Display device

Abstract

A display device includes pixels that display one or more images in display frame periods and a sensor that overlaps the pixels. The sensor senses one or more user inputs in sensing frame periods that have a duration that is shorter than a duration of the display frame periods. A first sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods includes a first non-sensing period that substantially completely overlaps a first display frame period of the display frame periods. A second sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods includes a second non-sensing period that overlaps a portion of the first display frame period and a portion of a second display frame period of the display frame periods. The first non-sensing period and the second non-sensing period have different durations.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0123296, filed on September 23, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments described herein relate to display devices. Background Technology

[0004] Many forms of consumer electronics have display devices. Examples include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs). These devices may include display units for displaying images and sensor units for sensing touch positions. The sensor units may overlap with the display units on a plane. Therefore, in some cases, the sensing signals from the sensor units may interfere with the display signals. For example, this may occur when the sensing frame rate of the sensor unit is inconsistent with (or otherwise incompatible with) the display frame rate of the display unit. When this happens, various aberrations (e.g., horizontal stripe patterns) may become visible, thereby degrading display quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more implementations can reduce or prevent abnormal visual effects in the display device even when the sensing frame rate and the display frame rate of the display device are inconsistent with each other. Examples of these abnormal visual effects include, but are not limited to, flowing horizontal stripe patterns.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes pixels configured to display one or more images during a display frame period and a sensor overlapping the pixels. The sensor is configured to sense one or more user inputs during a sensing frame period, wherein the duration of the sensing frame period is shorter than the duration of the display frame period. Each sensing frame period includes a sensing period that provides a sensing signal to the sensor and a non-sensing period that does not provide a sensing signal to the sensor. A first sensing frame period includes a first non-sensing period that substantially completely overlaps with a first display frame period. A second sensing frame period includes a second non-sensing period that overlaps with a portion of the first display frame period and a portion of the second display frame period. The first and second non-sensing periods have different durations.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a display apparatus includes pixels configured to display one or more images in a display frame period and a sensor overlapping the pixels. The sensor is configured to sense one or more user inputs in a sense frame period, where a duration of the sense frame period is shorter than a duration of the display frame period. Each of the sense frame periods includes a sense period in which a sense signal is provided to the sensor and a non-sense period in which the sense signal is not provided to the sensor. A first sense frame period of the sense frame periods includes a first non-sense period that substantially completely overlaps a first display frame period of the display frame periods. A second sense frame period of the sense frame periods includes a second non-sense period that completely or substantially overlaps the first display frame period. The second non-sense period is a last non-sense period that completely or substantially overlaps the first display frame period, and the first non-sense period and the second non-sense period have different durations.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a first driver configured to control a display panel in a display frame period and a second driver configured to control a touch sensor in a sense frame period. A first sense frame period of the sense frame periods includes a first non-sense period that substantially completely overlaps a first display frame period of the display frame periods. A second sense frame period of the sense frame periods includes a second non-sense period that overlaps a portion of the first display frame period and a portion of a second display frame period of the display frame periods. The first non-sense period and the second non-sense period have different durations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Exemplary embodiments are described herein below with reference to drawings; however, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. Rather, these implementations are provided as example(s) so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0010] In the drawings, the size of some of the elements can be exaggerated relative to others for clarity. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0011] Figure 1 Embodiments of a display apparatus are illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 Embodiments of a display unit and a display driver are illustrated.

[0013] Figure 3 Embodiments of a pixel unit and a data distributor are illustrated.

[0014] Figure 4 Embodiments of a pixel are shown.

[0015] Figure 5 Embodiments of a method of driving a pixel unit and a data distributor of a display apparatus are shown.

[0016] Figure 6 Embodiments of a first sensor and a second sensor are shown.

[0017] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Embodiments of a mutual sensing period are shown.

[0018] Figures 9 to 11 Embodiments of a first self-sensing period and a second self-sensing period are shown.

[0019] Figure 12 Embodiments of a non-sensing period are shown.

[0020] Figures 13 to 15 Embodiments of a relationship between a sensing period and a non-sensing period are shown.

[0021] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A case where a display apparatus uses a sensing method according to a comparative example is shown.

[0022] Figure 18 and Figure 19 A case where a display apparatus uses a sensing method according to an embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 20 A case where a display apparatus uses a sensing method according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so as to allow those skilled in the art to easily practice the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0025] Portions unrelated to the specification will be omitted for the sake of clarity in describing the present disclosure, and the same or similar constituent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification. Therefore, the same reference numerals can be used to identify the same or similar elements in different drawings.

[0026] Further, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for better understanding and ease of description, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The thickness of a plurality of portions and regions is exaggerated for clarity of description. In the description, the expression "equal" can mean "substantially equal". That is, it can mean equality to some degree, which is a degree with which a person skilled in the art can understand the equality. Other expressions can be expressions from which "substantially" is omitted.

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display device 1 that can include a panel 10 and a driving circuit 20 for driving the panel 10. The panel 10 can include a display unit 110 (e.g., a display panel) that displays an image and a sensor unit 120 (e.g., a touch sensor) that can sense an input or other form of input generated based on, for example, a touch, a pressure, a fingerprint, a hovering. The panel 10 can further include pixels PXL and a sensor. The sensor can include a first sensor TX and a second sensor RX that overlap at least some of the pixels PXL.

[0028] The driving circuit 20 can include a display driver 210 for driving the display unit 110 and a sensor driver 220 for driving the sensor unit 120. For example, the pixels PXL can display an image in units of a display frame period. For example, the sensors TX and RX can sense an input of a user in units of a sensing frame period (e.g., which can be different from (e.g., shorter than) the display frame period).

[0029] In some embodiments, the display unit 110 and the sensor unit 120 can be separately manufactured and disposed and / or coupled to overlap each other in at least one region thereof. In one embodiment, the display unit 110 and the sensor unit 120 can be integrally manufactured. For example, the sensor unit 120 can be directly formed on at least one substrate (e.g., an upper substrate and / or a lower substrate of a display panel, or a thin film package), an insulating layer, or one or more types of functional layers (e.g., an optical layer or a protective layer).

[0030] In Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor unit 120 is on a front surface of the display unit 110 (e.g., an upper surface on which an image is displayed). However, in another embodiment, the sensor unit 120 can be disposed in one or more different positions. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor unit 120 can be on a rear surface or a plurality of surfaces (e.g., an upper surface and a rear surface) of the display unit 110. In one embodiment, the sensor unit 120 can be disposed in at least one edge region of the display unit 110.

[0031] The display unit 110 can include a display substrate 111 and a plurality of pixels PXL on the display substrate 111. The pixels PXL can be disposed in a display area DA of the display substrate 111.

[0032] The display substrate 111 can include a display area DA displaying an image and a non-display area NDA at a periphery of the display area DA. In some embodiments, the display area DA can be in a central area of the display unit 110, and the non-display area NDA can be at an edge area of the display unit 110 partially or entirely surrounding the display area DA. Also, the display substrate 111 can be a rigid or flexible substrate made of different materials or made into different properties. For example, the display substrate 111 can be a rigid substrate including glass or tempered glass, or can be a flexible substrate including a thin film of plastic or metal.

[0033] The scan lines SL and the data lines DL and the pixels PXL connected to the scan lines SL and the data lines DL are disposed in the display area DA. The pixels PXL can be selected by a scan signal having a first level (e.g., an on level) provided from the scan lines SL. A data signal can be provided from the data lines DL to the pixels PXL to emit light having a luminance corresponding to the data signal. When considered as a whole, the light emitted from the pixels PXL can form an image corresponding to the data signals provided to the respective pixels PXL in the display area DA. In embodiments, the structure of the pixels PXL, the driving method, etc. can vary. Also, in embodiments, the pixels PXL can be implemented to have various structures and / or driven by various driving methods.

[0034] The non-display area NDA can include various types of lines and / or built-in circuit(s) connected to the pixels PXL of the display area DA. In an example, a plurality of lines for providing one or more power supplies and / or various control signals to the display area DA can be disposed in the non-display area NDA. In one embodiment, a scan driver (and other logic) can be further disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0035] Also, in embodiments, the display unit 110 can vary. For example, the display unit 110 can be implemented as a self-emissive display panel, an example of which is an organic light emitting display panel. In one embodiment, the display unit 110 can be implemented as a non-emissive display panel, an example of which is a liquid crystal display panel. When the display unit 110 is implemented as a non-emissive display panel, the display device 1 can additionally have or be coupled with a light source (e.g., a backlight unit).

[0036] The sensor unit 120 includes a sensor substrate 121 and a plurality of sensors TX and RX on the sensor substrate 121, for example, the sensors TX and RX can be disposed in a sensing area SA on the sensor substrate 121. The sensing area SA can be operable to sense, for example, a touch input, and a peripheral area NSA can be at a periphery of the sensing area SA. In some embodiments, the sensing area SA can correspond to the display area DA (e.g., an area overlapping the display area DA). One or more peripheral circuits in the peripheral area NSA can correspond to the non-display area NDA (e.g., an area overlapping the non-display area NDA). When a touch input (or the like) is provided in the display area DA, the touch input can be detected by the sensor unit 120.

[0037] The sensor substrate 121 can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, and in some embodiments can be configured to have at least one insulating layer. In one embodiment, the sensor substrate 121 can be a light-transmissive substrate that is transparent or semi-transparent, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, in embodiments, the material(s) and properties of the sensor substrate 121 can vary. For example, the sensor substrate 121 can be a rigid substrate configured with glass or tempered glass, or a flexible substrate configured with a thin film made of plastic or metal. In some embodiments, at least one substrate corresponding to the display unit 110 (e.g., the display substrate 111, a packaging substrate, and / or a thin film package), or at least one insulating layer, at least one functional layer, and / or other layers disposed at the inner side and / or outer surface of the display unit 110 can be used as the sensor substrate 121.

[0038] The sensing area SA can include an area responsive to a touch input (e.g., an active area of a sensor). To this end, a plurality of sensors for sensing a touch input or the like can be disposed in the sensing area SA. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors can include one or more first sensors TX and one or more second sensors RX.

[0039] The first sensors TX can extend, for example, in a first direction DR1, and can be arranged in a second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 can be different from the first direction DR1, for example, the second direction DR2 can be a direction orthogonal to the first direction DR1. In one embodiment, the extension direction and the arrangement direction of the first sensors TX can be based on the position and / or arrangement of one or more other components of the display device 1, or for example, can correspond to a predetermined arrangement or configuration such as when disposed on a wearable configuration (e.g., a wrist-wearable configuration) of the display device 1.

[0040] Each of the first sensors TX can be disposed in a form in which a first cell (having a relatively wide area) and a first bridge (having a relatively narrow area) are connected to each other. In one embodiment, the first bridge can be disposed to be connected to the first cell in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the first cell.Figure 1 An example in which the first unit cells have a diamond shape is shown, but in another embodiment, all or some of the first unit cells can have different shapes. Examples include a circular shape, a quadrangular shape, a triangular shape, and a mesh shape. The first bridges can be integrally formed on the same layer as the first unit cells, or can be formed in a layer different from the layer of the first unit cells to electrically connect adjacent first unit cells.

[0041] Each of the second sensors RX can extend, for example, in the second direction DR2, and can be arranged in the first direction DR1. In one embodiment, the extension direction and the arrangement direction of the second sensors RX can be based on the arrangement and / or configuration of one or more components of the display device 1. Each of the second sensors RX can have the form in which the second unit cells (having a relatively wide area) and the second bridges (having a relatively narrow area) are connected to each other. In Figure 1 An example in which each of the second unit cells has a diamond shape is shown. In other embodiments, the second unit cells can be configured to have different shapes. Examples include a circular shape, a quadrangular shape, a triangular shape, and a mesh shape. The second bridges can be integrally formed on the same layer as the second unit cells, or can be formed in a layer different from the layer of the second unit cells to electrically connect adjacent second unit cells.

[0042] In some embodiments, each of the first sensors TX and the second sensors RX can include at least one of a metallic material, a transparent conductive material, and other types of conductive materials. Examples of the metallic material include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), etc., or an alloy thereof. Examples of the transparent conductive material include silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc. In addition, the first sensors TX and the second sensors RX can include at least one of various other conductive materials to have conductivity.

[0043] The first sensors TX and the second sensors RX can be configured to have a predetermined pattern, for example, a mesh shape. In addition, each of the first sensors TX and the second sensors RX can be provided as a single layer or multiple layers, and in an embodiment, the cross-sectional structure of each of the first sensors TX and the second sensors RX can vary.

[0044] The sensor line(s) for electrically connecting the sensor TX and RX to the sensor driver 220 and / or other components can be provided in the peripheral area NSA of the sensor unit 120 at a predetermined density and / or arrangement.

[0045] The driving circuit 20 can include a display driver 210 for driving the display unit 110 and a sensor driver 220 for driving the sensor unit 120. The display driver 210 and the sensor driver 220 can be configured as separate integrated chips (ICs) from each other, or for example, at least a portion of the display driver 210 and at least a portion of the sensor driver 220 can be integrated together in one IC.

[0046] The display driver 210 is electrically connected to the display unit 110 to drive the pixels PXL, and can include a data driver 12 and a timing controller 11 as shown in Figure 2 In one embodiment, a scan driver 13 and a data distributor 15 (see, for example, Figure 2 ) can be mounted in the non-display area NDA of the display unit 110, respectively. In one embodiment, the display driver 210 can include all or at least some of the data driver 12, the timing controller 11, the scan driver 13, and the data distributor 15.

[0047] The sensor driver 220 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 120 to drive the sensor unit 120, and can include a sensor transmitter and a sensor receiver. In one embodiment, the sensor transmitter and the sensor receiver can be integrated in one IC, but in another embodiment can be provided in separate ICs.

[0048] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the display unit 110 and the display driver 210. Referring to Figure 2 , the display driver 210 can include the data driver 12 and the timing controller 11, and the display unit 110 can include the scan driver 13 and the data distributor 15. As described above, in the embodiment of the display device 1, whether these units are integrated in one IC or separately integrated in multiple ICs and / or mounted on the display substrate 111 is changeable. In one embodiment, the display device 1 can also have or be coupled to a processor 9, which can include, for example, a graphic processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), and / or an application processor (AP).

[0049] The timing controller 11 can receive data representing the gray scale values of each frame and / or other information and one or more control signals from the processor 9. Examples of the control signals can include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal, and / or one or more other types of control signals, depending on, for example, the type and configuration of the display device 1.

[0050] In one embodiment, the period(s) of the vertical synchronization signal can correspond to the display frame period. For example, when the vertical synchronization signal has a first level (e.g., a logic high level), the vertical synchronization signal can indicate the active period of the corresponding frame period. When the vertical synchronization signal has a second level (e.g., a logic low level), the vertical synchronization signal can indicate the blank period of the corresponding frame period. The period(s) of the horizontal synchronization signal can correspond to the horizontal period(s), respectively. The data enable signal can have an enable level (e.g., a logic high level) when the gray scale values are provided from the processor 9, and have a disable level (e.g., a logic low level) when the gray scale values are not provided.

[0051] The timing controller 11 can render the gray scale values corresponding to the specification of the display device 1. For example, the processor 9 can provide a red gray scale value, a green gray scale value, and a blue gray scale value with respect to each unit dot. In one embodiment, the pixel unit 14 can have an RGB structure. In this case, there can be a one-to-one correspondence between the pixels and the corresponding gray scale in the gray scale values. Thus, it can not be necessary to render the gray scale values. In one embodiment, the pixel unit 14 can have a different structure, for example, a pentile structure. In this case, adjacent unit dots can share one pixel. Thus, there can not be a one-to-one correspondence between the pixels and the gray scale values. Thus, the gray scale values can be rendered. Whether rendered or not, the gray scale values can be provided to the data driver 12, and the timing controller 11 can provide data control signals to the data driver 12 and scan control signals to the scan driver 13.

[0052] The data driver 12 can generate data signals to be provided to the data output lines DO1, DO2… using the gray scale values and the data control signals received from the timing controller 11. For example, the data driver 12 can provide a first data signal to the data output lines DO1, DO2… during a first period, a second data signal to the data output lines DO1, DO2… during a second period after the first period, a third data signal to the data output lines DO1, DO2… during a third period after the second period, and a fourth data signal to the data output lines DO1, DO2… during a fourth period after the third period.

[0053] The scan driver 13 can generate scan signals to be supplied to the scan lines SL1, SL2... using a clock signal, a scan start signal, and / or other types of signals received from the timing controller 11. The scan driver 13 can sequentially supply the scan signals having pulses of a first level (e.g., an on level) to the scan lines SL1, SL2... For example, the scan driver 13 can supply the scan signals having the on level to the scan lines SL1, SL2... for a period corresponding to a period of the horizontal synchronization signal.

[0054] The scan driver 13 can include scan stages, e.g., configured in the form of a shift register. In one embodiment, the scan driver 13 can generate the scan signals in a manner that sequentially transfers a scan start signal (e.g., in the form of a pulse having the on level) to a next scan stage under control of a clock signal.

[0055] The pixel units 14 include pixels PXL, each of which can be connected to a respective data line and a respective scan line. The pixels PXL can include pixels that emit light of a first color, pixels that emit light of a second color, and pixels that emit light of a third color. The first color, the second color, and the third color can be different colors, e.g., red, green, and blue. In one embodiment, the different colors can include magenta, cyan, and yellow, or other combinations of multiple colors.

[0056] The data distributor 15 can selectively connect the data output lines DO1, DO2... and the data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4... The number of the data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4... can be greater than the number of the data output lines DO1, DO2... For example, the number of the data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4... can be an integer multiple of the number of the data output lines DO1, DO2... The data distributor 15 can be, e.g., a demultiplexer.

[0057] The ratio of the data output lines DO1, DO2... to the data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4... can be predetermined, for example, a ratio of 1:2 or a different ratio. In one embodiment, the data distributor 15 can alternately connect the data output lines DO1, DO2... to odd-numbered data lines or even-numbered data lines. For example, the data distributor 15 can connect the data output lines DO1, DO2... to the first data lines DL1, DL3... during a first time period, can connect the data output lines DO1, DO2... to the second data lines DL2, DL4... during a second time period, can connect the data output lines DO1, DO2... to the first data lines DL1, DL3... during a third time period, and can connect the data output lines DO1, DO2... to the second data lines DL2, DL4... during a fourth time period. In another embodiment, the data distributor 15 can connect the data output lines DO1, DO2... to the data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4... in a different manner.

[0058] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the pixel unit 14 and the data distributor 15, and Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the pixel PXL.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3 , the data distributor 15 can include first transistors M11, M12... and second transistors M21, M22.... The gate electrodes of the first transistors M11, M12... can be connected to the first control line CL1. The first electrodes of the first transistors M11, M12... can be connected to the data output lines DO1, DO2.... The second electrodes of the first transistors M11, M12... can be connected to the first data lines DL1, DL3.... The gate electrodes of the second transistors M21, M22... can be connected to the second control line CL2. The first electrodes of the second transistors M21, M22... can be connected to the data output lines DO1, DO2.... The second electrodes of the second transistors M21, M22... can be connected to the second data lines DL2, DL4.... The data distributor 15, for example, can be a demultiplexer having a predetermined input / output ratio (for example, an input-to-output ratio of 1:2 or another ratio).

[0060] In one embodiment, the first time periods (for example, on periods) of the first transistors M11, M12... and the first time periods (for example, on periods) of the second transistors M21, M22... can not overlap each other. The timing controller 11 can supply the control signals having the first level (for example, an on level) to the first control line CL1 and the second control line CL2 so that the first transistors M11, M12... and the second transistors M21, M22... are alternately turned on.

[0061] In one embodiment, the number of the first transistors M11, M12,... and the number of the second transistors M21, M22,... can be the same. Further, the number of the first data lines DL1, DL3,... and the number of the second data lines DL2, DL4,... can be the same. Further, the first data lines DL1, DL3,... and the second data lines DL2, DL4,... can be the same. However, in another embodiment, these numbers can be different.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first data lines DL1, DL3,... and the second data lines DL2, DL4,... can be arranged in a predetermined pattern, for example, arranged to alternate with each other. For example, the pixel unit 14 can include pixels PX1, PX2, PX3, PX4, PX5, PX6, PX7, PX8,... arranged in a pentile structure. The first pixels PX1, PX2, PX5, PX6,... can be connected to the first scan line SL1, and can be configured to sequentially repeat a predetermined color combination (for example, red, green, blue, and green) along the extension direction of the first scan line SL1. Further, the first pixels PX1, PX2, PX5, PX6,... can be connected to different data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4,...

[0063] The second pixels PX3, PX4, PX7, PX8,... can be connected to the second scan line SL2, and can be configured to sequentially repeat a predetermined color combination (for example, blue, green, red, and green) along the extension direction of the second scan line SL2. Further, the second pixels PX3, PX4, PX7, PX8,... can be connected to different data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4,...

[0064] In one embodiment, the red pixels and the blue pixels can be connected to the first data line DL1, such that the red pixels and the blue pixels sequentially repeat along the extension direction of the first data line DL1. The green pixels can be sequentially connected to the second data lines DL2 and DL4 along the extension direction of the second data lines DL2 and DL4. The blue pixels and the red pixels can be connected to the first data line DL3, such that the blue pixels and the red pixels sequentially repeat along the extension direction of the first data line DL3.

[0065] Referring to Figure 4 An example of the first pixel PX1 is shown, and can be representative of the other pixels PX2, PX3, PX4, PX5, PX6, PX7, PX8,... in terms of their configuration. The first pixel PX1 can include a transistor T1, a transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. The transistor T1 can have a gate electrode connected to a second electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, a first electrode connected to the first power line ELVDDL, and a second electrode connected to an anode of the light emitting diode LD. The transistor T1 can be referred to as a driving transistor.

[0066] The transistor T2 can have a gate electrode connected to the first scan line SL1, a first electrode connected to the first data line DL1, and a second electrode connected to the second electrode of the storage capacitor Cst. The transistor T2 can be referred to as a scan transistor.

[0067] The storage capacitor Cst can have a first electrode connected to the first power line ELVDDL, and a second electrode of the storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the gate electrode of the transistor T1.

[0068] The light emitting diode LD can have an anode connected to the second electrode of the transistor T1 and a cathode connected to the second power line ELVSSL. During an emission period of the light emitting diode LD, a first power voltage applied to the first power line ELVDDL can be different from (e.g., greater than) a second power voltage of the second power line ELVSSL. In one exemplary implementation, the transistors T1, T2, M11, M12…, M21, M22… can be implemented with P-type transistors, but all or a portion of these transistors can be implemented as N-type transistors that operate based on inverted signals.

[0069] Figure 5 is a timing chart corresponding to one embodiment of a driving method of the pixel unit 14 and the data distributor 15.

[0070] Referring to Figure 5 At time t1a, a first control signal having an on level (e.g., a low level) can be applied to the first control line CL1. Accordingly, the first transistors M11, M12… are turned on, the first data output line DO1 and the first data line DL1 are connected to each other, and the second data output line DO2 and the first data line DL3 are connected to each other. The data driver 12 can output a first data signal PXD1 to the first data output line DO1, and can output a first data signal PXD5 to the second data output line DO2. Accordingly, the first data line DL1 can be charged with the first data signal PXD1, and the first data line DL3 can be charged with the first data signal PXD5. A period from time t1a to a time at which a first control signal having an off level is applied can be referred to as a first period.

[0071] At time t2a, the second control signal having an on level can be applied to the second control line CL2. Accordingly, the second transistors M21, M22... turn on, the first data output line DOl and the second data line DL2 are connected to each other, and the second data output line DO2 and the second data line DL4 are connected to each other. The second data line DL2 can be charged with the second data signal PXD2, and the second data line DL4 can be charged with the second data signal PXD6. A period from time t2a to a time at which the second control signal having an off level is applied can be referred to as a second period.

[0072] At time t3a, the first scan signal having an on level can be applied to the first scan line SLl. Accordingly, the first pixels PXl, PX2, PX5, PX6... can receive the data signals charged in the first data lines DLl, DL3... and the second data lines DL2, DL4.... In this embodiment, time t3a can be located in the second period, but in another embodiment, time t3a can be located in a different period.

[0073] At time t4a, the first control signal having an on level can be applied to the first control line CLl. Accordingly, the first transistors Ml l, M12... turn on, the first data output line DOl and the first data line DLl are connected to each other, and the second data output line DO2 and the first data line DL3 are connected to each other. The first data line DLl can be charged with the third data signal PXD3, and the first data line DL3 can be charged with the third data signal PXD7. A period from time t4a to a time at which the first control signal having an off level is applied can be referred to as a third period.

[0074] At time t5a, the second control signal having an on level can be applied to the second control line CL2. Accordingly, the second transistors M21, M22... turn on, the first data output line DOl and the second data line DL2 are connected to each other, and the second data output line DO2 and the second data line DL4 are connected to each other. The second data line DL2 can be charged with the fourth data signal PXD4, and the second data line DL4 can be charged with the fourth data signal PXD8. A period from time t5a to a time at which the second control signal having an off level is applied can be referred to as a fourth period.

[0075] At time t6a, the second scan signal having an on level can be applied to the second scan line SL2. Accordingly, the second pixels PX3, PX4, PX7, PX8... can receive the data signals charged in the first data lines DLl, DL3... and the second data lines DL2, DL4.... In this embodiment, time t6a can be located in the fourth period, but in another embodiment, time t6a can be located in a different period.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the number of channels of the data driver 12 is sufficient (e.g., when the number of channels of the data driver 12 is equal to or greater than the number of data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4…), the data distributor 15 can be omitted. In one embodiment, when multiple data drivers 12 are used, the data distributor 15 can be omitted. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a distributor with… Figure 4 The pixel circuits shown have different structures.

[0077] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the first sensors TX1 to TX4 and the second sensors RX1 to RX4 according to an embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The first sensors (e.g., TX1, TX2, TX3, and TX4) and the second sensors (e.g., RX1, RX2, RX3, and RX4) are located in the sensing area SA. For ease of description, it is assumed that four first sensors TX1 to TX4 and four second sensors RX1 to RX4 are arranged in the sensing area SA. The first sensors TX1 to TX4 and the second sensors RX1 to RX4 can correspond, for example, to... Figure 1 The first sensor TX and the second sensor RX are described.

[0078] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor driver 220, and Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an implementation of the mutual sensing period (MSP). The mutual sensing period (MSP) can be, for example, the period during which the sensor unit 120 and the sensor driver 220 are driven in mutual capacitance mode. Figure 7 In the implementation, the configuration of sensor unit 120 and sensor driver 220 is shown based on representative sensor channels in sensor channel 222.

[0079] Reference Figure 7 The sensor driver 220 may include a sensor receiver TSC and a sensor transmitter TDC. During the mutual sensing period MSP, the sensor transmitter TDC may be connected to the first sensor TX, and the sensor receiver TSC may be connected to the second sensor RX.

[0080] In this implementation, the sensor receiver TSC can include an operational amplifier AMP, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 224, and a processor (MPU) 226. In an example, each sensor channel 222 can be implemented to include an analog front end (AFE) having or coupled to at least one operational amplifier AMP. The analog-to-digital converter 224 and the processor 226 can be shared by the plurality of sensor channels 222. In another example, the analog-to-digital converter 224 and the processor 226 can be disposed in each sensor channel 222.

[0081] The operational amplifier AMP can have a first input IN1 connected to the corresponding second sensor RX, and a second input IN2 connected to a reference power supply (e.g., GND). For example, the first input IN1 can be the inverting terminal, and the second input IN2 can be the non-inverting terminal. The reference power supply GND can be a ground voltage or a voltage having a specific amplitude corresponding to other types of reference potentials.

[0082] The analog-to-digital converter 224 can be connected to the output OUT1 of the operational amplifier AMP. The capacitor Ca and the switch SWr can be connected in parallel between the first input IN1 and the output OUT1.

[0083] Referring to Figure 8 During the mutual inductance sensing period MSP, the sensor driver 220 (e.g., the sensor transmitter TDC) can sequentially provide the first sensing signal to the first sensors TX1-TX4. For example, the sensor driver 220 can provide the first sensing signal to the first sensor TX1 a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice, at times t1b and t2b), provide the first sensing signal to the first sensor TX2 a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice, at times t3b and t4b), provide the first sensing signal to the first sensor TX3 a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice, at times t5b and t6b), and provide the first sensing signal to the first sensor TX4 a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice, at times t7b and t8b). In one implementation, the number of times the sensing signal is provided to the aforementioned first sensors can be different from each other. Further, in one implementation, the number of times the sensor driver 220 provides the first sensing signal to each of the first sensors TX1-TX4 can be greater than twice.

[0084] Each of the first sensing signals can correspond to a rising transition and / or a falling transition. For example, the first sensing signal at time t1b can correspond to a rising transition, e.g., the first sensing signal at time t1b can increase from a low level to a high level. The first sensing signal at time t2b can correspond to a falling transition, e.g., the first sensing signal at time t2b can decrease from a high level to a low level.

[0085] The sensor receiver TSC can include a plurality of sensor channels 222 connected to a plurality of second sensors RX. Each of the sensor channels 222 can receive a first sampling signal corresponding to the first sensing signal from a corresponding second sensor. For example, the sensor channels 222 connected to the second sensors RX1 to RX4 can independently receive a first sampling signal corresponding to the first sensing signal applied to the first sensor TX1 at time t1b. Also, the sensor channels 222 connected to the second sensors RX1 to RX4 can independently receive a first sampling signal corresponding to the first sensing signal applied to the first sensor TX1 at time t2b.

[0086] In the sensing area SA, mutual capacitances between the first sensors TX1 to TX4 and the second sensors RX1 to RX4 can be different from each other, for example, according to a position of an object OBJ (e.g., a user's finger, a stylus, or other object creating a touch input). Accordingly, the first sampling signals received by the sensor channels 222 can be different from each other. For example, a touch position of the object OBJ can be detected based on a difference between the first sampling signals.

[0087] The sensor channels 222 can generate an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first input IN1 and the second input IN2. For example, the sensor channels 222 can amplify a difference voltage between the first input IN1 and the second input IN2 to a degree corresponding to a predetermined gain. The amplified difference voltage can then be output.

[0088] In some embodiments, the sensor channels 222 can be implemented as integrators. The capacitor Ca and the switch SWr can be connected in parallel to each other between the first input IN1 and the output OUT1 of the operational amplifier AMP. For example, the charge of the capacitor Ca can be initialized by turning on the switch SWr before receiving the first sampling signal. At a time of receiving the first sampling signal, the switch SWr can be in an off state.

[0089] The analog-to-digital converter 224 converts an analog signal input from the sensor channel(s) 222 into a digital signal. The processor 226 can detect a user input by analyzing the digital signal.

[0090] Figures 9 to 11 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit 120, a sensor driver 220, a first self-sensing period STP, and a second self-sensing period SRP according to an embodiment.

[0091] Referring to Figure 9The configuration of the sensor unit 120 and the sensor driver 220 will be shown based on any one sensor channel 222. The internal configuration of the sensor receiver TSC and the sensor transmitter TDC can correspond to Figure 7 the internal configuration of the sensor receiver TSC and the sensor transmitter TDC of Figure 7 . Hereinafter, the parts different from those shown in

[0092] Referring to Figure 10 , the first self-sensing period STP can be a period in which the sensor unit 120 and the sensor driver 220 are driven in a self-capacitance mode. In the first self-sensing period STP, the sensor transmitter TDC can be connected to the second input end IN2 of each sensor channel 222, and the respective first sensor can be connected to the first input end IN1 of each sensor channel 222.

[0093] For example, during the first self-sensing period STP, the sensor transmitter TDC can provide a second sensing signal to the second input end IN2 of each sensor channel 222. The second sensing signal can be provided to the first sensor TX connected to the first input end IN1 according to the characteristics of the operational amplifier AMP. In an embodiment, the sensor driver 220 can simultaneously provide the second sensing signal to the first sensors TX1 to TX4 during the first self-sensing period STP. For example, referring to Figure 10 , at each of times t1c, t2c, t3c, t4c, t5c, t6c, t7c, and t8c, the second sensing signal can be simultaneously provided to the first sensors TX1 to TX4. The second sensors RX1 to RX4 can receive a separate reference voltage or be in a floating state. Each of the second sensing signals can correspond to a rising transition and / or a falling transition.

[0094] The first sensors TX1 to TX4 can have self-capacitance. When the object OBJ (for example, a user's finger) approaches the first sensors TX1 to TX4 (for example, within a predetermined distance greater than or equal to zero from the first sensors TX1 to TX4), the self-capacitance of the first sensors TX1 to TX4 can change according to the capacitance formed with the object surface OE. The second sensing signal to which the self-capacitance is reflected can be referred to as a second sampling signal. The touch position of the object OBJ with respect to the second direction DR2 can be detected based on the difference between the second sampling signals of the first sensors TX1 to TX4 (for example, see Figure 6 ).

[0095] Referring to Figure 11The second self-sensing period SRP can be a period in which the sensor unit 120 and the sensor driver 220 are driven in a self-capacitance mode. In the second self-sensing period SRP, the sensor transmitter TDC can be connected to the second input IN2 of each sensor channel 222, and the respective second sensor can be connected to the first input IN1 of each sensor channel 222.

[0096] For example, during the second self-sensing period SRP, the sensor transmitter TDC can provide a third sensing signal to the second input IN2 of each sensor channel 222. The third sensing signal can be provided to the second sensor RX connected to the first input IN1 according to a characteristic of the operational amplifier AMP. In an embodiment, the sensor driver 220 can simultaneously provide the third sensing signal to the second sensors RX1 to RX4 during the second self-sensing period SRP. For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the sensor driver 220 can simultaneously provide the third sensing signal to the second sensors RX1 to RX4 at each of times t1d, t2d, t3d, t4d, t5d, t6d, t7d, and t8d. Figure 11 For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the sensor driver 220 can simultaneously provide the third sensing signal to the second sensors RX1 to RX4 at each of times t1d, t2d, t3d, t4d, t5d, t6d, t7d, and t8d. The first sensors TX1 to TX4 can receive separate reference voltages or be in a floating state. Each of the third sensing signals can correspond to a rising transition and / or a falling transition.

[0097] The second sensors RX1 to RX4 can have self-capacitance. When an object OBJ (e.g., a user's finger, a stylus, or other object) approaches the second sensors RX1 to RX4 (e.g., within a predetermined distance greater than or equal to zero from the second sensors RX1 to RX4), the self-capacitance of the second sensors RX1 to RX4 can change according to a capacitance formed with the object surface OE. The third sensing signal to which the self-capacitance is reflected can be referred to as a third sampling signal. A touch position of the object OBJ with respect to the first direction DR1 can be detected based on a difference between the third sampling signals of the second sensors RX1 to RX4 (e.g., see FIG. 2B). Figure 6

[0098] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a non-sensing period WT, in which the non-sensing period WT can be a period in which sensing signals are not provided to the first sensors TX1 to TX4 and the second sensors RX1 to RX4. For example, referring to times t1e, t2e, t3e, t4e, t5e, t6e, t7e, and t8e, the first sensors TX1 to TX4 and the second sensors RX1 to RX4 can receive separate reference voltages or be in a floating state. The non-sensing period WT can be a period in which sensing is unnecessary or otherwise not performed. In one embodiment, the non-sensing period WT can be a period in which a touch position is detected in a respective sensing frame period based on sampling signals generated in a sensing period. ​

[0099] Figures 13 to 15 is a diagram illustrating one or more embodiments of a relationship between a sensing period(s) and a non-sensing period(s). In Figures 13 to 15 , the sensing periods SN1 and SN2 and the non-sensing periods WT1 and WT2 can be alternately positioned. A first sensing frame period can include the first sensing period SN1 and the first non-sensing period WT1. A second sensing frame period can include the second sensing period SN2 and the second non-sensing period WT2.

[0100] Referring to Figure 13 , the first sensing period SN1 can include a mutual sensing period MSP1, a first self-sensing period STP1, and a second self-sensing period SRP1. Also, the second sensing period SN2 can include a mutual sensing period MSP2, a first self-sensing period STP2, and a second self-sensing period SRP2.

[0101] For example, a case in which a water droplet falls in a partial region of the sensing area SA and a touch of a user is input to another partial region of the sensing area SA is illustrated. When the first sensing period SN1 includes only the mutual sensing period MSP1, the position of the water droplet and the position of the touch can be accurately sensed, but it can be impossible to distinguish the water droplet and the touch from each other.

[0102] To distinguish the touch of the user and the water droplet from each other, the first self-sensing period STP1 and the second self-sensing period SRP1 can be provided. By combining the touch position of the object OBJ with respect to the second direction DR2, which is detected in the first self-sensing period STP1, and the touch position of the object OBJ with respect to the first direction DR1, which is detected in the second self-sensing period SRP1, the touch position of the user can be roughly sensed. The position of the water droplet can not be sensed in the first self-sensing period STP1 and the second self-sensing period SRP2.

[0103] Thus, the first self-sensing period STP1 and the second self-sensing period SRP1 are used to obtain a result of not sensing the water droplet included in the mutual sensing period MSP1. The touch position of the user can thus be accurately sensed.

[0104] In some embodiments (for example, as illustrated in Figure 14 , the sensing periods SN1 and SN2 can include only the first self-sensing periods STP1 and STP2 and the second self-sensing periods SRP1 and SRP2, respectively. In some embodiments (for example, as illustrated in Figure 15 , the sensing periods SN1 and SN2 can include only the mutual sensing periods MSP1 and MSP2, respectively.

[0105] Figure 16 and Figure 17This is a diagram illustrating the case where the display device 1 uses the sensing method according to the comparative example.

[0106] Reference Figure 16 The illustration shows exemplary display frame periods DFP1, DFP2, and DFP3, and exemplary sensing frame periods SFP1, SFP2, SFP3, SFP4, and SFP5. Display frame periods DFP1, DFP2, and DFP3 may include valid periods APP1, APP2, and APP3 that provide grayscale values ​​for pixels PXL, and blank periods BPP1 and BPP2 that do not provide grayscale values. For example, when the vertical sync signal Vsync has a logic high level, the vertical sync signal Vsync may indicate valid periods APP1, APP2, and APP3. When the vertical sync signal Vsync has a logic low level, the vertical sync signal Vsync may indicate blank periods BPP1 and BPP2.

[0107] The sensing frame periods SFP1, SFP2, SFP3, SFP4, and SFP5 may each include sensing periods SN1, SN2, SN3, SN4, and SN5 (in which sensing signals are provided to sensors TX1 to TX4 or RX1 to RX4) and non-sensing periods WT1, WT2, WT3, WT4, and WT5 (in which sensing signals are not provided to sensors TX1 to TX4 or RX1 to RX4). The sensing frame periods SFP1, SFP2, SFP3, SFP4, and SFP5 may differ from (e.g., be shorter than) the display frame periods DFP1, DFP2, and DFP3. The sensing frame rate may be greater than the display frame rate.

[0108] exist Figure 16 In the comparative example shown, the duration (e.g., length of time) of the non-sensing periods WT1, WT2, WT3, WT4, and WT5 is the same. Furthermore, the lengths of the sensing periods SN1, SN2, SN3, SN4, and SN5 are the same. Therefore, the durations of the sensing frame periods SFP1, SFP2, SFP3, SFP4, and SFP5 can be the same.

[0109] Reference Figure 17 An example of a horizontal stripe pattern for pixel unit 14 is shown in the first display frame period DFP1. The horizontal stripe pattern may occur because the display signal of display unit 110 interferes with the sensing signal of sensor unit 120. In one case, the voltage level of the data signal is changed during the conversion coupled to the sensing signal, thereby producing the horizontal stripe pattern.

[0110] The period hsp and thickness of the horizontal stripe pattern can be predicted using the sensing signal from sensor unit 120 and the display signal from display unit 110. For example, it can be predicted using... Figure 5The control signals for control lines CL1 and CL2, and the scan signals for scan lines SL1, SL2… are shown. Figures 8 to 12 The frequency and / or phase of the sensing signals from sensors TX1 to TX4 and RX1 to RX4, as shown, are used to predict (e.g., simulate) a horizontal stripe pattern. The period hsp and thickness of the horizontal stripe pattern can be actually measured by taking an image using an optical imaging device. Prediction and actual measurement can be performed in parallel.

[0111] When observed in pixel unit 14 during the second display frame period DFP2, the horizontal stripe pattern can have a changing phase while maintaining the same period hsp. This phenomenon can lead to a difference between the sensing frame rate and the display frame rate. Therefore, the user can perceive the horizontal stripe pattern as if it is flowing downwards over time.

[0112] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example when the display device 1 uses one or more sensing methods according to the embodiments described herein.

[0113] Reference Figure 18 In this embodiment, the lengths of the sensing periods SN1, SN2, SN3, SN4, and SN5 within the sensing frame periods SFP1, SFP2', SFP3, SFP4', and SFP5 can be the same. However, in this embodiment, the lengths of some non-sensing periods can differ from each other.

[0114] The first non-sensing period WT1 of the first sensing frame period SFP1 may completely or substantially overlap with the first display frame period DFP1. The first non-sensing period WT1 may completely or substantially overlap with the first effective period APP1 of the first display frame period DFP1.

[0115] The second non-sensing period WT2' of the second sensing frame period SFP2' may overlap with a portion of the first display frame period DFP1 and a portion of the second display frame period DFP2. The second non-sensing period WT2' may partially overlap with the first blank period BPP1 of the first display frame period DFP1. The second non-sensing period WT2' may partially overlap with the second active period APP2 of the second display frame period DFP2. Therefore, the second non-sensing period WT2' may be a non-sensing period within a transition period, during which the display frame period changes from the first display frame period DFP1 to the second display frame period DFP2.

[0116] The lengths of the first non-sensing period WT1 and the second non-sensing period WT2' can be different from each other. For example, when assuming that the difference between the start time of the first display frame period DFP1 and the start time of the first sensing period SN1 is a variable x, the end time of the second non-sensing period WT2' can be set to be y different from the start time of the second display frame period DFP2 (see, for example, Equation 1).

[0117] y=x+(hsp / 2)×odv (1)

[0118] Where odv can be an odd integer, and hsp / 2 can be half of the period hsp of the horizontal stripe pattern.

[0119] exist Figure 18 The example shown is where x is 0 and odv is 1. Therefore, for the start time of each display frame period, the start time of the third sensing period SN3 can be delayed by a period hsp / 2 from the start time of the first sensing period SN1. Thus, the horizontal stripe pattern of the second display frame period DFP2 can be displayed with a delay period hsp / 2 compared to the horizontal stripe pattern of the first display frame period DFP1.

[0120] Reference Figure 19 An example is shown where the dark portions of the horizontal stripe pattern in the second display frame period DFP2 are used to eliminate the bright portions of the horizontal stripe pattern in the first display frame period DFP1. Furthermore, it is shown that the bright portions of the horizontal stripe pattern in the second display frame period DFP2 can be used to eliminate the dark portions of the horizontal stripe pattern in the first display frame period DFP1. Therefore, even if the sensing frame rate differs from the display frame rate, the horizontal stripe pattern can be reduced or prevented from being seen.

[0121] For reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 The period hsp and thickness of the horizontal stripe pattern can be predicted and actually measured. Therefore, in the factory processing before product release, the prediction and / or actual measurement of the horizontal stripe pattern are performed on the sensing signals and display signals (which have various frequencies and phases), so that information related to the period hsp of the horizontal stripe pattern can be pre-stored in a lookup table (LUT) in the memory of the display device.

[0122] Refer again Figure 18The third non-sensing period WT3 of the third sensing frame period SFP3 can completely or substantially overlap with the third display frame period DFP3. For example, the third sensing period SN3 and the third non-sensing period WT3 can completely or substantially overlap with the second effective period APP2. The duration (e.g., length) of the third non-sensing period WT3 and the first non-sensing period WT1 can be the same or substantially the same. For example, the duration of the non-sensing periods overlapping with the display frame periods can be the same or substantially the same. However, the lengths of the third non-sensing period WT3 and the second non-sensing period WT2' can be different from each other.

[0123] The fourth non-sensing period WT4' of the fourth sensing frame period SFP4' can overlap with the second blank period BPP2 of the second display frame period DFP2. For example, the fourth non-sensing period WT4' can be determined such that the difference between the start time of the second display frame period DFP2 and the start time of the fifth sensing period SN5 becomes x. Figure 18 In this context, x can be 0.

[0124] Therefore, for the start time of each display frame period, the start time of the fifth sensing period SN5 can be period hsp / 2 earlier than the start time of the third sensing period SN3. Consequently, the horizontal stripe pattern of the third display frame period DFP3 can be displayed period hsp / 2 earlier than the horizontal stripe pattern of the second display frame period DFP2. Thus, the horizontal stripe patterns of the second display frame period DFP2 and the third display frame period DFP3 are eliminated, thereby reducing or preventing the horizontal stripe patterns from being seen.

[0125] In one implementation, the end time of the fourth non-sensing period WT4' can be set to differ from the start time of the third display frame period DFP3 by z (e.g., see Equation 2).

[0126] z = x + (hsp / 2) * evv (2)

[0127] Where evv can be 0 or an even integer, and x is the difference between the start time of the first display frame period DFP1 and the start time of the first sensing period SN1. Figure 18 In this context, x and evv are both 0.

[0128] exist Figure 18In the embodiments shown, for ease of description, the second sensing frame period SFP2' has been described as being located after the first sensing frame period SFP1. However, in one embodiment, one or more additional sensing frame periods may be located between the first sensing frame period SFP1 and the second sensing frame period SFP2'. Each of the one or more additional sensing frame periods may have the same characteristics as the first sensing frame period SFP1. For example, the sensing period of each of the additional sensing frame periods(s) may have the same or substantially the same length (e.g., duration) as the first sensing period SN1. Furthermore, the non-sensing period of each of the additional sensing frame periods(s) may have the same or substantially the same length (e.g., duration) as the first non-sensing period WT1. In one implementation, the additional sensing frame periods(s) may completely or substantially overlap with the first effective period APP1. In one or more embodiments, the term "substantially the same" may mean within a predetermined tolerance. The tolerance may be, for example, a predetermined percentage of a term modified by "substantially".

[0129] Similarly, one or more additional sensing frame periods may be located between the third sensing frame period SFP3 and the fourth sensing frame period SFP4'. In one embodiment, each of the additional sensing frame periods(s) may have the same characteristics as the third sensing frame period SFP3.

[0130] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a display device using a sensing method according to an embodiment.

[0131] Reference Figure 20 The second non-sensing period WT2” of the second sensing frame period SFP2” may completely or substantially overlap with the first display frame period DFP1. The second non-sensing period WT2” may be the last non-sensing period that completely or substantially overlaps with the first display frame period DFP1.

[0132] The lengths of the first non-sensing period WT1 and the second non-sensing period WT2” can be different from each other. When assuming that the difference between the start time of the first display frame period DFP1 and the start time of the first sensing period SN1 is a variable x, the end time of the second non-sensing period WT2” can be set to be y different from the start time of the second display frame period DFP2 (for example, see Equation 3).

[0133] y = x - (hsp / 2) * odv (3)

[0134] Where x is the difference between the start time of the first display frame period DFP1 and the start time of the first sensing period SN1, odv can be an odd integer, and hsp / 2 can be half of the period hsp of the horizontal stripe pattern.Figure 20 The example shown is where x is 0 and odv is 1. Therefore, it is possible to present a case similar to... Figure 19 The effect shown is essentially the same.

[0135] The first non-sensing time period WT1 may completely or substantially overlap with the first effective time period APP1 of the first display frame time period DFP1.

[0136] The second non-sensing period WT2” can partially overlap with the first blank period BPP1 of the first display frame period DFP1.

[0137] The third non-sensing period WT3 of the third sensing frame period SFP3 may completely or substantially overlap with the second display frame period DFP2. The lengths of the third non-sensing period WT3 and the first non-sensing period WT1 may be the same. The lengths of the third non-sensing period WT3 and the second non-sensing period WT2 may be different from each other.

[0138] The third sensing period SN3 may partially overlap with the first blank period BPP1. The third non-sensing period WT3 may completely or substantially overlap with the second active period APP2.

[0139] The end time of the fourth non-sensing period WT4 can be set to differ from the start time of the third display frame period DFP3 by z (for example, see Equation 4).

[0140] z = x - (hsp / 2) * evv (4)

[0141] Where x is the difference between the start time of the first display frame period DFP1 and the start time of the first sensing period SN1, and evv can be 0 or an even integer. For example, in Figure 20 In this context, x and evv are both 0.

[0142] Figure 18 and Figure 20 The embodiments shown can be combined with each other to form other embodiments. For example, in such a combined embodiment, Equation 1 or Equation 3 can be selectively applied to the second non-sensing period WT2' or WT2', and Equation 2 or Equation 4 can be selectively applied to the fourth non-sensing periods WT4' and WT4'".

[0143] According to one embodiment, the device includes a first driver and a second driver. The device may be, for example, a processor or controller, which is in or coupled to the display device described herein. The first driver controls the display panel during a display frame period, and the second driver controls the touch sensor during a sensing frame period. The first driver may be a display driver, and the second driver may be a sensor driver according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0144] The display frame period may include any of the periods described according to embodiments herein, and the sensing frame period may include any of the periods described according to embodiments herein. For example, the first sensing frame period may include a first non-sensing period that completely or substantially overlaps with the first display frame period. The second sensing frame period may include a second non-sensing period that overlaps with a portion of the first display frame period and a portion of the second display frame period. The first non-sensing period and the second non-sensing period have different durations.

[0145] Furthermore, the first driver can control the display panel at the display frame rate, and the second driver can control the touch sensor at the sensing frame rate. The display frame rate can be the same as or different from the sensing frame rate. As previously mentioned, the first and second drivers can be included in the same integrated circuit chip or can be included in different integrated circuit chips.

[0146] According to one or more of the foregoing embodiments, a display device is provided that can reduce or prevent the appearance of flowing horizontal stripe patterns even when the sensing frame rate and the display frame rate are inconsistent with each other.

[0147] The methods, processes, and / or operations described herein can be executed by code or instructions to be run by a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device. The computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device can be those described herein or those other than those described herein. Because the algorithms underlying these methods (or the operation of the computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device) are described in detail, the code or instructions for implementing the methods can transform a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device into a dedicated processor for executing the methods herein.

[0148] Alternatively, another embodiment may include a computer-readable medium for storing the code or instructions described above, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be volatile or non-volatile memory or other storage devices that may be removably coupled to or permanently coupled to a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device, and will execute code or instructions for performing the operations of the method or apparatus embodiments described herein.

[0149] The controllers, processors, devices, drivers, units, multiplexers, distributors, logic, converters, and other signal generation and signal processing features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented, for example, in non-transitory logic that may include hardware, software, or both hardware and software. When implemented at least partially in hardware, the controllers, processors, devices, drivers, units, multiplexers, distributors, logic, converters, and other signal generation and signal processing features can be, for example, any of a variety of integrated circuits, including but not limited to application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, combinations of logic gates, systems-on-a-chip, microprocessors, or other types of processing or control circuitry.

[0150] When implemented at least in part in software, controllers, processors, devices, drivers, units, multiplexers, distributors, logic, converters, and other signal generation and signal processing features may include, for example, memory or other storage devices for storing code or instructions to be executed by, for example, a computer, processor, microprocessor, controller, or other signal processing device.

[0151] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, such terminology is used in a general and descriptive sense only and will be interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for any purpose of limitation. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless specifically instructed otherwise, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: pixels configured to display one or more images in a display frame period; and a sensor overlapping the pixels, the sensor configured to sense one or more user inputs in a sensing frame period, wherein a duration of the sensing frame period is shorter than a duration of the display frame period, each of the sensing frame periods comprises a sensing period in which the sensor is provided with a sensing signal and a non-sensing period in which the sensor is not provided with the sensing signal, wherein: a first sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods comprises a first non-sensing period that completely overlaps a first display frame period of the display frame periods; a second sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods comprises a second non-sensing period that overlaps a portion of the first display frame period and a portion of a second display frame period of the display frame periods; and the first non-sensing period and the second non-sensing period have different durations.

2. The display device of claim 1, wherein: the first sensing frame period comprises a first sensing period, and the second sensing frame period comprises a second sensing period having a duration that is the same as a duration of the first sensing period.

3. The display device of claim 2, wherein: a third sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods comprises a third non-sensing period that completely overlaps the second display frame period, the third non-sensing period and the first non-sensing period have the same duration, the third non-sensing period and the second non-sensing period have different durations, the third sensing frame period comprises a third sensing period, and the first sensing period, the second sensing period, and the third sensing period have the same duration.

4. The display device of claim 3, wherein: the first non-sensing period completely overlaps a first active period of the first display frame period, the second non-sensing period partially overlaps a first blank period of the first display frame period, a gray scale value is provided to the pixels in the first active period and the gray scale value is not provided to the pixels in the first blank period, the second non-sensing period partially overlaps a second active period of the second display frame period, and the third sensing period and the third non-sensing period completely overlap the second active period.

5. The display device of claim 1, wherein: the sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the display device is configured to sequentially provide a first one of the sensing signals to the first sensor during at least a portion of one or more of the sensing periods, the display device is configured to simultaneously provide a second one of the sensing signals to the first sensor during at least a portion of one or more of the sensing periods, and the display device is configured to simultaneously provide a third one of the sensing signals to the second sensor during at least a portion of one or more of the sensing periods.

6. A display device comprising: pixels configured to display one or more images in display frame periods; and a sensor overlapping the pixels, the sensor configured to sense one or more user inputs in sensing frame periods, wherein a duration of the sensing frame periods is shorter than a duration of the display frame periods, each of the sensing frame periods includes a sensing period in which the sensor is provided with a sensing signal and a non-sensing period in which the sensor is not provided with the sensing signal, wherein: a first sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods includes a first non-sensing period that completely overlaps a first display frame period of the display frame periods; a second sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods includes a second non-sensing period that completely overlaps the first display frame period; the second non-sensing period is a last non-sensing period that completely overlaps the first display frame period; and the first non-sensing period and the second non-sensing period have different durations.

7. The display device of claim 6, wherein: the first sensing frame period includes a first sensing period, the second sensing frame period includes a second sensing period, and the first sensing period and the second sensing period have the same duration.

8. The display device of claim 7, wherein: a third sensing frame period of the sensing frame periods includes a third non-sensing period that completely overlaps a second display frame period of the display frame periods, the third non-sensing period and the first non-sensing period have the same duration, the third non-sensing period and the second non-sensing period have different durations, the third sensing frame period includes a third sensing period, and the first sensing period, the second sensing period, and the third sensing period have the same duration.

9. The display device of claim 8, wherein: the first non-sensing period completely overlaps a first active period of the first display frame period, the second non-sensing period partially overlaps a first blank period of the first display frame period, the pixels are provided with a gray scale value in the first active period and are not provided with the gray scale value in the first blank period, the third sensing period partially overlaps the first blank period, and the second display frame period includes a second active period and the third non-sensing period completely overlaps the second active period of the second display frame period.

10. The display device of claim 6, wherein: the sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor, and wherein the display device is configured to sequentially provide a first one of the sensing signals to the first sensor during at least a portion of one or more of the sensing periods, the display device is configured to simultaneously provide a second one of the sensing signals to the first sensor during at least a portion of one or more of the sensing periods and to simultaneously provide a third one of the sensing signals to the second sensor during at least a portion of one or more of the sensing periods.

Images