Display device

Abstract

A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes pixels divided into blocks, a timing controller to generate image data based on input image data, a data driver to generate data signals corresponding to the image data and to supply the data signals to the pixels, and a power supply to supply a power voltage to the pixels. In addition, the display apparatus further includes a power controller to calculate a first load value corresponding to the pixels, a second load value corresponding to each of the blocks, and a first peak gray value corresponding to each of the blocks based on the input image data. The power controller generates a power control signal to change a voltage level of the power voltage based on the first load value, the second load value, and the first peak gray value.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising therefrom of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0154034, filed on November 17, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments described herein relate to a display device. Background Technology

[0003] To reduce power consumption, display devices can control the power voltage of their display panels based on the load and grayscale values ​​of the input data. Depending on the image being displayed, the load and grayscale values ​​will vary depending on the display area. When the power voltage is controlled without considering the load and grayscale values ​​of different display areas, the quality of the displayed image will be adversely affected. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One or more embodiments described herein provide a display device capable of reducing or minimizing power consumption.

[0005] One or more embodiments can reduce or minimize power consumption by controlling the power voltage of the display panel.

[0006] One or more embodiments can control the level of the power voltage.

[0007] One or more embodiments may control the level of the power voltage in a manner that prevents a decrease in the user's visual recognition ability of the displayed image due to changes in brightness.

[0008] These foregoing features do not limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments and claims, and are provided as examples of certain features that may give rise to one or more implementations. One or more of the disclosed embodiments may implement these features and / or other features.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments, the display device includes: a pixel unit comprising pixels divided into blocks; a timing controller configured to generate image data based on input image data; a data driver configured to generate a data signal corresponding to the image data and supply the data signal to the pixels; and a power supply configured to supply a power voltage to the pixel unit. The display device further includes, or is integrated with, a power controller configured to calculate, based on the input image data, a first load value corresponding to a pixel in the pixel unit, a second load value corresponding to each block in the block, and a first peak grayscale value corresponding to each block in the block, and to generate a power control signal for changing the voltage level of the power voltage based on the first load value, the second load value, and the first peak grayscale value.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes: a controller configured to calculate a first load value corresponding to pixels in a display panel based on input image data; a second load value corresponding to each block in a block, the block comprising subdivided pixels; and a first peak grayscale value corresponding to each block in the block. The controller generates a power control signal for changing a voltage level based on the first load value, the second load value, and the first peak grayscale value. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the embodiments described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An embodiment of the display device is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 An example of a pixel is shown;

[0014] Figure 3 An embodiment of the display panel is shown;

[0015] Figure 4 An embodiment of the power controller is shown;

[0016] Figure 5 An embodiment of a peak grayscale reference value generator is shown;

[0017] Figures 6 to 9 Examples of features and operations related to an embodiment of the peak grayscale reference value generator are shown;

[0018] Figure 10 The illustration shows an example of a first power voltage based on the load value and the second peak grayscale value of the input image data;

[0019] Figure 11 An embodiment of the power controller is shown; and

[0020] Figure 12 An embodiment of a peak grayscale reference value generator is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The disclosure can be modified in various ways and has various forms. Therefore, specific embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in the specification. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, and the disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and technical scope of the disclosure.

[0022] In describing each figure, similar reference numerals are used for similar components. In the figures, for clarity of disclosure, the dimensions of the structures are shown enlarged relative to their actual dimensions. The terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0023] It should be understood that, in this application, the terms "comprising," "having," etc., are used to describe the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of having or adding one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the case where a part is "connected" to other parts includes not only the case where the part is directly connected to the other parts, but also the case where the part is connected to the other parts and another element is placed between the part and the other parts.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display device 1000, which may include a display panel 100, a timing controller 200, a scan driver 300, a data driver 400, a power supply 500, and a power controller 600. In one embodiment, the power controller 600 may be an external component incorporated into the display device 1000.

[0025] The display panel 100 (or pixel unit) includes pixels PXij that output light to display an image, where i and j are integers greater than 0. Each pixel PXij can be connected to a corresponding data line and scan line. In one embodiment, each pixel PXij may include a scan transistor connected to the i-th scan line and the j-th data line. The circuit configuration of the pixel PXij may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0026] Each pixel PXij may receive a voltage of a first power VDD (e.g., a power voltage) and a voltage of a second power VSS from power supply 500. The first power VDD and the second power VSS may be voltages used to perform one or more operations on the pixel. The first power VDD may have a voltage level different from (e.g., higher than) the voltage level of the second power VSS. In one embodiment, the first power VDD may be a positive voltage, and the second power VSS may be a negative voltage or ground.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the display panel 100 can be divided into multiple blocks BLK, each of which may include at least one pixel PXij. In one embodiment, each block BLK may include the same number of pixels PXij. In another embodiment, two or more blocks may include different numbers of pixels PXij.

[0028] The timing controller 200 can receive input image data IDATA and control signals CS from at least one external source. The control signals CS may include, for example, a synchronization signal, a clock signal, and / or one or more other signals. The input image data IDATA may include or correspond to at least one image frame.

[0029] The timing controller 200 can generate a first control signal SCS (or scan control signal) and a second control signal DCS (or data control signal) based on the control signal CS. The timing controller 200 can supply the first control signal SCS to the scan driver 300 and the second control signal DCS to the data driver 400.

[0030] The first control signal SCS may include, for example, a scan start signal, a clock signal, and / or other signals. The scan start signal can control the timing of the scan signals, and the clock signal can be used as a basis for shifting the scan start signal.

[0031] The second control signal DCS may include a source start signal, a clock signal, and / or other signals. The source start signal controls the start time of data sampling, and the clock signal can be used to control the sampling operation.

[0032] The timing controller 200 can rearrange the input image data IDATA to generate image data DATA in digital format, and can provide the image data DATA to the data driver 400.

[0033] Scan driver 300 can receive a first control signal SCS from timing controller 200 and can supply scan signals to scan lines SL1 to SLn, where n can be an integer greater than 0. Scan signals can be supplied to scan lines SL1 to SLn in response to the first control signal SCS. In one embodiment, scan driver 300 can sequentially supply scan signals to scan lines SL1 to SLn. When sequentially supplying scan signals, pixels PXij can be selected on a horizontal line basis (or pixel row basis), and data signals can be supplied to the selected pixels PXij. Each scan signal can be set to a gate on-voltage (e.g., low voltage or high voltage) such that the transistor (e.g., scan transistor) in the corresponding pixel of pixel PXij can be turned on.

[0034] The data driver 400 can receive image data DATA and a second control signal DCS from the timing controller 200. In response to the second control signal DCS, it can convert the digital image data DATA into an analog data signal (data voltage) and supply the data signal to data lines DL1 to DLm, where m can be an integer greater than 0. The data signals supplied to data lines DL1 to DLm can be supplied to the pixel PXij selected by the scan signal. The data driver 400 can supply each of the data signals to data lines DL1 to DLm synchronously with the scan signal.

[0035] Power supply 500 can supply the voltage of a first power source VDD and the voltage of a second power source VSS to the pixels PXij of display panel 100. For example, power supply 500 can receive an input voltage (e.g., DC power voltage) from an external source (e.g., a battery), use the input voltage to generate the voltage of the first power source VDD and the voltage of the second power source VSS, and supply the voltage of the first power source VDD and the voltage of the second power source VSS to display panel 100.

[0036] The power controller 600 can calculate the peak grayscale value among the grayscale values ​​of the input image data IDATA, and then calculate the load value corresponding to each image frame of the input image data IDATA. The load value can correspond to, for example, the grayscale value of the image frame. In one embodiment, the load value of the image frame can increase as the sum of the grayscale values ​​of the image frames increases.

[0037] For example, the load value can be 100 in a pure white image frame and 0 in a pure black image frame. A pure white image frame can be an image frame in which all pixels or a predetermined number of pixels in the display panel 100 are set to the maximum grayscale value (e.g., white grayscale value) to emit light with maximum brightness. A pure black image frame can be an image frame in which all pixels or a predetermined number of pixels in the display panel 100 are set to the minimum grayscale value (e.g., black grayscale value) and therefore do not emit light. Therefore, in one embodiment, the load value can have a value between 0 and 100, including 0 and 100.

[0038] Depending on the displayed image, the peak grayscale value and load value of the input image data IDATA can differ. When the peak grayscale value of the input image data IDATA is relatively high, the amount of drive current used to display the image will be relatively high. When the load value corresponding to the image frame of the input image data IDATA is relatively high, the amount of drive current used to display the image will be relatively high. In this case, a relatively high first power VDD can be used to display the image.

[0039] Conversely, when the peak grayscale value of the input image data IDATA is relatively low, the amount of driving current used to display the image will be relatively low. When the load value corresponding to the image frame of the input image data IDATA is relatively low, the amount of driving current used to display the image will be relatively low. In this case, even if the display device 1000 supplies a relatively low voltage first power VDD to the display panel 100, the amount of driving current used to display the image can be sufficiently ensured.

[0040] Therefore, the power controller 600 can generate a power control signal PCS for controlling the voltage level of the first power VDD, corresponding to the peak grayscale value of the input image data IDATA and / or the load value corresponding to the image frame of the input image data IDATA. For example, the power controller 600 can reduce the voltage difference between the first power VDD and the second power VSS by reducing the voltage level of the positive first power VDD. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced or minimized.

[0041] Depending on the displayed image, the load value and / or peak grayscale value may differ for each BLK block of the display panel 100. Due to the brightness variation, the user's visual recognition ability of the displayed image may vary based on the different load values ​​and / or peak grayscale values ​​for each BLK block.

[0042] For example, when the difference between the load value and / or the peak grayscale value is large between or within adjacent BLK blocks (e.g., above a first predetermined level), the visual recognition ability for brightness changes decreases. When the difference between the load value and / or the peak grayscale value is small between or within adjacent BLK blocks (e.g., below the first predetermined level, or below another predetermined level spaced apart from the first predetermined level), the visual recognition ability for brightness changes increases.

[0043] The brightness of the displayed image can be changed in accordance with the control of the voltage level of the first power supply VDD. Therefore, even when the total load value of the input image data IDATA is substantially the same and the peak gray value of the input image data IDATA is the same, when the difference between the load value and / or the peak gray value between or in adjacent blocks BLK is small (e.g., below a predetermined level), a significant reduction in the user's visual recognition ability of the displayed image may occur due to brightness changes (e.g., brightness reduction).

[0044] According to one or more embodiments, the power controller 600 can calculate the load value and peak grayscale value of each block BLK based on the input image data IDATA, and then control the voltage level of the first power VDD based on the load value and peak grayscale value of each block BLK to prevent or reduce the degree of reduced visibility of the displayed image due to brightness changes.

[0045] In one embodiment, the power controller 600 can reduce the voltage difference between the first power VDD and the second power VSS by increasing the voltage level of the negative polarity of the second power VSS. In another embodiment, the power controller 600 can control the voltage levels of both the first power VDD and the second power VSS to reduce the voltage difference between them. Therefore, the power controller 600 can control the voltage level of the first power VDD according to various embodiments described in more detail below.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel PXij, which may include a light-emitting element LD and a driving circuit DC connected to the light-emitting element LD to drive the light-emitting element LD. The light-emitting element LD may include a first electrode (e.g., an anode electrode) connected to a first power VDD via the driving circuit DC and a second electrode (e.g., a cathode electrode) connected to a second power VSS. The light-emitting element LD may emit light having a brightness corresponding to the amount of driving current controlled by the driving circuit DC.

[0047] The light-emitting element (LD) can be, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or an inorganic light-emitting diode (e.g., a micro LED or a quantum dot LED). In one embodiment, the LD can be a component constructed from a combination of organic and inorganic materials. Figure 2 In this embodiment, pixel PXij includes a single light-emitting element LD, and in another embodiment, it may include multiple light-emitting elements. In the latter case, the multiple light-emitting elements may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel.

[0048] The first electrical current VDD and the second electrical current VSS can have different potentials. For example, the voltage of the first electrical current VDD can be greater than the voltage of the second electrical current VSS.

[0049] The driving circuit DC may include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. The first transistor T1 (driving transistor) may have a first electrode electrically connected to a first power source VDD and a second electrode electrically connected to a first electrode (e.g., an anode electrode) of the light-emitting element LD. The gate electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to a first node N1. The first transistor T1 may control the amount of driving current supplied to the light-emitting element LD in correspondence with the data signal supplied to the first node N1 via the data line DLj.

[0050] The second transistor T2 (switching transistor) may include a first electrode connected to the data line DLj, a second electrode connected to the first node N1, and a gate electrode connected to the scan line SLi. When a scan signal, providing a voltage (e.g., a gate on-state voltage) that allows the second transistor T2 to be turned on, is supplied from the scan line SLi, the second transistor T2 is turned on to electrically connect the data line DLj and the first node N1. At this time, the data signal corresponding to the frame can be supplied to the data line DLj. Therefore, the data signal can be transmitted to the first node N1. The voltage corresponding to the data signal transmitted to the first node N1 can be stored in the storage capacitor Cst.

[0051] The storage capacitor Cst may have one electrode connected to the first node N1 and another electrode connected to the first electrode of the light-emitting element LD. The storage capacitor Cst may be charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal supplied to the first node N1, and may maintain the charging voltage until the data signal of the next frame is supplied.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The image shows one embodiment of the driving circuit DC for pixel PXij, but in another embodiment, the driving circuit DC may have a different construction. For example, the driving circuit DC may include one or more of other circuit elements, such as a compensation transistor for compensating the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1, an initialization transistor for initializing the first node N1, a light-emitting control transistor for controlling the light-emitting time of the light-emitting element LD, and a boost capacitor for boosting the voltage of the first node N1. Additionally, in Figure 2 In the diagram, the transistors in the DC drive circuit (e.g., the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2) are shown as N-type transistors, but at least one of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 can be a P-type transistor.

[0053] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an embodiment of a display panel 100, which may include a plurality of blocks. In this embodiment, the pixels of the display panel 100 may be divided into a plurality of blocks BLK01 to BLK35, wherein each of the blocks BLK01 to BLK35 includes at least one pixel. The number of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 may be equal to or less than the number of pixels.

[0054] In one embodiment, blocks BLK01 to BLK35 may have substantially the same size. In this case, each of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 may include substantially the same number of pixels. In one embodiment, one or more of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 may share one or more pixels, and / or some of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 may include pixels not found in other blocks. In one embodiment, two or more of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 may have different numbers of pixels. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the display panel 100 is divided into 35 blocks BLK01 to BLK35, but in another embodiment, for example, according to the design of the display device 1000, the display panel 100 may be divided into a different number of blocks.

[0055] Figure 4 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 The display device 1000 or integrated into Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of the power controller 600 of the display device 1000. Figure 5 It is shown that it includes Figure 4 The power controller 600 or integrated into Figure 4 A block diagram of an embodiment of the peak grayscale reference value generator 640 of the power controller 600. Figures 6 to 9 It is shown Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the characteristics and operation of the peak grayscale reference value generator 640. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the voltage of the first power VDD controlled according to the load value and the second peak gray value PGS of the input image data IDATA.

[0056] For reference Figure 1 As described, in order to prevent or reduce the extent of potential visibility degradation by controlling the voltage level of the first power VDD, according to one or more embodiments, the power controller 600 may control the voltage level of the first power VDD in correspondence with the load value and peak grayscale value (e.g., a first peak grayscale value) of each block in the block BLK. In this way, each block BLK may have one or more corresponding first peak grayscale values, and multiple first peak grayscale values ​​are generated for all blocks BLK or a predetermined number of blocks BLK.

[0057] In one embodiment, instead of simply generating a power control signal PCS for controlling the voltage level of the first power VDD based on all grayscale values ​​of the display panel 100 or one grayscale value (e.g., the maximum grayscale value) from a predetermined number of grayscale values, the power controller 600 determines a peak grayscale value (e.g., a second peak grayscale value) to control the voltage level of the first power VDD.

[0058] Therefore, the power controller 600 can calculate a peak grayscale reference value RFV based on the total load value of the display panel 100, the load value of each block in the block BLK, and the first peak grayscale value. Furthermore, it can determine a second peak grayscale value PGS as the first peak grayscale value among the first peak grayscale values ​​that satisfies the condition of the peak grayscale reference value RFV, based on each block, among adjacent blocks, or across all blocks. Thus, the peak grayscale reference value RFV can be used as a reference for determining the final peak grayscale value (e.g., the second peak grayscale value PGS) among the first peak grayscale values ​​used to control the voltage level of the first power VDD.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The power controller 600 may include a first load calculator 610, a second load calculator 620, a grayscale value calculator 630, a peak grayscale reference value generator 640, a peak grayscale value calculator 650, a power control signal generator 660, and a memory 670.

[0060] The first load calculator 610 can generate first load data FLD by calculating the total load value (or first load value) of the display panel 100. The second load calculator 620 can generate second load data SLD by calculating the load value (or second load value) for each of the blocks BLK01 to BLK35 of the display panel 100. Therefore, the first load data FLD can include the total load value of the display panel 100, and the second load data SLD can include the load value for the corresponding block among the blocks BLK01 to BLK35.

[0061] The grayscale calculator 630 can generate block grayscale data (BGS) by calculating a first peak grayscale value for each of the blocks BLK01 to BLK35 of the display panel 100. Here, the first peak grayscale value can correspond to the maximum grayscale value among the grayscale values ​​of the pixels divided by the corresponding blocks in blocks BLK01 to BLK35. The block grayscale data (BGS) can include the first peak grayscale value corresponding to each of blocks BLK01 to BLK35.

[0062] The first load data FLD can be provided to the peak grayscale reference value generator 640 and the power control signal generator 660, the second load data SLD can be provided to the peak grayscale reference value generator 640, and the block grayscale data BGS can be provided to the peak grayscale reference value generator 640 and the peak grayscale value calculator 650.

[0063] Peak grayscale reference value generator 640 can generate peak grayscale reference value RFV based on first load data FLD, second load data SLD and block grayscale data BGS.

[0064] Figure 5 An example can be described where the peak grayscale reference value generator 640 generates the peak grayscale reference value RFV. (See reference...) Figure 5 The peak grayscale reference value generator 640 may include a first reference value calculator 641, a first weight calculator 642, a second weight calculator 643, a third weight calculator 644, and a second reference value calculator 645.

[0065] The first reference value calculator 641 can generate a first reference value FRV based on the first load data FLD. For example, referring to... Figure 6 The first reference value FRV can include first reference values ​​FRV[1] to FRV[p] for each grayscale range GSA[1] to GSA[p]. As the total load value increases, the first reference values ​​FRV[1] to FRV[p] corresponding to the grayscale ranges GSA[1] to GSA[p] can have larger values. In addition, as the grayscale values ​​in the grayscale ranges GSA[1] to GSA[p] increase (for example, the average value of the grayscale values ​​in the grayscale ranges GSA[1] to GSA[p] increases), the values ​​of the first reference values ​​FRV[1] to FRV[p] can increase.

[0066] The first weight calculator 642 can calculate the first weight FWG based on the second load data SLD. The first weight FWG can correspond to the weight data applied to the first reference value FRV, such that the load value of each of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 (or the difference in load values ​​between adjacent blocks in blocks BLK01 to BLK35 or the difference in load values ​​in blocks BLK01 to BLK35) is considered as the basis for determining the peak grayscale reference value RFV.

[0067] Reference Figure 7 In one embodiment, the value of the first weight FWG can increase as the difference ΔLoad between the load value of the block with the largest load value among blocks BLK01 to BLK35 (or the first reference block) and the average load value of its neighboring blocks increases. Neighboring blocks can be defined as the blocks closest to the first reference block. For example, in... Figure 3 In this example, when the first reference block is the eighteenth block BLK18, the adjacent blocks can be set to the blocks BLK10, BLK11, BLK12, BLK17, BLK19, BLK24, BLK25, and BLK26 that are closest to the eighteenth block BLK18. However, this is just an example, and in other embodiments, the adjacent blocks can be set in different ways.

[0068] The second weight calculator 643 can calculate the second weight SWG based on the block grayscale data BGS. The second weight SWG can correspond to the weight data applied to the first reference value FRV, such that the first peak grayscale value of each of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 (e.g., the difference of the first peak grayscale values ​​between adjacent blocks in blocks BLK01 to BLK35 or the difference of the first peak grayscale values ​​in blocks BLK01 to BLK35) is reflected in the peak grayscale reference value RFV.

[0069] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment, the value of the second weight SWG can be increased as the difference ΔGrayscale between the first peak grayscale value of the block (or the second reference block) with the largest first peak grayscale value among blocks BLK01 to BLK35 and the average of the first peak grayscale values ​​of the adjacent blocks increases. The adjacent blocks can be set in a similar manner to the adjacent blocks of the first reference block.

[0070] The third weight calculator 644 can calculate the third weight TWG to be applied to the first reference value FRV based on the first weight FWG and the second weight SWG. The third weight calculator 644 can extract (e.g., determine) the first reference block and the second reference block based on the second load data SLD and the block grayscale data BGS.

[0071] When the first reference block and the second reference block are the same block, the third weight calculator 644 can calculate the third weight TWG based on both the first weight FWG and the second weight SWG. For example, the third weight calculator 644 can calculate the third weight TWG by adding the first weight FWG and the second weight SWG. When the first reference block and the second reference block are different blocks, the third weight calculator 644 can calculate the third weight TWG to prevent individual weights from being reflected in the first reference value FRV. For example, the third weight calculator 644 can calculate the third weight TWG with a value of 0.

[0072] The second reference value calculator 645 can calculate the second reference value (or peak grayscale reference value RFV) by applying a third weight TWG to the first reference value FRV. For example, the second reference value calculator 645 can calculate the second reference value (or peak grayscale reference value RFV) by applying the third weight TWG to the first reference value FRV. Figure 6 The calculation is performed by adding each of the first reference values ​​FRV[1] to FRV[p]. Figure 9 The peak gray level reference values ​​are RFV[1] to RFV[p].

[0073] The peak grayscale value calculator 650 can calculate a second peak grayscale value PGS based on the peak grayscale reference value RFV and the block grayscale data BGS. For example, the peak grayscale value calculator 650 can calculate the first peak grayscale value in the block grayscale data BGS that satisfies the condition of the peak grayscale reference value RFV. The result of this calculation can correspond to the second peak grayscale value PGS.

[0074] In an embodiment, the peak gray value calculator 650 can calculate the second peak gray value PGS by sequentially determining whether the first peak gray values ​​of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 respectively satisfy the conditions of the peak gray reference values ​​RFV[1] to RFV[p] corresponding to the gray ranges GSA[1] to GSA[p].

[0075] In one embodiment, the peak grayscale value calculator 650 can first determine whether the first peak grayscale value satisfies the condition of the peak grayscale reference value RFV[1] of the first grayscale range GSA[1]. For example, referring to Figure 9 When the peak gray reference value RFV[1] for the first gray range GSA[1] (e.g., 240 gray to 255 gray) is p, if the number of the first peak gray values ​​in the first gray range GSA[1] is equal to or greater than p, the peak gray value calculator 650 can calculate the maximum gray value (e.g., 255 gray) in the first gray range GSA[1] as the second peak gray value PGS.

[0076] When the number of first peak gray values ​​in the first gray range GSA[1] is less than p, the peak gray value calculator 650 can further determine whether the first peak gray value satisfies the condition of the peak gray reference value RFV[2] of the second gray range GSA[2]. At this time, when the peak gray reference value RFV[2] for the second gray range GSA[2] (e.g., 224 gray to 239 gray) is q, if the number of first peak gray values ​​in the second gray range GSA[2] is equal to or greater than q, the peak gray value calculator 650 can calculate the maximum gray value (e.g., 239 gray) in the second gray range GSA[2] as the second peak gray value PGS.

[0077] As described above, the peak gray value calculator 650 can calculate the second peak gray value PGS by sequentially determining whether the first peak gray value meets the condition of the corresponding peak gray reference value, wherein the corresponding peak gray reference value is relative to the peak gray reference values ​​RFV[1] to RFV[p] corresponding to each gray range in the gray range GSA[1] to GSA[p].

[0078] When the peak grayscale reference value RFV is relatively large (e.g., above a predetermined level), the number of times the first peak grayscale value satisfies the peak grayscale reference value RFV corresponding to the corresponding grayscale range can be relatively reduced. Therefore, the second peak grayscale value PGS calculated by the peak grayscale value calculator 650 can have a relatively small value. When the second peak grayscale value PGS decreases (e.g., as referenced), Figure 1 As described, the voltage level of the first power VDD generated based on the power control signal PCS can be relatively low.

[0079] On the other hand, as referenced Figure 5 and Figure 6 As described, because the total load value is relatively large, the peak grayscale reference value RFV (or the first reference value FRV) corresponding to the grayscale range can also have a relatively large value. Therefore, the voltage level of the first power VDD can be relatively reduced. When the total load value of the display panel 100 is large (e.g., above a predetermined level), because the user's visual recognition ability of brightness changes is reduced, even if the voltage level of the first power VDD is relatively reduced by increasing the peak grayscale reference value RFV, a decrease in the visibility of the displayed image will not occur or will not be perceived.

[0080] Additionally, as referenced Figure 5 and Figure 7 The value of the first weight FWG can increase as the difference ΔLoad between the load value of the first reference block and the average load value of adjacent blocks increases, thus allowing the peak grayscale reference value RFV to have a large value. Consequently, the voltage level of the first power VDD can be relatively reduced. When the difference in load values ​​between the first reference block and adjacent blocks is large (e.g., above a predetermined level), the user's visual recognition ability to perceive brightness changes is reduced, so even if the voltage level of the first power VDD is relatively reduced by increasing the peak grayscale reference value RFV, the reduction in visibility may not occur or may be mitigated.

[0081] Additionally, as referenced Figure 5 and Figure 8 The second weight SWG increases as the difference ΔGrayscale between the first peak grayscale value of the second reference block and the average of the first peak grayscale values ​​of adjacent blocks increases, thus allowing the peak grayscale reference value RFV for the corresponding grayscale range to have a large value. Consequently, the voltage level of the first power VDD can be relatively reduced. When the difference in the first peak grayscale value between the second reference block and adjacent blocks is large (e.g., above a predetermined level), the user's visual recognition ability to perceive changes in brightness is reduced, so even if the voltage level of the first power VDD is relatively reduced by increasing the peak grayscale reference value RFV, the reduction in visibility may not occur or may be mitigated.

[0082] However, when the first reference block and the second reference block are not the same (e.g., when the block with the largest load value among blocks BLK01 to BLK35 is different from the block with the largest first peak grayscale value), visual recognition will be adversely affected by brightness variations when both the first weight FWG based on the load values ​​of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 and the second weight SWG based on the first peak grayscale values ​​of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 are reflected in the peak grayscale reference value RFV. Therefore, as referenced Figure 5 As described, the third weight calculator 644 can calculate the third weight TWG based on whether the first reference block and the second reference block are the same block.

[0083] As described above, the peak grayscale reference value generator 640 can calculate the peak grayscale reference value RFV based on the load value of each of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 and the first peak grayscale value, and the peak grayscale value calculator 650 can determine the second peak grayscale value PGS by calculating the second peak grayscale value PGS corresponding to the peak grayscale reference value RFV to prevent or mitigate the reduction in visibility due to brightness changes.

[0084] The power control signal generator 660 can generate a power control signal PCS based on the first load data FLD and the second peak grayscale value PGS. The power control signal generator 660 can generate a power control signal PCS to control the voltage of the first power VDD to a power level corresponding to the total load value and the second peak grayscale value PGS of the display panel 100. Figure 1 The power supply 500 can change the voltage level of the first power supply VDD based on the power control signal PCS. For example, the power control signal PCS can correspond to a voltage gain for the voltage level of the first power supply VDD.

[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, the voltage level of the first power VDD, generated based on the power control signal PCS, can have a larger value as the total load value of the display panel 100 increases, and can also have a larger value as the second peak grayscale value PGS increases.

[0086] In an embodiment, the power control signal generator 660 can generate a power control signal PCS based on a first lookup table LUT1 and a second lookup table LUT2 previously stored in memory 670. The first lookup table LUT1 may include a voltage gain (or a first voltage gain) for a power level corresponding to the total load value of the display panel 100 for a first power VDD. The second lookup table LUT2 may include a voltage gain (or a second voltage gain) for a power level corresponding to a second peak grayscale value PGS for the first power VDD. The power control signal generator 660 can generate the power control signal PCS by multiplying the first voltage gain by the second voltage gain.

[0087] However, the configuration of the power control signal generator 660 in generating the power control signal PCS is not limited to this. For example, the power control signal generator 660 can generate the power control signal PCS through a preset calculation formula.

[0088] For reference Figures 4 to 10 As described, according to an embodiment, the power controller 600 can generate a power control signal PCS based on the load value of each of blocks BLK01 to BLK35 and a first peak grayscale value. Therefore, the power controller 600 can control the voltage level of the first power VDD to reduce or minimize (or eliminate) visibility reduction caused by brightness variations (e.g., brightness reduction).

[0089] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a power controller 600', which, for example, may be included in... Figure 1 In the display device 1000. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A block diagram of an embodiment of the peak grayscale reference value generator 640' in the power controller 600'. For example, in addition to the components included to perform the operations described below, Figure 11 600' power controller and Figure 12 The peak grayscale reference value generator 640' can be respectively connected with Figure 4 Power controller 600 and Figure 5 The peak grayscale reference value generator is basically the same as that of the 640.

[0090] Reference Figure 11 The power controller 600' may include a first load calculator 610, a second load calculator 620, a grayscale value calculator 630', a peak grayscale reference value generator 640', a peak grayscale value calculator 650, a power control signal generator 660, and a memory 670.

[0091] The grayscale calculator 630' can generate grayscale ratio data RGS based on input image data IDATA. For example, the grayscale ratio data RGS can be compared with data generated by... Figure 2 The ratio of the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting element LD included in the pixel corresponds to the ratio of the light emitted by the pixel to the color of the light emitted by the LD.

[0092] In one embodiment, the grayscale ratio data RGS may include the same as that included in the above. Figure 2 The average grayscale value of the pixels corresponding to the red light-emitting element LD, and including Figure 2 The average grayscale value of the pixels corresponding to the green light-emitting element LD and the values ​​of the pixels including Figure 2 Information related to the ratio of the average grayscale value corresponding to the pixel of the blue light-emitting element LD. For example, when compared with... Figure 2 The average grayscale value of the pixels corresponding to the red light-emitting element LD, and including Figure 2 The average grayscale value corresponding to the pixels of the green light-emitting element LD, and the value of the pixels of the LD. Figure 2 When the average grayscale values ​​of the pixels of the blue light-emitting element LD are the same, the grayscale ratio data RGS can include information about a 1:1:1 ratio. The grayscale value calculator 630' can provide the grayscale ratio data RGS to the peak grayscale reference value generator 640'.

[0093] Reference Figure 12 The peak grayscale reference value generator 640' may include a first reference value calculator 641', ​​a first weight calculator 642, a second weight calculator 643, a third weight calculator 644, a second reference value calculator 645, and a reference value controller 646.

[0094] The reference value controller 646 can generate a reference value control signal RVC based on the grayscale ratio data RGS to control the values ​​of the first reference value FRV[1] to FRV[p] in the first reference value FRV.

[0095] exist Figure 2 The materials used in the light-emitting elements (LDs) can be compatible with those made of... Figure 2 The color of the light emitted by the light-emitting elements (LDs) in each pixel corresponds to the color of the light emitted. Therefore, the amount of driving current for each pixel can be different to represent the same grayscale value. For example, for the same grayscale value, the amount of driving current for a pixel emitting red light can be greater than the amount of driving current for a pixel emitting green light. As another example, for the same grayscale value, the amount of driving current for a pixel emitting green light can be greater than the amount of driving current for a pixel emitting blue light.

[0096] Therefore, since the voltage level of the first power VDD for one pixel can be different for another pixel emitting light of a different color, the reference value controller 646 can control the size of the first reference value FRV generated by the first reference value calculator 641' based on the grayscale ratio data RGS.

[0097] For example, when the average grayscale value corresponding to a pixel emitting red light is relatively larger than the average grayscale value corresponding to a pixel emitting one or more different colors of light, the first reference value calculator 641' can generate a first reference value FRV with a relatively small value based on the corresponding grayscale ratio data RGS. In this case, since the peak grayscale reference value RFV decreases correspondingly to the first reference value FRV with a relatively small value, the second peak grayscale value PGS that satisfies the condition of the corresponding peak grayscale reference value RFV can be relatively increased. Since the voltage level of the first power VDD generated based on the power control signal PCS is relatively increased, the amount of driving current for the pixel can be sufficiently ensured.

[0098] As another example, when the average grayscale value corresponding to a pixel emitting blue light is relatively larger than the average grayscale value corresponding to a pixel emitting one or more different colors of light, the first reference value calculator 641' can generate a first reference value FRV with a relatively large value based on the corresponding grayscale ratio data RGS. In this case, since the peak grayscale reference value RFV increases correspondingly to the first reference value FRV with a relatively large value, the second peak grayscale value PGS that satisfies the condition of the corresponding peak grayscale reference value RFV can be relatively reduced. Therefore, the voltage level of the first power VDD generated based on the power control signal PCS can be relatively reduced, but the average grayscale value corresponding to a pixel emitting blue light is larger than the average grayscale value corresponding to a pixel emitting one or more different colors of light. Therefore, the amount of driving current for the pixel can be sufficiently ensured.

[0099] According to one embodiment, a controller in or integrated with the display device controls the level of the power voltage of the display panel to reduce power consumption and / or improve the quality of the displayed image. This may involve reducing or eliminating adverse effects, for example, by preventing a decrease in the quality of visibility recognition due to changes in the brightness of the displayed image.

[0100] The controller may correspond to any of the embodiments of the controller described herein. In one embodiment, when the controller is also incorporated into a display device, the controller may execute instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium within the display device or incorporated into a non-transitory computer-readable medium of the controller. When the instructions are executed, the controller may perform the operation of the power controller and / or other features of the embodiments described herein.

[0101] In operation, the controller can calculate, based on input image data, a first load value corresponding to pixels in the display panel; a second load value corresponding to each block in a block, the block comprising subdivided pixels; and a first peak grayscale value corresponding to each block. The controller can then generate a power control signal for changing the voltage level of the power supply based on the first load value, the second load value, and the first peak grayscale value.

[0102] The methods, processes, and / or operations described herein may be performed by code or instructions executable by a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device. The computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device may be the computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device described herein or any other element besides those described herein. Because the algorithms that form the basis of the methods (or the operation of the computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device) are described in detail, the code or instructions for implementing the operations of the method embodiments may transform the computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device into a dedicated processor for performing the methods herein.

[0103] In addition, another embodiment may include a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) for storing the aforementioned code or instructions. The computer-readable medium may be a volatile or non-volatile memory or other storage device that can be removably or permanently incorporated into a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing apparatus for executing code or instructions for performing operations of the method or apparatus embodiments herein.

[0104] The controllers, processors, devices, modules, calculators, units, multiplexers, generators, logic, interfaces, decoders, drivers, and other signal generation and signal processing features disclosed herein may, for example, be implemented as non-transitory logic that may include hardware, software, or both. When implemented at least partially in hardware, the controllers, processors, devices, modules, units, calculators, multiplexers, generators, logic, interfaces, decoders, drivers, and other signal generation and signal processing features may be, for example, any of a variety of integrated circuits, including but not limited to application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, combinations of logic gates, systems-on-a-chip, microprocessors, or other types of processing or control circuitry.

[0105] When implemented at least partially in software, controllers, processors, devices, modules, units, calculators, multiplexers, generators, logic, interfaces, decoders, drivers, and other signal generation and signal processing features may include, for example, memory or other storage devices for storing code or instructions that will be executed, for example, by a computer, processor, microprocessor, controller, or other signal processing device. The computer, processor, microprocessor, controller, or other signal processing device may be the computer, processor, microprocessor, controller, or other signal processing device described herein or any other element besides those described herein. Because the algorithms underlying the formation of the method (or the operation of the computer, processor, microprocessor, controller, or other signal processing device) are described in detail, the code or instructions for implementing the operations of the method embodiments can transform the computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device into a dedicated processor for performing the methods described herein.

[0106] The foregoing detailed description illustrates and describes the disclosure. Furthermore, the foregoing description only illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the disclosure. As mentioned above, the disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and embodiments, and can be changed or modified within the scope of the concept disclosed herein, the scope equivalent to the disclosed disclosure, and / or the skill or knowledge of the art. Therefore, the detailed description of the disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the disclosed embodiments. Moreover, the appended claims should be construed as including other embodiments. Embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A pixel unit includes pixels that are divided into blocks; The timing controller is configured to generate image data based on the input image data; A data driver is configured to generate a data signal corresponding to the image data and supply the data signal to the pixel; A power source is configured to supply electrical voltage to the pixel unit; as well as The power controller is configured to calculate, based on the input image data, a first load value corresponding to the pixel unit, a second load value corresponding to each block in the block, and a first peak grayscale value corresponding to each block in the block, and to generate a power control signal for changing the voltage level of the power voltage based on the first load value, the second load value, and the first peak grayscale value. The power controller is configured to calculate peak grayscale reference values ​​corresponding to multiple grayscale ranges based on the first load value, the second load value, and the first peak grayscale value; to use the first peak grayscale value that satisfies the peak grayscale reference value as the second peak grayscale value; and to generate the power control signal based on the first load value and the second peak grayscale value. The power controller is configured to sequentially determine, from high grayscale range to low grayscale range, whether the number of first peak grayscale values ​​in each grayscale range is greater than or equal to the peak grayscale reference value corresponding to the corresponding grayscale range, and to determine the largest grayscale value in the first grayscale range in which the number of first peak grayscale values ​​is greater than or equal to the peak grayscale reference value corresponding to the corresponding grayscale range as the second peak grayscale value. Wherein, the voltage level of the power voltage decreases as the difference between the second load value and one or more adjacent blocks increases, the first reference block having the maximum second load value in the block, and the voltage level of the power voltage decreases as the difference between the first peak gray value and one or more adjacent blocks increases, the second reference block having the maximum first peak gray value in the block.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The power controller includes: A first load calculator is configured to generate first load data by calculating the first load value; A second load calculator is configured to generate second load data by calculating the second load value; and A grayscale calculator is configured to generate block grayscale data by calculating the first peak grayscale value.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The first peak grayscale value corresponds to the maximum grayscale value among the grayscale values ​​of the corresponding block within the block, and The power controller further includes: A peak grayscale reference value generator is configured to generate the peak grayscale reference value based on the first load data, the second load data, and the block grayscale data; A peak grayscale value calculator is configured to calculate the second peak grayscale value based on the peak grayscale reference value and the block grayscale data; and A power control signal generator is configured to generate the power control signal based on the first load data and the second peak grayscale value.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The peak grayscale reference value generator includes: A first reference value calculator is configured to generate a first reference value based on the first load data; and The second reference value calculator is configured to generate a second reference value corresponding to the peak grayscale reference value based on the first reference value.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first reference value increases as the first load value increases, and The peak grayscale reference value generator further includes: The first weight calculator is configured to calculate the first weight based on the second load data; A second weight calculator is configured to calculate a second weight based on the block grayscale data; and The third weight calculator is configured to calculate a third weight based on the first weight and the second weight, and The second reference value calculator generates the second reference value by applying the third weight to the first reference value.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The value of the first weight increases as the difference between the second load value and one or more adjacent blocks increases, wherein the first reference block has the largest second load value among the blocks. The value of the second weight increases as the difference between the first peak grayscale value and one or more adjacent blocks increases, wherein the second reference block has the largest first peak grayscale value among the blocks. The third weight calculator is configured to extract a first reference block and a second reference block from the block, wherein the first reference block has a maximum second load value in the block, and the second reference block has a maximum first peak grayscale value in the block. The second reference value calculator generates the second reference value by adding the third weight to the first reference value.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The third weight calculator is configured to calculate the third weight by adding the first weight to the second weight when the first reference block and the second reference block are the same, and the third weight calculator is configured to calculate the third weight with a value of 0 when the first reference block and the second reference block are different.

8. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The peak grayscale value calculator is configured to calculate the first peak grayscale value among the first peak grayscale values ​​in the block grayscale data that satisfies the peak grayscale reference value, and use it as the second peak grayscale value. The voltage level of the power voltage increases as the first load value increases based on the power control signal, and the voltage level of the power voltage increases as the second peak gray value increases based on the power control signal.

9. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The grayscale calculator is configured to generate grayscale ratio data based on the input image data, and The peak grayscale reference value generator further includes a reference value controller, which is configured to generate a reference value control signal for controlling the magnitude of the first reference value based on the grayscale ratio data.

10. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The power control signal generator is configured to generate the power control signal by multiplying a first voltage gain stored in a memory by a second voltage gain, wherein the first voltage gain corresponds to a first load value and the second voltage gain corresponds to a second peak grayscale value.

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