Residual image detection apparatus and display apparatus comprising the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a ghost detection apparatus and a display apparatus. The ghost detection apparatus includes a reduction unit to reduce an input image by a predetermined ratio, an image accumulation unit to receive at least one reduced image from the reduction unit and accumulate the at least one reduced image, a ghost detection unit to detect a ghost from the accumulated reduced image obtained by the image accumulation unit and generate ghost information, and a weight application unit to receive the ghost information, calculate a reduction weight of a region of interest including the ghost in the input image based on a time parameter, and provide the reduction weight to the reduction unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to afterimage detection equipment and display devices including the afterimage detection equipment. Background Technology

[0002] When a display device displays an image with a fixed image for a considerable period of time, ghosting may occur. If the display device displays an image with a fixed image for a considerable period of time and then displays an image without a fixed image, the area where the fixed image was displayed may appear smudged. Therefore, when ghosting occurs on a display device, the display quality may deteriorate.

[0003] It should be understood that the background section of this technical section is partly intended to provide useful context for understanding the technology. However, the background section may also include ideas, concepts, or knowledge that were not known or understood by a person skilled in the art prior to the relevant valid application date of the subject matter disclosed herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a ghost image detection device that can improve the ghost image detection rate, and a display device that can prevent the occurrence of ghost images, reduce color shift, and improve display quality.

[0005] However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those described herein. These and other aspects of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the afterimage detection device may include: a reduction unit for reducing the input image by a predetermined ratio; an image accumulation unit for receiving at least one reduced image from the reduction unit and accumulating at least one reduced image; an afterimage detection unit for detecting afterimages from the accumulated reduced images obtained by the image accumulation unit and generating afterimage information; and a weighting unit for receiving the afterimage information, calculating the reduction weight of the region of interest including the afterimage in the input image based on time parameters, and providing the reduction weight to the reduction unit.

[0007] The time parameter can be a time span during which images, including a fixed image, are continuously displayed.

[0008] The shrinking unit can shrink the region of interest by applying a shrinking weight, and can also shrink the general region of the input image other than the region of interest by a predetermined ratio.

[0009] The size of a region of interest that is reduced by the applied reduction weight ratio can be larger than the size of a region of interest that is reduced by a predetermined ratio.

[0010] The size of the region of interest reduced by the applied reduction weight ratio under the first time parameter can be larger than the size of the region of interest reduced by the applied reduction weight ratio under the second time parameter, where the first time parameter is larger than the second time parameter.

[0011] When the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated downsized image does not reach the predetermined proportion, the weighting unit can recalculate the downsizing weights based on the time parameter.

[0012] When the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated reduced image reaches a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit can output afterimage data including afterimage detection results.

[0013] The weighting unit can calculate the brightness weights of general regions in the input image other than the region of interest based on time parameters, and can provide the brightness weights to the shrinking unit.

[0014] The shrinking unit can shrink the region of interest by applying a shrinking weight, shrink the general region by a predetermined ratio, and reduce the brightness of the general region based on a brightness weight.

[0015] The size of the region of interest that is reduced by a ratio with applied reduction weight can be larger than the size of the region of interest that is reduced by a predetermined ratio, and the brightness of the general region with applied brightness weight can be less than the brightness of the general region in the input image.

[0016] The brightness of a general region weighted by a first time parameter can be lower than the brightness of a general region weighted by a second time parameter, where the first time parameter is greater than the second time parameter.

[0017] When the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated downsized image does not reach the predetermined proportion, the weighting unit can recalculate the downsizing weight and brightness weight based on the time parameter.

[0018] When the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated reduced image reaches a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit can output afterimage data including afterimage detection results.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the afterimage detection device may include: a reduction unit for reducing the input image by a predetermined ratio; an image accumulation unit for receiving at least one reduced image from the reduction unit and accumulating at least one reduced image; an afterimage detection unit for detecting afterimages from the accumulated reduced images obtained by the image accumulation unit and generating afterimage information; and a weighting unit for receiving the afterimage information, calculating the brightness weight of a general region in the input image that does not contain afterimages based on a time parameter, and providing the brightness weight to the reduction unit.

[0020] The time parameter can be a time span during which images, including a fixed image, are continuously displayed.

[0021] The reduction unit can reduce the input image by a predetermined ratio and can reduce the brightness of general areas based on brightness weights.

[0022] The brightness of a general region weighted by a first time parameter can be lower than the brightness of a general region weighted by a second time parameter, where the first time parameter is greater than the second time parameter.

[0023] When the brightness of a general area in the accumulated reduced image is equal to or greater than a predetermined brightness, the weighting unit can recalculate the brightness weight based on the time parameter.

[0024] When the brightness of a general area in the accumulated reduced image is lower than a predetermined brightness, the weighting unit can output afterimage data including afterimage detection results.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the display device may include: an afterimage detection device for detecting afterimages of an input image and outputting afterimage data; a timing controller for generating compensation data based on the afterimage data; and a display panel for displaying the image based on the compensation data. The afterimage detection device includes: a reduction unit for reducing the input image by a predetermined ratio; an image accumulation unit for receiving at least one reduced image from the reduction unit and accumulating at least one reduced image; an afterimage detection unit for detecting afterimages from the accumulated reduced images obtained by the image accumulation unit and generating afterimage information; and a weighting unit for receiving the afterimage information, calculating a reduction weight for a region of interest in the input image including the afterimage based on a time parameter, and providing the reduction weight to the reduction unit.

[0026] According to the afterimage detection apparatus and display device including the afterimage detection apparatus according to the embodiment, the afterimage detection rate can be improved by repeatedly reducing the input image using at least one of a reduction weight and a brightness weight calculated based on a time parameter. Therefore, the afterimage detection apparatus and the display device including the afterimage detection apparatus can prevent the occurrence of afterimages, reduce color shift, and improve display quality.

[0027] It should be noted that the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from a detailed description of its embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

[0030] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a residual image detection device for a display device according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the afterimage detection process of the afterimage detection device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 The reduction process of the afterimage detection device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The reduction process of applying reduction weights to a residual image detection device according to an embodiment is illustrated;

[0034] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The reduction process of the reduction weight and brightness weight applied to the afterimage detection device according to the embodiment is shown;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the afterimage detection process of the afterimage detection apparatus according to an embodiment; and

[0036] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The process of reducing the luminance weights of the afterimage detection device according to the embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, numerous details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments or implementations of this disclosure. As used herein, “implementation” and “method” are interchangeable terms and are non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more implementations or methods disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various embodiments may be practiced without these details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, structures and apparatus may be shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments. Furthermore, the various embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, the shape, configuration, and characteristics of an embodiment may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] Unless otherwise stated, the embodiments shown should be understood as providing details of variations that may be implemented in practice in some or many ways. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, areas and / or aspects of the various embodiments (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from this disclosure.

[0039] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in accompanying drawings is generally to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for materials, material properties, dimensions, scale, commonalities between illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or characteristics of the elements. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When embodiments can be implemented differently, the order of processes may differ from the order described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order of their description. Moreover, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0040] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or attached to the other component or layer, or there may be an intermediate component or layer present. However, when a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another component or layer, there is no intermediate component or layer present. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection, with or without an intermediate component. Furthermore, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system (such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be substantially perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that may not be perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the set consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, by way of non-limiting examples, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, "A and / or B" can be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B".

[0041] The terms “and” and “or” can be used in the sense of combination or separation, and can be understood as equivalent to “and / or”.

[0042] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0043] Spatial relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein for descriptive purposes and thus to describe the relationship of one element to another(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or about 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] The term “overlap” or “overlapped” means that the first object may be above or below the second object, or on one side of the second object, and vice versa. Additionally, the term “overlap” may include layer, stack, face or facing, extend over, cover or partially cover, or any other suitable term that will be understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] When an element is described as “not overlapping” or “to not overlap” with another element, this can include elements spaced apart from each other, offset from each other, or arranged side by side, or any other suitable terminology that will be understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] The terms "face" and "facing" mean that the first element can be directly or indirectly opposite the second element. In the case of a third element inserted between the first and second elements, the first and second elements can be understood as indirectly opposite each other, although still facing each other.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein are intended to also include the plural forms. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” “has,” and / or “having,” and / or variations thereof indicate the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are therefore used to allow for inherent deviations in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0048] For example, as used herein, “about” or “approximately” includes the value as well as the average of the specific value within an acceptable range of deviations, as determined by a person skilled in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the value.

[0049] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views as schematic diagrams of implementations and / or intermediate structures. Similarly, variations in the shapes shown in the figures should be anticipated, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be interpreted as limited to the shapes of the regions shown, but should include, for example, deviations in shape due to manufacturing processes. In this way, the regions shown in the figures can be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and are therefore not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0050] The accompanying drawings describe and illustrate one or more embodiments according to functional blocks, units, and / or modules. Those skilled in the art will understand that these blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented by electrical circuits (or optical circuits) such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wiring connectors, etc., which can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Where blocks, units, and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they can be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and optionally driven by firmware and / or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit, and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some perhaps multifunctional functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, each block, unit, and / or module in some or more embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interactive and discrete blocks, units, and / or modules. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, some or many of the blocks, units and / or modules in some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 As a non-limiting example, a display device used to display moving or still images can be used as a display screen for various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smartwatches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, e-notebooks, e-book readers, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs).

[0054] The display device may include a display panel 100, a ghost image detection device 200, a timing controller 300, a data driver 400, a power supply unit 500, and a gate driver 600.

[0055] In a plan view, the display panel 100 may have a substantially rectangular shape. For example, in a plan view, the display panel 100 may have a substantially rectangular shape, having a long side in a first direction and a short side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The corner formed by the long side in the first direction and the short side in the second direction may be substantially right-angled or substantially circular with a predetermined curvature. The substantially planar shape of the display panel 100 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and may be formed into another polygonal shape, a substantially circular shape, or a substantially elliptical shape. For example, the display panel 100 may be formed as flat or substantially flat, but is not limited thereto. In another example, the display panel 100 may be curved with a predetermined curvature.

[0056] The display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0057] The display area DA, which serves as the area for displaying images, can be defined as the central area of ​​the display panel 100. The display area DA may include pixels SP formed or disposed in a pixel region defined by intersecting data lines DL and gate lines GL. Each pixel SP may be electrically connected to at least one gate line GL, data line DL, and drive voltage line VDDL. Each pixel SP may be defined as the region of the smallest unit for outputting light.

[0058] The data line DL can be electrically connected between the data driver 400 and the pixel SP. The data line DL can provide data voltage to each of the pixels SP. The data lines DL can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction and extend in a second direction.

[0059] Gate lines GL can be electrically connected between gate driver 600 and pixel SP. Gate lines GL can provide gate signals to each of the pixels SP. Gate lines GL can extend in a first direction and be spaced apart from each other in a second direction.

[0060] The non-display area NDA can be defined as the remaining area of ​​the display panel 100 other than the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA may include a gate driver 600 for applying gate signals to the gate line GL, a fan-out line electrically connecting the data line DL to the data driver 400, and a pad portion electrically connected to the stretchable film.

[0061] The afterimage detection device 200 can receive an input image IMG and generate afterimage data ADD including afterimage information of the input image IMG. For example, the afterimage detection device 200 can receive grayscale data of the input image IMG frame by frame and use at least one of convolutional neural network technology, deep learning technology, or artificial intelligence technology to detect the afterimage of the input image IMG. When the input image IMG has a fixed image over a considerable time period, afterimage information of the input image IMG can be generated. The afterimage detection device 200 can provide the afterimage data ADD including afterimage information to the timing controller 300.

[0062] The timing controller 300 can receive a timing synchronization signal from the display driving system (not shown) and receive afterimage data ADD from the afterimage detection device 200. The timing controller 300 can generate a data control signal DCS and a gate control signal GCS based on the timing synchronization signal. The timing controller 300 can use the data control signal DCS to control the driving timing of the data driver 400 and use the gate control signal GCS to control the driving timing of the gate driver 600.

[0063] The timing controller 300 can generate compensation data DATA based on the ghost image data ADD, and provide the compensation data DATA aligned to a layout structure suitable for the pixel SP to the data driver 400. By providing the compensation data DATA, which already reflects the ghost image data ADD, to the data driver 400, the timing controller 300 enables the display device to prevent the occurrence of ghost images and improve display quality.

[0064] The data driver 400 can receive compensation data DATA and data control signal DCS from the timing controller 300. The data driver 400 can generate a data voltage based on the compensation data DATA and provide the data voltage to the data line DL based on the data control signal DCS. The data voltage can be provided to the pixel SP through the data line DL to determine the brightness of the pixel SP.

[0065] The power supply unit 500 can provide a driving voltage to the display panel 100. The power supply unit 500 can generate the driving voltage and provide it to the pixels SP arranged or disposed on the display panel 100 via the driving voltage line VDDL. The power supply unit 500 can generate a common voltage and provide this common voltage to the low potential lines of the display panel 100. For example, the driving voltage can correspond to a high potential voltage capable of driving the pixels SP, and the common voltage can correspond to a low potential voltage commonly provided to the pixels SP.

[0066] The gate driver 600 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel 100. The gate driver 600 can generate a gate signal based on the gate control signal GCS provided from the timing controller 300, and sequentially provide the gate signal to the gate line GL in a predetermined order.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a ghost image detection device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0068] Reference Figure 2 The afterimage detection device 200 may include a reduction unit 210, an image accumulation unit 220, an afterimage detection unit 230, and a weight application unit 240.

[0069] The downsizing unit 210 can receive the input image IMG frame by frame and downsize the input image IMG by a predetermined ratio. The downsizing unit 210 can downsize the input image IMG by generating grayscale data with reduced pixel sizes based on grayscale data of the input image IMG with predetermined pixel sizes. The input image IMG can include a region of interest (ROI) and a general region other than the ROI, the ROI including afterimages. The downsizing ratio of the ROI can be changed by downsizing weights, but the downsizing ratio of the general region can be fixed at a predetermined ratio. For example, without receiving additional weight information WA, the downsizing unit 210 can downsize the horizontal and vertical dimensions of each of the general region and the ROI of the input image IMG by a factor of 1 / n. When the downsizing unit 210 receives downsizing weights, the downsizing unit 210 can downsize the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the general region by a factor of 1 / n, and downsize the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the ROI by the ratio applied to the downsizing weights. The downsizing unit 210 can provide the downsized image SIMG to the image accumulation unit 220. The afterimage detection device 200 can improve the afterimage detection rate by applying downsizing weights to the ROI.

[0070] Image accumulation unit 220 can receive and accumulate at least one reduced image SIMG. For example, image accumulation unit 220 can accumulate a reduced image SIMG corresponding to a frame, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Image accumulation unit 220 can generate grayscale data of an accumulated reduced image AIMG by merging grayscale data of reduced image SIMGs with reduced pixel sizes. Image accumulation unit 220 can accumulate reduced image SIMGs corresponding to at least one frame and provide the accumulated reduced image AIMG to afterimage detection unit 230. Since image accumulation unit 220 accumulates reduced image SIMGs, the computational load of afterimage detection unit 230 and afterimage detection device 200 can be reduced, memory usage can be minimized, and the computational burden of afterimage detection unit 230 and afterimage detection device 200 can be reduced.

[0071] The afterimage detection unit 230 can detect afterimages from the accumulated reduced image AIMG obtained by the image accumulation unit 220 and generate afterimage information (ADR). For example, the afterimage detection unit 230 can use at least one of convolutional neural network technology, deep learning technology, or artificial intelligence technology to detect afterimages from the accumulated reduced image AIMG and generate afterimage information (ADR). ADR can be generated when the input image IMG has a fixed image over a considerably long time period.

[0072] The weighting unit 240 can receive afterimage information ADR and calculate the reduction weight or brightness weight of the region of interest (ROI) including the afterimage in the input image IMG based on a time parameter. Here, the time parameter can correspond to the time period, time interval, or time span of continuously displaying an image with a fixed image. For example, as the time parameter increases, the probability of afterimage occurrence and the degree of afterimage may increase. The weighting unit 240 can provide weight information WA, including at least one of reduction weight and brightness weight, to the reduction unit 210. The time parameter can include a first time parameter and a second time parameter. The first time parameter can be greater than the second time parameter.

[0073] The weighting unit 240 can determine the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated downsized image AIMG. If the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated downsized image AIMG does not reach a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit 240 can recalculate the downsizing weights based on time parameters. The weighting unit 240 can provide weight information WA, including the recalculated downsizing weights, to the downsizing unit 210. When the downsizing unit 210 receives the weight information WA, the downsizing unit 210, the image accumulation unit 220, the afterimage detection unit 230, and the weighting unit 240 can repeat the above process.

[0074] When the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated reduced image AIMG has reached a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit 240 can provide the afterimage data ADD, including the afterimage detection result, to the timing controller 300. The timing controller 300 can generate compensation data DATA based on the afterimage data ADD, and the data driver 400 can generate a data voltage based on the compensation data DATA. The timing controller 300 can provide the data driver 400 with compensation data DATA that reflects the afterimage data ADD, so that the display device can prevent the occurrence of afterimages, reduce color shift, and improve the display device.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the afterimage detection process of an afterimage detection device according to an embodiment.

[0076] Reference Figure 3The afterimage detection device 200 may include a reduction unit 210, an image accumulation unit 220, an afterimage detection unit 230, and a weight application unit 240.

[0077] The reduction unit 210 can receive the input image IMG in frames and reduce the input image IMG by a predetermined ratio (step S110). In the absence of receiving additional weight information WA, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal and vertical dimensions of each of the general area and the region of interest of the input image IMG by a factor of 1 / n.

[0078] The image accumulation unit 220 can receive at least one scaled-down image SIMG and accumulate at least one scaled-down image SIMG (step S120).

[0079] The afterimage detection unit 230 can detect afterimages from the accumulated reduced image AIMG obtained by the image accumulation unit 220 and generate afterimage information (step S130).

[0080] The weighting unit 240 can determine the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated reduced image AIMG (step S140).

[0081] If the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated downsized image AIMG does not reach a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit 240 may reset the downsizing weight or the brightness weight based on a time parameter (step S150). The weighting unit 240 may provide weight information WA, including at least one of the reset downsizing weight and the reset brightness weight, to the downsizing unit 210.

[0082] When the reduction unit 210 receives the weight information WA, the reduction unit 210, the image accumulation unit 220, the afterimage detection unit 230, and the weight application unit 240 can repeat steps S110, S120, S130, and S140. When the reduction unit 210 receives the reduction weight, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the general region by a factor of 1 / n, and reduce the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the region of interest by the ratio of the applied reduction weight.

[0083] When the proportion of the region of interest in the accumulated reduced image AIMG has reached a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit 240 can provide the afterimage data ADD, including the afterimage detection result, to the timing controller 300 (step S160).

[0084] Figure 4 The reduction process of the afterimage detection device according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 4 This corresponds to the case where the shrinking unit does not receive additional weight information at the start of the shrinking process.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 The input image IMG may include a region of interest (ROI) IA and a general region MA other than the ROI IA. The ROI IA may include a fixed image or an afterimage generated from a fixed image. For example, the ROI IA may be located or positioned in a corner of the input image IMG, but the position and number of ROI IAs are not limited. Figure 4 The locations and quantities shown.

[0086] The reduction unit 210 can receive the input image IMG frame by frame and reduce the input image IMG by a predetermined ratio. For example, without receiving additional weight information WA, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal size W and vertical size H of the general region MA of the input image IMG by a factor of 1 / n, and reduce the horizontal size L and vertical size T of the region of interest IA by a factor of 1 / n. The reduction unit 210 can reduce the input image IMG by generating grayscale data with a reduced pixel size (W / n × H / n) based on grayscale data of the input image IMG with a predetermined pixel size (W × H).

[0087] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The reduction process is illustrated by applying reduction weights to the afterimage detection device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 Corresponding to the reduction unit in Figure 4 After the shrinking process, the situation regarding the shrinking weights is received, and Figure 6 Corresponding to the reduction unit in Figure 5 The situation after the shrinking process receives the reset shrinking weights.

[0088] exist Figure 5 In this process, the weighting unit 240 can receive afterimage information ADR and calculate the reduction weight of the region of interest IA based on time parameters. The weighting unit 240 can provide weight information WA, including the reduction weight, to the reduction unit 210.

[0089] When the reduction unit 210 receives a reduction weight, it can reduce the region of interest IA by the ratio to which the reduction weight is applied (reduced by weight), and reduce the general region MA by a predetermined ratio. For example, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal dimension L and vertical dimension T of the region of interest IA by a factor of 1 / b, and reduce the horizontal dimension W and vertical dimension H of the general region MA by a factor of 1 / n. Figure 5 The size (L / b × T / b) of the region of interest IA, which is reduced by the applied reduction weight ratio, can be greater than [the size of the region of interest IA]. Figure 4 The size (L / n×T / n) of the region of interest IA, which is reduced at a predetermined ratio.

[0090] Therefore, the downsizing unit 210 can generate a downsized image SIMG in which the proportion of the region of interest IA is increased based on downsizing weights. The afterimage detection device 200 can use the downsized image SIMG in which the proportion of the region of interest IA is increased to improve the afterimage detection rate.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 3 If the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG does not reach a predetermined proportion, the weight application unit 240 can reset the downsizing weights based on the time parameter. Here, since the accumulated downsized image AIMG is obtained by accumulating at least one downsized image SIMG, the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG can be the same as the proportion of the region of interest IA in the downsized image SIMG. Furthermore, when the downsizing unit 210, image accumulation unit 220, afterimage detection unit 230, and weight application unit 240 repeat the afterimage detection process, the time parameter can be continuously increased. Figure 6 The time parameter of the weights applied in the calculation can be greater than 100%. Figure 5 The time parameters of the weights applied in the text.

[0092] When the reduction unit 210 receives a reset reduction weight, it can reduce the region of interest IA by the ratio to which the reduction weight is applied (weighted reduction) and reduce the general region MA by a predetermined ratio. For example, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal dimension L and vertical dimension T of the region of interest IA by a factor of 1 / a, and reduce the horizontal dimension W and vertical dimension H of the general region MA by a factor of 1 / n. Figure 6 The size (L / a × T / a) of the region of interest IA, which is reduced by the ratio of the applied reduction weights, can be greater than [the size of the region of interest IA]. Figure 5 The size (L / b × T / b) of the region of interest IA is reduced by the ratio of the previously applied reduction weights. Figure 6 The size of the region of interest IA (L / a×T / a) reduced by the ratio of the applied reduced weight can be larger than the size of the region of interest IA (L / n×T / n) reduced by a predetermined ratio.

[0093] When the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG has reached a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit 240 can provide the afterimage data ADD, including the afterimage detection result, to the timing controller 300. For example, when the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG reaches 1 / 4, the weighting unit 240 can generate the afterimage data ADD, and the afterimage detection process can end.

[0094] Therefore, the downsizing unit 210 can generate a downsized image SIMG in which the proportion of the region of interest IA is increased based on downsizing weights. The afterimage detection device 200 can improve the afterimage detection rate by repeating the afterimage detection process using the downsized image SIMG in which the proportion of the region of interest IA is increased. The display device can prevent the occurrence of afterimages, reduce color shift, and improve display quality by generating a data voltage based on compensation data DATA that already reflects the afterimage data ADD.

[0095] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The reduction process of the reduction weight and brightness weight applied to the afterimage detection device according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 7 Corresponding to the reduction unit in Figure 4 The scaling weight and brightness weight are received after the scaling process. Figure 8 Corresponding to in Figure 7 After the scaling down process, the scaling down unit receives the reset scaling down weight and the reset brightness weight.

[0096] exist Figure 7 In this process, the weighting unit 240 can receive afterimage information ADR and calculate the reduction weight of the region of interest IA based on time parameters, and also calculate the brightness weight of the general region MA based on time parameters. The weighting unit 240 can provide weight information WA, including the reduction weight and the brightness weight, to the reduction unit 210.

[0097] When the reduction unit 210 receives reduction weights and brightness weights, it can reduce the region of interest IA by the ratio to which the reduction weights are applied (weighted reduction), reduce the general region MA by a predetermined ratio, and reduce the brightness of the general region MA based on the brightness weights. For example, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal size L and vertical size T of the region of interest IA by a factor of 1 / b, reduce the horizontal size W and vertical size H of the general region MA by a factor of 1 / n, and reduce the brightness of the general region MA. Figure 7 The size (L / b × T / b) of the region of interest IA, which is reduced by the applied reduction weight ratio, can be greater than [the size of the region of interest IA]. Figure 4 The size (L / n×T / n) of the region of interest IA, which is reduced at a predetermined ratio. Figure 7 The luminance of the general region MA in which luminance weight is applied can be lower than that of the region MA. Figure 4 The brightness of the general region MA without applied brightness weights.

[0098] Therefore, the reduction unit 210 can generate a reduced image SIMG, in which the proportion of the region of interest IA is increased based on reduction weights, and the brightness of the general region MA is reduced based on brightness weights. Compared with reducing the input image IMG using reduction weights, the afterimage detection device 200 can further improve the afterimage detection rate by reducing the input image IMG using both reduction weights and brightness weights.

[0099] Reference Figure 8 as well as Figure 3 If the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG does not reach a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit 240 can reset the downsizing weight and brightness weight based on the time parameter. Here, since the accumulated downsized image AIMG is obtained by accumulating at least one downsized image SIMG, the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG can be the same as the proportion of the region of interest IA in the downsized image SIMG. Furthermore, when the downsizing unit 210, image accumulation unit 220, afterimage detection unit 230, and weighting unit 240 repeat the afterimage detection process, the time parameter can be continuously increased. Figure 8 The time parameters for the scaling and brightness weights applied in the process can be greater than [a certain value]. Figure 7 The time parameters for the shrinkage weight and brightness weight applied in the process.

[0100] When the reduction unit 210 receives the reset reduction weight and the reset brightness weight, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the region of interest IA by the ratio applied to the reduction weight (weighted reduction), reduce the general region MA by a predetermined ratio, and reduce the brightness of the general region MA based on the brightness weight. For example, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal size L and vertical size T of the region of interest IA by a factor of 1 / a, and reduce the horizontal size W and vertical size H of the general region MA by a factor of 1 / n. Figure 8 The size (L / a × T / a) of the region of interest IA, which is reduced by the ratio of the applied reduction weights, can be greater than [the size of the region of interest IA]. Figure 7 The size of the region of interest IA is reduced by the ratio of the previously applied reduction weights (L / b × T / b). Figure 8 The size (L / a × T / a) of the region of interest IA, which is reduced by the ratio of the applied reduction weights, can be greater than [the size of the region of interest IA]. Figure 4 The size (L / n × T / n) of the region of interest IA, scaled down at a predetermined ratio. Furthermore, Figure 8 The brightness of the general region MA to which the reset brightness weight is applied can be lower than Figure 7 The brightness of the general region MA to which the previous brightness weight is applied.

[0101] When the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG has reached a predetermined proportion, the weighting unit 240 can provide the afterimage data ADD, including the afterimage detection result, to the timing controller 300. For example, when the proportion of the region of interest IA in the accumulated downsized image AIMG reaches 1 / 4, the weighting unit 240 can generate the afterimage data ADD, and the afterimage detection process can end.

[0102] Therefore, the downsizing unit 210 can generate a downsized image SIMG in which the proportion of the region of interest IA is increased based on downsizing weights, and the brightness of the general region MA is reduced based on brightness weights. Compared to downsizing the input image IMG using downsizing weights, the ghost image detection device 200 can further improve the ghost image detection rate by repeatedly using the downsizing process of the input image IMG with both downsizing and brightness weights. The display device can prevent the occurrence of ghost images, reduce color shift, and improve display quality by generating a data voltage based on compensation data DATA that already reflects the ghost image data ADD.

[0103] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the afterimage detection process of an afterimage detection device according to an embodiment.

[0104] Reference Figure 9 The afterimage detection device 200 may include a reduction unit 210, an image accumulation unit 220, an afterimage detection unit 230, and a weight application unit 240.

[0105] The reduction unit 210 can receive the input image IMG in frames and reduce the input image IMG by a predetermined ratio (step S210). In the absence of receiving additional weight information WA, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal and vertical dimensions of each of the general area and the region of interest of the input image IMG by a factor of 1 / n.

[0106] Image accumulation unit 220 can receive at least one scaled-down image SIMG and accumulate at least one scaled-down image SIMG (step S220).

[0107] The afterimage detection unit 230 can detect afterimages from the accumulated reduced image AIMG obtained by the image accumulation unit 220 and generate afterimage information (step S230).

[0108] The weighting unit 240 can determine the brightness of a general region in the accumulated reduced image AIMG (step S240). Here, the brightness can be determined based on the average brightness of all pixels or the maximum brightness of all pixels, but it is not necessary.

[0109] If the brightness of a general region in the accumulated reduced image AIMG is higher than or equal to a predetermined brightness, the weighting unit 240 may reset the brightness weight based on a time parameter (step S250). The weighting unit 240 may provide the reduction unit 210 with weight information WA including the reset brightness weight.

[0110] When the reduction unit 210 receives the weight information WA, the reduction unit 210, the image accumulation unit 220, the afterimage detection unit 230, and the weight application unit 240 can repeat steps S210, S220, S230, and S240. When the reduction unit 210 receives the brightness weight, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal and vertical dimensions of each of the region of interest and the general region by a factor of 1 / n, and reduce the brightness of the general region.

[0111] If the brightness of a general area in the accumulated reduced image AIMG is lower than a predetermined brightness, the weighting unit 240 can provide the afterimage data ADD, including the afterimage detection result, to the timing controller 300 (step S260).

[0112] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The process of reducing the luminance weights of the afterimage detection device according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 10 Corresponding to the reduction unit 210 in Figure 4 The situation regarding the received brightness weight after the scaling process. Figure 11 Corresponding to the reduction unit 210 in Figure 10 The situation after the scaling process receives the reset brightness weight.

[0113] exist Figure 10 In this process, the weighting unit 240 can receive afterimage information ADR and calculate the luminance weight of the general region MA based on time parameters. The weighting unit 240 can provide weight information WA, including the luminance weight, to the reduction unit 210.

[0114] When the reduction unit 210 receives the brightness weight, it can reduce the brightness of the general region MA based on the brightness weight, and reduce the general region MA and the region of interest IA by a predetermined ratio (weighted reduction). For example, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal dimension L and vertical dimension T of the region of interest IA by a factor of 1 / n, reduce the horizontal dimension W and vertical dimension H of the general region MA by a factor of 1 / n, and reduce the brightness of the general region MA. Figure 10 The luminance of the general region MA in which luminance weight is applied can be lower than that of the region MA. Figure 4 The brightness of the general region MA without applied brightness weights.

[0115] Therefore, the downsizing unit 210 can generate a downsized image SIMG, in which the brightness of the general region MA is reduced based on brightness weights. The afterimage detection device 200 can improve the afterimage detection rate by downsizing the input image IMG using brightness weights.

[0116] Reference Figure 11 as well as Figure 9 If the brightness of a general region in the accumulated reduced image AIMG is higher than or equal to a predetermined brightness, the weighting unit 240 can reset the brightness weight based on a time parameter. When the reduced image unit 210, image accumulation unit 220, afterimage detection unit 230, and weighting unit 240 repeat the afterimage detection process, the time parameter can be continuously increased. Figure 11 The time parameter of the brightness weight applied in the process can be greater than Figure 10 The time parameter of the brightness weight applied in the process.

[0117] When the reduction unit 210 receives the reset brightness weight, it can reduce the brightness of the general region MA based on the brightness weight, and reduce the general region MA and the region of interest IA by a predetermined ratio (weighted reduction). For example, the reduction unit 210 can reduce the horizontal size L and vertical size T of the region of interest IA by a factor of 1 / n, reduce the horizontal size W and vertical size H of the general region MA by a factor of 1 / n, and reduce the brightness of the general region MA. Figure 11 The brightness of the general region MA with the applied reset brightness weight can be lower than Figure 10 The brightness of the general region MA is applied with the previous brightness weight.

[0118] If the brightness of the general region MA in the accumulated reduced image AIMG is lower than the predetermined brightness, the weighting unit 240 can provide the afterimage data ADD, including the afterimage detection result, to the timing controller 300.

[0119] Therefore, the reduction unit 210 can generate a reduced image SIMG, in which the brightness of the general area MA is reduced based on brightness weights. The afterimage detection device 200 can improve the afterimage detection rate by repeatedly using the brightness weights to reduce the input image IMG. The display device can prevent afterimages, reduce color shift, and improve display quality by generating a data voltage based on compensation data DATA that already reflects afterimage data ADD.

[0120] Embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Afterimage detection equipment, including: Reduce the size of the input image by a predetermined ratio; An image accumulation unit receives at least one scaled-down image from the scaling-down unit and accumulates the at least one scaled-down image; The afterimage detection unit detects afterimages from the accumulated, reduced image obtained by the image accumulation unit and generates afterimage information; as well as The weighting unit receives the afterimage information, calculates the reduction weight of the region of interest including the afterimage in the input image based on the time parameter, and provides the reduction weight to the reduction unit. Wherein, if the reduction unit does not receive the reduction weight, the reduction unit reduces the region of interest and the general region other than the region of interest of the input image by the same ratio; as well as When the shrinking unit receives the shrinking weight, the shrinking unit shrinks the region of interest and the general region by different ratios.

2. The afterimage detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The reduction unit reduces the region of interest by applying the reduction weight, and reduces the general region in the input image by the predetermined ratio.

3. The afterimage detection device according to claim 2, wherein, The size of the region of interest that is reduced by the ratio to which the reduction weight is applied is larger than the size of the region of interest that is reduced by the predetermined ratio.

4. The afterimage detection device according to claim 2, wherein, The size of the region of interest reduced at the ratio of the reduction weight applied under the first time parameter is greater than the size of the region of interest reduced at the ratio of the reduction weight applied under the second time parameter, wherein the first time parameter is greater than the second time parameter.

5. The afterimage detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The weighting unit calculates the brightness weight of the general region in the input image based on the time parameter, and provides the brightness weight to the shrinking unit.

6. The afterimage detection device according to claim 5, wherein, The shrinking unit shrinks the region of interest by a ratio applying the shrinking weight, shrinks the general region by the predetermined ratio, and reduces the brightness of the general region based on the brightness weight, wherein the size of the region of interest shrunk by the ratio applying the shrinking weight is larger than the size of the region of interest shrunk by the predetermined ratio, and the brightness of the general region to which the brightness weight is applied is lower than the brightness of the general region in the input image.

7. The afterimage detection device according to claim 6, wherein, The brightness of the general region to which the brightness weight is applied under the first time parameter is lower than the brightness of the general region to which the brightness weight is applied under the second time parameter, wherein the first time parameter is greater than the second time parameter.

8. Afterimage detection equipment, including: Reduce the size of the input image by a predetermined ratio; An image accumulation unit receives at least one scaled-down image from the scaling-down unit and accumulates the at least one scaled-down image; The afterimage detection unit detects afterimages from the accumulated, reduced image obtained by the image accumulation unit and generates afterimage information; as well as The weighting unit receives the afterimage information, calculates the brightness weight of the general region in the input image that does not include the afterimage based on the time parameter, and provides the brightness weight to the reduction unit. Wherein, if the downsizing unit does not receive additional weight information including the brightness weight, the downsizing unit downsizes the region of interest including the afterimage and the general region in the input image by the same ratio; as well as Upon receiving the additional weight information, the reduction unit reduces the region of interest and the general region by different ratios.

9. The afterimage detection device according to claim 8, wherein, The reduction unit reduces the input image by the predetermined ratio and reduces the brightness of the general region based on the brightness weight, wherein the brightness of the general region to which the brightness weight is applied under a first time parameter is lower than the brightness of the general region to which the brightness weight is applied under a second time parameter, and the first time parameter is greater than the second time parameter.

10. A display device, including: Afterimage detection equipment detects afterimages in an input image and outputs afterimage data; The timing controller generates compensation data based on the residual image data; as well as The display panel shows the image based on the compensated data. The afterimage detection device includes: Reduce the size of the input image by a predetermined ratio; An image accumulation unit receives at least one scaled-down image from the scaling-down unit and accumulates the at least one scaled-down image; The afterimage detection unit detects afterimages from the accumulated, reduced image obtained by the image accumulation unit and generates afterimage information; and The weighting unit receives the afterimage information, calculates the reduction weight of the region of interest including the afterimage in the input image based on the time parameter, and provides the reduction weight to the reduction unit. Wherein, if the reduction unit does not receive the reduction weight, the reduction unit reduces the region of interest and the general region other than the region of interest in the input image by the same ratio; and When the shrinking unit receives the shrinking weight, the shrinking unit shrinks the region of interest and the general region by different ratios.

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