Display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device. The display device includes a pixel unit including a first pixel in a first pixel area and a second pixel in a second pixel area; a degradation compensator for generating a stress compensation weighting value by accumulating the image data, generating first compensation data corresponding to the first pixel based on the stress compensation weighting value and a first compensation factor, and generating second compensation data based on the stress compensation weighting value and a second compensation factor; and a panel driver for driving the pixel unit by reflecting the first compensation data and the second compensation data on input data from the outside.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0145270 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to display devices and methods of driving display devices. Background Art

[0004] The display device may display an image using an array of pixels (each of which includes a pixel circuit). The display device may also include a sensor, a camera, etc. at a frame (or edge portion) of a front surface (e.g., a surface on which an image is displayed) of the display device. For example, the display device may use an optical sensor to recognize an object, and may use a camera to acquire a photo or a moving image.

[0005] The camera or the like in the display device may overlap with or be within the pixel area of ​​the display device, so that the frame area may be minimized. In order to improve the transmittance of the area in which the camera is disposed, the display resolution in the area may be lower than the display resolution in another area of ​​the display device.

[0006] In a display device (specifically, an organic light-emitting display device), the brightness deviation between pixels and afterimages may be caused by degradation of pixels or light-emitting elements. Therefore, compensation of image data may be performed to improve display quality. When the same compensation method is used in areas with different resolutions, the degradation of pixels (or light-emitting elements) may not be stably compensated. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a display device and a method of driving the display device, wherein compensation for degradation may use a first compensation factor in a first pixel region having a low resolution and a second compensation factor in a second pixel region having a high resolution.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a pixel unit, including a first pixel arranged in a first pixel area and a second pixel arranged in a second pixel area; a degradation compensator, configured to generate a stress compensation weighted value by accumulating image data, generate first compensation data corresponding to the first pixel based on the stress compensation weighted value and a first compensation factor, and generate second compensation data based on the stress compensation weighted value and a second compensation factor; and a panel driver, configured to drive the pixel unit by reflecting the first compensation data and the second compensation data on input data from the outside.

[0009] The number of first pixels provided per unit area may be smaller than the number of second pixels provided per unit area.

[0010] The first compensation factor may include an aperture ratio of the first pixel and a color filter thickness of the first pixel region.

[0011] The color filter thickness may be uniformly applied to the first pixel.

[0012] Each of the first pixels may include a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel displaying a color different from that of the first sub-pixel, and different color filter thicknesses may be applied to the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel.

[0013] A driving current of the first pixel corresponding to the first compensation data may be greater than a driving current before the color filter thickness is reflected on the first compensation data.

[0014] When the aperture ratio of the first pixel is greater than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the first pixel corresponding to the first compensation data may be greater than a driving current before the aperture ratio is reflected on the first compensation data.

[0015] When the aperture ratio of the first pixel is less than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the first pixel corresponding to the first compensation data may be less than a driving current before the aperture ratio is reflected on the first compensation data.

[0016] The second compensation factor may include an aperture ratio of the second pixel.

[0017] When the aperture ratio of the second pixel is greater than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the second pixel corresponding to the second compensation data may be greater than a driving current before the aperture ratio of the second pixel is reflected on the second compensation data.

[0018] When the aperture ratio of the second pixel is less than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the second pixel corresponding to the second compensation data may be less than a driving current before the aperture ratio of the second pixel is reflected on the second compensation data.

[0019] The panel driver may include: a timing controller configured to generate output data to be provided to the first pixel by reflecting first compensation data to the input data to be provided to the first pixel in the input data, and to generate output data to be provided to the second pixel by reflecting second compensation data to the input data to be provided to the second pixel in the input data; and a data driver configured to generate data signals to be provided to the first pixel and the second pixel using the output data.

[0020] The image data may be at least one of input data and output data.

[0021] The degradation compensator may include: a compensation factor determiner configured to determine an aperture ratio compensation factor based on an aperture ratio of a first pixel and an aperture ratio of a second pixel, and to determine a color filter compensation factor based on a color filter thickness of a first pixel area; and a data compensator configured to generate first compensation data and second compensation data using the aperture ratio compensation factor, the color filter compensation factor and a stress compensation weighted value.

[0022] The degradation compensator may further include: a stress converter configured to generate a stress compensation weighted value; and a memory configured to store an aperture ratio of the first pixel, an aperture ratio of the second pixel, and a color filter thickness of the first pixel region.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for driving a display device is provided, the method comprising: generating a stress compensation weighted value by accumulating image data, and generating first compensation data depending on the stress compensation weighted value, an aperture ratio of a first pixel having a first resolution, and a color filter thickness of the first pixel; generating second compensation data depending on the stress compensation weighted value and an aperture ratio of a second pixel having a second resolution; generating output data by changing first input data corresponding to the first pixel in input data provided from the outside based on the first compensation data; and generating output data by changing second input data corresponding to the second pixel in the input data based on the second compensation data.

[0024] The number of first pixels provided per unit area may be smaller than the number of second pixels provided per unit area.

[0025] The color filter thickness may be uniformly applied to the first pixel.

[0026] Each of the first pixels may include a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel displaying a color different from that of the first sub-pixel, and the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel may be applied with different color filter thicknesses.

[0027] The aperture ratio of the first pixel, the aperture ratio of the second pixel, and the thickness of the color filter of the first pixel may be measured and stored in advance in a process of manufacturing the display device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An embodiment of a portion of a pixel unit of a display device shown in FIG.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of lifetime distribution of pixels caused by a difference in aperture ratio between pixels.

[0032] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a degradation compensator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example pixel is shown for which the aperture ratio may be calculated.

[0034] Figure 7 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the aperture ratio of a pixel and the life span of the pixel.

[0035] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A second pixel disposed in the second pixel region is shown.

[0036] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B A first pixel disposed in a first pixel region is shown.

[0037] Fig.10 Schematically shows Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of a second pixel shown in FIG.

[0038] Fig.11 Schematically shows Fig. 9B A cross-sectional view of the first pixel shown in FIG.

[0039] Fig.12 shows that it can be included in Figure 3 An example of a pixel unit in a display device shown in .

[0040] Fig.13 Shows Figure 3 An implementation method of a degradation compensator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, embodiments according to the present disclosure may take different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments. Rather, exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. In particular, the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described in this specification.

[0042] In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, descriptions of parts that are irrelevant to the description or are not important to the description may be omitted hereinafter.

[0043] In the drawings and throughout the specification, the same or similar constituent elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the same reference numerals may be used in different drawings to identify the same or similar elements.

[0044] For better understanding and ease of description, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings can be arbitrarily shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to the sizes or ratios shown in the drawings. For clear explanation or description, the thickness or thickness of multiple parts and regions may be exaggerated.

[0045] An element referred to herein as being “between” two elements may be the only element between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present between the two elements.

[0046] In the description, the expression "equal" as used herein may mean "substantially equal". That is, equal may mean equal to the extent that those skilled in the art understand equal. Other expressions may be expressions in which "substantially" is omitted but implied.

[0047] With regard to functional blocks, units and / or modules, some embodiments are described and shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules can be physically implemented by logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, line connectors and other electronic circuits (any of which can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques). In the case where blocks, units and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, software, firmware, etc. can be used to program and control these blocks, units and / or modules, and various functions discussed in the present disclosure are performed when these software, firmware, etc. are executed. In addition, each block, each unit and / or each module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a combination of dedicated hardware for executing some functions of blocks, units and / or modules and processors (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) for executing other functions of blocks, units and / or modules. In some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, blocks, units and / or modules can be physically divided into two or more separate blocks, two or more separate units and / or two or more separate modules. Furthermore, in some embodiments, blocks, units and / or modules may be combined into more complex blocks, more complex units and / or more complex modules without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] The term "connection" between two components may include electrical connection and physical connection, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the term "connection" used when referring to a circuit diagram may mean electrical connection, while the term "connection" used when referring to a cross-sectional view and a plan view may mean physical connection.

[0049] The terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the "first" element described herein may also be referred to as the "second" element.

[0050] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various forms. Each embodiment disclosed below can be independent or can be combined with one or more other embodiments.

[0051] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An embodiment of a portion of a pixel unit of a display device shown in FIG.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 100 may include a display panel 10 , and the display panel 10 includes a pixel unit 110 .

[0053] The display panel 10 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. Pixels PX may be disposed in the display area DA, and various types of drivers for driving the pixels PX may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0054] The display area DA may correspond to a pixel unit 110 including a plurality of pixels PX. The pixel unit 110 may include a first pixel area PA1 and a second pixel area PA2. The first pixel PX1 may be disposed in the first pixel area PA1, and the second pixel PX2 may be disposed in the second pixel area PA2.

[0055] In an embodiment, a size (eg, a ratio of channel width to channel length, etc.) of a driving transistor included in the first pixel PX1 may be different from a size (eg, a ratio of channel width to channel length, etc.) of a driving transistor included in the second pixel PX2.

[0056] In an embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in , the number (density) of first pixels PX1 disposed in the unit area UA may be smaller than the number (density) of second pixels PX2 disposed in the unit area UA. For example, one first pixel PX1 may be disposed in the unit area UA, and four second pixels PX2 may be disposed in the unit area UA. Therefore, the resolution of the image portion displayed in the first pixel area PA1 may be lower than the resolution of the image portion displayed in the second pixel area PA2.

[0057] Since the resolution of the first pixel area PA1 is lower than that of the second pixel area PA2, a device such as a camera, an optical sensor, etc. can be set to overlap with the first pixel area PA1 without causing unacceptable interference between the device and the first pixel PX1 in the first pixel area PA1. The overlapping device can be, for example, an optical sensor, which can include a biometric information sensor such as a fingerprint sensor, an iris recognition sensor, and an artery sensor. However, this is only illustrative, and an optical sensor of an optical sensing type can include a posture sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an image sensor, etc.

[0058] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of lifetime distribution of pixels caused by a difference in aperture ratio between pixels.

[0059] according to Figure 3 The display device 100 according to the embodiment may include a pixel unit 110 (or a display panel), a panel driver 102 , and a degradation compensator 200 .

[0060] The display device 100 can be applied to electronic devices such as computers, notebook computers (laptop computers), cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), digital televisions (TVs), digital cameras, portable game consoles, navigation devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, electronic books (e-books), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicle navigation systems, video phones, observation systems, autofocus systems, tracking systems, and motion sensing systems.

[0061] The pixel unit 110 may include pixels PX formed in regions associated with intersections of scan lines SL1 to SLn and data lines DL1, DL2, ... DLm (each of n and m is a natural number of 2 or more). Each of the pixels PX may include a driving transistor and a light emitting element.

[0062] In an embodiment, the pixel unit 110 may include a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2 are described. The first pixel PX1 may be included in the first pixel region PA1, and the second pixel PX2 may be included in the second pixel region PA2. The first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may have the same structure or different structures.

[0063] In an embodiment, each of the pixels PX may include a plurality of sub-pixels. Each of the sub-pixels may emit light of one color of red, green, and blue. However, this is merely illustrative, and each of the sub-pixels may emit light of one color of cyan, magenta, yellow, etc.

[0064] The degradation compensator 200 may generate a stress compensation weighted value by accumulating input data Din (and / or output data Dout), and the degradation compensator 200 may output compensation data CDATA based on the stress compensation weighted value and the compensation factor. The degradation compensator 200 may generate the compensation data CDATA using a first compensation factor corresponding to the first pixel PX1 and using a second compensation factor corresponding to the second pixel PX2.

[0065] In an embodiment, the first compensation factor may depend on the thickness of the color filter of the first pixel PX1 located in the first pixel area PA1 and the aperture ratio of each of the first pixels PX1. The second compensation factor may depend on the aperture ratio of each of the second pixels PX2 located in the second pixel area PA2. In an example, the aperture ratio of each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be measured (or photographed) during a processing or manufacturing process. In an example, the aperture ratio of each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be calculated by measuring the distance between sub-pixels.

[0066] In an example, the thickness of the color filter located in the first pixel area PA1 may be measured during a processing or manufacturing process. In an example, the degradation compensator 200 may include: a compensation factor determiner for applying a compensation factor corresponding to each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2; and a data compensator for generating compensation data CDATA for compensating the input data Din by applying the compensation factor (or the first compensation factor or the second compensation factor) to the stress compensation weighted value.

[0067] In an embodiment, the compensation data CDATA corresponding to each of the first pixels PX1 may include a compensation factor for compensating a stress compensation weighted value, an aperture ratio difference, and a thickness of a color filter. The compensation data CDATA corresponding to each of the second pixels PX2 may include a compensation factor for compensating a stress compensation weighted value and an aperture ratio difference. In an embodiment, the degradation compensator 200 may calculate a stress value from the accumulated input data Din (and / or output data Dout), and may generate a stress compensation weighted value corresponding to the stress value. The stress value may depend on an emission time, a grayscale (or brightness), etc. For example, the image data may be at least one of the input data Din and the output data Dout.

[0068] The stress value may be a value calculated by synthesizing all image data of all pixels, and may be generated by using a pixel block (which includes a single pixel or a group of pixels) as a unit. That is, the stress value may be applied equally to all pixels, or may be calculated independently for each individual pixel or each group of pixels in a partition of all pixels.

[0069] In an embodiment, the degradation compensator 200 may be implemented as a separate application processor (AP). In another embodiment, at least a portion or all of the degradation compensator 200 may be included in the timing controller 120. In yet another embodiment, the degradation compensator 200 may be included in an integrated circuit (IC) including the data driver 140.

[0070] In an implementation, the panel driver 102 may include a timing controller 120 , a scan driver 130 , and a data driver 140 .

[0071] The scan driver 130 may provide scan signals to the pixels PX of the pixel unit 110 through the scan lines SL1 to SLn. The scan driver 130 may provide scan signals to the scan lines SL1 to SLn based on the scan control signals SCS received from the timing controller 120.

[0072] The data driver 140 may provide a data signal to which the compensation data CDATA is applied, which is provided to the pixel PX through the data lines DL1 to DLm. The data driver 140 may provide a data signal (or a data voltage) to the pixel unit 110 based on the data driving control signal DCS received from the timing controller 120. In an embodiment, the data driver 140 may convert the output data Dout to which the compensation data CDATA is applied into a data signal in an analog form, for example, into an analog data voltage for controlling the intensity of light emitted from the target pixel.

[0073] In an embodiment, the data driver 140 may convert the output data Dout into a voltage of a data signal on a target data line among the data lines DL1 to DLm based on the compensation data CDATA, and the conversion may depend on the aperture ratio of the target pixel PX. For example, when the aperture ratio is greater than a predetermined aperture ratio, the magnitude of the absolute value of the compensated data voltage may be greater than the value of the absolute value of the data voltage before compensation based on the aperture ratio. When the aperture ratio is less than a predetermined aperture ratio, the magnitude of the absolute value of the compensated data voltage may be less than the value of the absolute value of the data voltage before compensation based on the aperture ratio. For the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, the aperture ratio may have different values. A high data voltage may mean that for the same grayscale brightness, a relatively large amount of drive current flows into the target pixel.

[0074] In an embodiment, the thickness of the color filter of the first pixel area PA1 is thinner than the thickness of the color filter of the second pixel area PA2, and the magnitude of the absolute value of the data voltage after compensation corresponding to the thickness of the color filter may be greater than the magnitude of the absolute value of the data voltage before compensation or before compensation regardless of the thickness of the color filter. The thickness of the color filter may be reflected on the first pixel PX1.

[0075] The timing controller 120 may receive input data Din and a control signal CS which may be provided by an external graphic source, etc., and the timing controller 120 may control driving of the scan driver 130 and the data driver 140. The timing controller 120 may generate a scan control signal SCS and a data drive control signal DCS. In an embodiment, the timing controller 120 may generate output data Dout by applying compensation data CDATA to the input data Din. The output data Dout may be provided to the data driver 140.

[0076] In an implementation, the timing controller 120 may further control the degradation compensator 200. For example, the timing controller 120 may provide the degradation compensator 200 with output data Dout of each frame displayed by the pixel unit 110. The degradation compensator 200 may accumulate the output data Dout and store the accumulated value.

[0077] In an implementation, the panel driver 102 may further include a power supply (not shown) for generating a first driving power supply VDD, a second driving power supply VSS, and an initialization power supply Vint for driving the pixel unit 110 .

[0078] Figure 4 The distribution of the life curve of the pixel PX (or pixel unit 110) according to the aperture ratio of the pixel PX is shown. The light emitting element included in the pixel PX may have a characteristic that the brightness of the light emitting element decreases over time due to the degradation of the material in the light emitting element. The life of the pixel PX decreases according to the decrease in brightness.

[0079] In an embodiment, due to deviations in the process of forming the pixel PX, a difference in aperture ratio may occur for each pixel unit 110 (or display panel) or each pixel PX. The aperture ratio of the pixel PX may be an area ratio of an emission region defined by a pixel defining layer to a reference region. The emission region may correspond to an area of ​​the surface of the first electrode of the light-emitting element exposed by the pixel defining layer.

[0080] The aperture ratio of the pixel PX may affect the amount of electron-hole recombination in the light-emitting layer within the light-emitting element and the current density flowing through the light-emitting element. For example, the current density may decrease as the aperture ratio of the pixel PX increases, and the life reduction rate of the pixel PX may decrease due to the decrease in the current density.

[0081] Figure 4 A life curve AGE1 corresponding to a reference aperture ratio is shown. The reference aperture ratio may be a value set for a display panel manufacturing process, such as a nominal value or a target value. When the aperture ratio of the pixel PX is greater than the reference aperture ratio due to process deviation, the life reduction rate may be reduced (i.e., as shown in the life curve AGE2) because the current density decreases as the cross-sectional area of ​​the light-emitting element increases. That is, the slope of the life curve AGE2 may become gentle. On the contrary, when the aperture ratio of the pixel PX is less than the reference aperture ratio due to process deviation, the life reduction rate may be increased (i.e., as shown in the life curve AGE3). That is, the slope of the life curve AGE3 may become steeper.

[0082] According to the aperture ratio of the pixel PX, the lifetime of the pixel PX may deviate more and more from the lifetime curve AGE1 over time. The display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may have a degradation compensator 200 that additionally applies a compensation factor obtained based on the aperture ratio deviation to the compensation data CDATA. Therefore, the deviation between the calculated lifetimes of the pixel PX due to the aperture ratio deviation may be reduced or minimized, and the lifetime curve for the pixel PX may be corrected.

[0083] The transmittance of the pixel PX may vary according to the thickness (or thicknesses) of the color filter in the pixel PX. In an example, when the thickness of the color filter is less than the reference thickness, the transmittance of the color filter may be higher. In an example, when the thickness of the color filter is less than the reference thickness, the current density of the pixel PX for generating the desired light intensity may be reduced, and the life reduction rate of the pixel PX over time may be reduced due to the reduction in current density. Therefore, the degradation compensator 200 may correct the thickness of the color filter less than the reference thickness in the same manner as when correcting an aperture ratio greater than the reference aperture ratio.

[0084] The thickness of the color filter may vary in the first pixel area PA1 and the second pixel area PA2. In an example, the color filter in the first pixel area PA1 may have a thin (or narrow) thickness compared to the color filter in the second pixel area PA2. The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a degradation compensator 200 that additionally applies a compensation factor obtained based on the thickness of the color filter to the compensation data CDATA.

[0085] In an example, when the thickness of the color filter of the second pixel area PA2 is set to the reference thickness, the compensation factor obtained for the thickness of the color filter may be applied only to the compensation data CDATA corresponding to the first pixel PX1. The influence of the deviation between the first pixel area PA1 (or the first pixel PX1) and the second pixel area PA2 (or the second pixel PX2) due to the deviation in the thickness of the color filter may be reduced or minimized.

[0086] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a degradation compensator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] refer to Figure 5 , the degradation compensator 200 may include a compensation factor determiner 202 and a data compensator 204 .

[0088] The compensation factor determiner 202 may determine the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO based on the aperture ratio ORD of the pixel PX. The compensation factor determiner 202 may determine the color filter compensation factor CDFC based on the thickness CFD of the color filter for the pixel PX. The aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO may be used to compensate the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. The color filter compensation factor CDFC may be used to compensate the first pixel PX1. The compensation factor CDF may be used to improve the Figure 4 The compensation value of the distribution of the lifetime curve shown in , wherein the compensation factor CDF can combine the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC.

[0089] In an embodiment, as part of the manufacturing process, the aperture ratio ORD may be measured for each of the pixels PX (or sub-pixels). In an embodiment, the aperture ratio ORD may be calculated based on the distance between sub-pixels adjacent to each other. When the aperture ratio ORD is substantially equal to the reference aperture ratio (or when the aperture ratio ORD is within a predetermined error range), the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO may be set to 1. When the aperture ratio ORD is less than the reference aperture ratio, the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO may be set to a value less than 1. In addition, when the aperture ratio ORD is greater than the reference aperture ratio, the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO may be set to a value greater than 1. In an embodiment, the compensation factor determiner 202 may determine the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO using a lookup table or function in which a relationship between the aperture ratio ORD and the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO is set.

[0090] In an embodiment, the thickness CFD of the color filter may be measured in a manufacturing process. When the thickness CFD of the color filter is a reference thickness, the color filter compensation factor CDFC may be set to 1. In an example, the thickness CFD of the color filter of the second pixel area PA2 may be set to a reference thickness. No separate compensation factor corresponding to the thickness CFD of the color filter may be applied to the second pixel PX2 located in the second pixel area PA2.

[0091] The thickness CFD of the color filter in the first pixel area PA1 may be thinner than the thickness of the color filter in the second pixel area PA2, and the color filter compensation factor CDFC may be set to a value greater than 1 corresponding to the thickness CFD of the color filter in the first pixel area PA1. In an embodiment, the color filter compensation factor CDFC may be applied to each of the sub-pixels in the first pixel area PA1. In an embodiment, the first pixel PX1 may include a first sub-pixel emitting light of a first color, a second sub-pixel emitting light of a second color, and a third sub-pixel emitting light of a third color. The thickness CFD of the color filter may be set differently with respect to the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel, and therefore, the color filter compensation factor CDFC may be applied differently to each of the sub-pixels in the first pixel area PA1.

[0092] In an embodiment, the compensation factor determiner 202 may determine the color filter compensation factor CDFC using a lookup table or a function in which a relationship between the thickness CFD of the color filter and the color filter compensation factor CDFC is set.

[0093] In the case of the second pixel PX2, the data compensator 204 may generate compensation data CDATA (or second compensation data) for compensating image data by applying the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO to the stress compensation weighted value. In the case of the first pixel PX1, the data compensator 204 may generate compensation data CDATA (or first compensation data) for compensating image data by applying the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC to the stress compensation weighted value. The stress compensation weighted value may be calculated based on the stress value extracted from the accumulated input data Din (or the accumulated output data Dout). The stress value may include information such as emission time, grayscale (or brightness), etc.

[0094] As described above, the degradation compensator 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure generates compensation data CDATA using the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO for compensating the aperture ratio ORD deviation and the color filter compensation factor CDFC for compensating the thickness CFD deviation of the color filter, so that the life curve of the pixel PX can be transformed to the target life curve. Therefore, the distribution of the life curve can be uniformly improved.

[0095] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example in which the aperture ratio can be calculated is shown. Figure 7 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the aperture ratio of a pixel and the life span of the pixel. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Each of the pixels PXa and PXb shown in FIG. 1 may be any one of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 .

[0096] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , the aperture ratio ORD of the pixel PXa or PXb may be different from the reference aperture ratio due to process deviation.

[0097] Each of the pixels PXa and PXb may include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, and a third sub-pixel SP3. For example, each of the first to third sub-pixels SP1 to SP3 may emit one of red, green, and blue light. Each of the regions of the first to third sub-pixels SP1 to SP3 may be an emission region of the sub-pixel. Each of the regions RSP1 to RSP2 may be a reference region for a corresponding one of the sub-pixels SP1 to SP3.

[0098] like Fig. 6A As shown in , the substantial aperture ratio of the pixel PXa may be smaller than the reference aperture ratio. That is, the actual sub-pixels SP1 to SP3 of the pixel PXa may be smaller than the reference sub-pixels RSP1, RSP2, and RSP3 corresponding to the reference aperture ratio.

[0099] like Figure 6B As shown in , the actual aperture ratio of the pixel PXb may be greater than the reference aperture ratio. That is, the actual sub-pixels SP1 to SP3 of the pixel PXb may be greater than the reference sub-pixels RSP1, RSP2, and RSP3 corresponding to the reference aperture ratio. The aperture ratios ORD of the sub-pixels SP1 to SP3 may be measured in the manufacturing process.

[0100] Figure 7 The relationship between the aperture ratio ORD of a pixel and the luminance (luminance or brightness) life after a period of use is shown. As the aperture ratio ORD of a pixel increases, the luminance life may increase.

[0101] The degradation compensator 200 can generate an aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO in a direction in which the luminance lifetime decreases when the aperture ratio ORD is greater than the reference aperture ratio, and can generate an aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO in a direction in which the luminance lifetime increases when the aperture ratio ORD is less than the reference aperture ratio. Therefore, the lifetime distribution (deviation) caused by the aperture ratio ORD deviation can be improved.

[0102] Fig. 8Aand Figure 8B 2 is a plan view showing sub-pixels SP1a, SP2a, and SP3a of the second pixel PX2 disposed in the second pixel area PA2. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the arrangement of the second pixels PX2 is merely illustrative, and the second pixels PX2 may be arranged in various manners currently known in the art.

[0103] refer to Fig. 8A , each second pixel PX2 may include sub-pixels SP1a, SP2a, and SP3a, and the sub-pixels SP1a, SP2a, and SP3a may be disposed in an opening region defined by the pixel defining layer PDL. The pattern of the opening region defined by the pixel defining layer PDL may define the position and aperture ratio of each of the sub-pixels SP1a, SP2a, and SP3a. For example, the first row Row1 may include the third sub-pixel SP3a, and the second row Row2 may include the first sub-pixel SP1a and the second sub-pixel SP2a.

[0104] refer to Figure 8B , a light blocking layer BMa may be formed on the pixel defining layer PDL, and a color filter CFa overlapping the sub-pixels SP1a to SP3a may be formed. The color filter CFa may include a first color filter CF1a, a second color filter CF2a, and a third color filter CF3a. A first color filter CF1a corresponding to a first color (e.g., blue) may be formed on the first sub-pixel SP1a, a second color filter CF2a corresponding to a second color (e.g., red) may be formed on the second sub-pixel SP2a, and a third color filter CF3a corresponding to a third color (e.g., green) may be formed on the third sub-pixel SP3a.

[0105] The light blocking layer BMa may be formed in the entire region of the second pixel region PA2 except for the sub-pixels SP1 a to SP3 a so that lights from adjacent sub-pixels SP1 a to SP3 a are not mixed.

[0106] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a plan view showing a first pixel PX1 disposed in the first pixel area PA1. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the arrangement of the first pixels PX1 is merely illustrative, and the first pixels PX1 may be arranged in various methods currently known in the art.

[0107] refer to Fig.9A, each first pixel PX1 may include sub-pixels SP1b, SP2b, and SP3b. The arrangement of the sub-pixels SP1b, SP2b, and SP3b included in the first pixel PX1 may be different from the arrangement of the sub-pixels SP1a to SP3a included in the second pixel PX2.

[0108] In an example, the second subpixel SP2b may be disposed on the first row Row1, and the third subpixel SP3b may be disposed on the second row Row2. In addition, the first subpixel SP1b may be located on the first row Row1 and the second row Row2 to be adjacent to the second subpixel SP2b and the third subpixel SP3b. The subpixels SP1b to SP3b may be disposed in an opening area defined by the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0109] In an embodiment, the number (density) of the first pixels PX1 set per unit area may be less than the number (density) of the second pixels PX2 set per unit area. Therefore, the resolution of the first pixel area PA1 may be lower than the resolution of the second pixel area PA2. Since the resolution of the first pixel area PA1 is lower than the resolution of the second pixel area PA2, a predetermined sensor (e.g., a camera, an optical sensor, etc.) may overlap with the first pixel area PA1.

[0110] refer to Fig. 9B , the light blocking layer BMb may be formed to partially overlap the pixel defining layer PDL. The light blocking layer BMb may be formed only in the region adjacent to the sub-pixels SP1b to SP3b so that the light blocking layer BMb has an opening or provides sufficient transmittance to the sensor provided in the first pixel area PA1. The thickness (or width) of the light blocking layer BMb formed in the first pixel area PA1 may be thinner (narrower) than the thickness (or width) of the light blocking layer BMa formed in the second pixel area PA2.

[0111] The color filter CFb may be formed to overlap the sub-pixels SP1b to SP3b. The color filter CFb may include a first color filter CF1b, a second color filter CF2b, and a third color filter CF3b. The first color filter CF1b corresponding to the first color (e.g., blue) may be formed on the first sub-pixel SP1b, the second color filter CF2b corresponding to the second color (e.g., red) may be formed on the second sub-pixel SP2b, and the third color filter CF3b corresponding to the third color (e.g., green) may be formed on the third sub-pixel SP3b.

[0112] The color filter CFb may be disposed to partially overlap the light blocking layer BMb. Since the thickness of the light blocking layer BMb formed in the first pixel area PA1 is different from the thickness of the light blocking layer BMa formed in the second pixel area PA2, the thickness of the color filter CFb formed in the first pixel area PA1 may also be different from the thickness of the color filter CFa formed in the second pixel area PA2.

[0113] In an example, the first color filter CF1b may have a thickness thinner than that of the first color filter CF1a. In an example, the second color filter CF2b may have a thickness thinner than that of the second color filter CF2a. In an example, the third color filter CF3b may have a thickness thinner than that of the third color filter CF3a.

[0114] When the color filter CFb is thin, the transmittance of the pixel PX is high (and / or the current density required for the pixel PX to produce the desired brightness is reduced), and thus the color filter compensation factor can be generated in the direction in which the lifetime decreases. The lifetime distribution (deviation) caused by the color filter deviation can be improved.

[0115] Fig.10 yes Figure 8B A schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel PX2 is shown in FIG.

[0116] The second pixel PX2 may be located in the second pixel area PA2 of the display device 100 and may include the sub-pixels SP1a, SP2a, and SP3a as described above. Fig.10 , each of the sub-pixels SP1a, SP2a, and SP3a may be divided into an emission area EA and a peripheral area NEA.

[0117] The display device 100 may include a substrate 1 , a bottom structure including at least one transistor TFT for driving the sub-pixels SP1 a , SP2 a , and SP3 a , a touch sensor TS, and a color filter CFa.

[0118] The substrate 1 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. Rigid substrates may include glass substrates, quartz substrates, glass ceramic substrates, and crystal glass substrates. Flexible substrates may include film substrates and plastic substrates, which include polymer organic materials.

[0119] The buffer layer 2 may be disposed on the substrate 1. The buffer layer 2 may prevent impurities from diffusing into the transistor TFT. The buffer layer 2 may be provided as a single layer or a multi-layer structure including at least two layers.

[0120] A bottom structure including a transistor TFT and a plurality of conductive lines may be disposed on the buffer layer 2 .

[0121] In an embodiment, the active pattern ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer 2. The active pattern ACT may be formed of a semiconductor material. For example, the active pattern ACT may include polysilicon, amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, etc. The gate insulating layer 3 may be disposed on the buffer layer 2 and the active pattern ACT. The gate insulating layer 3 may be an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material.

[0122] The gate electrode GE may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 3, and the first insulating layer 4 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 3 and the gate electrode GE. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be disposed on the first insulating layer 4. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may penetrate the gate insulating layer 3 and the first insulating layer 4 to be connected to the active pattern ACT.

[0123] The second insulating layer 5 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 4 on which the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE are disposed. The second insulating layer 5 may be a planarization layer.

[0124] The light emitting element LD (or light emitting structure) may include a first electrode E1, a light emitting layer EL, and a second electrode E2.

[0125] The first electrode E1 of the light emitting element LD may be disposed on the second insulating layer 5. In an embodiment, the first electrode E1 may be disposed as an anode electrode of the light emitting element LD. The first electrode E1 may penetrate the second insulating layer 5 and be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TFT. The first electrode E1 may be patterned for each sub-pixel. The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 5 in a portion of the peripheral area NEA and the emission area EA.

[0126] The first electrode E1 may be formed using metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, etc. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0127] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed in the peripheral area NEA on the second insulating layer 5. The pixel defining layer PDL defines an opening area exposing a portion of the first electrode E1. The pixel defining layer PDL may be made of an organic material or an inorganic material. That is, the emission area EA may be defined by the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0128] The light emitting layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode E1 exposed by the opening region defined by the pixel defining layer PDL. The light emitting layer EL may also extend along the sidewall of the pixel defining layer PDL. In an embodiment, the light emitting layer EL may be formed using at least one light emitting material capable of emitting light of different colors (i.e., red light, green light, blue light, etc.) according to sub-pixels.

[0129] The second electrode E2 may be commonly disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the light emitting layer EL. In an embodiment, the second electrode E2 may be disposed as a cathode electrode of the light emitting element LD. The second electrode E2 may be formed using a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. These may be used alone or in combination. Thus, a light emitting element LD including the first electrode E1, the light emitting layer EL, and the second electrode E2 may be formed.

[0130] The encapsulation layer TFE covering the second electrode E2 may be disposed throughout the second electrode E2. The encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of insulating layers covering the light emitting element LD. For example, the encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which an inorganic layer and an organic layer are alternately stacked. In some cases, the encapsulation layer TFE may be an encapsulation substrate that is disposed throughout the light emitting element LD and is bonded to the substrate 1 by a sealant.

[0131] The touch sensor TS may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE through a continuous process. The touch sensor TS may include a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers which are not shown. The touch sensor TS may include a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode to sense an external input.

[0132] The light blocking layer BMa may be formed on the touch sensor TS to overlap with the peripheral area NEA (or non-emission area). When the light blocking layer BMa is formed between the first color filter CF1a, the second color filter CF2a, and the third color filter CF3a, it is possible to prevent color mixing defects from being observed at the front or side of the display device 100. The material of the light blocking layer BMa is not particularly limited, and the light blocking layer BMa may use various light blocking materials.

[0133] The color filter CFa may be formed between the light blocking layers BMa to overlap the emission area EA. The color filter CFa may include a color filter material for allowing light of a specific color to selectively transmit therethrough. The color filter CFa may include a red filter, a green filter, and a blue filter.

[0134] In an example, when the first sub-pixel SP1a is a blue sub-pixel, a first color filter CF1a for allowing blue light to be transmitted therethrough may be provided on the first sub-pixel SP1a. When the second sub-pixel SP2a is a red sub-pixel, a second color filter CF2a for allowing red light to be transmitted therethrough may be provided on the second sub-pixel SP2a. When the third sub-pixel SP3a is a green sub-pixel, a third color filter CF3a for allowing green light to be transmitted therethrough may be provided on the third sub-pixel SP3a.

[0135] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9B A schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel is shown in FIG. Fig.11 In, with Fig.10 Overlapping components shown in are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetition of their detailed descriptions is omitted.

[0136] refer to Fig.11 , the light blocking layer BMb may be formed on the touch sensor TS to overlap with the peripheral area NEA (or non-emission area) of the sub-pixels SP1b to SP3b. When the light blocking layer BMb is formed between the first color filter CF1b, the second color filter CF2b, and the third color filter CF3b, it is possible to prevent color mixing defects from being observed at the front or side of the display device 100. The material of the light blocking layer BMb is not particularly limited, and the light blocking layer BMb may use various light blocking materials.

[0137] The light blocking layer BMb may be formed only in the region adjacent to the sub-pixels SP1b to SP3b, thereby providing sufficient transmittance to the sensor provided in the first pixel area PA1. The thickness (or width) of the light blocking layer BMb formed in the first pixel area PA1 may be thinner (narrower) than the thickness (or width) of the light blocking layer BMa formed in the second pixel area PA2.

[0138] The color filter CFb may extend between the regions of the light blocking layer BMb to overlap the emission area EA. The color filter CFb may include a color filter material for allowing light of a specific color to selectively transmit therethrough. The color filter CFb may include a red filter, a green filter, and a blue filter.

[0139] In an example, when the first sub-pixel SP1b is a blue sub-pixel, a first color filter CF1b for allowing blue light to be transmitted therethrough may be provided on the first sub-pixel SP1b. When the second sub-pixel SP2b is a red sub-pixel, a second color filter CF2b for allowing red light to be transmitted therethrough may be provided on the second sub-pixel SP2b. When the third sub-pixel SP3b is a green sub-pixel, a third color filter CF3b for allowing green light to be transmitted therethrough may be provided on the third sub-pixel SP3b.

[0140] Since the thickness of the light blocking layer BMb formed in the first pixel area PA1 is different from the thickness of the light blocking layer BMa formed in the second pixel area PA2, the thickness of the color filter CFb formed in the first pixel area PA1 may also be different from the thickness of the color filter CFa formed in the second pixel area PA2.

[0141] In the example, when the first color filter CF1a is Fig.10 When the first color filter CF1a is set to have the first thickness H1a as shown, the first color filter CF1b can be set to have the first thickness H1b thinner than the first thickness H1a. Fig.10When the third color filter CF3a is set to have the second thickness H2a as shown, the second color filter CF2b can be set to have a second thickness H2b thinner than the second thickness H2a. Fig.10 When the third color filter CF3b is set to have the third thickness H3a as shown, the third color filter CF3b may be set to have a third thickness H3b thinner than the third thickness H3a.

[0142] When the color filter is thin, its transmittance may be high, and thus the same effect as when the aperture ratio is large may be provided. In an example, when the color filter is thin, the current density of the sub-pixels SP1b, SP2b, and SP3b required to provide the desired brightness may be smaller. Therefore, in the present disclosure, by using a compensation factor depending on the thickness of the color filter in the first pixel area PA1, afterimage (or degradation) may be reduced or prevented.

[0143] The thickness of the color filter may be measured in the manufacturing process. In an embodiment, the thickness of the color filter in the first pixel area PA1 may be uniform. In an example, when the thickness of each of the color filters CF1b, CF2b, and CF3b located in the first pixel area PA1 is thinned at a constant ratio compared to each of the color filters CF1a, CF2a, and CF3a located in the second pixel area PA2, a compensation factor corresponding to the thickness of the color filter may be used for the first pixel PX1.

[0144] In an embodiment, the thickness of the color filter may be different in the sub-pixels SP1b to SP3b. In an example, when the thickness of each of the color filters CF1b, CF2b, and CF3b located in the first pixel area PA1 is thinned at a different ratio than each of the color filters CF1a, CF2a, and CF3a located in the second pixel area PA2, a separate compensation factor corresponding to the thickness of the color filter may be used for the sub-pixels SP1b to SP3b.

[0145] In an example, the thicknesses of the first color filters CF1b respectively corresponding to the first sub-pixels SP1b may be averaged, so that the average thickness is reflected as the color filter thickness of the first sub-pixel SP1b. The thicknesses of the second color filters CF2b respectively corresponding to the second sub-pixels SP2b may be averaged, so that the average thickness is reflected as the color filter thickness of the second sub-pixel SP2b. The thicknesses of the third color filters CF3b respectively corresponding to the third sub-pixels SP3b may be averaged, so that the average thickness is reflected as the color filter thickness of the third sub-pixel SP3b.

[0146] Fig.12 It is shown that the Figure 3 1 is a block diagram of an example of a pixel unit 110 and a panel driver 102 in a display device 100 shown in FIG.

[0147] refer to Figure 3 and Fig.12 , the panel driver 102 may drive the pixel unit 110 using the data voltage VDATA generated using the compensation data CDATA applied to the input data Din. In an embodiment, the panel driver 102 may include a Figure 3 The timing controller 120, the scan driver 130 and the data driver 140 are shown in FIG.

[0148] The size of the data voltage VDATA (or data signal) corresponding to the input data Din may be different according to the aperture ratio ORD of the pixel driven by the data voltage VDATA and the thickness CFD of the color filter. The panel driver 102 may apply the compensation data CDATA to the input data Din, thereby controlling the size of the data voltage VDATA. When the data voltage VDATA corresponding to the first pixel PX1 is output, the thickness CFD of the color filter may be used, and when the data voltage VDATA corresponding to the second pixel PX2 is output, the thickness CFD of the color filter may not be used or required.

[0149] The input data Din and the compensation data CDATA may represent data in digital form, and the panel driver 102 may convert the digital data (eg, Figure 3 The output data Dout shown in FIG. 1 is converted into the data voltage VDATA in analog form. For example, the data driver 140 included in the panel driver 102 can provide the data voltage VDATA to the pixel unit 110 through the data lines DL1 to DLm.

[0150] For the same input data Din (e.g., data representing the same grayscale brightness) provided to the panel driver 102, the data voltage VDATA may vary according to the aperture ratio ORD and / or the thickness CFD of the color filter. The compensation of the data voltage VDATA may be based on the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC generated by the degradation compensator 200. For example, as the aperture ratio ORD increases or as the thickness CFD of the color filter decreases, the magnitude of the data voltage VDATA corresponding to the same input data Din may be controlled so that the driving current of the pixel increases.

[0151] As described above, when the aperture ratio ORD is greater than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, or when the thickness CFD of the color filter is thin, for the same input data Din, the driving current of the pixel can be increased. The life curve can be transformed to a desired life curve direction (e.g., a life curve corresponding to the reference aperture ratio), and the distribution of the life curve can be improved. In an embodiment, when the aperture ratio ORD is greater than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, the driving current of the pixel caused by the compensated data voltage VDATA corresponding to the input data Din can be greater than the driving current of the pixel caused by the data voltage before compensation.

[0152] In an embodiment, when the aperture ratio ORD is less than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of a pixel caused by the compensated data voltage VDATA corresponding to the input data Din may be less than a driving current of a pixel caused by the data voltage before compensation. That is, when the aperture ratio ORD is less than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a brightness of a pixel caused by the compensated data voltage VDATA corresponding to the input data Din may be less than a brightness of a pixel caused by the data voltage before compensation.

[0153] Fig.13 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of an embodiment of a degradation compensator is shown in FIG. Fig.13 In, with Figure 5 The same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0154] refer to Fig.13 , the degradation compensator 200 may include a compensation factor determiner 202 , a data compensator 204 , a memory 206 , and a stress converter 208 .

[0155] The degradation compensator 200 may generate a stress compensation weight value SCW by accumulating the input data Din (or the output data Dout), and may generate the compensation data CDATA based on the stress compensation weight value SCW.

[0156] The compensation factor determiner 202 may determine the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO based on the aperture ratio ORD of the pixel PX. The compensation factor determiner 202 may determine the color filter compensation factor CDFC based on the thickness CFD of the color filter of the first pixel PX1. The compensation factor determiner 202 may provide the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC to the data compensator 204.

[0157] The stress converter 208 may calculate a stress value based on input data Din (and / or output data Dout) corresponding to each of the sub-pixels SP1a to SP3a and SP1b to SP3b. The accumulated brightness drop (or residual life) according to the input data Din (and / or output data Dout) may be calculated as a stress value. The stress value may be determined based on information related to the accumulated brightness, emission time, etc. according to the input data Din (and / or output data Dout). In an example, the stress value may increase as the emission time accumulates. The stress converter 208 may calculate a stress compensation weighted value SCW according to the stress value.

[0158] The stress converter 208 may store the stress value accumulated for each frame in the memory 206, and may update the stress value by receiving the accumulated stress value from the memory 206. Alternatively, the memory 206 may store the stress compensation weighted value SCW, and the stress converter 208 may transmit the stress compensation weighted value SCW to the memory 206 or receive the stress compensation weighted value SCW from the memory 206.

[0159] In an embodiment, the memory 206 may store information about the aperture ratio ORD and the thickness CFD of the color filter. The compensation factor determiner 202 may calculate the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC by receiving the aperture ratio ORD and the thickness CFD of the color filter from the memory 206. In addition, the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC may be stored in the memory 206. The compensation factor determiner 202 may receive the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC from the memory 206.

[0160] The data compensator 204 may apply the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO corresponding to each of the second pixels PX2 (or sub-pixels SP1a to SP3a) to the stress compensation weighted value SCW corresponding to each of the second pixels PX2, thereby generating compensation data CDATA corresponding to each of the second pixels PX2. For example, the data compensator 204 may generate the compensation data CDATA by multiplying the stress compensation weighted value SCW by the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO.

[0161] The data compensator 204 may apply the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC corresponding to each of the first pixels PX1 (or the sub-pixels SP1b to SP3b) to the stress compensation weighted value SCW corresponding to each of the first pixels PX1, thereby generating the compensation data CDATA corresponding to the first pixels PX1. For example, the data compensator 204 may generate the compensation data CDATA by multiplying the stress compensation weighted value SCW by the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO and the color filter compensation factor CDFC.

[0162] As described above, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aperture ratio compensation factor CDFO may be used to determine the compensation data CDATA. The current density deviation caused by the difference in aperture ratio between the pixels PX may be reduced or minimized, and the distribution of the life curve may be uniformly improved.

[0163] As described above, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compensation data CDATA may be determined using the color filter compensation factor CDFC corresponding to the thickness of the color filter of the first pixel area PA1. The current density deviation between the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 caused by the difference in the thickness of the color filter may be reduced or minimized, and the distribution of the life curve may be uniformly improved.

[0164] The lifetime prediction modeling corresponding to the second pixel PX2 may be expressed as shown in Equation 1.

[0165] Formula 1

[0166]

[0167] In Formula 1, B may represent the brightness change (or lifetime) relative to time, S may represent the modeling slope (modeling_slope) coefficient of the light-emitting element lifetime, T may represent the modeling time (modeling_time) coefficient of the light-emitting element lifetime, th may represent the usage time, ACC may represent the current density acceleration coefficient, Pm may represent the current density ratio corresponding to the aperture ratio, i may represent the pixel current corresponding to the stress accumulation, and istd may represent the reference current density corresponding to S and T.

[0168] In Formula 1, S, T, and ACC may be predetermined according to the material characteristics of the light emitting element, etc. In Formula 1, th may correspond to the usage time, and i may correspond to the accumulated current value flowing through the pixel. Pm corresponds to the aperture ratio, and may be understood as the current density ratio identified by the aperture ratio ORD.

[0169] The lifetime prediction modeling corresponding to the first pixel PX1 can be expressed as shown in Equation 2.

[0170] Formula 2

[0171]

[0172] In Formula 2, Pu may represent a current density ratio corresponding to the thickness of the color filter. Pu corresponds to the thickness of the color filter and may be understood as a value reflecting or depending on the thickness CFD of the color filter. Other variables in Formula 2 are described above with reference to Formula 1.

[0173] As described above, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifespan characteristic is compensated by reflecting the thickness of the color filter with respect to the first pixel PX1 , so that the deviation of the lifespan characteristics of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be minimized.

[0174] In the display device and the method of driving the display device according to the present disclosure, image data is compensated using different compensation factors in a region with high resolution and a region with low resolution, and thus, lifetime deviation may be reduced or minimized.

[0175] Furthermore, in the display device and the method of driving the display device according to the present disclosure, image data is compensated based on the aperture ratio of pixels and the thickness of color filters, and thus, lifetime deviation may be reduced or minimized.

[0176] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are used, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art when filing this application, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A pixel unit, comprising a first pixel disposed in a first pixel region and a second pixel disposed in a second pixel region; a degradation compensator configured to generate a stress compensation weighted value by accumulating image data, generate first compensation data corresponding to the first pixel based on the stress compensation weighted value and a first compensation factor, and generate second compensation data based on the stress compensation weighted value and a second compensation factor; as well as a panel driver configured to drive the pixel unit by reflecting the first compensation data and the second compensation data on input data from the outside; as well as The number of the first pixels set per unit area is less than the number of the second pixels set per unit area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first compensation factor depends on an aperture ratio of the first pixel and a thickness of a color filter of the first pixel region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The color filter thickness is uniformly applied to the first pixel.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the first pixels includes a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel displays a color different from that of the first sub-pixel, and different color filter thicknesses are applied to the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: A driving current of the first pixel corresponding to the first compensation data is greater than a driving current before the color filter thickness is reflected on the first compensation data.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: When the aperture ratio of the first pixel is greater than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the first pixel corresponding to the first compensation data is greater than a driving current before the aperture ratio is reflected on the first compensation data.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: When the aperture ratio of the first pixel is less than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the first pixel corresponding to the first compensation data is less than a driving current before the aperture ratio is reflected on the first compensation data.

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The second compensation factor depends on an aperture ratio of the second pixel.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: When the aperture ratio of the second pixel is greater than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the second pixel corresponding to the second compensation data is greater than a driving current before the aperture ratio of the second pixel is reflected on the second compensation data.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: When the aperture ratio of the second pixel is less than a predetermined reference aperture ratio, a driving current of the second pixel corresponding to the second compensation data is less than a driving current before the aperture ratio of the second pixel is reflected on the second compensation data.

Images