Electronic device, display device, and method of driving display device

Abstract

A display device, a method of driving the display device, and an electronic device are provided. The display device includes a display panel including a first display area and a second display area, and a driving controller. During the multi-frequency mode, the driving controller drives the first display area by using a first driving frequency, and drives the second display area by using a second driving frequency. During the multi-frequency mode, when the second driving frequency is changed from the first frequency to the second frequency, the driving controller drives the first display area and the second display area by using the base frequency during at least one frame, the first display area and the second display area are driven by using an intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency during at least one second frame, and then the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0094223, filed on Jul. 20, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] The display device may include pixels connected to data lines and scan lines. Each of the pixels may include a light emitting element and a pixel circuit for controlling the light emitting element. The pixel circuit may provide a current to the light emitting element, and the amount of the current may correspond to the data signal. In this case, light having a brightness corresponding to the amount of current flowing through the light emitting element may be generated.

[0005] A technology for improving the quality of an image to be displayed in a display device is needed. A technology for reducing power consumption of a display device is needed. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device and a driving method capable of operating by using various driving frequencies.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device including a display device capable of operating by using various driving frequencies under the control of a processor.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a display device includes a display panel including a first display area and a second display area, and a drive controller that receives an image signal and a control signal and outputs an image data signal to be provided to the display panel. During a multi-frequency mode, the drive controller drives the first display area by using a first drive frequency, and drives the second display area by using a second drive frequency different from the first drive frequency. During the multi-frequency mode, when the second drive frequency changes from the first frequency to the second frequency, the drive controller drives the first display area and the second display area by using a base frequency during at least one frame, drives the first display area and the second display area by using an intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency during at least one second frame, and drives the first display area by using the first drive frequency and drives the second display area by using the second frequency during at least one third frame.

[0009] In an embodiment, the driving controller may receive a multi-frequency enable signal indicating a multi-frequency mode, a driving frequency signal indicating a frequency of the second display area for each of a previous frame and a current frame, and a starting position signal indicating a starting position of the second display area for each of the previous frame and the current frame.

[0010] In an embodiment, when the multi-frequency enable signal is at a first level, the driving controller may operate in the multi-frequency mode.

[0011] In an embodiment, when a driving frequency signal of a current frame is different from a driving frequency signal of a previous frame, or when a starting position signal of a current frame is different from a starting position signal of a previous frame, during at least one frame, a driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency.

[0012] In an embodiment, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to a first value, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency during a first intermediate frame, and during at least one third frame, the first display area may be driven by using the first driving frequency and the second display area may be driven by using the second frequency.

[0013] In an embodiment, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the first value and less than or equal to the second value, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency during a first intermediate frame, may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second frequency during a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, and may drive the first display area by using the first driving frequency and drive the second display area by using the second frequency during at least one third frame.

[0014] In an embodiment, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than a second value greater than the first value, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency during a first intermediate frame, may drive the first display area and the second display area by using the second intermediate frequency during a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a third intermediate frequency between the second intermediate frequency and the second frequency during a third intermediate frame continuous with the second intermediate frame, and may drive the first display area by using the first driving frequency and the second display area by using the second frequency during at least one third frame.

[0015] In an embodiment, when a driving frequency signal of a current frame is the same as a driving frequency signal of a previous frame and when a starting position signal of a current frame is different from a starting position signal of a previous frame, during at least one frame, a driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency according to a multi-frequency mode.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first driving frequency may be higher than or equal to the base frequency.

[0017] According to an embodiment, a method for driving a display device includes: receiving an image signal corresponding to a first display area and a second display area of ​​a display panel, a multi-frequency enable signal indicating a multi-frequency mode, a driving frequency signal indicating a frequency of the second display area for each of a previous frame and a current frame, and a starting position signal indicating a starting position of the second display area for each of the previous frame and the current frame; when the multi-frequency enable signal indicates the multi-frequency mode, comparing the driving frequency signal of a current frame with the driving frequency signal of a previous frame, and comparing the starting position signal of the current frame with the starting position signal of the previous frame; based on determining that the driving frequency signal of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal of the previous frame or determining that the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during at least one frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency; and driving the first display area by using a first driving frequency, and driving the second display area by using a second driving frequency corresponding to the driving frequency signal of the current frame.

[0018] In an embodiment, the method may further include: when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal of the previous frame, comparing the driving frequency signal of the current frame with a first value; and when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the first value, driving the display panel. Driving the display panel when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the first value may include: driving the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second driving frequency; and driving the first display area by using the first driving frequency, and driving the second display area by using the second driving frequency.

[0019] In an embodiment, the method may further include: comparing the driving frequency signal of the current frame with a second value greater than the first value; and driving the display panel when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the second value. Driving the display panel when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the second value may include: driving the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency; driving the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second driving frequency; and driving the first display area by using the first driving frequency and driving the second display area by using the second driving frequency.

[0020] In an embodiment, the method may further include: comparing the driving frequency signal of the current frame with a second value greater than the first value; and driving the display panel when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the second value. Driving the display panel when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the second value may include: during a first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency; during a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency; during a third intermediate frame continuous with the second intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a third intermediate frequency between the second intermediate frequency and the second driving frequency; and driving the first display area by using the first driving frequency and driving the second display area by using the second driving frequency.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method may further include: when a driving frequency signal of a current frame is the same as a driving frequency signal of a previous frame and when a starting position signal of the current frame is different from a starting position signal of the previous frame, during at least one frame, driving the first display area and the second display area according to a multi-frequency mode (for example, by using a basic frequency).

[0022] In an embodiment, the second driving frequency may be lower than the first driving frequency.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first driving frequency may be higher than or equal to the base frequency.

[0024] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a processor that provides an image signal, a multi-frequency enable signal, and a driving frequency signal; and a display device that receives the image signal, the multi-frequency enable signal, and the driving frequency signal and displays an image. The display device includes a display panel including a first display area and a second display area, and a drive controller that receives the image signal, the multi-frequency enable signal, and the driving frequency signal and outputs an image data signal to be provided to the display panel. During a multi-frequency mode, the drive controller drives the first display area by using a first driving frequency, and drives the second display area by using a second driving frequency different from the first driving frequency. In the case where the multi-frequency enable signal indicates a multi-frequency mode, when the second driving frequency corresponding to the driving frequency signal changes from the first frequency to the second frequency, the drive controller drives the first display area and the second display area during at least one frame by using a base frequency, drives the first display area and the second display area by using an intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency during at least one second frame, and drives the first display area by using the first driving frequency and drives the second display area by using the second frequency during at least one third frame.

[0025] In an embodiment, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to a first value, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency during a first intermediate frame, and may drive the first display area by using the first driving frequency and drive the second display area by using the second frequency during at least one third frame.

[0026] In an embodiment, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the first value and less than or equal to the second value, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency during a first intermediate frame, may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second frequency during a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, and may drive the first display area by using the first driving frequency and drive the second display area by using the second frequency during at least one third frame.

[0027] In an embodiment, the processor may provide a driving frequency signal for each of the previous frame and the current frame, and the processor may also provide a starting position signal for each of the previous frame and the current frame. When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is the same as the driving frequency signal of the previous frame and when the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during at least one frame, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area according to a multi-frequency mode (e.g., by using a base frequency).

[0028] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a processor that provides an image signal, a multi-frequency enable signal, a driving frequency signal, and a starting position signal; and a display device that receives the image signal, the multi-frequency enable signal, the driving frequency signal, and the starting position signal and displays an image. The display device may include: a display panel; and a driving controller that divides the display panel into a first display area and a second display area and drives the first display area and the second display area in response to the starting position signal when the multi-frequency enable signal indicates a multi-frequency mode. The starting position signal may indicate the starting position of the second display area of ​​the display panel. In response to the driving frequency signal, the driving controller may drive the first display area by using a first driving frequency, and may drive the second display area by using a second driving frequency different from the first driving frequency.

[0029] In an embodiment, in a case where the multi-frequency enable signal indicates a multi-frequency mode, when the second driving frequency corresponding to the driving frequency signal is changed from the first frequency to the second frequency, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using the basic frequency during at least one frame, and then may drive the first display area and the second display area by using an intermediate frequency between the basic frequency and the second frequency during at least one frame, and then may drive the first display area by using the first driving frequency and drive the second display area by using the second frequency.

[0030] In an embodiment, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to a first value, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency during a first intermediate frame, and may then drive the first display area by using the first driving frequency and drive the second display area by using the second frequency.

[0031] In an embodiment, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the first value and less than or equal to the second value, the driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency (e.g., the first intermediate frequency) during a first intermediate frame (e.g., the first intermediate frame), and then may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency (e.g., the second intermediate frequency) between the first intermediate frequency (e.g., the first intermediate frequency) and the second frequency during a second intermediate frame (e.g., the second intermediate frame) continuous with the first intermediate frame (e.g., the first intermediate frame), and then may drive the first display area by using the first driving frequency and drive the second display area by using the second frequency.

[0032] In an embodiment, when a driving frequency signal of a current frame is the same as a driving frequency signal of a previous frame and when a starting position signal of a current frame is different from a starting position signal of a previous frame, during at least one frame, a driving controller may drive the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The above and other objects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4A is a diagram for describing the operation of the display device in the single frequency mode.

[0038] Figure 4B is a diagram for describing the operation of the display device in the multi-frequency mode.

[0039] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of a pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 8A is a timing chart showing signals used in the display device when the operation mode is the single frequency mode.

[0043] Figure 8B is a timing chart showing signals used in the display device when the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for describing the operation of a drive controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an operation mode according to a driving frequency signal of a current frame.

[0046] Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a diagram showing how an image is displayed in a display device when the driving frequency is changed.

[0047] Fig.14 is a flowchart for describing the operation of a drive controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.15 is a diagram showing how an image is displayed in a display device when the driving frequency is changed.

[0049] Fig.16 is a flowchart for describing the operation of a drive controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.17 is a flowchart for describing the operation of a drive controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.18 is a diagram showing how an image is displayed in a display device when the driving frequency is changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the specification, the statement that a first component (or region, layer, portion, part, etc.) is “on”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” a second component means that the first component is directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the second component, or means that a third component is arranged therebetween.

[0053] The same reference numerals / symbols refer to the same components. In the drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of the components are exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content. The expression "and / or" includes one or more combinations that the associated components can define.

[0054] Although the terms "first," "second," and similar words may be used to describe various components, the components should not be interpreted as being limited by the terms. The terms are used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a "first component," without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular because they have a single referent, but the use of the singular form in the specification should not exclude the presence of more than one referent.

[0055] The terms "under," "beneath," "on," "above," and similar terms are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. The terms are relative and are described with respect to the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0056] It will be understood that the terms "include", "comprise", "have" and similar words illustrate the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, elements or components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements or components, or combinations thereof. The exemplary flow charts described herein correspond to methods supported by embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In addition, unless explicitly defined herein, terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure support increasing the driving frequency of a display device to improve the quality of an image to be displayed in the display device. In some aspects, embodiments of the present disclosure support reducing the driving frequency of a display device to reduce the power consumption of the display device.

[0059] Figure 1 A display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 , a portable terminal is shown as an example of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The portable terminal may include a tablet PC, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a game console, a watch-type electronic device, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition to large electronic devices such as televisions or external billboards, the present disclosure can also be used for small and medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, notebook computers, kiosks, car navigation units, and cameras. The examples described herein are provided as exemplary embodiments, and aspects of the present disclosure support the application of the features of the display device DD to any other electronic device without departing from the concept of the present disclosure.

[0061] like Figure 1As shown in , a display surface on which the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are displayed is parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display device DD includes a plurality of areas distinguished from each other on the display surface. The display surface includes a display area DA on which the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are displayed and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be referred to as a frame area. As an example, the display area DA may be in a quadrilateral shape. The non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA. Although not shown, as an example, the display device DD may include a partially bent shape.

[0062] The display area DA of the display device DD includes a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. In a specific application, a first image IM1 may be displayed in the first display area DA1, and a second image IM2 may be displayed in the second display area DA2. For example, the first image IM1 may be an image with a fast change cycle (e.g., a video image), and the second image IM2 may be an image with a long change cycle (e.g., a still image, such as a photo or text information, for example).

[0063] The operation mode of the display device DD may be a single frequency mode and a multi-frequency mode. For example, the display device DD may operate according to the single frequency mode or the multi-frequency mode. During the single frequency mode, the display device DD may drive both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using the base frequency. During the multi-frequency mode, the display device DD according to the embodiment may drive the first display area DA1 displaying the first image IM1 by using the first driving frequency, and may drive the second display area DA2 displaying the second image IM2 by using the second driving frequency. In an embodiment, the first driving frequency may be higher than or equal to the base frequency. In an embodiment, the second driving frequency may be lower than the first driving frequency, and in some instances, greater than the base frequency. The display device DD may reduce power consumption by reducing the driving frequency of the second display area DA2.

[0064] The size of each of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be predetermined and may be changed by an application program (eg, a program executed at the display device DD).

[0065] In an embodiment, when a still image is displayed in the first display area DA1 and a video image is displayed in the second display area DA2, the first display area DA1 may be driven by using a frequency lower than a basic frequency, and the second display area DA2 may be driven by using a frequency higher than or equal to the basic frequency.

[0066] In an embodiment, the display area DA may be divided into three or more display areas; in this exemplary case, the driving frequency of each of the three or more display areas may be determined according to the type of images displayed therein (e.g., still images or video images). That is, for example, the display device DD may drive each of the three or more display areas using a corresponding driving frequency determined by the display device DD based on the type of images displayed in the three or more display areas.

[0067] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a perspective view of a display device DD2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A The unfolded state of the display device DD2 is shown, and Figure 2B The folded state of the display device DD2 is shown.

[0068] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in , the display device DD2 includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display device DD2 may display an image through the display area DA. When the display device DD2 is unfolded, the display area DA may include a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The thickness direction of the display device DD2 may be parallel to a third direction DR3 intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Therefore, the front surface (or upper surface) and the bottom surface (or lower surface) of the components constituting the display device DD2 may be defined relative to the third direction DR3. The non-display area NDA may be referred to as a frame area. As an example, the display area DA may be in the shape of a quadrilateral. The non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA.

[0069] The display area DA may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA may be bent about a folding axis FX extending in the first direction DR1.

[0070] When the display device DD2 is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may face each other. Therefore, in a state where the display device DD2 is completely folded, the display area DA may not be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as "folding inward". The folding described is an example, and the operation of the display device DD2 is not limited thereto.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the display device DD2 is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be opposite to each other (e.g., facing away from each other). Therefore, for example, in a state where the display device DD2 is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1 may be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as "outward folding".

[0072] In some embodiments, the display device DD2 may support one of inward folding and outward folding of the display device DD2. Alternatively, the display device DD2 may support inward folding and outward folding of the display device DD2. In this case, the same area of ​​the display device DD2 (e.g., the folding area FA) may be foldable inwardly or foldable outwardly (or foldable inwardly and outwardly). Alternatively or additionally, a partial area of ​​the display device DD2 may be foldable inwardly, and the remaining area of ​​the display device DD2 may be foldable outwardly.

[0073] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example of , one folding area and two non-folding areas are shown, but the number of folding areas and the number of non-folding areas are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD2 may include multiple non-folding areas and multiple folding areas, the number of the multiple non-folding areas is more than two, and the number of the multiple folding areas is more than two. In some aspects, each of the multiple folding areas may be between mutually adjacent non-folding areas among the multiple non-folding areas.

[0074] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B , an example in which the folding axis FX is parallel to the short axis of the display device DD2 is shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis FX may extend in a direction parallel to the long axis of the display device DD2 (eg, the second direction DR2).

[0075] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B , an example in which the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 are sequentially arranged in the second direction DR2 is shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be sequentially arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0076] A plurality of display areas DA1 and DA2 may be defined in the display area DA of the display device DD2. Figure 2A Two display areas DA1 and DA2 are shown in FIG. 2 as an example, but the number of display areas of the display device DD2 is not limited thereto.

[0077] The plurality of display areas may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. For example, the first display area DA1 may be an area displaying a first image IM1, and the second display area DA2 may be an area displaying a second image IM2. For example, the first image IM1 may be a video image, and the second image IM2 may be a still image.

[0078] The display device DD2 according to the embodiment may be operated differently according to the operation mode. The operation mode of the display device DD2 may include a single frequency mode and a multi-frequency mode. During the single frequency mode, the display device DD2 may drive both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using the base frequency. During the multi-frequency mode, the display device DD2 according to the embodiment may drive the first display area DA1 displaying the first image IM1 by using the first driving frequency, and may drive the second display area DA2 displaying the second image IM2 by using the second driving frequency. In an embodiment, the first driving frequency may be higher than or equal to the base frequency, and the second driving frequency may be lower than the first driving frequency. In an embodiment, the second driving frequency may be higher than the base frequency.

[0079] The size of each of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be predetermined and may be changed by an application. In an embodiment, the first display area DA1 may correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second display area DA2 may correspond to the second non-folding area NFA2. In some aspects, a first portion of the folding area FA may correspond to the first display area DA1 (e.g., included in the first display area DA1), and a second portion of the folding area FA may correspond to the second display area DA2 (e.g., included in the second display area DA2).

[0080] In an embodiment, the entire folding area FA may correspond to one of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. For example, the entire folding area FA may be included in one of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0081] In an embodiment, the first display area DA1 may correspond to a first portion of the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second display area DA2 may correspond to a second portion of the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2. That is, for example, the size of the second display area DA2 may be greater than the size of the first display area DA1.

[0082] In an embodiment, the first display area DA1 may correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the first part of the second non-folding area NFA2, and the second display area DA2 may correspond to the second part of the second non-folding area NFA2. That is, for example, the size of the first display area DA1 may be larger than the size of the second display area DA2.

[0083] like Figure 2BAs shown in FIG. 1 , in a state where the folding area FA is folded, the first display area DA1 may correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1 , and the second display area DA2 may correspond to the folding area FA and the second non-folding area NFA2 .

[0084] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B , an example of a display device DD2 having one folding area is shown as an example of a display device. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied to a display device having two or more folding areas, a rollable display device, or a slidable display device.

[0085] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a display device DD3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 3 , the display area DAA of the display device DD3 includes a first display area DA11 and a second display area DA12.

[0087] The operation mode of the display device DD3 may include a single frequency mode and a multi-frequency mode. During the single frequency mode, the display device DD3 may drive both the first display area DA11 and the second display area DA12 by using a basic frequency. During the multi-frequency mode, the display device DD3 according to the embodiment may drive the first display area DA11 displaying a video image by using a first driving frequency, and may drive the second display area DA12 displaying a still image by using a second driving frequency. In an embodiment, the first driving frequency may be higher than or equal to the basic frequency, and the second driving frequency may be lower than the first driving frequency. In an embodiment, the second driving frequency may be higher than the basic frequency. The display device DD3 may reduce power consumption by lowering the driving frequency of the second display area DA12.

[0088] References in this article Figure 1 However, various aspects of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display device DD2 shown in Figure 3 The display device DD3 shown in .

[0089] Figure 4A is a diagram for describing an operation of a display device DD in a single frequency mode SFD according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is a diagram for describing an operation of a display device DD in a multi-frequency mode MFD according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0090] Reference Figure 4A, the first image IM1 displayed in the first display area DA1 may be a video image, and the second image IM2 displayed in the second display area DA2 may be an image with a long change cycle (eg, a game control keyboard image) or a still image. Figure 4A , a first image IM1 displayed in the first display area DA1 and a second image IM2 displayed in the second display area DA2 are shown as examples, and various images may be displayed in the display device DD.

[0091] In the single frequency mode SFD, the driving frequency of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD corresponds to the basic frequency. For example, the basic frequency may be 120 Hz. In the single frequency mode SFD, images of the first frame F1 to the 120th frame F120 may be sequentially displayed in each of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD within one second.

[0092] Reference Figure 4B In the multi-frequency mode MFD, the display device DD may set the driving frequency of the first display area DA1 displaying the first image IM1 (e.g., a video image) to the first driving frequency, and may set the driving frequency of the second display area DA2 displaying the second image IM2 (e.g., a still image) to the second driving frequency lower than the first driving frequency. In an example, the first driving frequency may be 120 Hz, and the second driving frequency may be 1 Hz. The first driving frequency and the second driving frequency may be variously changed. For example, the processor may variously change the first driving frequency and the second driving frequency, and exemplary aspects of the first driving frequency and the second driving frequency are described herein.

[0093] In the multi-frequency mode MFD, when the first driving frequency is 120 Hz and the second driving frequency is 1 Hz, within a period of one second, a data signal corresponding to the first image IM1 may be provided to the first display area DA1 of the display device DD in each of the first frame F1 to the 120th frame F120, and a data signal corresponding to the second image IM2 may be provided to the second display area DA2 in the first frame F1 (e.g., and not in a frame different from the first frame F1). That is, for example, since a new data signal is not provided to the second display area DA2 in the second frame F2 to the 120th frame F120, the second image IM2 that is the same as the image displayed in the first frame F1 may be displayed in the second frame F2 to the 120th frame F120.

[0094] exist Figure 4B, a multi-frequency mode MFD in which the first driving frequency is 120 Hz and the second driving frequency is 1 Hz is shown as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second driving frequency may be variously changed to a frequency lower than the first driving frequency, such as 60 Hz, 30 Hz, and 10 Hz.

[0095] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Reference Figure 5 , the electronic device ED includes a processor AP and a display device DD.

[0097] The processor AP may include one of various processors, such as an application processor, a graphics processor, and a main processor. The processor AP may provide various signals to the display device DD so as to display an image in the display device DD. The display device DD may display an image in response to a signal provided from the processor AP.

[0098] In an embodiment, the signals provided from the processor AP to the display device DD include a multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN, a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ, a start position signal MFD_ST, an image signal RGB, and a control signal CTRL.

[0099] The multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is a signal indicating whether the display device DD is operated in the multi-frequency mode (or whether the display device DD is to be operated in the multi-frequency mode). For example, the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN may indicate the state of the multi-frequency mode (e.g., an activated state, an inactivated state). When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a first level (or an effective level), the display area of ​​the display device DD may be divided into at least two display areas, and the display areas may be driven by using different corresponding frequencies.

[0100] The driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ indicates a driving frequency of at least one of the display areas of the display device DD in the multi-frequency mode. In an embodiment, when the display area of ​​the display device DD is divided into a first display area and a second display area, the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ may indicate a frequency of the second display area. In an embodiment, when the display area of ​​the display device DD is divided into a first display area and a second display area, the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ may include a frequency of each of the first display area and the second display area. In an embodiment, when the display area of ​​the display device DD is divided into a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area, the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ may include a frequency of each of the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area.

[0101] The starting position signal MFD_ST is a signal for distinguishing the display area of ​​the display device DD in the multi-frequency mode. In an embodiment, when the display area of ​​the display device DD is divided into a first display area and a second display area, the starting position signal MFD_ST may indicate the starting position of the second display area. In an embodiment, when the display area of ​​the display device DD is divided into a first display area and a second display area, the starting position signal MFD_ST may include the starting position of each of the first display area and the second display area. In an embodiment, when the display area of ​​the display device DD is divided into a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area, the starting position signal MFD_ST may include the starting position of each of the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area.

[0102] The image signal RGB is a signal corresponding to an image to be displayed in the display device DD.

[0103] The control signal CTRL may include signals supporting the operation of the display device DD, such as a clock signal and a synchronization signal, for example.

[0104] In an embodiment, the display device DD may operate in a multi-frequency mode in response to a multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN, a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ, and a start position signal MFD_ST provided from the processor AP. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the display device DD may determine an appropriate operating mode (e.g., a single frequency mode, a multi-frequency mode) based on the image signal RGB and the control signal CTRL, and may operate in the operating mode.

[0105] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 , the display device DD includes a display panel DP, a driving controller 100, a data driving circuit 200, a voltage generator 300, a scan driving circuit SDC and an emission driving circuit EDC.

[0107] The driving controller 100 may receive a multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN, a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ, a start position signal MFD_ST, an image signal RGB, and a control signal CTRL. The driving controller 100 converts and outputs the image signal RGB as an image data signal DS. The driving controller 100 outputs a scan control signal SCS, a data control signal DCS, an emission control signal ECS, and a voltage control signal VCS.

[0108] The data driving circuit 200 receives a data control signal DCS and an image data signal DS from the driving controller 100. The data driving circuit 200 converts the image data signal DS into a data signal and may output the data signal to a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm, exemplary aspects of which are described later herein.

[0109] The voltage generator 300 generates voltages supporting the operation of the display panel DP in response to the voltage control signal VCS from the driving controller 100. In an embodiment, the voltage generator 300 generates a first driving voltage ELVDD, a second driving voltage ELVSS, a first initialization voltage VINT1, and a second initialization voltage VINT2.

[0110] The display panel DP includes scan lines GIL1 to GILn, GCL1 to GCLn, and GWL1 to GWLn+1, emission control lines EML1 to EMLn, data lines DL1 to DLm, and pixels PX.

[0111] In an embodiment, the scan driving circuit SDC is disposed on a first side of the display panel DP. The scan lines GIL1 to GILn, GCL1 to GCLn, and GWL1 to GWLn+1 extend from the scan driving circuit SDC in a first direction DR1.

[0112] The emission driving circuit EDC is disposed on the second side of the display panel DP. The emission control lines EML1 to EMLn extend from the emission driving circuit EDC in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0113] In an embodiment, the scan driving circuit SDC and the emission driving circuit EDC may be formed in the same process as the pixel PX of the display panel DP. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, each of the scan driving circuit SDC and the emission driving circuit EDC may be implemented as a separate driver chip and may be electrically connected to the display panel DP.

[0114] The scan lines GIL1 to GILn, GCL1 to GCLn and GWL1 to GWLn+1 and the emission control lines EML1 to EMLn are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The data lines DL1 to DLm extend from the data driving circuit 200 in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0115] exist Figure 6In the example shown in , the scan drive circuit SDC and the emission drive circuit EDC are arranged so that the scan drive circuit SDC and the emission drive circuit EDC face each other with the pixel PX interposed therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the scan drive circuit SDC and the emission drive circuit EDC may be arranged adjacent to the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP (e.g., arranged outside the display area DA). In an embodiment, the scan drive circuit SDC and the emission drive circuit EDC may be implemented in a single circuit.

[0116] The plurality of pixels PX are electrically connected to the scan lines GIL1 to GILn, GCL1 to GCLn and GWL1 to GWLn+1, the emission control lines EML1 to EMLn and the data lines DL1 to DLm. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may be electrically connected to four scan lines and one emission control line. Figure 6 As shown in , the pixels PX belonging to the first row can be connected to the scan lines GIL1, GCL1, GWL1 and GWL2 and the emission control line EML1. The pixels PX belonging to the i-th row can be connected to the scan lines GILi, GCLi, GWLi and GWLi+1 and the emission control line EMLi. The pixels PX belonging to the n-th row can be connected to the scan lines GILn, GCLn, GWLn and GWLn+1 and the emission control line EMLn.

[0117] Each of the plurality of pixels PX includes a light emitting element EE (see Figure 7 ) and a pixel circuit PXC (refer to Figure 7 ). The pixel circuit PXC may include one or more transistors and one or more capacitors. The scan driving circuit SDC and the emission driving circuit EDC may include transistors formed by the same process as the pixel circuit PXC.

[0118] Each of the plurality of pixels PX receives a first driving voltage ELVDD, a second driving voltage ELVSS, a first initialization voltage VINT1 , and a second initialization voltage VINT2 from the voltage generator 300 .

[0119] The scan driving circuit SDC receives a scan control signal SCS from the driving controller 100. The scan driving circuit SDC may output scan signals to the scan lines GIL1 to GILn, GCL1 to GCLn, and GWL1 to GWLn+1 in response to the scan control signal SCS.

[0120] The drive controller 100 according to the embodiment may determine the operation mode based on the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN. In an embodiment, the drive controller 100 may determine the operation mode based on the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN. For example, the drive controller 100 may set the multi-frequency mode or the single frequency mode as the operation mode based on the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN. For example, when the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a first level (or an effective level), the drive controller 100 may select the multi-frequency mode as the operation mode. In another example, when the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a second level (or an invalid level), the drive controller 100 may select the single frequency mode as the operation mode. In some embodiments, the first level (or an effective level) and the second level (or an invalid level) may be corresponding voltage levels associated with selecting the multi-frequency mode as the operation mode (i.e., activating the multi-frequency mode) and selecting the single frequency mode as the operation mode (i.e., activating the single frequency mode).

[0121] The driving controller 100 may determine a plurality of areas (eg, a first display area DA1 (see Figures 1 to 4B ) and the second display area DA2 (refer to Figures 1 to 4B ))'s driving frequency for each.

[0122] In an embodiment, when the single frequency mode is selected as the operation mode, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 1 , the driving controller 100 drives both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using a basic frequency (eg, 120 Hz).

[0123] When the multi-frequency mode is selected as the operation mode, the drive controller 100 may divide the display area of ​​the display panel DP into the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, and may set the driving frequency of each of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. For example, in the multi-frequency mode, the drive controller 100 may drive the first display area DA1 by using a first driving frequency (e.g., 120 Hz), and may drive the second display area DA2 by using a second driving frequency (e.g., 1 Hz). The operation of the drive controller 100 will be described in detail later.

[0124] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of a pixel PXij according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] exist Figure 7 The figure shows the connection to the data lines DL1 to DLm (refer to Figure 6 ) among the j-th data line DLj, the scanning lines GIL1 to GILn, GCL1 to GCLn and GWL1 to GWLn+1 (refer to Figure 6) among the i-th scan line GILi, GCLi and GWLi, the (i+1)-th scan line GWLi+1 and the emission control lines EML1 to EMLn (refer to Figure 6 ) is taken as an example.

[0126] Figure 6 Each of the plurality of pixels PX shown in FIG. 1 may have Figure 7 The equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel PXij has the same circuit configuration as shown in FIG.

[0127] Reference Figure 7 According to an embodiment, a pixel PXij includes a pixel circuit PXC and at least one light emitting element EE. In an embodiment, the light emitting element EE may be a light emitting diode. In an embodiment, an example in which one pixel PXij includes one light emitting element EE will be described. The pixel circuit PXC includes a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a fourth transistor T4, a fifth transistor T5, a sixth transistor T6, a seventh transistor T7, and a capacitor Cst.

[0128] In an embodiment, the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 among the first transistor T1 to the seventh transistor T7 are N-type transistors using an oxide semiconductor as a semiconductor layer, and each of the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the fifth transistor T5, the sixth transistor T6, and the seventh transistor T7 is a P-type transistor having a low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) semiconductor layer. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, all of the first transistor T1 to the seventh transistor T7 may be P-type transistors or N-type transistors. In an embodiment, at least one of the first transistor T1 to the seventh transistor T7 may be an N-type transistor, and the remaining transistors may be P-type transistors. The pixel circuit configuration according to the present disclosure is not limited to Figure 7 Instance of . Figure 7 The pixel circuit PXC shown in is provided as an example, and the configuration of the pixel circuit PXC may be modified and implemented.

[0129] The i-th scan line GILi, GCLi and GWLi and the (i+1)-th scan line GWLi+1 can transmit scan signals GIi, GCi, GWi and GWi+1, respectively, and the i-th emission control line EMLi can transmit the emission control signal EMi. The j-th data line DLj transmits a data signal Dj. The data signal Dj can have a certain value similar to that input to the display device DD (refer to Figure 6) The first driving voltage line VL1, the second driving voltage line VL2, the third driving voltage line VL3 and the fourth driving voltage line VL4 can transmit the first driving voltage ELVDD, the second driving voltage ELVSS, the first initialization voltage VINT1 and the second initialization voltage VINT2 respectively.

[0130] The first transistor T1 includes a first electrode connected to the first driving voltage line VL1 through a fifth transistor T5, a second electrode electrically connected to the anode of the light emitting element EE through a sixth transistor T6, and a gate electrode connected to a first end of the capacitor Cst. The first transistor T1 may receive a data signal Dj transmitted through the j-th data line DLj according to a switching operation of the second transistor T2 (e.g., based on a turn-on state of the second transistor T2), and may supply a driving current Ied to the light emitting element EE.

[0131] The second transistor T2 includes a first electrode connected to the j-th data line DLj, a second electrode connected to the first electrode of the first transistor T1, and a gate electrode connected to the i-th scan line GWLi. The second transistor T2 can be turned on according to the scan signal GWi transmitted through the i-th scan line GWLi, and can transmit the data signal Dj from the j-th data line DLj to the first electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0132] The third transistor T3 includes a first electrode connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1, a second electrode connected to the second electrode of the first transistor T1, and a gate electrode connected to the i-th scan line GCLi. The third transistor T3 may be turned on according to the scan signal GCi transmitted through the i-th scan line GCLi, and thus, the gate electrode and the second electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to each other. That is, for example, the first transistor T1 may be diode-connected.

[0133] The fourth transistor T4 includes a first electrode connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1, a second electrode connected to the third driving voltage line VL3 transmitting the first initialization voltage VINT1, and a gate electrode connected to the i-th scan line GILi. The fourth transistor T4 may be turned on according to the scan signal GIi transmitted through the i-th scan line GILi, and thus, the first initialization voltage VINT1 may be transmitted to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1. In this way, the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor T1 may be initialized. The operation of initializing the gate electrode of the first transistor T1 may be referred to as an "initialization operation".

[0134] The fifth transistor T5 includes a first electrode connected to the first driving voltage line VL1, a second electrode connected to the first electrode of the first transistor T1, and a gate electrode connected to the i-th emission control line EMLi.

[0135] The sixth transistor T6 includes a first electrode connected to the second electrode of the first transistor T1, a second electrode connected to the anode of the light emitting element EE, and a gate electrode connected to the i-th emission control line EMLi.

[0136] The fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 may be synchronously turned on based on the emission control signal EMi transmitted through the i th emission control line EMLi, and thus the first driving voltage ELVDD may be compensated through the diode-connected first transistor T1 to be supplied to the light emitting element EE.

[0137] The seventh transistor T7 includes a first electrode connected to the second electrode of the sixth transistor T6, a second electrode connected to the fourth driving voltage line VL4, and a gate electrode connected to the (i+1)th scanning line GWLi+1. The seventh transistor T7 is turned on based on the scanning signal GWi+1 transmitted through the (i+1)th scanning line GWLi+1, and bypasses the current Id of the anode of the light emitting element EE to the fourth driving voltage line VL4.

[0138] As described herein, a first end of the capacitor Cst is connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1, and a second end of the capacitor Cst is connected to the first driving voltage line VL1. The cathode of the light emitting element EE may be connected to the second driving voltage line VL2 transmitting the second driving voltage ELVSS. The embodiment of the circuit configuration of the pixel PXij is not limited to Figure 7 In the pixel PXij, the number of transistors, the number of capacitors, and the connection relationship between the transistors and the capacitors may be variously changed or modified.

[0139] Fig. 8A is a timing diagram showing signals used in the display device DD when the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD. Figure 8B is a timing chart showing signals used in the display device DD when the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD.

[0140] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display area DA of the display device DD includes a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 .

[0141] exist Figure 1 The first display area DA1 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the scan signals GI1 to GIk and Figure 1 Under the exemplary assumption that the second display area DA2 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the scanning signals GIk+1 to GIn, referring to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A description is given. The number of scan signals corresponding to the first display area DA1 and the number of scan signals corresponding to the second display area DA2 may be variously changed.

[0142] Reference Figure 6 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the operation of the driving controller 100 in the display device DD may be classified into a first case where the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD or a second case where the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD.

[0143] (I) In the first case where the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD, the display device DD operates as follows.

[0144] Reference Figure 6 and Fig. 8A , the scan control signal SCS provided from the drive controller 100 to the scan driving circuit SDC may include a start signal FLM. The start signal FLM may be a signal indicating the start of one frame. The start signal FLM may transition to an active level (e.g., a high level) in each of the first frame F1, the second frame F2, the third frame F3, ..., the 120th frame F120, and the 121st frame F121.

[0145] Figure 6 The control signal CTRL received by the driving controller 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include a data enable signal DE. The data enable signal DE may be a signal that transitions to an effective level for each horizontal line when receiving a valid image signal RGB. For example, when the display panel DP includes pixels PX arranged at 2640 (i.e., n=2640) horizontal lines, in the single frequency mode SFD, the data enable signal DE transitions to an effective level 2640 times.

[0146] During the single frequency mode SFD, in each of the first frame F1, the second frame F2, . . . , the 120th frame F120, and the 121st frame F121, the scan driving circuit SDC may sequentially activate the scan signals GI1 to GIk (or the scan signals GI1 to GIn) to a high level in response to the start signal FLM.

[0147] According to the description herein, during the single frequency mode SFD, the frequency of each of the scan signals GI1 to GIk (or the scan signals GI1 to GIn) may be a basic frequency (eg, 120 Hz).

[0148] (II) In the second case where the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD, the operation of the display device DD is as follows.

[0149] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8B , when the display panel DP includes pixels PX arranged at 2640 (ie, n=2640) horizontal lines, the data enable signal DE transitions to the active level 2640 times in each of the first frame F1 and the 121st frame F121 of the multi-frequency mode MFD.

[0150] In each of the second to 120th frames F2 to F120 of the multi-frequency mode MFD, the data enable signal DE is maintained at an inactive level (eg, a low level) in a horizontal line area corresponding to the second display area DA2 of the display device DD.

[0151] When 'k'=1320, in each of the second frame F2 and the third frame F3 (or the second frame F2 to the 120th frame F120) of the multi-frequency mode MFD, the data enable signal DE may transition to the active level 1320 times and then may be maintained at an inactive level (e.g., a low level).

[0152] In each of the first frame F1 and the 121st frame F121 of the multi-frequency mode MFD, the scan driving circuit SDC may sequentially activate the scan signals GI1 to GIk (or the scan signals GI1 to GIn) to a high level in synchronization with the start signal FLM.

[0153] In each of the second frame F2 to the 120th frame F120 of the multi-frequency mode MFD, the scan driving circuit SDC may sequentially activate the scan signals GI1 to GIk to a high level in synchronization with the start signal FLM. In each of the second frame F2 to the 120th frame F120 of the multi-frequency mode MFD, the scan driving circuit SDC may maintain the scan signals GIk+1 to GIn at an inactive level (or a low level).

[0154] According to the exemplary description herein, during the multi-frequency mode MFD, the frequency of each of the scanning signals GI1 to GIk may be a first driving frequency (e.g., 120 Hz), and the frequency of each of the scanning signals GIk+1 to GIn may be a second driving frequency (e.g., 1 Hz).

[0155] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the driving controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Reference Figure 6 and Fig. 9 , driving controller 100 from processor AP (refer to Figure 5 ) receives a multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN, a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ, and a start position signal MFD_ST (S100). The driving controller 100 may also receive an image signal RGB and a control signal CTRL from the processor AP. The image signal RGB provided from the processor AP may include a first display area DA1 (refer to Figure 1 ) and the second display area DA2 (refer to Figure 1 ) corresponding to the signal.

[0157] The driving controller 100 determines whether the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD based on the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN ( S110 ).

[0158] When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a first level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD. When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a second level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD. When the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD, the control of the drive controller 100 returns to operation S100.

[0159] When the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD, the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame with the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame, and compares the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame with the start position signal MFD_ST′ of the current frame ( S120 ).

[0160] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is identical to the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame and the start position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is identical to the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, the driving controller 100 operates in the multi-frequency mode MFD (S130).

[0161] That is, for example, when the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame and the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame, the driving controller 100 may operate in the multi-frequency mode MFD without switching the operating mode.

[0162] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame, or when the starting position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is different from the starting position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, during one frame, the driving controller 100 operates by using the basic frequency (for example, 120 Hz) (S140). That is, for example, during one frame, the driving controller 100 can drive the first display area DA1 (refer to Figure 1 ) and the second display area DA2 (refer to Figure 1 ) both. In an embodiment, during one frame, the driving controller 100 drives both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using the basic frequency, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, during at least two frames, the driving controller 100 may drive both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using the basic frequency.

[0163] The driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame with the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame ( S150 ).

[0164] When it is determined in operation S150 that the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is the same as the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame, the starting position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame may be determined to be different from the starting position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame. For example, the driving controller 100 may compare the starting position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame with the starting position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame. When the starting position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is different from the starting position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, the driving controller 100 changes the starting position of the second display area DA2 and operates in the multi-frequency mode MFD (S152).

[0165] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame, the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame with a first value (eg, “4”) ( S160 ).

[0166] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is less than or equal to the first value (eg, “4”), the driving controller 100 operates in the first step mode MFD_STEP1 ( S162 ).

[0167] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is greater than the first value (eg, '4'), the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame with the second value (eg, '12') ( S170 ).

[0168] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is less than or equal to the second value (e.g., "12") (i.e., when the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is greater than the first value (e.g., "4") and less than or equal to the second value (e.g., "12")), the driving controller 100 operates in the second step mode MFD_STEP2 (S172).

[0169] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is greater than the second value (e.g., "12"), the driving controller 100 operates in the third step mode MFD_STEP3 (S174). It should be understood that when the condition is met described herein (e.g., when the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at the first level (or effective level), when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal of the previous frame, when the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, and similar descriptions herein, etc.) includes a determination by the electronic device ED (e.g., the display device DD) that the condition has been met, and includes any combination of decisions or operations associated with the determination performed by the electronic device ED.

[0170] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an operation mode according to a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of a current frame.

[0171] Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a diagram showing how an image is displayed in the display device DD when the driving frequency is changed.

[0172] Reference Fig.10 , the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame may have a value between 0 and 120. For example, a value "0" of the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' indicates that the second driving frequency FREQ is 120 Hz, and a value "120" of the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' indicates that the second driving frequency FREQ is 1 Hz. When the second driving frequency FREQ of the current frame is 120 Hz, the driving controller 100 may operate in the single frequency mode SFD.

[0173] When the second driving frequency FREQ of the current frame is changed to one of 60 Hz, 40 Hz, and 30 Hz, the driving controller 100 may operate in the first step mode MFD_STEP1.

[0174] In the first step mode MFD_STEP1 , the driving controller 100 drives the first and second display areas DA1 and DA2 of the display device DD by using the first intermediate frequency MF1 (eg, 60 Hz) during one frame (ie, during a first intermediate frame).

[0175] Next, the driving controller 100 drives the first display area DA1 of the display device DD by using the first driving frequency (for example, 120 Hz), and drives the second display area DA2 of the display device DD by using the second driving frequency FREQ.

[0176] exist Fig.11In the example shown in , from the first frame F1 to the 88th frame F88, the first display area DA1 of the display device DD is driven by using a first driving frequency (e.g., 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD is driven by using a second driving frequency (e.g., 1 Hz).

[0177] When the second driving frequency FREQ changes from the first frequency to the second frequency, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As described in operation S140, during one frame, the driving controller 100 drives the display device DD by using the basic frequency BF. That is, for example, in the 89th frame F89, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using the basic frequency BF.

[0178] Since the second driving frequency FREQ thus changed is 40 Hz (ie, since the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is “3”), the driving controller 100 operates in the first step mode MFD_STEP1 .

[0179] In the first step mode MFD_STEP1, during one frame, the driving controller 100 drives the display device DD by using the first intermediate frequency MF1 (e.g., 60 Hz). That is, for example, in the 90th frame F90, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD can be driven by using the first intermediate frequency MF1.

[0180] From the 91st frame F91, the first display area DA1 of the display device DD may be driven by using the first driving frequency (eg, 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using 40 Hz as the second driving frequency FREQ.

[0181] return Fig.10 , when the second driving frequency FREQ of the current frame is 24 Hz, 20 Hz, 15 Hz, 12 Hz or 10 Hz, the driving controller 100 may operate in the second step mode MFD_STEP2.

[0182] In the second step mode MFD_STEP2, the driving controller 100 drives the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD by using the first intermediate frequency MF1 (for example, 60 Hz) during one frame, and drives the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using the second intermediate frequency MF2 (for example, 30 Hz) during the next frame (i.e., the second intermediate frame). Next, the driving controller 100 drives the first display area DA1 of the display device DD by using the first driving frequency (for example, 120 Hz), and drives the second display area DA2 of the display device DD by the second driving frequency FREQ.

[0183] exist Fig.12 In the example shown in , from the first frame F1 to the 88th frame F88, the first display area DA1 of the display device DD is driven by using a first driving frequency (e.g., 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD is driven by using a second driving frequency (e.g., 1 Hz).

[0184] When the second driving frequency FREQ changes, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As described in operation S140, during one frame, the driving controller 100 drives the display device DD by using the basic frequency BF. That is, for example, in the 89th frame F89, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using the basic frequency BF.

[0185] Since the second driving frequency FREQ thus changed is 20 Hz (ie, since the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is “6”), the driving controller 100 operates in the second step mode MFD_STEP2.

[0186] In the 90th frame F90, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD are driven by using the first intermediate frequency MF1; in the 91st frame F91, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD are driven by using the second intermediate frequency MF2.

[0187] From the 92nd frame F92 , the first display area DA1 of the display device DD may be driven by using the first driving frequency (eg, 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using 20 Hz as the second driving frequency FREQ.

[0188] When the second driving frequency FREQ of the current frame is 8 Hz, 6 Hz, 5 Hz, 4 Hz, 3 Hz, 2 Hz, or 1 Hz, the driving controller 100 may operate in the third step mode MFD_STEP3.

[0189] In the third step mode MFD_STEP3, the driving controller 100 drives the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD by using the first intermediate frequency MF1 (e.g., 60 Hz) during one frame, and then, drives the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using the second intermediate frequency MF2 (e.g., 30 Hz) during the next frame, and then, drives the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by using the third intermediate frequency MF3 (e.g., 10 Hz) during the next frame. Next, the driving controller 100 drives the first display area DA1 of the display device DD by using the first driving frequency (e.g., 120 Hz), and drives the second display area DA2 of the display device DD by using the second driving frequency FREQ. The terms "intermediate frequency" and "intermediate frequency" may be used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that the terms "intermediate frequency" and "intermediate frequency" may include frequencies having values ​​different from another applied frequency, and the term "intermediate frequency" is not necessarily limited to being between intermediate values ​​or intermediate values. The terms "intermediate frame" and "intermediate frame" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0190] exist Fig.13 In the example shown in , from the first frame F1 to the 88th frame F88, the first display area DA1 of the display device DD is driven by using a first driving frequency (e.g., 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD is driven by using a second driving frequency (e.g., 1 Hz).

[0191] When the second driving frequency FREQ changes, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As described in operation S140, during one frame, the driving controller 100 drives the display device DD by using the basic frequency BF. That is, for example, in the 89th frame F89, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using the basic frequency BF.

[0192] Since the second driving frequency FREQ thus changed is 5 Hz (ie, since the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is “24”), the driving controller 100 operates in the third step mode MFD_STEP3 .

[0193] In the 90th frame F90 (i.e., the first intermediate frame), both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD are driven by using the first intermediate frequency MF1; in the 91st frame F91 (i.e., the second intermediate frame), both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD are driven by using the second intermediate frequency MF2; in the 92nd frame F92 (i.e., the third intermediate frame), both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD are driven by using the third intermediate frequency MF3.

[0194] From the 93rd frame F93 , the first display area DA1 of the display device DD may be driven by using the first driving frequency (eg, 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using 5 Hz as the second driving frequency FREQ.

[0195] As described herein, while operating in the multi-frequency mode MFD, when the second driving frequency FREQ corresponding to the second display area DA2 is changed, according to the changed frequency, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be driven by using at least one of the first intermediate frequency MF1, the second intermediate frequency MF2 and the third intermediate frequency MF3 (i.e., the first intermediate frequency MF1, the second intermediate frequency MF2 and the third intermediate frequency MF3), and therefore, a decrease in display quality due to the frequency change can be prevented.

[0196] In an embodiment, in the multi-frequency mode MFD, the electronic device ED may switch the operation mode to the single frequency mode SFD by driving the second display area DA2 using 5 Hz. In this case, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be sequentially driven in the order of the third intermediate frequency MF3 (e.g., 10 Hz), the second intermediate frequency MF2 (e.g., 30 Hz), the first intermediate frequency MF1 (e.g., 60 Hz), and the base frequency BF (e.g., 120 Hz) for each frame.

[0197] Fig.14 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the driving controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] Reference Figure 6 and Fig.14 , driving controller 100 from processor AP (refer to Figure 5 ) receives a multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN, a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ and a start position signal MFD_ST (S200).

[0199] The driving controller 100 determines whether the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD based on the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN ( S210 ).

[0200] When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a first level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD. When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a second level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD. When the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD, the control of the drive controller 100 returns to operation S200.

[0201] When the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD, the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame with the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame, and compares the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame with the start position signal MFD_ST′ of the current frame ( S220 ).

[0202] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is identical to the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame and the start position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is identical to the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, the driving controller 100 operates in the multi-frequency mode MFD (S230).

[0203] That is, for example, when the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame and the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame, the driving controller 100 may operate in the multi-frequency mode MFD without switching the operating mode.

[0204] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame, or when the starting position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is different from the starting position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, during one frame, the driving controller 100 operates by using the basic frequency (for example, 120 Hz) (S240). That is, for example, during one frame, the driving controller 100 can drive the first display area DA1 (refer to Figure 1 ) and the second display area DA2 (refer to Figure 1 )Both.

[0205] The driving controller 100 updates the second driving frequency FREQ of the second display area DA2 and / or the start position of the second display area DA2 based on the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ and the start position signal MFD_ST, and operates in the updated multi-frequency mode MFD (S250).

[0206] Fig.15 is a diagram showing how an image is displayed in the display device DD when the driving frequency is changed.

[0207] Reference Fig.15 From the first frame F1 to the 88th frame F88, the first display area DA1 of the display device DD is driven by using a first driving frequency (for example, 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD is driven by using a second driving frequency (for example, 1 Hz).

[0208] When the second driving frequency FREQ changes, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As described in operation S240, during one frame, the driving controller 100 drives the display device DD by using the basic frequency BF. That is, for example, in the 89th frame F89, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using the basic frequency BF.

[0209] When the second driving frequency FREQ thus changed is 5 Hz (i.e., when the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is "24"), starting from the 90th frame F90, the first display area DA1 of the display device DD is driven by using the first driving frequency (e.g., 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD is driven by using 5 Hz as the second driving frequency FREQ.

[0210] Fig.16 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the driving controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Reference Figure 6 and Fig.16 , driving controller 100 from processor AP (refer to Figure 5 ) receives a multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN, a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ and a start position signal MFD_ST (S300).

[0212] The driving controller 100 determines whether the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD based on the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN ( S310 ).

[0213] When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a first level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD. When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a second level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD. When the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD, the control of the drive controller 100 returns to operation S300.

[0214] When the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD, the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame with the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame, and compares the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame with the start position signal MFD_ST′ of the current frame ( S320 ).

[0215] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is identical to the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame and the start position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is identical to the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, the driving controller 100 operates in the multi-frequency mode MFD (S330).

[0216] That is, for example, when the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame and the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame, the driving controller 100 may operate in the multi-frequency mode MFD without switching the operating mode.

[0217] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame, or when the starting position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is different from the starting position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, during one frame, the driving controller 100 operates by using the basic frequency (for example, 120 Hz) (S340). That is, for example, during one frame, the driving controller 100 can drive the first display area DA1 (refer to Figure 1 ) and the second display area DA2 (refer to Figure 1 )Both.

[0218] The driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame with a first value (eg, “4”) ( S350 ).

[0219] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is less than or equal to the first value (eg, “4”), the driving controller 100 operates in the first step mode MFD_STEP1 ( S352 ).

[0220] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is greater than the first value (eg, '4'), the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame with the second value (eg, '12') ( S360 ).

[0221] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is less than or equal to the second value (e.g., "12") (i.e., when the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is greater than the first value (e.g., "4") and less than or equal to the second value (e.g., "12")), the driving controller 100 operates in the second step mode MFD_STEP2 (S362).

[0222] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is greater than the second value (eg, “12”), the driving controller 100 operates in the third step mode MFD_STEP3 ( S364 ).

[0223] Operation and reference of the driving controller 100 in the first step mode MFD_STEP1, the second step mode MFD_STEP2 and the third step mode MFD_STEP3 Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 The operations described are the same, and therefore, additional or repeated descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0224] Fig.17 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the driving controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] Reference Figure 6 and Fig.17 , driving controller 100 from processor AP (refer to Figure 5 ) receives a multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN, a driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ and a start position signal MFD_ST (S400).

[0226] The driving controller 100 determines whether the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD based on the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN ( S410 ).

[0227] When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a first level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD. When the multi-frequency enable signal MFD_EN is at a second level, the drive controller 100 determines that the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD. When the operation mode is the single frequency mode SFD, the control of the drive controller 100 returns to operation S400.

[0228] When the operation mode is the multi-frequency mode MFD, the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame with the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame, and compares the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame with the start position signal MFD_ST′ of the current frame ( S420 ).

[0229] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is identical to the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame and the start position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is identical to the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, the driving controller 100 operates in the multi-frequency mode MFD (S430).

[0230] That is, for example, when the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the second driving frequency of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame and the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the current frame is the same as the starting position of the second display area DA2 in the previous frame, the driving controller 100 may operate in the multi-frequency mode MFD without switching the operating mode.

[0231] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ of the previous frame, or when the start position signal MFD_ST' of the current frame is different from the start position signal MFD_ST of the previous frame, the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame with a first value (e.g., "4") (S440).

[0232] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is less than or equal to the first value (eg, “4”), the driving controller 100 operates in the first step mode MFD_STEP1 ( S442 ).

[0233] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is greater than the first value (eg, '4'), the driving controller 100 compares the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame with the second value (eg, '12') ( S450 ).

[0234] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is less than or equal to the second value (e.g., "12") (i.e., when the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ' of the current frame is greater than the first value (e.g., "4") and less than or equal to the second value (e.g., "12")), the driving controller 100 operates in the second step mode MFD_STEP2 (S452).

[0235] When the driving frequency signal MFD_FREQ′ of the current frame is greater than the second value (eg, “12”), the driving controller 100 operates in the third step mode MFD_STEP3 ( S454 ).

[0236] Fig.18 is a diagram showing how an image is displayed in the display device DD when the driving frequency is changed.

[0237] Reference Figure 6 and Fig.18 From the first frame F1 to the 88th frame F88, the first display area DA1 of the display device DD is driven by using a first driving frequency (for example, 120 Hz), and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD is driven by using a second driving frequency (for example, 1 Hz).

[0238] When the second driving frequency FREQ is changed to one of 60 Hz, 40 Hz, and 30 Hz, the driving controller 100 may operate in the first step mode MFD_STEP1.

[0239] In the first step mode MFD_STEP1, during one frame, the driving controller 100 drives the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD by using the first intermediate frequency MF1 (e.g., 60 Hz). That is, for example, in the 89th frame F89, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device DD may be driven by using the first intermediate frequency MF1.

[0240] Thereafter, the driving controller 100 drives the first display area DA1 of the display device DD by using the first driving frequency (for example, 120 Hz), and drives the second display area DA2 of the display device DD by using the second driving frequency FREQ (for example, 40 Hz).

[0241] According to the above configuration, the display device can operate in a multi-frequency mode by driving the first display area using a first driving frequency and driving the second display area using a second driving frequency lower than the first driving frequency. Since the driving frequency of the second display area is reduced, the power consumption of the display device can be reduced.

[0242] When the driving frequency of the second display area changes, during one frame, both the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display device are driven by using the base frequency. In some aspects, when the change in the driving frequency of the second display area is large, the driving frequencies of the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display device are gradually reduced. Therefore, the degradation of display quality due to the change in the driving frequency can be prevented.

[0243] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, the display panel comprising a first display area and a second display area; as well as a driving controller configured to receive an image signal and a control signal and output an image data signal to be provided to the display panel, wherein, during the multi-frequency mode, the driving controller drives the first display area by using a first driving frequency, and drives the second display area by using a second driving frequency different from the first driving frequency, Wherein, during the multi-frequency mode, when the second driving frequency changes from the first frequency to the second frequency, the driving controller is configured as: During at least one frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency; During at least one second frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using an intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency; and During at least one third frame, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The drive controller receives: a multi-frequency enable signal, the multi-frequency enable signal indicating the multi-frequency mode, a driving frequency signal indicating a frequency of the second display area for each of a previous frame and a current frame, and A starting position signal indicating a starting position of the second display area for each of the previous frame and the current frame.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: When the multi-frequency enable signal is at the first level, the driving controller operates in the multi-frequency mode.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal of the previous frame, or when the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during the at least one frame, the driving controller drives the first display area and the second display area by using the basic frequency.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to a first value, the driving controller is configured as follows: During a first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency; and During the at least one third frame, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the first value and less than or equal to a second value, the driving controller is configured as follows: During the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency; During a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second frequency; and During the at least one third frame, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than a second value greater than the first value, the driving controller is configured as follows: During the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency; During a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second frequency; During a third intermediate frame that is continuous with the second intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a third intermediate frequency between the second intermediate frequency and the second frequency; and During the at least one third frame, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is the same as the driving frequency signal of the previous frame and when the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during at least one frame, the driving controller drives the first display area and the second display area by using the basic frequency.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first driving frequency is higher than or equal to the basic frequency.

10. A method for driving a display device, the method comprising: receiving an image signal corresponding to a first display area and a second display area of ​​a display panel, a multi-frequency enable signal indicating a multi-frequency mode, a driving frequency signal indicating a frequency of the second display area for each of a previous frame and a current frame, and a starting position signal indicating a starting position of the second display area for each of the previous frame and the current frame; In a case where the multi-frequency enable signal indicates the multi-frequency mode, comparing the driving frequency signal of the current frame with the driving frequency signal of the previous frame, and comparing the starting position signal of the current frame with the starting position signal of the previous frame; Based on determining that the driving frequency signal of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal of the previous frame or determining that the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during at least one frame, the first display area and the second display area are driven by using a basic frequency; as well as The first display area is driven by using a first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using a second driving frequency corresponding to the driving frequency signal of the current frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is different from the driving frequency signal of the previous frame, comparing the driving frequency signal of the current frame with a first value; as well as When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the first value, driving the display panel, and Wherein, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the first value, driving the display panel includes: driving the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the basic frequency and the second driving frequency; and The first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second driving frequency.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: comparing the driving frequency signal of the current frame with a second value greater than the first value; as well as When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the second value, driving the display panel, and Wherein, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to the second value, driving the display panel comprises: driving the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency; driving the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second driving frequency; and The first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second driving frequency.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: comparing the driving frequency signal of the current frame with a second value greater than the first value; as well as When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the second value, driving the display panel, and Wherein, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the second value, driving the display panel comprises: During a first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency; During a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second driving frequency; During a third intermediate frame continuous with the second intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a third intermediate frequency between the second intermediate frequency and the second driving frequency; and The first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second driving frequency.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is the same as the driving frequency signal of the previous frame and when the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during the at least one frame, the first display area and the second display area are driven by using the basic frequency.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The second driving frequency is lower than the first driving frequency.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first driving frequency is higher than or equal to the basic frequency.

17. An electronic device comprising: a processor configured to provide an image signal, a multi-frequency enable signal, and a drive frequency signal; as well as a display device configured to receive the image signal, the multi-frequency enable signal, and the driving frequency signal, and display an image, Wherein, the display device comprises: A display panel, the display panel comprising a first display area and a second display area; and a driving controller configured to receive the image signal, the multi-frequency enable signal and the driving frequency signal and output an image data signal to be provided to the display panel, wherein, during the multi-frequency mode, the driving controller drives the first display area by using a first driving frequency, and drives the second display area by using a second driving frequency different from the first driving frequency, Wherein, in the case where the multi-frequency enable signal indicates the multi-frequency mode, when the second driving frequency corresponding to the driving frequency signal changes from the first frequency to the second frequency, the driving controller is configured as follows: During at least one frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency; Then, during at least one second frame, the first display area and the second display area are driven by using an intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency; and During at least one third frame, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to a first value, the driving controller is configured as follows: During a first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency; and During the at least one third frame, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the first value and less than or equal to a second value, the driving controller is configured as follows: During the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency; During a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second frequency; and During the at least one third frame, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

20. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein: The processor provides the driving frequency signal for each of a previous frame and a current frame, and wherein the processor also provides a starting position signal for each of the previous frame and the current frame, and Wherein, when the driving frequency signal of the current frame is the same as the driving frequency signal of the previous frame and when the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during at least one frame, the driving controller drives the first display area and the second display area by using the basic frequency.

21. An electronic device comprising: a processor configured to provide an image signal, a multi-frequency enable signal, a drive frequency signal, and a start position signal; as well as a display device configured to receive the image signal, the multi-frequency enable signal, the driving frequency signal and the starting position signal, and display an image, Wherein, the display device comprises: display panel; and a driving controller configured to divide the display panel into a first display area and a second display area in response to the starting position signal and drive the first display area and the second display area when the multi-frequency enable signal indicates a multi-frequency mode, The starting position signal indicates the starting position of the second display area of ​​the display panel, and In response to the driving frequency signal, the driving controller drives the first display area by using a first driving frequency, and drives the second display area by using a second driving frequency different from the first driving frequency.

22. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein: In the case where the multi-frequency enable signal indicates the multi-frequency mode, when the second driving frequency corresponding to the driving frequency signal changes from the first frequency to the second frequency, the driving controller is configured as follows: During at least one frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency; Then, during at least one frame, the first display area and the second display area are driven by using an intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency; and Then, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

23. The electronic device according to claim 22, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is less than or equal to a first value, the driving controller is configured as follows: During a first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using a first intermediate frequency between the base frequency and the second frequency; and Then, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

24. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of the current frame is greater than the first value and less than or equal to a second value, the driving controller is configured as follows: during the first intermediate frame, driving the first display area and the second display area by using the first intermediate frequency; Then, during a second intermediate frame continuous with the first intermediate frame, the first display area and the second display area are driven by using a second intermediate frequency between the first intermediate frequency and the second frequency; and Then, the first display area is driven by using the first driving frequency, and the second display area is driven by using the second frequency.

25. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein: When the driving frequency signal of a current frame is the same as the driving frequency signal of a previous frame and when the starting position signal of the current frame is different from the starting position signal of the previous frame, during at least one frame, the driving controller drives the first display area and the second display area by using a basic frequency.

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