Screen saver controller, display device and method of operating a display device

Abstract

A screen saver controller, a display device, and a method for operating the display device are provided. The screen saver controller includes: a load calculator for generating load data for each of a plurality of panel blocks included in a display panel based on input image data; a lifespan calculator for generating lifespan data for each of the plurality of panel blocks based on accumulated degradation stress values ​​in the display panel; a first logic circuit for receiving the load data and the lifespan data, and generating operation data based on the load data and the lifespan data; and a second logic circuit for receiving the input image data and the operation data, and generating screen saver data based on the input image data and the operation data. When operating in a screen saver mode for performing screen saver operations, the screen saver controller adjusts the brightness of the display panel based on the screen saver data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a screen saver controller, a display device including the screen saver controller, and a method of operating the display device including the screen saver controller. Background Technology

[0002] The display device may include a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel includes pixels. Image data input to the pixels causes the display of an image. The display panel can be connected to the display panel driver via gate lines and data lines. The display panel driver may include a gate driver that provides gate signals to the display panel via gate lines, a data driver that provides data voltages to the display panel via data lines, and a timing controller that controls the gate driver and the data driver.

[0003] When predetermined conditions are met, the display device can operate in screen saver mode. In screen saver mode, the display device can output a black image to the display panel or reduce the brightness of the display panel. Conventional display devices operate in screen saver mode without considering the load data and lifespan data of the display panel. Therefore, even when operating in screen saver mode, ghosting is perceived on conventional display devices, and the lifespan of the display panel is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a screen saver controller that can provide a screen saver mode optimized for a display panel by using load data and lifetime data.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a screen saver controller that can prevent afterimages on a display panel and increase the lifespan of the display panel.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a display device including the screen saver controller.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for operating a display device including the screen saver controller.

[0008] A screen saver controller according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a load calculator, a lifespan calculator, a first logic circuit, and a second logic circuit. The load calculator generates load data for each of a plurality of panel blocks included in a display panel based on input image data. The lifespan calculator generates lifespan data for each of the plurality of panel blocks based on accumulated degradation stress values ​​in the display panel. The first logic circuit receives the load data and the lifespan data, and generates operation data based on the load data and the lifespan data. The second logic circuit receives the input image data and the operation data, and generates screen saver data based on the input image data and the operation data. When operating in a screen saver mode for performing screen saver operations, the screen saver controller adjusts the brightness of the display panel based on the screen saver data.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first logic circuit generates operation data including start-time gain data based on load data and lifetime data, the start-time gain data being used to adjust the start time of the screen saver mode.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first logic circuit generates operation data including minimum brightness gain data based on load data and lifetime data. The minimum brightness gain data is used to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode.

[0011] In this embodiment, the load calculator generates load data based on a lookup table, which stores load data corresponding to the input image data.

[0012] In one embodiment, a first logic circuit generates start-time gain data, which is used to control the screen saver mode to start earlier as the value of the load data increases.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first logic circuit generates minimum brightness gain data, which is used to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the load data increases.

[0014] In an embodiment, the life calculator accumulates the degradation stress values ​​of multiple panel blocks to generate an accumulated value and stores the accumulated value in a non-volatile memory device, and generates life data based on the accumulated value.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first logic circuit generates start-time gain data, which is used to control the screen saver mode to start earlier as the value of the lifetime data increases.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first logic circuit generates minimum brightness gain data, which is used to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the lifetime data increases.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first logic circuit generates start-time gain data and minimum brightness gain data based on the load data of the first panel block with the largest load data among a plurality of panel blocks and the lifetime data of the first panel block.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first logic circuit generates start-time gain data and minimum brightness gain data based on the load data of the first panel block with the largest load data among the multiple panel blocks and the lifetime data of the second panel block with the largest lifetime data among the multiple panel blocks.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first logic circuit generates start-time gain data and minimum brightness gain data based on the average of the load data of multiple panel blocks and the average of the lifetime data of multiple panel blocks.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display device includes: the screen saver controller described above; a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a data driver for providing data signals to the display panel; a gate driver for providing gate signals to the display panel; and a timing controller for controlling the data driver and the gate driver.

[0021] An embodiment of the method for operating a display device includes the following steps: generating load data for each of a plurality of panel blocks in a display panel of the display device based on input image data; generating lifetime data for each of the plurality of panel blocks based on accumulated degradation stress values ​​in the display panel; generating operation data based on the generated load data and the generated lifetime data; generating screen saver data based on the input image data and the operation data; and adjusting the brightness of the display panel based on the screen saver data when operating in a screen saver mode for performing screen saver operations.

[0022] In the method, the step of generating operational data may include: generating start-time gain data for adjusting the start time of the screen saver mode based on load data and lifetime data.

[0023] In the method, the step of generating lifetime data may include: determining a degradation stress value for each of a plurality of panel blocks, accumulating the determined degradation stress values ​​to generate a cumulative value, and generating lifetime data from the cumulative value.

[0024] In the method, the load data of a corresponding panel block among multiple panel blocks can be the strength of the corresponding panel block.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the display device includes a display panel, a data driver, a gate driver, a timing controller, and a screen saver controller. The display panel includes a plurality of panel blocks, wherein each panel block includes a plurality of pixels. The data driver provides data signals to the display panel. The gate driver provides gate signals to the display panel. The timing controller controls the data driver and the gate driver. The screen saver controller is configured to calculate load data for each panel block, calculate lifetime data for each panel block based on degradation stress values, generate a minimum brightness based on the load data and lifetime data, and reduce the brightness of the display panel to the minimum brightness when operating in a screen saver mode for performing screen saver operations.

[0026] When the image data provided by the timing controller indicates the presence of a static image, the screen saver controller can operate in screen saver mode.

[0027] In this embodiment, the screen saver controller gradually reduces the brightness of the display panel to the minimum brightness and maintains the minimum brightness until it exits the screen saver mode.

[0028] Embodiments of the screen protection controller of this invention can provide a screen protection mode optimized for the display panel by using load data and lifespan data of the display panel, thereby improving the visual recognition of the afterimage of the display panel.

[0029] Furthermore, embodiments of the screen saver controller can provide a screen saver mode optimized for the display panel by using load data and lifespan data of the display panel, thereby increasing the lifespan of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The illustrative and non-limiting embodiments of the inventive concept will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is shown that it includes Figure 1 An example diagram of multiple panel blocks in a display panel.

[0033] Figure 3 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of a screen saver controller in a display device.

[0034] Figure 4A and Figure 4BThese are graphs showing the change in the start time of the screen saver mode and the change in the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode as the load data of the display panel increases.

[0035] Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are graphs showing the changes in the start time of the screen saver mode and the changes in the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode as the lifespan data of the display panel increases.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the change in brightness of the image displayed on the display panel when the screen saver is in operation.

[0037] Figure 7 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 6 A diagram showing an example of the brightness variation of the image displayed on the display panel at each time interval.

[0038] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the change in pixel lifetime as the display device drives the screen saver data based on gain data when the screen saver data generator generates screen saver data.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of executing a screen saver mode on a display device.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows an example of an electronic device implemented as a smartphone. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following description, embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A diagram showing an example of multiple panel blocks in the display panel 100.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 2BThe display device 10 includes a display panel 100 and a display panel driver 120 (e.g., a driving circuit). The display panel driver 120 may include a timing controller 200 (e.g., a control circuit), a gate driver 300 (e.g., a driver circuit), a gamma reference voltage generator 400, and a data driver 500 (e.g., a driver circuit). The display panel driver 120 may also include a screen saver controller 600 (e.g., a control circuit).

[0045] The display panel 100 may include a display area for displaying images and a peripheral area disposed adjacent to the display area. For example, the peripheral area may surround the display area.

[0046] The display panel 100 may include pixels P, and displays an image corresponding to the input image data IMG by using pixels P. Gate lines GL may extend in a first direction D1, and data lines DL may extend in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.

[0047] Display panel 100 may include a plurality of panel blocks. In other words, display panel 100 may be divided into a plurality of panel blocks. Each of the plurality of panel blocks may include a plurality of pixels P. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of panel blocks is a large panel block 110 (e.g., PBL). In an embodiment, large panel block 110 includes 240 × 120 pixels P. In an embodiment, display device 10 calculates load data and life data on a unit of large panel block 110. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of panel blocks is a small panel block 112 (e.g., PBS). In an embodiment, small panel block 112 includes 8 × 8 pixels P. In an embodiment, display device 10 calculates load data and life data on a unit of small panel block 112. Small panel block 112 has fewer pixels P than large panel block 110 or a smaller area than large panel block 110. The size of large panel block 110 is not limited to including 240 × 120 pixels P, and the size of small panel block 112 is not limited to including 8 × 8 pixels P. For example, large panel 110 can be greater than or less than 240×120 pixels P, and small panel 112 can be greater than or less than 8×8 pixels P.

[0048] The timing controller 200 can receive input image data IMG and input control signal CONT from an external device (not shown). For example, the input image data IMG received from the external device may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. According to an embodiment, the input image data IMG also includes white image data. In another example, the input image data IMG includes magenta image data, yellow image data, and / or cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include at least one of a master clock signal, a data enable signal, a vertical synchronization signal, and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0049] The timing controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1, a second control signal CONT2, a third control signal CONT3, and a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT.

[0050] The timing controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0051] The timing controller 200 can generate a second control signal CONT2 based on the input control signal CONT for controlling the operation of the data driver 500, and output the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0052] The timing controller 200 can generate a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG. The timing controller 200 can output the generated data signal DATA to the data driver 500.

[0053] The timing controller 200 can generate a third control signal CONT3 based on the input control signal CONT for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The timing controller 200 can output the generated third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400.

[0054] The gate driver 300 can generate a gate signal for driving the gate line GL in response to a first control signal CONT1 received from the timing controller 200. The gate driver 300 can output the generated gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 can sequentially output the gate signal to the gate line GL. According to an embodiment, the gate driver 300 is mounted on the periphery of the display panel.

[0055] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 can generate a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to a third control signal CONT3 received from the timing controller 200. The gamma reference voltage generator 400 can provide the generated gamma reference voltage VGREF to the data driver 500. The gamma reference voltage VGREF provided to the data driver 500 can have a value corresponding to each data signal DATA. According to an embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 is disposed in the timing controller 200 or in the data driver 500.

[0056] The data driver 500 can receive a second control signal CONT2 and a data signal DATA from the timing controller 200, and a gamma reference voltage VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The data driver 500 can convert the digital data signal DATA into a data voltage in analog format using the gamma reference voltage VGREF. The data driver 500 can then output the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0057] The screen saver controller 600 receives input image data IMG from the timing controller 200. In one embodiment, the screen saver controller 600 generates screen saver data SSD based on the input image data IMG and outputs the screen saver data SSD to the timing controller 200. In another embodiment, the screen saver controller 600 receives data signal DATA from the timing controller 200 and generates screen saver data SSD based on the data signal DATA. Figure 1 The arrangement of the screen saver controller 600 is an example of one embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. According to another embodiment, the screen saver controller 600 is disposed within the timing controller 200, becoming part of the timing controller 200. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the screen saver controller 600 is located external to the timing controller 200 to interact with the timing controller 200. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Figure 5 illustrates the detailed operation of the screen saver controller 600.

[0058] Figure 3 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of the screen saver controller 600 in the display device 10. Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are graphs showing the change in TSS at the start of the screen saver mode and the change in the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode as the load data LD of the display panel 100 increases. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThese are graphs showing the change in the start time TSS of the screen saver mode and the change in the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode as the lifespan data of the display panel 100 increases.

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The screen saver controller 600 includes a load calculator 610 (e.g., logic circuitry) for generating load data LD, a lifetime calculator 620 (e.g., logic circuitry) for generating lifetime data AD, an operation data generator 630 (e.g., logic circuitry) for generating operation data including gain data GD, and a screen saver data generator 640 (e.g., logic circuitry) for generating screen saver data SSD. The screen saver controller 600 can determine whether to operate in screen saver mode based on input image data IMG. In an embodiment, the screen saver controller 600 determines to operate in screen saver mode when the input image data IMG corresponds to a static image or a non-moving image, or when a portion of the input image data IMG has an intensity exceeding a specific threshold. When operating in screen saver mode in the display device 10, the timing controller 200 can adjust the brightness of the display panel 100 based on the screen saver data SSD.

[0060] The load calculator 610 can generate load data LDs for each of a plurality of panel blocks included in the display panel 100 based on input image data IMG. In an embodiment, the load data LD of a given panel block is calculated based on the average intensity of the intensity of pixels P of the given panel block. In an embodiment, the load data LD of the given panel block is generated from the average voltage of the data voltage applied to the pixels P of the given panel block. Specifically, the load calculator 610 can store the load data LDs corresponding to the input image data IMG in the form of a lookup table (LUT). The load calculator 610 can select the load data LD corresponding to the input image data IMG from the lookup table and calculate the load data LD for each of the plurality of panel blocks to transfer the load data LDs to the operation data generator 630. The lookup table can be any storage device in which the load data LDs corresponding to the input image data IMG are stored. For example, the load calculator 610 can calculate the load data LDs on a per-large panel block 110 basis. The large panel block 110 may include 240 × 120 pixels P. The load calculator 610 can select the load data LD corresponding to the input image data IMG from a lookup table and calculate the load data LD in units of large panel blocks 110 to transmit the load data LD to the operation data generator 630. In another example, the load calculator 610 can calculate the load data LD in units of small panel blocks 112. Small panel blocks 112 may include 8×8 pixels P. The load calculator 610 can select the load data LD corresponding to the input image data IMG from a lookup table and calculate the load data LD in units of small panel blocks 112 to transmit the load data LD to the operation data generator 630.

[0061] The lifespan calculator 620 can generate lifespan data AD for each of a plurality of panel blocks based on accumulated deterioration stress values ​​in the display panel 100. In one embodiment, the lifespan calculator 620 accumulates the deterioration stress values ​​for each of the plurality of panel blocks to generate an accumulated value, stores the accumulated value in a non-volatile memory device of the display device 10, and generates lifespan data AD based on the accumulated value, wherein the deterioration stress value represents the deterioration stress level of each of the plurality of panel blocks. In one embodiment, the accumulation step is used to sum the deterioration stress values. In another embodiment, the accumulation step is used to average the deterioration stress values. When calculating the lifespan data AD, the lifespan calculator 620 can consider several factors that cause deterioration stress. For example, the lifespan calculator 620 can accumulate the deterioration stress values ​​while considering temperature data, panel block location data, the amount of light emission, and the duration of light emission, and generate lifespan data AD for each of the plurality of panel blocks based on these factors. For example, the lifespan calculator 620 can apply different weights to the deterioration stress values ​​during the accumulation period based on these factors. In one embodiment, an increase in the lifetime data AD indicates that the degradation stress applied to the panel is high or exceeds a certain threshold. In other words, an increase in the lifetime data AD can indicate a high cumulative usage of multiple panel blocks. In one embodiment, the lifetime calculator 620 calculates the lifetime data AD on a per-large panel block 110 basis. The large panel block 110 may include 240 × 120 pixels P. The lifetime calculator 620 can accumulate degradation stress values ​​to generate accumulated degradation stress values ​​(i.e., accumulated values), store the accumulated degradation stress values ​​of the display panel 100 in a non-volatile memory device, calculate the lifetime data AD on a per-large panel block 110 basis based on the accumulated degradation stress values, and transmit the lifetime data AD to the operation data generator 630. In another example, the lifetime calculator 620 calculates the lifetime data AD on a per-small panel block 112 basis. The small panel block 112 may include 8 × 8 pixels P. The life calculator 620 can accumulate the degradation stress value to generate an accumulated degradation stress value (i.e., an accumulated value), and store the accumulated degradation stress value of the display panel 100 in a non-volatile memory device. Based on the accumulated degradation stress value, it calculates life data AD in units of small panel blocks 112, and transmits the life data AD to the operation data generator 630.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 4A to 5BThe operation data generator 630 generates gain data GD, including start-time gain data and minimum brightness gain data, based on load data LD and lifetime data AD. The operation data generator 630 can generate gain data GD and transmit it to the screen saver data generator 640. In an embodiment, the operation data generator 630 generates start-time gain data for adjusting the start-time TSS of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD and lifetime data AD. The operation data generator 630 can generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD and lifetime data AD. For example, the operation data generator 630 can generate start-time gain data that allows the screen saver mode to start earlier as the load data LD increases. The operation data generator 630 can transmit the start-time gain data to the screen saver data generator 640. Furthermore, the operation data generator 630 can generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the load data LD increases. Operation data generator 630 can transmit minimum brightness gain data to screen saver data generator 640. In another example, operation data generator 630 can generate start-time gain data to allow the screen saver mode to start earlier as the lifetime data AD increases. Operation data generator 630 can transmit start-time gain data to screen saver data generator 640. In an embodiment, operation data generator 630 generates minimum brightness gain data to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the lifetime data AD increases. Operation data generator 630 can transmit minimum brightness gain data to screen saver data generator 640.

[0063] In one embodiment, the operation data generator 630 generates start-time gain data and minimum brightness gain data based on the load data LD of a first panel block with the largest load data LD among a plurality of panel blocks and the lifetime data AD of the first panel block. In another embodiment, the total intensity of each of the plurality of panel blocks is determined, and the panel block with the highest intensity has the largest load data LD. Specifically, the operation data generator 630 may select the first panel block with the largest load data LD among the plurality of panel blocks based on the load data LD. The operation data generator 630 may generate start-time gain data for adjusting the start time TSS of the screen saver mode based on the lifetime data AD of the first panel block. Furthermore, the operation data generator 630 may generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode based on the lifetime data AD of the first panel block. For example, the start time TSS of the screen saver mode of the display device 10 may be proportionally advanced to the lifetime data AD of the first panel block. In another example, the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode of the display device 10 may be proportionally reduced to the lifetime data AD of the first panel block. For example, when the current lifetime data AD value relative to the previous lifetime data indicates that the panel block's lifetime has decreased by 10%, the minimum brightness LM can be reduced by 10%.

[0064] In this embodiment, the operation data generator 630 generates start-time gain data and minimum brightness gain data based on the load data LD of a first panel block having the largest load data LD among a plurality of panel blocks and the lifetime data AD of a second panel block having the largest lifetime data AD among a plurality of panel blocks. Specifically, the operation data generator 630 may select the first panel block having the largest load data LD among a plurality of panel blocks based on the load data LD. The operation data generator 630 may select the second panel block having the largest lifetime data AD among a plurality of panel blocks based on the lifetime data AD. The operation data generator 630 may generate start-time gain data for adjusting the start time TSS of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD of the first panel block and the lifetime data AD of the second panel block. Furthermore, the operation data generator 630 may generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD of the first panel block and the lifetime data AD of the second panel block. For example, the start time TSS of the screen saver mode of the display device 10 may be proportionally earlier than the load data LD of the first panel block and the lifetime data AD of the second panel block. In another example, the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode of the display device 10 is reduced proportionally to the load data LD of the first panel and the lifetime data AD of the second panel.

[0065] In this embodiment, the operation data generator 630 generates start-time gain data and minimum brightness gain data based on the average of the load data LD of multiple panel blocks and the average of the lifetime data AD of multiple panel blocks. Specifically, the operation data generator 630 can calculate the average of the load data LD of multiple panel blocks based on the load data LD. The operation data generator 630 can calculate the average of the lifetime data AD of multiple panel blocks based on the lifetime data AD. The operation data generator 630 can generate start-time gain data for adjusting the start time TSS of the screen saver mode based on the average of the load data LD of multiple panel blocks and the average of the lifetime data AD of multiple panel blocks. Furthermore, the operation data generator 630 can generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode based on the average of the load data LD of multiple panel blocks and the average of the lifetime data AD of multiple panel blocks. For example, the start time TSS of the screen saver mode of the display device 10 can be made earlier proportionally to the average of the load data LD of multiple panel blocks and the average of the lifetime data AD of multiple panel blocks. In another example, the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode of the display device 10 is reduced proportionally to the average of the load data LD of multiple panel blocks and the average of the lifetime data AD of multiple panel blocks.

[0066] The screen saver data generator 640 can generate screen saver data SSD based on input image data IMG. The screen saver data generator 640 can receive input image data IMG from the timing controller 200. The screen saver data generator 640 can receive gain data GD from the operation data generator 630. In this embodiment, the screen saver data generator 640 generates the screen saver data SSD based on the input image data IMG and the gain data GD, and transmits the screen saver data SSD to the timing controller 200. The timing controller 200 can allow the display panel 100 to operate in screen saver mode to adjust the brightness of the display panel 100.

[0067] Therefore, the screen protection controller 600 of the present invention can provide a screen protection mode optimized for the display panel 100 by using the load data LD and lifespan data AD of the display panel 100, thereby improving the visual recognition of afterimages on the display panel 100 and increasing the lifespan of the display panel 100.

[0068] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the brightness change of the image displayed on the display panel 100 when the screen saver mode is in operation. Figure 7 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 6 A diagram showing an example of the brightness variation of an image displayed on the display panel 100 for each time period. Figure 8This is a graph showing the change in pixel lifetime as a function of the drive time of the display device 10 when the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based on gain data GD.

[0069] Reference Figures 3 to 8 The display device 10 determines whether to operate in screen saver mode based on the input image data IMG. The display device 10 can determine whether the image displayed on the display panel 100 is a still image based on the input image data IMG. When the still image displayed on the display panel 100 lasts for a predetermined period of time, the screen saver controller 600 can generate screen saver data SSD based on the input image data IMG and output the screen saver data SSD to the timing controller 200.

[0070] In this embodiment, the screen saver controller 600 provides a screen saver mode optimized for the display panel 100 based on load data LD and lifetime data AD. Specifically, the screen saver controller 600 can optimize the start time TSS of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD and lifetime data AD. For example, the operation data generator 630 can generate start time gain data based on the load data LD and lifetime data AD. (Refer to...) Figure 6 As the load data LD and lifetime data AD increase, the screen saver mode start time TSS can be reduced or moved to an earlier time. In other words, when the load data LD and lifetime data AD increase, the screen saver mode start time TSS can be... Figure 6 The curve is shifted to the left on the time axis (X-axis). In the embodiment, when the lifetime data AD is determined to be large, afterimages may be perceived in one or more of multiple panel blocks in the near future; while when the lifetime data AD is determined to be small, afterimages are unlikely to be perceived in the near future. Furthermore, the screen saver controller 600 can optimize the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD and the lifetime data AD. For example, the operation data generator 630 can generate minimum brightness gain data based on the load data LD and the lifetime data AD. (See also...) Figure 6 As the load data LD and lifetime data AD increase, the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode can decrease. In other words, when the load data LD and lifetime data AD increase, the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode can be reduced. Figure 6 The curve is shifted downwards on the brightness axis (Y-axis).

[0071] In this embodiment, when the display device 10 operates in screen saver mode, the brightness of the display panel 100 gradually decreases as in the second time period P2. (Refer to...) Figure 7The display panel 100 can maintain minimum brightness during a third time period P3, starting from point TSM when the brightness of the display panel 100 decreases to the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode. Simultaneously, during screen saver mode operation, as in the fourth time period P4, the screen saver mode can be canceled or exited at a predetermined time TSE when a change occurs, and the brightness of the display panel 100 can be increased to normal brightness L1. For example, the brightness of the display panel 100 in the first time period P1 can be the normal brightness L1 when the screen saver mode is not in operation. The display panel 100 in the second time period P2 can have a brightness between normal brightness L1 and minimum brightness L1. The display panel 100 in the third time period P3 can have the minimum brightness L1 of the screen saver mode. For example, during the fourth time period P4, the input image data IMG can correspond to a moving image.

[0072] Reference Figure 8 When the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based on input image data IMG and gain data GD, the brightness of the display panel 100 in the third time period P3 is lower than the brightness when the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based solely on input image data IMG. Therefore, compared to the case where the screen saver data SSD is generated without gain data GD (e.g., by...), the brightness is lower. Figure 8 Compared to the BEFORE curve shown in the middle, when the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based on gain data GD (e.g., by...), Figure 8 As shown in the AFTER curve, the lifetime of pixels P included in the display panel 100 can be increased. In particular, the difference in pixel lifetime can increase as the driving time of the display panel 100 increases. In other words, when the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based on gain data GD, the display panel 100 can receive less degradation stress.

[0073] Therefore, when the display device 10 of the present invention operates in a screen protection mode optimized for the display panel 100 by using load data LD generated by load calculator 610 and lifespan data AD generated by lifespan calculator 620, the visual recognition of afterimages on the display panel 100 can be improved and the lifespan of the display panel 100 can be increased.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of executing a screen saver mode in the display device 10.

[0075] Reference Figure 9The display device 10 of this invention generates load data LD for multiple panel blocks based on input image data IMG (S100), generates lifetime data AD for each of the multiple panel blocks based on the accumulated degradation stress value in the display panel 100 (S200), generates gain data GD based on load data LD and lifetime data AD (S300), generates screen saver data SSD based on input image data IMG and gain data GD (S400), and determines whether to operate in screen saver mode based on input image data IMG (S500). In an embodiment, the display device 10 determines whether to operate in screen saver mode when the input image data IMG includes a static image or a non-moving image and / or when the average intensity of one of the multiple panel blocks exceeds a specific threshold. When the display device 10 operates in screen saver mode, the display device 10 adjusts the brightness of the display panel 100 based on the screen saver data SSD (S600) and outputs the image to the display panel 100 (S700). Meanwhile, when the display device 10 is not operating in screen saver mode, the display device 10 outputs an image to the display panel 100 without adjusting the brightness of the display panel 100 (S700).

[0076] In one embodiment, load calculator 610 and lifetime calculator 620 calculate load data LD and lifetime data AD, which are used as standard gain data GD. Load calculator 610 can generate load data LD for multiple panel blocks based on input image data IMG (S100). Specifically, load calculator 610 can store load data LD corresponding to input image data IMG in the form of a lookup table (LUT). Load calculator 610 can select load data LD corresponding to input image data IMG from the lookup table, calculate load data LD for each of the multiple panel blocks, and transmit load data LD to operation data generator 630. Lifetime calculator 620 can generate lifetime data AD for each of the multiple panel blocks based on accumulated degradation stress values ​​in display panel 100 (S200). Specifically, lifetime calculator 620 can accumulate degradation stress values ​​of display panel 100 to generate accumulated degradation stress values, store the accumulated degradation stress values ​​in a non-volatile memory device, and generate lifetime data AD based on the accumulated degradation stress values. In this embodiment, an increase in lifetime data AD indicates that the degradation stress applied to the panel is greater than or greater than a threshold.

[0077] In one embodiment, the operation data generator 630 generates gain data GD (S300) based on load data LD and lifetime data AD. For example, the operation data generator 630 can generate start-time gain data for adjusting the start time TSS of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD and lifetime data AD. The operation data generator 630 can generate start-time gain data that allows the screen saver mode to start earlier as the load data LD increases. The operation data generator 630 can generate start-time gain data that allows the screen saver mode to start earlier as the lifetime data AD increases. In another example, the operation data generator 630 can generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness LM of the screen saver mode based on the load data LD and lifetime data AD. The operation data generator 630 can generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the load data LD increases. The operation data generator 630 can generate minimum brightness gain data for adjusting the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the lifetime data AD increases.

[0078] In this embodiment, the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based on input image data IMG and gain data GD (S400). The screen saver data generator 640 can receive input image data IMG from the timing controller 200. The screen saver data generator 640 can receive gain data GD from the operation data generator 630. The screen saver data generator 640 can generate screen saver data SSD based on the input image data IMG and gain data GD, and transmit the screen saver data SSD to the timing controller 200.

[0079] Therefore, the screen protection controller 600 of the present invention can provide a screen protection mode optimized for the display panel 100 by using the load data LD and lifetime data AD of the display panel 100.

[0080] The screen saver controller 600 can determine whether to operate in screen saver mode based on the input image data IMG (S500). When the display device 10 operates in screen saver mode, the display device 10 can adjust the brightness of the display panel 100 based on the screen saver data SSD (S600) and output the image to the display panel 100 (S700). Specifically, when the display device 10 operates in screen saver mode, the brightness of the display panel 100 can gradually decrease. When the brightness of the display panel 100 decreases to the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode, the display panel 100 can maintain the minimum brightness. At the same time, during the operation of the screen saver mode, when a predetermined change occurs (e.g., a predetermined condition is met), the screen saver mode can be canceled or exited, and the brightness of the display panel 100 can be increased to the normal brightness L1. In an embodiment, when the display device 10 is not operating in screen saver mode, the display device 10 outputs the image to the display panel 100 without adjusting the brightness of the display panel 100 (S700). For example, the predetermined condition may be the input image data IMG indicating a moving image.

[0081] Compared to generating screen saver data SSD without gain data GD, when the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based on gain data GD, the lifetime of pixels P included in the display panel 100 according to embodiments of the present invention can be increased. Specifically, the difference in pixel lifetime can increase as the driving time of the display panel 100 increases. In other words, when the screen saver data generator 640 generates screen saver data SSD based on gain data GD, the display panel 100 can receive less degradation stress. Therefore, the screen saver controller 600 of the present invention can provide a screen saver mode optimized for the display panel 100 by using load data LD and lifetime data AD of the display panel 100, thereby improving the visual recognition of afterimages on the display panel 100 and increasing the lifetime of the display panel 100.

[0082] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows an example of an electronic device 1000 implemented as a smartphone.

[0083] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11The electronic device 1000 includes a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and a display device 1060. Furthermore, the electronic device 1000 may also include multiple ports for communicating with a video card, sound card, memory card, Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, or another electronic device. In embodiments, such as... Figure 11 As shown, electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a smartphone. However, electronic device 1000 is not limited to this. For example, electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a cellular phone, video phone, smart tablet, smartwatch, tablet PC, car navigation system, computer monitor, laptop computer, or head-mounted display (HMD) device.

[0084] Processor 1010 can perform various computing functions. Processor 1010 can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or an application processor (AP). Processor 1010 can be connected to other components via an address bus, control bus, or data bus. Furthermore, processor 1010 can be connected to an expansion bus (such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus). Memory device 1020 can store data for the operation of electronic device 1000. For example, memory device 1020 may include at least one non-volatile memory device (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase-change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, and a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device) and / or at least one volatile memory device (such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, or a mobile DRAM device). Storage device 1030 may include a solid-state drive (SSD) device, a hard disk drive (HDD) device, or a CD-ROM device. I / O device 1040 may include input devices (such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse device, touchpad, or touchscreen) and output devices (such as a printer or speaker). In some embodiments, I / O device 1040 may include a display device 1060. Power supply 1050 can provide power for the operation of electronic device 1000.

[0085] Display device 1060 can display an image corresponding to the visual information of electronic device 1000. Display device 1060 may include: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a data driver for providing data signals to the display panel; a gate driver for providing gate signals to the display panel; a timing controller for controlling the data driver and the gate driver; and a screen saver controller for determining whether to operate a first mode based on input image data, and adjusting the brightness of the display panel based on screen saver data during operation of the first mode. For example, display device 1060 may include display panel driver 120. The screen saver controller may include: a load calculator for generating load data for each of a plurality of panel blocks included in the display panel based on input image data; a lifetime calculator for generating lifetime data for each of the plurality of panel blocks based on accumulated degradation stress values ​​in the display panel; an operation data generator for receiving load data and lifetime data, and generating operation data based on the load data and lifetime data; and a screen saver data generator for receiving input image data and operation data, and generating screen saver data based on the input image data and operation data. The screen saver controller can determine whether to operate in a first mode based on input image data, and adjust the brightness of the display panel based on screen saver data during operation of the first mode. The screen saver controller can provide a screen saver mode optimized for the display panel by using load and lifespan data of the display panel, thereby improving the visual recognition of afterimages on the display panel. Furthermore, the screen saver controller can provide a screen saver mode optimized for the display panel by using load and lifespan data of the display panel, thereby increasing the lifespan of the display panel.

[0086] The foregoing description is illustrative of the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting it. Although some embodiments of the inventive concept have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the inventive concept. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A screen saver controller, the screen saver controller comprising: Load calculator, used to generate load data for each of the multiple panel blocks included in the display panel based on input image data; A lifespan calculator is used to generate lifespan data for each of the plurality of panel blocks based on the accumulated degradation stress values ​​in the display panel. A first logic circuit is configured to receive the load data and the lifetime data, and generate operation data including start-time gain data based on the load data and the lifetime data; as well as The second logic circuit is used to receive the input image data and the operation data, and to generate screen saver data based on the input image data and the operation data. The start time gain data is used to adjust the start time of the screen saver mode. Prior to the start time, the brightness of the display panel remains at normal brightness for a first period of time; starting from the start time, the screen saver controller gradually reduces the brightness of the display panel based on the screen saver data, and Specifically, when the load data and the lifetime data increase, the start time is advanced, and the first time period is shortened.

2. The screen saver controller according to claim 1, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the operation data, including minimum brightness gain data, based on the load data and the lifetime data. The minimum brightness gain data is used to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode.

3. The screen saver controller according to claim 2, wherein, The load calculator generates the load data based on a lookup table, which stores the load data corresponding to the input image data.

4. The screen saver controller according to claim 3, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the start time gain data, which is used to control the screen saver mode to start earlier as the value of the load data increases.

5. The screen saver controller according to claim 3, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the minimum brightness gain data, which is used to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the load data increases.

6. The screen saver controller according to claim 2, wherein, The lifetime calculator accumulates the degradation stress values ​​of the plurality of panel blocks to generate an accumulated value and stores the accumulated value in a non-volatile memory device, and generates the lifetime data based on the accumulated value.

7. The screen saver controller according to claim 6, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the start time gain data, which is used to control the screen saver mode to start earlier as the value of the lifetime data increases.

8. The screen saver controller according to claim 6, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the minimum brightness gain data, which is used to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode to a lower value as the lifetime data increases.

9. The screen saver controller according to claim 2, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the start-time gain data and the minimum brightness gain data based on the load data of the first panel block with the largest load data among the plurality of panel blocks and the lifetime data of the first panel block.

10. The screen saver controller according to claim 2, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the start-time gain data and the minimum brightness gain data based on the load data of the first panel block with the largest load data among the plurality of panel blocks and the lifetime data of the second panel block with the largest lifetime data among the plurality of panel blocks.

11. The screen saver controller according to claim 2, wherein, The first logic circuit generates the start-time gain data and the minimum brightness gain data based on the average value of the load data of the plurality of panel blocks and the average value of the lifetime data of the plurality of panel blocks.

12. A display device, the display device comprising: The screen saver controller according to claim 1; The display panel includes multiple pixels; A data driver for providing data signals to the display panel; A gate driver is used to provide gate signals to the display panel; as well as A timing controller is used to control the data driver and the gate driver.

13. A method of operating a display device, the method comprising the following steps: Load data is generated for each of the multiple panel blocks in the display panel of the display device based on the input image data; Lifetime data for each of the plurality of panel blocks is generated based on the accumulated degradation stress value in the display panel; Based on the generated load data and the generated lifetime data, operational data including start-time gain data is generated. Screen saver data is generated based on the input image data and the operation data; as well as When operating in screen saver mode for performing screen saver operations, the brightness of the display panel is adjusted based on the screen saver data. The start time gain data is used to adjust the start time of the screen saver mode. Specifically, prior to the start time, the brightness of the display panel is maintained at normal brightness for a first period of time; starting from the start time, the brightness of the display panel is gradually reduced based on the screen saver data, and Specifically, when the load data and the lifetime data increase, the start time is advanced, and the first time period is shortened.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The steps for generating the lifetime data include: determining a degradation stress value for each of the plurality of panel blocks, accumulating the determined degradation stress values ​​to generate a cumulative value, and generating the lifetime data from the cumulative value.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The load data for a corresponding panel block among the plurality of panel blocks is the strength of that corresponding panel block.

16. A display device, the display device comprising: The display panel includes multiple panel blocks, wherein each of the multiple panel blocks includes multiple pixels; A data driver for providing data signals to the display panel; A gate driver is used to provide gate signals to the display panel; A timing controller for controlling the data driver and the gate driver; and A screen saver controller is configured to calculate load data for each of the plurality of panel blocks, calculate lifetime data for each of the plurality of panel blocks based on degradation stress values, generate operation data including minimum brightness gain data and start-time gain data based on the load data and the lifetime data, and generate screen saver data based on input image data and the operation data. The minimum brightness gain data is used to adjust the minimum brightness of the screen saver mode, and the start time gain data is used to adjust the start time of the screen saver mode. Prior to the start time, the brightness of the display panel remains at normal brightness for a first period of time; starting from the start time, the screen saver controller gradually reduces the brightness of the display panel to the minimum brightness based on the screen saver data, and Specifically, when the load data and the lifespan data increase, the start time is advanced, the minimum brightness decreases, and the first time period is shortened.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, When image data provided by the timing controller indicates the presence of a static image, the screen saver controller operates in the screen saver mode.

18. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The screen saver controller gradually reduces the brightness of the display panel to the minimum brightness and maintains the brightness at the minimum brightness until it exits the screen saver mode.

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