Display device and driving method of display device

Abstract

A display device and a driving method for the display device are provided. The display device includes: a display panel including multiple sensing lines and multiple pixels, each of the multiple pixels being connected to a corresponding sensing line among the multiple sensing lines; a sensor that senses characteristic information of the multiple pixels through the multiple sensing lines and converts the characteristic information into sensing data in a digital format; and a compensator that converts first data received from outside the display device based on the sensing data into second data, wherein the sensor senses characteristic information of pixels arranged in a portion of the display panel during a transition period of a sensing period and processes the sensed characteristic information into dummy data.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0133744, filed on October 15, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate to a display device and a method for driving the display device. Background Technology

[0003] Each pixel in the display device receives a data signal from a corresponding data line in response to a scan signal supplied from the corresponding scan line, and emits light with a brightness corresponding to the data signal.

[0004] For a display device to display an image of uniform quality, each pixel must emit the same light in response to the same data signal. However, the characteristics of the internal components (such as driving transistors and / or organic light-emitting diodes) included in each pixel will vary due to their inherent properties.

[0005] Furthermore, the characteristics of internal components deteriorate over time. As a result, characteristic deviations occur between pixels, and these deviations degrade the image quality of the display device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One or more embodiments include a display device capable of effectively compensating for characteristic deviations between pixels to improve image quality, and a driving method for the display device.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a display device is driven to have a driving period and a sensing period, the sensing period including a transition period and an effective period after the transition period, the display device comprising: a display panel including a plurality of sensing lines and a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels being connected to a corresponding sensing line among the plurality of sensing lines; a sensor for sensing characteristic information of the plurality of pixels through the plurality of sensing lines and converting the characteristic information into sensing data having a digital format; and a compensator for converting first data received from outside the display device based on the sensing data into second data, wherein the sensor senses characteristic information of pixels arranged in a portion of the display panel during the transition period and processes the sensed characteristic information into dummy data.

[0009] The display panel may include a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The non-display area includes a dummy area, wherein a sensor can sense characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in the dummy area during a transition period and process the sensed characteristic information of the dummy pixels into dummy data.

[0010] The dummy region may include multiple dummy rows, wherein the sensor can sequentially sense the characteristic information of the dummy pixels arranged in the multiple dummy rows one row at a time during the transition period.

[0011] A dummy region may include a dummy row, wherein the sensor may sense characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in a dummy row multiple times during a transition period.

[0012] A virtual area can be adjacent to the first row of the displayed area.

[0013] The sensor may not output dummy data to the compensator.

[0014] The sensor can sequentially select pixels arranged in the display area one row at a time during the effective period to sense the characteristic information of the selected pixels.

[0015] The sensor can sense the characteristic information of pixels in a row arranged in the display area of ​​the display panel multiple times during the transition period, and process the sensed pixel characteristic information as dummy data.

[0016] The sensor can sequentially select pixels arranged in the display area one row at a time during the effective period to sense the characteristic information of the selected pixels.

[0017] The sensor may include: multiple analog front ends (AFEs) connected to multiple sensing lines respectively, and maintaining the characteristic information of pixels in the pixel row; and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) sequentially connected to the multiple AFEs to convert the characteristic information of pixels in the pixel row into digital sensing data.

[0018] The display device may also include: multiple switches, disposed between each of the multiple AFEs and the ADC.

[0019] The display device may further include: a scan driver that applies scan signals to a plurality of pixels; and a data driver that applies a reference voltage to the plurality of pixels during a sensing period and applies data signals to the plurality of pixels during a driving period.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, a display device is driven to have a driving period and a sensing period, the sensing period including a transition period and an effective period after the transition period, the display device comprising: a display panel including a plurality of sensing lines and a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels being connected to a corresponding sensing line among the plurality of sensing lines; a sensor that senses characteristic information of the plurality of pixels through the plurality of sensing lines and converts the characteristic information into sensing data in a digital format; and a compensator that converts first data received from outside the display device based on the sensing data into second data, wherein the sensor includes: a plurality of analog front ends (AFEs) respectively connected to the plurality of sensing lines and holding characteristic information of pixels in a pixel row; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sequentially connected to the plurality of AFEs to convert the characteristic information of pixels in a pixel row into digital sensing data; and a dummy analog front end (DAFE), wherein the sensor connects the DAFE to the ADC multiple times during the transition period.

[0021] The display device may also include: a plurality of switches disposed between each of the plurality of AFEs and the ADC; and a dummy switch disposed between the DAFE and the ADC.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, a driving method for a display device is provided, the display device being driven to have a driving period and a sensing period, the sensing period including a transition period and an effective period following the transition period, the driving method for the display device including the steps of: sensing characteristic information of a plurality of pixels and converting the characteristic information into sensing data in a digital format, the plurality of pixels each being connected to a corresponding sensing line among a plurality of sensing lines; and converting first data received from outside the display device into second data based on the sensing data, wherein the step of converting the characteristic information into sensing data includes: sensing characteristic information of pixels arranged in a portion of a display panel during the transition period and processing the sensed characteristic information into dummy data.

[0023] The display panel may include a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including a dummy area, wherein the step of converting characteristic information into sensing data may include: sensing characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in the dummy area during a transition period, and processing the sensed characteristic information of the dummy pixels into dummy data.

[0024] The dummy region may include multiple dummy rows, wherein the step of converting feature information into sensing data may include: sequentially sensing feature information of dummy pixels arranged in the multiple dummy rows one row at a time during a transition period, and processing the sensed feature information into dummy data.

[0025] The dummy region may include a dummy row, wherein the step of converting characteristic information into sensing data may include: sensing characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in a dummy row multiple times during a transition period, and processing the sensed characteristic information into dummy data.

[0026] A virtual area can be adjacent to the first row of the displayed area.

[0027] The step of converting characteristic information into sensing data may include: sensing characteristic information of pixels in a row arranged in the display area of ​​the display panel multiple times during the transition period, and processing the sensed characteristic information of the pixels into dummy data. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of some disclosed embodiments will become clearer from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of the pixels according to the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the sensing time period according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment, and specifically a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sensor;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a sensing channel disposed in a sensor according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a display device;

[0036] Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 7 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device;

[0037] Figure 9 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a display device;

[0038] Figure 10 It is shown in Figure 9 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device;

[0039] Figure 11 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a display device;

[0040] Figure 12 It is shown in Figure 11 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device;

[0041] Figure 13 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a display device;

[0042] Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 13 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device;

[0043] Figure 15 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a display device;

[0044] Figure 16 It is shown in Figure 15 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device; and

[0045] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always denote the same elements. In this respect, the embodiments given may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments are described below only by reference to the accompanying drawings to explain aspects of this description. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” indicates 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.

[0047] Because the disclosure can have various modifications and several embodiments, embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, and the embodiments will be described in detail. The effects and features of the disclosure, as well as the ways in which they are implemented, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail later with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, but can be presented in various forms.

[0048] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used here to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0049] In the following embodiments, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form.

[0050] In this specification, it will be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of a feature or element disclosed in the specification and are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features or elements may be added.

[0051] In the following embodiments, it will be understood that when a portion such as a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "on" or "above" another portion, it may be directly on or above the other portion, or there may be an intermediate portion.

[0052] Furthermore, the dimensions of elements may be exaggerated or reduced in the accompanying drawings for ease of description. For example, since the dimensions and thicknesses of elements in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0053] In this specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, "at least one of A and B" means A, B, or A and B.

[0054] In the following embodiments, when X and Y are connected to each other, X and Y can be electrically connected, functionally connected, or directly connected. Here, X and Y can be target objects (e.g., devices, apparatuses, circuits, lines, electrodes, terminals, conductive layers, or layers). Therefore, the disclosure is not limited to specific connection relationships (e.g., the connection relationships shown in the drawings or specific embodiments), and the disclosure may also include any connection relationships other than those shown in the drawings or specific embodiments.

[0055] For example, when X and Y are electrically connected to each other, one or more devices (e.g., switches, transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, or diodes) that enable the electrical connection between X and Y can be connected between X and Y.

[0056] In the following embodiments, "ON" used in conjunction with device state can indicate an active state of the device, while "OFF" can indicate a deactivated state. "ON" used in conjunction with a signal received by the device can indicate a signal that activates the device, while "OFF" can indicate a signal that deactivates the device. The device can be activated by a high-level voltage or a low-level voltage. For example, a P-channel transistor can be activated by a low-level voltage, while an N-channel transistor can be activated by a high-level voltage. Therefore, it should be understood that the "ON" voltages of P-channel and N-channel transistors are opposite voltage levels (low voltage level and high voltage level).

[0057] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0058] The display device 10 according to the embodiment can be implemented as an electronic device, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, smartwatch, navigation device, game console, television (TV), vehicle head unit, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal media player (PMP), or personal digital assistant (PDA). Furthermore, the electronic device can be a flexible device.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 The display device 10 may include a display panel 110, a scan driver 120, a control line driver 130, a sensor 140, a data driver 150, and a controller 160. Figure 1 In this design, the display panel 110 is shown as separate from drive circuitry such as the scan driver 120. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the scan driver 120, control line driver 130, sensor 140, and data driver 150 may be integrated onto the display panel 110.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the display device 10 can be driven to have a sensing period and a driving period, wherein the display device 10 is driven in a sensing mode during the sensing period and in a display mode during the driving period. The sensing period may be a period for extracting characteristic information of each of the pixels P disposed in the display panel 110. For example, at least one of the threshold voltage, mobility, and degradation information of the driving transistor and / or organic light-emitting diode in each pixel P is sensed during the sensing period. The driving period may be a period for displaying a specific image in response to a data signal.

[0061] Scan driver 120 can be connected to multiple scan lines GL and can generate scan signals in response to a first control signal CON1 from controller 160, and sequentially supply scan signals to scan lines GL. Scan driver 120 may include a shift register. For example, scan driver 120 may sequentially supply scan signals to scan lines GL during sensing and driving periods. Scan signals may include activation voltages (on-state voltages) of transistors included in pixel P. On-state voltages may be high-level or low-level voltages.

[0062] The control line driver 130 can be connected to multiple control lines CL and can supply control signals to the control lines CL during a sensing period in response to a second control signal CON2 from the controller 160. For example, the control line driver 130 can sequentially supply control signals to the control lines CL during the sensing period. The control signals may include the activation voltage (on-state voltage) of the transistors included in the pixel P. The on-state voltage may have a high level voltage or a low level voltage. The pixel P receiving the control signal may be electrically connected to the sensing line SL.

[0063] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the control line driver 130 is configured as a separate driver; however, in other embodiments, the scan driver 120 may replace the control line driver 130 in supplying control signals to the control line CL. Alternatively, instead of forming a separate control line CL, the scan line GL may be used to control the connection between the pixel P and the sensing line SL during the sensing period.

[0064] Sensor 140 can be connected to multiple sensing lines SL and can sense characteristic information from pixel P through sensing lines SL during a sensing period in response to a third control signal CON3 from controller 160. In one embodiment, sensing lines SL can be provided for each vertical line (column). In other embodiments, see below. Figure 17 As described, multiple pixels P in multiple columns can share a single sensing line SL.

[0065] Sensor 140 can convert sensed characteristic information in analog form into sensed data in digital format and output sensed data in digital format. For this purpose, sensor 140 may include at least one analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The sensed data output from sensor 140 can be stored in a memory (not shown) via a controller 160 or the like. The stored sensed data can be used to convert first data DATA1 into second data DATA2 to compensate for characteristic deviations of pixel P. For this purpose, sensed data corresponding to all pixels P set in display panel 110 can be stored in memory during the sensing period. Sensor 140 can also perform IC calibration, defect filtering, edge filtering, etc., for sensed data correction.

[0066] In one embodiment, sensor 140 can generate sensing data by sensing the characteristic information of all pixels P. In other embodiments, sensor 140 may not sense the characteristic information of some pixels P. In this case, the characteristic information of pixels P that were not sensed by sensor 140 can be estimated using the characteristic information of neighboring pixels P. In another embodiment, compensator 170 in controller 160 can use the characteristic information of neighboring pixels P to estimate the characteristic information of pixels P that were not sensed. In this case, compensator 170 can perform IC calibration, defect filtering, edge filtering, etc., to correct the sensing data.

[0067] The data driver 150 can be connected to multiple data lines DL and can supply data signals to the data lines DL during a drive period in response to a fourth control signal CON4 from the controller 160. The data driver 150 can generate a data signal during the drive period in response to second data DATA2 supplied from the controller 160. The second data DATA2 can be compensation data that compensates for characteristic deviations of the pixel P using first data DATA1 input from an external source and sensing data from all pixels P. The data signal generated by the data driver 150 in the form of voltage or current can be supplied to the data lines DL. The data signal supplied to the data lines DL can be supplied to the pixel P selected by a scan signal. The pixel P can emit light with a brightness corresponding to the data signal during the drive period, thus displaying an image on the display panel 110.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the data driver 150 may supply a reference voltage to the data line DL during a sensing period in response to control by the controller 160. For example, the reference voltage may be set to a predetermined voltage at which current can flow in the driving transistor disposed in the pixel P. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the data driver 150 may not necessarily supply a reference voltage to the pixel P during the sensing period. For example, when the pixel P is connected to other voltage and / or current sources during the sensing period, the data driver 150 may drive the data line DL only during the driving period.

[0069] Display panel 110 may include multiple scan lines GL, multiple data lines DL, multiple control lines CL, multiple sensing lines SL, and multiple pixels P connected to them. The multiple pixels P may be repeatedly arranged in a first direction (D1 direction or row direction) and a second direction (D2 direction or column direction). The multiple scan lines GL may be separated at specific intervals and arranged in rows, and each may transmit a scan signal. The multiple control lines CL may be separated at specific intervals and arranged in rows, and each may transmit a control signal. The multiple data lines DL may be separated at specific intervals and arranged in columns, and each may transmit a data signal. The multiple sensing lines SL may be separated at specific intervals and arranged in columns, and each may sense characteristic information of pixel P. According to an embodiment, when display panel 110 is a display panel of an organic electroluminescent (EL) display device, the pixels P of display panel 110 can be driven by being supplied with a driving voltage ELVDD and a common voltage ELVSS.

[0070] The controller 160 can control the driving of the scan driver 120, control line driver 130, sensor 140, and data driver 150. Furthermore, the controller 160 can store sensed data from the sensor 140 in its memory, and can generate second data DATA2 by converting first data DATA1 input from an external source using the stored sensed data. The generated second data DATA2 can be output to the data driver 150. In this embodiment, the first data DATA1, second data DATA2, and sensed data can be digital signals. The compensator 170 in the controller 160 can compensate for the first data DATA1 using the sensed data stored in the memory, and output the compensated first data DATA1 as the second data DATA2.

[0071] Controller 160 may include compensator 170. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, compensator 170 may be a separate component and disposed outside controller 160, and compensator 170 may transform first data DATA1 to generate second data DATA2.

[0072] The compensator 170 can receive first data DATA1 from outside the display device 10 (e.g., from a graphics controller or application processor) and receive sensed data from memory, and generate second data DATA2 using the first data DATA1 and the sensed data. The compensator 170 can convert the first data DATA1 into the second data DATA2 by reflecting (reflecting) the sensed data. For example, the compensator 170 can generate the second data DATA2 by using the sensed data to compensate for the first data DATA1 input from the outside. The second data DATA2 generated by the compensator 170 can be output to the data driver 150, and the data driver 150 can generate a data signal corresponding to the second data DATA2 and output the generated data signal to the pixel P via the data line DL.

[0073] In the following description, an organic light-emitting display device will be used as an example of a display device 10 according to an embodiment; however, the disclosed display device 10 is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the disclosed display device 10 may be a display device such as an inorganic light-emitting display device (or an inorganic EL display device) or a quantum dot light-emitting display device.

[0074] Figure 2 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of the pixels according to the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the sensing time period according to an embodiment.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 Each pixel P may include a pixel circuit PC and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) connected to the pixel circuit PC as a display element. The pixel circuit PC may include a first transistor T1 (driving transistor), a second transistor T2 (switching transistor), a third transistor T3 (sensing control transistor), and a capacitor Cst.

[0076] The first transistor T1 may include a first electrode connected to a drive voltage line PL for supplying the drive voltage ELVDD and a second electrode connected to a first electrode (pixel electrode) of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The gate electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to node N. The first transistor T1 may control the drive current flowing from the drive voltage line PL through the OLED in response to the voltage stored in the capacitor Cst. The OLED may emit light with a specific brightness depending on the drive current.

[0077] The second transistor T2 may include a gate electrode connected to the scan line GL, a first electrode connected to the data line DL, and a second electrode connected to the node N. The second transistor T2 can be turned on according to the scan signal input through the scan line GL to electrically connect the data line DL to the node N and transmit the data signal input through the data line DL to the node N.

[0078] The third transistor T3 may include a gate electrode connected to the control line CL, a first electrode connected to the second electrode of the first transistor T1, and a second electrode connected to the sensing line SL. The third transistor T3 may be turned on by a control signal supplied through the control line CL during the sensing period to electrically connect the sensing line SL to the second electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0079] A capacitor Cst can be connected between node N and the second electrode of the first transistor T1. The capacitor Cst can store a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the second transistor T2 and the potential of the second electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0080] exist Figure 2 In this diagram, N-type transistors are shown as transistors in the pixel circuit PC; however, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, the transistors in the pixel circuit PC may be P-type transistors, or some transistors may be P-type transistors while others may be N-type transistors.

[0081] According to an embodiment, at least the first transistor T1 may be an oxide semiconductor thin-film transistor (OSB) comprising an amorphous oxide semiconductor or a crystalline oxide semiconductor as the active layer. For example, the first transistor T1 through the third transistor T3 may be OSB thin-film transistors. Oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors have excellent cutoff current characteristics. Optionally, according to an embodiment, at least one of the first transistor T1 through the third transistor T3 may be a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistor comprising polycrystalline silicon as the active layer. LTPS thin-film transistors have high electron mobility and therefore fast drive characteristics.

[0082] The brightness of pixel P can be primarily determined based on the data signal. However, the characteristics of the first transistor T1 and / or the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) additionally affect the brightness of pixel P. Furthermore, the characteristics of the first transistor T1 and / or the OLED change over time.

[0083] Therefore, in this embodiment, by using the characteristics of pixel P sensed by the third transistor T3 during the sensing period and reflecting the characteristics of pixel P in the input data (i.e., first data DATA1), compensation for the changes in the characteristics of pixel P can be performed. Thus, an image of uniform quality can be displayed.

[0084] More specifically, pixel P can output characteristic information via sensing line SL during the sensing period and emit light during the driving period in response to data signals supplied from data line DL.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the operation of sensing the characteristic information of pixel P can be performed at least once before the display device 10 is shipped. Therefore, initial characteristic information of pixel P can be pre-stored, and the initial characteristic information of pixel P can be used to correct input data to compensate for characteristic deviations between pixels P set in the display panel 110. Therefore, the display panel 110 can display images of uniform quality.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the operation of sensing the characteristic information of pixel P can be performed every sensing period during the actual use of the display device 10. Therefore, even when characteristic deviations occur between pixels P according to usage time, the changed characteristic information of pixel P can be updated in real time and reflected in the generation of the data signal. Therefore, a uniform quality image can be displayed on the display panel 110. Figure 3 As shown, the sensing period ST can be set after power is applied (power on), between the driving period DT, and before power is cut off (power off).

[0087] The sensing period ST may include a transition period TT and an effective period ET. When the display device 10 enters the sensing mode, the input power applied to the display panel 110 (e.g., drive voltage ELVDD, common voltage ELVSS, or reference voltage) is unstable at the beginning of the sensing period ST, thus including noise in the sensing results. In the following, the sensing period ST will be considered from the beginning (… Figure 8 The time from t1 in the input power to when the input power stabilizes ( Figure 8 The time period t2 in the equation is called the transition period TT, and the time period from when the input power stabilizes to when the sensing ends is called the effective period ET. The length of the transition period TT can be preset by testing to be a time when the input power is sufficient to stabilize.

[0088] Sensor 140 can acquire sensing data from a portion of the display panel 110 during the transition period TT. During the transition period TT, sensor 140 (see...) Figure 1 The acquired sensing data may not be used by the compensator 170. In one embodiment, the sensor 140 may process the sensing data acquired during the transition period TT as dummy data and not provide the sensing data to the compensator 170. In another embodiment, the sensor 140 may provide the sensing data acquired during the transition period TT to the compensator 170, and the compensator 170 may process the sensing data as dummy data and not use the sensing data to generate the second data DATA2. By not using the characteristic information acquired during the transition period TT, the accuracy of the sensing results can be improved.

[0089] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment, and specifically a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sensor. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the sensing channel configured in the sensor according to an embodiment. Figure 5 Only the middle part is shown Figure 4 One of the multiple sensing channels shown.

[0090] Reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment, sensor 140 may include first sensing integrated circuit (IC) 1401 to j-th sensing integrated circuit (IC) 140j (where j is a natural number of 2 or greater). The first sensing IC 1401 to j-th sensing IC 140j may be implemented as readout ICs for extracting characteristic information of pixel P. Sensor 140 may be enabled during a sensing period and deactivated during a driving period.

[0091] Each of the first sensing IC 1401 to the j-th sensing IC 140j may include a plurality of analog front-ends (AFEs) 142 respectively connected to a plurality of sensing lines SL, an ADC 146 connected to the output terminals of the plurality of AFEs 142, and a switching section 144 including a plurality of switches 145 connected between the AFEs 142 and the ADC 146. The AFEs 142 and switches 145 connected to each of the sensing lines SL can constitute a sensing channel S-CH. That is, each of the first sensing IC 1401 to the j-th sensing IC 140j may include a plurality of sensing channels S-CH.

[0092] AFE 142 can sample and retain characteristic information of pixel P input from sensing line SL, and temporarily store the sampled and retained characteristic information. For this purpose, AFE 142 may include a capacitor connected to sensing line SL.

[0093] The switching unit 144 can sequentially connect multiple AFEs 142 to an ADC 146. Therefore, the switching unit 144 can be controlled so that the characteristic information stored in the AFEs 142 can be sequentially supplied to the ADC 146 and converted into sensing data.

[0094] The ADC 146 can convert analog characteristic information sequentially provided from multiple AFEs 142 distributed by the switching unit 144 in the sensing channel S-CH into digital sensing data.

[0095] Sensor 140 may also include a memory 148 connected to ADC 146. Memory 148 can be used as a buffer for temporarily storing digital sensing data supplied from ADC 146. Digital sensing data corresponding to the characteristic information of each pixel P can be stored in memory 148. The digital sensing data stored in memory 148 can be supplied to compensator 170 of controller 160.

[0096] The compensator 170 can convert the first data DATA1 into the second data DATA2, so as to compensate for the characteristic deviation between pixels P based on the sensing data including the characteristic information of each of the pixels P.

[0097] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 The operation of pixel P and sensor 140, including the sensing period and the driving period, is described in more detail.

[0098] According to an embodiment, during the sensing period, sensor 140 can extract characteristic information of pixel P through sensing line SL and convert the extracted characteristic information into sensing data. Compensator 170 can set a compensation value in response to the sensing data to compensate for characteristic deviations between pixels P.

[0099] During the sensing period, the data driver 150 may supply a reference voltage to the data line DL to allow current to flow through the pixel P. According to an embodiment, the data driver 150 may not supply a reference voltage. In this case, the pixel P can be driven by electrically connecting the data line DL to a specific current source and / or voltage source during the sensing period.

[0100] Furthermore, scan signals and control signals can be supplied to scan line GL and control line CL respectively during a predetermined period of the sensing period. According to an embodiment, scan signals and control signals can be supplied sequentially for each horizontal line (row) of the display panel 110. The second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 in the pixel P of the row receiving the scan signals and control signals can be turned on. When the third transistor T3 is turned on, the second electrode of the first transistor T1 can be electrically connected to the sensing line SL. Furthermore, when the second transistor T2 is turned on, a reference voltage from the data line DL can be transmitted to node N.

[0101] When a reference voltage is supplied to node N, the first transistor T1 turns on. Therefore, a current corresponding to the reference voltage is generated in pixel P, and this current can be supplied to the sensing line SL via the third transistor T3 in each pixel P.

[0102] The sensing line SL has a specific resistance value, therefore, a voltage corresponding to a specific current flowing through the corresponding pixel P is applied to each of the sensing lines SL. The voltage applied to the sensing line SL can be stored in the line capacitor CLine parasitically formed in the sensing line SL, and can also be stored in the AFE 142 connected to the sensing line SL.

[0103] The voltage stored in the in-line capacitor Cline and AFE 142 can include characteristic information of the first transistor T1 included in the pixel P of the current sensing row. The current flowing through the first transistor T1 in response to the reference voltage can reflect the threshold voltage, mobility, and degradation of the first transistor T1.

[0104] According to embodiments, characteristic information of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be additionally extracted. For example, by connecting the OLED disposed in a pixel P of the row to be sensed to a specific current source, current can flow through the OLED. Furthermore, by extracting the voltage applied to one electrode (e.g., a pixel electrode) of the OLED, characteristic information corresponding to the threshold voltage and degradation of the OLED can be additionally extracted.

[0105] The method for extracting the characteristic information of pixel P is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the characteristic information of pixel P can be extracted by various known methods.

[0106] When the voltage applied to the sensing line SL is input to the sensor 140 via the AFE 142, the ADC 146 can convert the analog voltage stored in the AFE 142 into sensing data in digital format. The sensing data output from the ADC 146 can be temporarily stored in the memory 148 in the sensing integrated circuits 1401, ..., 140j, and then input to the compensator 170. The compensator 170, which receives sensing data corresponding to each pixel P, can set a compensation value corresponding to the sensing data of each pixel P. The compensator 170 can convert the first data DATA1 into the second data DATA2 during the driving period by reflecting the compensation value set in the sensing period, and output the second data DATA2 to the data driver 150.

[0107] During the driving period, the second data DATA2 output from the compensator 170 can be input to the data driver 150, and the data driver 150 can generate a data signal corresponding to the second data DATA2 and output the generated data signal to the data line DL.

[0108] During the driving period, scan signals can be supplied to scan lines GL. According to an embodiment, scan signals can be supplied sequentially to scan lines GL in the display panel 110 one line at a time. The second transistor T2 can be turned on in each of the pixels P that receive the scan signals. Therefore, the data signal applied to the data line DL can be transmitted to node N of pixel P, and the voltage corresponding to the data signal can be charged into capacitor Cst.

[0109] When a data signal is supplied to node N, the first transistor T1 turns on, and the turned-on transistor T1 can supply the driving current corresponding to the data signal to the organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Therefore, the driving current flows from the driving voltage line PL (see...). Figure 2 The current flows along the current path through the first transistor T1 and the organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The OLED then emits light with a brightness corresponding to the driving current. Because a data signal is generated in response to the second data DATA2, characteristic deviations between pixels P can be compensated, thus enabling the display of a uniform quality image on the display panel.

[0110] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0111] Reference Figure 6 The display device 10 may include a display panel 110 and a plurality of driving circuits 30. The plurality of driving circuits 30 may correspond to a specific area of ​​the display panel 110, and each driving circuit 30 may be connected to a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of sensing lines SL arranged in the corresponding area.

[0112] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA in which a plurality of pixels P are arranged, and a peripheral area NDA outside the display area DA. The peripheral area NDA may be a non-display area in which no pixels P are arranged. The display area DA may be completely surrounded by the peripheral area NDA. In an embodiment, dummy pixels may be arranged in the peripheral area NDA. Each of the dummy pixels may be a pixel that is not involved in the display of an image. Each of the dummy pixels may not have a display element.

[0113] Each of the plurality of driving circuits 30 may be mounted on a film-type connection circuit board 40, and the driving circuits 30 may be connected to each other via a circuit board 50. Each of the connection circuit boards 40 may be connected to a pad (also referred to as a "soldering pad") disposed in the peripheral area NDA of the display panel 110. Each of the driving circuits 30 may be an integrated circuit (IC) and may include a data driver (e.g., connected to multiple data lines DL arranged in a corresponding area of ​​the display panel 110). Figure 1The data driver 150 in the middle) and the sensor connected to multiple sensing lines SL (e.g., Figure 1 Sensor 140 in the middle). Scan driver connected to multiple scan lines GL (e.g., Figure 1 The scan driver 120 can be directly set in the peripheral area NDA of the display panel 110.

[0114] Each of pixels P can be a pixel that emits light of a specific color. Pixel P may include a first pixel that emits light of a first color, a second pixel that emits light of a second color, and a third pixel that emits light of a third color. For example, the first pixel may be a red pixel that emits red light, the second pixel may be a green pixel that emits green light, and the third pixel may be a blue pixel that emits blue light. Each of the first to third pixels may include a display element. The display element may be connected to the pixel circuitry. The display element may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a quantum dot OLED.

[0115] Figure 7 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part A of the display device. Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 7 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device.

[0116] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 6 The display panel 110 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area NDA, and the virtual area DM may be included in the peripheral area NDA.

[0117] Multiple pixels P can be disposed in multiple rows R1 to Rn and multiple columns C1 to Ck of the display area DA. Each pixel P can be connected to a corresponding one of multiple scan lines GL1 to GLn and a corresponding one of multiple data lines DL1 to DLk. Furthermore, each pixel P can be connected to a corresponding one of multiple control lines CL1 to CLn and a corresponding one of multiple sensing lines SL1 to SLk. The scan lines GL1 to GLn and the control lines CL1 to CLn can extend in a first direction D1, while the data lines DL1 to DLk and the sensing lines SL1 to SLk can extend in a second direction D2.

[0118] A dummy region DM can be positioned, for example, at the top of the first row R1 to which the first scan signal of the display region DA is applied. The dummy region DM can include at least two dummy rows DR1 to DRm in which a plurality of dummy pixels DP are disposed. Each of the dummy pixels DP can be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of dummy scan lines DGL1 to DGLm and a corresponding one of the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLk. Furthermore, each of the dummy pixels DP can be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of dummy control lines DCL1 to DCLm and a corresponding one of the plurality of sensing lines SL1 to SLk. The dummy scan lines DGL1 to DGLm and the dummy control lines DCL1 to DCLm can extend in a first direction D1. The number of dummy rows DR1 to DRm can be determined according to the transition period TT (see...). Figure 8 The length of the transition period TT is used to determine the number of virtual rows DR1 to DRm in the virtual region DM. For example, when the length of the transition period TT is set to j times the scan time of the scan signal, the number of virtual rows DR1 to DRm in the virtual region DM can be j (j≤m).

[0119] One end of each of the sensing lines SL1 to SLk can be connected to the corresponding AFE 142 of the sensor 140. When switches SW1 to SWk are sequentially turned on, the ADC 146 can sequentially receive characteristic information in analog form from sensing channels S-CH1 to S-CHk, and can convert the characteristic information in analog form into sensing data in digital format and store the converted sensing data in memory 148.

[0120] Reference Figure 8 The scan signal can be sequentially applied to dummy scan lines DGL1 to DGLm and scan lines GL1 to GLn, and the reference voltage can be applied to data lines DL1 to DLk and thus to dummy pixels DP and P. Furthermore, the control signal can be sequentially applied to dummy control lines DCL1 to DCLm and control lines CL1 to CLn. The control signal can overlap with the scan signal.

[0121] Sensor 140 can process the sensing data obtained by sensing the dummy area DM as dummy data and will not transmit the processed dummy data sensing data to compensator 170. However, sensor 140 can transmit the sensing data obtained by sensing the display area DA to compensator 170. The time period used for sensing the dummy area DM can correspond to the transition time period TT, while the time period used for sensing the display area DA can correspond to the effective time period ET (see...). Figure 8For example, when the scan signal from the scan driver 120 and the control signal from the control line driver 130 are sequentially applied to the dummy rows DR1 to DRm of the dummy area DM, that is, during the transition period TT, the sensor 140 can sequentially sense the dummy pixels DP arranged in the dummy area DM one row at a time through the sensing lines SL1 to SLk. When the scan signal from the scan driver 120 and the control signal from the control line driver 130 are sequentially applied to the rows R1 to Rn of the display area DA, that is, during the effective period ET, the sensor 140 can sequentially sense the pixels P arranged in the display area DA one row at a time through the sensing lines SL1 to SLk.

[0122] For example, when a control signal is applied to the dummy control line DCL1 of the first dummy row DR1, the dummy pixel DP set in the first dummy row DR1 can be connected to the sensing lines SL1 to SLk. Furthermore, the characteristic information of the dummy pixel DP applied from the sensing lines SL1 to SLk to the AFE (AFE1 to AFEk) can be output to the ADC 146 via switch 145, and the ADC 146 can generate dummy data DD1. Additionally, when sensing is performed up to the m-th dummy row DRm and then a control signal is applied to the control line CL1 of the first row R1, the pixel P set in the first row R1 can be connected to the sensing lines SL1 to SLk. Furthermore, the characteristic information of the pixel P applied from the sensing lines SL1 to SLk to the AFE (AFE1 to AFEk) can be output to the ADC 146 via switch 145, and the ADC 146 can generate sensing data SD1 for the first row R1. The sensing data SD1 may include sensing data AD1 to ADk sequentially generated by the ADC 146 for each pixel P connected to the first sensing line SL1 to the kth sensing line SLk of the first row R1. Sensing can be performed up to the nth row.

[0123] Sensor 140 may not output the dummy data DD1 to DDm generated by sequentially sensing the dummy pixels DP of the first dummy row DR1 to the m-th dummy row DRm to the compensator 170. Sensor 140 may store the sensing data SD1 to SDn generated by sensing the pixels P of the first row R1 to the n-th row Rn in the memory 148, and then output the sensing data SD1 to SDn to the compensator 170.

[0124] In another embodiment, the dummy data DD1 to DDm can be output to the compensator 170, but may not be used by the compensator 170.

[0125] Figure 9 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part A of the display device. Figure 10 It is shown in Figure 9A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device.

[0126] Figure 9 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 7 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the dummy region DM includes only one dummy row DR1. In the following text, the terms related to DR1 and DR2 will be omitted. Figure 7 The same detailed description of the construction.

[0127] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The scan signal can be repeatedly applied to the dummy scan line DGL1 of the dummy line DR1 of the dummy area DM a certain number of times during the transition period TT, and then sequentially applied to the scan lines GL1 to GLn of the display area DA during the effective period ET.

[0128] When a dummy row DR1 is selected via a scan signal, a reference voltage can be applied to data lines DL1 to DLk, and therefore, the reference voltage can be applied to the dummy pixel DP. Furthermore, a control signal can be repeatedly applied to the dummy control line DCL1 a specific number of times. The control signal can overlap with the scan signal. In an embodiment, the scan signal and control signal can be repeatedly applied to the dummy row DR1 a specific number of times during a transition period TT. The number of times the scan signal is applied to the dummy scan line DGL1 and the number of times the control signal is applied to the dummy control line DCL1 can be determined based on the length of the transition period TT. For example, when the length of the transition period TT is set to j times the scan time of the scan signal, the scan signal and control signal can be repeatedly applied to the dummy row DR1 of the dummy region DM a specific number of times.

[0129] In another embodiment, during the transition period TT, the control signal may be repeatedly applied to the dummy line DR1 a certain number of times, while the scan signal is applied to the dummy line DR1 once. In this case, the length of the scan signal applied to the dummy line DR1 may correspond to the length of the transition period TT, and may be greater than the length of the scan signal applied to the display area DA.

[0130] When the first row R1 to the nth row Rn of the display area DA is sequentially selected by the scan signal during the effective time period ET, a reference voltage can be applied to the data lines DL1 to DLk, and therefore, the reference voltage can be applied to the pixel P. Furthermore, control signals can be sequentially applied to the control lines CL1 to CLn. The control signals can overlap with the scan signal.

[0131] Sensor 140 may not output the virtual data DD generated by sensing the virtual pixels DP of the virtual row DR1 of the virtual area DM multiple times to the compensator 170. Sensor 140 may store the sensing data SD1 to SDn generated by sensing the pixels P in the first row R1 to the nth row Rn of the display area DA in the memory 148, and then output the sensing data SD1 to SDn to the compensator 170.

[0132] Figure 11 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part A of the display device. Figure 12 It is shown in Figure 11 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device.

[0133] Figure 11 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 7 The difference in the embodiment shown is that: in the display panel 110 (see...) Figure 6 There is no virtual region DM in it.

[0134] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The scan signal can be repeatedly applied to the scan lines of one row in the display area DA a specific number of times during the transition period TT, and then sequentially applied to the scan lines GL1 to GLn of all rows in the display area DA during the active period ET. When a row is selected by the scan signal during the transition period TT, a reference voltage can be applied to the data lines DL1 to DLk, and therefore, the reference voltage can be applied to the pixel P of the selected row. Furthermore, a control signal can be repeatedly applied to the control lines of the selected row a specific number of times during the transition period TT. The control signal can overlap with the scan signal. Figure 12 An example is shown in which the third row is selected during the transition period TT and the control signal is repeatedly applied to the control line CL3 of the third row a certain number of times.

[0135] The number of times the scan signal and the control signal are applied to the selected row during the transition period TT can be determined based on the length of the transition period TT. For example, when the length of the transition period TT is set to j times the scan time of the scan signal, the scan signal and the control signal can be repeatedly applied to the scan line and control line of the selected row up to j times.

[0136] Subsequently, when the first row R1 to the nth row Rn of the display area DA is sequentially selected via the scan signal during the effective time period ET, a reference voltage can be applied to the data lines DL1 to DLk, and thus, the reference voltage can be applied to the pixel P. Furthermore, control signals can be sequentially applied to the control lines CL1 to CLn. The control signals can overlap with the scan signal.

[0137] Sensor 140 can process the sensing data generated by repeatedly sensing pixels P in a selected row of the display area DA during the transition period TT into dummy data DD, and does not output the sensing data to compensator 170. Sensor 140 can store the sensing data SD1 to SDn generated by sensing pixels P in the first row R1 to the nth row Rn of the display area DA sequentially during the effective period ET in memory 148, and then output the sensing data SD1 to SDn to compensator 170.

[0138] Figure 13 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part A of the display device. Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 13 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device.

[0139] Figure 13 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 11 The difference in the embodiment shown is that a dummy sensing channel DS-CH is added to sensor 140.

[0140] Reference Figure 13 Sensor 140 may include multiple sensing channels S-CH1 to S-CHk. Sensor 140 may also include a dummy sensing channel DS-CH, which includes a dummy analog front-end (DAFE) 142' and a dummy switch DSW between DAFE 142' and ADC 146. The dummy sensing channel DS-CH may not be connected to the sensing line SL of display panel 110.

[0141] Reference Figure 14 The dummy switch DSW of the dummy sensing channel DS-CH can be repeatedly turned on a specific number of times during the transition period TT, and the ADC 146 can repeatedly process the data output from the dummy sensing channel DS-CH as dummy data ADD. In an embodiment, a specific signal can be applied to the DAFE 142' of the dummy sensing channel DS-CH. For example, a specific voltage or a specific current corresponding to a reference voltage can be applied to the DAFE 142' of the dummy sensing channel DS-CH. The number of times the dummy sensing channel DS-CH is connected to the ADC 146 can be determined based on the length of the transition period TT.

[0142] Subsequently, when the first row R1 to the nth row Rn of the display area DA is sequentially selected via the scan signal during the effective time period ET, a reference voltage can be applied to the data lines DL1 to DLk, and thus, the reference voltage can be applied to the pixel P. Furthermore, control signals can be sequentially applied to the control lines CL1 to CLn. The control signals can overlap with the scan signal.

[0143] Sensor 140 may not output the dummy data ADD generated by driving the dummy sensing channel DS-CH multiple times during the transition period TT to the compensator 170. Sensor 140 may store the sensing data SD1 to SDn generated by sensing pixels P in the first row R1 to the nth row Rn of the display area DA during the effective period ET in memory 148, and then output the sensing data SD1 to SDn to the compensator 170.

[0144] Figure 15 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part A of the display device. Figure 16 It is shown in Figure 15 A graph of the signal applied during the sensing period in a display device.

[0145] Figure 15 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 11 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the sensor 140 also includes a current source IREF for IC calibration and current switches SI1 to SIk disposed between the current source IREF and a plurality of AFEs (AFE1 to AFEk).

[0146] In one embodiment, sensor 140 can perform IC calibration during the sensing period. Similar to... Figure 6 The display panel 110 enters the sensing mode during a transition period TT, which occurs at the start of IC calibration. The sensor 140 can repeatedly connect the sensing channel to the ADC 146 a certain number of times during the transition period TT of the sensing period in which IC calibration is performed, and can process the sensing data generated during the transition period TT as dummy data. Figure 16 An example is shown in which the first sensing channel S-CH1 is repeatedly connected to the ADC 146 a certain number of times during the transition period TT.

[0147] Reference Figure 16 When the display device performs IC calibration, sensor 140 can repeatedly turn on the current switch SI1 connected to the first sensing channel S-CH1 a specific number of times during the transition period TT to supply current from the current source IREF to the AFE (AFE1) of the first sensing channel S-CH1. Sensor 140 can repeatedly connect the AFE (AFE1) of the first sensing channel S-CH1 to ADC 146 a specific number of times by repeatedly turning on the switch SW1 of the first sensing channel S-CH1 in response to the turning on of the current switch SI1.

[0148] Subsequently, current switches SI1 to SIk can be sequentially turned on during the effective period ET, and current from current source IREF can be supplied to each of AFE (AFE1 to AFEk).

[0149] Sensor 140 can convert analog data output multiple times from the first sensing channel S-CH1 during the transition period TT into sensing data in digital format, and can process the sensing data as dummy data ADD without outputting the dummy data ADD to the compensator 170. Sensor 140 can convert analog data output from the first sensing channel S-CH1 to the kth sensing channel S-CHk during the effective period ET into sensing data AD1 to ADk in digital format, store the sensing data AD1 to ADk in memory 148, and then output the sensing data AD1 to ADk to the compensator 170.

[0150] In the above embodiments, a sensing line SL is set for each column, but in other embodiments, multiple columns can share a single sensing line SL.

[0151] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0152] In this embodiment, a set of first pixels P1, second pixels P2, and third pixels P3 will be referred to as unit pixels UP. Each of the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 may include a display element. The display element may be connected to pixel circuitry. The display element may include an organic light-emitting diode or a quantum dot organic light-emitting diode.

[0153] Reference Figure 17 The unit pixels UP can be arranged in the display panel 110 along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 to form a matrix structure. That is, the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3 can be arranged in the first direction D1. For example, the first pixel P1 can be arranged in the first sub-column SC1, the second pixel P2 can be arranged in the second sub-column SC2 adjacent to the first sub-column SC1, and the third pixel P3 can be arranged in the third sub-column SC3 adjacent to the second sub-column SC2. The first sub-column to the third sub-column SC1, SC2, and SC3 will be referred to as a column.

[0154] Each of the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 can be connected to a corresponding scan line in the multiple scan lines GL and a corresponding data line in the multiple data lines DL. For example, the first pixel P1 can be connected to the data line DL arranged in the first sub-column SC1, the second pixel P2 can be connected to the data line DL arranged in the second sub-column SC2, and the third pixel P3 can be connected to the data line DL arranged in the third sub-column SC3.

[0155] Furthermore, each of the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 can be connected to a corresponding control line among multiple control lines CL and a corresponding sensing line among multiple sensing lines SL. One control line CL can be set in each row, and the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 in the same row constituting a unit pixel UP can share a single control line CL. The first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 adjacent in the first direction D1 and constituting a unit pixel UP in each pixel column can share a single sensing line SL.

[0156] For example, during the sensing period of the first pixel P1, when the scan signal and control signal are applied to the scan line GL and control line CL of the k-th row, respectively, the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 of each of the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 in the k-th row can be turned on to charge the capacitor Cst. In this case, a reference voltage can be supplied through the data line DL of the first pixel P1 to be sensed to turn on the first transistor T1 of the first pixel P1, and a voltage (e.g., 0V) can be applied to the data lines DL of the second pixel P2 and the third pixel P3 to turn off the first transistor T1 of the second pixel P2 and the third pixel P3. Therefore, one of the first to third pixels P1, P2, and P3 can be selectively connected to the sensing line SL.

[0157] According to the display device and driving method of the disclosed embodiments, a portion of the display panel (e.g., a dummy area or some rows in the display area) can be automatically sensed once or multiple times during a transition period. The sensing data obtained by sensing the portion of the display panel can be processed as dummy data, and a compensation value can be generated as a result of sequentially sensing the entire display panel row by row during an effective period in which the input power is stable. Therefore, more accurate sensing data can be ensured.

[0158] According to the display device and driving method thereof based on the disclosed embodiments, characteristic deviations between pixels can be effectively compensated, and thus, images with uniform image quality can be displayed.

[0159] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display apparatus driven to have a driving period and a sensing period, the sensing period including a transition period and an active period after the transition period, the display apparatus comprising: a display panel including a plurality of sensing lines and a plurality of pixels each connected to a corresponding sensing line among the plurality of sensing lines; a sensor to sense characteristic information of the plurality of pixels through the plurality of sensing lines during the active period, and to convert the characteristic information sensed during the active period into sensing data having a digital format; and a compensator to convert first data received from an outside of the display apparatus into second data based on the sensing data, wherein the sensor senses characteristic information of pixels arranged in a partial area of the display panel during the transition period, and the compensator does not use the characteristic information sensed during the transition period to generate the second data. the display panel includes a display area and a non-display area around the display area, the non-display area including a dummy area, and 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein wherein the sensor senses characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in the dummy area during the transition period, and the compensator does not use the characteristic information of the dummy pixels sensed during the transition period to generate the second data. the dummy area includes a plurality of dummy rows, and 3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein wherein the sensor sequentially senses characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in the plurality of dummy rows one row at a time during the transition period. the dummy area includes one dummy row, and 4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein wherein the sensor senses characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in the one dummy row a plurality of times during the transition period. the dummy area is adjacent to a first row of the display area.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor does not output the characteristic information of the dummy pixels sensed during the transition period to the compensator.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor sequentially selects pixels arranged in the display area one row at a time to sense characteristic information of the selected pixels during the active period.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor senses characteristic information of pixels arranged in a row in a display area of the display panel a plurality of times during the transition period, and the compensator does not use the characteristic information of the pixels in the row sensed during the transition period to generate the second data.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor sequentially selects pixels arranged in the display area one row at a time to sense characteristic information of the selected pixels during the active period.

9. The display device of claim 8, wherein, the sensor includes:

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of analog front ends respectively connected to the plurality of sensing lines and to hold characteristic information of pixels in a pixel row; and an analog-to-digital converter sequentially connected to the plurality of analog front ends to convert the characteristic information of the pixels in the pixel row into digital sensing data. 11.The display apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of switches provided between each of the plurality of analog front ends and the analog-to-digital converter. ​ 12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a scan driver that applies a scan signal to the plurality of pixels; and a data driver that applies a reference voltage to the plurality of pixels during the sensing period, and applies a data signal to the plurality of pixels during the driving period.

13. A display device that is driven to have a driving period and a sensing period, the sensing period including a transition period and an active period after the transition period, the display device comprising: a display panel including a plurality of sensing lines and a plurality of pixels each connected to a corresponding sensing line among the plurality of sensing lines; a sensor that senses characteristic information of the plurality of pixels through the plurality of sensing lines, and converts the characteristic information into sensing data having a digital format; and a compensator that converts first data received from outside of the display device into second data based on the sensing data, wherein the sensor includes: a plurality of analog front ends each connected to a corresponding sensing line among the plurality of sensing lines, and holding characteristic information of pixels in a pixel row; an analog-digital converter sequentially connected to the plurality of analog front ends to convert the characteristic information of the pixels in the pixel row into digital sensing data; and a dummy analog front end, and wherein the sensor connects the dummy analog front end to the analog-digital converter a plurality of times during the transition period.

14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: a plurality of switches provided between each of the plurality of analog front ends and the analog-digital converter; and a dummy switch provided between the dummy analog front end and the analog-digital converter.

15. A driving method of a display device that is driven to have a driving period and a sensing period, the sensing period including a transition period and an active period after the transition period, the driving method comprising the steps of: sensing characteristic information of a plurality of pixels during the active period, the plurality of pixels each connected to a corresponding sensing line among a plurality of sensing lines, and converting the characteristic information sensed during the active period into sensing data having a digital format; sensing characteristic information of pixels arranged in a partial area of a display panel during the transition period, and converting first data received from outside of the display device into second data based on the sensing data, wherein the second data is generated without using the characteristic information sensed during the transition period.

16. The driving method according to claim 15, wherein the display panel includes a display area and a non-display area around the display area, the non-display area including a dummy area, and wherein the step of sensing the characteristic information of the pixels arranged in the partial area of the display panel during the transition period includes sensing characteristic information of dummy pixels arranged in the dummy area during the transition period, and processing the sensed characteristic information of the dummy pixels into dummy data.

17. The driving method according to claim 16, wherein the dummy area includes a plurality of dummy rows, and The step of sensing the characteristic information of the dummy pixels arranged in the dummy area during the transition period includes sequentially sensing the characteristic information of the dummy pixels arranged in the plurality of dummy rows one row at a time during the transition period, and processing the sensed characteristic information as dummy data.

18. The driving method according to claim 16, wherein The dummy area includes one dummy row, and The step of sensing the characteristic information of the dummy pixels arranged in the dummy area during the transition period includes sensing the characteristic information of the dummy pixels arranged in the one dummy row multiple times during the transition period, and processing the sensed characteristic information as dummy data.

19. The driving method according to claim 16, wherein The dummy area is adjacent to a first row of the display area.

20. The driving method according to claim 15, wherein The step of sensing the characteristic information of the pixels arranged in the partial area of the display panel during the transition period includes sensing the characteristic information of the pixels arranged in a row in a display area of the display panel multiple times during the transition period, and processing the sensed characteristic information of the pixels as dummy data.

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