Electronic device and electronic device driving method

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device and a method for driving the electronic device. The electronic device according to one embodiment may include: a display panel including a plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein a plurality of regions are defined based on the plurality of light-emitting elements; a compensation unit that calculates compensation values ​​for image data provided to the plurality of regions; and a control unit that controls output of the image data provided to the display panel based on the compensation values ​​and the image data, the control unit including: a correction unit that outputs a correction ratio for each of the plurality of regions based on the compensation values; and a comparison unit that determines whether an input current of the image data is within a normal range based on the correction ratios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device with improved overcurrent protection reliability and an electronic device driving method. Background Art

[0002] Display panels can include transmissive display panels that selectively transmit source light generated by a light source, and emissive display panels, in which the display panel itself generates source light. To produce color images, display panels can include different types of light control layers depending on the pixel. The light control layer can transmit only a portion of the wavelength range of the source light or change the color of the source light. Partial light control layers can also modify the characteristics of the source light without changing its color. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and an electronic device driving method with improved overcurrent protection reliability.

[0004] An electronic device involved in one embodiment of the present invention may include: a display panel, including multiple light-emitting elements, and defining multiple areas based on the multiple light-emitting elements; a compensation unit, calculating compensation values ​​for image data respectively provided to the multiple areas; and a control unit, controlling the output of the image data provided to the display panel based on the compensation values ​​and the image data, the control unit including: a correction unit, outputting correction ratios of each of the multiple areas based on the compensation values; and a comparison unit, judging whether the input current of the image data is within a normal range based on the correction ratios.

[0005] The correction ratio may be a ratio of the regional reference currents respectively supplied to the plurality of regions to the reference current.

[0006] The reference current may be one of a plurality of regional reference currents provided to the plurality of regions.

[0007] The reference current may be an average value of a plurality of region reference currents provided to the plurality of regions.

[0008] The reference current may be a maximum value among a plurality of the region reference currents provided to the plurality of regions.

[0009] The reference current may include a first reference current applicable in a single color and a second reference current applicable in a mixed color different from the single color.

[0010] The comparison unit may determine that the input current of the image data exceeds the normal range when a ratio of a value obtained by multiplying the correction ratio and the reference current to the input current of the image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0011] Alternatively, the control unit may further include a blocking unit configured to block supply of the image data to the display panel when the input current of the image data exceeds the normal range.

[0012] The correction ratio may be determined based on the luminous efficiency of each of the plurality of regions.

[0013] The display panel may include a first substrate and a second substrate disposed below the first substrate, the first substrate includes a light control layer, and the second substrate includes the plurality of light emitting elements.

[0014] The light control layer may include a first wavelength conversion layer having a first light emitting body, a second wavelength conversion layer having a second light emitting body, and a light-transmitting layer.

[0015] An electronic device driving method involved in one embodiment of the present invention may include: a step of calculating compensation values ​​for image data respectively provided to multiple areas defined by multiple light-emitting elements of a display panel; a step of outputting correction ratios for each of the multiple areas based on the compensation values; and a step of determining whether an input current of the image data is within a normal range based on the correction ratios.

[0016] (Effects of the Invention)

[0017] According to the present invention, an electronic device may include a display panel and a control unit. The control unit may output multiple correction ratios corresponding to multiple areas defined on the display panel. The control unit may determine whether the input current of the image data is within a normal range based on the multiple correction ratios. The control unit may block the provision of image data to the display panel if the input current of the image data exceeds the normal range. For example, a current exceeding the normal range may be an overcurrent. Therefore, the control unit can prevent damage to the circuit of the display panel due to the overcurrent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 5A graph showing current depending on grayscale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing a compensation unit and a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] (Explanation of Symbols)

[0026] DD: electronic device; DP: display panel; CP: compensation unit; CT: control unit; CR: correction unit; CM: comparison unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In this specification, when a certain component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is mentioned as being located on, connected to, or combined with other components, it means that it can be directly configured / connected / combined on other components, or a third component can be configured in between.

[0028] The same symbols refer to the same components. In addition, in each drawing, the thickness, ratio and size of each component are exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content.

[0029] "And / or" includes all possible combinations of more than one of the related components.

[0030] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components described should not be limited to the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first component may be named "second component," and similarly, a second component may be named "first component" without exceeding the scope of the present invention. A singular expression includes a plurality unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0031] In addition, terms such as "below", "on the lower side", "above", and "upper side" are used to explain the connection relationship between the components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are explained based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formalized unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0033] Terms such as "including" or "having" should be understood as referring to the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations recorded in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations.

[0034] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , a display area DA and a non-display area NDA may be defined in the display panel DP. The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA.

[0037] The display area DA may be an area where an image is displayed. The non-display area NDA may be an area where an image is not displayed. A plurality of pixels PX may be configured in the display area DA. No pixels PX may be configured in the non-display area NDA. Pixels PX may refer to effective pixels that provide an image.

[0038] The display area DA may be parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The normal direction of the display area DA (i.e., the thickness direction of the display panel DP) may indicate a third direction DR3. The front surface (or top surface) and the back surface (or bottom surface) of each component may be distinguished based on the third direction DR3. "On a plane" may mean viewed from the third direction DR3.

[0039] The display panel DP can be used in large display panels such as televisions, display screens, or external advertising boards, as well as small and medium-sized display panels such as personal computers, notebook computers, personal digital terminals, car navigation units, game consoles, portable electronic devices, and cameras. Furthermore, these are merely examples, and the display panel DP can of course also be used in other display panels without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0040] The non-display area NDA may define the border region of the display panel DP. The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, this is not limiting. The shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be designed to be relatively similar. In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-display area NDA may also be omitted.

[0041] The display panel DP may include a first substrate 100 and a second substrate 200. The first substrate 100 may include a pixel region and a light shielding region, and the second substrate 200 may include a light emitting element. The first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 will be described later.

[0042] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 The display panel DP may include a first substrate 100 and a second substrate 200. The first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 may face each other and be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, a predetermined cell gap GP may be provided between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200.

[0044] A filling layer may be disposed in the cell gap GP, and the filling layer will be described later.

[0045] The cell gap GP may be maintained by the sealant SLM bonding the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. The sealant SLM may include an organic adhesive member or an inorganic adhesive member. The sealant SLM may include glass frit.

[0046] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 The first substrate 100 of the display panel DP may define a first pixel area PXA1, a second pixel area PXA2, a third pixel area PXA3, and a light shielding area NPXA. The display panel DP may provide a first color light through the first pixel area PXA1, a second color light through the second pixel area PXA2, and a third color light through the third pixel area PXA3. The first color light, the second color light, and the third color light may be lights of different colors. For example, the first color light may be red light, the second color light may be green light, and the third color light may be blue light.

[0048] The light-shielding area NPXA may be an area adjacent to the first pixel area PXA1, the second pixel area PXA2, and the third pixel area PXA3. The light-shielding area NPXA may define a boundary between the first pixel area PXA1, the second pixel area PXA2, and the third pixel area PXA3. The light-shielding area NPXA may prevent color mixing between the first pixel area PXA1, the second pixel area PXA2, and the third pixel area PXA3. Furthermore, the light-shielding area NPXA may block the source light so that it is not provided to the user.

[0049] The display panel DP can be a light-emitting display panel, without particular limitation. For example, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel, a nano-LED display panel, a micro-LED display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting substance. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. The light-emitting layers of the nano-LED display panel and the micro-LED display panel may include small LED elements of less than several hundred microns in size. Below, the display panel DP is described using the organic light-emitting display panel as an example.

[0050] The display panel DP may include a first substrate 100, a filling layer FL, and a second substrate 200. The first substrate 100 may be a light control substrate. The second substrate 200 may be a display substrate. For example, the first substrate 100 may include a wavelength conversion material and / or a material that blocks specific wavelength bands. The second substrate 200 may be a substrate that provides light or controls light transmittance.

[0051] The first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 may face each other. A filling layer FL may be disposed between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. The filling layer FL may fill the cell gap GP between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 (refer to FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0052] The first substrate 100 may include a base layer BS1 , color filter layers CF1 , CF2 , and CF3 , a light shielding layer BM1 , light control layers WCL1 , WCL2 , and TL, and a plurality of partition walls BM2 .

[0053] The base layer BS1 may be a silicon substrate, a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, an insulating film, or a stacked structure including a plurality of insulating layers.

[0054] A light shielding layer BM1 may be disposed on one surface of the base layer BS1 . The light shielding layer BM1 may define a light shielding area NPXA. The light shielding layer BM1 may not overlap with the first pixel area PXA1 , the second pixel area PXA2 , and the third pixel area PXA3 .

[0055] The color filter layers CF1, CF2, and CF3 may include a first color filter layer CF1, a second color filter layer CF2, and a third color filter layer CF3. The first color filter layer CF1 may be disposed on one surface of the base layer BS1. The first color filter layer CF1 may be disposed below the base layer BS1. The first color filter layer CF1 may be a red filter layer.

[0056] A second color filter layer CF2 may be disposed on one surface of the base layer BS1. The second color filter layer CF2 may be disposed below the base layer BS1. The second color filter layer CF2 may be a green filter layer.

[0057] The third color filter layer CF3 may be disposed on one surface of the base layer BS1, may be disposed below the base layer BS1, and may be a blue filter layer.

[0058] A first color filter layer CF1 may be disposed in each of the plurality of first pixel regions PXA1, a second color filter layer CF2 may be disposed in each of the plurality of second pixel regions PXA2, and a third color filter layer CF3 may be disposed in each of the plurality of third pixel regions PXA3.

[0059] The first protective layer L1 may cover the color filter layers CF1, CF2, CF3 and the light shielding layer BM1. The first protective layer L1 may include an inorganic material. For example, the inorganic material may include any one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride.

[0060] A second protective layer L2 may be disposed below the first protective layer L1. The second protective layer L2 may include an inorganic substance, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride.

[0061] The light control layers WCL1 , WCL2 , and TL may include a first light control layer WCL1 , a second light control layer WCL2 , and a third light control layer TL. The light control layers WCL1 , WCL2 , and TL may be disposed below the second protection layer L2 .

[0062] The first light-control layer WCL1 may be disposed under the first color filter layer CF1 , may be disposed in the first pixel area PXA1 , and may include a first base resin BR1 , first scattering particles SC1 , and a first luminous body EP1 .

[0063] The second light-control layer WCL2 may be disposed below the second color filter layer CF2 , disposed in the second pixel area PXA2 , and include a second base resin BR2 , second scattering particles SC2 , and a second luminous body EP2 .

[0064] The third light-controlling layer TL may be disposed below the third color filter layer CF3 , in the third pixel area PXA3 , and include a third base resin BR3 and third scattering particles SC3 .

[0065] The first to third base resins BR1 to BR3 serve as media for dispersing the luminescent material or scattering particles and can be formed from various resin compositions commonly referred to as adhesives. However, this is not a limitation. Throughout this specification, any medium capable of dispersing the luminescent material or scattering particles may be referred to as a base resin, regardless of its name, other functions, or constituent materials. The base resin may be a polymer resin. For example, the base resin may be an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a silicone resin, an epoxy resin, or the like. The base resin may also be a transparent resin.

[0066] The first through third scattering particles SC1 through SC3 may be TiO2 or silicon-based nanoparticles. The first through third scattering particles SC1 through SC3 can scatter light. The third light control layer TL does not include a luminophore. Therefore, the amount of third scattering particles SC3 included in the third light control layer TL can be equal to or greater than the amount of first scattering particles SC1 included in the first light control layer WCL1 and the amount of second scattering particles SC2 included in the second light control layer WCL2. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second scattering particles SC1 and SC2 may be omitted.

[0067] The first luminous body EP1 and the second luminous body EP2 can be particles that convert the wavelength of light. For example, the first luminous body EP1 and the second luminous body EP2 can be quantum dots, quantum rods, or phosphors.

[0068] Quantum dots are materials with a crystalline structure measuring just a few nanometers, composed of hundreds to thousands of atoms. Their small size allows them to exhibit a quantum confinement effect, which increases their energy band gap. When light with a wavelength higher in energy than the band gap is incident on a quantum dot, the dot absorbs this light, becoming excited and radiating light of a specific wavelength while transitioning to its ground state. The wavelength of light radiated is equivalent to the band gap. By adjusting the size and composition of quantum dots, the luminescence characteristics of these dots can be adjusted based on the quantum confinement effect.

[0069] The core of the quantum dot may be selected from Group II-VI compounds, Group III-VI compounds, Group I-III-VI compounds, Group III-V compounds, Group IV-VI compounds, Group IV elements, Group IV compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0070] The II-VI compound can be selected from the group consisting of binary compounds, ternary compounds and quaternary compounds, wherein the binary compound can be selected from the group consisting of CdSe, CdTe, CdS, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgSe, MgS and mixtures thereof, and the ternary compound can be selected from the group consisting of CdSeS, CdSeTe, CdSTe, ZnSeS, ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, HgSeS, HgSeTe, HgSTe, CdZ nS, CdZnSe, CdZnTe, CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, HgZnS, HgZnSe, HgZnTe, MgZnSe, MgZnS and mixtures thereof; the quaternary compound may be selected from the group formed by HgZnTeS, CdZnSeS, CdZnSeTe, CdZnSTe, CdHgSeS, CdHgSeTe, CdHgSTe, HgZnSeS, HgZnSeTe, HgZnSTe and mixtures thereof.

[0071] The III-VI compounds may include binary compounds such as In2S3, In2Se3, etc., ternary compounds such as InGaS3, InGaSe3, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0072] The I-III-VI group compounds can be selected from ternary compounds or quaternary compounds such as AgInGaS2, CuInGaS2, etc., wherein the ternary compound can be selected from the group formed by AgInS, AgInS2, CuInS, CuInS2, AgGaS2, CuGaS2, CuGaO2, AgGaO2, AgAlO2 and their mixtures.

[0073] The III-V compound can be selected from the group formed by binary compounds, ternary compounds and quaternary compounds, wherein the binary compound can be selected from the group formed by GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb and a mixture thereof; the ternary compound can be selected from the group formed by GaNP, GaNAs, GaNSb, GaPAs, GaPSb, AlNP, AlNAs, AlNSb, AlPAs, AlPSb, InGaP, InAlP, InNP, InNAs, InNSb, InPAs, InPSb and a mixture thereof; the quaternary compound can be selected from the group formed by GaAlNP, GaAlNAs, GaAlNSb, GaAlPAs, GaAlPSb, GaInNP, GaInNAs, GaInNSb, GaInPAs, GaInPSb, InAlNP, InAlNAs, InAlNSb, InAlPAs, InAlPSb and a mixture thereof. On the other hand, the III-V compound may further include a Group II metal. For example, InZnP or the like may be selected as the III-V compound.

[0074] The IV-VI compound can be selected from the group consisting of binary compounds, ternary compounds, and quaternary compounds, wherein the binary compound can be selected from the group consisting of SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, and mixtures thereof; the ternary compound can be selected from the group consisting of SnSeS, SnSeTe, SnSTe, PbSeS, PbSeTe, PbSTe, SnPbS, SnPbSe, SnPbTe, and mixtures thereof; and the quaternary compound can be selected from the group consisting of SnPbSSe, SnPbSeTe, SnPbSTe, and mixtures thereof. Group IV elements can be selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, and mixtures thereof. Group IV compounds can be binary compounds selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiGe, and mixtures thereof.

[0075] In this case, the binary, ternary, or quaternary compound can be present in a uniform concentration within the particle or separated into different concentration distributions within the same particle. Alternatively, a core-shell structure can be employed in which one quantum dot surrounds other quantum dots. The interface between the core and the shell can have a concentration gradient in which the concentration of the element present in the shell decreases toward the center.

[0076] In some embodiments, quantum dots may have a core-shell structure, wherein the core includes the aforementioned nanocrystals and the shell surrounds the core. The shell of the quantum dot may function as a protective layer for preventing chemical denaturation of the core to maintain semiconductor properties and / or as a charging layer for imparting electrophoretic properties to the quantum dot. The shell may be a single layer or multiple layers. The interface between the core and the shell may have a concentration gradient in which the concentration of the element present in the shell decreases toward the center. Examples of the shell of the quantum dot include metal or non-metal oxides, semiconductor compounds, or combinations thereof.

[0077] For example, the metal or non-metal oxide can be exemplified by binary compounds such as SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZnO, MnO, Mn2O3, Mn3O4, CuO, FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, CoO, Co3O4, NiO, or ternary compounds such as MgAl2O4, CoFe2O4, NiFe2O4, CoMn2O4, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0078] In addition, the semiconductor compound can be exemplified by CdS, CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnSeS, ZnTeS, GaAs, GaP, GaSb, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, InAs, InP, InGaP, InSb, AlAs, AlP, AlSb, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0079] Quantum dots can have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of their emission wavelength spectrum below approximately 45 nm, preferably below approximately 40 nm, and more preferably below approximately 30 nm. Within this range, color purity or color reproducibility can be improved. Furthermore, light emitted by such quantum dots is radiated in all directions, thereby improving the viewing angle of light.

[0080] In addition, the morphology of quantum dots is the morphology commonly used in this field and is not particularly limited. More specifically, spherical, pyramidal, multi-arm, or cubic nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers, nanoplate particles, and the like can be used.

[0081] Quantum dots can adjust the color of the light they emit based on their particle size, allowing them to emit a variety of colors, such as blue, red, and green. According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the first and second luminescent elements EP1 and EP2 are quantum dots, the particle size of the first and second luminescent elements EP2 can be different. For example, the particle size of the first luminescent element EP1 can be larger than that of the second luminescent element EP2. In this case, the first luminescent element EP1 can emit light with a longer wavelength than the second luminescent element EP2.

[0082] The first light control layer WCL1 can convert blue light into red light and provide the red light to the first color filter layer CF1. The first color filter layer CF1 can transmit light in the red wavelength range and absorb light other than the red wavelength range.

[0083] The second light control layer WCL2 can convert blue light into green light and provide the green light to the second color filter layer CF2. The second color filter layer CF2 can transmit light in the green wavelength range and absorb light other than the green wavelength range.

[0084] The third light-controlling layer TL scatters blue light and provides the blue light to the third color filter layer CF3 . The third color filter layer CF3 transmits light in the wavelength range of blue light and absorbs light other than the blue light.

[0085] The third protective layer L3 can be disposed below the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL. The third protective layer L3 can cover the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL. The third protective layer L3 can include any one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. In another embodiment of the present invention, the third protective layer L3 can also be omitted.

[0086] The plurality of partition walls BM2 may be spaced apart with the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL interposed therebetween, and may overlap with the light shielding layer BM1.

[0087] The second substrate 200 may include a base layer BS2, a circuit layer CCL, a light-emitting element layer EL, and a thin-film encapsulation layer TFE. The circuit layer CCL may be disposed on the base layer BS2. The circuit layer CCL may include multiple insulating layers, multiple conductive layers, and a semiconductor layer. The light-emitting element layer EL may be disposed on the circuit layer CCL. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may seal the light-emitting element layer EL. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may be omitted.

[0088] The base layer BS2 may be a silicon substrate, a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, an insulating film, or a stacked structure including a plurality of insulating layers.

[0089] The circuit layer CCL may include first, second, and third transistors TR1, TR2, TR3, and a plurality of insulating layers IL1, IL2, IL3, and IL4. The plurality of insulating layers IL1, IL2, IL3, and IL4 may include a first insulating layer IL1, a second insulating layer IL2, a third insulating layer IL3, and a fourth insulating layer IL4.

[0090] A first insulating layer IL1 may be disposed on the base layer BS2, and first to third transistors TR1 to TR3 may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The first to third transistors TR1 to TR3 may have substantially the same structure. Therefore, the first transistor TR1 will be described as a representative example. The first transistor TR1 may include a control electrode CE, an input electrode IE, an output electrode OE, and a semiconductor layer ACL.

[0091] The semiconductor layer ACL can be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The first insulating layer IL1 can be a buffer layer that provides a modified surface for the semiconductor layer ACL. In this case, the semiconductor layer ACL can have a greater adhesion to the first insulating layer IL1 than the base layer BS2. Furthermore, the first insulating layer IL1 can be a layer that protects the lower surface of the semiconductor layer ACL. In this case, the first insulating layer IL1 can block contamination or moisture that enters from or through the base layer BS2 from penetrating into the semiconductor layer ACL. Alternatively, the first insulating layer IL1 can be a light-blocking layer that blocks external light that enters through the base layer BS2 from reaching the semiconductor layer ACL. In this case, the first insulating layer IL1 can also include a light-blocking material.

[0092] The semiconductor layer ACL may include polysilicon. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the semiconductor layer ACL may also include amorphous silicon, low-temperature polysilicon, or an oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor layer ACL may include a first region with high conductivity and a second region with low conductivity.

[0093] The first region may be doped with N-type impurities or P-type impurities. A P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with P-type impurities, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with N-type impurities. The second region may be a non-doped region or may be doped at a lower concentration than the first region.

[0094] The first region may have greater conductivity than the second region and may essentially function as an electrode or signal line. The second region may essentially correspond to the active region (or channel) of a transistor. In other words, a portion of the semiconductor pattern may be the active region of the transistor, another portion may be the source or drain of the transistor, and yet another portion may be a connecting electrode or connecting signal line.

[0095] The second insulating layer IL2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The second insulating layer IL2 may cover the semiconductor layer ACL. The second insulating layer IL2 may include an inorganic substance. The inorganic substance may include at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide.

[0096] The control electrode CE may be disposed on the second insulating layer IL2. The third insulating layer IL3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer IL2 and cover the control electrode CE. The third insulating layer IL3 may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the single layer may include an inorganic layer. The multiple layers may include an organic layer and an inorganic layer.

[0097] An input electrode IE and an output electrode OE may be disposed on the third insulating layer IL3 , and may be connected to the semiconductor layer ACL via a through hole penetrating the second insulating layer IL2 and the third insulating layer IL3 .

[0098] The fourth insulating layer IL4 may be disposed on the third insulating layer IL3 and cover the input electrode IE and the output electrode OE. The fourth insulating layer IL4 may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the single layer may include an organic layer. The multiple layers may include an organic layer and an inorganic layer. The fourth insulating layer IL4 may be a planarization layer that provides a flat surface on the top.

[0099] A light emitting element layer EL may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer IL4 , and may include light emitting elements ED1 , ED2 , and ED3 and a pixel definition layer PDL.

[0100] The light emitting elements ED1, ED2, ED3 may overlap with the color filter layers CF1, CF2, CF3 and the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, TL, respectively. The light emitting elements ED1, ED2, ED3 may include a first light emitting element ED1, a second light emitting element ED2, and a third light emitting element ED3.

[0101] The first light emitting element ED1 may be disposed corresponding to the first pixel region PXA1. In a plane, the first light emitting element ED1 may overlap the first pixel region PXA1. The first light emitting element ED1 may include a first electrode E1-1, a first light emitting layer EML-1, and a second electrode E2-1.

[0102] The second light emitting element ED2 may be disposed corresponding to the second pixel region PXA2. In a plane, the second light emitting element ED2 may overlap with the second pixel region PXA2. The second light emitting element ED2 may include a first electrode E1-2, a second light emitting layer EML-2, and a second electrode E2-2.

[0103] The third light emitting element ED3 may be disposed corresponding to the third pixel region PXA3. In a plane, the third light emitting element ED3 may overlap with the third pixel region PXA3. The third light emitting element ED3 may include a first electrode E1-3, a third light emitting layer EML-3, and a second electrode E2-3.

[0104] First electrodes E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer IL4 and electrically connected to the first to third transistors TR1 to TR3, respectively, through through holes.

[0105] The pixel definition film PDL may expose at least a portion of each of the first electrodes E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3, may overlap with the plurality of partition walls BM2, and may overlap with the light shielding layer BM1.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first to third light-emitting layers EML-1 to EML-3 can be connected to form a single light-emitting layer. For example, the first to third light-emitting layers EML-1 to EML-3 can be disposed on the pixel definition layer PDL and the first electrodes E1-1, E1-2, and E1-3. The first to third light-emitting layers EML-1 to EML-3 can generate blue light. The first to third light-emitting layers EML-1 to EML-3 can have a tandem structure or a single-layer structure.

[0107] The second electrodes E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 may be connected to each other to form one second electrode. The second electrodes E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3 may be disposed on the first to third light-emitting layers EML-1 to EML-3.

[0108] Although not separately illustrated, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer, and an electron control layer may be disposed between the light-emitting layer and the second electrode. The hole control layer may be divided into at least one of a hole injection region, a hole transport region, a buffer region, and an electron blocking region. The electron control layer may be divided into at least one of an electron injection region, an electron transport region, and a hole blocking region.

[0109] A thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may be disposed on the second electrodes E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3. The thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may directly cover the second electrodes E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3. In other embodiments of the present invention, a capping layer may be disposed between the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) and the second electrodes E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3, covering the second electrodes E2-1, E2-2, and E2-3. In this case, the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may directly cover the capping layer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may also be omitted.

[0110] The thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) may include a first inorganic layer (ECL1), an organic layer (ECL2), and a second inorganic layer (ECL3) stacked in sequence. The organic layer (ECL2) may be disposed between the first and second inorganic layers (ECL1 and ECL3). The first and second inorganic layers (ECL1 and ECL3) may be formed by depositing an inorganic substance, while the organic layer (ECL2) may be formed by depositing, printing, or coating an organic substance.

[0111] The first and second inorganic layers ECL1 and ECL3 protect the light-emitting element layer EL from moisture and oxygen, while the organic layer ECL2 protects the light-emitting element layer EL from foreign matter such as dust particles. The first and second inorganic layers ECL1 and ECL3 may include at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide. The organic layer ECL2 may include a polymer, such as an acrylic organic layer. However, this is merely illustrative and not limiting.

[0112] exist Figure 3 The thin film encapsulation layer TFE is illustratively shown as including two inorganic layers and one organic layer, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include three inorganic layers and two organic layers. In this case, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which the inorganic layers and the organic layers are alternately stacked. Furthermore, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may also be provided as a single layer.

[0113] A filling layer FL can be disposed between the lower surfaces of the third protective layer L3 and the plurality of partition walls BM2, and the upper surface of the second inorganic layer ECL3. The filling layer FL can be disposed between the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE and the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL to prevent contact between the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL and the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE, thereby improving light extraction efficiency from the display panel DP. The filling layer FL can be filled between the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE and the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL, thereby eliminating any internal space between the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE and the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL.

[0114] The filling layer FL can prevent the luminescent bodies EP1 and EP2 and / or the scattering particles SC1, SC2 and SC3 included in the light control layers WCL1, WCL2 and TL from being oxidized by the internal air, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency of the display panel DP.

[0115] The filling layer FL may include an inorganic binder, an organic binder, or a liquid crystal compound. However, this is merely an example, and the material of the filling layer FL according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0116] The first substrate 100 , the filling layer FL, and the second substrate 200 may be bonded to manufacture the display panel DP.

[0117] The light emitting elements ED1, ED2, and ED3 may provide first light LT1 to the first substrate 100. For example, the first light LT1 may be blue light. The first light LT1 may be referred to as source light. The first light LT1 may be provided to the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL.

[0118] The first light LT1 that has passed through the light control layers WCL1, WCL2, and TL can be defined as second light LT2. The second light LT2 can include light converted from the first light LT1 by the luminescent elements EP1 and EP2, as well as the first light LT1. For example, the second light LT2 can include at least one of red light, green light, and blue light. The second light LT2 can be provided to the color filter layers CF1, CF2, and CF3.

[0119] The second light LT2 having passed through the first light-controlling layer WCL1 may include red light and blue light. When the second light LT2 is provided to the first color filter layer CF1, the blue light is absorbed, so that red light may be displayed.

[0120] The second light LT2 passing through the second light-controlling layer WCL2 may include green light and blue light. When the second light LT2 is provided to the second color filter layer CF2, the blue light is absorbed, so that green light may be displayed.

[0121] Figure 4 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0122] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the electronic device DD may include a display panel DP, a compensation part CP, and a control part CT.

[0123] A plurality of light emitting elements ED1, ED2, and ED3 may be arranged in the display area DA. A plurality of areas AR1 to AR49 may be defined based on the plurality of light emitting elements ED1, ED2, and ED3, respectively. Alternatively, a plurality of areas AR1 to AR49 may be defined based on the plurality of pixel areas PXA1, PXA2, and PXA3, respectively. Figure 4 49 areas are defined in the display area DA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 4 The example in FIG shows that the multiple regions AR1 to AR49 have the same size, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple regions AR1 to AR49 may have different sizes. The multiple light-emitting elements ED1, ED2, and ED3 may not be arranged in the non-display area NDA.

[0124] The compensation part CP and the control part CT may be electrically connected to the display panel DP in the form of a COF (chip on film), a COG (chip on glass), or a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0125] The compensation unit CP may receive image data RGB provided from the outside and calculate compensation values ​​LUT1 for the image data RGB provided to the plurality of areas AR1 to AR49 . The compensation value LUT1 will be described later.

[0126] The control unit CT may control the output of the image data RGB provided to the display panel DP based on the compensation value LUT1 and the image data RGB. A driving method of the control unit CT will be described later.

[0127] Figure 5 A graph showing current depending on grayscale according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The horizontal axis of the graph may be grayscale. Grayscale may be referred to as gray scale. The gray scale may have a value from 0 to 255. For example, a gray scale of 0 may represent the darkest state, and a gray scale of 255 may represent the brightest state. The vertical axis of the graph may be current.

[0129] The currents required to express the same grayscale in the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49 may be different from one another, and thus the current efficiencies may be different for each region within the display area DA.

[0130] exist Figure 5The graph of FIG. 1 shows only a first curve GP1 and a second curve GP2 for illustrative purposes. The first curve GP1 is a curve showing the current corresponding to the grayscale of the first region AR1 among the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49, and the second curve GP2 is a curve showing the current corresponding to the grayscale of the twenty-fifth region AR25 among the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49.

[0131] The currents used to provide target brightness values ​​in the multiple regions AR1 to AR49 can be different from each other. For example, the current used to provide the target brightness value in the first region AR1 can be greater than the current used to provide the target brightness value in the twenty-fifth region AR25. For example, the target brightness value can be 500 nits. In this case, the current in the first region AR1 can be 88.6 mA (milliamperes), and the current in the twenty-fifth region AR25 can be 80.5 mA.

[0132] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a compensation unit and a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Reference Figures 4 to 7 , the compensation part CP may measure the chromaticity and luminance of the images displayed in the plurality of areas AR1 to AR49 .

[0134] The compensation unit CP can calculate color coordinates based on the measured chromaticity. The compensation unit CP can also set a reference color coordinate offset value to compensate for the chromaticity corresponding to the color coordinates. For example, the compensation unit CP can set a color coordinate shift value as the reference color coordinate shift value to compensate for color coordinates that have been misaligned due to process issues, etc.

[0135] Based on the measured brightness, the compensation unit CP may calculate a brightness difference between a preset target brightness and the measured brightness. The compensation unit CP may set a reference brightness offset value for compensating the brightness in accordance with the brightness difference. For example, the compensation unit CP may set a gamma adjustment value that can compensate for the brightness difference as the reference brightness offset value.

[0136] The compensation unit CP can calculate the compensation value LUT1 (S100) corresponding to the brightness difference and / or color coordinates of the multiple areas AR1 to AR49 respectively. The compensation value LUT1 can be stored in the form of a lookup table (LUT). The number of multiple areas AR1 to AR49 can be the same as the number of compensation value LUT1. For example, chromaticity correction can be implemented simultaneously with brightness correction through the compensation value LUT1. However, the operation of the compensation unit CP involved in one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after performing brightness correction, the picture can be analyzed according to the brightness correction result, and then the color coordinates can be adjusted.

[0137] The control unit CT may include a correction unit CR, a comparison unit CM, and a blocking unit BK.

[0138] Based on the compensation value LUT1, a plurality of regions AR1 to AR49 can be calculated, and the correction unit CR can output correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49 corresponding to the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49 (S200). The plurality of correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49 can be stored in the form of a lookup table. The number of the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49 can be the same as the number of correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49.

[0139] The correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49 may be determined based on the luminous efficiency of the regions AR1 to AR49. Each correction ratio CRR1 to CRR49 may be a ratio or weighting of the region reference current provided to the regions AR1 to AR49 relative to the reference current. The region reference current may be a current within the normal range of the image data RGB.

[0140] The reference current may be one of a plurality of regional reference currents provided to a plurality of regions AR1 to AR49. For example, the reference current may be the current of the twenty-fifth region AR25. For example, in a normal state, the current of the twenty-fifth region AR25 may be 80.5 mA. The correction ratio CRR25 of the twenty-fifth region AR25 may be 1.0. In a normal state, the current of the first region AR1 may be 88.6 mA, and the correction ratio CRR1 of the first region AR1 may be 1.1. In addition, in a normal state, the current of the forty-ninth region AR49 may be 74.0 mA, and the correction ratio CRR49 of the forty-ninth region AR49 may be 0.92.

[0141] However, this is merely an example, and the reference current according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the reference current may be an average value of a plurality of regional reference currents provided to the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49, or the reference current may be a maximum value or a minimum value of a plurality of regional reference currents provided to the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49.

[0142] The correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49 may have different values ​​depending on whether the color is a single color or a mixed color. The mixed color may be different from the single color. For example, the single colors may include red, blue, and green, and the mixed color may include white. In this case, the reference current may include a first reference current applicable to the single color and a second reference current applicable to the mixed color.

[0143] The current sensor CS may output the input current CRT provided to the display panel DP in real time based on the image data RGB.

[0144] The comparison unit CM can determine whether the input current CRT of the image data RGB is within a normal range based on the plurality of correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49 ( S300 ). The comparison unit CM determines that the input current CRT of the image data RGB is within a normal range if the ratio of the value obtained by multiplying the correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49 of the plurality of regions AR1 to AR49 by the reference current and the input current CRT of the image data RGB is less than a predetermined value. If the ratio is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the comparison unit CM determines that the input current CRT of the image data RGB is outside the normal range.

[0145] The blocking portion BK may block the image data RGB from being supplied to the display panel DP when the input current CRT of the image data RGB exceeds a normal range.

[0146] The currents required to express the same grayscale in each of the multiple regions AR1 to AR49 may be different. According to the present invention, the control unit CT can determine whether the input current CRT of the image data RGB transmitted to the multiple regions AR1 to AR49 is within a normal range by considering the current efficiency of each of the multiple regions AR1 to AR49.

[0147] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the control unit CT can output a plurality of correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49 corresponding to the plurality of areas AR1 to AR49. Based on the plurality of correction ratios CRR1 to CRR49, the control unit CT can determine whether the input current CRT of the image data RGB is within a normal range. If the input current CRT of the image data RGB exceeds the normal range, the control unit CT can block the supply of the image data RGB to the display panel DP. For example, a current exceeding the normal range may be an overcurrent. Therefore, the control unit CT can prevent damage to the circuits of the display panel DP due to overcurrent.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the control unit CT can sense the input current CRT of the image data RGB provided to the display panel DP in real time and determine whether the input current CRT is within a normal range. If the input current CRT of the image data RGB exceeds the normal range, the control unit CT can block the supply of the image data RGB to the display panel DP. Thus, the control unit CT can prevent damage to the display panel DP that may occur during driving.

[0149] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the detailed description of the specification but is determined solely by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a display panel including a plurality of light emitting elements and defining a plurality of regions based on the plurality of light emitting elements; a compensation unit that calculates compensation values ​​for the image data respectively provided to the plurality of regions; as well as a control unit that controls output of the image data provided to the display panel based on the compensation value and the image data, The control unit includes: a correction unit that outputs a correction ratio for each of the plurality of regions based on the compensation value; as well as a comparing unit that determines whether the input current of the image data is within a normal range based on the correction ratio; The correction ratio is a ratio of the regional reference currents respectively provided to the plurality of regions to the reference current. The correction ratio has different values ​​depending on a single color or a mixed color other than the single color.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The reference current is one of a plurality of the region reference currents provided to the plurality of regions.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The reference current is an average value of a plurality of the region reference currents provided to the plurality of regions.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The reference current is a maximum value among a plurality of the region reference currents supplied to the plurality of regions.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The reference current includes a first reference current applicable to the single color mode and a second reference current applicable to the mixed color mode. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein: The comparison unit determines that the input current of the image data exceeds the normal range when a ratio of a value obtained by multiplying the correction ratio and the reference current to the input current of the image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit further includes a blocking unit configured to block the image data from being supplied to the display panel when the input current of the image data exceeds the normal range.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The correction ratio is determined based on the luminous efficiency of each of the plurality of regions.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed below the first substrate. The first substrate includes a light control layer, and the second substrate includes the plurality of light emitting elements.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: The light control layer includes a first wavelength conversion layer having a first luminous body, a second wavelength conversion layer having a second luminous body, and a light-transmitting layer.

11. A method for driving an electronic device, comprising: calculating compensation values ​​for image data respectively provided to a plurality of areas defined by a plurality of light emitting elements of a display panel; outputting a correction ratio of each of the plurality of areas based on the compensation value; as well as a step of judging whether the input current of the image data is within a normal range based on the correction ratio; The correction ratio is a ratio of the regional reference currents respectively provided to the plurality of regions to the reference current. The correction ratio has different values ​​depending on a single color or a mixed color other than the single color.

Images