Display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device and a driving method thereof. The display device includes: an image display having at least one first display area and a second display area; a memory configured to store image data; and a timing controller configured to store the first image data for the first display area in the memory after receiving the first image data for the first display area and the second display area from the host device, in which the timing controller is configured to control the image display unit, and a processor to display a first image in the first display area and a preset second image in the second display area by loading first image data for the first display area from the memory.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention with application date of February 19, 2020, application number 202010100933.3 and name “Display device and driving method thereof”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0019228, filed on February 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] Aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0005] Currently, various types of display devices, such as an organic light emitting display device, a liquid crystal display device, and a plasma display device, are being widely used.

[0006] In order to display video, such a display device periodically receives image data from an external host device or an external source and displays the image data. Here, the display device is configured to receive image data from the host device once, store the received image data in an internal storage space of the display device, and periodically load and display the image data.

[0007] In order for the display device to store image data, a storage space having a capacity sufficient to store image data corresponding to a full screen resolution is required. An increase in the capacity of the storage space in the display device may result in an increase in the overall size of the display device and an increase in the price of the display device.

[0008] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background technology and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0009] Aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a driving method thereof which can minimize or reduce the capacity of a storage space utilized by the display device to store image data.

[0010] In addition, aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a driving method thereof, by which only image data for a specific area that is periodically updated in an image is stored, and the stored image data is used to display the image in full screen.

[0011] In addition, aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a driving method thereof, by which image data for a specific area is reduced and then stored, and by which the stored image data is expanded and then displayed.

[0012] According to some examples of the present disclosure, a display device includes: an image display unit having at least a first display area and a second display area; a memory configured to store image data; and a timing controller configured to store the first image data for the first display area in the memory when first image data for the first display area and the second display area are received from a host device, wherein the timing controller can control the image display unit so as to display a first image in the first display area by loading the first image data for the first display area from the memory, and to display a preset second image in the second display area.

[0013] According to some example embodiments, the timing controller may store the first image data for an enabled first display area among the at least one first display area in the memory based on the enabling information received from the host device.

[0014] According to some example embodiments, the timing controller may store RGB values ​​of the first image data for the first display area in a memory.

[0015] According to some example embodiments, the timing controller may convert RGB values ​​of the first image data of the first display area into a single grayscale value and store the grayscale value in a memory.

[0016] According to some example embodiments, the timing controller may reduce the n-bit RGB value of the first image data of the first display area or the n-bit grayscale value converted from the RGB value to m-bit data, and store the reduced first image data in a memory, where n is a natural number greater than 2, and m is a natural number ranging from 1 to n-1.

[0017] According to some example embodiments, the timing controller may generate the second image data by expanding the reduced first image data into n-bit data, and display the first image in the first display area corresponding to the second image data.

[0018] According to some example embodiments, the timing controller may generate the second image data by adding nm bits to the reduced first image data, wherein all of the nm bits may be '0' or '1'.

[0019] According to some example embodiments, when an n-bit grayscale value converted from an RGB value is reduced to m-bit data and then stored in a memory, a timing controller may determine a color preset to correspond to the reduced first image data and generate n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined color, where m is a natural number ranging from 1 to n-1.

[0020] According to some example embodiments, when first image data for a first display area is reduced to 1-bit data and then stored in a memory, a timing controller may determine a grayscale preset to correspond to the reduced first image data and generate n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined grayscale.

[0021] According to some example embodiments, the second image may be a black image.

[0022] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, in a driving method of a display device, the driving method includes: receiving a control signal and first image data for at least one first display area and a second display area from a host device; storing the first image data for the first display area; and displaying a first image in the first display area by loading the first image data for the first display area, and displaying a preset second image in the second display area.

[0023] According to some example embodiments, storing first image data for a first display area may include: determining an enabled first display area among at least one first display area based on enabling information in a control signal; and storing first image data for the enabled first display area.

[0024] According to some example embodiments, storing the first image data for the first display area may include storing RGB values ​​of the first image data for the first display area.

[0025] According to some example embodiments, storing the first image data for the first display area may include: converting RGB values ​​of the first image data for the first display area into a single grayscale value; and storing the first image data for the first display area converted into the grayscale value.

[0026] According to some example embodiments, storing first image data for the first display area may include: reducing an n-bit RGB value of the first image data for the first display area or an n-bit grayscale value converted from the RGB value to m-bit data, where n is a natural number greater than 2 and m is a natural number ranging from 1 to n-1; and storing the reduced first image data.

[0027] According to some example embodiments, displaying a first image in a first display area by loading first image data for the first display area and displaying a preset second image in a second display area may include: generating second image data by expanding the reduced first image data into n-bit data; and displaying the first image in the first display area corresponding to the second image data.

[0028] According to some example embodiments, generating the second image data may include adding nm bits to the reduced first image data, wherein all of the nm bits may be '0' or '1'.

[0029] According to some example embodiments, generating the second image data may include: when an n-bit grayscale value converted from an RGB value is reduced to m-bit data and then stored, determining a color preset to correspond to the reduced first image data, m being a natural number ranging from 1 to n-1; and generating n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined color.

[0030] According to some example embodiments, generating the second image data may include: when the first image data for the first display area is reduced to 1-bit data and then stored, determining a grayscale preset to correspond to the reduced first image data; and generating n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined grayscale.

[0031] According to some example embodiments, the second image may be a black image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining a display area according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a specific diagram Figure 1 Block diagram of the timing controller and memory.

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a driving method of a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figures 5 to 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for storing first image data according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figures 9 to 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for generating second image data according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figures 12 to 15 are diagrams for explaining various embodiments of a driving method of a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, various aspects of some example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the text. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the illustrated embodiments herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the disclosure is detailed and comprehensive, and fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, throughout the drawings and written descriptions, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and therefore, their descriptions will not be repeated. In the drawings, for clarity, the relative sizes of elements, layers and regions may be exaggerated.

[0040] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0041] For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "down," "under," "above," and "on" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device is flipped in the accompanying drawings, the elements described as being "below" or "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented as "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "below" and "under" may include both above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0043] The purpose of the terms used herein is only to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular form "one" is intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and "comprising" indicate the presence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements and / or parts when used in this specification, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their combinations. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of", when located after the element list, modify the entire element list and do not modify the individual elements in the list.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent deviations of measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present invention." As used herein, the term "using" and variations thereof may be considered synonymous with the term "utilizing" and variations thereof, respectively. In addition, the term "exemplary" means an example or illustration.

[0045] The display device and / or any other related device or component (such as a display panel including a plurality of pixels PX, a scan driver, a data driver, and a timing controller) according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., a dedicated integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on a separate IC chip. In addition, the various components of these devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. In addition, the various components of these devices can be processes or threads running on one or more processors, wherein the processor is located in one or more computing devices for executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components to perform the various functions described herein.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined in this article.

[0047] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining a display area according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 10 may include a timing controller 120 , a scan driver 130 , a data driver 140 , an image display unit 150 , and a memory 160 .

[0049] The timing controller 120 may receive the first image data DATA1 and the control signal CS from the external host device 20 , and generate the scan control signal SCS and the data control signal DCS using the received control signal CS.

[0050] The host device 20 is arranged to control the operation of the display device 10, and can be implemented as, for example, an integrated circuit, a system on a chip (SoC), an application processor (AP), or a mobile AP. The host device 20 can communicate with the display device 10 via a mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI), but the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments, in addition to MIPI, the host device 20 and the display device 10 can also communicate with each other via various standard interfaces such as a mobile display digital interface (MDDI), a display port, and an embedded display port.

[0051] The control signal CS may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal, a clock signal, and the like.

[0052] The timing controller 120 may receive the first image data DATA1 from the host device 20 at a frame rate (e.g., a predetermined frame rate). The first image data DATA1 may include image data for the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 of the image display unit (or image display) 150. Here, the frame rate (e.g., a predetermined frame rate) may correspond to a period in which at least one area of ​​the image displayed in the image display unit 150 (i.e., the image to be displayed in the first display area AA1) is updated. For example, each period corresponding to the predetermined frame rate may be set so as to include a plurality of frames. The first image data DATA1 may include RGB values ​​of the image to be displayed. For example, the first image data DATA1 may be 8-bit data.

[0053] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the timing controller 120 may store the first image data DATA1 corresponding to the first display area AA1 of the image display unit 150 in the memory 160 with reference to the control signal CS. According to some example embodiments, the timing controller 120 may store the corresponding first image data DATA1 in the memory 160 after converting or reducing it. In such an embodiment, the first image data DATA1 for the remaining area (i.e., for the second display area AA2) not including the first display area AA1 of the image display unit 150 is not stored in the memory 160.

[0054] Furthermore, the timing controller 120 may load the first image data DATA1 for the first display area AA1 from the memory 160 on a frame basis during one cycle corresponding to the frame rate, and transmit the first image data DATA1 to the data driver 140. According to some example embodiments, the timing controller 120 may generate the second image data DATA2 by extending the first image data DATA1 loaded from the memory 160, and transmit the second image data DATA2 to the data driver 140. Here, the timing controller 120 may generate image data displaying an image in black with respect to the second display area AA2 and the disabled first display area AA1, and transmit the generated image data to the data driver 140.

[0055] The timing controller 120 may transmit the scan control signal SCS to the scan driver 130. In addition, the timing controller 120 may transmit the data control signal DCS and the first image data DATA1 or the second image data DATA2 to the data driver 140. For example, the timing controller 120 may transmit the second image data DATA2 to the data driver 140 when it generates the second image data DATA2 from the first image data DATA1, but the timing controller 120 may also transmit the first image data DATA1 to the data driver 140 when it does not generate the second image data DATA2.

[0056] The scan driver 130 supplies scan signals to the scan lines S1 to Sn in response to the scan control signal SCS.

[0057] The data driver 140 may generate a data signal using the data control signal DCS and the first image data DATA1 or the second image data DATA2 and transmit the data signal to the data lines D1 to Dm.

[0058] The image display unit 150 may include pixels PX that display an image by being coupled to scan lines S1 to Sn and data lines D1 to Dm. When scan signals are supplied to the scan lines S1 to Sn, each of the pixels PX may be supplied with a data signal from the data lines D1 to Dm, thereby emitting light having brightness corresponding to the data signal.

[0059] The image display unit 150 may be implemented as a light emitting display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, or a plasma display panel, but the image display unit 150 is not limited to these examples. In addition, the image display unit 150 may be a hard display panel or a flexible display panel.

[0060] The memory 160 may store the first image data DATA1 under the control of the timing controller 120. According to some example embodiments, the first image data DATA1 corresponding to the first display area AA1 of the image display unit 150 (ie, first image data DATA1 of an image to be displayed in the first display area AA1) may be stored in the memory 160.

[0061] According to some example embodiments, the first image data DATA1 stored in the memory 160 may be the original first image data DATA1, i.e., RGB values, or grayscale values ​​converted from the first image data DATA1 received from the host device 20. In addition, the number of bits of the first image data DATA1 stored in the memory 160 may be equal to or less than the number of bits of the first image data DATA1 received from the host device 20.

[0062] At the same time, the memory 160 is Figure 1 The memory 160 is illustrated as a component separated from the timing controller 120 , but the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to some example embodiments, the memory 160 may be included in the timing controller 120 .

[0063] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the image display unit 150 may include at least one first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2. The first display area AA1 may be an area where an image is updated at a predetermined frame rate, and the second display area AA2 may be an area where an image is not updated.

[0064] The first display area AA1 may be, for example, an area for displaying notification information in an AoD mode or an area for displaying emoticons, icons, or text on a background screen or a standby screen. Here, the notification information displayed in the AoD mode may include various types of notification information, such as a calendar, date, time, a main button area, and a fingerprint recognition area. The second display area AA2 may be a remaining area excluding the first display area AA1. For example, the second display area AA2 may be an area where notification information, emoticons, icons, and text are not displayed. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0065] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the image display unit 150 may include a plurality of first display areas AA1 .

[0066] In the above embodiment, the control signal CS sent from the host device 20 to the timing controller 120 may include setting information of the first display area AA1 and / or the second display area AA2 , enabling information of the first display area AA1 , and a processing mode of the first display area AA1 .

[0067] The setting information of the first display area AA1 may include coordinate information related to the first display area AA1. For example, when the first display area AA1 is defined as a polygon, the setting information of the first display area AA1 may include information about the coordinates of at least one vertex of the first display area AA1. Alternatively, for example, when the first display area AA1 is defined as a rectangle, the setting information of the first display area AA1 may include the length and width starting from a point of the first display area AA1. Alternatively, when the first display area AA1 is defined as an arbitrary figure, the setting information of the first display area AA1 may include the range of the first display area AA1 based on a single reference point. Alternatively, the setting information of the first display area AA1 may include information about the starting pixel row, the ending pixel row, the starting pixel column, and the ending pixel column of the first display area AA1. However, the setting information of the first display area AA1 is not limited to the above examples.

[0068] The enabling information of the first display area AA1 may be information for indicating whether the timing controller 120 stores the first image data DATA1 for the corresponding first display area AA1 in the memory 160, loads the first image data DATA1 on a frame basis, and transmits the first image data DATA1 to the data driver 140. For example, the first image data DATA1 of the first display area AA1 that is not enabled by the enabling information among the plurality of first display areas AA1 may not be stored in the memory 160. Therefore, during the corresponding period, notification information, icons, emoticons, or text, etc. may not be displayed in the first display area AA1 that is not enabled. Using the enabling information, only at least some of the plurality of first display areas AA1 in the image display unit 150 may be selectively enabled or disabled. For example, for the first display area AA1 to be enabled, the enabling information may be set to "1", and for the first display area AA1 to be disabled, the enabling information may be set to "0". Such enabling information may be sent to the timing controller 120 on a frame basis.

[0069] The processing mode of the first display area AA1 may be sent to the timing controller 120 to set a method for storing and displaying the first image data DATA1 for the first display area AA1. For example, the processing mode may include an RGB mode and a monochrome mode. For example, for the RGB mode, the processing mode may be set to "1", and for the monochrome mode, the processing mode may be set to "0".

[0070] In the RGB mode, the timing controller 120 may store the RGB values ​​of the first image data DATA1 for the first display area AA1 in the memory 160. In the monochrome mode, the timing controller 120 may convert the RGB values ​​of the first image data DATA1 for the first display area AA1 into gray values ​​and store the gray values ​​in the memory 160. Any conversion formula may be used to derive the gray value from the RGB value. There is no limitation on the conversion formula or algorithm or mapping table for converting the RGB value into the gray value.

[0071] In addition, the processing mode of the first display area AA1 may include the number of bits as information for reducing the first image data DATA1. In an embodiment, when each of the RGB values ​​of the first image data DATA1 is configured with n bits, the number of bits included in the processing mode may be set to an arbitrary value m ranging from 1 to n-1. When the processing mode is set to the RGB mode and when the number of bits is given, the timing controller 120 may extract as many bits as the given number from each of the RGB values ​​and store the extracted bits in the memory 160. In addition, when the processing mode is set to the monochrome mode and when the number of bits is given, the timing controller 120 may extract as many bits as the given number from the converted grayscale value and store the extracted bits in the memory 160. For example, when the number of bits is set to 1, the timing controller 120 may store the first bit of each of the RGB values ​​or the first bit of the grayscale value in the memory 160. Alternatively, when the number of bits is set to 3, the timing controller 120 may store the first three bits of each of the RGB values ​​or the first three bits of the grayscale value in the memory 160.

[0072] The processing mode of the first display area AA1 may be transmitted to the timing controller 120 so as to additionally set a method for displaying the first image data DATA1 for the first display area AA1. For example, when the number of bits of the first image data DATA1 to be stored is set using the processing mode, and the first image data DATA1 is reduced and stored based on the number of bits, a method for expanding the first image data DATA1 loaded from the memory 160 may be additionally set using the processing mode.

[0073] For example, when storing the first image data DATA1 after reducing it from n bits to m bits by setting the number of bits, the timing controller 120 may expand it to n-bit data by adding '0' or '1' to the first image data DATA1 reduced to m bits.

[0074] Alternatively, for example, the timing controller 120 may expand the reduced first image data DATA1 into n-bit data corresponding to a preset color. The color may be configured with a combination of one or more of white, red, green, blue, magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. Here, the timing controller 120 may generate n-bit data for representing different colors according to the value of the reduced first image data DATA1. This embodiment may be applied when the processing mode is set to the monochrome mode, but is not limited to the case where the processing mode is set to the monochrome mode.

[0075] Alternatively, for example, the timing controller 120 may expand the reduced first image data DATA1 into n-bit data corresponding to a preset grayscale value. Here, when the first image data DATA1 received from the host device 20 is reduced to one bit and stored in the memory 160, a process of expanding the reduced first image data DATA1 into a grayscale value may be applied, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. According to some example embodiments, the timing controller 120 may generate n-bit data having different grayscales according to the value of the reduced first image data DATA1.

[0076] For the first image data DATA1 received from the host device 20, the timing controller 120 may store only the first image data DATA1 for the first display area AA1 in the memory 160 based on the above-mentioned control signal CS. In addition, the timing controller 120 may load the first image data DATA1 stored for the first display area AA1 from the memory 160, and send the first image data DATA1 to the data driver 140. Here, the timing controller 120 may generate image data for displaying a black image for the second display area AA2 and the disabled first display area AA1, and may send the generated image data to the data driver 140. However, the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to this example. According to some example embodiments, the timing controller 120 may generate image data for displaying an arbitrary monochrome image in the second display area AA2, and send the generated image data to the data driver 140.

[0077] Typically, when the timing controller 120 stores the first image data DATA1 received from the host device 20 in the memory 160 and then loads and displays the first image data DATA1, the memory 160 may need to have a storage space having a capacity sufficient to store the first image data DATA1 corresponding to the resolution of the image display unit 150. However, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the notification information is not displayed in the second display area AA2 and the update is not performed in the second display area AA2 as described above, it may not be necessary to store the first image data DATA1 for the second display area AA2. In addition, the notification information displayed in the first display area AA1 may be relatively simple. In this case, when the notification information is displayed to the user, a large-size RGB value may not be required.

[0078] As described above, some example embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured such that when the first image data DATA1 is stored in the memory 160, only the first image data DATA1 corresponding to the first display area AA1 is stored, and the first image data DATA1 is reduced before being stored. Therefore, the capacity of the storage space required for the memory 160 can be minimized or reduced. In addition, the present disclosure is configured such that the first image data DATA1 stored in the memory 160 is displayed in the image display unit 150 after being expanded according to different modes, so that notification information can be displayed without data loss.

[0079] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned technical features of some example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0080] Figure 3 It specifically shows Figure 1 Block diagram of the timing controller and memory.

[0081] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the timing controller 120 may include a first conversion unit 121 and a second conversion unit 122 .

[0082] The first conversion unit 121 may receive a control signal CS and first image data DATA1 from the host device 20. The first image data DATA1 may include RGB values ​​of an image to be displayed, and may be, for example, 8-bit data.

[0083] The first conversion unit 121 may store the first image data DATA1 corresponding to the first display area AA1 in the memory 160 based on the setting information about the first display area AA1 included in the control signal CS. Here, the first conversion unit 121 may store only the first image data DATA1 of the enabled first display area AA1 among the plurality of first display areas AA1 in the memory 160 based on the enable information included in the control signal CS.

[0084] In response to a processing mode set using a control signal CS, the first conversion unit 121 may store original first image data DATA1 (ie, RGB values) (in the RGB mode) or may convert the RGB values ​​into gray values ​​and store the gray values ​​(in the monochrome mode).

[0085] Furthermore, in response to a processing mode set using the control signal CS, the first conversion unit 121 may extract m bits from among n bits configuring each RGB value or grayscale value, and store the extracted bits in the memory 160. According to some example embodiments, the first conversion unit 121 may extract only upper m bits from among n bits configuring each RGB value or grayscale value, and store the extracted bits in the memory 160.

[0086] For example, when the RGB value of the first image data DATA1 of any pixel in the first display area AA1 is R="10010100", G="11111111" and B="01111111", when the processing mode is the RGB mode, and when the number of bits is set to 3, the first conversion unit 121 may store the upper 3 bits of each of the RGB values ​​(which are R="100", G="111" and B="011") in the memory 160. In addition, when the processing mode is the monochrome mode, when the gray value converted from the RGB value of the first image data DATA1 is "00111110", and when the number of bits is set to 3, the first conversion unit 121 may store the upper 3 bits of the converted gray value (which are "001") in the memory 160.

[0087] According to some example embodiments, the first conversion unit 121 may further compress the first image data DATA1 based on a general data compression method and store the compressed first image data DATA1 in the memory 160. Therefore, the storage capacity of the memory 160 required to store the first image data DATA1 may be further reduced.

[0088] The second converting unit 122 may receive the control signal CS from the host device 20 or the first converting unit 121. The second converting unit 122 may load the first image data DATA1 from the memory 160 at every frame.

[0089] The second conversion unit 122 may transmit the first image data DATA1 to the data driver 140 without change. For example, when the original first image data DATA1 is stored without conversion or reduction by the first conversion unit 121, the second conversion unit 122 may transmit the first image data DATA1 to the data driver 140 without change.

[0090] According to some example embodiments, the second conversion unit 122 may generate the second image data DATA2 by expanding the first image data DATA1, and transmit the second image data DATA2 to the data driver 140. In such embodiments, the second conversion unit 122 may generate the second image data DATA2 from the first image data DATA1 in response to a processing mode set using the control signal CS.

[0091] For example, the second conversion unit 122 can generate the second image data DATA2 expanded to n-bit data by adding nm bits to the first image data DATA1 reduced to m-bit data. For example, the second conversion unit 122 adds nm "0" or "1" to the m-bit first image data DATA1 as its low-order bits, thereby generating the second image data DATA2. For example, when the first image data DATA1 reduced to three bits is "001", the second conversion unit 122 can generate the second image data DATA2 having a value of "00100000" or "00111111". However, the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. According to some example embodiments, the second conversion unit 122 can generate low-order bits using an arbitrary algorithm, and generate the second image data DATA2 using the generated low-order bits. There is no limitation on the method for generating low-order bits for expansion.

[0092] Alternatively, for example, the second conversion unit 122 may generate the second image data DATA2 by expanding the first image data DATA1 reduced to m bits into n-bit data corresponding to preset color information. In this embodiment, the color may be configured with a combination of one or more of white, red, green, blue, magenta, cyan, yellow, and black.

[0093] In such an embodiment, the second conversion unit 122 may generate second image data DATA2 having different colors corresponding to the value of the first image data DATA1 reduced to m bits. For example, when the first image data DATA1 reduced to one bit is "0", the second conversion unit 122 may generate 8-bit second image data DATA2 corresponding to black (e.g., "00000000"). When the first image data DATA1 reduced to one bit is "1", the second conversion unit 122 may generate 8-bit second image data DATA2 corresponding to white (e.g., "11111111").

[0094] Such an embodiment may be applied when the processing mode is set to the monochrome mode, but is not limited to the case where the processing mode is set to the monochrome mode.

[0095] Alternatively, for example, the second conversion unit 122 may expand the first image data DATA1 reduced to m bits into n-bit data corresponding to a preset grayscale value. According to some example embodiments, the second conversion unit 122 may generate the second image data DATA2 having a different grayscale corresponding to the value of the first image data DATA1 reduced to m bits. For example, when the first image data DATA1 reduced to one bit is "0", the second conversion unit 122 may generate 8-bit second image data DATA2 corresponding to the first grayscale. When the first image data DATA1 reduced to one bit is "1", the second conversion unit 122 may generate 8-bit second image data DATA2 corresponding to the second grayscale.

[0096] Such an embodiment can be applied to a case where the number of bits used for the processing mode setting is 1, but is not limited to the corresponding case.

[0097] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second conversion unit 122 may transmit the first image data DATA1 or the second image data DATA2 to the data driver 140 so as to display the first image data DATA1 or the second image data DATA2 in the first display area AA1 of the image display unit 150. The second conversion unit 122 may generate image data in order to display an arbitrary monochrome image in the second display area AA2 of the image display unit 150, and transmit the generated image data to the data driver 140. For example, the second conversion unit 122 may generate image data in order to display black in the second display area AA2 and the disabled first display area AA1, and may transmit the generated image data to the data driver 140.

[0098] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second conversion unit 122 may shift the position of the first display area AA1 at a preset interval. For example, the second conversion unit 122 may shift the position where the first image data DATA1 or the second image data DATA2 is to be displayed at a preset interval and send the position to the data driver 140. According to such an embodiment, degradation of the pixel PX that may be caused by displaying the same image for a long time may be prevented.

[0099] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving a display device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, Figures 5 to 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for storing first image data according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figures 9 to 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for generating second image data according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] refer to Figures 1 to 4, the display device 10 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure may operate in a driving state based on a power-on signal or the like supplied from the outside.

[0101] At step 401, the display device 10 may receive a control signal CS and first image data DATA1 from the host device 20. The control signal CS received from the host device 20 may include setting information related to the first display area AA1 and / or the second display area AA2, enabling information related to the first display area AA1, a storage mode of the first display area AA1, and a display mode of the first display area AA1.

[0102] At step 402, based on the control signal CS, the display device 10 may store the first image data DATA1 corresponding to the first display area AA1 in the memory 160. When a plurality of first display areas AA1 are set according to the control signal CS, the display device 10 may store only the first image data DATA1 for the first display area AA1 enabled by the enabling information in the control signal CS.

[0103] The display device 10 may store the RGB values ​​of the first image data DATA1 or the grayscale values ​​converted from the RGB values ​​in the memory 160 according to the processing mode set using the control signal CS. In addition, the display device 10 may reduce the first image data DATA1 according to the number of bits additionally set in the processing mode and store the reduced first image data DATA1 in the memory 160.

[0104] For example, refer to Figures 5 to 8 According to some example embodiments, the first image data DATA1 may be data in which R, G, and B values ​​(each of which ranges from 0 to 255) are represented as 8-bit binary numbers. Figures 5 and 6 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , for example, the R, G, and B values ​​of the first image data DATA1 may be “00010110”, “01011110”, and “00101010”, respectively.

[0105] When the processing mode is set to the RGB mode and when there is no restriction on the number of bits, the first conversion unit 121 may store the 8-bit R, G, and B values ​​of the first image data DATA1 in the memory 160 without change, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 as shown in .

[0106] When the processing mode is set to the monochrome mode and when there is no restriction on the number of bits, the first conversion unit 121 may derive an 8-bit grayscale value from the R, G, and B values ​​of the first image data DATA1 using any conversion formula or algorithm, or a mapping table, etc. For example, the first conversion unit 121 may set the average value of the R, G, and B values ​​to the 8-bit grayscale value. Figure 6 As shown in , the first conversion unit 121 may store the converted grayscale value in the memory 160. According to some example embodiments, Figure 6 As shown in , the converted grayscale value can be "00111110".

[0107] Meanwhile, when the number of bits is limited by the processing mode, the first conversion unit 121 may reduce the first image data DATA1 and store the reduced first image data DATA1 in the memory 160, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 For example, when the processing mode is set to the RGB mode and when the number of bits is limited to 3, the first conversion unit 121 may extract the upper 3 bits from each of the R, G, and B values ​​of the first image data DATA1 and store the extracted bits in the memory 160, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 as shown in .

[0108] When the processing mode is set to the monochrome mode and when the number of bits is limited to 3, the first conversion unit 121 may extract the upper 3 bits from the converted grayscale value of the first image data DATA1 and store the extracted bits in the memory 160, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 as shown in .

[0109] At step 403, the display device 10 may load the first image data DATA1 from the memory 160. The display device 10 may load the first image data DATA1 on a frame basis. For example, before the display device 10 receives new first image data DATA1 from the host device 20, the display device 10 may load the first image data DATA1 from the memory 160.

[0110] According to some example embodiments, at step 404, the display device 10 may determine whether it is necessary to generate the second image data DATA2 based on the control signal CS. For example, based on the processing mode set using the control signal CS, the display device 10 may determine whether it is necessary to generate the second image data DATA2. According to some example embodiments, when the processing mode is the RGB mode and when the number of bits is not limited by the processing mode, the display device 10 may determine that it is not necessary to generate the second image data DATA2. In addition, when the number of bits of the storage mode is limited, the display device 10 may determine that it is necessary to generate the second image data DATA2.

[0111] When it is determined that it is not necessary to generate the second image data DATA2, the display device 10 may display an image in the first display area AA1 using the loaded first image data DATA1 at step 405. Here, the display device 10 may display a preset monochrome image in the second display area AA2 and the disabled first display area AA1.

[0112] When it is determined that it is necessary to generate the second image data DATA2, the display device 10 may generate the second image data DATA2 by expanding the loaded first image data DATA1 at step 406. The display device 10 may expand the first image data DATA1 according to a display mode set using the control signal CS.

[0113] For example, refer to Fig. 9 , the R, G, and B values ​​of the loaded first image data DATA1, the number of bits of which is limited to three bits in the RGB mode, may be "000", "010", and "001", respectively. The second conversion unit 122 sets each of the R, G, and B values ​​of the first image data DATA1 to eight bits by adding the lower 5 bits configured with "0" or "1" to each of the R, G, and B values ​​of the first image data DATA1, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in , the second image data DATA2 having the set RGB values ​​is thereby generated.

[0114] refer to Fig.10 , the loaded first image data DATA1 whose bit number is limited to three bits in the monochrome mode may be “001”. According to some example embodiments, the second conversion unit 122 may generate 8-bit second image data DATA2 for displaying an arbitrary color preset to correspond to the value of the loaded first image data DATA1, such as Fig.10 Any color can be configured by a combination of one or more of white, red, green, blue, magenta, cyan, yellow, and black.

[0115] Fig.10 An example is illustrated in which the second image data DATA2 is generated to correspond to "001" which is the value of the loaded first image data DATA1, and the R, G, and B values ​​of the second image data DATA2 are R="00111111", G="00111111", and B="001111111" representing white. Meanwhile, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second image data DATA2 may be generated so as to represent a color other than white. For example, the second image data DATA2 may be generated so as to have the values ​​of R="00111111", G="00000000", and B="000000000" representing red.

[0116] When the processing mode is the RGB mode, the above method for generating the second image data DATA2 may cause image confusion by changing the original RGB color. Therefore, such an embodiment can be applied when the processing mode is the monochrome mode. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0117] refer to Fig.11, the R, G, and B values ​​of the loaded first image data DATA1 whose bit number is limited to one bit in the RGB mode may be "1", "1", and "0", respectively. According to some example embodiments, as Fig.11 As shown in , the second conversion unit 122 may generate 8-bit second image data DATA2 for displaying an arbitrary color having an arbitrary grayscale preset to correspond to a value of the loaded first image data DATA1. Fig.11 An example is illustrated in which the second image data DATA2 is generated so as to correspond to "110" which is the value of the loaded first image data DATA1, and the second image data DATA2 has values ​​of R="11001000", G="11001000", and B="00000000" representing an arbitrary color (e.g., yellow) having a first grayscale (e.g., 200 grayscale). Meanwhile, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the value of the loaded first image data DATA1 corresponds to "110", Fig.11 When the values ​​shown in are different, the second image data DATA2 may be generated so as to have a value representing a second grayscale different from the first grayscale.

[0118] At step 407, the second conversion unit 122 may display an image in the first display area AA1 using the generated second image data DATA2. Here, the display device 10 may display a preset monochrome image in the second display area AA2 and the disabled first display area AA1.

[0119] Figures 12 to 15 are diagrams for explaining various embodiments of a driving method of a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0120] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 10 may be driven according to two or more of the above-mentioned processing modes. That is, the processing modes may be differently set for the plurality of first display areas AA1 in the display device 10 . Figures 12 to 15 An example of an image displayed in the first display area AA1 when the processing modes are differently set for the plurality of first display areas AA1 is shown.

[0121] According to some example embodiments, Fig.12 As shown in , the display device 10 may include a single first display area AA1. Here, the processing mode of the first display area AA1 is set to the RGB mode, and the number of bits is limited to one bit. Here, the reduced image data is set to be expanded based on a grayscale value of 255. According to some example embodiments, as Fig.12As shown in , the maximum size of the storage space required for the memory 160 of the display device 10 is 1,360,800 bits. This storage space size is merely an embodiment, and the illustrated size of the storage space may vary according to the resolution of the display device 10 and the size of the first display area AA1.

[0122] According to some example embodiments, Fig.13 As shown in , the display device 10 may include two first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2. Here, the processing mode of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2 is set to a monochrome mode, and the number of bits is limited to one bit. In addition, the reduced image data may be set to be expanded based on an arbitrary grayscale value. Here, the grayscale value of any one of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2 (e.g., AA1_1) may be set to 255, and the grayscale value of the other may be set to 127. According to some example embodiments, as Fig.13 As shown in , the maximum size of the storage space required for one of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2 may be 680,400 bits, and the maximum size of the storage space required for the other may be 68,040 bits. Therefore, the maximum size of the storage space required for the memory 160 of the display device 10 is 748,440 bits. This storage space size is only an embodiment, and the illustrated size of the storage space may vary according to the resolution of the display device 10 and the size of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2.

[0123] Meanwhile, according to some example embodiments, Fig.13 As shown in , the processing mode of any one of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2 may be set to a monochrome mode, and the number of bits may be limited to one bit. In addition, the image data reduced for the corresponding first display area may be set to be expanded based on yellow. In addition, the processing mode of the other of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2 may be set to an RGB mode, and the number of bits may be limited to three bits. In addition, the image data reduced for the corresponding first display area may be set to be expanded based on yellow. According to some example embodiments, as Fig.13 As shown in , the maximum size of the storage space required for either of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2 is 680,400 bits, and the maximum size of the storage space required for the other is 612,360 bits. Therefore, the maximum size of the storage space required for the memory 160 of the display device 10 is 1,292,760 bits. This storage space size is only an embodiment, and the illustrated size of the storage space may vary according to the resolution of the display device 10 and the size of the first display areas AA1_1 and AA1_2.

[0124] According to some example embodiments, Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in , the display device 10 includes a single first display area AA1. Here, the processing mode of the first display area AA1 may be set to the RGB mode, and the reduced image data may be set to be expanded using lower bits configured with "0" or "1". Fig.14 The number of bits used for the first display area AA1 in the embodiment of Fig.15 The number of bits used for the first display area AA1 in the embodiments of may be limited to one bit and two bits, respectively.

[0125] Since the number of bits to be stored in the memory 160 is limited by the storage mode, Fig.14 The size of the storage space required in the embodiment is Fig.15 In the embodiments of the present invention, the size of the storage space required is different. Specifically, as the number of bits of the restriction is smaller, the required size of the storage space can be reduced. For example, Fig.14 The maximum size of the storage space required in the embodiment may be 1,224,720 bits, and Fig.15 The maximum size of the storage space required in the embodiment may be 1,306,368 bits.

[0126] Meanwhile, as the number of bits limited by the storage mode becomes smaller, the resolution of the image displayed in the first display area AA1 decreases. Fig.14 Examples and Fig.15 In the embodiment shown in Fig.14 The resolution of the image in the first display area AA1 in the embodiment of (wherein the number of bits is limited to one bit) is lower than Fig.15 The resolution in the embodiment.

[0127] As described above, since the image displayed in the first display area AA1 includes only a relatively simple image such as notification information, the loss of resolution is not a problem. According to some example embodiments, the storage mode may be appropriately selected in consideration of the image to be displayed in the first display area AA1, the size of the memory 160, the manufacturing cost of the display device 10, and the like.

[0128] As described above, the present disclosure is configured to drive the display device 10 according to various processing modes, and may adaptively control the size of the storage space of the memory 160 based on the processing mode.

[0129] The display device and the driving method thereof according to the present disclosure can reduce the capacity of a storage space required in order for the display device to display an image in which a specific area is periodically updated, thereby reducing the size of the display device.

[0130] Furthermore, the display device and the driving method thereof according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce the total cost of a product by improving the usage efficiency of its storage space.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. All changes or modifications made within the meaning and scope of the claims or their equivalents should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: an image display having at least one first display area; a memory configured to store image data; as well as a timing controller configured to store the first image data for the first display area in the memory after receiving the first image data for the first display area from a host device, wherein the timing controller is configured to control the image display so as to display a first image in the first display area by loading the first image data for the first display area from the memory, wherein the timing controller is configured to generate reduced first image data by reducing n-bit RGB values ​​of the first image data of the first display area or n-bit grayscale values ​​converted from the RGB values ​​to m-bit data, and store the reduced first image data in the memory, n being a natural number greater than 2, and m being a natural number ranging from 1 to n-1, wherein the timing controller is configured to generate second image data by expanding the reduced first image data into n-bit data, wherein the second image data is expanded by at least one of a plurality of algorithms, and In a first algorithm among the plurality of algorithms, the timing controller is configured to generate the second image data by adding nm bits to the reduced first image data, wherein all of the nm bits are “0” or “1”.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The timing controller is configured to store the first image data for an enabled first display area among the at least one first display area in the memory based on the enabling information received from the host device.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The timing controller is configured to store the RGB values ​​of the first image data in the memory.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The timing controller is configured to convert the RGB values ​​of the first image data of the first display area into a single grayscale value and store the single grayscale value in the memory.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The n-bit grayscale value is an average value of an R value, a G value, and a B value of the first image data of the first display area.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The timing controller is configured to display the first image in the first display area corresponding to the second image data.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In a second algorithm among the plurality of algorithms, the timing controller is configured as follows: determining a color corresponding to the reduced first image data; and generating n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined color in response to the n-bit grayscale value, wherein the n-bit grayscale value is converted from the RGB value and reduced to the m-bit data, and The reduced m-bit data is stored in the memory.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In a third algorithm among the plurality of algorithms, the timing controller is configured as follows: determining a grayscale corresponding to the reduced first image data; as well as When the first image data is reduced to 1-bit data and then stored in the memory, n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined grayscale is generated.

9. The display device according to claim 1, in, The image display further comprises a second display area, wherein the timing controller is configured to receive first image data for the second display area from the host device and display a second image in the second display area, and Wherein, the second image is a black image.

10. A method for driving a display device, comprising: receiving a control signal and first image data for a first display area from a host device; storing the first image data for the first display area; as well as displaying a first image in the first display area by loading the first image data, Wherein storing the first image data for the first display area comprises: reducing the n-bit RGB value of the first image data or the n-bit grayscale value converted from the RGB value to m-bit data, where n is a natural number greater than 2 and m is a natural number ranging from 1 to n-1; and storing the reduced first image data, Displaying the first image in the first display area by loading the first image data comprises: generating second image data by expanding the reduced first image data into n-bit data, wherein the second image data is expanded by at least one of a plurality of algorithms, and Wherein, in a first algorithm among the plurality of algorithms, generating the second image data comprises: nm bits are added to the reduced first image data, all of the nm bits being "0" or "1".

11. The driving method according to claim 10, wherein: Storing the first image data for the first display area includes: determining an enabled first display area in the first display area based on the enabling information in the control signal; and The first image data for the enabled first display area is stored.

12. The driving method according to claim 10, wherein: Storing the first image data for the first display area includes storing the RGB values ​​of the first image data.

13. The driving method according to claim 10, wherein: Storing the first image data for the first display area includes: converting the RGB values ​​of the first image data into a single grayscale value; and The first image data converted into the single gray value is stored.

14. The driving method according to claim 10, wherein: The n-bit grayscale value is an average value of an R value, a G value, and a B value of the first image data of the first display area.

15. The driving method according to claim 10, wherein: Displaying the first image in the first display area by loading the first image data includes: The first image is displayed in the first display area corresponding to the second image data.

16. The driving method according to claim 10, wherein: In a second algorithm among the plurality of algorithms, generating the second image data comprises: After the n-bit grayscale value converted from the RGB value is reduced to the m-bit data and then stored, determining a color corresponding to the reduced first image data; and n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined color is generated.

17. The driving method according to claim 10, wherein: In a third algorithm among the plurality of algorithms, generating the second image data comprises: After the first image data is reduced to 1-bit data and then stored, determining a grayscale corresponding to the reduced first image data; and Generate n-bit second image data corresponding to the determined grayscale.

18. The driving method according to claim 10, further comprising: receiving first image data for a second display area from the host device; as well as displaying a second image in the second display area, Wherein, the second image is a black image.

Images