels.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device capable of reducing power consumption.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0008] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem includes: a pixel portion including first and second pixel columns alternately arranged along a first direction and a third pixel column arranged between the first and second pixel columns; a timing control portion converting externally supplied input image data to generate first image data or second image data; and a data driving portion generating a data voltage in response to the first image data or the second image data supplied from the timing control portion and supplying the data voltage to the pixel portion, wherein the first and second pixel columns include first and second color pixels alternately arranged in an order opposite to each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the third pixel column includes third color pixels arranged along the second direction, and the timing control portion compares a difference between a grayscale value of the first and second color pixels with a preset reference value and, when the difference is greater than the reference value, adjusts the grayscale value of at least one of the first and second color pixels to generate the second image data.

[0009] When the difference is smaller than the reference value, the timing control unit may directly convert the input image data to generate the first image data.

[0010] Alternatively, when the grayscale value of the second color pixel is greater than the grayscale value of the first color pixel, the timing control unit changes the grayscale value of the first color pixel to be the same as the grayscale value of the second color pixel.

[0011] Alternatively, the timing control unit gradually changes the grayscale value of the first color pixel in units of image frames.

[0012] The timing control unit may change the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel to a predetermined grayscale value between the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel.

[0013] The timing control unit may change at least one of the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel so that the difference becomes equal to or less than the reference value.

[0014] It may be that the first color pixel is a red pixel, the second color pixel is a blue pixel, and the third color pixel is a green pixel.

[0015] It may be that the timing control unit includes a mode input unit, which generates an activation signal in response to a mode signal provided from the outside. When the activation signal is activated, the timing control unit generates the second image data. When the activation signal is deactivated, the timing control unit directly converts the input image data to generate the first image data.

[0016] It may be that the pixel portion includes a first area and a second area, the timing control portion includes a first judgment portion, the first judgment portion analyzes the input image data to generate an area selection signal for selecting one of the first area and the second area, and the timing control portion compares the difference value and the reference value in an area selected from the first area and the second area.

[0017] It may be that the timing control unit includes a second judgment unit, which generates a grayscale adjustment signal for adjusting the grayscale value of at least one of the first color pixel and the second color pixel when analyzing the input image data and the difference is greater than the reference value.

[0018] The timing control unit may include a data conversion unit configured to convert the input image data into the second image data in which the grayscale value of at least one of the first color pixel and the second color pixel is adjusted in response to the grayscale adjustment signal.

[0019] It may be that the input image data includes first color input image data, second color input image data and third color input image data, and the data conversion unit includes a grayscale adjustment unit, which adjusts at least one of the first color input image data and the second color input image data in response to the grayscale adjustment signal, thereby generating adjusted first color input image data or adjusted second color input image data.

[0020] It may be that the data conversion unit also includes a signal conversion unit, which converts one of the first color input image data and the adjusted first color input image data, one of the second color input image data and the adjusted second color input image data, and the third color input image data to generate the first image data and one of the second image data.

[0021] In a driving method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present application for solving the problem, the display device includes a pixel portion including first and second pixel columns alternately arranged in a first direction and a third pixel column arranged between the first and second pixel columns, the first and second pixel columns including first and second color pixels alternately arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction in reverse order to each other, the third pixel column including third color pixels arranged in the second direction, the driving method of the display device including: a step of generating an activation signal in response to a mode signal provided from outside; a step of comparing a difference between a gray scale value of the first color pixel and a gray scale value of the second color pixel included in input image data with a preset reference value when the activation signal is activated; a step of adjusting the gray scale value of at least one of the first and second color pixels to make the difference below the reference value to generate corrected input image data when the difference is greater than the reference value; and a step of converting the corrected input image data into image data and outputting to a data drive portion.

[0022] The display device can directly convert the input image data to generate the image data when the activation signal is deactivated.

[0023] The driving method of the display device can further include a step of analyzing the input image data to select a part of the pixel portion as an adjustment area in which the difference between the gray scale value of the first color pixel and the gray scale value of the second color pixel is compared with the reference value after the step of generating the activation signal.

[0024] The display device can directly convert the input image data to generate the image data when the difference is less than the reference value.

[0025] The display device can change the gray scale value of the first color pixel to be the same as the gray scale value of the second color pixel when the gray scale value of the second color pixel is greater than the gray scale value of the first color pixel.

[0026] The display device can gradually change the gray scale value of the first color pixel in units of image frames.

[0027] The display device can change the gray scale value of the first color pixel and the gray scale value of the second color pixel to be a predetermined gray scale value between the gray scale value of the first color pixel and the gray scale value of the second color pixel.

[0028] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0029] (Inventive Effects)

[0030] According to the embodiments of the present invention, a display device with reduced power consumption and a method for driving the display device can be provided.

[0031] The effects according to the embodiment are not limited to the above-exemplified contents, and more effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown that the Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a pixel in a display device.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The waveform diagram of the pixel operation.

[0035] Figure 4 is shown provided in the included Figure 1 1 is a waveform diagram of an example of a first data voltage of a first data line in a display device.

[0036] Figure 5 It is used to describe the Figure 1 Diagram of a timing control unit in a display device.

[0037] Figure 6 It is used to describe the Figure 1 A diagram of a first region and a second region of a pixel portion in a display device.

[0038] Figure 7 It is used to describe the Figure 5 Diagram of the data conversion section in the timing control section.

[0039] Figures 8 to 11 Is shown by Figure 7 1 is a waveform diagram of various examples of the first data voltage corrected by the data conversion unit.

[0040] Figure 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a method for driving a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference and attachment Figure 1The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become apparent from the detailed embodiments described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and fully convey the scope of the invention to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The present invention is limited solely by the scope of the claims.

[0042] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. disclosed in the drawings used to illustrate the embodiments are exemplary only, and the present invention is not limited to the matters shown in the drawings. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in order to clarify the description of the present invention, parts not related to the present invention may be omitted or simplified in the drawings.

[0043] While terms like "first," "second," and so on are used to describe various components, it is clear that these components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below can also be the second component within the technical concept of the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular encompasses the plural.

[0044] The various features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with each other in part or as a whole, and may be technically linked and driven in various ways. The various embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or together in an associated relationship.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 The display device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a pixel part 100 , a scan driving part 200 , a data driving part 300 , and a timing control part 400 .

[0048] The pixel portion 100 may have a pentile pixel arrangement structure. Specifically, the pixel portion 100 (or the display panel) may include first pixel columns 101 and second pixel columns 102 alternately arranged along a first direction DR1, and a third pixel column 103 arranged between the first pixel column 101 and the second pixel column 102.

[0049] The first pixel column 101 may include first pixels PR (or, first color pixels) and second pixels PB (or, second color pixels) alternately arranged along a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1 .

[0050] The second pixel column 102 can include second pixels PB and first pixels PR arranged in an order opposite to the first pixel column 101 along the second direction DR2.

[0051] The third pixel column 103 can include third pixels PG (or, third color pixels) arranged along the second direction DR2.

[0052] The first pixels PR, the second pixels PB, and the third pixels PG included in the pixel section 100 can be pixels that emit light of different colors from each other. For example, the first pixels PR can be pixels that emit light of a first color, the second pixels PB can be pixels that emit light of a second color, and the third pixels PG can be pixels that emit light of a third color. As an example, the first pixels PR can be red pixels that emit red light, the second pixels PB can be blue pixels that emit blue light, and the third pixels PG can be green pixels that emit green light.

[0053] The pixels PR, PB, and PG can each be connected to a corresponding data line D1 to Dm (m is a positive integer) and a corresponding scan line S1 to Sn (n is a positive integer). The pixels included in the same pixel column can be connected to the same data line. For example, the first pixels PR and the second pixels PB included in the first pixel column 101 can be connected to the same first data line D1 as each other, and the second pixels PB and the first pixels PR included in the second pixel column 102 can be connected to the same third data line D3 as each other.

[0054] Hereinafter, the positions of the light emitting elements (particularly, light emitting layers) will be described as a reference for the positions of the respective pixels PR, PB, and PG. The positions of the pixel circuits connected to the respective light emitting elements can not correspond to the positions of the light emitting elements, and can be appropriately arranged in the pixel section 100 for space efficiency.

[0055] The scan driving section 200 (or, gate driving section) can generate scan signals based on a scan control signal SCS of the timing control section 400, and supply the generated scan signals to the scan lines S1 to Sn. For example, the scan driving section 200 can supply scan signals having pulses of an on level to the scan lines S1 to Sn in order. Here, the on level can be a voltage level that causes a transistor to turn on. For example, the scan driving section 200 can be configured in the form of a shift register including a plurality of stages of circuits, and can generate scan signals in a manner that a scan start signal having a pulse of an on level is sequentially transferred from a current stage of circuits to a next stage of circuits in response to a clock signal. Thereby, the scan driving section 200 can supply scan signals to the pixel section 100.

[0056] The data driving part 300 (or, the source driving part) can generate data voltages based on the data control signal DCS and the image data DATA (or, DATA') of the timing control part 400, and provide the generated data voltages to the data lines D1~Dm. As an example, the image data DATA, DATA' can be data including information about the gray scale values of the pixels PR, PB, PG. The data driving part 300 can sample the image data using a clock signal, and provide data voltages corresponding to the image data to the data lines D1~Dm in units of pixel behaviors.

[0057] The timing control part 400 can generate the scan control signal SCS, the data control signal DCS, and the image data DATA, DATA' based on the input image data IDATA and a control signal provided from an external processor (not shown). The input image data IDATA can include gray scale values, and the control signal can include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a clock signal, and a mode signal MDS.

[0058] The timing control part 400 can provide the data control signal DCS (for example, a data enable signal corresponding to a vertical start signal) and the image data DATA, DATA' to the data driving part 300. In addition, the timing control part 400 can provide the scan control signal SCS (for example, a scan start signal corresponding to a clock signal, a vertical start signal) to the scan driving part 200.

[0059] On the other hand, the processor (not shown) can include an application processor, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (graphics processing unit), etc. As the arrangement structure of the pixel part 100, the processor can provide gray scale values matching a pentile arrangement structure or an RGB stripe arrangement structure to the display device 10.

[0060] According to an embodiment, when the input image data IDATA includes gray scale values not matching the structure of the pixel part 100, the timing control part 400 can generate rendered gray scale values corresponding one-to-one to the pixels PR, PB, PG included in the pixel part 100 by rendering the gray scale values, and provide the rendered gray scale values (or, the image data DATA, DATA') to the data driving part 300.

[0061] As described above, the timing control unit 400 may receive a mode signal MDS from the outside. The timing control unit 400 may convert the input image data IDATA into image data DATA and DATA' in response to the mode signal MDS. Here, the image data DATA (or the first image data) may be data whose grayscale values ​​are not corrected, and the image data DATA' (or the second image data) may be data whose grayscale values ​​are corrected.

[0062] The timing control unit 400 can adjust at least a portion of the grayscale values ​​included in the input image data IDATA in response to the mode signal MDS, and can generate image data DATA' based on the input image data IDATA with the adjusted grayscale values. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 This will be described later.

[0063] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the timing control part 400 may be separately configured from the data driving part 300 , but according to an embodiment, the timing control part 400 may be formed integrally with the data driving part 300 .

[0064] Figure 2 It is shown that the Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a pixel in a display device. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The waveform diagram of the pixel operation. Figure 1 The pixels PR, PB, and PG shown in FIG. 5 are substantially the same as or similar to each other, and thus the pixels PR, PB, and PG will be summarized to illustrate the pixel PXij located in the i-th pixel row and the j-th pixel column.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 , the pixel PXij may include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a storage capacitor Cst and a light emitting element LD.

[0066] The transistors may be P-type transistors, such as PMOS transistors, but are not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the transistors may also be an N-type transistor (eg, an NMOS transistor).

[0067] The first electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the first power line ELVDD, the second electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the anode of the light emitting element LD (or light emitting diode), and the gate electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the second electrode of the second transistor T2. According to an embodiment, the first transistor T1 may be referred to as a driving transistor.

[0068] The first electrode of the second transistor T2 can be connected to the data line Dj, the second electrode of the second transistor T2 can be connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1, and the gate electrode of the second transistor T2 can be connected to the scan line Si. According to an embodiment, the second transistor T2 can be referred to as a scan transistor, a switching transistor, or the like.

[0069] The storage capacitor Cst can be connected or formed between the first electrode of the first transistor T1 (or the first power supply line ELVDD) and the gate electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0070] The anode of the light emitting element LD can be connected to the second electrode of the first transistor T1, and the cathode of the light emitting element LD can be connected to the second power supply line ELVSS. The light emitting element LD can be composed of an organic light emitting diode or a micro light emitting diode, a quantum dot light emitting diode, or the like inorganic light emitting diode. In addition, the light emitting element LD can be a light emitting diode composed of a combination of an organic material and an inorganic material. Although the pixel PXij is shown to include a single light emitting element LD in Figure 3 Although the pixel PXij is shown to include a single light emitting element LD in

[0071] If a scan signal of an on level (e.g., a low level) is supplied to the gate electrode of the second transistor T2 through the scan line Si, the second transistor T2 can connect the data line Dj and one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst. In this case, a voltage value corresponding to the difference between the data voltage DSij applied through the data line Dj and the first power supply voltage (e.g., a voltage supplied to the first power supply line ELVDD) can be written in the storage capacitor Cst.

[0072] The first transistor T1 can cause a driving current corresponding to the voltage written in the storage capacitor Cst to flow from the first power supply line ELVDD to the second power supply line ELVSS. In this case, the light emitting element LD can emit light at a luminance corresponding to the amount of driving current.

[0073] Figure 4 is a waveform diagram illustrating a first data voltage provided to a first data line included in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is a waveform diagram illustrating a first data voltage provided to a first data line included in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a waveform diagram illustrating a first data voltage provided to a first data line included in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 1The first data voltage DS1 of the first data line D1 among the data lines D1 to Dm is obtained.

[0074] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 , the pixel portion 100 of the display device 10 may display an image of the second color (or a blue image), and a data voltage for displaying the image of the second color may be provided to the pixel portion 100 .

[0075] Data voltages that alternate with time can be provided to the first pixel column 101 and the second pixel column 102, including the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB. For example, the first data voltage DS1 provided to the first data line D1 can include a first voltage Va and a second voltage Vb that are provided alternately with time. In one embodiment, the first voltage Va, corresponding to a grayscale of 0 (gray), can be a voltage that turns off the pixels PR, PB, and PG. The second voltage Vb, corresponding to a grayscale of 255 (gray), can be a voltage that turns on the pixels PR, PB, and PG.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first voltage Va may be a voltage higher than the second voltage Vb, but it may be determined according to the type of transistor included in the pixel circuit. For example, when the pixel circuit of each pixel PR, PB, or PG includes a P-type transistor, the first voltage Va may be a voltage higher than the second voltage Vb. When each pixel PR, PB, or PG includes an N-type transistor, the first voltage Va may be a voltage lower than the second voltage Vb. Below, for ease of description, the case where each pixel PR, PB, or PG includes a P-type transistor and the first voltage Va is a voltage higher than the second voltage Vb is described.

[0077] The data driving unit 300 can alternately supply a first voltage Va and a second voltage Vb through the first data line D1 in synchronization with scan signals supplied through the scan lines S1 to Sn. Thus, when the scan signal is supplied to the first scan line S1, the first pixel PR connected to the first scan line S1 can receive the first voltage Va through the first data line D1 and be turned off. When the scan signal is supplied to the second scan line S2, the second pixel PB connected to the second scan line S2 can receive the second voltage Vb through the first data line D1 and emit light of the second color.

[0078] On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, a second data voltage including the second voltage Vb and the first voltage Va, which are provided in the reverse order of the first data voltage DS1, can be supplied to the second pixel column 102. In response to the second data voltage, the first pixel PR can be turned off, and the second pixel PB of the second pixel column 102 can emit light of the second color. In addition, a third data voltage including the continuously supplied first voltage Va can be supplied to the third pixel column 103 including the third pixel PG. In response to the third data voltage, the third pixel PG of the third pixel column 103 can be not emitted.

[0079] Different from the above, when the pixel portion 100 of the display device 10 displays an image of the first color (or a red image), the second voltage Vb may be provided to the first pixel PR of the first pixel column 101 and the second pixel column 102, and the first voltage Va may be provided to the second pixel PB, thereby displaying an image of the second color.

[0080] As described above, when the display device 10 displays an image of the second color (or, an image of the first color), the voltages applied to the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB may alternate with each other over time. To output the alternating data voltages, the data driver 300 may cause the output amplifier in the data driver 300 to continuously charge and discharge. Due to the continuous charging and discharging of the data driver 300, the power consumption of the display device 10 may increase. Therefore, to reduce the power consumption of the display device 10, the timing control unit 400 may include various structures to adjust the data voltages provided by the data driver 300.

[0081] Figure 5 It is used to describe the Figure 1 Diagram of a timing control unit in a display device. Figure 6 It is used to describe the Figure 1 A diagram of a first region and a second region of a pixel portion in a display device.

[0082] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 The timing control section 400 may include a mode input section 420 , a first determination section 430 , a second determination section 440 , and a data conversion section 450 .

[0083] If through Figure 1 As illustrated, the timing control unit 400 may receive input image data IDATA and various control signals from an external processor. The control signals received by the timing control unit 400 may include a mode signal MDS. In response to the input mode signal MDS, the timing control unit 400 may convert the input image data IDATA into image data DATA (or first image data) or corrected image data DATA' (or second image data) and output the converted data to the data driving unit 300.

[0084] The mode input part 420 may generate an activation signal EN in response to a mode signal MDS provided from the outside.

[0085] The mode signal MDS may be an operation signal for driving a power reduction mode for reducing power consumption, and may be a signal generated by a user using the display device 10. When the mode signal MDS is provided, the display device 10 may operate in the power reduction mode (or, first mode), and when the mode signal MDS is not provided, the display device 10 may operate in the normal mode (or, second mode). According to an embodiment, the mode signal MDS may have a low voltage level and be deactivated in the normal mode, and may have a high voltage level and be activated in the power reduction mode, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] As another embodiment, the mode signal MDS can be further subdivided according to user settings. For example, in response to the subdivided mode signal MDS, the power consumption reduction mode can be divided into a first power consumption reduction mode and a second power consumption reduction mode, and the correction strength of the image data DATA' corrected in the first power consumption reduction mode and the second power consumption reduction mode can be set differently.

[0087] The first determination part 430 may generate an area selection signal AS for setting an area for performing correction of image data in response to the activation signal EN provided from the mode input part 420 .

[0088] Regarding the area selection signal AS, refer to Figure 6 The pixel portion 100 may include a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A1 and the second area A2 may include a plurality of pixels PR, PB, and PG, respectively.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the image displayed by the display device through the pixel unit 100 may include a background image occupying most of the image and an object image displayed on the background image. Here, the object image may be the main part of the information displayed by the image, and the background image may be a part that is irrelevant to the main information of the image. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the first area A1 may refer to the above-mentioned background image, and the second area A2 may refer to the above-mentioned object image.

[0090] The first determining section 430 can analyze the input image data IDATA and distinguish the first area A1 outputting the background image and the second area A2 outputting the object image in the image displayed in the pixel section 100, and select an adjustment area for performing correction of the image data in the first area A1 and the second area A2. Specifically, the first determining section 430 can select an area in which the ratio of displaying the image of the first color or the image of the second color is higher with respect to the entire pixel section 100 in the first area A1 and the second area A2. For example, when the first area A1 displays the image of the first color and the second area A2 displays the image of the second color, the first area A1 occupying a wider area than the second area A2 can be selected as the adjustment area to perform the correction of the image data.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the first determining section 430 can further include a separate algorithm for selecting an area in which the first area A1 and the second area A2 have little impact on the user and little resistance even if the color of the image displayed in the area is partially changed to be displayed, and can select a more suitable one of the first area A1 and the second area A2 based on the corresponding algorithm.

[0092] According to the design and driving conditions of the display device, the first determining section 430 can be omitted. In this case, the timing control section 400 can perform image data correction on the entire area of the pixel section 100.

[0093] The second determining section 440 can generate the grayscale adjustment signal CS in response to the area selection signal AS provided from the first determining section 430.

[0094] The second determining section 440 can analyze the input image data IDATA to compare the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB with a reference value stored in advance, and can generate the grayscale adjustment signal CS according to the comparison result.

[0095] Specifically, the input image data IDATA can include first color input image data IDATA_R including grayscale value information of the first pixel PR, second color input image data IDATA_B including grayscale value information of the second pixel PB, and third color input image data IDATA_G including grayscale value information of the third pixel PG. The second determining section 440 can calculate the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB based on the first color input image data IDATA_R and the second color input image data IDATA_B, and can compare the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB with the reference value.

[0096] As described above, the reference value may be a value pre-stored in second determination unit 440, but is not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment, the reference value may be a value input externally in real time. In this case, the reference value may be provided in conjunction with the aforementioned mode signal MDS and utilized as a value for adjusting the intensity of image data correction. Specifically, the reference value may be a value individually set by the user and may be set to any value between the maximum and minimum grayscale values ​​of a pixel.

[0097] The second determination unit 440 may compare the difference between the grayscale values ​​of the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB with the reference value. If the difference between the grayscale values ​​of the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB is greater than the reference value, the second determination unit 440 may generate a grayscale adjustment signal CS. The grayscale adjustment signal CS may include information regarding the correction strength of the image data, for example, the grayscale adjustment signal CS may include information regarding the reference value.

[0098] In contrast, when the difference between the grayscale values ​​of the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB is smaller than the reference value, the second determination unit 440 may not output the grayscale adjustment signal CS or output a deactivated grayscale adjustment signal CS.

[0099] The data conversion part 450 may generate the image data DATA or the corrected image data DATA′ in response to the grayscale adjustment signal CS provided from the second determination part 440 .

[0100] The data conversion part 450 may receive input image data IDATA and may convert the input image data IDATA into image data DATA or corrected image data DATA′ based on the grayscale adjustment signal CS.

[0101] Specifically, when the grayscale adjustment signal CS is provided to the data conversion unit 450 or the activated grayscale adjustment signal CS is provided to the data conversion unit 450, the data conversion unit 450 can adjust at least one of the first color input image data IDATA_R and the second color input image data IDATA_B, and can convert the adjusted input image data IDATA into image data DATA' (or, second image data).

[0102] In contrast, when the grayscale adjustment signal CS is not provided to the data conversion unit 450 or a deactivated grayscale adjustment signal CS is provided to the data conversion unit 450, the data conversion unit 450 can convert the input image data IDATA into image data DATA (or, first image data) without making any adjustments to the input image data IDATA.

[0103] On the other hand, when the mode signal MDS is not provided to the mode input unit 420 or the deactivated mode signal MDS is provided to the mode input unit 420, the first judgment unit 430 and the second judgment unit 440 may not perform analysis on the input image data IDATA. In particular, when the mode signal MDS is not provided, the second judgment unit 440 may not generate the grayscale adjustment signal CS, so that the data conversion unit 450 may directly convert the input image data IDATA into the image data DATA without performing any adjustment on the input image data IDATA. Figure 7 The data conversion unit 450 will be described in more detail.

[0104] Figure 7 It is used to describe the Figure 5 Diagram of the data conversion section in the timing control section.

[0105] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 The data conversion unit 450 may include a grayscale adjustment unit 451 and a signal conversion unit 452 .

[0106] The grayscale adjustment part 451 may adjust at least one of the first color input image data IDATA_R and the second color input image data IDATA_B in response to the grayscale adjustment signal CS, thereby generating adjusted first color input image data IDATA_R′ or adjusted second color input image data IDATA_B′.

[0107] As an embodiment, when the grayscale value of the second pixel PB is greater than the grayscale value of the first pixel PR, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 can adjust the first color input image data IDATA_R in response to the grayscale adjustment signal CS to increase the grayscale value of the first pixel PR, thereby generating adjusted first color input image data IDATA_R'.

[0108] As another embodiment, when the grayscale value of the second pixel PB is greater than the grayscale value of the first pixel PR, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 can adjust the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB to a predetermined grayscale value between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB in response to the grayscale adjustment signal CS. Thus, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 can adjust the first color input image data IDATA_R to increase the grayscale value of the first pixel PR, and adjust the second color input image data IDATA_B to decrease the grayscale value of the second pixel PB.

[0109] That is, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 can adjust at least one of the first color input image data IDATA_R and the second color input image data IDATA_B in response to the grayscale adjustment signal CS so as to reduce the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB. The grayscale adjustment unit 451 can directly output the unadjusted input image data of the first color input image data IDATA_R and the second color input image data IDATA_B.

[0110] In addition, as described above, when the grayscale adjustment signal CS is not provided, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 may directly output all of the first color input image data IDATA_R and the second color input image data IDATA_B.

[0111] The signal conversion part 452 may generate one of the image data DATA and the corrected image data DATA′ by converting one of the first color input image data IDATA_R and the adjusted first color input image data IDATA_R′, one of the second color input image data IDATA_B and the adjusted second color input image data IDATA_B′, and the third color input image data IDATA_G.

[0112] When the input image data supplied from the grayscale adjustment section 451 includes the pixel portion ( Figure 1 When the grayscale value matches the pixel arrangement structure (eg, five-grid structure) of 100), the signal conversion unit 452 can transfer the input image data IDATA to the data driving unit ( Figure 1 300), but when the input image data IDATA includes grayscale values ​​that are irrelevant to the pixel arrangement structure of the pixel portion 100, the signal conversion portion 452 may further include a rendering portion for rendering the grayscale values ​​to generate grayscale values ​​that are irrelevant to the pixel arrangement structure of the pixel portion 100. Figure 1 The rendered grayscale values ​​(or image data DATA, DATA′) correspond one-to-one to the PR, PB, PG) and are provided to the data driving unit 300.

[0113] Below, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 7 as well as Figures 8 to 11 The corrected first data voltages DS1 ′, DS1 a , DS1 b , and DS1 c output based on the corrected image data DATA′ generated by the data conversion unit 450 will be described in detail.

[0114] Figures 8 to 11 Is shown by Figure 7For the convenience of explanation, the case where the input image data IDATA provided to the timing control unit 400 is data for displaying an image of the second color (or a blue image) is taken as an example, and the waveforms of the first data voltage corrected by the data conversion unit 400 are shown. Figure 1 The first data voltage of the first data line D1 among the data lines D1 to Dm is mainly described below. Figure 4 The difference between the first data voltage DS1 and the

[0115] like Figure 8 As shown, the timing control unit ( Figure 1 The first pixel PR may be adjusted to have a grayscale value of 255 gray, which is the same as the grayscale value of the second pixel PB. That is, the first data voltage DS1′ may provide the second voltage Vb to the first pixel PR, and the first pixel PR may emit light of the first color in response to the provided second voltage Vb.

[0116] As the first pixel PR emits light, power consumption may be generated in the first pixel PR. However, the first data voltage DS1′ provided to the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB is constantly supplied without charging and discharging, thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driving unit 300 and reducing the power consumption of the display device 10 as a whole.

[0117] like Figure 9 As shown, the timing control unit 400 can adjust the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB to a predetermined grayscale value (e.g., 170 gray) between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB. Thus, the grayscale value of the first pixel PR can be increased, and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB can be decreased. That is, the first data voltage DS1a can provide the third voltage Vc to the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB, so that the first pixel PR emits light of the first color in response to the provided third voltage Vc, and the second pixel PB emits light of the second color in response to the provided third voltage Vc.

[0118] As described above, as the first pixel PR emits light, power consumption may be generated in the first pixel PR, but the first data voltage DS1a provided to the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB is constantly supplied without charging and discharging, thereby reducing the power consumption of the data driving unit 300 and reducing the power consumption of the display device 10 as a whole.

[0119] In addition, if Figure 8 In the embodiment, not only the grayscale value of the first pixel PR is increased, but also the grayscale value of the second pixel PB is reduced at the same time, whereby the brightness of the changed image provided by the display device 10 can be changed to be similar to the brightness of the previously provided image.

[0120] like Figure 10 As shown, the timing control unit 400 can increase the grayscale value of the first pixel PR to adjust it to 170 grayscale (170 gray), and reduce the grayscale value of the second pixel PB to adjust it to 180 grayscale (180 gray). That is, the first data voltage DS1b can provide the first change voltage Va' to the first pixel PR, and the first pixel PR can emit the first color light in response to the provided first change voltage Va'. In addition, the first data voltage DS1b can provide the second change voltage Vb' to the second pixel PB, and the second pixel PB can emit the second color light in response to the provided second change voltage Vb'.

[0121] Here, the first change voltage Va' and the second change voltage Vb' may be voltages within an adjustment range R. The adjustment range R may be a value provided during the adjustment of the input image data IDATA, for example, may be the value corresponding to the second determination unit ( Figure 5 As an example, the adjustment range R can be set to a range between a maximum adjustment voltage Vmb corresponding to 160 grayscale (160 gray) and a minimum adjustment voltage Vma corresponding to 190 grayscale (190 gray), but can be set differently according to the convenience of the user or the manufacturer of the display device.

[0122] and Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 Unlike the embodiments, the quality of the image displayed by the display device 10 can be maintained at a certain level by using the first change voltage Va' and the second change voltage Vb' that are different from each other, while reducing the difference between the first change voltage Va' and the second change voltage Vb' of the first data voltage DS1b, thereby reducing the power consumption caused by charging and discharging of the data driving part 300.

[0123] On the other hand, Figure 11As shown, the timing control unit 400 can gradually adjust the grayscale value of the first pixel PR in units of image frames. For example, when adjusting the grayscale value of the first pixel PR from 0 grayscale (0 gray) to 255 grayscale (255 gray), the timing control unit 400 can adjust the grayscale value of the first pixel PR to 85 grayscale (85 gray) in the first image frame, adjust the grayscale value of the first pixel PR to 170 grayscale (170 gray) in the second image frame after the first image frame, and adjust the grayscale value of the first pixel PR to 255 grayscale (255 gray) in the third image frame after the second image frame. In other words, the first data voltage DS1c can provide the first adjustment voltage Va1 to the first pixel PR in the first image frame, provide the second adjustment voltage Va2 to the first pixel PR in the second image frame, and provide the second voltage Vb to the first pixel PR in the third image frame.

[0124] In the above example, the grayscale value of the first pixel PR is adjusted in units of one image frame, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the grayscale value may be adjusted in more time intervals.

[0125] As described above, as the grayscale value of the first pixel PR is gradually adjusted, the user's sense of rejection caused by the sudden change in the color sense of the displayed image can be minimized, and a more natural image can be provided to the user.

[0126] Figure 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a method for driving a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 Flowchart of a method for driving a display device shown in FIG.

[0127] Combine Figure 1 、 Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 And refer to Figure 12 First, the mode input part 420 of the timing control part 400 of the display device 10 may generate the activation signal EN in response to the mode signal MDS provided from the outside ( S100 ).

[0128] The mode signal MDS may include information related to the power consumption reduction mode (or the first mode) and the normal mode (or the second mode) of the display device 10. As one embodiment, the mode input unit 420 may output an activated activation signal EN in the power consumption reduction mode, and may not generate the activation signal EN or generate a deactivated activation signal EN in the normal mode.

[0129] Thereafter, when the activation signal EN is activated, the first determination unit 430 of the timing control unit 400 may analyze the input image data IDATA and select a portion of the pixel unit 100 as an adjustment region ( S200 ).

[0130] As described above, the adjustment region can be selected as one of the background region and the target region of the pixel portion 100 , and can be selected as a region having a high power consumption reduction effect during image data correction.

[0131] On the other hand, when the activation signal EN is deactivated, the timing control part 400 may directly transfer the provided input image data IDATA to the signal conversion part 452 without adjustment ( S150 ).

[0132] Thereafter, the second determination unit 440 of the timing control unit 400 may compare the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB with a reference value ( S300 ).

[0133] As one embodiment, when the timing control section 400 includes the first determination section 430, the second determination section 440 may compare the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB in the adjustment area with a reference value in response to the area selection signal AS provided by the first determination section 430. As another embodiment, when the timing control section 400 does not include the first determination section 430, the second determination section 440 may perform the comparison in response to the activation signal EN.

[0134] According to the comparison result, when the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB is greater than the reference value, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 of the timing control unit 400 can adjust the grayscale value of at least one of the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB so that the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB becomes less than the reference value to generate the corrected input image data IDATA (S400).

[0135] According to an embodiment, when adjusting the grayscale value of the first pixel PR, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 may adjust the first color input image data IDATA_R to generate the first color input image data IDATA_R'. In addition, when adjusting the grayscale value of the second pixel PB, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 may adjust the second color input image data IDATA_B to generate the second color input image data IDATA_B'.

[0136] For example, Figure 8 As shown, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 can increase the grayscale value of the first pixel PR to be the same as the grayscale value of the second pixel PB. Figure 11 The grayscale value of the first pixel PR is gradually adjusted as shown. For example, the grayscale value can be adjusted in units of image frames.

[0137] As another example, Figure 9As shown, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 may increase the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and decrease the grayscale value of the second pixel PB to adjust the pixels to have the same grayscale value.

[0138] As another example, Figure 10 As shown, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 can increase the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and reduce the grayscale value of the second pixel PB, and adjust them to have different grayscale values ​​within a predetermined adjustment range R.

[0139] On the other hand, when the difference between the grayscale value of the first pixel PR and the grayscale value of the second pixel PB is smaller than the reference value, the grayscale adjustment unit 451 may directly transfer the provided input image data IDATA to the signal conversion unit 452 without adjustment ( S150 ).

[0140] Thereafter, the timing control part 400 may convert the corrected input image data IDATA into image data DATA′ and output the converted image data to the data driving part 300 ( S500 ).

[0141] The corrected data voltage output from the data driver 300 in response to the corrected image data DATA' can have a smaller voltage difference than the uncorrected data voltage. This prevents the data driver 300 from repeatedly charging and discharging to output voltages corresponding to the grayscale values ​​of the first pixel PR and the second pixel PB, thereby reducing power consumption of the display device 10.

[0142] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: include: a pixel portion comprising first and second pixel columns alternately arranged along a first direction and a third pixel column arranged between the first and second pixel columns; a timing control unit that converts input image data provided from the outside to generate first image data or second image data; as well as a data driving unit that generates a data voltage in response to the first image data or the second image data provided from the timing control unit, and supplies the data voltage to the pixel unit; The first pixel column and the second pixel column respectively include first color pixels and second color pixels alternately arranged in an order opposite to each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the same data line supplying the data voltage. The third pixel column includes third color pixels arranged along the second direction, The timing control unit compares the difference between the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel with a preset reference value. When the difference is greater than the reference value, the timing control unit adjusts the grayscale value of at least one of the first color pixel and the second color pixel so that the difference becomes below the reference value to generate the second image data.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When the difference is smaller than the reference value, the timing control section directly converts the input image data to generate the first image data.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When the grayscale value of the second color pixel is greater than the grayscale value of the first color pixel, the timing control unit changes the grayscale value of the first color pixel to be the same as the grayscale value of the second color pixel.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The timing control unit gradually changes the grayscale value of the first color pixel in units of image frames.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The timing control unit changes the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel to a predetermined grayscale value between the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The timing control section changes at least one of the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel so that the difference becomes equal to or less than the reference value.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first color pixel is a red pixel, the second color pixel is a blue pixel, and the third color pixel is a green pixel.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The timing control unit includes a mode input unit, The mode input unit generates an activation signal in response to a mode signal provided from the outside, When the activation signal is activated, the timing control section generates the second image data, and when the activation signal is deactivated, the timing control section directly converts the input image data to generate the first image data.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The pixel portion includes a first region and a second region. The timing control unit includes a first judgment unit, The first determination unit analyzes the input image data to generate an area selection signal for selecting one of the first area and the second area. The timing control section compares the difference value with the reference value in a region selected from the first region and the second region.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The timing control unit includes a second judgment unit, The second determination unit generates a grayscale adjustment signal for adjusting the grayscale value of at least one of the first color pixel and the second color pixel when analyzing the input image data and the difference value is greater than the reference value.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The timing control unit includes a data conversion unit, The data conversion section converts the input image data into the second image data in which the grayscale value of at least one of the first color pixel and the second color pixel is adjusted in response to the grayscale adjustment signal.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The input image data includes first color input image data, second color input image data and third color input image data, The data conversion unit includes a grayscale adjustment unit, The grayscale adjustment section adjusts at least one of the first color input image data and the second color input image data in response to the grayscale adjustment signal, thereby generating adjusted first color input image data or adjusted second color input image data.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The data conversion unit also includes a signal conversion unit, The signal conversion section converts one of the first color input image data and the adjusted first color input image data, one of the second color input image data and the adjusted second color input image data, and the third color input image data to generate one of the first image data and the second image data.

14. A method for driving a display device, the display device comprising a pixel portion, the pixel portion comprising first and second pixel columns alternately arranged along a first direction, and a third pixel column arranged between the first and second pixel columns, The first pixel column and the second pixel column respectively include first color pixels and second color pixels alternately arranged in an order opposite to each other along a second direction crossing the first direction and connected to the same data line supplying a data voltage. The third pixel column includes third color pixels arranged along the second direction, in, The driving method of the display device includes: a step of generating an activation signal in response to a mode signal provided from the outside; When the activation signal is activated, a step of comparing a difference between a grayscale value of the first color pixel and a grayscale value of the second color pixel included in the input image data with a preset reference value; When the difference is greater than the reference value, adjusting the grayscale value of at least one of the first color pixel and the second color pixel so that the difference becomes less than the reference value to generate corrected input image data; The step of converting the corrected input image data into image data and outputting the image data to a data driving unit.

15. The method for driving a display device according to claim 14, wherein: When the activation signal is deactivated, the input image data is directly converted to generate the image data.

16. The method for driving a display device according to claim 14, wherein: The method for driving a display device further includes, after the step of generating the activation signal, a step of analyzing the input image data and selecting a portion of the pixel portion as an adjustment area. The difference between the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel is compared with the reference value in the adjustment area.

17. The method for driving a display device according to claim 14, wherein: When the difference value is smaller than the reference value, the input image data is directly converted to generate the image data.

18. The method for driving a display device according to claim 14, wherein: When the grayscale value of the second color pixel is greater than the grayscale value of the first color pixel, the grayscale value of the first color pixel is changed to be the same as the grayscale value of the second color pixel.

19. The method for driving a display device according to claim 18, wherein: The grayscale value of the first color pixel gradually changes in units of image frames.

20. The method for driving a display device according to claim 14, wherein: The grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel are changed to a predetermined grayscale value between the grayscale value of the first color pixel and the grayscale value of the second color pixel.

Images