Display device and method of driving the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display apparatus and a method of driving the same. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a gate driver, a data driver, and a driving controller. The display panel includes an edge area having a rounded shape in a first state and a flat shape in a second state. The gate driver applies a gate signal to a gate line of the display panel, the data driver applies a data voltage to a data line of the display panel, and the driving controller processes input image data according to the first state and the second state. The display panel includes a first display area having a first pixel density and a second display area having a second pixel density smaller than the first pixel density. The second display area corresponds to the edge area of the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and a method for driving the display device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device in which the edge region of the display panel is selectively in a curved or flat state, and a method for driving the display device. Background Technology

[0002] The edge areas of the display panel are typically formed into rounded shapes. This has been introduced in small display devices (such as smartphones) to enhance design, improve grip, and facilitate various applications.

[0003] In addition, large-sized curved display devices with rounded edges on the display panel have been introduced to enhance user immersion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Public preference for display devices with rounded edges may be segmented, which may lead to users being less than satisfied with the rounded edges.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device capable of selectively displaying edge areas of a display panel in an arc state or a flat state.

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

[0007] In an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention, the display device includes a display panel, a gate driver, a data driver, and a drive controller. In such an embodiment, the display panel includes an edge region having a rounded shape in a first state and a flat shape in a second state. In such an embodiment, the gate driver applies gate signals to the gate lines of the display panel, the data driver applies data voltages to the data lines of the display panel, and the drive controller processes input image data according to the first and second states. In such an embodiment, the display panel includes a first display area having a first pixel density and a second display area having a second pixel density less than the first pixel density, and the second display area corresponds to the edge region of the display panel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a hinge arranged corresponding to an edge region of the display panel. In such an embodiment, the hinge can transform the shape of the edge region into a rounded shape or a flat shape.

[0009] In an embodiment, in a first state, the first display area may be valid, and the second display area may be invalid.

[0010] In an embodiment, in the second state, both the first display area and the second display area can be active.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drive controller, in a first state, can generate a data signal based on input image data corresponding to the first display area and output the data signal to the data driver. In another embodiment, in a second state, the drive controller can amplify the input image data corresponding to the first display area to match the first and second display areas to generate an amplified data signal and output the amplified data signal to the data driver.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drive controller in the second state can generate a data signal based on input image data corresponding to the first and second display areas, and output the data signal to the data driver. In another embodiment, the drive controller in the first state can trim the input image data corresponding to the first and second display areas to match the first display area to generate a trimmed data signal, and output the trimmed data signal to the data driver.

[0013] In an embodiment, the drive controller may include a brightness compensator, which in a second state compensates for a first brightness of a first display area and a second brightness of a second display area in a manner such that for image data having the same grayscale value, the first brightness of the first display area is equal to the second brightness of the second display area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display panel may include a first edge region disposed on the left side of the display panel and a second edge region disposed on the right side of the display panel. In such an embodiment, the display area corresponding to the first edge region may be a second display area, and the display area corresponding to the second edge region may be a third display area, and the first display area may be disposed between the second and third display areas. In such an embodiment, the brightness of the second display area may be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the second display area of ​​the first display area, and the brightness of the third display area may be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the third display area of ​​the first display area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the display panel may include: a first edge region disposed on the left side of the display panel, a second edge region disposed on the right side of the display panel, a third edge region disposed on the upper side of the display panel, and a fourth edge region disposed on the lower side of the display panel. In such an embodiment, the display area corresponding to the first edge region may be a second display area, the display area corresponding to the second edge region may be a third display area, the display area corresponding to the third edge region may be a fourth display area, and the display area corresponding to the fourth edge region may be a fifth display area. Furthermore, the first display area may be disposed between the second, third, fourth, and fifth display areas. In such an embodiment, the brightness of the second display area may be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the second display area of ​​the first display area, the brightness of the third display area may be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the third display area of ​​the first display area, the brightness of the fourth display area may be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the fourth display area of ​​the first display area, and the brightness of the fifth display area may be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the fifth display area of ​​the first display area.

[0016] In one embodiment, the display panel may include: a first edge region disposed on the left side of the display panel, a second edge region disposed on the right side of the display panel, a third edge region disposed on the upper side of the display panel, and a fourth edge region disposed on the lower side of the display panel. In such an embodiment, the display area corresponding to the first edge region may be a second display area, the display area corresponding to the second edge region may be a third display area, the display area corresponding to the third edge region may be a fourth display area, and the display area corresponding to the fourth edge region may be a fifth display area. Furthermore, the first display area may be disposed between the second, third, fourth, and fifth display areas. In such an embodiment, the display area corresponding to the first corner where the first and third edge regions intersect may be a first corner display area, the display area corresponding to the second corner where the second and third edge regions intersect may be a second corner display area, the display area corresponding to the third corner where the first and fourth edge regions intersect may be a third corner display area, and the display area corresponding to the fourth corner where the second and fourth edge regions intersect may be a fourth corner display area. In such an embodiment, the brightness of the second display area can be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the second display area of ​​the first display area; the brightness of the third display area can be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the third display area of ​​the first display area; the brightness of the fourth display area can be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the fourth display area of ​​the first display area; and the brightness of the fifth display area can be compensated based on the average brightness of the areas adjacent to the fifth display area of ​​the first display area. In such an embodiment, the brightness of the first corner display area can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the second and fourth display areas; the brightness of the second corner display area can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the third and fourth display areas; the brightness of the third corner display area can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the second and fifth display areas; and the brightness of the fourth corner display area can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the third and fifth display areas.

[0017] In an embodiment, the drive controller may include a color coordinate compensator, which in a second state compensates for the first color coordinate of the first display area and the second color coordinate of the second display area in a manner such that for image data having the same grayscale value, the first color coordinate of the first display area is equal to the second color coordinate of the second display area.

[0018] In one embodiment, the display panel may include a first edge region disposed on the left side of the display panel and a second edge region disposed on the right side of the display panel. In such an embodiment, the display area corresponding to the first edge region may be a second display area, and the display area corresponding to the second edge region may be a third display area, with the first display area disposed between the second and third display areas. In such an embodiment, the color coordinates of the second display area may be compensated based on the average color coordinates of the regions adjacent to the second display area of ​​the first display area, and the color coordinates of the third display area may be compensated based on the average color coordinates of the regions adjacent to the third display area of ​​the first display area.

[0019] In one embodiment, the display device may further include an angle sensor that senses the angle of an edge region of the display panel. In such an embodiment, the drive controller can automatically control the active and inactive states of the second display area based on the angle of the edge region.

[0020] In one embodiment, the edge region of the display panel may have another rounded shape in a third state. In such an embodiment, the display surface of the display panel may have a convex rounded shape in a first state, and the display surface of the display panel may have a concave rounded shape in a third state.

[0021] In one embodiment, in a first state, the first display area may be active, and the second display area may be inactive. In another embodiment, in a second state, both the first and second display areas may be active. In yet another embodiment, in a third state, both the first and second display areas may be active.

[0022] In an embodiment of the method for driving a display device according to the present invention, the method includes: determining a state of the display device, wherein the state of the display device includes a first state in which the edge region of the display panel of the display device has a rounded shape and a second state in which the edge region of the display panel has a flat shape; processing input image data according to the first state and the second state; applying a gate signal to a gate line of the display panel; and applying a data voltage to a data line of the display panel. In such an embodiment, the display panel may include a first display area having a first pixel density and a second display area having a second pixel density less than the first pixel density, and the second display area may correspond to the edge region of the display panel.

[0023] In one embodiment, in a first state, the first display area may be active, and the second display area may be inactive. In another embodiment, in a second state, both the first and second display areas may be active.

[0024] In an embodiment, processing the input image data may include: in a first state, generating a data signal based on the input image data corresponding to the first display area; and in a second state, generating an amplified data signal by amplifying the input image data corresponding to the first display area to match the first display area and the second display area.

[0025] In an embodiment, processing the input image data may include: in a second state, generating a data signal based on the input image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area; and in a first state, generating a trimmed data signal by trimming the input image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area to match the first display area, and outputting the trimmed data signal to the data driver of the display device in the first state.

[0026] According to embodiments of the display device and the method of driving the display device, the edge region of the display panel can be selectively implemented as either curved or flat. In such embodiments, the edge region of the display panel includes pixels, such that when the edge region of the display panel is flat, an image can be displayed over the entire area of ​​the display panel.

[0027] In such an embodiment, when the edge area of ​​the display panel is in a flat state, the difference between the brightness of the image displayed on the first display area corresponding to the center area of ​​the display panel and the brightness of the image displayed on the second display area corresponding to the edge area can be compensated, and the difference between the color coordinates of the image displayed on the first display area and the color coordinates of the image displayed on the second display area can be compensated, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of embodiments of the invention 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 present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 It is a diagram. Figure 1 A floor plan of the display panel;

[0031] Figure 3 It is a diagram. Figure 2Conceptual diagrams of the first and second display areas;

[0032] Figure 4 The diagram shows the first state. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display panel;

[0033] Figure 5 The diagram shows the second state. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display panel;

[0034] Figure 6 It is a diagram. Figure 1 Block diagram of the drive controller;

[0035] Figure 7 It is a diagram. Figure 6 A conceptual diagram of the operation of the drive controller;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a drive controller for a display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a drive controller for a display device according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a display panel in a first state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 The diagram shows the second state. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the display panel;

[0040] Figure 12 The diagram shows the third state. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the display panel; and

[0041] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] 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. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0043] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly "on" that other element, or there may be an intermediary element between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" "on" another element, there is no intermediary element.

[0044] It will be understood that while the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, “first element,” “first component,” “first area,” “first layer,” or “first part” discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second area, second layer, or second part.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a,” “the,” and “at least one” do not refer to a limitation of quantity and are intended to include both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “element” has the same meaning as “at least one element” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limited to “a.” “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 be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” or “including” indicate the presence of the stated features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] Furthermore, relative terms such as “down” or “bottom” and “up” or “top” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device. For example, if a device in one of the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “down” of other elements will be oriented as being “up” of other elements. Thus, depending on the specific orientation of the drawing, the term “down” can cover both “down” and “up” orientations. Similarly, if a device in one of the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “below” or “under” other elements will be oriented as being “above” other elements. Thus, the terms “below” and “under” can cover both “up” and “down” orientations.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, 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 be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant field and in the context of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0048] Embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional views as idealized examples. Thus, variations in the illustrated shapes can be anticipated as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but should include deviations in shape obtained, for example, from manufacturing processes. For example, regions illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or non-linear characteristics. Furthermore, illustrated sharp corners may be rounded. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate precise shapes of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0049] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] refer to 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.

[0052] In one embodiment, for example, the drive controller 200 and the data driver 500 may be integrally formed as a single unit. In another 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. A drive module that includes at least the integrally formed drive controller 200 and data driver 500 may be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver (“TED”).

[0053] The display panel 100 may have a pixel area AA with pixels P arranged thereon and a circuit area PA adjacent to the pixel area AA. Driving circuitry may be arranged in the circuit area PA. In this embodiment, pixels may also be arranged in the circuit area PA. The density of pixels P in the pixel area AA may differ from the density of pixels in the circuit area PA.

[0054] The display panel 100 includes multiple gate lines GL, multiple data lines DL, and multiple pixels P electrically 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.

[0055] The drive controller 200 receives input image data IMG and input control signal CONT from an external device. In one embodiment, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The input image data IMG may further include white image data. In an alternative embodiment, 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 further include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The gate driver 300 generates a gate signal for driving the gate line GL in response to a first control signal CONT1 received from the drive controller 200. The gate driver 300 outputs the gate signal to the gate line GL. In one embodiment, for example, the gate driver 300 may output the gate signal sequentially to the gate line GL.

[0062] In one embodiment, the gate driver 300 may be integrated on the circuit area PA of the display panel 100. In such an embodiment, as described above, pixels may also be arranged in the circuit area PA.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In an embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be arranged in the drive controller 200 or in the data driver 500.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In one embodiment, for example, the display device may be a user-portable smartphone or tablet computer. Alternatively, the display device may be a monitor or television of a user-non-portable computer.

[0067] Figure 2 It is a diagram. Figure 1 A plan view of the display panel 100. Figure 3 It is a diagram. Figure 2 A conceptual diagram of the first display area A1 and the second display area A2. Figure 4 The diagram shows the first state. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of display panel 100. Figure 5 The diagram shows the second state. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of display panel 100.

[0068] refer to Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, at least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a rounded or curved shape in a first state, and at least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a flat shape in a second state. In one embodiment, for example, the central region of the display panel 100 may be flat in both the first and second states.

[0069] In one embodiment, for example, the left and right edge regions of the display panel 100 may be arc-shaped or curved in a first state, and the left and right edge regions of the display panel 100 may be flat in a second state. In one embodiment, for example, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, both the left and right edge regions have a rounded shape, or both have a flat shape, but are not limited to these. In alternative embodiments, each of the left and right edge regions may independently have a rounded shape or a flat shape.

[0070] The display panel 100 may include a first display area A1 having a first pixel density and a second display area (e.g., a second display area A2) having a second pixel density lower than the first pixel density. The second display area (e.g., the second display area A2) may correspond to an edge area of ​​the display panel 100. The first display area A1 may be the area between the left edge area and the right edge area.

[0071] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the display panel 100 may include a first edge region disposed on the left side of the display panel 100 and a second edge region disposed on the right side of the display panel 100. The display area corresponding to the first edge region may be a second display area A2, and the display area corresponding to the second edge region may be a third display area A3. The first display area A1 may be disposed between the second display area A2 and the third display area A3.

[0072] In this embodiment, the second display area A2 has a second pixel density that is lower than the first pixel density of the first display area A1, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Here, "pixel density" can be defined as the number of pixels per unit area (e.g., PA11 to PA44 in the first display area A1 or PB1 to PB4 in the second display area A2). In such an embodiment, the third display area A3 may also have a second pixel density that is less than the first pixel density of the first display area A1.

[0073] In an embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 may not perfectly coincide with the rounded area of ​​the edge region. In an embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first display area A1 may correspond to the central area of ​​the display panel 100 with a flat shape, regardless of the first and second states. The first display area A1 may further include a rounded portion of the left edge region adjacent to the central region and a rounded portion of the right edge region adjacent to the central region.

[0074] The boundary between the first display area A1 and the second display area A2 may not be determined by the boundary between the rounded portion and the flat portion, but by the pixel density of the first display area A1 and the pixel density of the second display area A2.

[0075] The display device may further include hinges H1 and H2 arranged corresponding to the edge regions of the display panel 100. Hinges H1 and H2 can transform the shape of the edge regions into rounded or flat shapes. In an embodiment, the display device may include a first hinge H1 corresponding to the left edge region of the display panel 100 and a second hinge H2 corresponding to the right edge region of the display panel 100.

[0076] In one embodiment, a user can push the lower edge of the display device toward the display surface of the display panel 100, making the edge area of ​​the display panel 100 flat. In such an embodiment, a user can push the edge of the display surface of the display panel 100 toward the lower surface of the display device, making the edge area of ​​the display panel 100 rounded or curved.

[0077] In the first state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be invalid. In the second state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can also be valid.

[0078] In a first state where the display panel 100 has rounded or curved edge areas, the display device can be operated in an edge arc mode. In a second state where the display panel 100 has flat edge areas, the display device can be operated in an edge flat mode.

[0079] When the display device is in the rounded edge mode, only the first display area A1 can display an image. When the display device is in the flat edge mode, all of the first display area A1, the second display area A2, and the third display area A3 can display images.

[0080] Figure 6 It is a diagram. Figure 1 Block diagram of the drive controller 200. Figure 7 It is a diagram. Figure 6 A conceptual diagram of the operation of the drive controller 200.

[0081] refer to Figures 1 to 7 An embodiment of the drive controller 200 can process the input image data IMG according to a first state and a second state.

[0082] In one embodiment, the drive controller 200 can receive input image data IMG corresponding to the first display area A1. In this embodiment, in a first state, the drive controller 200 can generate a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG corresponding to the first display area A1, and can output the data signal DATA to the data driver 500. In this embodiment, in a second state, the drive controller 200 can amplify the input image data IMG corresponding to the first display area A1 to match the first display area A1, the second display area A2, and the third display area A3 to generate an amplified data signal DATA, and can output the amplified data signal DATA to the data driver 500.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment, the drive controller 200 may receive input image data IMG corresponding to the first display area A1, the second display area A2, and the third display area A3. In such an embodiment, the drive controller 200, in a second state, may generate a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG corresponding to the first display area A1, the second display area A2, and the third display area A3, and may output the data signal DATA to the data driver 500. In such an embodiment, the drive controller 200, in a first state, may trim the input image data IMG corresponding to the first display area A1, the second display area A2, and the third display area A3 to match the first display area A1 to generate a trimmed data signal DATA, and may output the trimmed data signal DATA to the data driver 500. The drive controller 200 may trim the input image data IMG corresponding to the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 from the input image data IMG to match the first display area A1.

[0084] In an embodiment, the drive controller 200 may include a brightness compensator 210. The brightness compensator 210, in a second state, compensates for the first brightness of the first display area A1 and the second brightness of the second display area A2, such that for image data with the same grayscale value, the first brightness of the first display area A1 is equal to the second brightness of the second display area A2. The input to the brightness compensator 210 may be the input image data IMG, and the output of the brightness compensator 210 may be the compensated input image data IMG2.

[0085] In an embodiment where the display area corresponding to the first edge region is the second display area A2, the display area corresponding to the second edge region is the third display area A3, and the first display area A1 is arranged between the second display area A2 and the third display area A3, the brightness of the second display area A2 can be compensated based on the average brightness of the area of ​​the first display area A1 adjacent to the second display area A2, and the brightness of the third display area A3 can be compensated based on the average brightness of the area of ​​the first display area A1 adjacent to the third display area A3.

[0086] In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the second display area A2 can be based on Figure 7 The average brightness of regions Z1, Z4, and Z7 (regions adjacent to the second display area A2 as the first display area A1) is compensated. In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the third display area A3 can be based on... Figure 7 The average brightness of regions Z3, Z6, and Z9 (which are adjacent to the third display region A3 as the first display region A1) is compensated.

[0087] The drive controller 200 may further include a color coordinate compensator 220, which compensates for the first color coordinates of the first display area A1 and the second color coordinates of the second display area A2 in the second state, such that for image data with the same grayscale value, the first color coordinate of the first display area A1 is equal to the second color coordinate of the second display area A2. The input of the color coordinate compensator 220 may be the input image data IMG, and the output of the color coordinate compensator 220 may be the compensated input image data IMG2.

[0088] In one embodiment, for example, when the entire area of ​​the first display area A1 is divided into multiple areas Z1 to Z9, the color coordinates of the second display area A2 can be based on... Figure 7 The average color coordinates of regions Z1, Z4, and Z7 (regions adjacent to the second display area A2, which are part of the first display area A1) are compensated. In such an embodiment, the color coordinates of the third display area A3 can be based on... Figure 7 The average color coordinates of regions Z3, Z6, and Z9 (which are adjacent to the third display area A3 as the first display area A1) are compensated.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the edge region of the display panel 100 can be selectively implemented as either a rounded or flat state. The edge region of the display panel 100 includes pixels, such that when the edge region of the display panel 100 is flat, an image can be displayed over the entire area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0090] In such an embodiment, when the edge area of ​​the display panel 100 is in a flat state, the difference between the brightness of the image displayed on the first display area A1 corresponding to the center area of ​​the display panel 100 and the brightness of the images displayed on the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 corresponding to the edge area can be compensated, and the difference between the color coordinates of the image displayed on the first display area A1 and the color coordinates of the images displayed on the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be compensated, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0091] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a drive controller for a display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 8 The embodiments of the display device and the method for driving the display device shown are consistent with the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The described display device and the method for driving the display device are substantially the same in embodiments, except that the edge regions for state changes of the display panel are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the display panel. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The same or similar elements are described, and any repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0093] refer to Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 6 as well as Figure 8 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.

[0094] At least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a rounded shape in a first state, and at least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a flat shape in a second state. In one embodiment, for example, the central region of the display panel 100 may be flat in both the first and second states.

[0095] In one embodiment, for example, the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region of the display panel 100 may be arc-shaped in a first state, and the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region of the display panel 100 may be flat in a second state. In one embodiment, for example, all of the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region may have a rounded shape, or all of the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region may have a flat shape, but is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, each of the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region may independently have a rounded shape or a flat shape.

[0096] The display panel 100 may include a first display area A1 having a first pixel density and a second display area (e.g., a second display area A2) having a second pixel density lower than the first pixel density. The second display area (e.g., the second display area A2) may correspond to an edge area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0097] In an embodiment, the display panel 100 may include a first edge region disposed on the left side of the display panel 100, a second edge region disposed on the right side of the display panel 100, a third edge region disposed on the upper side of the display panel 100, and a fourth edge region disposed on the lower side of the display panel 100. The display area corresponding to the first edge region may be a second display area A2, the display area corresponding to the second edge region may be a third display area A3, the display area corresponding to the third edge region may be a fourth display area A4, and the display area corresponding to the fourth edge region may be a fifth display area A5. The first display area A1 may be disposed between the second display area A2, the third display area A3, the fourth display area A4, and the fifth display area A5.

[0098] In the first state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display areas A2 to the fifth display areas A5 can be invalid. In the second state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display areas A2 to the fifth display areas A5 can be valid.

[0099] The drive controller 200 can process the input image data IMG according to the first state and the second state.

[0100] The drive controller 200 may include a brightness compensator 210, which is used in a second state to compensate for the first brightness of the first display area A1 and the second brightness of the second display area A2, such that for image data with the same grayscale value, the first brightness of the first display area A1 is equal to the second brightness of the second display area A2.

[0101] In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the second display area A2 can be based on Figure 8 The average brightness of regions Z1, Z4, and Z7 (regions adjacent to the second display area A2 as the first display area A1) is compensated. In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the third display area A3 can be based on... Figure 8 The average brightness of regions Z3, Z6, and Z9 (regions adjacent to the third display region A3 as the first display region A1) is compensated. In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the fourth display region A4 can be based on... Figure 8 The average brightness of regions Z1, Z2, and Z3 (regions adjacent to the fourth display region A4, which are part of the first display region A1) is compensated. In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the fifth display region A5 can be based on... Figure 8 The average brightness of regions Z7, Z8, and Z9 (which are adjacent to the fifth display region A5 as the first display region A1) is compensated.

[0102] The drive controller 200 may further include a color coordinate compensator 220, which in a second state compensates for the first color coordinate of the first display area A1 and the second color coordinate of the second display area A2, such that for image data with the same grayscale value, the first color coordinate of the first display area A1 is equal to the second color coordinate of the second display area A2. The operation of the color coordinate compensator 220 can be similar to that described above. Figure 6 The operation of the color coordinate compensator 220 is described.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the edge region of the display panel 100 can be selectively implemented as either a rounded or flat state. The edge region of the display panel 100 includes pixels, such that when the edge region of the display panel 100 is in a flat state, an image can be displayed over the entire area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0104] In such an embodiment, when the edge area of ​​the display panel 100 is in a flat state, the difference between the brightness of the image displayed on the first display area A1 corresponding to the center area of ​​the display panel 100 and the brightness of the images displayed on the second display areas A2 to the fifth display areas A5 corresponding to the edge areas can be compensated, and the difference between the color coordinates of the image displayed on the first display area A1 and the color coordinates of the images displayed on the second display areas A2 to the fifth display areas A5 can be compensated, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a drive controller for a display device according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 9 The embodiments of the display device and the method for driving the display device shown are consistent with the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The described display device and the method for driving the display device are substantially the same in embodiments, except that the edge regions for state changes of the display panel are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the display panel. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The same or similar elements are described, and any repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0107] refer to Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 6 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.

[0108] At least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a rounded shape in a first state, and at least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a flat shape in a second state. In one embodiment, for example, the central region of the display panel 100 may be flat in both the first and second states.

[0109] In one embodiment, for example, the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region of the display panel 100 may be arc-shaped in a first state, and the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region of the display panel 100 may be flat in a second state. In another embodiment, for example, all of the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region may have a rounded shape, or all of the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region may have a flat shape, but this is not a limitation. In an alternative embodiment, each of the left edge region, right edge region, top edge region, and bottom edge region may independently have a rounded shape or a flat shape.

[0110] The display panel 100 may include a first display area A1 having a first pixel density and a second display area (e.g., a second display area A2) having a second pixel density lower than the first pixel density. The second display area (e.g., the second display area A2) may correspond to an edge area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0111] In an embodiment, the display panel 100 may include a first edge region disposed on the left side of the display panel 100, a second edge region disposed on the right side of the display panel 100, a third edge region disposed on the upper side of the display panel 100, and a fourth edge region disposed on the lower side of the display panel 100. The display area corresponding to the first edge region may be a second display area A2, the display area corresponding to the second edge region may be a third display area A3, the display area corresponding to the third edge region may be a fourth display area A4, and the display area corresponding to the fourth edge region may be a fifth display area A5. The first display area A1 may be disposed between the second display area A2, the third display area A3, the fourth display area A4, and the fifth display area A5.

[0112] In the first state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display areas A2 to the fifth display areas A5 can be invalid. In the second state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display areas A2 to the fifth display areas A5 can be valid.

[0113] The drive controller 200 can process the input image data IMG according to the first state and the second state.

[0114] The drive controller 200 may include a brightness compensator 210, which is used in a second state to compensate for the first brightness of the first display area A1 and the second brightness of the second display area A2, such that for image data with the same grayscale value, the first brightness of the first display area A1 is equal to the second brightness of the second display area A2.

[0115] In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the second display area A2 can be based on Figure 9 The average brightness of regions Z1, Z4, and Z7 (regions adjacent to the second display area A2 as the first display area A1) is compensated. In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the third display area A3 can be based on... Figure 9 The average brightness of regions Z3, Z6, and Z9 (regions adjacent to the third display region A3 as the first display region A1) is compensated. In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the fourth display region A4 can be based on... Figure 9 The average brightness of regions Z1, Z2, and Z3 (regions adjacent to the fourth display region A4, which are part of the first display region A1) is compensated. In one embodiment, for example, the brightness of the fifth display region A5 can be based on... Figure 9 The average brightness of regions Z7, Z8, and Z9 (which are adjacent to the fifth display region A5 as the first display region A1) is compensated.

[0116] In this embodiment, the display area corresponding to the first corner where the first edge region and the third edge region intersect can be the first corner display area AC1, the display area corresponding to the second corner where the second edge region and the third edge region intersect can be the second corner display area AC2, the display area corresponding to the third corner where the first edge region and the fourth edge region intersect can be the third corner display area AC3, and the display area corresponding to the fourth corner where the second edge region and the fourth edge region intersect can be the fourth corner display area AC4.

[0117] The brightness of the first corner display area AC1 can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the second display area A2 and the fourth display area A4. The brightness of the second corner display area AC2 can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the third display area A3 and the fourth display area A4. The brightness of the third corner display area AC3 can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the second display area A2 and the fifth display area A5. The brightness of the fourth corner display area AC4 can be compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the third display area A3 and the fifth display area A5.

[0118] The drive controller 200 may further include a color coordinate compensator 220, which in a second state compensates for the first color coordinate of the first display area A1 and the second color coordinate of the second display area A2, such that for image data with the same grayscale value, the first color coordinate of the first display area A1 is equal to the second color coordinate of the second display area A2. The operation of the color coordinate compensator 220 can be similar to that described above. Figure 6 The operation of the color coordinate compensator 220 is described.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the edge region of the display panel 100 can be selectively implemented as either a rounded or flat state. The edge region of the display panel 100 includes pixels, such that when the edge region of the display panel 100 is flat, an image can be displayed over the entire area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0120] In such an embodiment, when the edge area of ​​the display panel 100 is in a flat state, the difference between the brightness of the image displayed on the first display area A1 corresponding to the center area of ​​the display panel 100 and the brightness of the images displayed on the second to fifth display areas A2 corresponding to the edge area can be compensated, the brightness of the images displayed on the first corner display area AC1 to the fourth corner display area AC4 corresponding to the corner can be compensated, and the difference between the color coordinates of the image displayed on the first display area A1 and the color coordinates of the images displayed on the second to fifth display areas A2 can be compensated, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0121] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a display panel in a first state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 The diagram shows the second state. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the display panel. Figure 12 The diagram shows the third state. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the display panel.

[0122] Figures 10 to 12 The embodiments of the display device and the method for driving the display device shown are consistent with the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The described display device and the embodiment of the method for driving the display device are substantially the same, except that the state of the display panel is changed to one of the first, second, and third states. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The same or similar elements are described, and any repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0123] refer to Figure 1 as well as Figures 10 to 12 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.

[0124] At least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a rounded shape in a first state, at least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a flat shape in a second state, and at least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have another rounded shape in a third state. In one embodiment, for example, the central region of the display panel 100 may be flat in all states of the first, second, and third states.

[0125] In the first state, the display surface of the display panel 100 can have, for example... Figure 10The convex, rounded shape shown. In the third state, the display surface of the display panel 100 can have, as shown... Figure 12 The concave, rounded shape shown.

[0126] In the first state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be invalid. In the second state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be valid. In the third state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be valid.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the edge region of the display panel 100 can be selectively implemented as either a rounded state or a flat state. The edge region of the display panel 100 includes pixels, such that when the edge region of the display panel 100 has a flat state or a third state with a concave rounded shape, an image can be displayed on the entire area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0128] In such an embodiment, when the edge area of ​​the display panel 100 is in a flat state, the difference between the brightness of the image displayed on the first display area A1 corresponding to the center area of ​​the display panel 100 and the brightness of the images displayed on the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 corresponding to the edge area can be compensated, and the difference between the color coordinates of the image displayed on the first display area A1 and the color coordinates of the images displayed on the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be compensated, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0129] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Figure 13 The embodiments of the display device and the method for driving the display device shown are consistent with the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The embodiments of the described display device and the method of driving the display device are substantially the same, except that the display device further includes an angle sensor. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the above references. Figures 1 to 7 The same or similar elements are described, and any repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0131] refer to Figures 2 to 7 as well as Figure 13 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.

[0132] At least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a rounded shape in a first state, and at least one edge region of the display panel 100 may have a flat shape in a second state. In one embodiment, for example, the central region of the display panel 100 may be flat, regardless of the first and second states.

[0133] The display device may further include an angle sensor 600 for sensing the angle of the edge region. In one embodiment, for example, the angle sensor 600 may sense the angle of the edge region relative to the flat central region of the display panel 100.

[0134] In the first state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be invalid. In the second state, the first display area A1 can be valid, and the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be valid.

[0135] In this embodiment, the drive controller 200 can automatically control the active and inactive states of the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 based on the angle of the edge region. In such an embodiment, the method for controlling the active and inactive states of the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 is the same as described above. Figures 1 to 7 The methods described are basically the same.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the edge region of the display panel 100 can be selectively implemented as either a rounded or flat state. The edge region of the display panel 100 includes pixels, such that when the edge region of the display panel 100 is flat, an image can be displayed over the entire area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0137] In such an embodiment, when the edge area of ​​the display panel 100 is in a flat state, the difference between the brightness of the image displayed on the first display area A1 corresponding to the center area of ​​the display panel 100 and the brightness of the images displayed on the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 corresponding to the edge area can be compensated, and the difference between the color coordinates of the image displayed on the first display area A1 and the color coordinates of the images displayed on the second display area A2 and the third display area A3 can be compensated, thereby improving the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0138] According to embodiments of the display device and the method of driving the display device, as described herein, the edge region of the display panel can be selectively implemented as either a curved state or a flat state.

[0139] This 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 concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0140] While 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 to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, such changes in form and detail being intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of the claims are included herein.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes an edge region having a rounded shape in a first state and a flat shape in a second state; A gate driver applies gate signals to the gate lines of the display panel; A data driver applies data voltage to the data lines of the display panel; as well as The drive controller processes the input image data according to the first state and the second state. The display panel includes a first display area having a first pixel density and a second display area having a second pixel density less than the first pixel density. The second display area corresponds to the edge area of ​​the display panel, and In the first state, the first surface of the display panel includes an edge having the rounded shape; in the second state, the first surface of the display panel includes an edge having the flat shape; and in the second state, the second surface of the display panel opposite to the first surface includes an edge having the rounded shape.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A hinge is arranged corresponding to the edge region of the display panel. The hinge transforms the shape of the edge region into either the rounded shape or the flat shape.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, In the first state, the first display area is valid, and the second display area is invalid.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, In the second state, both the first display area and the second display area are valid.

5. The display device according to claim 4, The drive controller generates a data signal based on the input image data corresponding to the first display area in the first state, and outputs the data signal to the data driver. The drive controller amplifies the input image data corresponding to the first display area in the second state to match the first display area and the second display area to generate an amplified data signal, and outputs the amplified data signal to the data driver.

6. The display device according to claim 4, The drive controller, in the second state, generates a data signal based on the input image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area, and outputs the data signal to the data driver. The drive controller in the first state trims the input image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area to match the first display area to generate a trimmed data signal, and outputs the trimmed data signal to the data driver.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The drive controller includes a brightness compensator that, in the second state, compensates for a first brightness of the first display area and a second brightness of the second display area in a manner such that, for image data having the same grayscale value, the first brightness of the first display area is equal to the second brightness of the second display area.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the display panel comprises: The first edge region is located on the left side of the display panel; as well as The second edge region is located on the right side of the display panel. The display area corresponding to the first edge region is the second display area, and the display area corresponding to the second edge region is the third display area. The first display area is arranged between the second display area and the third display area. The brightness of the second display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the second display area of ​​the first display area, and the brightness of the third display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the third display area of ​​the first display area.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the display panel comprises: The first edge region is located on the left side of the display panel; The second edge region is located on the right side of the display panel; The third edge region is located on the upper side of the display panel; as well as The fourth edge region is located on the lower side of the display panel. The display area corresponding to the first edge region is the second display area, the display area corresponding to the second edge region is the third display area, the display area corresponding to the third edge region is the fourth display area, and the display area corresponding to the fourth edge region is the fifth display area. The first display area is arranged between the second display area, the third display area, the fourth display area, and the fifth display area. The brightness of the second display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the second display area of ​​the first display area; the brightness of the third display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the third display area of ​​the first display area; the brightness of the fourth display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the fourth display area of ​​the first display area; and the brightness of the fifth display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the fifth display area of ​​the first display area.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the display panel comprises: The first edge region is located on the left side of the display panel; The second edge region is located on the right side of the display panel; The third edge region is located on the upper side of the display panel; as well as The fourth edge region is located on the lower side of the display panel. The display area corresponding to the first edge region is the second display area, the display area corresponding to the second edge region is the third display area, the display area corresponding to the third edge region is the fourth display area, and the display area corresponding to the fourth edge region is the fifth display area. The first display area is arranged between the second display area, the third display area, the fourth display area, and the fifth display area. The display area corresponding to the first corner where the first edge region and the third edge region intersect is the first corner display area; the display area corresponding to the second corner where the second edge region and the third edge region intersect is the second corner display area; the display area corresponding to the third corner where the first edge region and the fourth edge region intersect is the third corner display area; and the display area corresponding to the fourth corner where the second edge region and the fourth edge region intersect is the fourth corner display area. The brightness of the second display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the second display area of ​​the first display area; the brightness of the third display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the third display area of ​​the first display area; the brightness of the fourth display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the fourth display area of ​​the first display area; and the brightness of the fifth display area is compensated based on the average brightness of the area adjacent to the fifth display area of ​​the first display area. The brightness of the first corner display area is compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the second and fourth display areas; the brightness of the second corner display area is compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the third and fourth display areas; the brightness of the third corner display area is compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the second and fifth display areas; and the brightness of the fourth corner display area is compensated by interpolating the compensation values ​​of the third and fifth display areas.

11. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The drive controller includes a color coordinate compensator, which compensates for the first color coordinate of the first display area and the second color coordinate of the second display area in a manner that, for image data with the same grayscale value, the first color coordinate of the first display area is equal to the second color coordinate of the second display area.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the display panel comprises: The first edge region is located on the left side of the display panel; as well as The second edge region is located on the right side of the display panel. The display area corresponding to the first edge region is the second display area, and the display area corresponding to the second edge region is the third display area. The first display area is arranged between the second display area and the third display area. The color coordinates of the second display area are compensated based on the average color coordinates of the regions of the first display area adjacent to the second display area, and the color coordinates of the third display area are compensated based on the average color coordinates of the regions of the first display area adjacent to the third display area.

13. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising: An angle sensor senses the angle of the edge region of the display panel.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The drive controller automatically controls the effective and ineffective states of the second display area based on the angle of the edge area.

15. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, The edge region of the display panel in the third state has another rounded shape. The display surface of the display panel has a convex, rounded shape in the first state, and The display surface of the display panel in the third state has a concave, rounded shape.

16. The display device according to claim 15, In the first state, the first display area is active, and the second display area is inactive. In the second state, both the first and second display areas are active. In the third state, both the first display area and the second display area are valid.

17. A method for driving a display device, the method comprising: Determine the state of the display device, wherein the state of the display device includes a first state in which the edge region of the display panel of the display device has a rounded shape and a second state in which the edge region of the display panel has a flat shape; Process the input image data according to the first state and the second state; The gate signal is applied to the gate lines of the display panel; and Apply data voltage to the data lines of the display panel. The display panel includes a first display area having a first pixel density and a second display area having a second pixel density less than the first pixel density. The second display area corresponds to the edge area of ​​the display panel, and In the first state, the first surface of the display panel includes an edge having the rounded shape; in the second state, the first surface of the display panel includes an edge having the flat shape; and in the second state, the second surface of the display panel opposite to the first surface includes an edge having the rounded shape.

18. The method according to claim 17, In the first state, the first display area is active, and the second display area is inactive. In the second state, both the first display area and the second display area are valid.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein processing the input image data comprises: In the first state, a data signal is generated based on the input image data corresponding to the first display area; and In the second state, an amplified data signal is generated by amplifying the input image data corresponding to the first display area to match the first display area and the second display area.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein processing the input image data comprises: In the second state, a data signal is generated based on the input image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area; and In the first state, a trimmed data signal is generated by trimming the input image data corresponding to the first display area and the second display area to match the first display area, and the trimmed data signal is output to the data driver of the display device in the first state.

Images