Display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

There is provided a display device including: a display panel including a pixel group that emits light to display an image; a data driver configured to drive the display panel; and a timing controller configured to control the data driver, in which at least one of the pixel groups includes a normal sub-pixel connected to the data line and a compensation sub-pixel connected to the data line and the sensing line, and the normal sub-pixel and the compensation sub-pixel emit light of different colors.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0197859, filed on Dec. 29, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a driving method thereof.

[0003] Discussion of Related Art

[0004] With the development of information technology, the market for display devices, which are a medium connecting users and information, has been growing. Accordingly, display devices such as light-emitting display (LED) devices, quantum dot display (QDD) devices, and liquid crystal display (LCD) devices have been increasingly used.

[0005] Each of the above display devices includes: a display panel including sub-pixels; a driver configured to output a driving signal for driving the display panel; and a power supply device configured to generate power to be supplied to the display panel or the driver.

[0006] In such a display device, when driving signals such as a scan signal and a data signal are supplied to sub-pixels formed in the display panel, a selected one of the sub-pixels may thereby transmit light or may directly emit light to display an image. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a display device and a method of driving the same, which substantially avoid one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0008] The present disclosure improves calibration accuracy and compensation performance by compensating normal sub-pixels that emit light of the same color in a surrounding area based on a sensed value and cumulative stress (in other words, usage rate), and correcting (reconstructing) and updating a non-sensed compensation algorithm based on the sensed value of the compensated sub-pixels.

[0009] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be partly set forth in the description that follows, and partly will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from practice of the present disclosure. The objects and other advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims of the present disclosure and the drawings.

[0010] To achieve these objects 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 including a group of pixels that emit light to display an image; a data driver configured to drive the display panel; and a timing controller configured to control the data driver, wherein at least one group of pixels in the group of pixels includes a normal sub-pixel connected to a data line and a compensation sub-pixel connected to the data line and a sensing line, and the normal sub-pixel and the compensation sub-pixel emit light of different colors.

[0011] The group of pixels may include at least four groups of pixels, and each group of pixels includes a compensation sub-pixel that emits light of a different color.

[0012] At least four groups of pixels may all be disposed on one gate line defined in the display panel, or may be disposed one by one for each gate line defined in the display panel.

[0013] At least four groups of pixels may include: a first group of pixels including a compensation sub-pixel that emits light of a first color; a second group of pixels including a compensation sub-pixel that emits light of a second color different from the first color; a third group of pixels including a compensation sub-pixel that emits light of a third color different from the second color; and a fourth group of pixels including a compensation sub-pixel that emits light of a fourth color different from the third color.

[0014] The first group of pixels may include: a first sub-pixel connected to a first data line and a first sensing line; a second sub-pixel connected to a second data line adjacent to the first data line; a third sub-pixel connected to a third data line spaced apart from the second data line; and a fourth sub-pixel connected to a fourth data line adjacent to the third data line, and the second group of pixels may include: a fifth sub-pixel connected to a fifth data line; a sixth sub-pixel connected to a sixth data line adjacent to the fifth data line; a seventh sub-pixel connected to a second sensing line and a seventh data line spaced apart from the sixth data line; and an eighth sub-pixel connected to an eighth data line adjacent to the seventh data line.

[0015] The data driver may provide a sensed value obtained from the compensation sub-pixel to the timing controller, and the timing controller may compensate for deterioration of at least one of the normal sub-pixel or the compensation sub-pixel based on the sensed value provided from the data driver.

[0016] The timing controller may correct a look-up table of a compensation algorithm prepared to compensate for deterioration of at least one of the normal sub-pixel or the compensation sub-pixel based on the sensed value.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including at least four pixel groups, each pixel group including one compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a different color; a data driver configured to drive the display panel and sense each of the at least four pixel groups to obtain each of color-specific sensed values representative of colors from the compensation sub-pixels; and a timing controller configured to control the data driver and compensate data signals to be supplied to normal sub-pixels included in the at least four pixel groups based on the color-specific sensed values.

[0018] The timing controller may compensate normal sub-pixels emitting light of the same color as the color of the compensation sub-pixels based on the color-specific sensed values.

[0019] The at least four pixel groups may include: a first pixel group including a compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a first color and three normal sub-pixels; a second pixel group including a compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a second color different from the first color and three normal sub-pixels; a third pixel group including a compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a third color different from the second color and three normal sub-pixels; and a fourth pixel group including a compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a fourth color different from the third color and three normal sub-pixels.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of driving a display device includes: driving at least four pixel groups, each pixel group including one compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a different color; sensing each of the at least four pixel groups to obtain each of color-specific sensed values representative of colors from the compensation sub-pixels; and compensating data signals to be supplied to normal sub-pixels included in the at least four pixel groups based on the color-specific sensed values.

[0021] The compensation may include: compensating normal sub-pixels emitting light of the same color as the color of the compensation sub-pixels based on the color-specific sensed values.

[0022] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an LED device,Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram for describing the configuration of a gate-in-panel (GIP) type scan driver, and Figure 4 is a module configuration diagram of an LED device;

[0025] Figure 5 is a sub-pixel configuration diagram of a display panel, Figure 6 is an illustrative circuit configuration diagram of a normal sub-pixel, Figure 7 is an illustrative circuit configuration diagram of a compensation sub-pixel, and Figure 8 is a diagram for briefly describing the configuration of a data driver connected to a compensation sub-pixel;

[0026] Figure 9 is an illustrative diagram showing a pixel group according to a first embodiment, and Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a diagram for briefly describing a compensation method using sub-pixels included in a pixel group according to a first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 12 is a flowchart for describing a compensation method according to a first embodiment, Figure 13 is a reference diagram showing an example of a process of expanding a search range in step S40 according to a first embodiment, and Figure 14 is a reference diagram showing an example of reflecting a sensed value of a compensation sub-pixel in a normal sub-pixel according to a first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 15 is an illustrative diagram showing a pixel group according to a second embodiment, Figure 16 is based on Figure 15 the pixel group shown to prepare a first illustrative layout diagram of a display panel, and Figure 17 is based on Figure 15 the pixel group shown to prepare a second illustrative layout diagram of a display panel;

[0029] Figure 18 is an illustrative diagram showing a pixel group according to a third embodiment, Figure 19 is based on Figure 18 the pixel group shown to prepare a first illustrative layout diagram of a display panel, and Figure 20 is based on Figure 18 the pixel group shown to prepare a second illustrative layout diagram of a display panel; and

[0030] Figure 21 is an illustrative layout diagram of a display panel prepared based on a pixel group according to a fourth embodiment, and Figure 22 is a flowchart for describing a compensation method according to a fourth embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0032] The display device according to the present disclosure can be implemented as a television, a video player, a personal computer (PC), a home theater, an automotive electric device, or a smartphone, but is not limited thereto. The display device according to the present disclosure can be implemented as an LED device, a QDD device, or an LCD device. For ease of description, hereinafter, an LED device that directly emits light based on an inorganic light-emitting diode or an organic light-emitting diode will be taken as an example.

[0033] In addition, the thin film transistor (TFT) described below can be implemented as an n-type TFT, a p-type TFT, or in a form in which both n-type and p-type exist. A TFT is a three-electrode element including a gate, a source, and a drain. The source is an electrode that supplies carriers to the transistor. In a TFT, carriers flow starting from the source. The drain is an electrode through which carriers leave the TFT. That is, in a TFT, carriers flow from the source to the drain.

[0034] In the case of a p-type TFT, since the carriers are holes, the source voltage is higher than the drain voltage, so that holes can flow from the source to the drain. In a p-type TFT, holes flow from the source to the drain side, and thus current flows from the source to the drain side. In contrast, in the case of an n-type TFT, since electrons are carriers, the source voltage is lower than the drain voltage, so that electrons can flow from the source to the drain. In an n-type TFT, electrons flow from the source to the drain side, and thus current flows from the drain to the source side. However, the source and drain of a TFT can change according to the applied voltage. Reflecting this, in the following description, one of the source and the drain will be described as the first electrode, and the other of the source and the drain will be described as the second electrode.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an LED device, Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram for describing the configuration of a GIP type scan driver, and Figure 4 is a module configuration diagram of an LED device.

[0036] As Figure 1 shown, the LED device may include an image supply device 110, a timing controller 120, a scan driver 130, a data driver 140, a display panel 150, a power supply device 180, etc.

[0037] The image supply device (group or host system) 110 can output various driving signals together with the externally supplied image data signal or the image data signal stored in the internal memory. The image supply device 110 can supply the data signal and various driving signals to the timing controller 120.

[0038] The timing controller 120 can output a gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the scan driver 130, a data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data driver 140, various synchronization signals (vertical synchronization signal Vsync and horizontal synchronization signal Hsync), etc. The timing controller 120 can supply the data signal DATA supplied from the image supply device 110 to the data driver 140 together with the data timing control signal DDC. The timing controller 120 can be in the form of an integrated circuit (IC) and mounted on a printed circuit board, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] The scan driver 130 can output a scan signal (or scan voltage) in response to the gate timing control signal GDC supplied from the timing controller 120. The scan driver 130 can supply the scan signal to each of the sub-pixels included in the display panel 150 through the gate lines GL1 to GLm. The scan driver 130 can be in the form of an IC, or can be directly formed on the display panel 150 in a GIP manner, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] The data driver 140 can sample and latch the data signal DATA in response to the data timing control signal DDC supplied from the timing controller 120, convert the obtained digital data signal into an analog data voltage based on the gamma reference voltage, and output the converted analog data voltage. The data driver 140 can supply the data voltage to the sub-pixels included in the display panel 150 through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The data driver 140 can be in the form of an IC and mounted on the display panel 150 or a printed circuit board, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] The power supply device 180 can generate a high potential voltage and a low potential voltage based on the externally supplied external input voltage, and output the high potential voltage and the low potential voltage through the high potential voltage line EVDD and the low potential voltage line EVSS. The power supply device 180 can not only generate and output the high potential voltage and the low potential voltage, but also generate and output the voltage required to drive the scan driver 130 (e.g., gate high voltage and gate low voltage) or the voltage required to drive the data driver 140 (e.g., drain voltage and half-drain voltage).

[0042] The display panel 150 may be manufactured based on a rigid or flexible substrate such as glass, silicon, polyimide, etc. The display panel 150 may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP for displaying an image based on a scan signal and a driving signal, where the driving signal includes a data voltage, a high potential voltage, a low potential voltage, etc. The sub-pixel SP may be connected to a first data line DL1, a first gate line GL1, a high potential voltage line EVDD, and a low potential voltage line EVSS. The sub-pixel SP may emit light directly. The sub-pixel SP may emit light of one color among red, green, blue, white, etc.

[0043] Meanwhile, the timing controller 120, the scan driver 130, the data driver 140, etc. have been described above as having separate configurations. However, according to the implementation scheme of the LED device, one or more of the timing controller 120, the scan driver 130, and the data driver 140 may be integrated into one IC.

[0044] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the GIP type scan driver may include a shift register 131 and a level shifter 135. The level shifter 135 may generate a scan clock signal Clks, a start signal Vst, etc. based on signals and voltages output from the timing controller 120 and the power supply device 180.

[0045] The shift register 131 may operate based on signals Clks and Vst, etc. output from the level shifter 135, and output scan signals Scan[1] to Scan[m] capable of turning on or off transistors formed in the display panel. The shift register 131 may be in a thin film form and used on the display panel using the GIP method.

[0046] Different from the shift register 131, the level shifter 135 may be independently in the form of an IC or included in the power supply device 180. However, this is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0047] As Figure 4 shown, the display panel 150 may include an active area AA for displaying an image and a non-active area NA for not displaying an image. The sub-pixels SP may be located in the display area AA. The shift registers 131a and 131b configured to output scan signals in the GIP type scan driver may be located in the non-active area NA.

[0048] The display panel 150 can be configured as a module by a plurality of data drivers 140a to 140n mounted on a plurality of first circuit boards 141a to 141n and a timing controller 120 mounted on a control board 125. The plurality of data drivers 140a to 140n and a timing controller 120 can be electrically connected through at least two second circuit boards 145a to 145b, at least two cables 121a to 121b, etc. Flexible circuit boards can be selected as the plurality of first circuit boards 141a to 141n, and printed circuit boards can be selected as at least two second circuit boards 145a to 145b. However, Figure 4 The module configuration diagram shown is only for helping understanding, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0049] Figure 5 is a sub-pixel configuration diagram of the display panel, Figure 6 is an illustrative circuit configuration diagram of a normal sub-pixel, Figure 7 is an illustrative circuit configuration diagram of a compensation sub-pixel, and Figure 8 is a diagram for briefly describing the configuration of a data driver connected to the compensation sub-pixel.

[0050] As Figure 5 shown, the display panel 150 can be implemented as a hybrid type including a combination of normal sub-pixels (non-sensing sub-pixels) SPA and compensation sub-pixels (sensing sub-pixels) SPB. The normal sub-pixel SPA can be connected to a first gate line GL1, a first data line DL1, a high-potential voltage line EVDD, and a low-potential voltage line EVSS. The compensation sub-pixel SPB can be connected to a first gate line GL1, a first data line DL1, a first sensing line REF1, a high-potential voltage line EVDD, and a low-potential voltage line EVSS. The first sensing line REF1 can be used to sense the electrical characteristics (threshold voltage, mobility, etc.) of the elements included in the compensation sub-pixel SPB, which will be introduced below.

[0051] As Figure 6 shown, the normal sub-pixel SPA can include a switching transistor SW, a capacitor CST, a driving transistor DT, and an organic light-emitting diode OLED.

[0052] The switching transistor SW can be used to transfer the data voltage applied through the first data line DL1 to the first electrode of the capacitor CST. The capacitor CST can be used to store the data voltage for driving the driving transistor DT. The driving transistor DT can be used to generate a driving current in response to the data voltage stored in the capacitor CST. The organic light-emitting diode OLED can be used to emit light in response to the operation (driving current) of the driving transistor DT.

[0053] Without directly sensing the components that cause degradation, the normal sub-pixel SPA can use a non-sensing compensation method to predict (accumulate the amount of stress according to the usage rate and predict the degradation of the components based on this) and compensate for the degree of degradation based on a data counting method, a modeling method prepared based on the usage time, etc. However, since the non-sensing compensation method does not directly sense the components that cause degradation, there may be difficulties in precise compensation.

[0054] As Figure 7 shown, the compensation sub-pixel SPB can include a switching transistor SW, a capacitor CST, a driving transistor DT, a sensing transistor ST, and an organic light-emitting diode OLED.

[0055] The organic light-emitting diode OLED can connect the anode to the high-potential high-voltage line EVDD and connect the cathode to the first electrode of the driving transistor DT. The driving transistor DT can connect the gate electrode to the first electrode of the capacitor CST, connect the first electrode to the cathode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED, and connect the second electrode to the low-potential voltage line EVSS. The capacitor CST can connect the first electrode to the gate electrode of the driving transistor DT and connect the second electrode to the second electrode of the driving transistor DT and the low-potential voltage line EVSS.

[0056] The switching transistor SW can connect the gate electrode to the first gate line GL1, connect the first electrode to the Nth data line DLn, and connect the second electrode to the gate electrode of the driving transistor DT. The sensing transistor ST can connect the gate electrode to the first gate line GL1, connect the first electrode to the first sensing line REF1, and connect the second electrode to the cathode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED and the first electrode of the driving transistor DT corresponding to the sensing node.

[0057] The compensation sub-pixel SPB can use a sensing-based compensation method to determine and compensate for the degree of degradation based on the circuit inside the sub-pixel and an external circuit capable of directly sensing the components that cause degradation. The sensing-based compensation method is a method that can directly sense the components that cause degradation and thus has the advantage of being able to precisely compensate.

[0058] At the same time, the configurations of the normal sub-pixel SPA and the compensation sub-pixel SPB described above should be interpreted as examples. Hereinafter, understand the hybrid device for driving the normal sub-pixel SPA and the compensation sub-pixel SPB with reference to the following description.

[0059] As Figure 8As shown, the data driver 140 may include a voltage output circuit 143 configured to output a data voltage, a pixel sensing circuit 147 configured to obtain a sensed value, etc. The N-th output channel DCHn of the voltage output circuit 143 may be connected to the N-th data line DLn of the compensation sub-pixel SPB, and the first sensing channel SCH1 of the pixel sensing circuit 147 may be connected to the first sensing line REF1 of the compensation sub-pixel SPB.

[0060] The pixel sensing circuit 147 may be used to sense the presence or absence of degradation of the driving transistor DT and the organic light emitting diode OLED. In addition, the pixel sensing circuit 147 may be used to sense the presence or absence of anomalies in the driving transistor DT and the organic light emitting diode OLED. In addition, the pixel sensing circuit 147 may be used to sense the current or voltage flowing through the driving transistor DT and the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0061] The data driver 140 may convert the sensed value Vsen obtained by the pixel sensing circuit 147 into a digital value and transmit the converted value to the timing controller 120 (or compensation circuit). In addition, the timing controller 120 may determine whether there is a change in the characteristics (threshold voltage, mobility, etc.) of the elements included in the compensation sub-pixel SPB based on the sensed value Vsen converted into a digital value, and may prepare a compensation value for compensating at least one of the compensation sub-pixel SPB and the normal sub-pixel.

[0062] Meanwhile, the timing controller 120 may use the compensation value in the degradation prediction compensator 123 to compensate the normal sub-pixels in a non-sensing manner and prepare a compensation data signal Cdata based on this. In this case, the degradation prediction compensator 123 modifies (reconstructs) the previously prepared degradation prediction model based on the sensed value Vsen in response to a change in the characteristics (threshold voltage, mobility, etc.) of the actually degraded elements, and thus can improve the compensation accuracy and compensation performance.

[0063] In addition, the timing controller 120 may obtain driving environment variables such as current change, voltage change, and temperature change (a method of predicting temperature change based on changes in current or voltage) based on the sensed value Vsen, and may compensate (control) the display panel and the devices required to drive the display panel (e.g., data driver, scan driver, power supply device, etc.) individually or jointly based on this.

[0064] Meanwhile, the present disclosure proposes the following pixel arrangement structure to achieve advantages in aspects such as manufacturing, driving, and compensation when implementing a hybrid display panel including a combination of normal sub-pixels and compensation sub-pixels.

[0065] Figure 9is an illustrative diagram showing a pixel group according to a first embodiment, and Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a diagram for briefly describing a compensation method using sub-pixels included in the pixel group according to the first embodiment.

[0066] Meanwhile, in Figure 9 , (R), (W), (B), and (G) are respectively used as reference symbols for sub-pixels to represent the colors of light emitted by each sub-pixel. However, it should be noted that this should be interpreted as an example, since the arrangement order of sub-pixels by color is not limited to this and is diverse.

[0067] As Figure 9 shown, the pixel group according to the first embodiment may include a first pixel group SPG1 to a fourth pixel group SPG4. As an example, the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2 are provided on a first gate line GL1, and the third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4 are provided on a second gate line GL2. However, the arrangement order may be reversed.

[0068] The first pixel group SPG1 may include a first sub-pixel SP1 and a second sub-pixel SP2 connected to a first data line and second data lines DL1 to DL2, and a third sub-pixel SP3 and a fourth sub-pixel SP4 connected to a third data line and fourth data lines DL3 to DL4. The first sub-pixel SP1 to the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All of the first sub-pixel SP1 to the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be commonly connected to the first gate line GL1, but only one sub-pixel (the first sub-pixel SP1) among the sub-pixels may be connected to a first sensing line REF1. That is, only the first sub-pixel SP1 may be configured to include a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP2 to SP4 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0069] The second pixel group SPG2 may include a fifth sub-pixel SP5 and a sixth sub-pixel SP6 connected to a fifth data line and a sixth data line DL5 to DL6, and a seventh sub-pixel SP7 and an eighth sub-pixel SP8 connected to a seventh data line and an eighth data line DL7 to DL8. The fifth sub-pixel SP5 to the eighth sub-pixel SP8 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All of the fifth sub-pixel SP5 to the eighth sub-pixel SP8 may be commonly connected to a first gate line GL1, but only one sub-pixel (the seventh sub-pixel SP7) among the sub-pixels may be connected to a second sensing line REF2. That is, only the seventh sub-pixel SP7 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP5, SP6, and SP8 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0070] The third pixel group SPG3 may include an eleventh sub-pixel SP11 and a twelfth sub-pixel SP12 connected to a first data line and a second data line DL1 to DL2, and a thirteenth sub-pixel SP13 and a fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 connected to a third data line and a fourth data line DL3 to DL4. The eleventh sub-pixel SP11 to the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All of the eleventh sub-pixel SP11 to the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be commonly connected to a second gate line GL2, but only one sub-pixel (the twelfth sub-pixel SP12) among the sub-pixels may be connected to a first sensing line REF1. That is, only the twelfth sub-pixel SP12 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP11, SP13, and SP14 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0071] The fourth pixel group SPG4 may include a fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 and a sixteenth sub-pixel SP16 connected to a fifth data line and a sixth data line DL5 to DL6, and a seventeenth sub-pixel SP17 and an eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 connected to a seventh data line and an eighth data line DL7 to DL8. The fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 to the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All of the fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 to the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 may be commonly connected to a second gate line GL2, but only one sub-pixel (the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18) among the sub-pixels may be connected to a second sensing line REF2. That is, only the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP15 to SP17 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0072] Referring to the first pixel group SPG1 to the fourth pixel group SPG4, the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 may have the following common feature: The sensing lines are arranged in the vertical direction (the same direction as the data lines) to pass through the points that equally divide the four sub-pixels in one pixel group. However, referring to the sub-pixels in the first pixel group SPG1 to the fourth pixel group SPG4 that are connected to the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2, the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 may have the following difference: The sensing lines are connected to the sub-pixels that emit different colors of light in the four pixel groups.

[0073] In this way, when the sub-pixels that emit different colors of light in the four pixel groups are selectively connected to the sensing lines, the compensated sub-pixels with color representation can be sensed from the four pixel groups, and based on this compensation, the normal sub-pixels that emit the same color of light in the surrounding areas can be compensated. In addition, when using such an arrangement and connection structure of these sub-pixels, compared with the method of configuring all sub-pixels as compensated sub-pixels, advantages in aspects such as manufacturing, driving, and compensation of the display panel can be achieved.

[0074] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, based on the sensed value obtained from the first compensated sub-pixel SP1, the sub-pixels SP1 to SP4 included in the pixel group can compensate the second normal sub-pixel SP2 to the fourth normal sub-pixel SP4 in addition to the first compensated sub-pixel SP1.

[0075] As described above, the second normal sub-pixel SP2 to the fourth normal sub-pixel SP4 can compensate the threshold voltage, etc. of the elements included in the sub-pixels based on the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB. In addition, the first compensated sub-pixel SP1 can compensate the threshold voltage, etc. of the elements included in the sub-pixels based on the sensed value and the non-sensing compensation algorithm (sensing + TSLB).

[0076] In response to the cumulative stress, the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB can compensate the threshold voltage deviation ΔVth of the elements included in the sub-pixels. In addition, the compensation method based on the sensed value and the non-sensing compensation algorithm (sensing + TSLB) can correct (reconstruct) and update reference values such as the second reference value Ref2 or the third reference value Ref3 based on the initially defined first reference value Ref1 and the sensed value, and examples thereof are as follows.

[0077] Figure 12 is a flowchart for describing the compensation method according to the first embodiment, Figure 13 is a reference diagram showing an example of the process of expanding the search range in step S40 according to the first embodiment, and Figure 14 is a reference diagram showing an example of reflecting the sensed value of the compensated sub-pixel in the normal sub-pixel according to the first embodiment.

[0078] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the compensation method according to the first embodiment can be performed based on a hybrid type including a combination of a normal sub-pixel SPA and a compensation sub-pixel SPB.

[0079] When driving the display panel, the threshold voltage Vth of each of the normal sub-pixel SPA (first sub-pixel) and the compensation sub-pixel SPB (second sub-pixel) can be predicted and compensated in real time based on the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB (S10).

[0080] When turning off the display panel, an off-compensation drive OFFRS can be performed based on the compensation sub-pixel SPB to obtain a sensed value, and the compensation look-up table LUT of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB can be corrected based on the sensed value obtained from the compensation sub-pixel SPB (S20). Here, the compensation look-up table LUT of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB for the compensation sub-pixel SPB can be corrected based on the sensed value. In addition, the compensation look-up table of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB for the normal sub-pixel SPA can be corrected based on the value (applied value) of the compensation look-up table of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB applied to the surrounding compensation sub-pixel SPB set in the surrounding area.

[0081] To this end, the amount of accumulated stress between the normal sub-pixel SPA and the surrounding compensation sub-pixel SPB set in the surrounding area can be compared. In addition, a relationship in which the accumulated stress of the surrounding compensation sub-pixel SPB is greater than (>) the accumulated stress of the normal sub-pixel SPA can be determined (S30). For example, the amount of accumulated stress between one normal sub-pixel SPA and the surrounding compensation sub-pixel SPB set around the normal sub-pixel SPA in four directions (up, down, left, and right) can be compared. Here, when the amount of accumulated stress of each of the compensation sub-pixels SPB in the four directions is greater than the amount of accumulated stress of one normal sub-pixel SPA, the process can proceed to "Yes". Otherwise, the process can proceed to "No".

[0082] Next, when the process proceeds from the previous step S30 to "Yes", the compensation look-up table LUT of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB can be corrected and applied based on the off-compensation drive OFFRS result of the compensation sub-pixel SPB having an amount of accumulated stress greater than the amount of accumulated stress of the normal sub-pixel SPA among the compensation sub-pixels SPB in the four directions (corresponding to an example of compensating for the deterioration of the sub-pixel based on TSLB in which the LUT is corrected compared to the previous one) (S60).

[0083] Meanwhile, when the process proceeds to "No" from the previous step S30, it can be determined whether there is a first compensation sub-pixel SPB1 among the compensation sub-pixels SPB in four directions that has an amount of accumulated stress smaller than the amount of accumulated stress of a normal sub-pixel SPA. This can be interpreted as the following method: excluding the compensation sub-pixels SPB with an amount of accumulated stress smaller than the amount of accumulated stress of the normal sub-pixel SPA according to a compensation reference value, and expanding the search range of new compensation sub-pixels to be used for the compensation reference value.

[0084] Therefore, when the first compensation sub-pixel SPB1 exists, the amount of accumulated stress between the second compensation sub-pixel SPB2 adjacent to the first compensation sub-pixel SPB1 and the normal sub-pixel SPA can be compared. In addition, the relationship that the accumulated stress of the second compensation sub-pixel SPB2 is greater than (>) the accumulated stress of the normal sub-pixel SPA can be determined (S40). For example, when the accumulated stress of the second compensation sub-pixel SPB2 is greater than the accumulated stress of the normal sub-pixel SPA, this situation corresponds to "Yes" indicating that a new compensation sub-pixel to be used for the compensation reference value has been found, and thus the process can proceed to step S60. On the other hand, when this situation corresponds to "No", the above-described process can be repeatedly executed N times (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1), the search range can be further expanded to find a new compensation sub-pixel to be used for the compensation reference value, and the process can proceed to step S50.

[0085] Meanwhile, when the previous step S40 proceeds to "No", the accumulated stress of each of the second compensation sub-pixels SPB2 in four directions can be compared with the accumulated stress of the normal sub-pixel SPA. Then, the relationship that the accumulated stress of the second compensation sub-pixel SPB2 is greater than (>) the accumulated stress of the normal sub-pixel SPA is determined. When the stress of SPB2 is greater than (>) the stress of SPA is satisfied in at least two directions, this situation corresponds to "Yes", and thus the process can proceed to step S60. On the other hand, when this situation corresponds to "No", a compensation look-up table LUT of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB prepared previously can be applied (corresponding to an example of compensating for the degradation of sub-pixels based on TSLB whose LUT has not been corrected compared with the previous one) (S70).

[0086] As Figure 14 shown, through the steps described above, the degradation of the normal sub-pixel SPA at point A can be compensated based on the sensed values of the compensation sub-pixels SPB around point A. In addition, the degradation of the normal sub-pixel SPA at point B can be compensated based on the sensed values of the compensation sub-pixels SPB around point B. In addition, the degradation of the normal sub-pixel SPA at point C can be compensated based on the sensed values of the compensation sub-pixels SPB around point C.

[0087] Figure 15 is an illustrative diagram showing a pixel group according to a second embodiment, Figure 16 is a first illustrative layout diagram of a display panel prepared based on the Figure 15 shown pixel group, and Figure 17 is a second illustrative layout diagram of a display panel prepared based on the Figure 15 shown pixel group.

[0088] Meanwhile, in Figures 15 to 17 , (R), (W), (B), and (G) are used as reference symbols for sub-pixels to represent the colors of light emitted by each sub-pixel. However, it should be noted that this should be interpreted as an example, since the arrangement order of sub-pixels by color is not limited to this and is diverse.

[0089] As Figure 15 shown, the pixel group according to the second embodiment may include a first pixel group SPG1 to a fourth pixel group SPG4. As an example, the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2 are provided on a first gate line GL1, and the third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4 are provided on a second gate line GL2. However, the arrangement order may be reversed.

[0090] The first pixel group SPG1 may include a first sub-pixel SP1 and a second sub-pixel SP2 connected to a first data line and second data lines DL1 to DL2, and a third sub-pixel SP3 and a fourth sub-pixel SP4 connected to a third data line and fourth data lines DL3 to DL4. The first sub-pixel SP1 to the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All of the first sub-pixel SP1 to the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be commonly connected to the first gate line GL1, but only one of the sub-pixels (the first sub-pixel SP1) may be connected to a first sensing line REF1. That is, only the first sub-pixel SP1 may be configured to include a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP2 to SP4 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0091] The second pixel group SPG2 may include a fifth sub-pixel SP5 and a sixth sub-pixel SP6 connected to a fifth data line and a sixth data line DL5 to DL6, and a seventh sub-pixel SP7 and an eighth sub-pixel SP8 connected to a seventh data line and an eighth data line DL7 to DL8. The fifth sub-pixel SP5 to the eighth sub-pixel SP8 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All the fifth sub-pixel SP5 to the eighth sub-pixel SP8 may be commonly connected to a first gate line GL1, but only one sub-pixel (the sixth sub-pixel SP6) among the sub-pixels may be connected to a second sensing line REF2. That is, only the sixth sub-pixel SP6 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP5, SP7, and SP8 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0092] The third pixel group SPG3 may include an eleventh sub-pixel SP11 and a twelfth sub-pixel SP12 connected to a first data line and a second data line DL1 to DL2, and a thirteenth sub-pixel SP13 and a fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 connected to a third data line and a fourth data line DL3 to DL4. The eleventh sub-pixel SP11 to the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All the eleventh sub-pixel SP11 to the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be commonly connected to a second gate line GL2, but only one sub-pixel (the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14) among the sub-pixels may be connected to a first sensing line REF1. That is, only the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP11, SP12, and SP13 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0093] The fourth pixel group SPG4 may include a fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 and a sixteenth sub-pixel SP16 connected to a fifth data line and a sixth data line DL5 to DL6, and a seventeenth sub-pixel SP17 and an eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 connected to a seventh data line and an eighth data line DL7 to DL8. The fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 to the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All the fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 to the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 may be commonly connected to a second gate line GL2, but only one sub-pixel (the seventeenth sub-pixel SP17) among the sub-pixels may be connected to a second sensing line REF2. That is, only the seventeenth sub-pixel SP17 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP15, SP16, and SP18 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0094] Referring to the first pixel group SPG1 to the fourth pixel group SPG4, the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 may have the following common characteristics: The sensing lines are arranged in the vertical direction (the same direction as the data lines) to pass through the points that equally divide the four sub-pixels in one pixel group. However, referring to the sub-pixels connected to the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 in the first pixel group SPG1 to the fourth pixel group SPG4, the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 may have the following differences: The sensing lines are connected to the sub-pixels that emit different colors of light in the four pixel groups.

[0095] As Figure 16 shown, according to the first arrangement example of the second embodiment, the display panel 150 can be prepared based on Figure 15 the pixel groups shown, which is described as follows.

[0096] The sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data lines DL1 to the eighth data lines DL8 and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2 in the first gate line GLa and the third gate line GLc can be prepared based on Figure 15 the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2. The sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data lines DL9 to the sixteenth data lines DL16 and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4 in the first gate line GLa and the third gate line GLc can be prepared based on Figure 15 the third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4.

[0097] The sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data lines DL1 to the eighth data lines DL8 and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2 in the second gate line GLb and the fourth gate line GLd can be prepared based on Figure 15 the third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4. The sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data lines DL9 to the sixteenth data lines DL16 and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4 in the second gate line GLb and the fourth gate line GLd can be prepared based on Figure 15 the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2.

[0098] As Figure 17 shown, according to the second arrangement example of the second embodiment, the display panel 150 can be prepared based on Figure 15 the pixel groups shown, which is described as follows.

[0099] The sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data lines DL1 to the eighth data lines DL8 and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2 in the first gate line GLa and the third gate line GLc can be prepared based on Figure 15The second pixel group SPG2 and the third pixel group SPG3 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data lines DL1 to DL8 and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2 in the A-th gate line GLa and the C-th gate line GLc. It can be based on Figure 15 The fourth pixel group SPG4 and the first pixel group SPG1 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data lines DL9 to DL16 and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4 in the A-th gate line GLa and the C-th gate line GLc.

[0100] It can be based on Figure 15 The fourth pixel group SPG4 and the first pixel group SPG1 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data lines DL1 to DL8 and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2 in the B-th gate line GLb and the D-th gate line GLd. It can be based on Figure 15 The second pixel group SPG2 and the third pixel group SPG3 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data lines DL9 to DL16 and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4 in the B-th gate line GLb and the D-th gate line GLd.

[0101] Refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 for the layout examples. The pixel groups can be divided into odd gate line pixel groups arranged on odd gate lines and even gate line pixel groups arranged on even gate lines. In addition, the compensation sub-pixels included in each of the odd gate line pixel groups and the even gate line pixel groups can be alternately arranged on the right and left sides with respect to the sensing line for each gate line.

[0102] Figure 18 is an illustrative diagram showing the pixel group according to the third embodiment, Figure 19 is the first illustrative layout diagram of the display panel prepared based on the pixel group shown in Figure 18 , and Figure 20 is the second illustrative layout diagram of the display panel prepared based on the pixel group shown in Figure 18 .

[0103] Meanwhile, in Figures 18 to 20 , (R), (W), (B), and (G) are respectively used as reference symbols for the sub-pixels to represent the colors of the light emitted by each sub-pixel. However, it should be noted that this should be interpreted as an example, because the arrangement order of the sub-pixels by color is not limited to this and is diverse.

[0104] As Figure 18As shown, the pixel groups according to the third embodiment may include first to fourth pixel groups SPG1 to SPG4. As an example, the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2 are disposed on the first gate line GL1, and the third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4 are disposed on the second gate line GL2. However, the arrangement order may be reversed.

[0105] The first pixel group SPG1 may include a first sub-pixel SP1 and a second sub-pixel SP2 connected to the first data line and second data lines DL1 to DL2, and a third sub-pixel SP3 and a fourth sub-pixel SP4 connected to the third data line and fourth data lines DL3 to DL4. The first sub-pixel SP1 to the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All of the first sub-pixel SP1 to the fourth sub-pixel SP4 may be commonly connected to the first gate line GL1, but only one sub-pixel (the third sub-pixel SP3) among the sub-pixels may be connected to the first sensing line REF1. That is, only the third sub-pixel SP3 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP4 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0106] The second pixel group SPG2 may include a fifth sub-pixel SP5 and a sixth sub-pixel SP6 connected to the fifth data line and sixth data lines DL5 to DL6, and a seventh sub-pixel SP7 and an eighth sub-pixel SP8 connected to the seventh data line and eighth data lines DL7 to DL8. The fifth sub-pixel SP5 to the eighth sub-pixel SP8 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All of the fifth sub-pixel SP5 to the eighth sub-pixel SP8 may be commonly connected to the first gate line GL1, but only one sub-pixel (the sixth sub-pixel SP6) among the sub-pixels may be connected to the second sensing line REF2. That is, only the sixth sub-pixel SP6 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP5, SP7, and SP8 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0107] The third pixel group SPG3 may include an eleventh sub-pixel SP11 and a twelfth sub-pixel SP12 connected to the first data line and the second data lines DL1 to DL2, and a thirteenth sub-pixel SP13 and a fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 connected to the third data line and the fourth data lines DL3 to DL4. The eleventh sub-pixel SP11 to the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All the eleventh sub-pixel SP11 to the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be commonly connected to the second gate line GL2, but only one sub-pixel (the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14) among the sub-pixels may be connected to the first sensing line REF1. That is, only the fourteenth sub-pixel SP14 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP11, SP12, and SP13 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0108] The fourth pixel group SPG4 may include a fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 and a sixteenth sub-pixel SP16 connected to the fifth data line and the sixth data lines DL5 to DL6, and a seventeenth sub-pixel SP17 and an eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 connected to the seventh data line and the eighth data lines DL7 to DL8. The fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 to the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 may be arranged in the order of a red sub-pixel (R), a white sub-pixel (W), a blue sub-pixel (B), and a green sub-pixel (G). All the fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 to the eighteenth sub-pixel SP18 may be commonly connected to the second gate line GL2, but only one sub-pixel (the fifteenth sub-pixel SP15) among the sub-pixels may be connected to the second sensing line REF2. That is, only the fifteenth sub-pixel SP15 may be configured as a compensation sub-pixel including a sensing transistor ST, and the remaining sub-pixels SP16, SP17, and SP18 may be configured as normal sub-pixels.

[0109] Referring to the first pixel group SPG1 to the fourth pixel group SPG4, the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 may have the following common characteristics: The sensing lines are arranged in the vertical direction (the same direction as the data lines) to pass through the points that equally divide the four sub-pixels in one pixel group. However, referring to the sub-pixels connected to the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 in the first pixel group SPG1 to the fourth pixel group SPG4, the first sensing line REF1 and the second sensing line REF2 may have the following differences: The sensing lines are connected to the sub-pixels that emit different colors of light in the four pixel groups.

[0110] As Figure 19 shown, according to the first layout example of the third embodiment, a display panel 150 may be prepared based on Figure 18 the pixel groups shown, which is described as follows.

[0111] Sub-pixels respectively connected to the first to eighth data lines DL1 to DL8 and the first and second sensing lines REF1 to REF2 of the first gate line GLa and the third gate line GLc can be prepared based on Figure 18 the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2. Sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth to sixteenth data lines DL9 to DL16 and the third and fourth sensing lines REF3 to REF4 of the first gate line GLa and the third gate line GLc can be prepared based on Figure 18 the first pixel group SPG1 and the third pixel group SPG3.

[0112] Sub-pixels respectively connected to the first to eighth data lines DL1 to DL8 and the first and second sensing lines REF1 to REF2 of the second gate line GLb and the fourth gate line GLd can be prepared based on Figure 18 the third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4. Sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth to sixteenth data lines DL9 to DL16 and the third and fourth sensing lines REF3 to REF4 of the second gate line GLb and the fourth gate line GLd can be prepared based on Figure 18 the second pixel group SPG2 and the first pixel group SPG1.

[0113] Referring to Figure 19 the arrangement example, the pixel groups can be divided into odd gate line pixel groups arranged on odd gate lines and even gate line pixel groups arranged on even gate lines. In addition, the compensation sub-pixels included in each of the odd gate line pixel groups and the even gate line pixel groups can be divided into an alternating group and a non-alternating group. In the alternating group, the compensation sub-pixels are alternately arranged on the right and left sides with respect to the sensing line for each gate line. In the non-alternating group, the compensation sub-pixels are continuously arranged on the right and left sides with respect to the sensing line for at least every two gate lines.

[0114] As Figure 20 shown, according to the third arrangement example of the third embodiment, a display panel 150 can be prepared based on Figure 18 the pixel groups shown, which is described as follows.

[0115] Sub-pixels respectively connected to the first to eighth data lines DL1 to DL8 and the first and second sensing lines REF1 to REF2 of the first gate line GLa can be prepared based on Figure 18 the fourth pixel group SPG4 and the second pixel group SPG2. Figure 18The first pixel group SPG1 and the third pixel group SPG3 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data line DL9 to the sixteenth data line DL16 in the A-th gate line GLa, and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4.

[0116] Based on Figure 18 The third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data line DL1 to the eighth data line DL8 in the B-th gate line GLb, and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2. Based on Figure 18 The second pixel group SPG2 and the first pixel group SPG1 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data line DL9 to the sixteenth data line DL16 in the B-th gate line GLb, and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4.

[0117] Based on Figure 18 The first pixel group SPG1 and the third pixel group SPG3 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data line DL1 to the eighth data line DL8 in the C-th gate line GLc, and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2. Based on Figure 18 The fourth pixel group SPG4 and the second pixel group SPG2 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data line DL9 to the sixteenth data line DL16 in the C-th gate line GLc, and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4.

[0118] Based on Figure 18 The second pixel group SPG2 and the first pixel group SPG1 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the first data line DL1 to the eighth data line DL8 in the D-th gate line GLd, and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2. Based on Figure 18 The third pixel group SPG3 and the fourth pixel group SPG4 are used to prepare sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data line DL9 to the sixteenth data line DL16 in the D-th gate line GLd, and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4.

[0119] Referring to Figure 20 the arrangement example of, the pixel groups can be divided into at least four gate line pixel groups having different compensation sub-pixel arrangement structures for each gate line. In addition, the compensation sub-pixels included in each of the at least four gate line pixel groups can be divided into an alternating group and a non-alternating group. In the alternating group, the compensation sub-pixels are alternately arranged on the right and left sides with respect to the sensing line for each gate line. In the non-alternating group, the compensation sub-pixels are continuously arranged on the right and left sides with respect to the sensing line for every at least two gate lines.

[0120] Figure 21 is an illustrative layout diagram of a display panel prepared based on a pixel group according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 22 is a flowchart for describing a compensation method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0121] As Figure 21 shown, in an arrangement example according to the fourth embodiment, the display panel 150 can be based on Figure 15 the pixel groups shown, and some of the pixel groups can be provided with different connection structures, which will be described below.

[0122] can be prepared based on Figure 15 the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2 to be respectively connected to the first data lines DL1 to the eighth data lines DL8 and the first sensing line and the second sensing line REF1 to REF2 among the first gate line GLa to the fourth gate line GLd. Sub-pixels respectively connected to the ninth data lines DL9 to the sixteenth data lines DL16 among the first gate line GLa and the third gate line GLc and the third sensing line and the fourth sensing line REF3 to REF4 can be prepared to be symmetric with Figure 15 the first pixel group SPG1 and the second pixel group SPG2.

[0123] Referring to Figure 21 the arrangement example, the pixel groups can be divided into a pixel group on one side (left side) and a pixel group on the other side (right side) such that the pixel groups are left-right symmetric with respect to a specific data line. In addition, compensation sub-pixels included in each of the left-right symmetric pixel group on one side and the pixel group on the other side can be set in a straight line based on the sensing line to be consistent in the vertical direction without being alternated for each gate line.

[0124] As Figure 22 shown, the compensation method according to the fourth embodiment can be performed based on a hybrid type including a combination of a normal sub-pixel SPA and a compensation sub-pixel SPB.

[0125] When turning off the display panel, an off-compensation drive OFFRS can be performed based on the compensation sub-pixel SPB to obtain a sensed value (S110). Based on the sensed value obtained by the off-compensation drive OFFRS, it can be determined whether the amount of the cumulative stress of three normal sub-pixels SPA located around the compensation sub-pixel SPB is less than or equal to the amount of the cumulative stress of the compensation sub-pixel SPB (S120).

[0126] Here, when the amount of the cumulative stress of the three normal sub-pixels SPA is less than or equal to the amount of the cumulative stress of the compensation sub-pixel SPB, the process can proceed to "Yes". Otherwise, the process can proceed to "No".

[0127] On the other hand, when the process proceeds to "No" in the previous step S120, it is possible to determine whether there is a compensation sub-pixel SPB having a stress amount larger than the stress amount of the normal sub-pixel SPA among N compensation sub-pixels SPB (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) around the normal sub-pixel SPA to be compensated (S130).

[0128] Next, when the process proceeds to "Yes" in the previous steps S120 and S130, the compensation look-up table LUT of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB can be corrected and applied based on the turn-off compensation drive OFFRS result of the compensation sub-pixel SPB (corresponding to an example of compensating for the deterioration of the sub-pixel based on the TSLB corrected based on the previous LUT) (S140).

[0129] On the other hand, when the process proceeds to "No" in the previous step S130, the previously prepared compensation look-up table LUT of the non-sensing compensation algorithm TSLB can be applied (corresponding to an example of compensating for the deterioration of the sub-pixel based on the TSLB not corrected based on the previous LUT) (S150).

[0130] Meanwhile, the compensation method according to the fourth embodiment can be applied not only to a display panel having Figure 21 the arrangement structure described above, but also to a display panel having the arrangement structures described in the first to third embodiments described above.

[0131] Referring to the first to fourth embodiments, the pixel group may include at least four pixel groups, and each pixel group includes compensation sub-pixels that emit light of different colors. In addition, the at least four pixel groups may all be provided on one gate line defined in the display panel, or may be provided one by one for each gate line defined in the display panel.

[0132] In addition, all of the at least four pixel groups are provided on one gate line. However, the pixel groups may be sequentially provided from the first pixel group to the fourth pixel group, and may be provided in a reversed order or non-sequentially (randomly).

[0133] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, as an example, the first to fourth pixel groups are provided adjacent to each other left and right or above and below. However, a pixel group including only normal sub-pixels may be located between the first to fourth pixel groups left and right or above and below. That is, the display panel may be implemented to include a hybrid pixel group including normal sub-pixels and compensation sub-pixels and a normal pixel group including only normal sub-pixels.

[0134] As described above, the present disclosure has the following effects: By compensating normal sub-pixels that emit light of the same color in the surrounding area based on the sensed value and the accumulated stress (in other words, the usage rate), and by correcting (reconstructing) and updating the non-sensing compensation algorithm based on the sensed value of the compensated sub-pixels, it is possible to improve the correction accuracy and compensation performance. In addition, the present disclosure has the following effects: By sensing the compensated sub-pixels that are representative of each color and compensating the normal sub-pixels that emit light of the same color in the surrounding area based on this, it is possible to manifest the advantages of various aspects of the display panel such as implementation, production, operation, and compensation.

[0135] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel including a group of pixels that emit light to display an image; a data driver configured to drive the display panel; as well as a timing controller configured to control the data driver, wherein: At least one of the pixel groups includes a normal sub-pixel connected to a data line and a compensation sub-pixel connected to the data line and a sensing line, and The normal sub-pixel and the compensation sub-pixel emit light of different colors.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The pixel groups include at least four pixel groups, each pixel group including compensation sub-pixels emitting light of different colors.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least four pixel groups are all disposed on one gate line defined in the display panel, or are disposed one by one for each gate line defined in the display panel.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least four pixel groups include: a first pixel group including a first compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a first color; a second pixel group including second compensation sub-pixels emitting light of a second color different from the first color; a third pixel group including a third compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a third color different from the second color; and A fourth pixel group includes a fourth compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a fourth color different from the third color.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first pixel group comprises: a first sub-pixel connected to a first data line and a first sensing line; a second sub-pixel connected to a second data line adjacent to the first data line; a third sub-pixel connected to a third data line spaced apart from the second data line; and a fourth sub-pixel connected to a fourth data line adjacent to the third data line, and The second pixel group includes: a fifth sub-pixel connected to a fifth data line; a sixth sub-pixel connected to a sixth data line adjacent to the fifth data line; a seventh sub-pixel connected to the second sensing line and a seventh data line spaced apart from the sixth data line; and An eighth sub-pixel is connected to an eighth data line adjacent to the seventh data line.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The data driver provides the timing controller with a sensing value obtained from the compensation sub-pixel, and The timing controller compensates for degradation of at least one of the normal sub-pixel or the compensation sub-pixel based on the sensing value provided from the data driver.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The timing controller corrects a lookup table of a compensation algorithm prepared for compensating for degradation of the at least one of the normal sub-pixel or the compensation sub-pixel based on the sensing value.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The timing controller corrects a lookup table of a compensation algorithm prepared for compensating for degradation of the normal sub-pixel based on a value of a compensation lookup table of a sensing-less compensation algorithm applied to peripheral compensation sub-pixels disposed in a peripheral area of ​​the normal sub-pixel.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The display device is configured to perform the correction based on a turn-off compensation driving result of a target compensation subpixel having an amount of accumulated stress greater than that of the normal subpixel among the compensation subpixels disposed in the surrounding area.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The display device is configured to expand the range of the surrounding compensation sub-pixels and search again when the target compensation sub-pixel cannot be found in the surrounding compensation sub-pixels.

11. A display device, comprising: A display panel, the display panel comprising at least four pixel groups, each pixel group comprising a compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a different color; a data driver configured to drive the display panel and sense each of the at least four pixel groups to obtain each of the color-representative color-specific sensing values ​​from the compensation sub-pixels; as well as A timing controller is configured to control the data driver and compensate data signals to be supplied to normal sub-pixels included in the at least four pixel groups based on the color-specific sensing values.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The timing controller compensates a normal sub-pixel based on the color-specific sensing value, the normal sub-pixel emitting light of the same color as that of the compensation sub-pixel.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The at least four pixel groups include: a first pixel group, the first pixel group including a first compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a first color and three normal sub-pixels; a second pixel group including a second compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a second color different from the first color and three normal sub-pixels; a third pixel group including a third compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a third color different from the second color and three normal sub-pixels; and A fourth pixel group includes a fourth compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a fourth color different from the third color and three normal sub-pixels.

14. A method for driving a display device, the method comprising: driving at least four pixel groups, each pixel group including a compensation sub-pixel emitting light of a different color; sensing each of the at least four pixel groups to obtain each of the color-representative color-specific sensing values ​​from the compensation sub-pixels; as well as Data signals to be supplied to normal sub-pixels included in the at least four pixel groups are compensated based on the color-specific sensing values.

15. The driving method according to claim 11, wherein: The compensating includes compensating a normal sub-pixel based on the color-specific sensing value, the normal sub-pixel emitting light of the same color as that of the compensating sub-pixel.

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