Display device

Abstract

A display apparatus includes: a display panel having a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a light emitting device; and a control unit configured to output image data to the display panel, in which the control unit includes: a frame generation section that generates a brightness enhancement frame that enhances brightness of an object moving in the image data and a black insertion frame that inserts black into the object; and a frame output section configured to sequentially output the brightness enhancement frame and the black insertion frame to the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device that suppresses deterioration of light-emitting diodes. Background Art

[0002] A display device such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device employs a display method in which a light-emitting device such as a light-emitting diode continuously emits light during a period from when writing of image data for one frame is completed to when writing of image data for the next frame starts. In the above display method, when an object moves between frames, a motion blur phenomenon may occur in which the object appears blurred to a human's vision or an afterimage is recognized.

[0003] In Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0029178, a display device is disclosed that suppresses the motion blur phenomenon and improves display quality by inserting a black image between frames.

[0004] When a black image is inserted between frames, in order to maintain the brightness recognized by a human, it is necessary to increase the brightness of the image of the frame before the frame of the black image. When the light-emitting device operates at a relatively high brightness, deterioration of the light-emitting device is aggravated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device that suppresses deterioration of light-emitting diodes.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. These and other advantages of the present disclosure will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written disclosure.

[0008] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, a display device includes: a display panel having a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a light-emitting device; and a control unit configured to output image data to the display panel, wherein the control unit includes: a frame generation unit that generates a brightness emphasis frame that emphasizes the brightness of an object moving in the image data and a black insertion frame that inserts black into the object; and a frame output unit configured to sequentially output the brightness emphasis frame and the black insertion frame to the display panel.

[0009] It should be understood that the general description and the detailed description below are both illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present disclosure. Description of the Drawings

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a view showing a display device according to a first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 is a view showing an image control unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 is a view showing a mask generation unit of the image control unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4A is a view showing an nth image frame processed by the image control unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4B is a view showing an nth mask frame generated by the mask generation unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 is a view showing a frame processing unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 is a view showing a process executed by the image control unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 is a view showing the brightness change of an image frame displayed by the display device according to the first embodiment of the disclosure over time;

[0019] Figure 8 is a view showing an image control unit of a display device according to a second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9 is a view showing a smoothing unit of the image control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 is a view showing a mapping between a filtering result and the concentration of black in the smoothing unit of the image control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11A view showing a mask frame generated by a smoothing unit of an image control unit of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 12 A view showing a process performed by an image control unit of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Figure 13 A view showing a display device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Embodiments

[0025] Now, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, examples of which can be shown in the drawings. In the following description, when it is determined that a detailed description of well-known functions or configurations related to this document unnecessarily obscures the gist of the inventive concept, its detailed description will be omitted. The progress of the described processing steps and / or operations is an example; however, the order of the steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and may be changed as known in the art, except when the steps and / or operations must occur in a specific order. The same reference numerals always denote the same elements. The names of the respective elements used in the following description are merely selected for convenience in writing this specification and may therefore be different from those used in actual products.

[0026] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for implementing them will be clarified by the example embodiments described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will help those skilled in the art fully understand the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 A view showing a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] In Figure 1 a display device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image processing unit 11, a timing control unit 12, an image control unit 13, a data driving unit 14, a gate driving unit 15, and a display panel 20.

[0029] The image processing unit 11 receives a data signal DATA including image data. The image data includes a plurality of frame data. The frame data may hereinafter be referred to as a frame. The image processing unit 11 generates a data enable signal DE based on the data signal DATA. The image processing unit 11 may generate a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a clock signal. The image processing unit 11 is electrically connected to the timing control unit 12. The image processing unit 11 sends the data signal DATA and the data enable signal to the timing control unit 12.

[0030] The timing control unit 12 receives a data signal DATA from the image processing unit 11. In addition, the timing control unit 12 may receive a data enable signal DE, a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a clock signal (hereinafter referred to as “driving signals”). The timing control unit 12 generates a data control signal DCS for driving the data driving unit 14 and a gate control signal GCS for driving the gate driving unit 15 based on the driving signals. The timing control unit 12 is electrically connected to the image control unit 13. The timing control unit 12 sends the data control signal DCS, the gate control signal GCS, and the data signal DATA to the image control unit 13.

[0031] The image control unit 13 receives the data control signal DCS, the gate control signal GCS, and the data signal DATA from the timing control unit 12. The image control unit 13 converts the data signal DATA into a modified data signal DATAm. In addition, the image control unit 13 converts the data control signal DCS and the gate control signal GCS into a modified data control signal DCSm and a modified gate control signal GCSm, respectively, according to the modified data signal DATAm. The image control unit 13 is electrically connected to the data driving unit 14 and the gate driving unit 15. The image control unit 13 sends the modified data signal DATAm and the modified data control signal DCSm to the data driving unit 14. In addition, the image control unit 13 sends the modified gate control signal GCSm to the gate driving unit 15. The detailed processing performed in the image control unit 13 will be described below.

[0032] The data driving unit 14 receives the modified data signal DATAm and the modified data control signal DCSm from the image control unit 13. The data driving unit 14 converts the modified data signal DATAm into an analog data voltage for each row using the modified data control signal DCSm. The modified data control signal DCSm may include a source start pulse signal, a source shift clock signal, and a source output enable signal. The source start pulse signal adjusts the start timing of data sampling in the source driver integrated circuit in the data driving unit 14. The source shift clock signal is used to adjust the duration of data sampling in each source driver integrated circuit. The source output enable signal adjusts the output timing of the data voltage from the data driving unit 14.

[0033] The data driving unit 14 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of pixels 50 in the display panel 20 through a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm. The data driving unit 14 supplies a data voltage to each of the plurality of pixels 50 through the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm. The conversion duration and the output duration of the data voltage in the data driving unit 14 can be changed by respectively adjusting the output widths of the data enable signal DE and the source output enable signal. The data driving unit 14 continuously supplies a data voltage to each of the plurality of pixels 50 through the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm in synchronization with the output timing of the gate signal. The data voltage supplied to the plurality of pixels 50 corresponds to the brightness of the plurality of pixels 50.

[0034] The gate driving unit 15 receives a modified gate control signal GCSm from the image control unit 13. The gate driving unit 15 is electrically connected to the display panel 20 through a plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn. The gate driving unit 15 outputs a gate signal to each of the plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn based on the modified gate control signal GCSm.

[0035] The gate driving unit 15 may include internal circuits such as a level shifter, a shift register, a delay circuit, and a flip-flop. The gate driving unit 15 continuously generates control signals such as a gate start pulse signal, a gate shift clock signal, and a gate output enable signal. The gate start pulse signal adjusts the operation start timing of the gate driver integrated circuit in the gate driving unit 15. The gate shift clock signal is generally input to the gate driver integrated circuit and adjusts the shift timing of the gate signal (scanning signal). The gate driving unit 15 continuously generates a gate signal by shifting a gate pulse signal according to the gate shift clock signal. The gate driving unit 15 supplies a gate signal to each of the plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn. Each of the plurality of pixels 50 has an active state due to the gate signal supplied through the plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn. The gate driving unit 15 adjusts the output width of the gate signal based on the output widths of the data enable signal DE and the gate output enable signal.

[0036] The display panel 20 constitutes a display image of the display device 10. An image is provided to a user by continuously outputting a plurality of unit images based on multi-frame data. The display panel 20 includes a plurality of pixels 50 arranged in a matrix in each pixel region. Pixel regions are defined by intersections of a plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn (n is a positive integer) extending in a row direction from the gate driving unit 15 and a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm (m is a positive integer) extending in a column direction from the data driving unit 14. Each of the plurality of pixels 50 includes a light-emitting device. For example, the light-emitting device in each of the plurality of pixels 50 includes a light-emitting diode OLED. The light-emitting diode emits light according to the current flowing through it. As the current density through the light-emitting diode OLED increases, the luminance of the light emitted from the light-emitting diode OLED increases linearly. The operation of the light-emitting diode OLED with a relatively high luminance non-linearly increases the degradation rate of the light-emitting device. When the light-emitting diode OLED deteriorates due to operation at a relatively high luminance, the luminance of the light corresponding to the same current density emitted from the light-emitting diode OLED decreases. Therefore, as the operating time of the light-emitting diode OLED with a relatively high luminance increases, the life of the light-emitting device is shortened.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a view showing an image control unit of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] In Figure 2 it, the image control unit 13 has a function of a motion detection unit that specifies an object moving between frames based on the difference between frames. The image control unit 13 includes a frame storage unit 131, a mask generation unit 133, and a frame processing unit 135.

[0039] The frame storage unit 131 receives a data signal DATA. The data signal DATA includes frame data F of an image displayed by the display panel 20 of the display device 10. The frame storage unit 131 stores the frame data F. The frame data F includes data of the nth image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)th image frame F(n + 1). When the image control unit 13 displays the nth image frame F(n) through the display panel 20 of the display device 10, the frame storage unit 131 sends data corresponding to the nth image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)th image frame F(n + 1) to the mask generation unit 133. Hereinafter, the data corresponding to the nth image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)th image frame F(n + 1) may be described as the nth image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)th image frame F(n + 1), respectively.

[0040] The mask generation unit 133 receives the data of the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1) from the frame storage unit 131. The mask generation unit 133 generates the n-th mask frame M(n) based on the data of the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1). The detailed process for generating the n-th mask frame M(n) will be described below. The mask generation unit 133 sends the n-th mask frame M(n) to the frame processing unit 135. The mask generation unit 133 can generate mask frames for all frames displayed through the display panel 20.

[0041] The frame processing unit 135 receives the n-th image frame F(n) from the frame storage unit 131. In addition, the frame processing unit 135 receives the n-th mask frame M(n) from the mask generation unit 133. The frame processing unit 135 generates the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) corresponding to the n-th image frame F(n) based on the n-th image frame F(n) and the n-th mask frame M(n). The detailed process for generating the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) will be described below. The frame processing unit 135 can generate luminance emphasis frames and black insertion frames for all frames displayed through the display panel 20. The frame processing unit 135 sends the modified data signal DATAm including the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) to the data driving unit 14.

[0042] Figure 3 It is a view showing a mask generation unit of an image control unit of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] In Figure 3 it, the mask generation unit 133 includes a difference calculation unit 1331, an absolute value calculation unit 1333, and a comparison unit 1335.

[0044] The difference calculation unit 1331 receives the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1) from the frame storage unit 131. The difference calculation unit 1331 calculates the n-th difference D(n) between the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1). For example, the difference calculation unit 1331 subtracts the pixel value of the n-th image frame F(n) from the corresponding pixel value of the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1). The difference calculation unit 1331 calculates the differences of all pixel values in the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1). The difference calculation unit 1331 transfers the calculated n-th difference D(n) to the absolute value calculation unit 1333.

[0045] The absolute value calculation unit 1333 receives the n-th difference D(n) between the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1) from the difference calculation unit 1331. The absolute value calculation unit 1333 calculates the n-th absolute value ABS(n) of the n-th difference D(n). When the image transitions from the n-th image frame F(n) to the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1), the pixel portion with a relatively large pixel value change has a relatively large absolute value. When the image transitions from the n-th image frame F(n) to the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1), the pixel portion with a relatively small pixel value change has a relatively small absolute value. The absolute value calculation unit 1333 sends the calculated n-th absolute value ABS(n) to the comparison unit 1335.

[0046] The comparison unit 1335 receives the n-th absolute value ABS(n) from the absolute value calculation unit 1333. The comparison unit 1335 compares the n-th absolute value ABS(n) with a predetermined threshold Th and generates the n-th mask frame M(n) based on the corresponding comparison result. For example, the comparison unit 1335 determines whether the n-th absolute value ABS(n) is greater than the threshold. When it is determined that the absolute value corresponding to a pixel is greater than the threshold Th, the comparison unit 1335 assigns "1" to the corresponding pixel. In addition, when it is determined that the absolute value corresponding to another pixel is less than the threshold Th, the comparison unit 1335 assigns "0" to the corresponding pixel. The comparison unit 1335 compares the absolute values of all pixels in the n-th absolute value ABS(n) with the threshold Th and assigns "1" or "0" to the portion corresponding to each pixel based on the comparison result. The portion corresponding to the pixel assigned "1" has a relatively large absolute value of the n-th difference D(n). As a result, the comparison unit 1335 determines that the portion corresponding to the pixel assigned "1" is an object that moves between the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1). The portion corresponding to the pixel assigned "0" has a relatively small absolute value of the n-th difference D(n). As a result, the comparison unit 1335 determines that the portion corresponding to the pixel assigned "0" is an object that does not move between the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1).

[0047] The comparison unit 1335 generates a mask in which "1" or "0" is assigned to each pixel. The generated mask is the n-th mask frame M(n) for specifying a moving object and is used in the frame processing unit 135. The n-th mask frame M(n) can be represented as a binary image. The comparison unit 1335 sends the n-th mask frame M(n) to the frame processing unit 135.

[0048] When it is determined that there is no object moving between the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1), the comparison unit 1335 may generate the n-th mask frame M(n) in which "0" is assigned to each pixel.

[0049] Although in Figure 3 in the first embodiment of, the difference calculation unit 1331 calculates the nth difference D(n) based on consecutive nth and (n + 1)th image frames F(n) and F(n + 1), in another embodiment, the difference calculation unit 1331 may calculate the nth difference D(n) based on non-consecutive image frames. For example, the difference calculation unit 1331 may calculate the nth difference D(n) based on the nth image frame F(n) and the (n + 2)th image frame F(n + 2). The difference calculation unit 1331 may use the first and second frames in multiple frames to calculate the nth difference D(n). In addition, the difference calculation unit 1331 may calculate the nth difference D(n) based on luminance values instead of pixel values.

[0050] In Figure 3 in the first embodiment of, the threshold Th is input from outside the mask generation unit 133 to the comparison unit 1335. The threshold Th may be pre-stored in the comparison unit 1335, or may be pre-stored in an additional storage unit of the mask generation unit 133. In addition, the threshold Th may be a fixed value or a variable value.

[0051] Figure 4A is a view showing the nth image frame processed by the image control unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4B is a view showing the nth mask frame generated by the mask generation unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] The frame storage unit 131 sends Figure 4A the nth image frame F(n) of and the (n + 1)th image frame F(n + 1) immediately following the nth image frame F(n) to the mask generation unit 133. When the image is converted from the nth image frame F(n) to the (n + 1)th frame F(n + 1), only the person moves and the background does not change. Hereinafter, the moving object part ( Figure 4A the person in) may be referred to as an "object". In addition, the fixed subject part ( Figure 4A the background in) may be referred to as a "background". The absolute value calculation unit 1333 outputs that the absolute value of the object is higher than the absolute value of the background. The absolute value calculation unit 1333 outputs the absolute value of the background that is lower than the absolute value of the object. The comparison unit 1335 determines that the person is a moving object based on the nth absolute value ABS(n) sent from the absolute value calculation unit 1333. The comparison unit 1335 determines that the background is a fixed subject based on the corresponding nth absolute value ABS(n). The comparison unit 1335 generates the nth mask frame M(n) as shown in Figure 4B . In Figure 4B , the object is represented by white and the background is represented by black. The mask generation unit 133 sends the nth mask frame M(n) to the frame processing unit 135.

[0053] Figure 5 It is a view showing a frame processing unit of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] In Figure 5 the frame processing unit 135 includes a brightness enhancement unit 1351, a black data insertion unit 1353, and a frame output unit 1355.

[0055] The brightness enhancement unit 1351 receives the nth image frame F(n) from the frame storage unit 131. The brightness enhancement unit 1351 receives the nth mask frame M(n) from the mask generation unit 133. The brightness enhancement unit 1351 generates the nth brightness enhanced frame HBF(n) based on the nth image frame F(n) and the nth mask frame M(n). The brightness enhancement unit 1351 corresponds to a frame generation unit for generating the nth brightness enhanced frame HBF(n).

[0056] The brightness enhancement unit 1351 performs a masking process using the nth image frame F(n) and the nth mask frame M(n), and extracts an object from the nth image frame F(n). The brightness enhancement unit 1351 generates an image (frame) in which the brightness of the extracted object is higher than the brightness of the object in the nth image frame F(n). In the generated image, the brightness of the background is the same as or similar to the brightness of the background in the nth image frame F(n) by the brightness enhancement unit 1351. The brightness enhancement unit 1351 generates the nth brightness enhanced frame HBF(n) based on the nth image frame F(n) and the nth mask frame M(n), where only the brightness of the object increases. In the nth brightness enhanced frame HBF(n), the background has the same or similar brightness as the background in the nth image frame F(n). The brightness enhancement unit 1351 sends the nth brightness enhanced frame HBF(n) to the frame output unit 1355.

[0057] The black data insertion unit 1353 receives the nth image frame F(n) from the frame storage unit 131. In addition, the black data insertion unit 1353 receives the nth mask frame M(n) from the mask generation unit 133. The black data insertion unit 1353 generates the nth black insertion frame BIF(n) based on the nth image frame F(n) and the nth mask frame M(n). The black data insertion unit 1353 corresponds to a frame generation unit for generating the nth black insertion frame BIF(n).

[0058] The black data insertion unit 1353 performs masking processing using the n-th image frame F(n) and the n-th mask frame M(n), and extracts an object from the n-th image frame F(n). The black data insertion unit 1353 generates an image (frame) in which black is inserted into the extracted object based on the n-th image frame F(n). In the generated image, the brightness of the background is the same as or similar to the brightness of the background of the n-th image frame F(n) by the black data insertion unit 1353. The black data insertion unit 1353 generates the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) in which black is inserted only into the object based on the n-th image frame F(n) and the n-th mask frame M(n). In the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n), the background has the same or similar brightness as the background of the n-th image frame F(n). The black data insertion unit 1353 sends the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) to the frame output unit 1355.

[0059] The black data insertion unit 1353 generates an image (frame) in which black is inserted into the object. However, the color inserted into the object is not limited to black with the minimum gray level. For example, the black data insertion unit 1353 can use a color (e.g., gray) that has a higher brightness than black with the minimum gray level and lower than the subject of the n-th image frame F(n) to generate the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n).

[0060] The frame output unit 1355 receives the n-th luminance emphasized frame HBF(n) from the luminance emphasis unit 1351. In addition, the frame output unit 1355 receives the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) from the black data insertion unit 1353. The frame output unit 1355 sends the n-th luminance emphasized frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) to the data driver unit 14. The image control unit 13 generates a modified data control signal DCSm and a modified gate control signal GCSm for sequentially displaying the luminance emphasized frame and the black insertion frame during one frame period for displaying the n-th image frame F(n). The image control unit 13 can generate the modified data control signal DCSm and the modified gate control signal GCSm such that the sum of the period for displaying the n-th luminance emphasized frame HBF(n) and the period for displaying the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) corresponds to the frame rate of the n-th image frame F(n). For example, when the frame rate of the n-th image frame F(n) is about 60 fps (frames per second), the image control unit 13 can generate the modified data control signal DCSm and the modified gate control signal GCSm such that the sum of the period for displaying the n-th luminance emphasized frame HBF(n) and the period for displaying the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) becomes 1 / 60 sec of the period for displaying the n-th image frame F(n). The image control unit 13 adjusts the data driver unit 14 and the gate driver unit 15 such that the n-th luminance emphasized frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) are sequentially displayed in the display panel 20 based on the modified data control signal DCSm and the modified gate control signal GCSm.

[0061] Figure 6 is a view showing the processing performed by the image control unit of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] In step S601, the image control unit 13 stores the first frame and the second frame among the plurality of frames in the frame storage unit 131.

[0063] In step S602, the image control unit 13 calculates the difference between the first frame and the second frame for each pixel.

[0064] In step S603, the image control unit 13 compares the absolute value of the calculated difference with a threshold value.

[0065] In step S604, the image control unit 13 generates a mask frame (mask image) based on the comparison result.

[0066] In step S605, the image control unit 13 generates a luminance emphasized frame (luminance emphasized image) based on the mask image and the first frame.

[0067] In step S606, the image control unit 13 generates a black insertion frame (black insertion image) based on the mask image and the first frame.

[0068] In step S607, the image control unit 13 sequentially displays a brightness enhancement image and a black insertion image during one frame period.

[0069] Figure 7 is a view showing the brightness change of an image frame displayed by the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with respect to time.

[0070] In Figure 7 , the vertical axis represents the brightness of the light emitted from the pixels in the image frame, and the horizontal axis represents time. During the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the first moment t1, the n-th brightness enhancement frame HBF(n) is displayed in the display device 10. During the period from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2, the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) is displayed in the display device 10. The period from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2 is a period for displaying one frame and corresponds to the frame rate for displaying the n-th image frame F(n). For example, when the frame rate of the n-th image frame F(n) is about 60 fps, the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2 has a length of about 1 / 60 sec. The solid line represents the brightness of one pixel corresponding to the object, and the dotted line represents the brightness of one pixel corresponding to the background. For the sake of illustration, it is assumed that the light emitted from each pixel in the n-th image frame F(n) has a first brightness B1.

[0071] During the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2, the pixels corresponding to the background that do not change between the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1) have a constant first brightness B1 (dotted line). In the n-th brightness enhancement frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n), the background has the same or similar brightness.

[0072] During the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2, the brightness of the pixels corresponding to the object that moves between the n-th image frame F(n) and the (n + 1)-th image frame F(n + 1) is changed (solid line). During the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the first moment t1, the pixels corresponding to the object have a second brightness B2 higher than the first brightness B1. During the period from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2, the pixels corresponding to the object have a third brightness B3 lower than the first brightness B1. For example, during the period from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2, the third brightness B3 of the solid line can be the minimum brightness. The second brightness B2 during the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the first moment t1 corresponds to the brightness of the pixels in the object of the n-th brightness enhancement frame HBF(n). The brightness (solid line) during the period from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2 corresponds to the brightness of the pixels in the object of the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n).

[0073] Human visual perception of brightness is based on the integration of brightness over time. During the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2, the pixels constituting the moving object in the n-th image frame F(n) have a constant first brightness B1. Assume that the pixels of the n-th brightness boosting frame HBF(n) have a first brightness integral value I1 during the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the first moment t1. Assume that the pixels of the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) have a second integral value I2 during the period from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2. It can be adjusted such that during the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2, the sum of the first brightness integral value I1 and the second integral value I2 is equal to the integral value of the first brightness B1. The above adjustment can be performed on all pixels in the display panel 20. During one frame period, the continuously displayed n-th brightness boosting frame HBF(n) (from the zero-th moment t0 to the first moment t1) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) (from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2) are recognized as having the same or similar brightness as the n-th image frame F(n). A user who continuously views the n-th brightness boosting frame HBF(n) (from the zero-th moment t0 to the first moment t1) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) (from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2) recognizes the same or similar brightness as the n-th image frame F(n) (from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2). For example, the first frame period (from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2) is assumed to be approximately 1 / 60 second. Each of the period from the zero-th moment t0 to the first moment t1 and the period from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2 is assumed to be approximately 1 / 120 second. Let the average brightness of the pixels corresponding to the object in the n-th brightness boosting frame HBF(n) be the second brightness B2. The second brightness B2 can be approximately twice the first brightness B1.

[0074] When there is no moving object between frames, the image frame is displayed with a constant average brightness during one frame period (from the zero-th moment t0 to the second moment t2). The frame processing unit 135 generates two image frames having the same average brightness as the n-th brightness boosting frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n). The frame processing unit 135 sends the two generated frames as the n-th brightness boosting frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) to the data driving unit 14.

[0075] When there is no moving object between frames, the mask generation unit 133 generates an n-th mask frame M(n) in which "0" is assigned to all pixels. The luminance emphasis unit 1351 generates a first image frame having the same average luminance as the n-th image frame F(n) based on the n-th mask frame M(n). Different from the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) generated when a moving object is detected, the first image frame does not have a portion where the luminance is emphasized. Further, the black data insertion unit 1353 generates a second image frame having the same average luminance as the n-th image frame F(n) based on the n-th mask frame M(n). Different from the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) generated when a moving object is detected, the second image frame does not have a portion replaced with black. When there is no moving object between frames, the first image frame generated by the luminance emphasis unit 1351 has the same average luminance as the second image frame generated by the black data insertion unit 1353. Further, the first image frame may be the same as the second image frame. During one frame period, the first image frame is initially displayed and then the second image frame is displayed. When there is no moving object between frames, the light-emitting device is not driven at a relatively high luminance but is driven at a luminance similar to that of the n-th image frame F(n). As a result, deterioration of the light-emitting device such as a light-emitting diode is suppressed even when a still image is displayed.

[0076] In the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, black is inserted into only a part of the moving object between frames. As a result, the number of light-emitting devices driven at a relatively high luminance is limited to the minimum number required to suppress the motion blur phenomenon and improve the display quality. Further, when a still image is displayed, the light-emitting device is not driven at a relatively high luminance. Therefore, deterioration of the light-emitting device such as a light-emitting diode is suppressed, and a display device with improved lifespan is provided.

[0077] Figure 8 is a view showing an image control unit of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of the same parts as in the first embodiment is omitted.

[0078] In Figure 8 the image control unit 13 includes a frame storage unit 131, a mask generation unit 133, a smoothing unit 134, and a frame processing unit 135.

[0079] The smoothing unit 134 receives the n-th mask frame M(n) from the mask generation unit 133. The smoothing unit 134 performs a smoothing process on the n-th mask frame M(n) to facilitate (mitigate) the change in the luminance value of the boundary region between the object and the background. The detailed smoothing process will be described below. The smoothing unit 134 sends the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n) obtained through the smoothing process to the frame processing unit 135. The frame processing unit 135 generates the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) based on the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n). The frame processing unit 135 sends the modified data signal DATAm including the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) to the data driving unit 14.

[0080] Figure 9 is a view showing the smoothing unit of the image control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] In Figure 9 the smoothing unit 134 includes a filter unit 1341, a mapping generation unit 1343, and an image processing unit 1345.

[0082] The filter unit 1341 receives the n-th mask frame M(n) from the mask generation unit 133. The filter unit 1341 performs a filtering process on the n-th mask frame M(n). For example, the filter unit 1341 obtains the luminance values of one pixel (the pixel of interest) in the n-th mask frame M(n) and the adjacent pixels at the periphery of the pixel of interest. The filter unit 1341 obtains the number of pixels emitting black based on the obtained luminance values. The filter unit 1341 may obtain the luminance values of the pixels in a 3×3 range (kernel) including the pixel of interest. Then, the filter unit 1341 obtains the number of pixels emitting black within the 3×3 range based on the obtained luminance values. The filter unit 1341 repeats the filtering process for all the pixels constituting the n-th mask frame M(n). For example, the filter unit 1341 may determine each pixel as the pixel of interest, may obtain the luminance values of the pixel of interest and the adjacent pixels at the periphery of the pixel of interest, and may obtain the number of pixels emitting black based on the luminance values. The filter unit 1341 sends the number of pixels emitting black for each pixel to the mapping generation unit 1343.

[0083] The filter unit 1341 may determine a larger range as the kernel. For example, the filter unit 1341 may use a 5×5 range or a 7×7 range as the kernel. The filter unit 1341 may assign weights to each pixel in the kernel. For example, the filter unit 1341 may assign a larger weight to the central part of the kernel and a smaller weight to the edge part of the kernel. In addition, the filter unit 1341 may obtain the number of pixels emitting black based on the pixel values instead of the luminance values.

[0084] Figure 10 A view showing the mapping between the filtering result in the smoothing unit of the image control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure and the concentration of black.

[0085] In Figure 10 the mapping generation unit 1343 defines the relationship between the number of pixels emitting black (black pixels) and the concentration (gray level) of black of the pixel of interest transmitted from the filter unit 1341. The mapping generation unit 1343 can associate the corresponding pixel of interest with the concentration of black based on the number of black pixels. The mapping generation unit 1343 can specify a step size for the change in the concentration of black based on a predetermined number N. For example, the number of black pixels within a 3×3 range including the pixel of interest can be associated with nine concentrations of black. When the number of black pixels in the kernel is 0, the corresponding pixel of interest can be associated with a black concentration of approximately 0% (maximum gray level). When the number of black pixels in the kernel is between 1 and 7, the corresponding pixel of interest can be associated with a black concentration within approximately 12.5% to approximately 87.5%. When the number of black pixels in the kernel is 8 or 9, the corresponding pixel of interest can be associated with a black concentration of approximately 100% (minimum gray level). The mapping generation unit 1343 transmits the correlation result of the pixel of interest and the concentration of black to the image processing unit 1345.

[0086] Figure 11 A view showing the mask frame generated by the smoothing unit of the image control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] In Figure 11 the image processing unit 1345 generates a smoothed mask frame MS(n) obtained by smoothing processing based on the correlation result of the pixel of interest and the concentration of black. In the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n) generated by the image processing unit 1345, the gray level of the adjacent region of the boundary (hereinafter referred to as the "boundary region") between the moving object between frames and the fixed object between frames gradually changes. The boundary region in the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n) can be represented as a gray level. The image processing unit 1345 sends the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n) to the frame processing unit 135.

[0088] In Figure 9 the predetermined number N is input from the outside of the smoothing unit 134 to the mapping generation unit 1343. The predetermined number N can be pre-stored in the mapping generation unit 1343, or can be stored in an additional storage unit in the smoothing unit 134. In addition, the predetermined number N can be a fixed value or a variable value.

[0089] The frame processing unit 135 generates an n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) based on the gray level information of each pixel in the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n). In the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) based on the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n), the luminance of the boundary region gradually changes. The change in the luminance of the boundary region can be achieved by adjusting the luminance of the pixels in the boundary region based on the gray level information of the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n).

[0090] The frame processing unit 135 may generate an n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) based on the gray level information of each pixel in the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n). In the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) based on the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n), the luminance of the boundary region gradually changes.

[0091] The frame processing unit 135 sends a modified data signal DATAm including the n-th luminance emphasis frame HBF(n) and the n-th black insertion frame BIF(n) to the data driving unit 14 based on the n-th smoothed mask frame MS(n).

[0092] Figure 12 is a view showing the processing performed by the image control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] In step S1201, the image control unit 13 stores the first frame and the second frame among the plurality of frames in the frame storage unit 131.

[0094] In step S1202, the image control unit 13 calculates the difference between the first frame and the second frame for each pixel.

[0095] In step S1203, the image control unit 13 compares the absolute value of the calculated difference with a threshold value.

[0096] In step S1204, the image control unit 13 generates a mask frame (mask image) based on the comparison result.

[0097] In step S1205, the image control unit 13 performs a smoothing process on the mask image to facilitate the change in the luminance of the boundary region between the moving object and the fixed object other than the moving object, and generates a smoothed mask image.

[0098] In step S1206, the image control unit 13 generates a luminance emphasis frame (luminance emphasis image) based on the smoothed mask image and the first frame.

[0099] In step S1207, the image control unit 13 generates a black insertion frame (black insertion image) based on the smoothed mask image and the first frame.

[0100] In step S1208, the image control unit 13 sequentially displays a brightness enhancement image and a black insertion image during one frame period.

[0101] Due to the integration of brightness with respect to time, human vision recognizes brightness. When a person's viewing point moves within a frame, due to the brightness enhancement frame and the black insertion frame, the integral value of the brightness (the brightness recognized by a person) may change abruptly in the boundary region between a moving object and the background between frames. The user may recognize the abrupt change as flicker or an afterimage. In the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the abrupt change in the integral value of the brightness in the boundary region can be suppressed by gradually changing the brightness in the boundary region. As a result, degradation such as flicker or an afterimage that can be recognized by the user in the boundary region can be suppressed, and a display device with improved display quality can be provided.

[0102] Figure 13 is a view showing a display device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] In Figure 13 , the display device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image processing unit 11, a control unit 16, a data driver unit 14, a gate driver unit 15, and a display panel 20.

[0104] The display device 10 according to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure includes an image control unit 13 as a controller independent of the timing control unit 12. The image control unit 13 can be integrated into the timing control unit 12. The display device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit 16 as one chip. The control unit 16 receives a data signal DATA from the image processing unit 11. In addition, the control unit 16 receives a driving signal including a data enable signal DE from the image processing unit 11. The control unit 16 generates a data control signal DCS and a gate control signal GCS based on the driving signal. The control unit 16 converts the data signal DATA into a modified data signal DATAm. The modified data signal DATAm includes an nth brightness enhancement frame HBF(n) and an nth black insertion frame BIF(n). The control unit 16 converts the data control signal DCS and the gate control signal GCS into a modified data control signal DCSm and a modified gate control signal GCSm, respectively, according to the modified data signal DATAm. The control unit 16 is electrically connected to the data driver unit 14 and the gate driver unit 15. The control unit 16 sends the modified data signal DATAm and the modified data control signal DCSm to the data driver unit 14. In addition, the control unit 16 sends the modified gate control signal GCSm to the gate driver unit 15. The control unit 16 of the third embodiment is formed as one chip to provide all the functions of the timing control unit 12 and the image control unit 13 of the first and second embodiments.

[0105] Each part and each process of the first to third embodiments can be implemented by a processor and a memory that cooperates with the processor. For example, the processor can read a program stored in the memory, can execute the corresponding program, and can operate each part according to the description in the first to third embodiments. Each part in the first to third embodiments can include a processor. In addition, the memory that cooperates with the corresponding processor can have a non-volatile type.

[0106] In the display device according to the first to third embodiments of the present disclosure, deterioration of the light-emitting device is suppressed.

[0107] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations that fall within the present disclosure.

[0108] Cross-reference to related applications

[0109] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-211643 filed in Japan on December 15, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel having a plurality of pixels each including a light emitting device; as well as a control unit configured to output image data to the display panel, Wherein, the control unit comprises: a frame generation unit configured to generate a brightness emphasis frame for emphasizing the brightness of an object moving in the image data and a black insertion frame for inserting black into the object; and A frame output unit is configured to sequentially output the brightness emphasis frame and the black insertion frame to the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit further includes a motion detection section configured to detect the object based on a difference between a plurality of frames in the image data.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The motion detection section generates a mask frame for specifying the object based on the difference between the plurality of frames.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The motion detection unit: calculating, for each of the plurality of pixels, a difference between a pixel value of a first frame and a pixel value of a second frame of the plurality of frames; comparing the absolute value of the difference in pixel values ​​with a threshold; and The mask frame is generated based on the absolute value and the threshold value.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The mask frame is a binary image generated by comparing the absolute value between the first frame and the second frame with the threshold value.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The mask frame: displaying the portion whose absolute value is greater than the threshold as the object; and The portion whose absolute value is smaller than the threshold value is displayed as a fixed portion that does not move between the first frame and the second frame.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first frame and the second frame are consecutive frames.

8. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The frame generating unit: specifying the object based on the mask frame; and The brightness emphasized frame is generated by increasing the brightness of the object in the first frame.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: A portion of the brightness-emphasized frame excluding the object has the same brightness as a portion of the first frame excluding the object.

10. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The frame generating unit: specifying the object based on the mask frame; and The black insertion frame is generated by inserting black into the object in the first frame.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: A portion of the black insertion frame excluding the object has the same brightness as a portion of the first frame excluding the object.

12. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: When the object does not exist between the first frame and the second frame, the frame generation section generates two image frames having the same average brightness as the brightness emphasis frame and the black insertion frame.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The two image frames are identical to each other.

14. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The brightness emphasis frame and the black insertion frame are sequentially displayed during a period for displaying one frame among the plurality of frames.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: In the period for displaying one frame among the plurality of frames, a period for displaying the brightness emphasis frame and a period for displaying the black insertion frame are identical to each other.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The brightness of the object in the brightness emphasized frame is twice the brightness of the object in one frame among the plurality of frames.

17. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit further includes a smoothing section configured to facilitate a change in a brightness value of a boundary region between the object and a portion other than the object in the mask frame.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The smoothing portion displays the boundary region as a grayscale.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The smoothing portion: acquiring the number of pixels having black color based on brightness values ​​or pixel values ​​of pixels adjacent to the boundary area; and The gray level of the boundary area is changed based on the number of pixels having black color.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The frame generation section generates the brightness emphasis frame in which the brightness value of the boundary area is changed based on the change in the grayscale level.

21. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The frame generation section generates the black insertion frame, and wherein a luminance value of the boundary area changes based on a change in the grayscale level.

22. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitting device includes a light emitting diode.

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