Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a display panel displaying an image, a current compensator, and a panel driver. The current compensator calculates a load based on input image data, compensates the input image data to have a target current corresponding to the load, and outputs compensated image data. The panel driver drives the display panel based on the compensated image data. The current compensator calculates the load for the input image data based on a combination of load weight values calculated according to variables different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to display devices, and more specifically to display devices capable of accurate brightness compensation. Background Technology

[0002] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in display devices use organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to display images, which generate light through the recombination of electrons and holes. The advantage of this type of OLED is that it operates with low power consumption while maintaining a fast response time.

[0003] An organic light-emitting display device includes pixels connected to data lines and scan lines. Each pixel typically includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and a circuit section for controlling the amount of current flowing to the OLED. The circuit section controls the amount of current flowing from a first driving voltage through the OLED to a second driving voltage in accordance with the data signal. At this time, light of a predetermined brightness is generated corresponding to the amount of current flowing through the OLED.

[0004] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are used as a load when driving display panels. The load may increase if the number of driven OLEDs increases. The amount of current flowing through the OLEDs can vary depending on the load, which may degrade the overall brightness characteristics of the display device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a display device and a driving method for the display device that can accurately implement brightness compensation by taking into account the efficiency differences of various variables that affect the load.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device including a display panel for displaying images, a current compensator, and a panel driver. The current compensator calculates a load based on input image data, compensates the input image data to have a target current corresponding to the load, and outputs compensated image data. The panel driver drives the display panel based on the compensated image data.

[0007] The current compensator calculates the load for the input image data based on a combination of load weight values ​​calculated according to different variables.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a driving method for a display device, comprising: a step of calculating a load for input image data based on a combination of load weight values ​​calculated according to different variables; a step of compensating the input image data to have a target current corresponding to the load, thereby outputting compensated image data; a step of generating a driving signal for driving a display panel based on the compensated image data; and a step of displaying an image on the display panel based on the driving signal.

[0009] (Invention effect)

[0010] According to the present invention, brightness compensation is accurately implemented by taking into account the efficiency differences of various variables that affect the load, thereby improving the overall brightness characteristics of the display device. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 It is shown in detail Figure 1 The diagram shown is a block diagram of the display panel.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a current compensator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 The diagram shows the internal structure of the current extraction module and the first to third weight value calculation modules.

[0016] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 The diagram shows the internal structure of the load calculation module.

[0017] Figures 7A to 7D It is used for explanation Figure 5 The diagram shown is of the first weight value calculation module.

[0018] Figures 8A to 8C It shows that it is aimed at Figure 5 The graph shown represents the current at the highest gray level of the measurement area for the first to third colors.

[0019] Figures 9A to 9C It is used to explain for Figure 5 The diagram shows the operation of the second weight value calculation module.

[0020] Figures 10A to 10CIt is used to explain for Figure 5 The diagram shows the operation of the third weight value calculation module.

[0021] Figure 11A This is a plan view showing a display device displaying a white image with 20% frame peak.

[0022] Figure 11B This is a plan view showing a display device displaying an image with 100% frame white.

[0023] Figure 12A This is a plan view showing a display device displaying a 1% box peak white image in a first position.

[0024] Figure 12B This is a plan view showing a display device displaying a 1% box peak white image in a second position.

[0025] Symbol explanation:

[0026] DD: Display device; DP: Display panel; 100: Controller; 200: Panel driver; 120: Current compensator; 121: Current extraction module; 122: First weight value calculation module; 123: Second weight value calculation module; 124: Third weight value calculation module; 125: Data compensation module; 125_1: Load calculation module; 125_2: Current control module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In this specification, when it is mentioned that a certain component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is located on, connected to or combined with other components, it means that it can be directly configured / connected / combined with other components, or a third component can be configured therein.

[0028] The same symbols refer to the same constituent elements. In addition, the thickness, proportions, and dimensions of the constituent elements in the various figures are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively illustrating the technical content.

[0029] "And / or" includes more than one combination of all possible related components.

[0030] The terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements described should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from others. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, a first constituent element can be named a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element can be named a first constituent element. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless explicitly stated otherwise in the text.

[0031] Furthermore, terms such as "below," "on the lower side," "above," and "on the upper side" are used to explain the connection relationships between the components in the diagram. These terms are relative concepts and are explained based on the direction shown in the diagram.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical context, and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0033] Terms such as “including” or “having” should be understood as referring to the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof as recorded in the instruction manual, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown in detail Figure 1 The diagram shown is a block diagram of the display panel.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 One embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device DD configured to display an image. The display device DD receives input image data I_DAT and input control signal I_CS from an external source.

[0037] The display device DD includes a display panel DP, a controller 100, and a panel driver 200. The display device DD can be a device activated by an electrical signal. The display device DD can include various embodiments. For example, the display device DD can be a display device used in tablets, laptops, computers, televisions, or smartphones.

[0038] The controller 100 receives input image data I_DAT and input control signal I_CS from an external source. The input image data I_DAT may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The controller 100 can change the data format of the input image data I_DAT. The input control signal I_CS may include, but is not limited to, a vertical synchronization signal, a data strobe signal, a master clock signal, etc. The controller 100 can generate a drive control signal based on the input control signal I_CS.

[0039] The display device DD may include a current compensator 120. As an example of the invention, the current compensator 120 may be included in the controller 100. However, the location of the current compensator 120 is not limited thereto. For example, the current compensator 120 may be included independently of the configuration of the controller 100. The current compensator 120 may extract the load based on the input image data I_DAT and compensate the input image data I_DAT to give it a target current corresponding to the load, thereby generating compensated image data RGB. The compensated image data RGB generated by the current compensator 120 may be provided to the panel driver 200.

[0040] The panel driver 200 may include a scan driver 210 and a data driver 220. The drive control signals generated by the controller 100 may include a scan control signal SCS for controlling the drive of the scan driver 210 and a data control signal DCS for controlling the drive of the data driver 220.

[0041] The scan driver 210 receives a scan control signal SCS from the controller 100. The scan control signal SCS may include a start signal for initiating operation of the scan driver 210 and a vertical clock signal, etc. The scan driver 210 generates multiple scan signals SS and outputs the multiple scan signals SS sequentially to the scan lines described later. In addition, the scan driver 210 may generate multiple light emission control signals in response to the scan control signal SCS and output the light emission control signals to multiple light emission control lines EML1 to EMLn.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the scan driver 210 may include an initialization scan driver, a compensation scan driver, a write scan driver, and a black scan driver. The initialization scan driver outputs initialization scan signals to the initialization scan lines GIL1 to GILn of the display panel DP, and the compensation scan driver outputs compensation scan signals to the compensation scan lines GCL1 to GCLn of the display panel DP. The initialization scan driver and the compensation scan driver may be constructed by independent circuits or may be unified into a single circuit. When the initialization scan driver and the compensation scan driver are unified into a single circuit, the initialization scan signal may be defined as the previous scan signal, and the compensation scan signal may be defined as the current scan signal.

[0043] The write scan driver outputs write scan signals to the write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn of the display panel DP, and the black scan driver outputs black scan signals to the black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn of the display panel DP. The write scan driver and the black scan driver can be constructed from independent circuits or can be unified into a single circuit. When the write scan driver and the black scan driver are unified into a single circuit, the write scan signal can be defined as the current scan signal, and the black scan signal can be defined as the next scan signal.

[0044] In addition, Figure 2 The intermediate scan driver 210 is electrically connected to multiple light emission control lines EML1 to EMLn. That is, Figure 2 The illustration shows a configuration where multiple scan signals SS and multiple light emission control signals are output from a single scan driver 210; however, the invention is not limited thereto. Optionally, the panel driver 200 may also include a light emission driver that outputs multiple light emission control signals to multiple light emission control lines EML1 to EMLn. In this case, the multiple light emission control lines EML1 to EMLn may be electrically decoupled from the scan driver 210.

[0045] The scan driver 210 can be built into the display panel DP. That is, the scan driver 210 can be formed in the display panel DP through a thin film process that forms the pixels of the display panel DP from PX11 to PXnm.

[0046] Data driver 220 receives data control signal DCS and compensated image data RGB from controller 100. Data driver 220 converts the compensated image data RGB into data signal DS and outputs data signal DS to multiple data lines DL1 to DLm described later. Data signal DS can be an analog voltage corresponding to the grayscale value of the compensated image data RGB.

[0047] The display device DD also includes a voltage generator for generating the voltages required for the operation of the display device DD. In this embodiment, the voltage generator can generate a first power supply voltage ELVDD, a second power supply voltage ELVSS, and an initialization voltage Vint, etc.

[0048] The display panel DP can be a component that substantially generates an image. As an example of the present invention, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel. The display panel DP includes scan lines, light-emitting control lines EML1 to EMLn, data lines DL1 to DLm, and pixels PX11 to PXnm. The scan lines and light-emitting control lines EML1 to EMLn extend in a first direction DR1 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. The data lines DL1 to DLm extend in the second direction DR2 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. As an example of the present invention, the scan lines include initialization scan lines GIL1 to GILn, compensation scan lines GCL1 to GCLn, write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn, and black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn.

[0049] Pixels PX11 to PXnm are respectively connected to the corresponding data line, the corresponding scan line, and the corresponding light emission control line. For example, the first pixel PX11 among pixels PX11 to PXnm is connected to the first data line DL1, the first light emission control line EML1, the first initialization scan line GIL1, the first compensation scan line GCL1, the first write scan line GWL1, and the first black scan line GBL1. The last pixel PXnm among pixels PX11 to PXnm is connected to the m-th data line DLm, the n-th light emission control line EMLn, the n-th initialization scan line GILn, the n-th compensation scan line GCLn, the n-th write scan line GWLn, and the n-th black scan line GBLn. That is, as an example of the present invention, multiple pixels PX11 to PXnm can be electrically connected to four types of scan lines respectively. However, the types of scan lines connected to multiple pixels PX11 to PXnm are not limited to this. That is, multiple pixels PX11 to PXnm can be connected to two or three types of scan lines respectively.

[0050] A first power supply voltage ELVDD, a second power supply voltage ELVSS, and an initialization voltage Vint can be supplied to the display panel DP. Multiple pixels PX11 to PXnm can respectively receive the first power supply voltage ELVDD, the second power supply voltage ELVSS, and the initialization voltage Vint.

[0051] Each of the multiple pixels PX11 to PXnm includes a light-emitting element and a pixel circuit section for controlling the light emission of the light-emitting element. As an example of the present invention, the light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting diode.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Reference Figure 3The display panel DP includes a display area DA for displaying the image and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the periphery of the display area DA. The display area DA is the area that actually displays the image, and the non-display area NDA is the border area where no image is displayed. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a non-display area NDA configured to surround a display area DA, but the invention is not limited thereto. The non-display area NDA may be configured only on at least one side of the display area DA.

[0054] The display area DA may include multiple measurement areas MA11 to MAij. These multiple measurement areas MA11 to MAij may be defined in a matrix shape along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. As an example of the present invention, the display area DA may include i×j measurement areas MA11 to MAij. Here, i and j may be integers greater than 2. However, the shape of the multiple measurement areas MA11 to MAij is not limited thereto. For example, the display area DA may only include multiple measurement areas divided along the first direction DR1, or it may only include multiple measurement areas divided along the second direction DR2.

[0055] The configuration and number of multiple measurement areas MA11 to MAij can be changed according to panel characteristics such as the size and resolution of the display panel DP.

[0056] Multiple measurement zones MA11 to MAij can be defined as zones divided for measuring the current in each zone, with current compensator 120 (see reference). Figure 1 This allows the display panel DP to work according to each measurement area to measure the current of the corresponding measurement area.

[0057] The current compensator 120 will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0058] The display device DD may further include multiple flexible films FF connected to the display panel DP. A driver chip DIC may be mounted on each flexible film FF. As an example of the present invention, a data driver 220 (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be composed of multiple driver chips (DIC), and the multiple driver chips (DIC) can be installed on multiple flexible films (FF).

[0059] The display device DD may further include at least one circuit board PCB bonded to multiple flexible films FF. As an example of the invention, four circuit board PCBs may be provided in the display device DD, but the number of circuit board PCBs is not limited to this. Two adjacent circuit boards among the multiple circuit board PCBs can be electrically connected to each other via a connecting film CF. Furthermore, at least one of the multiple circuit board PCBs may be electrically connected to a motherboard. At least one of the multiple circuit board PCBs may be configured with a controller 100 (see reference 100). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and voltage generators, etc.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a current compensator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 The diagram shows the internal structure of the current extraction module and the first to third weight value calculation modules. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 The diagram shows the internal structure of the load calculation module.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The current compensator 120 includes a current extraction module 121, a first weight value calculation module 122, a second weight value calculation module 123, a third weight value calculation module 124, and a data compensation module 125.

[0062] The current extraction module 121 can extract the current for each grayscale value of each measurement region MA11 to MAij. The current extraction module 121 may include multiple sub-extraction modules 121_11 to 121_ij, each corresponding to one of the multiple measurement regions MA11 to MAij. The multiple sub-extraction modules 121_11 to 121_ij respectively extract the current for each grayscale value of their corresponding measurement region. For example, the first sub-extraction module 121_11 of the multiple sub-extraction modules 121_11 to 121_ij extracts the current for each grayscale value of the first measurement region MA11 among the multiple measurement regions MA11 to MAij.

[0063] When the input image data I_DAT can represent 256 gray levels, 256 measurement images corresponding to these 256 gray levels are displayed in multiple measurement regions MA11 to MAij. Each sub-extraction module 121_11 to 121_ij can extract 256 currents for the 256 measurement images displayed in the corresponding measurement region. Selectively, each sub-extraction module 121_11 to 121_ij can extract the current for each reference gray level selected from the 256 gray levels. When 10 reference gray levels are selected, each sub-extraction module 121_11 to 121_ij can extract only the 10 currents for the 10 measurement images corresponding to the 10 reference gray levels. Here, the number of reference gray levels is not particularly limited.

[0064] The current extraction module 121 can extract the current for each measurement area MA11 to MAij for each grayscale according to color. That is, each sub-extraction module 121_11 to 121_ij can extract the current for each measurement area MA11 to MAij for the corresponding grayscale according to color. When the input image data I_DAT includes image data of three colors, each sub-extraction module 121_11 to 121_ij can extract the current for the corresponding grayscale according to the three colors. When the input image data I_DAT includes first color image data to third color image data, each sub-extraction module 121_11 to 121_ij can extract the current for the first color image data with the corresponding grayscale, the current for the second color image data with the corresponding grayscale, and the current for the third color image data with the corresponding grayscale. As an example of the present invention, the first color image data may be image data about red, the second color image data may be image data about green, and the third color image data may be image data about blue. When the input image data includes four colors of image data, the current extraction module 121 can extract the current in grayscale for each measurement area MA11 to MAij of each of the four colors of image data.

[0065] The grayscale-based currents extracted from measurement areas MA11 to MAij by current extraction module 121 can be referred to as extraction data EXC_D. Each extraction data EXC_D may include information about the measurement area, grayscale information, and current magnitude information. When each sub-extraction module 121_11 to 121_ij extracts color-based currents for the corresponding grayscale, each extraction data EXC_D may also include color information. The information about the measurement area may be information about the location of the corresponding measurement area.

[0066] The first weight value calculation module 122 calculates the load weight value GL_W (hereinafter referred to as the grayscale load weight value) based on the grayscale of the input image data I_DAT. As an example of the present invention, the first weight value calculation module 122 may include a maximum current detection module 122_1 and a first calculation module 122_2. The maximum current detection module 122_1 receives extracted data EXC_D from the current extraction module 121. The maximum current detection module 122_1 detects the maximum current based on the extracted data EXC_D. When the input image data I_DAT is represented by 256 grayscale values, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the maximum current for each of the 256 grayscale values.

[0067] The maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the maximum current for each grayscale value. For example, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the maximum current of the first color image data with the corresponding grayscale value, the maximum current of the second color image data with the corresponding grayscale value, and the maximum current of the third color image data with the corresponding grayscale value from the extracted data EXC_D.

[0068] The maximum current detected by the maximum current detection module 122_1, categorized by grayscale, can be referred to as the maximum current data MC_D. Each maximum current data MC_D may include information regarding grayscale, the magnitude of the maximum current, and color.

[0069] The first calculation module 122_2 receives the maximum current data MC_D and the target gamma current data TG_D. The first calculation module 122_2 compares the target gamma current data TG_D and the maximum current data MC_D by grayscale, thereby generating a grayscale load weight value GL_W. For example, the first calculation module 122_2 can convert the target gamma current data TG_D of the corresponding grayscale to 1, and multiply 1 by the ratio of the maximum current data MC_D of the corresponding grayscale to the target gamma current data TG_D of the corresponding grayscale, thereby generating a grayscale load weight value GL_W for the corresponding grayscale. The grayscale load weight value GL_W can be generated by color. That is, the grayscale load weight value GL_W may include a first grayscale load weight value for a first color, a second grayscale load weight value for a second color, and a third grayscale load weight value for a third color.

[0070] The second weight value calculation module 123 calculates the load weight value AL_W (hereinafter referred to as the area load weight value) according to the measurement areas MA11 to MAij. As an example of the present invention, the second weight value calculation module 123 may include a second calculation module 123_1.

[0071] The maximum current detection module 122_1 receives extracted data EXC_D from the current extraction module 121 and detects the grayscale current for each measurement area MA11 to MAij based on the extracted grayscale current. As an example of the present invention, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can also detect the current for the highest grayscale from the extracted grayscale current for each measurement area MA11 to MAij. As an example of the present invention, when the highest grayscale is 255, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the current for grayscale 255 for each measurement area MA11 to MAij. The maximum current detection module 122_1 can output the highest grayscale current data HGC_D for each measurement area MA11 to MAij, including information about the current for the highest grayscale. That is, each highest grayscale current data HGC_D may include information about the highest grayscale, information about the current magnitude, and information about the corresponding measurement area.

[0072] Furthermore, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the current for the highest grayscale in each measurement area MA11 to MAij by color. For example, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the current of the first color image data with the highest grayscale, the current of the second color image data with the highest grayscale, and the current of the third color image data with the highest grayscale for each measurement area MA11 to MAij. In this case, each highest grayscale current data HGC_D may also include information for the corresponding color.

[0073] As an example of the present invention, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can also detect the maximum current among the currents with the highest grayscale values ​​in the measurement areas MA11 to MAij. The information of the maximum current with the highest grayscale value detected by the maximum current detection module 122_1 can be referred to as maximum current data MGC_D. When the highest grayscale value is 255, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the measurement area with the maximum current with respect to 255 grayscale values ​​within the entire measurement area. Therefore, each maximum current data MGC_D output from the maximum current detection module 122_1 can include information regarding the highest grayscale value, information regarding the magnitude of the maximum current, and information regarding the measurement area with the maximum current.

[0074] The maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the maximum current for the highest grayscale value by color. For example, the maximum current detection module 122_1 detects the measurement region with the maximum current among the currents in the first color image data with the highest grayscale value extracted from each measurement region MA11 to MAij, and also detects the measurement region with the maximum current among the currents in the second color image data with the highest grayscale value extracted from each measurement region MA11 to MAij. Furthermore, the maximum current detection module 122_1 can detect the measurement region with the maximum current among the currents in the third color image data with the highest grayscale value extracted from each measurement region MA11 to MAij. In this case, each maximum current data MGC_D may also include information related to color.

[0075] The second calculation module 123_1 can receive the highest grayscale current data HGC_D and the maximum current data MGC_D from the maximum current detection module 122_1. The second calculation module 123_1 can calculate the regional load weight value AL_W based on the highest grayscale current data HGC_D and the maximum current data MGC_D.

[0076] The second calculation module 123_1 uses the maximum current data MGC_D as a reference to generate a regional load weight value AL_W for each highest grayscale current data HGC_D. For example, the second calculation module 123_1 can convert the current magnitude of the maximum current data MGC_D (i.e., the maximum current magnitude) to 1, and multiply 1 by the ratio of the current magnitude of the highest grayscale current data HGC_D to the maximum current magnitude, thereby generating a regional load weight value AL_W for each highest grayscale current data HGC_D. The regional load weight value AL_W for each highest grayscale current data HGC_D can be generated according to the measurement area. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the second processing module 123_1 receiving the highest grayscale current data HGC_D. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second processing module 123_1 may receive reference grayscale current data instead of the highest grayscale current data HGC_D, where the highest grayscale current data HGC_D may be an example of reference grayscale current data.

[0077] The region load weight values ​​AL_W for each measurement region MA11 to MAij generated by the second weight value calculation module 123 can be generated according to color. That is, the second weight value calculation module 123 can generate region load weight values ​​for the first color, region load weight values ​​for the second color, and region load weight values ​​for the third color.

[0078] The third weighting value calculation module 124 calculates the load weight value CL_W (hereinafter referred to as the color load weight value) by color. As an example of the present invention, the third weighting value calculation module 124 may include a third calculation module 124_1. The third calculation module 124_1 can receive the highest grayscale current data HGC_D by color for each measurement area MA11 to MAij from the maximum current detection module 122_1. The third calculation module 124_1 can calculate the color load weight value CL_W for each color based on the highest grayscale current data HGC_D, according to the measurement areas MA11 to MAij. The color load weight value CL_W for the measurement areas MA11 to MAij includes a first color load weight value for the first color, a second color load weight value for the second color, and a third color load weight value for the third color. The sum of the first color load weight value to the third color load weight value for each measurement area MA11 to MAij can be 1. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the case where the third processing module 124_1 receives the highest grayscale current data HGC_D. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third processing module 124_1 may receive reference grayscale current data instead of the highest grayscale current data HGC_D, where the highest grayscale current data HGC_D may be an example of reference grayscale current data.

[0079] The third calculation module 124_1 detects the current value corresponding to the first color image data with the highest grayscale (hereinafter referred to as the first current value), the current value corresponding to the second color image data with the highest grayscale (hereinafter referred to as the second current value), and the current value corresponding to the third color image data with the highest grayscale (hereinafter referred to as the third current value) from the highest grayscale current data HGC_D for the corresponding measurement area. The sum of the first current value to the third current value is called the total current value. The third calculation module 124_1 can calculate the first current value of the total current value as the first color load weight value of the corresponding measurement area. In addition, the third calculation module 124_1 can calculate the second current value of the total current value as the second color load weight value of the corresponding measurement area, and can calculate the third current value of the total current value as the third color load weight value of the corresponding measurement area. Therefore, the sum of the first color load weight value to the third color load weight value for each measurement area MA11 to MAij can be 1.

[0080] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6The data compensation module 125 receives grayscale load weight value GL_W, region load weight value AL_W, and color load weight value CL_W from the first weight value calculation module 122, the second weight value calculation module 123, and the third weight value calculation module 124, respectively. Based on the grayscale load weight value GL_W, the region load weight value AL_W, and the color load weight value CL_W, the data compensation module 125 compensates the input image data I_DAT, thereby generating compensated image data RGB.

[0081] As an example of the present invention, the data compensation module 125 may include a load calculation module 125_1 and a current control module 125_2. The load calculation module 125_1 may receive grayscale load weight value GL_W, area load weight value AL_W, and color load weight value CL_W from the first weight value calculation module 122, the second weight value calculation module 123, and the third weight value calculation module 124, respectively. The load calculation module 125_1 may include a storage module 125_11 for storing the grayscale load weight value GL_W, the area load weight value AL_W, and the color load weight value CL_W. The grayscale load weight value GL_W, the area load weight value AL_W, and the color load weight value CL_W stored in the storage module 125_11 may be updated periodically.

[0082] The load calculation module 125_1 may further include a selection module 125_12 and a fourth calculation module 125_13. The selection module 125_12 receives input image data I_DAT and generates read data PGC_D including position, grayscale, and color information for the input image data I_DAT. The selection module 125_12 may read the required load weight values ​​from the storage module 125_11 based on the read data PGC_D. For example, if the input image data I_DAT corresponds to a 20% box peak white image, the selection module 125_12 may load from the storage module 125_11 the region load weight value corresponding to the position of the 20% box (hereinafter referred to as the first region load weight value AL_W1), the grayscale load weight value corresponding to the highest grayscale (e.g., 255 grayscale) (hereinafter referred to as the first grayscale load weight value GL_W1), and the color load weight value corresponding to the position of the 20% box (hereinafter referred to as the first color load weight value CL_W1).

[0083] Selection module 125_12 provides the first region load weight value AL_W1, the first grayscale load weight value GL_W1, and the first color load weight value CL_W1 to the fourth calculation module 125_13. The fourth calculation module 125_13 can calculate the load (hereinafter referred to as the first load LD1) for the input image data I_DAT based on the first region load weight value AL_W1, the first grayscale load weight value GL_W1, and the first color load weight value CL_W1. As an example of the present invention, when the 20% box corresponds to multiple measurement regions, selection module 125_12 outputs the region load weight value AL_W for the corresponding measurement region as the first region load weight value AL_W1. The fourth calculation module 125_13 calculates the average value of the first region load weight value AL_W1, and can use the average value of the first region load weight value AL_W1 when calculating the first load LD1.

[0084] On the other hand, when the input image data I_DAT corresponds to a 100% box full white image, the selection module 125_12 can load from the storage module 125_11 the region load weight value (hereinafter referred to as the second region load weight value AL_W2) corresponding to the position of the 100% box, the grayscale load weight value (hereinafter referred to as the second grayscale load weight value GL_W2) corresponding to the intermediate grayscale (e.g., 149 grayscale), and the color load weight value (hereinafter referred to as the second color load weight value CL_W2) corresponding to the position of the 100% box.

[0085] Selection module 125_12 provides the second region load weight value AL_W2, the second grayscale load weight value GL_W2, and the second color load weight value CL_W2 to the fourth calculation module 125_13. The fourth calculation module 125_13 can calculate the load (hereinafter referred to as the second load LD2) for the input image data I_DAT based on the second region load weight value AL_W2, the second grayscale load weight value GL_W2, and the second color load weight value CL_W2. As an example of the present invention, when the 100% box corresponds to the entire measurement area, selection module 125_12 outputs the region load weight value AL_W for the entire measurement area as the second region load weight value AL_W2. The fourth calculation module 125_13 calculates the average value of the second region load weight value AL_W2, and can utilize the average value of the second region load weight value AL_W2 when calculating the second load LD2. The fourth calculation module 125_13 can store a program including an algorithm for calculating the first load LD1 and the second load LD2.

[0086] exist Figure 6The diagram shows the structure of the storage module 125_11 built into the load processing module 125_1, but the storage module 125_11 can be configured to be independent of the configuration of the load processing module 125_1.

[0087] Refer again Figure 4 and Figure 6 The current control module 125_2 receives the finally calculated load LD from the load calculation module 125_1. The load LD can be a first load LD1 or a second load LD2. The current control module 125_2 can read the target current TG_C corresponding to the load LD from the target current storage module 125_3. The target current storage module 125_3 may include a look-up table that stores the target current TG_C according to the size of the load LD.

[0088] When the input image data I_DAT is displayed on the display panel DP, a sensed current SE_C sensed from the display panel DP can be provided to the current control module 125_2. The current control module 125_2 can compare the sensed current SE_C with the target current TG_C, and compensate for the input image data I_DAT based on the difference between the sensed current SE_C and the target current TG_C, thereby generating compensated image data RGB. That is, when an image is displayed on the display panel DP using the compensated image data RGB, the image can have the desired target brightness. The current control module 125_2 can store a program including a current compensation algorithm for compensating the input image data I_DAT so that the image corresponding to the input image data I_DAT has the target brightness.

[0089] When calculating the load LD required to compensate for the input image data I_DAT, the current compensator 120 can generate load weight values ​​GL_W, AL_W, and CL_W that take into account the efficiency differences of various variables (e.g., position, grayscale, and color) that affect the load LD. Therefore, brightness compensation can be accurately implemented based on the input image data I_DAT using the current compensator 120 of the present invention, resulting in improved overall brightness characteristics of the display device DD.

[0090] Figures 7A to 7D It is used for explanation Figure 5 The diagram shown represents the first weight value calculation module. Figures 7A to 7C In the diagram, the x-axis represents the grayscale value, and the y-axis represents the maximum current.

[0091] exist Figure 7AIn the diagram, the first curve shows the maximum current involved in each grayscale of the first color image data with the target gamma (hereinafter referred to as the first target maximum current TG_RD), and the second curve shows the maximum current involved in each grayscale of the first color image data measured in the actual display panel DP (hereinafter referred to as the first color maximum current MC_RD). Figure 7A In this context, the maximum current for the highest grayscale value (e.g., 255 grayscale) of the first color image data is expressed as "Mx1A". Figure 7B In the diagram, the third curve shows the maximum current involved in each grayscale of the second color image data with the target gamma (hereinafter referred to as the second target maximum current TG_GD), and the fourth curve shows the maximum current involved in each grayscale of the second color image data measured in the actual display panel DP (hereinafter referred to as the second color maximum current MC_GD). Figure 7B In this context, the maximum current for the highest grayscale value (e.g., 255 grayscale) of the second color image data is expressed as "Mx2A". Figure 7C In the diagram, the fifth curve shows the maximum current involved in each grayscale of the third color image data with the target gamma (hereinafter referred to as the third target maximum current TG_BD), and the sixth curve shows the maximum current involved in each grayscale of the third color image data measured in the actual display panel DP (hereinafter referred to as the third color maximum current MC_BD). Figure 7C In this context, the maximum current for the highest gray level (e.g., 255 gray level) of the third color image data is expressed as "Mx3A".

[0092] exist Figure 7D In the diagram, the x-axis represents grayscale, and the y-axis represents the magnitude of the grayscale load weight value. Figure 7D The diagram shows the ideal weighted value curve IW_C, representing the first target maximum current TG_RD, the second target maximum current TG_GD, and the third target maximum current TG_BD converted to 1. Furthermore, in... Figure 7D The figure shows the grayscale load weight value curve RW_C for the first color, the grayscale load weight value curve GW_C for the second color, and the grayscale load weight value curve BW_C for the third color.

[0093] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 7A to 7DThe first weight value calculation module 122 generates a grayscale load weight value GL_W based on the grayscale of the input image data I_DAT. The grayscale load weight value GL_W can be generated according to color. As an example of the present invention, the first weight value calculation module 122 receives extraction data EXC_D from the current extraction module 121, which includes current information extracted by grayscale for each measurement area. Based on the extraction data EXC_D, the first weight value calculation module 122 extracts the maximum current by grayscale. When the input image data I_DAT is represented as 256 grayscales, the first weight value calculation module 122 can detect the maximum current for 256 grayscales.

[0094] The first weight value calculation module 122 can detect the maximum current for each grayscale level. For example, the first weight value calculation module 122 can detect the maximum current MC_RD for the first color image data in grayscale, the maximum current MC_GD for the second color image data in grayscale, and the maximum current MC_BD for the third color image data in grayscale from the extracted data EXC_D.

[0095] The first weighting value calculation module 122 can calculate the ratio of the maximum current MC_RD of the first color in each grayscale to the first target maximum current TG_RD as the grayscale load weight value of each grayscale relative to the first color. Furthermore, the first weighting value calculation module 122 can calculate the ratio of the maximum current MC_GD of the second color in each grayscale to the second target maximum current TG_GD as the grayscale load weight value of each grayscale relative to the second color. Finally, the first weighting value calculation module 122 can calculate the ratio of the maximum current MC_BD of the third color in each grayscale to the third target maximum current TG_BD as the grayscale load weight value of each grayscale relative to the third color.

[0096] When the first target maximum current TG_RD, the second target maximum current TG_GD, and the third target maximum current TG_BD for each grayscale are converted to 1, the grayscale load weight value for the first color, the grayscale load weight value for the second color, and the grayscale load weight value for the third color for each grayscale can be less than or equal to 1.

[0097] Figures 8A to 8C It is shown Figure 5 The graph shown represents the current for the highest grayscale value in the measurement area for the first through third colors. Figures 9A to 9C It is used to explain for Figure 5 The diagram shows the operation of the second weight value calculation module. Figures 8A to 8C In the diagram, the x-axis represents the measurement area MA11 to MAij, and the y-axis represents the current magnitude for the highest grayscale. Figures 9A to 9CIn the diagram, the x-axis represents the measurement area MA11 to MAij, and the y-axis represents the magnitude of the area load weight value.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 8A to 9C The second weighting value calculation module 123 generates a region load weight value AL_W for the measurement areas MA11 to MAij. The region load weight value AL_W can be generated by color. The second weighting value calculation module 123 receives the highest grayscale current data HGC_D from the first weighting value calculation module 122. The highest grayscale current data HGC_D can include the current information at the highest grayscale for each measurement area. The first weighting value calculation module 122 can detect the current information at the highest grayscale for each measurement area by color.

[0099] like Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the highest grayscale current data HGC_D may include current information for the first color image data with the highest grayscale in the measurement areas MA11 to MAij (hereinafter referred to as the first highest grayscale current), current information for the second color image data with the highest grayscale in the measurement areas MA11 to MAij (hereinafter referred to as the second highest grayscale current), and current information for the third color image data with the highest grayscale in the measurement areas MA11 to MAij (hereinafter referred to as the third highest grayscale current).

[0100] The second weight value calculation module 123 can extract the first maximum current x1A from the first highest grayscale current, the second maximum current x2A from the second highest grayscale current, and the third maximum current x3A from the third highest grayscale current. The measurement region with the first maximum current x1A among the multiple measurement regions MA11 to MAij can be called the first measurement region MAf, the measurement region with the second maximum current x2A among the multiple measurement regions MA11 to MAij can be called the second measurement region MAg, and the measurement region with the third maximum current x3A among the multiple measurement regions MA11 to MAij can be called the third measurement region MAh. Figures 8A to 8C The illustration shows a scenario where the first measurement region MAf, the second measurement region MAg, and the third measurement region MAh are located in different positions, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, at least two of the first maximum current x1A, the second maximum current x2A, and the third maximum current x3A can be detected in the same measurement region.

[0101] like Figure 5 and Figures 9A to 9CAs shown, the second weight value calculation module 123 converts the first maximum current x1A to "1.0" and calculates the ratio of the first highest grayscale current to the first maximum current x1A as the regional load weight value for the first color. The first measurement region MAf, which has the first maximum current x1A among the measurement regions MA11 to MAij, can have a regional load weight value corresponding to "1.0" for the first color, and the remaining measurement regions other than the first measurement region MAf can have a regional load weight value smaller than "1.0" for the first color.

[0102] The second weighting value calculation module 123 converts the second maximum current x2A to "1.0" and calculates the ratio of the second highest grayscale current to the second maximum current x2A as the regional load weight value for the second color. The second measurement area MAg, which has the second maximum current x2A in the measurement areas MA11 to MAij, can have a regional load weight value corresponding to "1.0" for the second color, and the remaining measurement areas other than the second measurement area MAg can have a regional load weight value smaller than "1.0" for the second color.

[0103] The second weighting value calculation module 123 converts the third maximum current x3A to "1.0" and calculates the ratio of the third highest grayscale current to the third maximum current x3A as the regional load weight value for the third color. The third measurement area MAh, which has the third maximum current x3A in the measurement areas MA11 to MAij, can have a regional load weight value corresponding to "1.0" for the third color, and the remaining measurement areas other than the third measurement area MAh can have a regional load weight value smaller than "1.0" for the third color.

[0104] Figures 10A to 10C It is used to explain for Figure 5 The diagram shows the operation of the third weight value calculation module.

[0105] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 8A to 8C , Figures 10A to 10C The third weight value calculation module 124 can generate a color load weight value CL_W. The color load weight value CL_W may include a first color load weight value for the first color based on the measurement areas MA11 to MAij, a second color load weight value for the second color based on the measurement areas MA11 to MAij, and a third color load weight value for the third color based on the measurement areas MA11 to MAij.

[0106] The third weight value calculation module 124 detects the current value corresponding to the first color image data with the highest grayscale (hereinafter referred to as the first current value), the current value corresponding to the second color image data with the highest grayscale (hereinafter referred to as the second current value), and the current value corresponding to the third color image data with the highest grayscale (hereinafter referred to as the third current value) from the highest grayscale current data HGC_D for the corresponding measurement area (hereinafter referred to as the fourth measurement area MAa). The sum of the first current value to the third current value is called the total current value.

[0107] The third weighting value calculation module 124 can calculate the first current value for the total current value as the first color load weight value CL_W1a for the fourth measurement area MAa. Furthermore, the third weighting value calculation module 124 can calculate the second current value for the total current value as the second color load weight value CL_W2a for the fourth measurement area MAa, and can calculate the third current value for the total current value as the third color load weight value CL_W3a for the fourth measurement area MAa. Here, the sum of the first color load weight value CL_W1a, the second color load weight value CL_W2a, and the third color load weight value CL_W3a for the fourth measurement area MAa can be 1.

[0108] Figure 11A This is a plan view showing a display device displaying a white image with 20% frame peak. Figure 11B This is a plan view showing a display device displaying an image with 100% frame white.

[0109] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 11A and Figure 11B As an example of the present invention, the current compensator 120 can receive input image data I_DAT corresponding to a first image including a peak white image BPW20 with a 20% frame. The first image may also include a black image. The peak white image BPW20 can be displayed in a white area W20 of a size corresponding to 20% of the entire display area DA, and can be defined as an image displaying white at the highest grayscale. The black image can be displayed in the remaining area of ​​the display area DA other than the white area W20, and can be defined as an image displaying black at the lowest grayscale.

[0110] The current compensator 120 selects a first area load weight value corresponding to the white area W20 from the area load weight value AL_W, selects a first grayscale load weight value corresponding to the highest grayscale (e.g., 255 grayscale) from the grayscale load weight value GL_W, and selects a first color load weight value to a third color load weight value corresponding to the white area W20 from the color load weight value CL_W.

[0111] The current compensator 120 can calculate the first load LD1 (refer to) for the first image based on the first region load weight value, the first grayscale load weight value, the first color load weight value to the third color load weight value. Figure 6 That is, when calculating the first load LD1, efficiency by region, efficiency by grayscale, and efficiency by color can be reflected. For example, if the efficiency of the highest grayscale is lower than that of the intermediate grayscale, a first grayscale load weight value is applied when calculating the first load LD1 for the first image, so that the efficiency by grayscale can be reflected in the brightness compensation for the first image.

[0112] As an example of the present invention, the current compensator 120 can receive input image data I_DAT corresponding to a second image of a full-white image BFW100 including a 100% frame. The full-white image BFW100 can be displayed in the entire display area DA and can be defined as an image displaying white color at intermediate grayscale.

[0113] The current compensator 120 selects a second area load weight value corresponding to the entire display area DA from the area load weight value AL_W, selects a second grayscale load weight value corresponding to the intermediate grayscale (e.g., 125 grayscale) from the grayscale load weight value GL_W, and selects a first color load weight value to a third color load weight value corresponding to the entire display area DA from the color load weight value CL_W.

[0114] The current compensator 120 can calculate the second load LD2 (refer to the second region load weight value, the second grayscale load weight value, the first color load weight value to the third color load weight value) based on the second region load weight value, the second grayscale load weight value, the first color load weight value to the third color load weight value. Figure 6 That is, when calculating the second load LD2, efficiency by region, efficiency by grayscale, and efficiency by color can be reflected. For example, if the efficiency of the intermediate grayscale is higher than that of the highest grayscale, a second grayscale load weight value is applied when calculating the second load LD2 for the second image, so that the efficiency by grayscale can be reflected in the brightness compensation for the second image.

[0115] Therefore, the current compensator 120 of the present invention can improve the following problems: the brightness of a first image displayed at the highest gray level with relatively low efficiency is compensated to be lower than the desired brightness, or the brightness of a second image displayed at the intermediate gray level with relatively high efficiency is compensated to be higher than the desired brightness.

[0116] Figure 12A This is a plan view of a display device showing a 1% box peak white image in a first position. Figure 12B This is a plan view showing a display device displaying a 1% box peak white image in a second position.

[0117] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B As an example of the present invention, the current compensator 120 can receive input image data I_DAT corresponding to a third image that includes a peak white image BPW1_1 comprising a 1% frame. The third image may also include a black image adjacent to the peak white image BPW1_1. The peak white image BPW1_1 may be displayed in a first white region W1_1 of a size corresponding to 1% of the entire display area DA, and can be defined as an image displaying white at the highest grayscale. The black image may be displayed in the remaining area of ​​the display area DA excluding the first white region W1_1, and can be defined as an image displaying black at the lowest grayscale. As an example of the present invention, the first white region W1_1 may be configured in the central region of the display panel DP.

[0118] The current compensator 120 selects a first region load weight value corresponding to the first white region W1_1 from the region load weight value AL_W, a first grayscale load weight value corresponding to the highest grayscale (e.g., 255 grayscale) from the grayscale load weight value GL_W, and a first color load weight value to a third color load weight value corresponding to the first white region W1_1 from the color load weight value CL_W. The current compensator 120 can calculate a third load for the third image based on the first region load weight value, the first grayscale load weight value, and the first to third color load weight values. That is, when calculating the third load, it can reflect the efficiency by region, the efficiency by grayscale, and the efficiency by color.

[0119] As an example of the present invention, the current compensator 120 may receive input image data I_DAT corresponding to a fourth image that includes a peak white image BPW1_2 comprising a 1% frame. The fourth image may include a black image adjacent to the peak white image BPW1_2. The peak white image BPW1_2 may be displayed in a second white region W1_2 of a size corresponding to 1% of the entire display area DA, and may be defined as an image displaying white at the highest grayscale. The black image may be displayed in the remaining area of ​​the display area DA excluding the second white region W1_2, and may be defined as an image displaying black at the lowest grayscale. As an example of the present invention, the second white region W1_2 may be configured on the left side with reference to the center of the display panel DP.

[0120] The current compensator 120 selects a second region load weight value corresponding to the second white region W1_2 from the region load weight value AL_W, a first grayscale load weight value corresponding to the highest grayscale (e.g., 255 grayscale) from the grayscale load weight value GL_W, and a first to a third color load weight value corresponding to the second white region W1_2 from the color load weight value CL_W. The current compensator 120 can calculate a fourth load for the fourth image based on the second region load weight value, the first grayscale load weight value, and the first to third color load weight values. That is, when calculating the fourth load, it can reflect the efficiency by region, by grayscale, and by color.

[0121] For example, if the efficiency of the second white region W1_2 is lower than that of the first white region W1_1, a second region load weight value higher than the first region load weight value can be applied when calculating the fourth load for the fourth image, so that the efficiency by region can be reflected in the brightness compensation for the fourth image.

[0122] Therefore, when calculating the load for brightness compensation, the load is calculated by reflecting the load weight values ​​for position variables, grayscale variables, and color variables, so that the brightness can be correctly compensated. As a result, the overall display quality can be improved and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0123] The above description refers to preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0124] Therefore, the technical scope of this invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed specification, but should be determined solely by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; displays images. A current compensator calculates the load based on input image data and compensates the input image data to output compensated image data with a target current corresponding to the load. as well as A panel driver drives the display panel based on the compensated image data. The current compensator calculates the load for the input image data based on a combination of load weight values ​​calculated according to different variables. The load weight value includes a grayscale load weight value, which is calculated based on the maximum current data of each grayscale value in the input image data for each color.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel includes multiple measurement areas.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The current compensator includes: The first weight value calculation module calculates the grayscale load weight value related to the grayscale represented by the input image data; The second weight value calculation module calculates the regional load weight value for the multiple measurement areas; The third weighting calculation module calculates the color load weight value related to the colors included in the input image data; and The data compensation module calculates the load on the input image data based on the region load weight value, the grayscale load weight value, and the color load weight value, and compensates the input image data to have the target current. The combination of load weight values ​​includes the region load weight value, the grayscale load weight value, and the color load weight value.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The current compensator further includes a current extraction module, which extracts the current in grayscale for each of the measurement areas and outputs the extracted data in grayscale for the measurement areas.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first weight value calculation module includes: A maximum current detection module detects the maximum current for each grayscale level based on the extracted data, and outputs the maximum current data by color for each grayscale level; and The first calculation module receives the maximum current data and generates the grayscale load weight value based on the target gamma current data according to the target gamma and the maximum current data.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The grayscale load weight values ​​are as follows: the grayscale load weight value for the highest grayscale is 1, and the grayscale load weight value for grayscale values ​​other than the highest grayscale is less than 1.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The input image data includes: For the first color image data; For the second color image data of the second color; and For the third color image data, The grayscale load weight values ​​include: A first grayscale load weight value related to the grayscale represented by the first color image data; The second grayscale load weight value related to the grayscale represented by the second color image data; and A third grayscale load weight value related to the grayscale represented by the third color image data.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, Based on the extracted data, the maximum current detection module outputs the current in the reference grayscale of each measurement area as reference grayscale current data.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The second weight value calculation module includes: The second calculation module receives the reference grayscale current data and the maximum current data from the maximum current detection module, and calculates the regional load weight value based on the reference grayscale current data and the maximum current data.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The reference gray level is the highest gray level among the gray levels.

Images