Display device

Abstract

This application provides a display device. The display device according to an embodiment includes: a plurality of display panels arranged adjacent to each other, each display panel including a first pixel in a display area of ​​the display panel and a second pixel in the display area and adjacent to a boundary area of ​​the display panel; and a brightness correction unit configured to generate a corrected grayscale value for the second pixel. The brightness correction unit includes: an image mapping unit configured to map a captured brightness image to a unit pixel image; a deblurring unit configured to perform a deblurring operation on the mapped unit pixel image to calculate a corrected brightness value for the second pixel; and a correction unit configured to calculate a corrected grayscale value for the second pixel, the corrected grayscale value corresponding to the calculated corrected brightness value for the second pixel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0111882, filed on September 2, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device and a method for compensating the brightness of a display device. Background Technology

[0004] With increasing interest in information display and growing demand for portable information media, the need for and commercialization of display devices is gaining attention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display device capable of reducing the visibility of the boundary area between display panels in a display device comprising multiple display panels, and a method for compensating the brightness of the display device.

[0006] A display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of display panels arranged adjacent to each other, each display panel including a first pixel in a display area of ​​the display panel and a second pixel in the display area and adjacent to a boundary area; and a brightness correction unit configured to generate a corrected grayscale value for the second pixel. The brightness correction unit may include: an image mapping unit configured to map a captured brightness image to a unit pixel image; a deblurring unit configured to perform a deblurring operation on the mapped unit pixel image to calculate a corrected brightness value for the second pixel; and a correction unit configured to calculate a corrected grayscale value for the second pixel, the corrected grayscale value corresponding to the calculated corrected brightness value for the second pixel.

[0007] The width of the boundary region can be narrower than the distance between adjacent first pixels in the first pixel, and the correction brightness value used for the second pixel can be smaller than the brightness value of the first pixel.

[0008] The width of the boundary region can be wider than the distance between adjacent first pixels in the first pixel, and the correction brightness value used for the second pixel can be greater than the brightness value of the first pixel.

[0009] A unit pixel image may include a first unit pixel image in which a captured brightness image of a first pixel is reflected, and a second unit pixel image in which a captured brightness image of a second pixel and a boundary region is reflected.

[0010] The deblurring operation performed by the deblurring unit can calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel through the first deblurring operation and the second deblurring operation.

[0011] The deblurring unit can also be configured to reflect the brightness value of the first unit pixel located closest to the boundary region during the first deblurring operation, wherein the first unit pixel is obtained by mapping the first pixel by the image mapping unit and is not affected by the blurring of the captured brightness image.

[0012] The deblurring unit can also be configured to calculate a corrected brightness value for the second pixel during the second deblurring operation by reflecting the operation value determined by the first deblurring operation and the initial brightness value of the second unit pixel, the second unit pixel being obtained by mapping the second pixel and the boundary region by the image mapping unit.

[0013] The corrected grayscale value for the second pixel can be calculated by the difference between the grayscale value corresponding to the corrected brightness value for the second pixel and the grayscale value corresponding to the target brightness value for the second pixel.

[0014] Each of the plurality of display panels may include: a display unit including a first pixel and a second pixel; and a data driver configured to apply a data voltage to a plurality of data lines connected to the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0015] The data driver can apply a correction data voltage corresponding to the correction grayscale value used for the second pixel to the data line connected to the second pixel.

[0016] A display device comprising a plurality of display panels arranged adjacent to each other and with boundary regions interposed between the plurality of display panels, according to some exemplary embodiments, may include: a display unit including a first pixel in the display unit and a second pixel adjacent to the boundary regions of the plurality of display panels; a data driver configured to apply a data voltage to a plurality of data lines connected to the first pixel and the second pixel; an image mapping unit configured to map a captured luminance image to a unit pixel image; a deblurring unit configured to perform a deblurring operation on the mapped unit pixel image to calculate a corrected luminance value for the second pixel; and a correction unit configured to calculate a corrected grayscale value for the second pixel, the corrected grayscale value corresponding to the calculated corrected luminance value for the second pixel.

[0017] The data driver can also be configured to apply a correction data voltage corresponding to the correction grayscale value used for the second pixel to the data line coupled to the second pixel.

[0018] A unit pixel image may include a first unit pixel image in which a captured brightness image of a first pixel is reflected, and a second unit pixel image in which a captured brightness image of a second pixel and a boundary region is reflected.

[0019] The deblurring operation performed by the deblurring unit can calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel through the first deblurring operation and the second deblurring operation.

[0020] The deblurring unit can also be configured to reflect the brightness value of the first unit pixel located closest to the boundary region during the first deblurring operation, wherein the first unit pixel is obtained by mapping the first pixel by the image mapping unit and is not affected by the blur in the captured brightness image.

[0021] The deblurring unit can also be configured to calculate a corrected brightness value for the second pixel during the second deblurring operation by reflecting the operation value determined by the first deblurring operation and the initial brightness value of the second unit pixel, the second unit pixel being obtained by mapping the second pixel and the boundary region by the image mapping unit.

[0022] A method for compensating the brightness of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments, the display device including a plurality of display panels arranged adjacent to each other and a boundary region interposed between the plurality of display panels, the method may include: receiving a captured brightness image of a first pixel and a captured brightness image of a second pixel; mapping the brightness image of the first pixel and the brightness images of the second pixel and the boundary region to images of the first unit pixel and the second unit pixel, respectively; performing a deblurring operation on the mapped images of the first unit pixel and the second unit pixel; and calculating a corrected grayscale value for the second pixel by using a corrected brightness value for the second pixel obtained by the deblurring operation.

[0023] The method may also include applying a data voltage to the second pixel corresponding to a calculated corrected grayscale value for the second pixel.

[0024] The method may further include compensating the brightness value of the second pixel with a brightness value that is smaller than the brightness value of the first pixel, wherein the width of the boundary region is narrower than the distance between adjacent first pixels.

[0025] The method may further include compensating the brightness value of the second pixel with a brightness value greater than that of the first pixel, wherein the width of the boundary region is wider than the distance between adjacent first pixels.

[0026] According to some exemplary embodiments, in a display device comprising multiple display panels, the visibility of the boundary region between multiple display devices can be reduced by correcting the brightness of pixels adjacent to the boundary region. Therefore, brightness uniformity of the display device can be ensured.

[0027] The effects of the embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited to those shown above, and many more effects are included in this specification. Attached Figure Description

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

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of one of the display devices according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a plan view illustrating a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0031] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a plan view showing a display device according to some exemplary embodiments, including a portion of the boundary region in the display device;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating image processing of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a brightness correction unit according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an image mapping unit according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0036] Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C and Figure 9D This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the deblurring unit according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a correction unit according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of improved pixel depth in a boundary region of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of reduced visibility of boundary regions in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments; and

[0040] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for compensating the brightness of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Embodiments according to this disclosure can be modified in various ways and have various forms. Therefore, aspects of some exemplary embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in more detail in the specification. However, it should be understood that embodiments according to this disclosure are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, this disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0042] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0043] It should be understood that, in this application, terms such as "comprising" and "having" are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the phrase "on another part" for a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., includes not only the case where the part is "directly on another part," but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. Additionally, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed on another part, the part is not limited to being formed on the upper side (e.g., top surface) of the other part, but also includes the case where the part is formed on a side surface or lower side (e.g., bottom surface). Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed "below" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly below" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part.

[0044] In the following description, a display device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of one of the display devices according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0046] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device DD can be implemented as a display device such as an organic light-emitting diode display device (OLED display device), an ultra-small light-emitting diode display device (nanoscale LED display device), a quantum dot organic light-emitting diode display device (QD OLED device), or a quantum dot ultra-small light-emitting diode display device (quantum dot nanoscale LED display device, QD nanoscale LED device). Furthermore, the display device DD can be a display device comprising a display panel such as an organic light-emitting diode display panel, an ultra-small light-emitting diode display panel, a quantum dot organic light-emitting diode display panel, or a quantum dot ultra-small light-emitting diode display panel.

[0047] According to some exemplary embodiments, a display device DD includes a display area DA and a non-display area NA. The display area DA is an area comprising a plurality of pixels PX for displaying an image, and the non-display area NA is the area other than the display area DA, and is the area in which no image is displayed. The non-display area NA may be a border area surrounding the display area DA, and may be an area that contacts each other between two or more adjacent display devices DD. In other words, when two or more display devices DD are adjacent to each other, the non-display area NA of one display device DD may contact the non-display area NA of the adjacent display device DD. Therefore, the non-display area NA may be part of a boundary area between two or more display devices DD.

[0048] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX. More specifically, the display area DA includes a first pixel PX1 located therein and a second pixel PX2 adjacent to a boundary area. The display area DA may be located on one surface of the display device DD. For example, the display area DA may be located on the front surface of the display device DD, and may also be located on the side surface and rear surface of the display device DD.

[0049] The non-display area NA may be located around the display area DA to surround the display area DA, and may optionally include lines, pads, drive circuitry, etc., that are connected (e.g., connected) to the pixels PX of the display area DA.

[0050] Pixels PX can be disposed within the display area DA of the base layer BSL. Each pixel PX can be the smallest unit for displaying an image. Pixels PX can include light-emitting elements that emit white light and / or colored light. Each pixel PX can emit light of any of red, green, and blue, but is not limited to these, and can also emit light of colors such as cyan, magenta, or yellow. (See attached figures for example...) Figure 1 In the diagram, pixel PX is shown as having a rectangular shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto and various modifications can be made.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, multiple pixels PX are distributed and arranged in a matrix structure, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to some exemplary embodiments, pixels PX may be arranged, for example, in a stripe or RGBG matrix structure (e.g., It is arranged in the display area DA.

[0052] In the following text, see references Figures 2 to 4B This describes a display device according to an embodiment that includes multiple display devices.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a plan view illustrating a display device according to some exemplary embodiments, and Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a plan view illustrating a display device according to some exemplary embodiments, including a portion of the boundary region of the display device. Figures 3A to 4B The part shown is Figure 2 The magnified part A.

[0054] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device DD can be a multi-screen display device TDD composed of multiple display devices. A multi-screen display device TDD (also called a "tiled display") may include multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 arranged in a matrix along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. A third direction DR3 is a direction perpendicular to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0055] Multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 may display individual images on each of the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4, or they may be divided and display a single image. Each of the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 may include, but is not limited to, a display panel of the same type, structure, size, or method. The multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 may be physically combined by a housing that may be located below (or behind) the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 to hold the display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 together to form a multi-screen display device (TDD).

[0056] Multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 can be implemented in various shapes or arrangements. Figure 2 In the present disclosure, multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3 and DD4 have a rectangular plate shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and each of the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3 and DD4 may have a shape such as a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

[0057] In a multi-screen display device (TDD), the image displayed on the screen may appear discontinuous because the non-display area NA forms the boundary region BA between the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4. Specifically, when the width (or area) of the non-display area NA is relatively large, the perceived discontinuity of the image in the boundary region BA between the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 may be amplified (e.g., made more pronounced). The non-display area NA located in the boundary region BA between the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3, and DD4 may be referred to as a seam area, assembly seam area, or dead zone area.

[0058] Furthermore, the boundary region BA between the multiple display devices DD1, DD2, DD3 and DD4 can be visually identifiable, and thus can reduce the brightness of the image displayed on the screen of the multi-screen display device TDD.

[0059] In several display devices DD according to some exemplary embodiments, the visibility of the boundary region BA can be reduced by correcting the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA.

[0060] First, refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B This describes the case where the width d1 of the boundary region BA between multiple display devices DD1 and DD2 is wider than the distance d2 between the first pixels PX1 within the display device DD.

[0061] Figure 3B The shadow line of the second pixel PX2 shown in the display device DD indicates Figure 3B The brightness ratio of the second pixel PX2 shown in the display device DD Figure 3A The brightness of the second pixel PX2 shown in the display device DD is bright.

[0062] When the width d1 of the boundary region BA is wider than the distance d2 between the first pixels PX1 within the display device DD, the display device DD according to the embodiment can correct the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA, such that when achieving brightness corresponding to the same grayscale, the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA is brighter than the brightness of the first pixel PX1. Therefore, in a multi-screen display device TDD, the visibility of the boundary region BA can be reduced, and an image with more uniform brightness overall can be displayed. In other words, the boundary region BA may be less noticeable because the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA is brighter than other pixels, and therefore the brightness of the image may appear more uniform.

[0063] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B This describes the case where the width d1 of the boundary region BA between multiple display devices DD1 and DD2 is narrower than the distance d2 between the first pixels PX1 within the display device DD.

[0064] Figure 4B The shadow line of the second pixel PX2 shown in the display device DD indicates Figure 4B The brightness ratio of the second pixel PX2 shown in the display device DD Figure 4A The second pixel PX2 shown in the display device DD is dark.

[0065] When the width d1 of the boundary region BA is narrower than the distance d2 between the first pixels PX1 within the display device DD, the display device DD according to the embodiment can correct the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA, such that when achieving the same grayscale brightness, the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA is darker than the brightness of the first pixel PX1. Therefore, in a multi-screen display device TDD, the visibility of the boundary region BA can be reduced, and an image with more uniform brightness overall can be displayed. In other words, the boundary region BA may be less noticeable because the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA is darker than other pixels, and therefore the brightness of the image may appear more uniform.

[0066] According to some exemplary embodiments, the visibility of the boundary region BA between multiple display devices DD can be reduced or decreased by a brightness correction unit and an image processing method. The brightness correction unit and the image processing method will be described in more detail below. First, refer to... Figure 5 Describe the brightness correction unit.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating image processing of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0068] refer to Figure 5 Image processing of the display device according to the embodiment can be performed by the image capture unit 100 and the brightness correction unit 200.

[0069] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, the image capture unit 100 and the brightness correction unit 200 are included in an image processing apparatus IPD according to some exemplary embodiments. In other embodiments, the brightness correction unit 200 may be included in the image processing apparatus IPD, the image capture unit 100 may be included in a separate inspection device, processing device, etc., and the brightness correction unit 200 may be included as a configuration of a display device DD.

[0070] According to some exemplary embodiments, the image capture unit 100 captures a brightness image of the display device DD and provides the captured brightness image to the brightness correction unit 200. The image capture unit 100 can capture a brightness image of the entire display surface DS of the display device DD. More specifically, the image capture unit 100 can capture a brightness image of the entire display surface DS of the display device DD. Figure 1 Part of the non-display area NA and Figure 1 The brightness of the image related to the display area DA, including the area between multiple display devices DD. Figure 2 The boundary region BA.

[0071] Image capture unit 100 may include a light receiving element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. In other embodiments, image capture unit 100 may not include a light receiving element; instead, it may be connected to an external light receiving element to receive a brightness image captured by the external light receiving element.

[0072] According to some exemplary embodiments, the brightness correction unit 200 generates a correction grayscale value based on the captured brightness image to correct the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA, so as to correct the brightness of the second pixel PX2.

[0073] The brightness correction unit 200 can calculate a corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 by mapping a brightness image of a first pixel PX1 located inside the display device DD (or display panel) and a brightness image of a second pixel PX2 located adjacent to the boundary region BA of the display device DD (or display panel) to a unit pixel image, and performing a deblurring operation on the mapped unit pixel image. In some embodiments, the brightness correction unit 200 can generate a corrected grayscale value corresponding to the calculated corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2, provide the corrected grayscale value to a timing controller and / or a data driver (described later), and compensate for the brightness of the second pixel PX2. (Brightness correction unit 200 referenced) Figure 7 Provide a detailed description.

[0074] In the following text, see references Figure 6 Describe the configuration of the display device according to the embodiment.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 The display device DD according to the embodiments may include a timing controller 10, a data driver 20, a scan driver 30, and a display unit 40. Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments, the display device DD may also include a brightness correction unit 200.

[0077] Figure 6 The display device DD can be with Figure 2 The multi-screen display device TDD shown corresponds to one of the display devices DD4.

[0078] The timing controller 10 can provide clock signals, scan start signals, etc., to the scan driver 30 based on control signals received from an external processor, ensuring that the clock signals, scan start signals, etc., are suitable for the specifications of the scan driver 30. The external processor can be an application processor (AP), central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), or other host system. For example, the control signals may include data enable signals, vertical synchronization signals, horizontal synchronization signals, target maximum brightness, etc.

[0079] The timing controller 10 can provide the data driver 20 with modified or maintained grayscale values ​​(e.g., modified grayscale values ​​or maintained grayscale values) and control signals based on grayscale values ​​and control signals received from an external processor, so that the grayscale values ​​and control signals are adapted to the specifications of the data driver 20.

[0080] In some embodiments, the timing controller 10 may provide the data driver 20 with a corrected grayscale value received from the brightness correction unit 200. In such an embodiment, the corrected grayscale value may be a value corresponding to a second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA of the display device DD.

[0081] The data driver 20 can generate a data voltage to be supplied to the data lines D1 to Dm based on the grayscale value and control signal received from the timing controller 10. For example, the data voltage generated in the pixel row unit can be simultaneously applied to the data lines D1 to Dm according to the output control signal included in the control signal.

[0082] In some implementations, the data driver 20 may use the correction grayscale value for the second pixel PX2 received from the timing controller 10 to apply a correction data voltage to the data lines D1 to Dm connected (e.g., linked) to the second pixel PX2.

[0083] The scan driver 30 can receive control signals such as a clock signal and a scan start signal from the timing controller 10 to generate scan signals to be provided to scan lines S1 to Sn. For example, the scan driver 30 can sequentially provide scan signals corresponding to conduction levels (e.g., voltage levels of conducting pixels) to scan lines S1 to Sn. For example, the scan driver 30 can be configured as a shift register and can generate scan signals by sequentially passing the scan start signal to the next stage circuit according to the control of the clock signal.

[0084] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display unit 40 includes pixels PX1 and PX2. Each of pixels PX1 and PX2 can be coupled (e.g., connected) to a corresponding data line and scan line. For example, when a data voltage for a pixel row is applied from the data driver 20 to the data lines D1 to Dm, the data voltage can be written to the pixel row located on the scan line receiving the on-level scan signal.

[0085] The first pixel PX1 can be arranged inside the display unit 40, and the second pixel PX2 can be arranged along the edge of the display unit 40. The area adjacent to the edge where the second pixel PX2 is arranged can be... Figure 2 The boundary region BA can be an area adjacent to the display unit 40 of another display device DD. Correction grayscale values ​​are applied to the second pixel PX2 from the data lines D1 to Dm, which are respectively connected, and thus the brightness of the second pixel PX2 can be corrected. That is, the brightness of these second pixels PX2 can be corrected to be brighter or darker.

[0086] Despite Figure 6 The brightness correction unit 200, timing controller 10, data driver 20 and scan driver 30 are shown in the figure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0087] According to some exemplary embodiments, the brightness correction unit 200 may be integrated with the timing controller 10 and / or the data driver 20. According to some exemplary embodiments, the corrected grayscale values ​​may be pre-stored in the internal memory of the timing controller 10 and / or the data driver 20.

[0088] In the following text, see references Figures 7 to 10 The brightness correction unit is described in more detail.

[0089] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a brightness correction unit according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an image mapping unit according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 9A ,

[0090] Figure 9B , Figure 9C and Figure 9D This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the deblurring unit according to an embodiment.

[0091] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a correction unit according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0092] refer to Figure 7 The brightness correction unit 200 according to the embodiment may include an image mapping unit 210, a deblurring unit 220 and a correction unit 230.

[0093] The image mapping unit 210 receives the captured brightness image from the image capture unit 100, maps the captured brightness image, and provides the captured brightness image to the deblurring unit 220.

[0094] Image mapping unit 210 can reflect the captured brightness of first pixel PX1 to map first pixel PX1' to first unit pixel PX1', and can reflect the captured brightness of second pixel PX2 and the boundary region BA adjacent to second pixel PX2 to map second pixel PX2 and boundary region BA to second unit pixel PX2'. Here, each unit pixel can correspond to the position of each pixel on the display panel. For example, first pixel PX1 located at (1,1) on the display panel can correspond to first unit pixel PX1' located at (1,1) on the mapped image, and second pixel PX2 located at (1,3) on the display panel and the boundary region BA adjacent to second pixel PX2 located at (1,3) can correspond to second unit pixel PX2' located at (1,3) on the mapped image. Image capture unit 100 can include at least one light receiving element, and image mapping unit 210 can receive captured images from each light receiving element and map the captured images to one image.

[0095] refer to Figure 8 The upper half of the figure shows the brightness image of the pixel captured by the image capture unit 100, and the lower half of the figure shows the image of the unit pixel mapped by the image mapping unit 210.

[0096] For example, the image capture unit 100 can capture the brightness of 3×2 first pixels PX1 and 3×1 second pixels PX2 in the first display device DD1 (or the first display panel), the brightness of 3×2 first pixels PX1 and 3×1 second pixels PX2 in the second display device DD2 (or the second display panel), and the brightness of the boundary region BA between the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2, and can provide the corresponding image to the image mapping unit 210.

[0097] Image mapping unit 210 can generate an image of 3×2 first unit pixels PX1' corresponding to the brightness of 3×2 first pixels PX1 in the first display device DD1, and an image of 3×1 second unit pixels PX2' reflecting the brightness of 3×1 second pixels PX2 and the brightness of the boundary region BA. Furthermore, image mapping unit 210 can generate an image of 3×2 first unit pixels PX1' corresponding to the brightness of 3×2 first pixels PX1 in the second display device DD2, and an image of 3×1 second unit pixels PX2' reflecting the brightness of 3×1 second pixels PX2 and the brightness of the boundary region BA. In the boundary region BA, the non-display area NA of the first display device DD1 can be mapped to the image of the second unit pixels PX2' together with the second pixels PX2 of the first display device DD1, and the non-display area NA of the second display device DD2 can be mapped to the image of the second unit pixels PX2' together with the second pixels PX2 of the second display device DD2.

[0098] refer to Figure 9A In the captured image, the boundaries between the first pixels LPX14, LPX15, RPX14, and RPX15 (or the first unit pixel) and / or the second pixels LPX2 and RPX2 (or the second unit pixel), as well as the boundary regions BA interposed therebetween, may be unclear due to blurring. Therefore, it may be difficult to correct the brightness value of the second pixel because the corrected brightness value may not be calculated properly (e.g., due to blurring). Therefore, a deblurring operation is performed before calculating the corrected brightness values ​​for the second pixels LPX2 and RPX2.

[0099] According to some exemplary embodiments, the deblurring unit 220 calculates a corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 by performing a deblurring operation on the mapped unit pixel image.

[0100] First, the deblurring unit 220 can derive the brightness value obtained by the first deblurring operation using Equation 1 or Equation 2 below. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first deblurring operation is referred to as the first deblurring operation, and the brightness value obtained by the first deblurring operation is referred to as the first deblurred brightness value.

[0101] Equation 1 is used to calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 when the brightness of the second pixel PX2 will be corrected to be darker than the brightness of the first pixel PX1 because the distance between the multiple display devices DD is narrower (e.g., narrower than the distance between the first pixels PX1) (here referred to as a "dark seam"). Equation 2 is used to calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 when the brightness of the second pixel PX2 will be corrected to be brighter than the brightness of the first pixel PX1 because the distance between the multiple display devices DD is wider (e.g., wider than the distance between the first pixels PX1) (here referred to as a "bright seam").

[0102] Equation 1:

[0103]

[0104] Equation 2:

[0105]

[0106] In Equations 1 and 2 above, Ref is a reference value, and corresponds to the value obtained by dividing the sum of the reference value Left-Ref of the left display device LDD and the reference value Right-Ref of the right display device RDD by 2. The value of Ref is expressed in the following equation.

[0107] Equation 3:

[0108]

[0109] The reference value Left-Ref of the left display device LDD corresponds to the brightness value of the first unit pixel PX1' located closest to the boundary region BA (e.g., the first unit pixel PX1' that is not affected by blurring caused by the light receiving element). Similarly, the reference value Right-Ref of the right display device RDD corresponds to the brightness value of the first unit pixel PX1' located closest to the boundary region BA (e.g., the first unit pixel PX1' that is not affected by blurring caused by the light receiving element).

[0110] According to some exemplary embodiments, Num (panels) corresponds to the number of display devices DD forming a boundary region BA, and can have two values. (Molecular Σ) Blurred Captured(x,y) corresponds to the value obtained by calculating the difference between the reference value (Ref) of each display device and the brightness value of each unit pixel after the brightness value of the unit pixel after the image is mapped (which is affected by the blur effect), and summing each difference.

[0111] That is, during the first deblurring operation, the deblurring unit 220 can operate by reflecting the brightness value of the first unit pixel PX1' that is located closest to the boundary region BA (e.g., the first unit pixel PX1' in the captured image that is not affected by blur).

[0112] Subsequently, the deblurring unit 220 can derive the brightness value obtained by the second deblurring operation using Equation 4 below. According to some exemplary embodiments, the second deblurring operation is referred to as the second deblurring operation, and the brightness value obtained by the second deblurring operation is referred to as the second deblurred brightness value.

[0113] According to some exemplary embodiments, the second deblurring operation is used to generate a more accurate correction value that reflects the initial brightness value, and Equation 4 can be applied to both dark seam cases and bright seam cases without distinguishing between the two.

[0114] Equation 4:

[0115] De-blur#2 left =De-blur#1(De-blur#1*Ratio left )

[0116] De-blur#2 right =De-blur#1(De-blur#1*Ratio right )

[0117] Here, Ratio left Values ​​and Ratio right The value of is represented by the following equation.

[0118] Equation 5:

[0119]

[0120] Equation 6:

[0121]

[0122] Here, Captured left Corresponding to the initial brightness value of the second unit pixel PX2' of the left display device LDD, and the Captured right This corresponds to the initial brightness value of the second pixel PX2' of the right display device RDD. (Captured) avg Corresponding to the average. Captured avg The value of is represented by the following equation.

[0123] Equation 7:

[0124]

[0125] That is, during the second deblurring operation, the deblurring unit 220 can calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 by reflecting the operation value determined by the first deblurring operation and the initial brightness value of the second unit pixel PX2'.

[0126] The deblurring unit 220 can use Equations 1 to 7 above to derive the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2.

[0127] refer to Figure 9A , Figure 9B Figure 9C and Figure 9D The method by which the deblurring unit 220 derives the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 is described in more detail.

[0128] First, refer to Figure 9A The image mapping unit 210 shows the state in which the first unit pixel and the second unit pixel are mapped.

[0129] According to some exemplary implementations Figure 9A The illustration shows a case where unit pixels are mapped for six pixels in the first row of each of the left display device LDD and the right display device RDD, which are adjacent to each other; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The arrangement and number of unit pixels can be varied.

[0130] Here, it is assumed that the first unit pixels LPX11, LPX12, and LPX13 in the first to third columns of the left display device LDD are not affected by the blurring of the light receiving element, and that the first unit pixels LPX14 and LPX15 and the second unit pixel LPX2 in the fourth to sixth columns of the left display device LDD are affected by the blurring. Furthermore, it is assumed that the first unit pixels RPX11, RPX12, and RPX13 in the first to third columns of the right display device RDD are not affected by the blurring, and that the first unit pixels RPX14 and RPX15 and the second unit pixel RPX2 in the fourth to sixth columns of the right display device RDD are affected by the blurring.

[0131] Figures 9B to 9D It shows the relationship with Figure 9A The brightness values ​​corresponding to the 12 unit pixels shown are shown.

[0132] refer to Figure 9BIn the left display device LDD, the brightness values ​​of the first unit pixels LPX11, LPX12, and LPX13 in the first to third columns are all 100, and the brightness values ​​of the first unit pixels LPX14 and LPX15 and the second unit pixel LPX2 in the fourth to sixth columns are all 95, 80, and 55, respectively. Similarly, in the right display device RDD, the brightness values ​​of the first unit pixels RPX11, RPX12, and RPX13 in the first to third columns are all 100, and the brightness values ​​of the first unit pixels RPX14 and RPX15 and the second unit pixel RPX2 in the fourth to sixth columns are all 95, 85, and 59, respectively.

[0133] According to some exemplary implementations Figures 9A to 9D The case where the boundary region is a dark seam is shown, and the first deblurring operation can be performed according to Equations 1 and 3 as described above.

[0134] Here, the reference value Left-Ref for the left display device LDD is 100, which is the brightness value of the first pixel LPX13 in the third column. The reference value Right-Ref for the right display device RDD is 100, which is the brightness value of the first pixel RPX13 in the third column. Therefore, the reference value Ref calculated by Equation 3 is 100.

[0135] To obtain the numerator Σ in Equation 1 Blurred The Captured(x,y) value, firstly, the Σ of the left display device LDD. Blurred The Captured(x,y) value uses the brightness values ​​of the first unit pixels LPX14 and LPX15 and the second unit pixel LPX2 in the fourth to sixth columns of the left display device LDD, which are affected by blurring. Since the brightness values ​​of each of the first unit pixels LPX14 and LPX15 and the second unit pixel LPX2 are 95, 80, and 55 respectively, the Σ of the left display device LDD... Blurred The value of Captured(x,y) is 5 + 20 + 45 = 70. The Σ of the RDD on the right display device... Blurred The Captured(x,y) value uses the brightness values ​​of the first unit pixels RPX14 and RPX15 and the second unit pixel RPX2 in the fourth to sixth columns of the right display device RDD, which are affected by blurring. Since the brightness values ​​of each of the first unit pixels RPX14 and RPX15 and the second unit pixel RPX2 are 95, 85, and 59 respectively, the Σ of the right display device RDD... Blurred The value of Captured(x,y) is 5 + 15 + 41 = 61. That is, the numerator Σ in Equation 1 is... BlurredThe value of Captured(x,y) is 131.

[0136] When the above reference value Σ Blurred When the Captured(x,y) value is applied to Equation 1, the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 obtained from the first deblurring operation is derived as 34.5.

[0137] refer to Figure 9C The brightness of the second pixel PX2, corresponding to the second unit pixels LPX2 and RPX2 in the left display device LDD and the right display device RDD, is corrected to 34.5 through a first deblurring operation. Here, since the total amount of light from the brightness of the pixels affected by the blurring is the same, the brightness of the first unit pixel can be corrected to a reference value (e.g., 100).

[0138] According to some exemplary embodiments, the deblurring unit 220 derives the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 through Equations 4 to 7 as described above, in order to generate a more accurate corrected value.

[0139] In order to obtain Captured avg The value, refer again Figure 9B Because the initial brightness value of the second pixel unit LPX2 of the left display device LDD is 55, and the initial brightness value of the second pixel unit RPX2 of the right display device RDD is 59, therefore Captured avg The value is (55+59) / 2=57.

[0140] Ratio left The value is (55-57) / 57 = -2 / 57, and Ratio right The value is (59-57) / 57 = 2 / 57.

[0141] When substituted into Equation 4 and the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 in the left display device LDD is derived, 34.5 + 34.5 * (-2 / 57) = 33.29 is derived by reflecting the brightness value (34.5) obtained from the first deblurring operation. When the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 in the right display device RDD is derived, 34.5 + 34.5 * (2 / 57) = 35.71 is derived by reflecting the brightness value (34.5) obtained from the first deblurring operation.

[0142] refer to Figure 9D The corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 derived by the deblurring unit 220 can be checked. As described above, when reflecting the initial brightness value of the second unit pixel, the brightness value of the second pixel PX2 may differ in the left display device LDD and the right display device RDD.

[0143] According to some exemplary embodiments, the correction unit 230 calculates a corrected grayscale value corresponding to the calculated corrected luminance value for the second pixel PX2. The correction unit 230 can calculate the grayscale value based on the luminance value using a grayscale-luminance (or intensity) function.

[0144] The correction unit 230 can calculate the correction gray value by the difference between the gray value corresponding to the correction brightness value for the second pixel PX2 derived from the deblurring unit 220 and the gray value corresponding to the target brightness value of the second pixel PX2.

[0145] According to some exemplary embodiments, the correction unit 230 can calculate the corrected gray value by using a linear interpolation method as shown in Equation 8 below.

[0146] Equation 8:

[0147]

[0148] Here, Est Comp It corrects the grayscale value. Is The correction value at that point It is the nth reference gray level. This refers to the current grayscale value.

[0149] refer to Figure 10 The grayscale-luminance (or intensity) function is shown. The corrected luminance value I for the second pixel PX2 is derived from the deblurring unit 220. M The grayscale function Original (De-blurred) is shown as a dashed line, and the target brightness value I based on the second pixel PX2 is also shown. T The grayscale function Compensation Target is shown as a solid line.

[0150] According to the corrected brightness value I for the second pixel PX2 derived from the deblurring unit 220 M The grayscale can be G C Value, and the target brightness value I based on the second pixel PX2. T The grayscale can be G T Value. That is, the correction unit 230 can calculate the corrected grayscale value (G). C -G T =ΔGray, compensation value).

[0151] The correction unit 230 provides the calculated correction grayscale value to Figure 6 The timing controller 10 and / or Figure 6The data driver 20 generates a correction data signal (or data voltage) corresponding to the corresponding grayscale. The data driver 20 can apply the correction data voltage to the data lines D1 to Dm connected to the second pixel PX2.

[0152] Therefore, in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments, the visibility of boundary areas can be reduced, and thus the image can be displayed with uniform brightness overall.

[0153] According to some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 7 As shown, the brightness correction unit 200 may be included in the display device DD, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to some exemplary embodiments, the image mapping unit 210 and the deblurring unit 220 may be included in the external image capture unit 100, and the correction unit 230 or the lookup table (LUT) for correcting grayscale values ​​may be included in the timing controller 10 or the data driver 20.

[0154] In the following text, see references Figure 11 and Figure 12 The improved effects of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments are described.

[0155] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of improved pixel depth in a boundary region of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments, and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of reduced visibility of boundary areas in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0156] refer to Figure 11 This shows the CCD values ​​of the brightness of pixels at the x position of multiple display devices DD.

[0157] The brightness of the unit pixel mapped by the image mapping unit 210 and the brightness of the pixel deblurred by the deblurring unit 220 are shown.

[0158] The intermediate area can be between multiple display devices (DD) Figure 2 The boundary region BA corresponds to the pixel whose brightness is deblurred by the deblurring unit 220, and the brightness of the pixel whose brightness is mapped by the image mapping unit 210 can be brighter.

[0159] exist Figure 11 In this context, improving the depth of pixels in the boundary region (BA) can mean that the visibility of the boundary region (BA) is reduced (or decreased) and the overall brightness is increased.

[0160] refer to Figure 12The diagram illustrates grayscale images of boundary regions BA between multiple display devices DD. In the multiple display devices DD according to the comparative example, the boundary regions BA are identifiable (or perceptible) at 64 grayscale, 128 grayscale, and 192 grayscale. On the other hand, in the display devices DD according to some exemplary embodiments, the visibility of the boundary regions BA may be reduced or diminished, and therefore the boundary regions BA may not be distinguishable.

[0161] Furthermore, Table 1 below shows the visibility index in a display device according to a comparative example and a display device according to some exemplary embodiments. A larger value of the visibility index indicates that the boundary area is more identifiable, and a smaller value indicates that the boundary area is less identifiable.

[0162] Table 1

[0163] partition Experiment 1 Experiment 2 Experiment 3 Comparative example 2.87 5.72 8.11 Implementation 1.06 2.55 4.00 Improvement rate 63％ 57％ 51％

[0164] Compared to the display device according to the comparative example, the display device according to some exemplary embodiments can have an improvement rate of 50% or greater. That is, in the display device according to some exemplary embodiments, the visibility of boundary areas can be reduced or decreased, and therefore an image with more uniform brightness overall can be displayed. In the following, reference is made to... Figure 13 Describe the method of compensating for brightness.

[0165] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for compensating the brightness of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 13 Refer to the above Figures 1 to 12 The display device and the brightness correction unit of the display device are described.

[0166] First, the brightness correction unit 200 receives the brightness images of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 captured by the image capture unit 100 (S200).

[0167] Image mapping unit 210 maps the brightness images of first unit pixel PX1' and second unit pixel PX2' using the received brightness images (S210). The image of first unit pixel PX1' can correspond to the captured brightness image of first pixel PX1, and the image of second unit pixel PX2' can correspond to a brightness image reflecting the captured brightness image of second pixel PX2 and the brightness image of the boundary region BA adjacent to second pixel PX2.

[0168] The deblurring unit 220 receives the mapped unit pixel image from the image mapping unit 210 and performs a deblurring operation (S220). The deblurring unit 220 can calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 through the first deblurring operation and the second deblurring operation.

[0169] The correction unit 230 calculates a correction grayscale value for the second pixel PX2, which corresponds to the calculated correction brightness value for the second pixel PX2 (S230).

[0170] The correction unit 230 provides the calculated correction grayscale value to Figure 6 The timing controller 10 and / or Figure 6 The data driver 20 generates a correction data signal (or data voltage) corresponding to the corresponding grayscale. The data driver 20 can apply the correction data voltage to the data lines D1 to Dm connected to the second pixel PX2 (S240).

[0171] According to some exemplary embodiments, the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 can vary depending on the width of the boundary region BA between the plurality of display devices DD. When the width of the boundary region BA between the plurality of display devices DD is narrower than the distance between adjacent first pixels PX1, the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 can be a value smaller than the brightness value of the first pixel PX1.

[0172] That is, when the width of the boundary region BA is narrower than the distance between the first pixels PX1 inside it, the display device DD according to some exemplary embodiments can correct the brightness so that the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA is darker than the brightness of the first pixel PX1. Therefore, in a multi-screen display device TDD arrangement, the visibility of the boundary region BA can be reduced, and thus an image with more uniform brightness can be displayed overall.

[0173] On the other hand, when the width of the boundary region BA between multiple display devices DD is wider than the distance between adjacent first pixels PX1, the corrected brightness value for the second pixel PX2 can be a value larger than the brightness value of the first pixel PX1.

[0174] That is, when the width of the boundary region BA is wider than the distance between the first pixels PX1 inside it, the display device DD according to some exemplary embodiments can correct the brightness so that the brightness of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the boundary region BA is brighter than the brightness of the first pixel PX1. Therefore, in a multi-screen display device TDD arrangement, the visibility of the boundary region BA can be reduced, and thus an image with more uniform brightness overall can be displayed.

[0175] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments described above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art or those with common knowledge in the art that changes, modifications and / or alterations may be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and technical scope of this disclosure as described in the claims.

[0176] Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the content described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A plurality of display panels adjacent to each other, each display panel including a first pixel in the display area of ​​the display panel and a second pixel in the display area and adjacent to the boundary area of ​​the display panel; as well as A brightness correction unit is configured to generate a corrected grayscale value for the second pixel; The brightness correction unit includes: An image mapping unit is configured to map a captured brightness image to a unit pixel image; A deblurring unit is configured to perform a deblurring operation on the mapped unit pixel image to calculate a corrected brightness value for the second pixel and to reflect the brightness value of the first unit pixel located closest to the boundary region, the first unit pixel being obtained by mapping the first pixel by the image mapping unit; and The correction unit is configured to calculate a correction grayscale value for the second pixel, the correction grayscale value corresponding to the calculated correction brightness value for the second pixel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the boundary region is narrower than the distance between adjacent first pixels in the first pixel, and the corrected brightness value for the second pixel is smaller than the brightness value of the first pixel.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the boundary region is wider than the distance between adjacent first pixels in the first pixel, and the corrected brightness value for the second pixel is greater than the brightness value of the first pixel.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The unit pixel image includes: The first unit pixel image, wherein the captured brightness image reflects the first pixel, and The second unit pixel image, wherein the captured brightness image reflects the second pixel and the boundary region.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The deblurring operation performed by the deblurring unit to calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel includes a first deblurring operation and a second deblurring operation.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, During the first deblurring operation, the first unit pixel is not affected by the blurring of the captured brightness image.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The deblurring unit is further configured to calculate the corrected brightness value for the second pixel during the second deblurring operation by reflecting the operation value determined by the first deblurring operation and the initial brightness value of the second unit pixel, the second unit pixel being obtained by the image mapping unit mapping the second pixel and the boundary region.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The corrected grayscale value for the second pixel is calculated by the difference between the grayscale value corresponding to the corrected brightness value for the second pixel and the grayscale value corresponding to the target brightness value for the second pixel.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of display panels includes: The display unit includes the first pixel and the second pixel; and A data driver configured to apply a data voltage to multiple data lines connected to the first pixel and the second pixel.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The data driver is configured to apply a correction data voltage corresponding to the correction grayscale value used for the second pixel to a data line connected to the second pixel.

Images