Display device and method of driving display panel

Abstract

A display device and a method for driving a display panel are provided. The display device includes a display panel, a data driver, and a frequency controller. The display panel displays an image based on an input image data. The data driver outputs a data voltage to the display panel. The frequency controller determines the driving frequency of the display panel based on the input image data and a playback speed setting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a display device and a method for driving a display panel of the display device. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a display device with reduced power consumption and improved display quality, and a method for driving a display panel of the display device. Background Technology

[0002] Methods for minimizing power consumption in information technology (IT) products such as tablet PCs (“PCs”) and notebook PCs have been investigated.

[0003] To minimize the power consumption of IT products, including display panels, it is desirable to minimize the power consumption of the display panels themselves. Display devices may include a frequency control section to drive the display panel at a relatively low drive frequency when displaying static images.

[0004] In real-world user environments where display devices are used, the display panel will show moving images more frequently than static images, and this is often done for watching online lectures for educational purposes. In such cases, it may not be possible to sufficiently reduce the power consumption of the display device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the invention provide a display device that can reduce the power consumption of the display device and improve the display quality of the display panel.

[0006] Embodiments of the invention also provide a method for driving a display panel using the display device.

[0007] In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the display device includes a display panel, a data driver, and a frequency controller. In such an embodiment, the display panel displays an image based on an input image data, the data driver outputs a data voltage to the display panel, and the frequency controller determines the driving frequency of the display panel based on the input image data and a playback speed setting.

[0008] In an embodiment, the frequency controller may include: a playback mode determiner for determining whether the playback speed setting is less than 1.0 times; a static image determiner for determining whether the input image data is a static image or a moving image when the playback speed setting is equal to or greater than 1.0 times; a flicker value memory for storing flicker values ​​related to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data; and a drive frequency determiner for determining the drive frequency of the display panel based on the flicker values ​​and the playback speed setting.

[0009] In an embodiment, the drive frequency determiner may include: a first frequency determiner for determining a first frequency based on a flicker value; a second frequency determiner for determining a second frequency based on a playback speed setting; and a frequency comparator for comparing the first frequency and the second frequency and determining that the drive frequency of the display panel is the larger of the first frequency and the second frequency.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first frequency can be determined based on a flicker value, which represents the degree of flickering occurring in response to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data. In such an embodiment, the first frequency can be set to high when the degree of flickering is high. In such an embodiment, the first frequency can be set to low when the degree of flickering is low.

[0011] In this embodiment, the second frequency can be determined by multiplying the playback speed setting by the input frequency of the input image data. When the playback speed setting is high, the second frequency can be set to high. When the playback speed setting is low, the second frequency can be set to low.

[0012] In this embodiment, when the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times, the drive frequency determiner can determine the first frequency and the second frequency.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is equal to or greater than the second frequency, the drive frequency determiner can output the data signal to the data driver at the first frequency. In another embodiment, when the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is less than the second frequency, the drive frequency determiner can output the data signal to the data driver at the second frequency.

[0014] In an embodiment, when the input image data is a static image or the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times, the drive frequency determiner can determine the drive frequency of the display panel based on the flicker value.

[0015] In one embodiment, the display panel may include multiple segments. In such an embodiment, the frequency controller may include: a playback mode determiner for determining whether the playback speed setting is less than 1.0 times; a static image determiner for determining whether the input image data is a static image or a moving image when the playback speed setting is equal to or greater than 1.0 times; a flicker value memory for storing flicker values ​​related to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data; and a drive frequency determiner for determining the drive frequency of the display panel based on the playback speed setting and the flicker values ​​corresponding to the multiple segments.

[0016] In one embodiment, the frequency controller can determine the flicker value of each of the multiple segments, and determine the drive frequency of the display panel based on the flicker value of each of the multiple segments, which is the maximum drive frequency at which flicker is not shown to the user.

[0017] In one embodiment of the method for driving a display panel, the method includes determining a driving frequency of the display panel using a frequency controller; and outputting a data voltage to the display panel based on the driving frequency. In such an embodiment, the frequency controller determines the driving frequency of the display panel based on input image data and a playback speed setting.

[0018] In an embodiment, the step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel may include: when the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times, determining whether the input image data is a moving image or a static image.

[0019] In an embodiment, the step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel may further include: when the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data is a moving image, determining that the driving frequency of the display panel is the input frequency of the input image data; and when the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data is a static image, determining the driving frequency of the display panel based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data.

[0020] In an embodiment, the step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel may include: when the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times, determining a first frequency based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data, and determining a second frequency based on the playback speed setting.

[0021] In an embodiment, the step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel may further include: determining the driving frequency of the display panel as the first frequency when the playback speed is set to be less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is equal to or greater than the second frequency; and determining the driving frequency of the display panel as the second frequency when the playback speed is set to be less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is less than the second frequency.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first frequency can be determined based on a flicker value, which represents the degree of flickering in response to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data. In such an embodiment, the first frequency can be set to high when the degree of flickering is high. In such an embodiment, the first frequency can be set to low when the degree of flickering is low.

[0023] In this embodiment, the second frequency can be determined by multiplying the playback speed setting by the input frequency of the input image data. When the playback speed setting is high, the second frequency can be set to high. When the playback speed setting is low, the second frequency can be set to low.

[0024] In an embodiment, when the input image data is a static image or the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times, the driving frequency of the display panel can be determined based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method for driving the display panel may further include dividing the display panel into multiple segments; and determining flicker values ​​corresponding to the multiple segments. In such an embodiment, the driving frequency of the display panel can be determined based on the playback speed setting and the flicker values ​​corresponding to the multiple segments.

[0026] According to embodiments of the display device and the method for driving the display panel of the display device, the frequency controller can determine the driving frequency based on the input image data and the playback speed setting. Therefore, when the input image data represents a static image or when the moving image has a playback speed setting of less than 1.0 times, the driving frequency can be set to a value lower than the input frequency. This reduces the power consumption of the display device.

[0027] In such an embodiment, the driving frequency of the display panel is determined based on the degree of flickering of the input image data, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of the frequency controller in the drive controller;

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an embodiment of the drive frequency determiner;

[0032] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A table of embodiments of the flash value memory;

[0033] Figure 5 It is shown by Figure 2 A table of embodiments of the second frequency determined by the drive frequency determiner;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing the output image and drive frequency according to the comparative embodiment when the playback speed is set to 0.5x;

[0035] Figure 7 This indicates that when the playback speed is set to 0.5x, according to... Figure 2 The output image of the drive controller operation and a conceptual diagram of the drive frequency;

[0036] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2A flowchart of an embodiment of the operation of the drive controller;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a drive controller for a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display panel of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0039] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 A block diagram of the frequency controller for a display device. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals throughout denote the same elements.

[0041] What will be understood is that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on said other element, or there may be an intermediate element between them. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there is no intermediate element.

[0042] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teaching herein, “first element,” “first component,” “first region,” “first layer,” or “first part” discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second part.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not indicate a limitation on quantity and are intended to include both the singular and the plural. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element.” “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and / or.” As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” and variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, regions, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] Furthermore, relative terms such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top” may be used here to describe the relationship between one element and another (other) element as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device other than those depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in one of the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “lower” than another element will subsequently be oriented to be “upper” than said other element. Thus, depending on the specific orientation of the drawing, the term “lower” can include both “lower” and “upper” orientations. Similarly, if the device in one of the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “below” or “under” another element will subsequently be oriented to be “above” said other element. Thus, the terms “below” or “under” can include both “upper” and “lower” orientations.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and in this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0046] The embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views, which are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. Thus, variations in the shape of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances will be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the areas shown herein, but will include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing processes. For example, areas shown or described as flat may generally have rough and / or non-linear characteristics. Furthermore, acute angles shown may be rounded (rounded). Therefore, the areas shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the precise shapes of the areas, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0047] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 An embodiment of the display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a drive controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500.

[0050] In one embodiment, for example, the drive controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed as a single unit or a single circuit. In one embodiment, for example, the drive controller 200, the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed as a single unit or a single circuit. A drive module including the integrally formed drive controller 200 and data driver 500 may be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver (“TED”).

[0051] In one embodiment, the display panel 100 includes multiple gate lines GL, multiple data lines DL, and multiple pixels 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 that intersects the first direction D1.

[0052] In one embodiment, for example, display panel 100 may be an organic light-emitting display panel that includes organic light-emitting elements. In such an embodiment, each pixel may include an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”).

[0053] The pixel receives a data write gate signal, a data initialization gate signal, an organic light-emitting element initialization signal, a data voltage, and an emission signal. The pixel's organic light-emitting diode emits light corresponding to the level of the data voltage to display an image.

[0054] In one embodiment, the pixel may include a first type of switching element. In one embodiment, for example, the first type of switching element may be a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor. In one embodiment, for example, the first type of switching element may be a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (“LTPS”) thin-film transistor. In one embodiment, for example, the first type of switching element may be a P-type transistor.

[0055] In an embodiment, a pixel may include a first type of switching element and a second type of switching element different from the first type. In one embodiment, for example, the first type of switching element may be a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor. In one embodiment, for example, the first type of switching element may be a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (“LTPS”) thin-film transistor. In one embodiment, for example, the second type of switching element may be an oxide thin-film transistor. In one embodiment, for example, the first type of switching element may be a P-type transistor, and the second type of switching element may be an N-type transistor.

[0056] Optionally, the display panel 100 may be a liquid crystal display panel including a liquid crystal layer.

[0057] The drive controller 200 receives input image data IMG and input control signal CONT from an external device. In this embodiment, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The input image data IMG may also include white image data. Optionally, the input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may also include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0058] 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 signal CONT.

[0059] The drive controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1 based on the input control signal CONT for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300, and outputs the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0060] The drive controller 200 generates a second control signal CONT2 based on the input control signal CONT for controlling the operation of the data driver 500, and outputs the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0061] The drive controller 200 generates a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG. The drive controller 200 outputs the data signal DATA to the data driver 500.

[0062] In one embodiment, for example, the drive controller 200 may adjust the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the input image data IMG.

[0063] The drive controller 200 generates a third control signal CONT3 based on the input control signal CONT for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and outputs the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400.

[0064] Please refer to later Figures 2 to 8 Describe in detail the structure and operation of the drive controller 200.

[0065] Gate driver 300 generates a gate signal for driving gate line GL in response to a first control signal CONT1 received from drive controller 200. Gate driver 300 outputs the gate signal to gate line GL. In one embodiment, for example, gate driver 300 may sequentially output the gate signal to gate line GL.

[0066] The display panel 100 may include a display area and a peripheral area adjacent to the display area. In one embodiment, for example, a gate driver 300 may be mounted in the peripheral area of ​​the display panel 100. In another embodiment, for example, the gate driver 300 may be integrated into the peripheral area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0067] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 generates a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to a third control signal CONT3 received from the drive 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 the level of the data signal DATA.

[0068] In an embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be set in or included in the drive controller 200 or in the data driver 500.

[0069] The data driver 500 receives a second control signal CONT2 and a data signal DATA from the drive controller 200, and receives a gamma reference voltage VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The data driver 500 uses the gamma reference voltage VGREF to convert the data signal DATA into a data voltage of analog type. The data driver 500 outputs the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0070] In one embodiment, for example, the data driver 500 may be mounted in the peripheral area of ​​the display panel 100. In another embodiment, for example, the data driver 500 may be integrated into the peripheral area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0071] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of the frequency controller in the drive controller 200. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an embodiment of the drive frequency determiner 230. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 Table of an embodiment of the flash value memory 240. Figure 5 It is shown by Figure 2 The table shows an embodiment of the second frequency determined by the drive frequency determiner 230.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of the drive controller 200 includes a frequency controller. The frequency controller can determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the input image data (IMG) and the playback speed setting (MD).

[0073] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the frequency controller may include a playback mode determiner 210, a still image determiner 220, a drive frequency determiner 230, and a flash value memory 240.

[0074] Playback mode determiner 210 receives playback speed setting MD. Playback speed setting MD can represent the playback speed of an image. Playback speed setting MD can be set by a user. In one embodiment, for example, playback speed setting MD can have one of the following values: 3.0x, 2.5x, 2.0x, 1.8x, 1.6x, 1.4x, 1.2x, 1.0x, 0.8x, 0.6x, 0.5x, 0.4x, 0.2x, and 0.1x, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] Playback mode determiner 210 can determine whether the playback speed setting MD is lower than 1.0x. In one embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is lower than 1.0x, the operation of still image determiner 220 can be skipped. In such an embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is lower than 1.0x, playback mode determiner 210 can output the playback speed setting MD to drive frequency determiner 230.

[0076] The static image determiner 220 can determine whether the input image data IMG is a static image or a moving image. The static image determiner 220 can output a static image flag SF, indicating whether the input image data IMG is a static image or a moving image, to the drive frequency determiner 230. In one embodiment, for example, when the input image data IMG is a static image, the static image determiner 220 can output a static image flag SF of 1 to the drive frequency determiner 230. In such an embodiment, when the input image data IMG is a moving image, the static image determiner 220 can output a static image flag SF of 0 to the drive frequency determiner 230. In an embodiment, when the display panel 100 is operated in normally open mode, the static image determiner 220 can output a static image flag SF of 1 to the drive frequency determiner 230.

[0077] In an embodiment, the static image determiner 220 can determine whether the input image data IMG is a static image or a moving image when the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times.

[0078] In one embodiment, for example, when the static image flag SF is 1, the drive frequency determiner 230 can drive the switching elements in the pixel at a low drive frequency.

[0079] In such an embodiment, when the static image flag SF is 0, the drive frequency determiner 230 can drive the switching elements in the pixel at the normal drive frequency.

[0080] The drive frequency determiner 230 can refer to the flicker value memory 240 to determine a low drive frequency. The flicker value memory 240 can store flicker values ​​that represent the degree of flickering corresponding to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG.

[0081] In an embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the drive frequency determiner 230 may include a first frequency determiner 231, a second frequency determiner 232, and a frequency comparator 233. The first frequency determiner 231 determines a first frequency F1 based on the flicker value, the second frequency determiner 232 determines a second frequency F2 based on the playback speed setting MD, and the frequency comparator 233 compares the first frequency F1 and the second frequency F2 and determines (or sets) the larger value of the first frequency F1 and the second frequency F2 as the drive frequency MF of the display panel 100.

[0082] In this embodiment, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine the first frequency F1 and the second frequency F2 when the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times and the first frequency F1 is greater than or equal to the second frequency F2, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine or set the drive frequency MF of the display panel 100 to the first frequency F1, and the drive frequency determiner 230 can output the data signal DATA to the data driver 500 at the first frequency F1. If the first frequency F1 is greater than or equal to the second frequency F2, the output image will flicker when the image is displayed at the second frequency F2 determined by the playback speed setting MD. Therefore, the output image can be displayed at the first frequency F1 without causing flicker.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times and the first frequency F1 is less than the second frequency F2, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine or set the drive frequency MF of the display panel 100 to the second frequency F2, and the drive frequency determiner 230 can output the data signal DATA to the data driver 500 at the second frequency F2. If the first frequency F1 is less than the second frequency F2, the output image will not flicker when the image is displayed at the second frequency F2 determined by the playback speed setting MD. Therefore, in this case, the output image can be displayed at the second frequency F2.

[0085] The first frequency F1 can be determined based on the flicker value, which represents the degree of flickering that occurs in response to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG.

[0086] In one embodiment, for example, the first frequency F1 can be set to high when the flickering intensity is high. In such an embodiment, the first frequency F1 can be set to low when the flickering intensity is low.

[0087] The flicker value memory 240 can store the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG and the flicker values ​​corresponding to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG. The flicker values ​​can be used to determine a first frequency F1 of the display panel 100. In one embodiment, for example, the flicker value memory 240 may include a lookup table (in... Figure 4 The type is referred to as "LUT" in Chinese.

[0088] In an embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the input grayscale value of the input image data IMG can be 8 bits, the minimum grayscale value of the input image data IMG can be 0, and the maximum grayscale value of the input image data IMG can be 255. The number of flicker setting levels in the flicker value memory 240 can be 64. When the number of flicker setting levels increases, flicker can be effectively eliminated, but the logic size of the drive controller 200 will increase. Therefore, the number of flicker setting levels can be less than a predetermined value.

[0089] In this embodiment, the input grayscale value of the input image data IMG is as follows: Figure 4 The invention is not limited to the 8 bits shown.

[0090] In an embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the number of grayscale values ​​in the input image data IMG is 256 and the number of flicker setting levels is 64, such that a single flicker value in the flicker value memory 240 can correspond to four grayscale values. In one embodiment, for example, the first flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for grayscale values ​​0 to 3. Here, a flicker value of 0 can represent a drive frequency of 1 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the second flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for grayscale values ​​4 to 7. Here, a flicker value of 0 can represent a drive frequency of 1 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the third flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 40 for grayscale values ​​8 to 11. Here, a flicker value of 40 can represent a drive frequency of 2 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the fourth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 80 for grayscale values ​​12 to 15. Here, a flicker value of 80 can represent a drive frequency of 5 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the fifth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 120 for grayscale values ​​16 to 19. Here, a flicker value of 120 can represent a drive frequency of 10 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the sixth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 160 for grayscale values ​​of 20 to 23. Here, a flicker value of 160 can represent a drive frequency of 30 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the seventh flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 200 for grayscale values ​​of 24 to 27. Here, a flicker value of 200 can represent a drive frequency of 60 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the sixty-second flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for grayscale values ​​of 244 to 247. Here, a flicker value of 0 can represent a drive frequency of 1 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the sixty-third flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for grayscale values ​​of 248 to 251. Here, a flicker value of 0 can represent a drive frequency of 1 Hz. In one embodiment, for example, the sixty-fourth flicker setting level stores a flicker value of 0 for grayscale values ​​of 252 to 255. Here, a flicker value of 0 can represent a drive frequency of 1 Hz.

[0091] The second frequency F2 can be determined by multiplying the playback speed setting MD by the input frequency of the input image data IMG. In such an embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is high, the second frequency F2 can be set to high. In such an embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is low, the second frequency F2 can be set to low.

[0092] In an embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, when the playback speed setting MD is 1.0x and the input frequency is 60Hz, the second frequency can be 60Hz. When the playback speed setting MD is 0.8x and the input frequency is 60Hz, the second frequency can be 48Hz (=60Hz×0.8). When the playback speed setting MD is 0.6x and the input frequency is 60Hz, the second frequency can be 36Hz (=60Hz×0.6). When the playback speed setting MD is 0.5x and the input frequency is 60Hz, the second frequency can be 30Hz (=60Hz×0.5). When the playback speed setting MD is 0.4x and the input frequency is 60Hz, the second frequency can be 24Hz (=60Hz×0.4). When the playback speed setting MD is 0.2x and the input frequency is 60Hz, the second frequency can be 12Hz (=60Hz×0.2). When the playback speed setting MD is 0.1x and the input frequency is 60Hz, the second frequency can be 6Hz (=60Hz×0.1).

[0093] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing the output image and drive frequency according to the comparative embodiment when the playback speed is set to 0.5 times the MD. Figure 7 This indicates that when the playback speed is set to 0.5x, according to... Figure 2 The output image of the drive controller operation and the conceptual diagram of the drive frequency.

[0094] Figure 6 A comparative embodiment of a frequency controller is shown, which includes a static image determiner 220, a drive frequency determiner 230, and a flash value memory 240, but does not include a playback mode determiner 210.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the comparative embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is set to 0.5 times, the drive controller 200 will copy each of the input image A and input image B twice, so that the drive controller 200 can process the input images as types A, A, B and B.

[0096] When input image A is input in the first frame FRAME1 and input image A is input in the second frame FRAME2, the static image determiner 220 according to the comparative embodiment can determine that the input image data IMG is a static image at the end of the second frame FRAME2. Therefore, the second frame FRAME2 of the output image can be the first frame driven by a low frequency.

[0097] However, when input image A is input in the second frame FRAME2 and input image B is input in the third frame FRAME3, the static image determiner 220 according to the comparative embodiment determines that the input image data IMG is a moving image at the end of the third frame FRAME3. Therefore, in the third frame FRAME3 of the output image, the low-frequency drive mode is immediately terminated.

[0098] because Figure 6 The static image determiner 220 of the comparative embodiment operates based on at least two frames to determine the low-frequency drive mode, so it is practically impossible to perform low-frequency drive when the playback speed setting MD is 0.5x.

[0099] Additionally, the drive controller 200 may include a dithering component that expands the number of bits in the input image data IMG or data signal DATA to increase the grayscale resolution of the input image data IMG or data signal DATA. For example, the dithering component may perform a dithering operation. The dithering component may reconstruct the image signal frame by frame based on a dithering pattern selected based on low-order bits, the image signal being generated by extracting the high-order bits of the input image data IMG or data signal DATA that correspond to the processable bits in the drive controller 200 or data driver 500. In one embodiment, for example, the dithering pattern may be a set of compensation values ​​corresponding to pixels. Through dithering, the brightness of the display panel can be slightly adjusted, thereby improving the grayscale resolution. The dithering component may store multiple dithering patterns that vary according to grayscale and frames for use in dithering operations. The dithering pattern may be repeated across multiple frames, and the dithering pattern may have a repetition period.

[0100] With the drive controller 200 also including a jittering component, since the still image determiner 220 operates based on more than two frames to determine the low-frequency drive mode, it is practically impossible to perform low-frequency drive even when the playback speed setting MD is less than 0.5 times.

[0101] Figure 7 This indicates the operation of the frequency controller in the embodiment when the playback speed is set to 0.5 times the maximum MD. In the embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, when the playback speed setting MD is set to 0.5x, the drive controller 200 can not copy the input images A and B, but instead set the drive frequency to 30Hz (i.e., the second frequency of 30Hz corresponding to 0.5x) and process the input images A and B one by one.

[0102] If image flicker occurs at a drive frequency of 30Hz determined by the MD based on the playback speed setting, the display panel 100 can be driven at a first frequency (e.g., 40Hz) determined by the first frequency determiner 231.

[0103] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the operation of the drive controller 200.

[0104] Reference Figures 1 to 8 An embodiment of the method for driving the display panel 100 may include the operation of determining the driving frequency of the display panel 100 by a frequency controller of the drive controller 200 and the operation of outputting a data voltage to the display panel 100 based on the driving frequency.

[0105] The frequency controller can determine the driving frequency of the display panel 100 based on the input image data (IMG) and the playback speed setting (MD).

[0106] The playback mode determiner 210 can determine whether the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times (operation S100).

[0107] When the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times, the still image determiner 220 determines whether the input image data IMG is a moving image or a still image (operation S600).

[0108] When the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data IMG is a moving image, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100 as the input frequency of the input image data IMG (operation S700).

[0109] When the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data IMG is a static image, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data IMG (operation S800).

[0110] When the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times, the first frequency determiner 231 determines the first frequency F1 based on the flicker value related to the gray value of the input image data IMG, and the second frequency determiner 232 determines the second frequency F2 based on the playback speed setting MD (operation S200).

[0111] Frequency comparator 233 can determine whether the first frequency F1 is equal to or greater than the second frequency F2 (operation S300).

[0112] When the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times and the first frequency F1 is equal to or greater than the second frequency F2, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine that the drive frequency of the display panel 100 is the first frequency F1 (operation S400).

[0113] When the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times and the first frequency F1 is less than the second frequency F2, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine that the drive frequency of the display panel 100 is the second frequency F2 (operation S500).

[0114] According to an embodiment, the frequency controller can determine the driving frequency based on the input image data (IMG) and the playback speed setting (MD). Therefore, when the input image data (IMG) represents a static image, or when the moving image has a playback speed setting (MD) of less than 1.0 times, the driving frequency can be set to a value lower than the input frequency. This reduces the power consumption of the display device.

[0115] In such an embodiment, the driving frequency of the display panel 100 is determined based on the degree of flickering of the input image data IMG, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a drive controller 200 for a display device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0117] Besides the structure and operation of the frequency controller Figure 9 The display device and the method of driving the display panel are the same as those mentioned above. Figures 1 to 8 The display device and method of driving the display panel described in the previous embodiment are substantially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same as those mentioned above. Figures 1 to 8 The elements of the described embodiments are the same or similar, and any repeated detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified below.

[0118] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 7 as well as Figure 9 An embodiment of the display device includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a drive controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500.

[0119] The drive controller 200 includes a frequency controller. The frequency controller can determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the input image data (IMG) and the playback speed setting (MD).

[0120] The frequency controller may include a playback mode determiner 210, a still image determiner 220, a drive frequency determiner 230, and a flash value memory 240.

[0121] Playback mode determiner 210 can determine whether the playback speed setting MD is lower than 1.0x. In this embodiment, when the playback speed setting MD is lower than 1.0x, the operation of still image determiner 220 can be skipped. When the playback speed setting MD is lower than 1.0x, playback mode determiner 210 can output the playback speed setting MD to drive frequency determiner 230.

[0122] The still image determiner 220 can determine whether the input image data IMG is a still image or a moving image. The still image determiner 220 can output a still image flag SF, indicating whether the input image data IMG is a still image or a moving image, to the drive frequency determiner 230.

[0123] The drive frequency determiner 230 can refer to the flicker value memory 240 to determine a low drive frequency. The flicker value memory 240 can store flicker values ​​that represent the degree of flickering based on the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG.

[0124] In this embodiment, the drive frequency determiner 230 can use the flicker value to determine the drive frequency. In this embodiment, when the input image data IMG is a still image or the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times, the drive frequency determiner 230 can use the flicker value to determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100.

[0125] An embodiment of the method for driving the display panel 100 may include the operation of determining the driving frequency of the display panel 100 by a frequency controller of the drive controller 200 and the operation of outputting a data voltage to the display panel 100 based on the driving frequency.

[0126] The playback mode determiner 210 can determine whether the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times (operation S100).

[0127] When the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times, the still image determiner 220 determines whether the input image data IMG is a moving image or a still image (operation S600).

[0128] When the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data IMG is a moving image, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine that the drive frequency of the display panel 100 is the input frequency of the input image data IMG (operation S700).

[0129] When the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data IMG is a static image, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data IMG (operation S800).

[0130] When the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times, the drive frequency determiner 230 can determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data IMG (operation S800).

[0131] According to an embodiment, the frequency controller can determine the driving frequency based on the input image data (IMG) and the playback speed setting (MD). Therefore, when the input image data (IMG) represents a static image, or when the moving image has a playback speed setting (MD) of less than 1.0 times, the driving frequency can be set to a value lower than the input frequency. This reduces the power consumption of the display device.

[0132] In such an embodiment, the driving frequency of the display panel 100 is determined based on the degree of flickering of the input image data IMG, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0133] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display panel 100 of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 A block diagram of the frequency controller for a display device.

[0134] In addition to the display panel being divided into multiple sections, Figure 10 and Figure 11 The display device and the method of driving the display panel are the same as those mentioned above. Figures 1 to 8 The described display device and the method of driving the display panel are essentially the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same reference numerals as those above. Figures 1 to 8 The elements of the described embodiments are the same or similar, and any repeated detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified below.

[0135] Reference Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 8 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The display panel 100 may include multiple segments SEG11 to SEG85. In an embodiment, the display panel 100 may include, for example, Figure 10 The section shown is in the form of an 8x5 matrix, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0136] When flicker values ​​are determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis and only one pixel has a high flicker value, the entire display panel is driven at a high driving frequency to prevent flickering in that single pixel. In one embodiment, for example, when flickering in only one pixel is prevented at a driving frequency of 30 Hz while other pixels do not flicker at a driving frequency of 1 Hz, the display panel 100 is driven at a driving frequency of 30 Hz, and the power consumption of the display device is higher than the expected power consumption.

[0137] Therefore, when the display panel 100 is divided into segments and the flicker value is determined by segment, the power consumption of the display device can be effectively reduced.

[0138] In one embodiment, for example, the drive controller 200 may include a frequency controller. The frequency controller may include a playback mode determiner 210, a still image determiner 220, a flicker value memory 240, and a drive frequency determiner 230A. The playback mode determiner 210 determines whether the playback speed setting MD is less than 1.0 times. The still image determiner 220 determines whether the input image data IMG is a still image or a moving image when the playback speed setting MD is equal to or greater than 1.0 times. The flicker value memory 240 stores flicker values ​​related to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IMG. The drive frequency determiner 230A determines the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the flicker value corresponding to the segment and the playback speed setting MD.

[0139] In this embodiment, the drive frequency determiner 230A can determine the flicker value of each segment and determine the optimal drive frequency for each segment. The drive frequency determiner 230A can determine that the low drive frequency of the display panel 100 is the maximum drive frequency among the optimal drive frequencies for each segment. Based on the flicker values ​​of each segment, the drive frequency determiner 230A can determine the maximum drive frequency that does not show flicker to the user as the drive frequency of the display panel.

[0140] In one embodiment, for example, when the optimal drive frequency for the first segment SEG11 is 10 Hz and the optimal drive frequency for the other segments SEG12 to SEG85 is 2 Hz, the drive frequency determiner 230A can determine the low drive frequency as 10 Hz.

[0141] In an embodiment, the drive frequency determiner 230A can determine the low drive frequency by referring to the information SG of the flash value memory 240 and the segment of the display panel 100.

[0142] In this embodiment, the drive frequency determiner 230A can determine the flicker value corresponding to a segment. The drive frequency determiner 230A can determine the drive frequency of the display panel 100 based on the flicker value corresponding to the segment and the playback speed setting MD.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the frequency controller can determine the driving frequency based on the input image data (IMG) and the playback speed setting (MD). Therefore, when the input image data (IMG) represents a static image, or when the moving image has a playback speed setting (MD) of less than 1.0 times, the driving frequency can be set to a value lower than the input frequency. This reduces the power consumption of the display device.

[0144] In such an embodiment, the driving frequency of the display panel 100 is determined based on the degree of flickering of the input image data IMG, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0145] According to embodiments of the invention as described herein, the power consumption of a display device can be reduced, and the display quality of the display panel can be improved.

[0146] The invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0147] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: The display panel shows images based on the input image; The data driver outputs data voltage to the display panel; as well as A frequency controller determines the driving frequency of the display panel based on the input image data and playback speed settings. The frequency controller includes: Playback mode determiner, determines whether the playback speed setting is less than 1.0 times; A static image determiner determines whether the input image data is a static image or a moving image when the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times. A flicker value memory stores flicker values ​​related to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data; and A drive frequency determiner determines the drive frequency of the display panel based on the flicker value and the playback speed setting.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive frequency determiner includes: A first frequency determiner determines a first frequency based on the flicker value; A second frequency determiner determines a second frequency based on the playback speed setting; and A frequency comparator compares the first frequency and the second frequency, and determines that the driving frequency of the display panel is the larger of the first frequency and the second frequency.

3. The display device according to claim 2, in, The first frequency is determined based on the flicker value, which represents the degree of flickering occurring with respect to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data. Wherein, when the degree of flickering is high, the first frequency is set to high, and Wherein, when the degree of flickering is low, the first frequency is set to low.

4. The display device according to claim 2, in, The second frequency is determined by multiplying the playback speed setting by the input frequency of the input image data. Specifically, when the playback speed is set to high, the second frequency is set to high, and Specifically, when the playback speed is set to low, the second frequency is set to low.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, When the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times, the drive frequency determiner determines the first frequency and the second frequency.

6. The display device according to claim 5, in, When the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is equal to or greater than the second frequency, the drive frequency determiner outputs the data signal to the data driver at the first frequency, and Specifically, when the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is less than the second frequency, the drive frequency determiner outputs the data signal to the data driver at the second frequency.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the input image data is a static image or the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times, the drive frequency determiner determines the drive frequency of the display panel based on the flicker value.

8. A display device, the display device comprising: The display panel shows images based on the input image; The data driver outputs data voltage to the display panel; as well as A frequency controller determines the driving frequency of the display panel based on the input image data and playback speed settings. The display panel includes multiple sections, and The frequency controller includes: Playback mode determiner, determines whether the playback speed setting is less than 1.0 times; A static image determiner determines whether the input image data is a static image or a moving image when the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times. A flicker value memory stores flicker values ​​related to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data; and A drive frequency determiner determines the drive frequency of the display panel based on the playback speed setting and the flicker values ​​corresponding to the plurality of segments.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The frequency controller determines the flicker value of each of the plurality of segments, and determines the driving frequency of the display panel based on the flicker value of each of the plurality of segments, wherein the maximum driving frequency at which flicker is not shown to the user.

10. A method for driving a display panel, the method comprising: The driving frequency of the display panel is determined using a frequency controller; as well as The data voltage is output to the display panel based on the driving frequency. The frequency controller determines the driving frequency of the display panel based on the input image data and playback speed settings. The step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel includes: when the playback speed setting is less than 1.0 times, determining a first frequency based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data, and determining a second frequency based on the playback speed setting.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel includes: when the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times, determining whether the input image data is a moving image or a static image.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel further includes: When the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data is a moving image, the driving frequency of the display panel is determined to be the input frequency of the input image data; and When the playback speed is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0 times and the input image data is a static image, the driving frequency of the display panel is determined based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The step of determining the driving frequency of the display panel further includes: When the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is equal to or greater than the second frequency, the driving frequency of the display panel is determined to be the first frequency; and When the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times and the first frequency is less than the second frequency, the driving frequency of the display panel is determined to be the second frequency.

14. The method according to claim 10, in, The first frequency is determined based on the flicker value, where the flicker value represents the degree of flickering occurring with respect to the grayscale values ​​of the input image data. Wherein, when the degree of flickering is high, the first frequency is set to high, and Specifically, when the degree of flickering is low, the first frequency is set to low.

15. The method according to claim 10, in, The second frequency is determined by multiplying the playback speed setting by the input frequency of the input image data. Specifically, when the playback speed is set to high, the second frequency is set to high, and Specifically, when the playback speed is set to low, the second frequency is set to low.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, When the input image data is a static image or the playback speed is set to less than 1.0 times, the driving frequency of the display panel is determined based on the flicker value related to the grayscale value of the input image data.

17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The display panel is divided into multiple sections; as well as Determine the flicker value corresponding to the plurality of segments. The driving frequency of the display panel is determined based on the playback speed setting and the flicker value corresponding to the plurality of segments.

Images