Residual image compensation device and display device comprising the same

Abstract

A residual image compensation apparatus and a display apparatus including the same are provided. The residual image compensation apparatus includes a residual image area detector configured to receive an input image and detect a residual image area including a residual image in the input image, a residual image area corrector configured to detect a mis-detection area, which is a portion of a normal area not detected as the residual image area and the detected residual image area surrounds in a plurality of directions, and generate a corrected residual image area, and a compensation data generator configured to adjust a brightness of the corrected residual image area to generate compensation data.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0132512, filed on October 14, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Multiple aspects of one or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to an image compensation device and a display device including the image compensation device. Background Technology

[0003] Afterimages occur when a display device displays video with a fixed image (e.g., a still image) for a considerable period of time. When a display device displays video with a fixed image (e.g., a still image) for a considerable period of time and then displays video without a fixed image, speckles appear in the areas where the fixed image was displayed. Therefore, when afterimages occur in a display device, the display quality of the display device deteriorates.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to an image retention compensation device and a display device including the image retention compensation device. In the image retention compensation device, the detected image retention area can be corrected to set the image retention area to be closer to the actual image retention area, and the brightness of the corrected image retention area can be adjusted, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of image retention, reducing color shift and / or improving display quality.

[0006] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. The foregoing and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an afterimage compensation device includes: an afterimage region detector configured to receive an input image and detect afterimage regions in the input image that include afterimages; an afterimage region corrector configured to detect false detection regions and generate corrected afterimage regions, the false detection regions being portions of normal regions that were not detected as afterimage regions and the detected afterimage regions surrounding in multiple directions; and a compensation data generator configured to adjust the brightness of the corrected afterimage regions to generate compensation data.

[0008] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to identify a portion of the detected normal region that is surrounded by the afterimage region in at least three of the directions of up, down, left and right as a false detection region.

[0009] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to identify regions where the boundary surface of a portion of the normal region has a radius of curvature lower than a preset radius of curvature as false detection regions.

[0010] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to: when the size or number of pixels of the portion of the normal region surrounded by the detected afterimage region is smaller than a preset size or number of pixels, determine the portion of the normal region as a false detection region.

[0011] In an embodiment, the afterimage region detector can be configured to receive a plurality of example images and detect the afterimage region of each of the plurality of example images, and the afterimage region corrector can be configured to receive a specified false detection region based on the afterimage region of each of the plurality of example images and cluster the pixel size of the specified false detection region to store a plurality of clusters based on the clustering result.

[0012] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to calculate the median of the pixel size based on multiple clusters, and the afterimage region corrector can be configured to determine the region between the afterimage regions detected from the input image as a false detection region when the distance between the afterimage regions detected from the input image is equal to or less than the median of the pixel size.

[0013] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to calculate the median of pixel size based on multiple clusters, and the afterimage region corrector can be configured to determine the region between the detected afterimage regions as a normal region when the distance between afterimage regions detected from the input image is greater than the median of pixel size.

[0014] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to correct a region extending a preset pixel size from the boundary of the afterimage region detected by the afterimage region detector into a corrected afterimage region.

[0015] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to determine the pixel size of the extended region in the corresponding direction based on the length of the detected afterimage region in the corresponding direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, the pixel size of the extended region in the corresponding direction may be proportional to the length of the detected afterimage region in the corresponding direction, may be proportional to the logarithm of the length of the detected afterimage region in the corresponding direction, or may be proportional to the nth root of the length of the detected afterimage region in the corresponding direction, where n may be a natural number of 2 or greater.

[0017] In an embodiment, the compensation data generator can be configured to reduce the brightness of the normal area adjacent to the correction afterimage area as the distance from the correction afterimage area increases.

[0018] In an embodiment, the compensation data generator can be configured to uniformly apply the brightness gain of the correction afterimage region and reduce the brightness gain of the normal region as the distance from the correction afterimage region increases.

[0019] In an embodiment, the derivative of the brightness gain in the normal region can increase with the increase of the distance from the correction afterimage region, can reach a maximum value at a specific point, and can decrease with the increase of the distance from the correction afterimage region and the specific point.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an image persistence compensation device includes: an image persistence region detector configured to receive an input image and detect an image persistence region in the input image that includes an image persistence; an image persistence region corrector configured to correct a region extending from the boundary of the detected image persistence region by a preset pixel size into a corrected image persistence region; and a compensation data generator configured to adjust the brightness of the corrected image persistence region to generate compensation data. The image persistence region corrector is configured to determine the pixel size of the extended region in a corresponding direction based on the length of the detected image persistence region in the corresponding direction.

[0021] In an embodiment, the pixel size of the extended region in the corresponding direction may be proportional to the length of the detected afterimage region in the corresponding direction, may be proportional to the logarithm of the length of the detected afterimage region in the corresponding direction, or may be proportional to the nth root of the length of the detected afterimage region in the corresponding direction, where n may be a natural number of 2 or greater.

[0022] In an embodiment, the compensation data generator can be configured to uniformly apply the brightness gain of the correction afterimage region and reduce the brightness gain of the normal region as the distance from the correction afterimage region increases.

[0023] In an embodiment, the derivative of the brightness gain in the normal region can increase with the increase of the distance from the correction afterimage region, can reach a maximum value at a specific point, and can decrease with the increase of the distance from the correction afterimage region and the specific point.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a display device includes: an image persistence compensation device configured to detect an image persistence region from an input image, correct the detected image persistence region to generate a corrected image persistence region, and output compensation data applied to the corrected image persistence region; a timing controller configured to generate pixel data based on the compensation data; and a display panel configured to display an image based on the pixels. The image persistence compensation device includes: an image persistence region detector configured to receive an input image and detect an image persistence region in the input image that includes an image persistence region; an image persistence region corrector configured to detect falsely detected regions and generate a corrected image persistence region, wherein the falsely detected regions are in portions of a normal region that were not detected as image persistence regions and the detected image persistence regions surround the region in multiple directions; and a compensation data generator configured to adjust the brightness of the corrected image persistence region to generate the compensation data.

[0025] In an embodiment, the afterimage region detector can be configured to receive a plurality of example images and detect the afterimage region of each of the plurality of example images, and the afterimage region corrector can be configured to receive a specified false detection region specified based on the afterimage region of each of the plurality of example images, calculate the median of the pixel size based on a plurality of clusters obtained by clustering the pixel size of the specified false detection region, and detect the false detection region based on the median of the pixel size.

[0026] In an embodiment, the afterimage region corrector can be configured to correct a region extending a preset pixel size from the boundary of the afterimage region detected by the afterimage region detector into a corrected afterimage region. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of illustrative, non-limiting exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a residual image compensation device for a display device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the image compensation process of the image compensation device according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of detecting false detection regions during afterimage compensation according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a view showing the input image of the afterimage compensation device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The magnified view of region A1 in the image shows the false detection area;

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of region A2 in the image, showing the pixel size of the false detection area;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the afterimage compensation process according to another embodiment;

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of region A1 in the image, showing the magnified afterimage region;

[0037] Figure 10 It shows the application through Figure 9 A graph showing the brightness gain of the afterimage compensation device in the region defined by line I-I'.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the brightness gain of a residual image compensation device according to another embodiment; and

[0039] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a residual image compensation process according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description, exemplary embodiments will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements. However, this disclosure may be implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not essential for those skilled in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of this disclosure may not be described. For example, well-known structures and apparatus may be shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects and features of the various embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the drawings and description, and therefore their description need not be repeated.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the illustrated embodiments should be understood as providing some example features of variations on how the presented embodiments can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) of the various presented embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0042] When specific embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence may differ from the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or they may be performed in the reverse order of the described sequence.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and / or simplified. For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “below,” “above,” and “above” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature as shown in the drawings to another or more other elements or features. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below,” “under,” or “below” other elements or features will subsequently be positioned “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] Crosshairs and / or shading are typically used in accompanying drawings to clearly define the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or characteristics of the elements shown.

[0045] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views and / or exploded views, which are schematic illustrations of ideal embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes shown will be expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes shown for a particular region, but rather include deviations and / or variations in shape due to, for example, their manufacturing processes. In this way, the regions shown in the figures can be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and are thus not intended to be limiting.

[0046] In the accompanying diagram, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0047] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion described below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0048] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may be present. Similarly, when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "electrically connected" to another layer, region, or element, the layer, region, or element may be directly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or element, and / or may be indirectly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or element with one or more intermediate layers, intermediate regions, or intermediate elements placed therebetween. Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may be present.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B. Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of…” modify the entire list of elements before (or after) a list of elements, but not individual elements in the list. For example, the expressions “at least one of a, b and c” and “at least one of the group consisting of a, b and c” indicate only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b and c, or variations thereof.

[0050] As used herein, the terms “basically,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to take into account the inherent biases of measurements or calculations that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of this disclosure indicates “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” As used herein, the terms “use” and variations thereof are to be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize” and variations thereof, respectively. Additionally, the term “exemplary” is intended to indicate an example or illustration. As used herein, “embodiment” and “implementation” are interchangeable terms referring to non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more of the embodiments presented herein.

[0051] As is customary in the art, some embodiments of functional blocks, units, and / or modules are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that these blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented using electronic (or optical) circuits (such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc.) formed using semiconductor-based or other manufacturing techniques. Where blocks, units, and / or modules are implemented using microprocessors or other similar hardware, they can be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and can be selectively driven by firmware and / or software. It is also conceivable that each block, unit, and / or module can be implemented using dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and processors (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions. Furthermore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, each block, unit, and / or module of some embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and / or modules. Furthermore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, blocks, units, and / or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules.

[0052] Electronic or electrical devices (e.g., afterimage compensation devices) and / or any other related devices or components (e.g., afterimage detection units, afterimage area correction units, compensation data generation units, etc.) according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or a separate IC chip. Furthermore, various components of these devices can be implemented on flexible printed circuit films, tape-on-a-carrier packages (TCPs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or formed on a substrate. Additionally, various components of these devices can be processes or threads that run on one or more processors, execute computer program instructions in one or more computing devices, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory that can be implemented in a computing device using standard memory devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc.). Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the functions of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device may be distributed across one or more other computing devices (in the middle).

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant field and / or the context of this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 As a device for displaying moving and / or still images, a display device can be used as a display screen for a variety of suitable products (such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.) and a variety of suitable portable electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smartwatches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic laptops, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs, etc.).

[0056] The display device may include a display panel 100, a ghost image compensation device 200, a timing controller 300, a data driver 400, a power supply unit (e.g., a power supply, power supply device, or power supply circuit) 500, and a gate driver 600.

[0057] In a plan view (e.g., a view from a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the associated element, layer, or device (e.g., the top surface of display panel 100), display panel 100 may have a rectangular shape. For example, display panel 100 may have a rectangular planar shape having a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The angle where the long side extending in the first direction DR1 intersects the short side extending in the second direction DR2 may be formed as a right angle or a rounded shape with a suitable curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature). The planar shape of display panel 100 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be formed as other suitable polygonal shapes, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, etc. For example, display panel 100 may be formed as flat or substantially flat, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. As another example, display panel 100 may be formed as curved with a suitable curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature).

[0058] Display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA may at least partially surround the display area DA (e.g., at least partially surround the periphery of the display area DA).

[0059] The display area DA, which serves as the region for displaying images, can be defined as the central region of a first substrate (not shown) of the display panel 100. The display area DA may include a plurality of pixels SP formed for each pixel region where multiple data lines DL and multiple gate lines GL intersect (e.g., cross). Each of the plurality of pixels SP can be connected to at least one gate line GL, at least one data line DL, and a drive voltage line VDDL. Each of the plurality of pixels SP can be defined as the smallest unit of region for outputting light.

[0060] Multiple data lines DL can be connected between the data driver 400 and multiple pixels SP. Each data line DL can supply data voltage to each pixel SP individually. The multiple data lines DL can be spaced apart from each other along a first direction DR1 and can extend along a second direction DR2.

[0061] Multiple gate lines GL can be connected between the gate driver 600 and multiple pixels SP. The multiple gate lines GL can supply gate signals to the multiple pixels SP respectively. The multiple gate lines GL can extend along a first direction DR1 and can be spaced apart from each other along a second direction DR2.

[0062] The non-display area NDA can be defined as the remaining area of ​​the display panel 100 other than the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA may include a gate driver 600 for applying gate signals to the gate line GL, a fan-out line connecting the data line DL to the data driver 400, and pad (also known as a "soldering pad") units (e.g., pad area or pad terminal area) connected to the flexible film.

[0063] The afterimage compensation device 200 can receive an input image IMG and detect afterimage regions of the input image IMG. The afterimage compensation device 200 can generate compensation data CDATA by adjusting the brightness of the afterimage regions. The afterimage compensation device 200 can receive grayscale data of the input image IMG on a frame-by-frame basis (e.g., frame-by-frame). For example, the afterimage compensation device 200 can analyze the grayscale data of the input image IMG using a histogram and classify normal regions and afterimage regions based on the differences in the histogram. As another example, the afterimage compensation device 200 can classify normal regions and afterimage regions based on the color hue, color saturation, and color value of the grayscale data of the input image IMG. Afterimage regions of the input image IMG are generated (e.g., identified) in areas of the input image IMG that have a fixed image (e.g., a still image) over a considerable period of time.

[0064] When the detected afterimage area differs from the actual afterimage area, the afterimage compensation device 200 can correct the detected afterimage area. For example, the afterimage compensation device 200 can identify a portion of the normal area as a false detection area and correct the false detection area to become an afterimage area, thereby generating a corrected afterimage area. The afterimage compensation device 200 can generate compensation data CDATA by adjusting the brightness of the corrected afterimage area and can provide the compensation data CDATA to the timing controller 300.

[0065] For example, the image compensation device 200 can be implemented as a separate chip from the timing controller 300 (e.g., a separate integrated circuit (IC) chip). In another example, the image compensation device 200 and the timing controller 300 can be implemented together as a single chip (e.g., a single IC chip).

[0066] The timing controller 300 can receive timing synchronization signals from the display driving system and compensation data CDATA from the afterimage compensation device 200. The timing controller 300 can generate a data control signal DCS and a gate control signal GCS based on the timing synchronization signals. The timing controller 300 can use the data control signal DCS to control the driving timing of the data driver 400 and can use the gate control signal GCS to control the driving timing of the gate driver 600.

[0067] The timing controller 300 can generate pixel data DATA based on compensation data CDATA, and can calibrate the pixel data DATA to a layout structure suitable for pixels SP, so as to provide the calibrated pixel data DATA to the data driver 400. The timing controller 300 supplies the pixel data DATA, which reflects the compensation data CDATA, to the data driver 400, so that the display device can prevent or substantially prevent the occurrence of ghosting and improve its display quality.

[0068] The data driver 400 can receive pixel data DATA and data control signal DCS from the timing controller 300. The data driver 400 can generate a data voltage based on the pixel data DATA and supply the data voltage to the data line DL according to the data control signal DCS. The data voltage can be supplied to multiple pixels SP through the data line DL, and the brightness of multiple pixels SP can be determined.

[0069] The power supply unit 500 can supply driving voltage to the display panel 100. The power supply unit 500 can generate the driving voltage and supply it to multiple pixels SP arranged on the display panel 100 via the driving voltage line VDDL. The power supply unit 500 can generate a common voltage and supply it to a low-potential line of the display panel 100. For example, the driving voltage can correspond to a high-potential voltage capable of driving multiple pixels SP, while the common voltage can correspond to a low-potential voltage commonly supplied to the multiple pixels SP.

[0070] The gate driver 600 can be located at the non-display area NDA of the display panel 100 (e.g., in the middle or at the top). The gate driver 600 can generate a gate signal based on the gate control signal GCS supplied from the timing controller 300, and can supply the gate signal to multiple gate lines GL in a suitable order (e.g., a preset order or a predetermined order).

[0071] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a ghost image compensation device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 The afterimage compensation device 200 may include an afterimage area detection unit (e.g., afterimage area detector) 210, an afterimage area correction unit (e.g., afterimage area corrector) 220 and a compensation data generation unit (e.g., compensation data generator) 230.

[0073] The afterimage region detection unit 210 can receive an input image IMG and detect afterimage regions within the input image IMG that include afterimages. Afterimage regions of the input image IMG are generated when the input image IMG has a fixed image over a considerable period of time. The afterimage region detection unit 210 can receive grayscale data of the input image IMG on a frame-by-frame basis. For example, the afterimage region detection unit 210 can analyze the grayscale data of the input image IMG using a histogram and classify normal regions and afterimage regions based on the differences in the histogram. As another example, the afterimage region detection unit 210 can classify normal regions and afterimage regions based on the hue, color saturation, and color value of the grayscale data of the input image IMG. The afterimage region detection method of the afterimage region detection unit 210 is not limited to the methods described above, and the afterimage region detection unit 210 can use any suitable method to distinguish between images of the input image IMG that will be fixed over multiple frames (e.g., still images) and images that change with each frame (e.g., moving images). The afterimage region detection unit 210 can provide afterimage region data AAD, which includes information about the detected afterimage region (e.g., information about the detected afterimage region), to the afterimage region correction unit 220.

[0074] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect false detection regions and correct them into corrected afterimage regions. A false detection region may correspond to an area surrounded (e.g., around its periphery) in multiple directions by a detected afterimage region at a portion of a normal region that was not detected as an afterimage region (e.g., in the middle or above). For example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine an area of ​​a detected normal region surrounded by an afterimage region in at least three of the following directions: upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. As another example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine an area where the boundary surface of a portion of the normal region has a radius of curvature lower than a suitable radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature or a preset radius of curvature). As yet another example, when the size or number of pixels in the portion of the normal region surrounded (e.g., around its periphery) by a detected afterimage region is smaller than a suitable (appropriate) size or number of pixels (e.g., a predetermined size or number or a preset size or number), the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the corresponding area as a false detection region. When the size or number of pixels surrounding a detected afterimage region in a normal region is larger than a suitable size or number of pixels (e.g., a predetermined size or number or a preset size or number), the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine that the corresponding region should be a part of the normal region rather than a falsely detected region. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct the falsely detected region into a corrected afterimage region, and can provide corrected afterimage region data CAD, which includes information about the corrected afterimage region (e.g., corrected afterimage region information), to the compensation data generation unit 230.

[0075] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct a region extending from the boundary of the afterimage region by an appropriate pixel size (e.g., a predetermined pixel size) into a corrected afterimage region. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size of the extended region in a corresponding direction (e.g., a specific direction) based on the length of the afterimage region detected in that corresponding direction. For example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size of the extended region in the first direction DR1 based on the length of the afterimage region detected in the first direction DR1.

[0076] The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data CDATA by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage area. For example, the compensation data generation unit 230 can reduce the brightness of the correction afterimage area by setting (e.g., by changing) the brightness gain of the correction afterimage area to less than 1. The compensation data generation unit 230 can provide the compensation data CDATA to the timing controller 300. The compensation data generation unit 230 can prevent or reduce the occurrence of afterimages in the display device, reduce color shift, and improve display quality by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage area and / or the brightness of the normal area surrounding the correction afterimage area (e.g., around its perimeter).

[0077] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the afterimage compensation process of the afterimage compensation device according to an embodiment.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The afterimage compensation device 200 may include an afterimage area detection unit 210, an afterimage area correction unit 220, and a compensation data generation unit 230.

[0079] The afterimage region detection unit 210 can receive an input image IMG and detect afterimage regions within the input image IMG that include afterimages (block (step) S110). The afterimage region detection unit 210 can distinguish between images in the input image IMG that will remain fixed over multiple frames (e.g., still images) and images that change with each frame (e.g., moving images). The afterimage region detection unit 210 can provide afterimage region data AAD, including information about the detected afterimage regions, to the afterimage region correction unit 220.

[0080] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect false detection regions within the normal region (box S120). For example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can identify a portion of the detected normal region that is surrounded (e.g., around its perimeter) by the afterimage region in at least three of the directions of the up, down, left, and right as a false detection region. As another example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can identify a portion of the normal region whose boundary surface has a radius of curvature lower than a suitable radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature or a preset radius of curvature) as a false detection region. As yet another example, when the size or number of pixels in the portion of the normal region surrounded by the detected afterimage region is smaller than a suitable size or number of pixels (e.g., a predetermined size or number or a preset size or number), the afterimage region correction unit 220 can identify the corresponding region as a false detection region.

[0081] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct the false detection region into a corrected afterimage region (box S130). The afterimage region correction unit 220 can provide the corrected afterimage region data CAD, including the corrected afterimage region information, to the compensation data generation unit 230.

[0082] The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data CDATA for the correction afterimage area (block S140). The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate the compensation data CDATA by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage area. For example, the compensation data generation unit 230 can reduce the brightness of the correction afterimage area by setting (e.g., by changing) the brightness gain of the correction afterimage area to less than 1. The compensation data generation unit 230 can provide the compensation data CDATA to the timing controller 300.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of detecting falsely detected regions during afterimage compensation according to an embodiment.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 In the box for detecting false detection regions (S120), false detection regions of the input image IMG can be detected based on multiple clusters extracted from multiple example images.

[0085] The afterimage region detection unit 210 can receive multiple example images and can detect afterimage regions (box S121) from each of the multiple example images. The afterimage region detection unit 210 can provide afterimage region data AAD, which includes information about the detected afterimage regions, to the afterimage region correction unit 220.

[0086] The designer or manufacturer of the afterimage compensation device 200 can specify at least one false detection region of the example image based on the afterimage region data AAD. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can receive the false detection region specified based on the afterimage region of each of the plurality of example images (block S122). Each of the plurality of example images may include at least one false detection region, and the afterimage region correction unit 220 can receive a plurality of false detection regions. For example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 may include a storage module (e.g., a storage device, storage system, or data storage), such as a database, and the afterimage region correction unit 220 may store a plurality of false detection regions of the plurality of example images.

[0087] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can cluster the pixel size of each of the multiple false detection regions stored in the storage module to store multiple clusters (box S123). Here, the pixel size can correspond to the number of pixels in the first direction DR1 and the number of pixels in the second direction DR2 at the corresponding region (e.g., center or top), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For another example, the pixel size can correspond to the number of pixels in directions other than the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For another instance, regardless of the direction, the pixel size can correspond to the number of pixels concentrated in one region (e.g., center or top). Therefore, the size of the cluster can represent the area of ​​the corresponding false detection region, or the pixel size of the corresponding false detection region.

[0088] The size of a cluster can be proportional to the resolution. For example, because the number of pixels arranged per unit area (region) increases with increasing resolution, the size of a cluster can increase with increasing resolution.

[0089] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can calculate the median pixel size based on multiple clusters (box S124). For example, the median pixel size can be calculated based on multiple clusters using statistical methods, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The median pixel size can be a criterion used to classify false detection regions and normal regions.

[0090] The process of calculating the median pixel size by detecting afterimage regions from multiple example images and extracting multiple clusters from the detected afterimage regions can be a preparatory process for detecting afterimage regions and false detection regions from an input image IMG. Therefore, Figure 3 The frame S110 for detecting the afterimage region from the input image IMG can precede frames S121, S122, S123 and S124 (e.g., it can be temporally preceding frames S121, S122, S123 and S124). Figure 4 The box S120 shown in the diagram, which represents the false detection region, can be included with... Figure 3 Examples of some processes in the detection of false detection regions in box S120 correspond to this. Therefore, Figure 3 The detection false detection area bounding box S120 is not limited to Figure 4 The illustration shown is shown in the figure.

[0091] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can compare the distance between afterimage regions detected from the input image IMG with the median pixel size (box S125). For example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can compare the distance between the detected afterimage regions in the first direction DR1 and the distance in the second direction DR2 with the median pixel size. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can also compare the area or pixel size of the portion of the normal region surrounded by the detected afterimage regions with the median pixel size calculated from multiple clusters.

[0092] When the distance between the afterimage regions detected from the input image IMG is equal to or less than the median pixel size (e.g., "Yes" at box S125), the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the area between the detected afterimage regions as a false detection region (box S126). When the area or pixel size of the portion surrounded by the detected afterimage regions of a normal region is less than or equal to the median pixel size, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the corresponding portion of the normal region as a false detection region. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct the false detection regions into corrected afterimage regions, and can provide the corrected afterimage region data (CAD) including the corrected afterimage region information to the compensation data generation unit 230.

[0093] When the distance between the afterimage regions detected from the input image IMG is greater than (e.g., more than) the median pixel size (e.g., "No" at box S125), the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the area between the detected afterimage regions as a normal area (box S127). For example, normal areas that are not close to (e.g., not near or adjacent to) the corrected afterimage regions can be excluded from brightness adjustment.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a view showing the input image of the afterimage compensation device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The magnified view of region A1 in the image shows the false detection area. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The magnified view of region A2 in the image shows the pixel size of the false detection area.

[0095] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The afterimage compensation device 200 can receive an input image IMG to detect the afterimage region of the input image IMG, and can adjust the brightness of the afterimage region to generate compensation data CDATA. When the detected afterimage region AIA is different from the actual afterimage region CRA, the afterimage compensation device 200 can correct the detected afterimage region AIA.

[0096] The afterimage region detection unit 210 can receive an input image IMG to detect a normal region MA that does not include the afterimage and an afterimage region AIA that includes the afterimage.

[0097] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect the false detection region MDA and correct the false detection region MDA into a corrected afterimage region. The false detection region MDA can correspond to the region around (e.g., around its periphery) in multiple directions of the detected afterimage region AIA in the normal region MA that was not detected as part of the afterimage region AIA.

[0098] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can identify a portion of the detected normal region MA, and the region surrounded by the afterimage region AIA in at least three of the directions of up, down, left and right as the false detection region MDA.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, the first false detection region MDA1 may be surrounded (e.g., around its periphery) by the afterimage regions AIA detected in at least the first direction DR1, the third direction DR3, and the fourth direction DR4. The second false detection region MDA2 may be surrounded (e.g., around its periphery) by the afterimage regions AIA detected in the first direction DR1 to the eighth direction DR8. Therefore, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect the first false detection regions MDA1 to the fifth false detection regions MDA5 and can correct them into corrected afterimage regions.

[0100] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can identify a region where the radius of curvature of the boundary surface of a portion of the normal region MA is smaller than a suitable radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature or a preset radius of curvature) as a false detection region MDA. Figure 7 As shown, the radius of curvature of the boundary surface of the first false detection region MDA1, including the first point P1, can be lower than a suitable radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature or a preset radius of curvature). The radius of curvature of the boundary surface of the first false detection region MDA1, including the second point P2, can also be lower than a suitable radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature or a preset radius of curvature). Therefore, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect the first false detection region MDA1 and correct it into a corrected afterimage region.

[0101] When the size or number of pixels surrounding (e.g., around the periphery) of the detected afterimage region AIA of the normal region MA is smaller than the appropriate size or number of pixels (e.g., a predetermined size or number or a preset size or number), the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the corresponding region as the falsely detected region MDA. Figure 7As shown, the pixel size L1 of the first false detection region MDA1 in the first direction DR1 and the pixel size L2 of the first false detection region MDA1 in the second direction DR2 can be smaller than a suitable (e.g., predetermined or preset) pixel size. Therefore, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect the first false detection region MDA1 and correct the first false detection region MDA1 into an afterimage region (e.g., corrected afterimage region) AIA.

[0102] The afterimage region detection unit 210 can detect afterimage regions AIA from multiple example images, and the afterimage region correction unit 220 can calculate the median pixel size by extracting multiple clusters from the detected afterimage regions AIA. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can calculate the median pixel size based on multiple clusters. For example, the median pixel size can be calculated based on multiple clusters using statistical methods, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The median pixel size can be a criterion used to classify falsely detected regions MDA and normal regions MA.

[0103] When the distance between the afterimage regions detected from the input image IMG is equal to or less than the median pixel size, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the area between the detected afterimage regions AIA as the false detection region MDA. When the area or pixel size of a portion of the normal region MA surrounded by the detected afterimage regions AIA is less than or equal to the median pixel size, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine a portion of the corresponding normal region MA as the false detection region MDA. For example, when the pixel size L1 of the first false detection region MDA1 in the first direction DR1 and the pixel size L2 of the first false detection region MDA1 in the second direction DR2 are less than or equal to the median pixel size, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect the first false detection region MDA1. For another example, when the distance DS between the detected afterimage regions AIA is greater than (e.g., more than) the median pixel size, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the area between the detected afterimage regions AIA as the normal region MA.

[0104] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct the false detection region MDA into a corrected afterimage region, and can provide corrected afterimage region data CAD, including corrected afterimage region information, to the compensation data generation unit 230. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can set (e.g., can change) an afterimage region close to (e.g., near or adjacent to) the actual afterimage region CRA by correcting the false detection region MDA into a corrected afterimage region. The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data CDATA by adjusting the brightness of the corrected afterimage region.

[0105] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating an afterimage compensation process according to another embodiment. In the following, components, elements, and configurations that are the same as or substantially the same as those in the above embodiments may be briefly described, or redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0106] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 The afterimage compensation device 200 may include an afterimage area detection unit 210, an afterimage area correction unit 220, and a compensation data generation unit 230.

[0107] The afterimage region detection unit 210 can receive an input image IMG and detect afterimage regions AIA (box S210) in the input image IMG that include afterimages. The afterimage region detection unit 210 can provide afterimage region data AAD, which includes the detected afterimage region information, to the afterimage region correction unit 220.

[0108] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can detect the false detection region MDA in the normal region MA (box S220). The false detection region MDA can correspond to a region surrounding (e.g., around its periphery) in multiple directions of a detected afterimage region AIA, which is a part of the normal region MA.

[0109] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct the false detection region MDA into a corrected afterimage region (box S230).

[0110] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct a region extending from the boundary of the afterimage region AIA by an appropriate pixel size (e.g., a predetermined pixel size or a preset pixel size) into a corrected afterimage region (box S240). The afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size of the extended region in the corresponding direction (e.g., a specific direction) based on the detected length of the afterimage region AIA in the corresponding direction. For example, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size of the extended region in the first direction DR1 based on the detected length of the afterimage region AIA in the first direction DR1.

[0111] For example, the pixel size y of the extended region in the corresponding direction can be proportional to the length x of the detected afterimage region AIA in the corresponding direction (e.g., y = k × x, where k is a constant).

[0112] For another example, the pixel size y of the extended region in the corresponding direction can be proportional to the logarithm of the length x of the detected afterimage region AIA in the corresponding direction (e.g., y = log(x)). For another example, the pixel size y of the extended region in the corresponding direction can be proportional to the nth root of the length x of the detected afterimage region AIA in the corresponding direction (where n is a natural number of 2 or greater) (e.g., y = x^(1 / n)). Afterimage region correction unit 220 can provide corrected afterimage region data CAD, including corrected afterimage region information, to compensation data generation unit 230. Afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct a region extending an appropriate pixel size from the boundary of afterimage region AIA into a corrected afterimage region, thereby setting (e.g., changing) an afterimage region close to (e.g., near or adjacent to) the actual afterimage region CRA.

[0113] The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data CDATA (box S250) by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage area. The compensation data generation unit 230 can provide the compensation data CDATA to the timing controller 300.

[0114] The compensation data generation unit 230 can control the brightness of the correction afterimage area CAA and / or the brightness of the normal area MA adjacent to the correction afterimage area CAA to naturally adjust the brightness of the display device, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of afterimages, reducing color shift, and improving display quality.

[0115] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of region A1 in the image, showing the magnified afterimage region.

[0116] Reference Figure 9 The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct a region EAA of appropriate (e.g., predetermined or preset) pixel size extending from the boundary of the afterimage region AIA to a corrected afterimage region CAA. The afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size of the extended region EAA in the corresponding direction (e.g., in a specific direction) based on the detected length of the afterimage region AIA in the corresponding direction.

[0117] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size y1 of the extended region EAA in the second direction DR2 based on the length x1 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the second direction DR2. For example, the pixel size y1 of the extended region EAA in the second direction DR2 can be proportional to the length x1 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the second direction DR2 (e.g., y1 = k × x1, where k is a constant). For another example, the pixel size y1 of the extended region EAA in the second direction DR2 can be proportional to the logarithm of the length x1 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the second direction DR2 (e.g., y1 = log(x1)). For another example, the pixel size y1 of the extended region EAA in the second direction DR2 can be proportional to the nth root of the length x1 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the second direction DR2 (where n is a natural number of 2 or greater) (e.g., y1 = x1^(1 / n)).

[0118] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size y2 of the extended region EAA in the first direction DR1 based on the length x2 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the first direction DR1. For example, the pixel size y2 of the extended region EAA in the first direction DR1 can be proportional to the length x2 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the first direction DR1 (e.g., y2 = k × x2, where k is a constant). For another example, the pixel size y2 of the extended region EAA in the first direction DR1 can be proportional to the logarithm of the length x2 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the first direction DR1 (e.g., y2 = log(x2)). For another example, the pixel size y2 of the extended region EAA in the first direction DR1 can be proportional to the nth root of the length x2 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the first direction DR1 (where n is a natural number of 2 or greater) (e.g., y2 = x2^(1 / n)).

[0119] The afterimage region correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size y3 of the extended region EAA in the fifth direction DR5 based on the length x3 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the fifth direction DR5. For example, the pixel size y3 of the extended region EAA in the fifth direction DR5 can be proportional to the length x3 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the fifth direction DR5 (e.g., y3 = k × x3, where k is a constant). For another example, the pixel size y3 of the extended region EAA in the fifth direction DR5 can be proportional to the logarithm of the length x3 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the fifth direction DR5 (e.g., y3 = log(x3)). For another example, the pixel size y3 of the extended region EAA in the fifth direction DR5 can be proportional to the nth root of the length x3 of the detected afterimage region AIA in the fifth direction DR5 (where n is a natural number of 2 or greater) (e.g., y3 = x3^(1 / n)).

[0120] The afterimage correction unit 220 can provide the correction afterimage area data (CAD) including correction afterimage area information to the compensation data generation unit 230. The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data (CDATA) by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage area (CAA).

[0121] Figure 10 It shows the application through Figure 9 The graph shows the brightness gain of the afterimage compensation device in the region defined by line I-I'.

[0122] Reference Figure 10 The afterimage correction unit 220 can correct the region EAA, which extends from the boundary of the afterimage region AIA by an appropriate pixel size (e.g., a predetermined pixel size or a preset pixel size), into a corrected afterimage region CAA. For example, when the brightness of the afterimage region AIA is higher than the brightness of the area surrounding the afterimage region AIA, the afterimage correction unit 220 can correct the region EAA, which extends by an appropriate pixel size, into a corrected afterimage region CAA.

[0123] The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data CDATA by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage region CAA. For example, the compensation data generation unit 230 can reduce the brightness of the correction afterimage region CAA by setting (e.g., by changing) the brightness gain G of the correction afterimage region CAA to be less than 1 (e.g., g < 1).

[0124] The compensation data generation unit 230 can decrease the brightness of the normal region MA adjacent to the correction afterimage region CAA as the distance from the correction afterimage region CAA increases. The compensation data generation unit 230 can apply the brightness gain G (e.g., G = g) of the correction afterimage region CAA uniformly or substantially uniformly, and can decrease the brightness gain G (e.g., G = f(p)) of the normal region MA as the distance from the correction afterimage region CAA increases. For example, Figure 10 The fifth point Pe in the luminance gain curve shown can correspond to the luminance gain G of the corrected residual image region CAA, and the luminance gain G of the fifth point Pe can have a value g less than 1 (e.g., 1>g). Figure 10 The pixel positions of each of the fourth point Pd, the third point Pc, the second point Pb, and the first point Pa in the brightness gain curve gradually move away from the correction residual image region CAA, and the brightness gain G of each of the fourth point Pd, the third point Pc, the second point Pb, and the first point Pa can gradually decrease.

[0125] The magnitude of the derivative G' of the luminance gain G in the normal region MA increases with increasing distance from the correction afterimage region CAA. The magnitude of the derivative G' can then have a maximum value at a specific point and can decrease with increasing distance from both the correction afterimage region CAA and the specific point. For example, the magnitude of the derivative G' at the fifth point Pe of the luminance gain curve (e.g., G' = f'(Pe)) can correspond to 0, and the magnitude of the derivative G' at the fourth point Pd (e.g., G' = f'(Pd)) can be larger than the magnitude of the derivative G' at the fifth point Pe (e.g., G' = f'(Pe)) (where f'(Pd) > f'(Pe)). The magnitude of the derivative G' can increase from the fourth point Pd to the third point Pc, while the magnitude of the derivative G' at the third point Pc (e.g., g' = f'(Pc)) can have a maximum value (e.g., G' = f'(Pc) = k). The magnitude of the derivative G' can decrease from the third point Pc to the second point Pb, and the magnitude of the derivative G' at the first point Pa (e.g., G' = f'(Pa)) can correspond to 0. Therefore, the compensation data generation unit 230 can control the brightness of the correction afterimage region CAA and the brightness of the normal region MA adjacent to the correction afterimage region CAA to naturally adjust the brightness of the display device, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of afterimages, reducing color shift, and improving display quality.

[0126] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the brightness gain of an afterimage compensation device according to another embodiment. When the area of ​​the corrected afterimage region CAA is smaller than the area of ​​the detected afterimage region AIA, it can be applied... Figure 11 The brightness gain curve.

[0127] Reference Figure 11The afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct the region EAA, which is reduced by an appropriate pixel size (e.g., a predetermined pixel size or a preset pixel size) from the boundary of the afterimage region AIA, into a corrected afterimage region CAA. For example, when the brightness of the afterimage region AIA is lower than the brightness of the surrounding area, the afterimage region correction unit 220 can correct the region EAA, which is reduced by an appropriate pixel size, into a corrected afterimage region CAA.

[0128] The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data CDATA by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage region CAA. For example, the compensation data generation unit 230 can reduce the brightness of the correction afterimage region CAA by setting (e.g., by changing) the brightness gain G of the correction afterimage region CAA to be less than 1 (e.g., g < 1).

[0129] The compensation data generation unit 230 can decrease the brightness of the normal region MA adjacent to the correction afterimage region CAA as the distance from the correction afterimage region CAA increases. The magnitude of the derivative G' of the brightness gain G of the normal region MA increases as the distance from the correction afterimage region CAA increases, then has a maximum value at a specific point, and can decrease as the distance from the correction afterimage region CAA and the specific point increases.

[0130] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a residual image compensation process according to another embodiment. (The text can be omitted.) Figure 8 The frame S220 and S230 are used to perform the afterimage compensation process. Figure 12 The afterimage compensation process.

[0131] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 12 The afterimage compensation device 200 may include an afterimage area detection unit 210, an afterimage area correction unit 220, and a compensation data generation unit 230.

[0132] The afterimage region detection unit 210 can receive an input image IMG and detect afterimage regions AIA (box S310) in the input image IMG that include afterimages. The afterimage region detection unit 210 can provide afterimage region data AAD, which includes the detected afterimage region information, to the afterimage region correction unit 220.

[0133] The afterimage correction unit 220 can correct a region EAA extending from the boundary of the afterimage region AIA by a suitable pixel size (e.g., a predetermined pixel size or a preset pixel size) into a corrected afterimage region (box S320). The afterimage correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size of the extended region EAA in the corresponding direction (e.g., a specific direction) based on the length of the detected afterimage region AIA in the corresponding direction. For example, the afterimage correction unit 220 can determine the pixel size of the extended region EAA in the first direction DR1 based on the length of the detected afterimage region AIA in the first direction DR1. The afterimage correction unit 220 can provide corrected afterimage region data CAD, including corrected afterimage region information, to the compensation data generation unit 230.

[0134] The compensation data generation unit 230 can generate compensation data CDATA (box S330) by adjusting the brightness of the correction afterimage area. The compensation data generation unit 230 can provide the compensation data CDATA to the timing controller 300.

[0135] The compensation data generation unit 230 can control the brightness of the correction afterimage area CAA and the brightness of the normal area MA adjacent to the correction afterimage area CAA to naturally adjust the brightness of the display device, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of afterimages, reducing color shift, and improving display quality.

[0136] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to the foregoing, and various other aspects and features are contemplated herein.

[0137] Although some exemplary embodiments have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that, unless otherwise described, the description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Therefore, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that, unless specifically instructed otherwise, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment can be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, and various modifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments and other exemplary embodiments are included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A ghost image compensation device, the ghost image compensation device comprising: A ghost image region detector is configured to receive an input image and detect ghost image regions in the input image that include ghost images; An afterimage region corrector is configured to detect false detection regions and generate corrected afterimage regions, wherein the false detection regions are portions of normal regions that were not detected as the afterimage regions and the detected afterimage regions are surrounded in multiple directions; as well as A compensation data generator is configured to adjust the brightness of the corrected residual image area to generate compensation data.

2. The afterimage compensation device according to claim 1, in, The afterimage region corrector is configured to identify the portion of the detected normal region, the region surrounded by the afterimage region in at least three of the directions of up, down, left and right, as the false detection region.

3. The afterimage compensation device according to claim 1, in, The afterimage region corrector is configured to identify the region on the boundary surface of the portion of the normal region that has a radius of curvature lower than a preset radius of curvature as the false detection region.

4. The afterimage compensation device according to claim 1, in, The afterimage region corrector is configured to: when the size or number of pixels of the portion of the normal region surrounded by the detected afterimage region is smaller than a preset size or number of pixels, determine the portion of the normal region as the false detection region.

5. The afterimage compensation device according to claim 1, in, The afterimage region detector is configured to receive a plurality of example images and detect the afterimage region of each of the plurality of example images. The afterimage region corrector is configured to receive a specified false detection region based on the afterimage region of each of the plurality of example images, and to cluster the pixel size of the specified false detection region to store a plurality of clusters based on the clustering result.

6. The afterimage compensation device according to claim 5, in, The afterimage region corrector is configured to calculate the median of the pixel size based on the plurality of clusters, and The afterimage region corrector is configured to determine the region between the afterimage regions detected from the input image as the false detection region when the distance between the afterimage regions detected from the input image is equal to or less than the median value of the pixel size.

7. A ghost image compensation device, the ghost image compensation device comprising: A ghost image region detector is configured to receive an input image and detect ghost image regions in the input image that include ghost images; A residual image region corrector is configured to correct a region extending from the boundary of the detected residual image region by a preset pixel size into a corrected residual image region; as well as A compensation data generator is configured to adjust the brightness of the corrected residual image region to generate compensation data. The residual image region corrector is configured to determine the pixel size of the extended region in the corresponding direction based on the detected length of the residual image region in the corresponding direction.

8. The afterimage compensation device according to claim 7, in, The pixel size of the extended region in the corresponding direction is proportional to the length of the detected redundant image region in the corresponding direction, proportional to the logarithm of the length of the detected redundant image region in the corresponding direction, or proportional to the nth root of the length of the detected redundant image region in the corresponding direction, where n is a natural number of 2 or greater.

9. The afterimage compensation device according to claim 7, in, The compensation data generator is configured to uniformly apply the brightness gain of the correction afterimage region and decrease the brightness gain of the normal region as the distance from the correction afterimage region increases.

10. A display device, the display device comprising: The afterimage compensation device is configured to detect an afterimage region from an input image, correct the detected afterimage region to generate a corrected afterimage region, and output compensation data applied to the corrected afterimage region. The timing controller is configured to generate pixel data based on the compensation data; as well as The display panel is configured to display images based on the pixels. The residual image compensation device includes: A ghost image region detector is configured to receive the input image and detect ghost image regions in the input image that include ghost images; An afterimage region corrector is configured to detect falsely detected regions and generate a corrected afterimage region, wherein the falsely detected regions are located in portions of the normal region that were not detected as afterimage regions, and the detected afterimage regions surround the region in multiple directions; and A compensation data generator is configured to adjust the brightness of the correction afterimage area to generate the compensation data.

Images